Innholdsfortegnelse for April 8, 2015 i Auto Express

Q There’s clearly an evolution of the C4 Cactus’ styling on the Aircross; will that be limited to SUVs? A“This is the first answer, we believe there is no limit and could use this style for different silhouettes. So, it could be sedan, SUV or MPV. We want the customer to see that the Cactus has given birth to different types of Citroen products.” Q Will this style become Citroen DNA? A “We are confident with this aesthetic and believe it will keep us separate from Peugeot and DS, as there are now three brands in the group. The idea is that each one will evoke something different for customers.” Q Why did you modify the Airbump from the Cactus? A “It’s another adaptation of Airbump. It emphasises the body,…

CLOSER to showrooms than the F-Pace SUV is Jaguar’s second-generation XF saloon. It’s on sale now with deliveries expected in the autumn, and the range starts at £32,300 for the 161bhp 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel in Prestige spec. Jaguar claims that the XF is capable of class-leading economy of 71.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 104g/km. The eight-speed auto box adds £1,750, while other trim options include racier R-Sport and luxurious Portfolio. Flagship S models cost £49,950 and are available with either a 375bhp supercharged 3.0-litre petrol V6 or a 295bhp 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel.…

KIA has unveiled its striking new Novo concept at the Seoul Motor Show this week. The sleek coupé-saloon, styled at the brand’s Namyang design centre in South Korea, is set to influence future small family models as soon as 2020. Although it primarily previews the next Forte – a small four-door sold only in the US market – a Kia spokesman confirmed the Novo could well shape future generations of the Cee’d hatch after next year’s Mk3 model. The design language could shape cars like the Soul and Sportage in the next decade, too. Inside, there’s a minimalist look, and tech such as holographic instruments and a wheel-mounted touchpad control could also grace production models.…

McLAREN has only just revealed the first model in its new Sports Series line-up, the 570S, yet plans are already well underway to grow the range to three distinct bodystyles. This time next year, a 570S GT will arrive with a fastback-style rear end in place of the exposed engine cover and concave rear screen of the 570S Coupé. The more flowing rear can clearly be seen on the disguised car in our spy shot (below, right), and this could even add a degree of practicality if McLaren sees fit to allow extra luggage to be stowed above the mid-mounted rear engine. It’s expected that the GT model will only be available with the larger 562bhp version of the twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8 engine, as there will eventually be a long-tail…

HONDA surprised the New York Motor Show by unveiling a sharp new concept that showcases the design direction of the next Civic. The new Ford Focus rival is set to appear by 2018, and will be exported to the US from Honda’s Swindon plant. The rakish coupé concept is a preview for a US-only bodystyle that’s unlikely to be offered in Britain, but the overall look is expected to transfer onto the fifth-generation Civic, which is due by 2018. The bold colour helps the show car stand out, combined with the aggressive front-end design and sculpted air intakes that should become Honda’s new family face. That, and the shapely rear end, with a one-bar tail-light design and neat rear spoiler, cut a dash among the new metal at the New…

VW has also revealed it’s looking at electrification and battery power for a new Camper – in an attempt to keep the iconic flat front end and short overhangs of the original, as seen on the 2011 Bulli concept (above). VW board member Dr Heinz-Jakob Neusser said: “When we put such a vehicle on the base of the modular transverse kit (MQB), we can use it as a battery electric vehicle – as the e-motor is much smaller than a combustion engine. You can put the batteries under the floor.”…

FOREIGN truckers have paid more than £44million to use UK roads since the HGV tax was introduced in April 2014. The tax incorporates a time-based charge that ensures all HGVs over 12 tonnes contribute to the use of UK roads – and the levy has been paid 1.8 million times by lorry drivers from 90 countries. The top payers were from Poland, accounting for 26 per cent of all levies. Romania (12 per cent) and Spain (8 per cent) were second and third respectively. Around 2,500 fixed penalty notices for failing to pay have been issued and fines of more than £750,000 collected. Transport minister Robert Goodwill said: “UK-registered vehicles pay their way in Europe and it’s only fair foreign HGVs are not exempt in this country.”…

Write to: Watchdog/Letters, Auto Express, Dennis Publishing, 30 Cleveland Street, London W1T 4JD HOT TOPIC Plan for mini motorways FROM: Peter Ward THE announcement that A-roads are going to be turned into expressways sounds like a way of introducing motorways on the cheap. One of the big positives the idea promises to deliver is getting accidents cleared more quickly. Unfortunately, this rings hollow when you see an existing motorway is still closed all day after a minor shunt. And of course, you can guarantee that the ‘high technology’ on these roads will include ‘managed motorways’ with things like lower speed limits enforced by speed cameras. Does the Government really think we were born yesterday? Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk • “Personally, I want to see any money spent…

Essentials MINI Challenge 210 Edition Price: £29,990Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turboPower/torque: 207bhp/300NmTransmission: Six-speed manual,front-wheel drive0-62mph: 6.5 seconds (est)Top speed: 150mph (est)Economy: 52.3mpg (est)CO2: 125g/km (est) ON SALE Now MINI is a master at flogging extra equipment its customers rarely need, but the sheer length of the options list means it’s impossible to resist it all. However, if you want to save yourself the hassle of traipsing through it, then the fully loaded Challenge 210 Edition is the MINI for you. Limited to just 210 examples (it’s a UK-only model), and named to draw attention to the new MINI Challenge race car (which we’ll also be driving in the coming weeks), it showcases the enormous breadth of accessories and technology that you can now fit to your MINI, should you so wish.…

THE GT (left) has added a welcome sporty feel to Peugeot’s 308 range, but the 200bhp engine also pushes up the price and running costs. So those buyers seeking style without the sting in the wallet may want to turn their attention to the new GT-Line model. Its 129bhp 1.2-litre PureTech three-cylinder claims 57.9mpg and 109g/km of CO2 in the SW estate, although we managed 40mpg over mixed routes. But the car’s defining characteristics are its smooth power delivery and impeccable refinement on the move. A healthy 230Nm of torque allows the SW to build speed smoothly. The broad powerband also means it feels far faster than the 12.1-second 0-62mph time suggests, pulling right to the 6,000rpm red line without much tail-off. The steering is well weighted but lacks feel…

Toyota Aygo x-wave Price: £12,390Engine: 1.0-litre 3cyl petrolPower/torque: 67bhp/94NmTransmission: Five-speed manual,front-wheel drive0-62mph: 14.2 secondsTop speed: 99mphEconomy: 68.9mpgCO2: 95g/km ON SALE Now WITH summer on the way, Toyota’s Aygo now comes with a full-length electric fabric roof for an extra £895. The new model, called the x-wave, goes head-to-head with Renault’s Twingo, which is also offered with a peelback cloth lid for £850. However, Renault offers the roof across the range of two engines and four trim levels, whereas Toyota restricts you to x-pression trim only, and the 67bhp 1.0-litre engine. The folding roof peels back to just behind the rear headrests in less than 10 seconds, or you can set it halfway back. Rear visibility is unaffected, as the glass back window remains in place. But the Aygo’s cabin flaws…

Essentials Citroen C4 Cactus 1.2 PureTech 110 Flair On fleet since: March 2015 Price: £17,290Engine: 1.2-litre 4cyl, 109bhpCO2/tax: 107g/km/£20Options: Blue Lagoon paint (£250),thermally insulated panoramic sunroof (£425), space-saver spare wheel (£75), City Park Pack (£325), Citroen eTouch emergency and assistance system (£250), Gloss Black rear insert with Grey Cactus lettering (£0) Insurance*: Group: 16 Quote: £345Mileage/mpg: 806/47.2mpgAny problems? None so far *Insurance quote provided by AA (0800 107 0680) for a 42-year-old living in Banbury, Oxon, with three points. WE often criticise cars for their anonymous styling, but that’s not something you can level at the Citroen C4 Cactus. Inside and out, the hatchback oozes personality and the brand’s new-found confidence. Citroen back to its quirky best? Quite possibly. The biggest talking points are the Airbumps, which are dotted around…

NEW PRODUCT Philips X-tremeVision +130% Best price: £29.50 Beam: 94.0 Contact: www.amazon.co.uk WE measured the beam rating of the Philips bulb in the light tunnel before comparing its light distribution to the Osram unit’s on a simulation of a road. The X-tremeVision +130% measured 94.0 – more than the readings we took of the older X-tremeVision, at 85.3, and the Night Breaker Unlimited, at 80.9. The beam was measured at the centre of the road and at the kerb 50 metres from the car, then we made another reading 75 metres away. We combined our findings to get an average of two bulbs adjusted to suit legal glare levels. Once we’d finished the computer-led part of the test, we were impressed with how the Philips bulb flooded extra light on…

PRODUCT GROUP TEST 8 |4 | 2015 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. THE dash cam market is booming, as drivers rush to cover their backs. These devices film your journeys and protect against crash for cash scams, with some insurers even discounting premiums if you fit one. Most record on a loop, and include a G-sensor, so if they pick up on a sudden movement – an impact, for example – they won’t overwrite that section of video. Since our most recent test last year, in Issue 1,304, a host of big-name tech brands has entered the dash cam business. We wired up 12 to find the best…

MERCEDES is set to launch an all-new E-Class next year, but to keep demand up for the current executive saloon, it’s being offered with nearly £4,000 off the deposit on a PCP deal. An E220 CDI BlueTEC diesel in base SE trim is available with 36 monthly payments of £355, plus a £3,912 deposit contribution from Mercedes – leaving £4,999 to pay up front. At the end of the three-year deal, you can buy the caroutrightfrom£16,775. Visitmercedes-benz.co. ukfor information, orgotocarbuyer.co. ukformoregreatdeals.…

LE MANS Prototype 1 (LMP1) is the top class in the World Endurance Championship. Privateer teams entered in this class can run a petrol or diesel engine without energy recovery systems or hybrid technology, but the manufacturers must use either petrol hybrid or diesel hybrid power. Unlike many other series, the WEC has no rules specifying the capacity of the engine, the number and arrangement of the cylinders or the use of turbocharging. Instead, WEC technology is all about fuel capacity, fuel flow and hybrid power. The diversity allowed by this has attracted many car makers looking to explore hybrid solutions. Manufacturers choose one of four hybrid power categories, measured in megajoules (MJ): 2, 4, 6 or 8MJ. This is the total amount of energy released by the hybrid system…

THE Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has its heart in the right place. But the “voice of the motor industry” needs a more balanced and realistic approach to driverless cars. It’s so ecstatic about the prospect of them that I’m viewing its figures with extreme caution, if not deep suspicion. Furthermore, some of its opinions relating to Britain’s role in the global driverless vehicle industry seem very ambitious. First, the numbers. The SMMT’s latest published stats say 731,000 people are employed across the UK automotive business. But thanks to the possible arrival of driverless/autonomous models, that figure will rocket by almost 50 per cent to over one million by 2030. I’m deeply sceptical. Nobody knows how many, if any, consumers actually want driverless modes of transport. Another prediction…

Essentials Audi Q7 3.0 TDI Price: £50,340 (SE),£53,835 (S line)Engine: 3.0-litre six-cyl turbodieselPower/torque: 268bhp/600NmTransmission: Eight-speed auto, 4WD0-62mph: 6.5 secondsTop speed: 145mphEconomy: 47.9mpgCO2: 153g/km ON SALE Now REASSURING, isn’t it, that while most Audi Q7s won’t see anything rougher than a speed bump on the school run, it’s tested to withstand some of the Earth’s harshest environments. From thirty below zero in the Arctic Circle to searing temperatures in the desert, the new Q7 needs to cope with them all. As if to prove a point, Audi has brought us to the middle of the Namibian desert in southern Africa for a final sign-off drive in the all-new Q7 before it arrives in UK showrooms this summer. The cars are pre-production models, but the fit and finish are already impeccable, and…

Essentials SEAT 20V20 Concept Price: N/AEngine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo petrolPower: 261bhp/350NmTransmission: Six-speed automatic,four-wheel drive0-62mph: 6.5 secs (est)Top speed: 155mph (est)Economy: 35mpg (est)CO2: 154g/km (est) ON SALE Late 2018 UNDOUBTEDLY one of the stars of March’s Geneva Motor Show, the SEAT 20V20 Concept previews the top rung in a family of SUVs heading to the UK over the next five years. And just four weeks after it wowed visitors to the SEAT stand, Auto Express got behind the wheel of the high-riding newcomer at the twisty Parcmotor Castelloli in Catalonia, Spain. Free from the glitz and glamour of a motor show, the 20V20 looks even more stunning. There are countless examples of concept cars not making the transition to the road, but the 20V20 is not one of them. The Spanish…

LEXUS’ run of bold designs continued with the reveal of the all-new fourth-generation RX at the New York Motor Show. Larger, more luxurious and more efficient than before, it’ll take on the BMW X5 and new Mercedes GLE. Picking up the origami-surfacing theme introduced by the smaller NX, the RX’s design isn’t for the faint-hearted. The front end is dominated by a huge chrome spindle grille and L-shaped LED headlights, while arrow-like foglamps point towards the Lexus logo. The profile is a feast of slashes and geometric shapes, all leading to a blacked-out C-pillar to give the illusion of a floating roof. New 20-inch aluminium wheels fill the squared-off arches, while at the rear wider LED tail-lights wrap around the corners of the car. Lexus claims the focus for the…

Sporty coupé is Subaru show star SUBARU showed off its STi Performance Concept at the New York show. Based on the BRZ, the car (above) has bulbous bodywork and has a large racy rear wing. The coupé’s 2.0-litre petrol engine has been upgraded to 300bhp – but there are no plans to put it into production. Subaru says the focus of the concept is on expanding and strengthening three core business areas of its performance arm: aftermarkets, STi-tuned cars and motorsport. New Viva comes in at below £8k mark VAUXHALL has revealed prices for its new Viva city car, and it starts at £7,995 in SE trim. This entry-level model gets cruise control, lane departure warning, electric front windows, daytime running lights and heated door mirrors. The other trim available…

Lid lifted on fresh-faced Outlander MITSUBISHI revealed the 2016 facelift of its Outlander range at the New York Motor Show. It features a new family face called ‘Dynamic Shield’, with a chrome intake surround and LED tail-lights. Under the skin, the bodyshell is claimed to be stiffer, plus there are suspension and steering tweaks and the CVT gearbox is new. The Outlander will go on sale in the UK in the summer. Toyota Avensis prices revealed TOYOTA has announced pricing details for its revamped Avensis range. On sale now with deliveries in June, the family car will cost from £17,765 for the 145bhp 1.8-litre petrol model in base Active trim. The estate will start at £18,850, while 1.6 and 2.0-litre D-4D diesel engines will also be available. All cars get…

HYUNDAI has revealed a new crossover at the Seoul Motor Show. Slightly shorter but noticeably lower than the new Tucson, the Enduro Crossover Utility Vehicle showcases the brand’s new design direction. In profile, there’s a hint of the Veloster coupé about it, but with added plastic cladding, while the front features a new-look grille. Hyundai has yet to decide whether to build it, which is also the case with the RM15 – a two-seater mid-engined sports car that was also on show in Seoul.…

WE’VE got a twin test between the new Volkswagen Polo GTI and a MINI Cooper S this week at autoexpress.co.uk/videos . Also, our report reveals what a Range Rover Sport is like to live with. New VW Polo GTI vs MINI Cooper S VOLKSWAGEN has fitted its latest supermini hot hatch, the Polo GTI, with a new 189bhp 1.8-litre turbo petrol engine and the option of switchable sports suspension. Our road test team puts the car through its paces on Page 46, and our video reveals how it compares against the posh pocket rocket benchmark: the MINI Cooper S. Living with a... Range Rover Sport EDITOR-in-chief Steve Fowler has been in charge of the Range Rover Sport on our fleet since December. And in this video, he…

THE telematics market continues to grow, with more and more drivers opting for policies that record their driving and offer discounts. As with any tech, though, it does go wrong. As boxes become more common and get older, too, issues will continue to arise. That’s highlighted by the number of E-mails we receive about malfunctioning boxes, with owners concerned their driving is being mispresented – just like our main case. Credit where it’s due, though, as so far insurance companies have mostly acted swiftly to inspect the box before offering a replacement or a solution. So it’s hard to argue the tech hasn’t been good news for young drivers and road safety. But what’s all the data being used for – and where’s it going? Sure, it’s closely guarded by…

Essentials Mazda CX-5 2.2D 150PS 2WD SE-L Nav Price: £24,795Engine: 2.2-litre 4cyl dieselPower: 148bhpTransmission: Six-speed manual,two-wheel drive0-62mph: 9.2 secondsTop speed: 126mphEconomy: 61.4mpgCO2: 119g/km ON SALE Now MAZDA’S CX-5 burst on to the scene in 2012, breathing fresh life into the Japanese brand’s range. It also debuted a new design language called ‘Kodo’, which has gone on to spawn a plethora of new models including the 3, MX-5 and the CX-5’s baby brother – the new CX-3. With its new metal grabbing the headlines, Mazda is keen for its trailblazer to still appear fresh, so it’s given the CX-5 a mid-life makeover, with a new look inside and out, and more standard equipment. This is our first chance to get behind the wheel of the refreshed SUV on UK roads. Leading…

Essentials VW Beetle Hybrid Price: N/AEngine: 1.4-litre 4cyl pluselectric motorPower: 168bhpTorque: 250NmTransmission: Seven-speeddual-clutch, front-wheel drive0-60mph: 8.0 seconds (est)Top speed: 130mph (est)Economy: 54mpg (est)CO2: 121g/km (est) ON SALE N/A VOLKSWAGEN used last week’s New York Motor Show to display four new special-edition Beetle concepts (Page 26). However, outside, on the streets of Manhattan, the brand was showcasing something more intriguing. Head of VW powertrains, Heinz-Jakob Neusser, tasked a group of engineers with developing a Beetle Hybrid. The result is a traditional-looking hatch, using the US-spec Jetta’s petrol-electric set-up and a seven-speed DSG box. It’s a conventional Beetle from the outside, while you’d be hard pressed to notice any changes inside, either. However, this particular model has inherited the dials from VW’s super-efficient XL1 plug-in to provide a battery charge readout within…

Space race THE Skoda looks to have a decisive advantage in this encounter. With the rear seats in place there’s a 530-litre load bay – that’s 119 litres more than in Nissan, even with its siding bench pushed far forward. However, fold the seats flat and the Note holds 1,495 litres, while the Fabia accommodates only 1,395 litres. Plus, the Nissan’s false floor creates a flat load area (below); to get the same effect in the Fabia, you pay £110 for the variable boot floor. Touchscreens ALL Fabias get a slick touchscreen infotainment system. However, there’s no sat-nav option; instead you use MirrorLink software to beam route-finding instructions and maps from your Android phone. The Note’s NissanConnect screen is smaller and looks dated, but does feature sat-nav as standard. Engines…

Essentials Audi TT Coupe 2.0 TFSI quattro S line S tronic On fleet since: FebruaryPrice new: £35,335Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 227bhpCO2/tax: 149g/km/£145Options: Metallic paint (£545),Nappa sports seats (£1,390), LEDs (£945), Comfort and Sound package (£1,590), Technology Package with Audi Connect (£1,795), electric front seats (£995), Audi Phone Box (£325), Winter Pack (£1,568) Insurance*: Group: 38, Quote: £435Mileage/mpg: 6,898/32.1mpgAny problems? None so far *Insurance quote provided by AA (0800 107 0680) for a 42-year-old living in Banbury, Oxon, with three points. IN the world of Audi TT ownership, the badge means everything. Until now, I’ve been driving around in the fastest and most expensive version of the German coupé, and have felt pretty pleased with myself. But now there’s a new one that’s louder (in colour), faster and sounds better when you…

FIRST TEST New Nintendo 3DS XL RRP: £179.99 Rating: Contact: 0345 6050 247, www.nintendo.co.uk WE’VE been eager to try Nintendo’s new handheld 3DS games console since its February release (Issue 1,358). It claims to offer the best portable controls yet, plus an upgraded processor for faster operation, so could be ideal for keeping children quiet on long journeys. We loaded up a couple of racing titles. With a pair of screens – one working with a stylus for touch controls, the other for viewing – the 3DS works like no other handheld console. Various additional button controls make gameplay look complex, but it feels natural and is involving, while the multi-directional joypad is responsive and intuitive to master, especially when playing racing games. WiFi controls gave us hours of fun…

WHEN Philips’ X-tremeVision beat the Osram Night Breaker Unlimited to win our Issue 1,341 test of H4 twin-filament headlight bulbs, we didn’t think it could get much better. But the X-tremeVision +130% is now available, and we’ve finally got the chance to give it a comprehensive test. We plugged the newcomer into a Volkswagen Polo headlight, as before, and rated it against our Osram test runner-up when we headed to Philips’ light tunnel in Aachen, Germany, for this clash. Prices were from various sources as we went to press. The Philips bulb made its mark again with much more light than the Osram, and it fully deserves its five-star rating. The extra outlay is no doubt worthwhile. TOP CHEAP ALTERNATIVE Osram Night Breaker Unlimited Best price: £14.44 Beam: 80.9 Contact:…

FERRARI is hoping to maintain the momentum of its Malaysian Grand Prix win as the Formula One grid heads to Shanghai, China, this weekend for the third round of the championship. Pre-season favourite Mercedes was left surprised by the pace of Sebastian Vettel’s Ferrari at Sepang, with boss Toto Wolff describing it as “a wake-up call”. He added: “We were beaten fair and square by Ferrari and Sebastian, who did a great job, and I’m not sure we could match their long-run pace at any point. We were always a bit sceptical about our own advantage and believed that we had to keep sharp and keep developing in order not to be caught.” Vettel’s team-mate Kimi Raikkonen emphasised Ferrari’s speed in Malaysia by finishing fourth despite having to make an…

•Citroen reveals bold Aircross • SUV stars at Shanghai show CITROEN shook up the crossover class with the C4 Cactus last year, and the brand is now looking to replicate its success in the SUV market with the all-new Aircross concept. Set to debut at next week’s Shanghai Motor Show, the Aircross hints at what we can expect from Citroen’s forthcoming Nissan X-Trail and Hyundai Santa Fe rival. It’s not the company’s first foray into the family SUV market – that honour goes to the slow-selling C-Crosser – but the car is the first Citroen to feature plug-in hybrid technology. Beneath the Cactus-inspired exterior, the Aircross is powered by a 218bhp 1.6-litre THP petrol engine, paired to a 95bhp rear-mounted electric motor. This enables 31 miles of all-electric driving. The…

ASTON Martin could have an all-electric version of its Rapide luxury saloon on sale in two to three years. A feasibility study is already underway with a UK engineering specialist, with Aston carrying out a full exchange of computer design data, while a mock-up with batteries in place of the V12 engine is also being created. Aston bosses are busy working on the business case for the vehicle, with the US and China thought to be the main markets. Speaking exclusively to Auto Express at the New York Motor Show, Aston CEO Andy Palmer said: “This project is born out of fun and born out of necessity. “Electric power gives us the performance we want, although you won’t have a V12 noise. You’ll have something that works just as well…

OVER at the New York Motor Show, Kia also lifted the lid on the production version of its next Optima. The Ford Mondeo-rivalling family saloon will go on sale here in 2016 with sharper looks, an upgraded interior and a 1.7 CRDi diesel as the sole engine option. A hybrid powertrain is set to follow later. The new Optima is stiffer than before, yet also longer, giving extra room inside, while an estate version – previewed by the Sportspace concept at March’s Geneva show – is also expected to appear.…

WHILE there was a Beetle blitz in New York, Volkswagen has confirmed an SUV product onslaught in the coming years, including a Golf SUV and two large coupé SUVs. Speaking to Auto Express, board member Dr Heinz-Jakob Neusser said VW’s priority is enlarging its range with a new Tiguan, a Golf SUV (like the T-ROC concept) and larger SUVs. Once each base is covered – likely by 2020 – the brand will execute plans for coupé models. Meanwhile, Neusser also admitted the manufacturer is ploughing ahead with investigations into producing a low-cost budget platform that will spawn both saloon and SUV models especially for the Chinese market.…

A REPLACEMENT car key for a Ford Fiesta will cost £220. But that’s nothing in the world of luxury cars, where some keys will set you back thousands. The key for the Pagani Huayra was crafted from the same metal used in making the V12 hypercar. It was then encased in a covering that mimicked the shape of the car and split in two, with one end the key and the other a USB stick. All this cost a cool £2,500 when the Huayra first went on sale. Even that looks like small change compared to the AMVOX2 Chronograph, by watch maker Jaeger-Le Coultre. The Aston Martin collaborator has created a stunning design (below) that not only tells the time, but will lock and unlock the doors on your Rapide,…

Essentials Peugeot 308 GT THP 205 Price: £24,095Engine: 1.6-litre 4cylturbo petrolPower/torque: 202bhp/285NmTransmission: Six-speed manual,front-wheel drive0-62mph: 7.5 secondsTop speed: 146mphEconomy: 50.4mpgCO2: 130g/km ON SALE Now IF you’re in the market for a fast family hatchback, you really are spoilt for choice. Among others, there’s the Ford Focus ST, Volkswagen Golf GTI and Renaultsport Mégane, as well as our current top pick – the SEAT Leon Cupra. However, if the relatively high running costs and hefty tax bills put you off, Peugeot has an alternative: the 308 GT. Granted, the GT is more of a warm hatch than a hot one, but until the 270bhp GTi arrives later this year, it will sit at the top of the 308 range. As we’d already driven the diesel estate (Issue 1,363), this was our…

Essentials Audi TTS Coupé Price: £38,790Engine: 2.0-litre 4cylturbo petrolPower: 306bhp/380NmTransmission: Six-speed manual,four-wheel drive0-62mph: 4.9 secondsTop speed: 155mphEconomy: 38.7mpgCO2: 169g/km ON SALE Now WE’VE been consistently impressed by the new Audi TT’s dynamic abilities, so surely the model to make the most of them is the 306bhp TTS? We drove the range-topper on UK roads for the first time. The four-wheel-drive-only TTS packs a reworked version of the TT’s 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo petrol and features a whole host of changes – from a larger turbo to a new aluminium cylinder head. Plant your right foot and the TTS goes from 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds, and on to a top speed of 155mph. Opt for the six-speed S tronic auto for an extra £1,480, and you’ll hit 62mph three-tenths quicker, thanks to…

Retro design BOTH the Polo GTI and MINI Cooper S nod to their heritage when it comes to styling. The VW’s red pinstripes and GTI badge on the grille hark back to the original Golf GTI, as does the tartan cloth trim inside. MINI’s retro styling has been a constant through every generation, while the latest car features a fake bonnet scoop and the centrally mounted twin exhausts seen on previous Cooper S models. On the road ALL three cars are fast, but the MINI is made even better by adding the £135 optional Driving Modes function. Twist the ring mounted around the base of the gearlever to Sport mode, and the LED lights around the main instrument cluster turn red, while steering and throttle response are enhanced. 3dr or…

THE Fabia Estate has only just hit showrooms, so there aren’t yet any official finance deals from Skoda. However, it’s likely the brand will roll out the same personal contract plan that’s currently available on hatchback versions. This features a £500 deposit contribution and an attractive APR of 4.9 per cent, plus the opportunity to bundle in three years’ servicing for just £99. Nissan doesn’t have any offers for the diesel-powered Note, but there are some tempting zero per cent finance deals if you want a petrol version. A 1.2 ntec can be yours for £179 per month over two years with a deposit of £4,297 and an optional final payment of £6,772. Free scheduled maintenance is included for two years, too. If you’re a cash buyer, then there are…

Hyundai i10 WE’RE used to seeing measly economy figures from the city-bound cars on our fleet, but news reporter Lawrence Allan didn’t expect anything quite this bad from our Hyundai i10. Initially, he wasn’t impressed when he read 30mpg average economy on the trip screen, yet he was even more startled when he leaned in to see a decimal point between the numbers! Lawrence took the i10 to the countryside for the weekend, and the figure increased to a heady 4.3mpg, but brimming the fuel tank showed nearer 50mpg. We suspect there might be an issue with the screen or a fuel sensor. Other than this minor glitch, the i10 has proven capable in almost every situation, and is a lot more adept on the motorway than a city car…

Got a query? Henry_Willis@dennis.co.uk @WineryHills Q Versatile drill for DIY jobs MY garage needs an overhaul, and the first thing on my to-do list is to install some shelves for my tools. I need a drill for this – and one that I can also use for machine polishing, too. What do you recommend? George Capel, E-mail A A CORDLESS drill is a good idea – they’re versatile for everything from the kind of DIY tasks you mention to taking the hard work out of jobs on the car, like polishing. The Black & Decker EGBHP188K was the Best Buy in our Issue 1,331 test. We spotted it for £84.99 as we went to press. See blackanddecker.co.uk. Q Missing nut for tyre swap I WANT to take the winter tyres…

Web-based MoT for 21st century GOVERNMENT plans to modernise the MoT process come into force this month and are expected to take until September to complete. Garages will now use an Internet-based testing system, replacing older computers in Vehicle Testing Stations, which could result in technicians working with laptops and tablets as they assess cars. Money-saving tyre aims to take hold FALKEN has revealed a new tyre concept that mimics the design of motorcycle rubber to deliver high fuel efficiency while maintaining exciting handling. The tyre is curved to cut rolling resistance, and increases contact with the road when pushed. It featured on the Mitsubishi XR-PHEV II at last month’s Geneva Motor Show. MG display marks 60th anniversary BROOKLANDS Musuem in Weybridge, Surrey, welcomes MGs of all ages this Sunday…

Maximum Mini Jeroen Booij (Veloce, www.veloce.co.uk) Price: £24.95 (eBook) Rating: THE Mini story attracts the interest of most motoring fans, and books about the brand, whether focusing on new or bygone eras, are a good read. But this one goes further and looks in depth at Mini-derived cars, instead of the Mini itself, and claims to be the first to do so. This eBook is a rerelease, and is worth catching up with if you missed it first time around. Ferrari 308, 328 and 348 Robert Foskett (TheCrowoodPress, www.crowood.co.uk) Price: £25 (hardback) Rating: FANS of the Ferrari models outlined in the title of this book will no doubt cherish its words and pictures from cover to cover. Author Robert Foskett maintains an informative and interesting tone throughout and most pages…

Q Ford C-MAX misadvertised I BOUGHT a 2009 Ford C-MAX Titanium, which was advertised with cruise control. A few weeks later, I tried to activate it, only to find that it wasn’t fitted. The higher spec swayed my purchase decision. Where do I stand? Simon Novell, E-mail A IF you can get hold of the original advert as proof, you’ll be able to pursue a refund under the Sale of Goods Act for misadvertisement. There’s a chance the dealer can retro-fit the system for free if you want to keep the car. Q Diesel Euro 6 worries I OWN a two-year-old diesel car and am really worried about the new Euro 6 rules. I bought a diesel because I was told it was better than a petrol. Now it seems…