Innholdsfortegnelse for July 15, 2015 i Auto Express

HIDDEN under the camouflage above is the most advanced car we’ve ever encountered – a car that you’ll be able to buy within the next 12 months. And it should come as no surprise that there’s a three-pointed star on the bonnet. Over its long history, Mercedes has registered more safety patents than any other car company and has been first to market with everything from diesel passenger cars to ABS and airbags. The new E-Class that’s hidden by the swirly camouflage above will blow you away with the technology on offer, almost making its bigger, more luxurious brother, the S-Class, seem old-fashioned! Mercedes usually rolls its new kit down from bigger models to small ones, but such is the speed with which tech is developing, it can’t wait –…

THE Divine DS first appeared at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, and bosses stressed from the outset that such a car would never make production. However, they did confirm that aspects of the design will make their way on to new DS models in the future. Nearly 10 months later – and only weeks after the Divine was showcased on DS’s stand at the Goodwood Festival of Speed – Auto Express has been given the chance to drive it. The first thing you notice is how small the car is. Forget the show pictures – this is a beautifully proportioned Ford Focus rival whose footprint more closely resembles the DS 3 than the DS 4’s. However, opening the scissor doors reveals a cabin like no other. There’s an aeroplane-style squared-off…

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 RMIF: 0845 839 9205 (m) Scottish Motor Trade Association: 0131 331 5510 Problems with makers…

US-based Tesla Motors first appeared in 2008 with an all-electric sports car based on the Lotus Elise, the Tesla Roadster. The brand sold more than 2,250 in 31 countries before taking it off sale in 2011, and while only a few made it to the UK, it was among the first electric cars to offer a usable range of up to 200 miles. Today, however, the company is barely recognisable. It now employs more than 6,000 people worldwide and has delivered almost 75,000 all-electric cars since the introduction of its market-storming Model S in 2012. It’s with those near-75,000 cars that Tesla owners have just clocked up over one billion full-electric miles – that’s the equivalent of 4,000 trips to the moon, or 40,000 orbits of the Earth. And Tesla…

SUCCESS in the car industry largely comes down to experience, and in the compact executive saloon market Jaguar doesn’t have the pedigree to match rivals such as BMW, Mercedes and Audi. The Mondeo-based X-Type was the brand’s first attempt, but it wasn’t universally popular and is remembered for all the wrong reasons. Fast-forward six years since it was discontinued, and we arrive at the XE – the company’s more convincing attempt at dethroning the 3 Series, C-Class and A4. We’ve been behind the wheel before, of course. Pre-production models driven in Portugal showed class-leading promise, and the finished article in Spain proved that Jaguar really had come up with an answer to the German elite. The car impressed to such a level that it took the Best Compact Executive Car…

WITH a wave of new models being launched in the supermini sector, it’s easy to overlook some of the class mainstays. And for that reason, Peugeot has decided to give its 208 a bit of a spruce-up to keep the car competitive. As you’d expect from a mid-life facelift, the overall dimensions are unchanged, but there’s a fresh grille and revised headlights. Peugeot’s also added new personalisation options, including the matt-grey paint seen here, plus other upgrades both inside and out. There are more changes under the skin, too, with more efficient diesels, plus a boost in power for the flagship GTi. The 74bhp BlueHDi diesel delivers the lowest emissions of any non-hybrid on sale, with a CO2 figure of 79g/km, while the 98bhp BlueHDi driven here emits 87g/km. That…

Personalisation CUSTOMISATION is king in the crossover sector, but the Mazda loses ground to the Nissan and Renault, with less scope to personalise the car. However, the CX-3 looks the sharpest from the outside and feels more premium; particularly inside, where the Sport Nav trim gets contrasting upholstery. Versatility THESE cars are meant to offer practicality on par with a supermini. While the Captur and the CX-3 serve up even more usability, with lots of room inside and a commanding driving position, the Juke’s packaging is poor. No matter where you’re sat, it feels compromised. Equipment THE Mazda might be pricey, but its kit count is the best of our trio. It’s the only one that gets LED headlamps and autonomous braking as standard, with upmarket features like heated seats…

HEAD for your local Honda dealer, and you can get a £500 deposit contribution on the 1.6 i-DTEC Sport when you take out 5.9 per cent APR finance. The three-year deal sees you pay a £6,000 deposit and 36 monthly payments of £229 – although the terms are flexible, so you can change the size of the deposit and regular payments to suit your needs. If you’re not fussed about driving the latest model, Honda is offering big discounts on its remaining 2014 model year Civics. Subject to availability, you could get up to £3,000 off, and the campaign runs until the end of September. Skoda is touting an even more attractive deal on the Octavia. Take out a personal contract plan, and as well as a £500 deposit contribution,…

FIRST TEST Muc-Off Best price: £10 Rating: Contact: 01202 307790, www.muc-off.com LEATHER interiors are good for those worried about messy pets or children, as you can simply wipe mess away. However, leather is normally a pricey option, so Muc-Off’s Fabric Protect could be a good alternative. The product is simple to use, clear and, once on the fabric, odourless. Special nano technology gives your fabric products an invisible coating, proofing them against sticky spills and mucky shoes. We tested it on silk, carpet, leather and jersey cotton, applying the recommended three coats and leaving each to dry in between. It’s advised you do this in a well ventilated area, so take your car out of the garage if you store it there. The spray initially darkened the fabrics it was…

Peugeot 205: The Complete Story Adam Sloman (Crowood, www.crowood.com) Price: £25 (hardback) Rating: ADAM Sloman takes us on an informative journey through the history of Peugeot to showcase how it capitalised on the UK’s manufacturing issues of the eighties, notably the British Leyland troubles, to deliver the heralded 205 in 1983. This, of course, spawned the legendary GTi, and Sloman’s detail and structure makes for an interesting read. How to Give Your MGB V8 Power Roger Williams (Veloce, www.velocebooks.com) Price: £45 (hardback) Rating: THIS guide to give any MGB owner’s ride more roar will require a little bit of prior mechanical experience. Although not for absolute beginners, it is approved by the MG Owners’ Club. The well paced instructions are clearly described and complete with helpful images. It focuses on…

Q Delayed delivery for X3 I ORDERED a BMW X3 in September 2014 and was told it’d be delivered in February 2015. In January, I was informed that it was delayed until mid-June. What’s happened? Dave Fairbairn, E-mail A BMW told us that the delays are based on h global demand for the X3. This has prolonged the waiting time to seven months for most customers. If you are concerned, you should get in contact directly with details of the vehicle and your order will be checked. Q RCZ seats are rocking MY Peugeot RCZ is just out of warranty and the driver’s seat is rocking. Peugeot issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) but only paid for 80 per cent of the parts. Is this fair? Jason Bishop, E-mail A…

GERMAN four-time Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel has been confirmed for the season-ending Race of Champions (ROC) event, which this year takes place in London’s Olympic Stadium. The ROC sees top drivers from various motorsport disciplines, including F1, the World Rally Championship, sportscars, NASCAR and motorcyling, go head-to-head in identical cars around a stadium circuit. Vettel made his RoC debut at London’s Wembley Stadium in 2007, while the event has also taken place in Beijing, Bangkok, Paris and Dusseldorf in recent years. Some other drivers confirmed for the 2015 running include nine-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner Tom Kristensen, reigning FIA World Rallycross Champion and 2003 World Rally Championship title holder Petter Solberg, plus the ROC’s current ‘Champion of Champions’ David Coulthard. Vettel said: “I’m really looking forward to…

THE NSX and Civic Type R may well be the cars whipping up some much needed excitement around the Honda brand at the moment, but the model that has the job of selling in large quantities to the average person on the street is the new HR-V. The last time we saw these three letters on a Honda was the quirky HR-V of 1999 – part estate, part sporty hatch and part SUV. This time around, it’s something a bit more conventional, albeit sitting between the established competition. It uses the same platform as the next-generation Jazz supermini, but with a length of 4,294mm it’s 159mm longer than a Nissan Juke. However, it has the interior space to rival the likes of the larger Nissan Qashqai. Honda has form here,…

Countryman gets in trim for business THE MINI Countryman is due to be replaced next year, but to boost the current car’s appeal with fleet buyers a new Business trim has been introduced for the Cooper D ALL4 (above). Fitted with 17-inch alloys, sat-nav, parking sensors, air-con plus auto lights and wipers, the Cooper D Business is available from £199 per month. It features a 1.6-litre diesel capable of 60.1mpg, and 123g/km CO2 emissions. 100mpg Civic sets economy record TWO Honda employees have set a new fuel-economy record – averaging more than 100mpg over 8,387 miles. Fergal McGrath and Julian Warren, from Honda UK’s R&D department, completed the feat in an unmodified Civic Tourer 1.6 i-DTEC, covering all 24 EU countries in only 25 days. Starting and finishing in Aalst,…

“EVERY single penny” raised by Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) will go into a new road fund to pay exclusively for highway maintenance by the end of the decade. The creation of the fund was announced by Chancellor George Osborne in the Budget, and is one of the biggest reforms to motoring in years. It’s the first time VED will be ‘ringfenced’ since 1936, and will mean motorists’ cash is being used only for the roads they drive on. However, VED is just a small contribution drivers make, raising £6.1billion in 2013/14 compared to £26.9billion collected via fuel duty – which will still go into the Treasury’s general fund. Osborne said: “We’ll create a new roads fund from the end of this decade, and every single penny raised in Vehicle Excise…

Tiguan gets in shape to take on Qashqai VOLKSWAGEN’s next-generation Tiguan SUV has been spotted out in the open ahead of its reveal later this year (above). It’ll sit on the company’s familiar MQB platform, and go head-to-head with the Nissan Qashqai when it launches in 2016. Expect a longer wheelbase for more space, as well as a redesigned exterior to mirror that of VW’s upmarket new Passat and Mk7 Golf. It’s likely to use existing TSI petrol and TDI diesels, with both front and four-wheel drive. Fiesta still on top as sales soar again THE UK car industry continues to boom, with June marking the 40th consecutive month of growth. In the first six months of the year, a total of 1,376,889 models were registered, making it the highest…

PCP, PCH, VAT, APR and GMFV. Don’t worry, there’s not a problem at the Auto Express printer. Rather, this is a list of just some of the baffling acronyms facing UK car buyers. More motorists than ever are taking out finance, enticed in by the low monthly repayments and interest-free deals. But do they know what they’re signing up to and are they getting what’s best for them? According to a survey by BMW Finance, the answer is no. Almost a third can’t explain any motor finance jargon, while a staggering 88 per cent of men and 75 per cent of women don’t know what a PCP – or Personal Contract Purchase – is. For the record, PCP is a loan calculated on how a car will depreciate with a…

WITH the summer holidays almost upon us, many will want the freedom to explore abroad and hire a car. But how should you avoid being ripped off? Here are our top tips for getting the best deal. Read the small print. You may think the deal looks good, but are you paying for everything in advance or are there extras to pay later? Many companies charge more for child car seat hire, sat-nav, additional mileage and there may be an excess to pay in the event of a claim. Understand who you are hiring with, too, as many hire companies in the UK are agents only, so your contract is with the hire company when you arrive. This means if things go wrong, it can be very hard and frustrating…

SEAT has generally shied away from its past, especially since being taken over by the VW Group in 1990, and that’s understandable given that the brand simply produced rebranded Fiats for the Spanish market in its early days. That’s all about to change, though, as SEAT is ready to open its history books and let customers see its heritage. Locked away in a warehouse in Barcelona are 263 perfectly preserved SEATs from down the years. These cars have been looked after using completely original parts, but they’re not open for public viewing. However, that’s something SEAT is about to put right with a new museum. Don’t pack your bags for Spain just yet, though, as the museum isn’t going to be built from bricks and mortar. In fact, it’s a…

THE Elemental RP1 is unlike any other road car we have ever driven. It features a driving position exactly like an F1 car (in which you sit with your feet several inches above your backside, arms outstretched), it has a carbon tub with double wishbone suspension at each corner, and it tips the scales at just 580kg. And that’s with the heavier of two engine options fitted. Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine with 180bhp and 280Nm of torque is available, but we drove the 2.0 EcoBoost version with 320bhp and 450Nm. As you can imagine, open up the accelerator and the world goes into hyperspace. Elemental claims 0-60mph in 3.2 seconds for the 1.0 and 2.8 seconds for the 2.0, with 0-100mph times of 7.8 and 6.4 seconds respectively. Top speeds…

THEY say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but I was hoping to refute that theory while driving the latest addition to the Auto Express fleet, with a little help from driving expert Martyn Poole. You see, one of our Suzuki Vitara’s first jobs was to help me glean some ‘riskreducing’ motoring advice, and a driver awareness training course proved to be an excellent way to go about it. Having only taken charge of the new crossover last month, I’m still getting to grips with it, but first impressions have been promising. Style-wise, the car has taken some serious design cues from the Range Rover Evoque. The wraparound headlamps and chrome grille bear a passing resemblance to the British crossover, while its straight edges and smart alloys give…

NEW PRODUCT Sanctuary by Marshall Price: £159 Contact: 01908 870 001 http://marshallsanctuary.com TRACK DAYS and motorsport events can get pretty noisy. So these Sanctuary ear defenders might be the answer for regulars keen to avoid developing hearing issues. Produced by Marshall – a company which usually makes amplifiers – these defenders have been specifically designed to reduce only dangerous levels of sound, so you’ll be able to enjoy the motorsport without missing out on any conversation. Voices are just as clear with them on, even against background noise, so there’s no need to lift one side to hear. The defenders are made from breathable British-sourced natural leather and are comfortable to wear, helping to justify the £159 price tag. An ‘active’ model will be on sale later this year, featuring…

Clubman inspires fashion collection MINI has collaborated with six Italian fashion designers to create a gentleman’s clothing collection as unconventional as the car brand itself. The young designers unveiled their creations at high-end fashion show Pitti Uomo in Florence. The Clubman-inspired collection features summer pieces – shirts, shades, shoes (above) and shaving kit – while the hats, using premium materials, are particularly stylish. Mapping upgrade could reduce jams NOKIA’S HERE mapping brand has created a new specification for the development of live in-car mapping. The new set-up helps to collect data from vehicles and analyse it quicker on the move. HERE – which provides map services for four in every five cars – hopes car makers will use this specification to standardise live mapping across the industry. The brand believes…

THE pieces of Mercedes’ seventh-generation E-Class jigsaw are beginning to come together. Set to be launched in the spring following a world debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January, the BMW 5Series-rivalling saloon and estate models will become the most technologically advanced cars that Mercedes has ever produced. The release of the new E-Class will see the brand move a step closer to autonomous driving, with nine all-new or comprehensively updated driver assistance systems in place, including remote parking pilot and steering pilot functions. The car will also adopt many of the features seen in the latest S-Class, but take them on to a new level. Key to the E-Class’ talents is a labyrinth of next-generation sensors, cameras and radars, which has enabled Mercedes to take the next step…

HOW do you fancy getting your hands on a stylish new hatchback that celebrates an important landmark for Kia? As we reported in Issue 1,376, the brand recently built its millionth Cee’d at its Slovakian factory, and we were on hand to get the next million on the way – by helping to build number 1,000,001. And now you can win that car, a stylish 98bhp 1.4-litre pro_cee’d SR7 in Fusion White paint (below). Log on to www.autoexpress.co.uk/winakiato enter and for full terms and conditions.…

IT’S time for the 543bhp F-Type R Coupé to move over – Jaguar has something even more potent waiting in the wings. These are the latest spy pictures of the range-topping F-Type SVR lapping the Nürburgring ahead of its debut later this year, possibly at the LA Motor Show in November. Following on from the ballistic Range Rover Sport SVR, this will be the first Jaguar to wear the SVR badge and despite the obligatory swirly camouflage, it’s clear the SVR will take its design inspiration from the limited-run Project 7, albeit without the asymmetrical D-Type fin on the rear deck and decals on the flanks. As well as styling cues, the hottest F-Type is also expected to share the Project 7’s powertrain, a 567bhp version of the familiar 5.0-litre…

MERCEDES has given its BMW X4-rivalling GLC Coupé the green light, and these are the spy shots that prove it. The coupé version of the new C-Class-based GLC SUV was revealed at the Shanghai Motor Show in April as a concept car, but these snaps of a barely camouflaged production version show development is well underway. And it looks like it hasn’t lost any of the concept car’s drama. The GLC Coupé concept’s beefed-up bodywork and arching roofline are present on this prototype, giving it a more rounded look compared to the X4’s chiselled design. From the front, the Coupé version is broadly the same as the GLC – it’s only to the side where the sloping roofline and squat rear end hint at the Coupé’s sporty positioning. The show…

Videowatch AT autoexpress.co.uk/videos  this week, we look at one of the world’s ost practical cars... and one of the least practical. Has Skoda built world’s best estate? EVEN bigger and even better. That’s what Skoda claims about its new Superb Estate – so we got behind the wheel to see how it shapes up. Built on the VW Group’s versatile MQB platform, the car is a huge family wagon that promises to combine practicality with quality and driveability in an affordable package. Has Skoda produced the best estate car in the world? We give our verdict. New Boxster Spyder shows us its class TAKE a Porsche Boxster, fit brakes and 3.8-litre engine from a 911, strip out a bit of weight and make the fabric roof a lot…

HOT TOPIC Alfa Romeo Giulia FROM: HTG I WAS really looking forward to this car’s launch – the promise of rear-wheel drive and Ferrari involvement in drivetrains is too good to be true. Sadly, the styling just doesn’t do it for me. When I first saw the 159, my legs went all wobbly. Maybe the Giulia will grow on me. FROM: marco fava ALFA Romeo definitely isn’t hiding from the 3 Series with this car. Despite the polarising looks, the Giulia looks like no other. Ferrari performance and technological prowess should boot Alfa right to BMW’s doorstep. Now I’m waiting for the price. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk • “The car looks stunning. I’ve never owned an Alfa Romeo before, but maybe now it’s time to take the…

IF you were asked to draw up a list of the most important supercars ever made, what would you pick? The gorgeous Lamborghini Miura – recognised as the first real supercar – has to be in there, as does the McLaren F1, a 242mph bullet and the world’s fastest production car for 12 years, until the Bugatti Veyron came along and rewrote the rule-book. Controversially, perhaps, we’d say the original R8 is just as deserving of a place on that list. Launched in 2007, it didn’t have the shock factor of a Lambo, or the top speed of a Bugatti, but it was more approachable and usable than any supercar that had gone before. Quite simply it made amateurs look like driving gods, while still turning heads and making all…

THE decision to buy an MPV is usually out of necessity, not choice. A growing family means a shift in priorities to fuel efficiency and practicality, and the SEAT Alhambra has always answered customers’ needs on both fronts. Now, the second-generation model has been updated – but with a recently facelifted VW Sharan and an all-new Ford Galaxy to compete with, never has it faced such strong opposition. Fuel consumption has been cut by an average of 12 per cent across the range and more kit has been added. In comparison to a like-for-like Galaxy and Sharan, the SEAT is £660 and £1,745 cheaper respectively, too. With a set of sharp new head and tail-lamps, a reshaped grille and fresh alloy designs the only visual changes, the Alhambra still lacks…

Access THE Octavia is nearly 30cm longer than the Civic, but most of the extra length is added behind the rear axle, as there’s only 5cm difference in wheelbase between the two. However, it’s clear that Honda has sacrificed the size of the back doors in pursuit of sporty styling, as they make access to the rear seats harder. Eco modes BOTH cars feature fuel-efficient driving modes. The Skoda can be switched between Eco, Comfort and Sport modes, while the Honda has a dedicated green button (below). It alters throttle response and illuminates the dash with blue light when you’re easy on the throttle. Boot space THE Honda’s 477-litre boot has extra space under the false floor, which you can remove to load taller items under the parcel shelf. In…

EARTH to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust... it’s time to say goodbye to our Audi TT. Knowing the car’s probably going on to a better life with a more careful owner than me, I thought it was apt to crack open a bottle of champers and mark its departure. While I’ve warmed to the car and admit to shedding the odd tear, it’s true to say that the past seven months living with Audi’s slinky coupé haven’t been the easiest. My TT experience went well for the first few weeks, before a troublesome stop-start system, dodgy Virtual Cockpit and over-sensitive parking sensors caused not only the staff at an Audi dealer to scratch their heads in bewilderment, but also those at Audi’s Milton Keynes HQ. The problems –…

Q When is Forza released? MY grandson has asked for the new Xbox One Forza Motorsport game for his birthday on 4 August. When will it be released, and where can I get it? Stuart Andrews, E-mail A UNFORTUNATELY, Forza Motorsport is not due to be released until 15 September. However, you can pre-order the game, so he’ll be one of the first to receive it upon release. We found that www.zavvi.com  was offering it the cheapest at £37.99, and that also includes free shipping. Q App tracks car break-ins MY car has been broken into twice and I’m wondering if there’s a smartphone app that would detect damage and send an alert to my phone. If not, is there another solution? Gemma Elsfield, E-mail…

AT one time or another, most of us have nudged a kerb and damaged our alloy wheels. Replacement rims can be an expensive option, and employing a professional alloy repair service very much depends on the reputation and ability of the technician. So, what about saving some money and having a go at home? Do-it-yourself alloy repair kits aren’t widely available and haven’t got the best reputation, either. We decided to put a couple through their paces to see what they are capable of and why they vary so greatly in price. Our test returned varying results, but with bags of time and a willingness to buy an expensive product, a professional-looking job can be achieved at home. The prices quoted were the best we could find from a number…

Dear Lawrence, I’m after a hot hatch with space for four adults. It needs to be fast, but usable enough for everyday driving and living. What can I get for £15k? Tom Jackson, West Berkshire Contact: Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk CARS THE STYLISH CHOICE Vaux. Astra VXR FOR: Muscular looks, scorching pace, cabin AGAINST: Firm ride, three door-only THE Astra VXR carries a bit of a ‘boy racer’ reputation but the latest model looks much more purposeful. The smart interior is sporty, too, but is the least practical here. The dominant feature is the 276bhp 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, which gives storming pace, making it the quickest car here from point-to-point. The Golf rides better, however, while the Focus is a bit more agile. We found a 62-plate VXR with 32,000 miles on…

UNTIL July 2015, I’d never been mindlessly discriminated against, never felt like a powerless victim, never considered myself a sufferer. But all that changed after my 35-mile drive on a ‘normal’ day in and on the fringe of London last week. What should have been a gentle and productive, non-rush hour journey from hotel to BBC studios, to hospitals (delivering TVs and laptops to young adult cancer patients) to blood centres and home, took five gruelling hours. My 7mph average was frustratingly pathetic. The icing on the cake? Two ‘congestion’ tax payments (to enter central London, and to cross the M25 at Dartford) plus a parking ticket where pay and display machines were faulty. Convenient for the authorities, that. The capital’s car-loathing politicians are to blame for the motoring hell…