Innholdsfortegnelse for October 7, 2015 i Auto Express

WE were hugely impressed with the all-new A4 saloon when we sampled it on the streets of Venice last month, but this week it’s time for the definitive verdict on the UK’s rough roads. Although it doesn’t look much different, the compact executive newcomer is bigger, lighter, more luxurious and more efficient than the outgoing versions. It has some tough competition in the shape of the Jaguar XE and new BMW 3 Series, but we’ll be finding out if it can knock the big boys off their perch on our website. For more visit autoexpress.co.uk…

AS well as unveiling the new Model X, Tesla boss Elon Musk has kept a close eye on the VW emissions crisis – and told Auto Express what he’d do if he was in charge of the troubled firm. Musk feels VW should commit to a greener future to make up for its deception. He told us: “If I was taking over VW, I’d go the other way and aim to be a leader [in clean vehicles]. Maybe the path to redemption is towards clean vehicles.” He also said that car companies should go electric, or die. “All car companies will go electric eventually,” said Musk. “Any car company that doesn’t go electric will be out of business.” Speaking specifically about the VW scandal, Musk said: “With hydrocarbon combustion we’ve…

THE value of Volkswagens on the used market has fallen by two per cent in the last month in response to the diesel emissions scandal, according to latest figures from used car expert Glass’s. VW diesels have fallen more – down three per cent – since the start of September, while prices for Golf models fitted with the Euro 5 EA 189 engine dropped by 0.5 per cent. Rupert Pontin, head of valuations at Glass’s, said: “This is still a fluid situation and, we believe, will be very much affected on an ongoing basis by how Volkswagen deals with the problems that it faces. “Dealers and customers are not in a position to make a clear judgement about how they feel about VW as a company and whether they will…

Evoque convertible goes down to wire LAND Rover is beginning to tease its upcoming Evoque convertible with a series of full-scale art installations. The wireframe sculptures (above) show the size and outline of the soft-top SUV, and could be seen around London’s exclusive Knightsbridge last week. The aluminium frames will make their way around the world before the car’s official unveiling, which could take place at next month’s LA Motor Show. Jobs under threat as Aston ‘restructures’ ASTON Martin is undergoing a restructuring process that will see job cuts across the 2,100-strong workforce. While it’s not yet clear how many jobs will be lost, an Aston spokesman told us: “The company is expanding, but some functions are being realigned.” The restructuring comes ahead of the production next year of the…

Full video review of new MINI Clubman AT over four metres long and nearly two metres wide, the new Clubman is the biggest car in the MINI range. It’s all part of the brand’s plan to break into a more premium market, where buyers want more practicality without sacrificing style. Will it work? We’ve driven the new model to find out, so watch our video review. All-new MX-5 meets original in drag race LAST week, we kicked off our drag race series, where we pit new cars against their ancestors. This time, it’s the turn of Mazda’s new MX-5, which takes on an original 1989 model. This might look a simple task for the latest car, but the Mk4’s got a smaller engine and similar power. And the Mk1 should…

WHAT defines a premium brand? While it’s true quality and performance play a part, exclusivity is arguably the biggest factor. So when does a premium car maker lose that badge of honour? Can BMW, Audi and Mercedes really be classed as true premium brands when their car line-ups – and sales figures – continue to grow? Used car expert Glass’s says Audi and BMW’s move to models such as the A1 and the 2 Series Active Tourer indicates that their aspirations lie in the mass market, rather than a desire to pursue exclusivity. That leaves an interesting void for drivers who have money to spend and want a premium car, but still crave rarity on the road. So who will fill this void? Glass’s points to Jaguar Land Rover and…

“THE garage has repaired my car several times and the same fault has happened again.” What do you do next? If you intend to pursue a claim against the garage doing the repairs, you’ll need evidence. It’s no good taking your car to another garage, because a court generally won’t consider this to be independent. The second garage has a financial interest in carrying out remedial work. An independent expert is a highly qualified consulting motor engineer who will diagnose and forensically examine car faults. A court may order independent expert evidence to assist in apportioning guilt and blame. Courts prefer single joint experts (SJE) – a totally impartial independent expert agreed by both parties. Both sides share the cost initially and the losing party usually reimburses the winner. Many…

MOHAMED MASHOOD Business manager “WE were shown this a few weeks ago at a sales conference, and I really liked the idea. It adds the personal touch. I can explain all of the newest features and deals to customers, and they can view them from their own homes. I think the retention rate will be higher after we adopt this tech. It’s now around 30 per cent, and I’m keen to see it rise to 40 per cent.” MUSSIHLY KARIM Retention manager “IT’S important to move with the times – videos are becoming a part of our everyday lives and this is no different. When people buy cars, they will demand to see it on video before coming to us. It’s about increasing our commitment to potential buyers and this…

LAMBORGHINI is famed for its outrageous supercars, so when the Italian brand applies its ‘Super Veloce’ SV treatment to the already ridiculously potent Aventador flagship, you know the results will be magnificent. And we’ll cut straight to the chase – that’s exactly what this new, even more focused Aventador is. ‘Super Veloce’ translates from Italian as ‘super fast’, so this 217mph wedge sets its stall out straight away. It has the muscle to live up to the name, too, as lurking beneath that slatted carbon fibre engine cover is a 6.5-litre V12 producing 740bhp. That’s 50bhp more than the standard car, and together with a higher rev limit and a reprogrammed version of Lambo’s seven-speed single-clutch gearbox that now shifts in just 50 milliseconds, it means the 0-62mph time is…

LAST week (Issue 1,390), we drove Renault’s new Kadjar crossover in flagship 1.6 dCi 130 Signature Nav trim. It impressed us with its top-quality interior, high-speed refinement and low running costs, while also proving decent fun to drive on the twisting roads of Northumberland. But if you can’t find almost £25,000 to splash out on a brand new crossover, how does the mid-spec Dynamique S compare, with the smaller 1.5-litre dCi 110 diesel? Well, it’s £2,400 cheaper for starters, yet it’s 20bhp and 60Nm down on the 1.6 and misses out on the Bose stereo, panoramic roof and LED headlamps. However, it still comes with an extensive list of kit. Up front, you’ll find the same well crafted and solidly built dashboard as in the top-spec cars, along with VW-like…

KIA has given its Cee’d range a mid-life facelift, with tweaked styling and an updated colour palette. Meanwhile, the flagship GT hot hatch’s price tag has gone up £2,900 – meaning that at £23,105, this three-door Pro_cee’d GT is now £610 more than a basic Ford Focus ST. (And that has an extra 46bhp, along with a pair of rear doors). So, how can a company that prides itself on value justify such a hefty premium for what is essentially some new headlamps and a set of revised bumpers? Take a look at the kit list, and things start to become clear. There’s now only one trim level available on the top-spec GT, which includes 18-inch alloys, automatic xenons and wipers and heated Recaro seats. Plus, you get sat-nav, a…

EXPERT INSIGHT “THE Fiesta is a best seller, but that means there’s a huge selection of choice when you come to buy used. It’s the perfect first car, too: the lively chassis and responsive engines will build confidence in new drivers. And if the worst should happen, a plentiful parts supply will help keep repair costs low.” FROM £2,950 WITH its repeated sales chart-topping success, the UK’s favourite new car is also hard to beat in the second-hand stakes. And that’s why Auto Express has voted it the very best used supermini this year. Its winning formula is simple – it’s a fantastic all-rounder. Spacious, stylish and loaded with equipment, the Fiesta is a best-of-all-worlds supermini that also offers practicality and low running costs together with engaging driving dynamics. So…

EXPERT INSIGHT “THE previous-generation Mondeo could be a desirable model in the future. While the new car is more comfortable and refined, it’s lost the Mk4’s talent for delivering driving fun. There was no hot flagship, but the Titanium X model powered by the 2.2 TDCi diesel comes close to being a performance estate.” FROM £1,500 THE Ford Mondeo may historically have had a reputation for being the sales rep’s best friend, but the recently replaced fourth-generation model is much more than an everyday workhorse. In fact, it’s the enviable combination of unrivalled space, comfort, handling and luxury that has earned the load-lugging version our best used estate car title this year, knocking the Skoda Octavia off top spot. That’s partly because an extra 12 months on the market have…

EXPERT INSIGHT “AGE finally caught up with the Honda CR-V this year, as the Mk3 fell to 121st place in Driver Power. But that’s no disgrace, as the model was last in production almost four years ago and before 2015, it’d been a consistent performer, recording a string of top 20 finishes. Owners praised its build quality and reliability, plus its comfort and ride, which should stand the CR-V in good stead as a great used purchase.” FROM £3,250 THE Honda CR-V was one of the original pioneering compact SUVs to hit British forecourts when it was launched back in 1990. So it’s only fitting that it’s winning awards in this class a quarter of a century later – yet it’s still an amazing achievement. The CR-V is now in…

EXPERT INSIGHT “IT may have been around for eight years, but the XF continues to be a star for owners, who rank it consistently highly in our Driver Power survey. It was our overall winner in 2009, and was named Car of the Decade in 2011, as the best performing model in 10 years of Driver Power. Despite its age, it was a healthy 23rd in 2015. Owners say it’s got best in class ride quality, while performance and ease of driving are also impressive.” FROM £6,500 WITH air vents that rotate out of the dash and a gear selector that rises from the centre console, the XF feels special from the moment you climb inside. The cabin proves that this big saloon boasts plenty of style, but it’s not…

EXPERT INSIGHT “THE MX-5 has been a big favourite for decades, and the Mk3 version has to be the most reliable drop-top around. Our figures show that Mazda keeps delivering reliable cars, and the MX-5 is no exception – even though it accounts for 11 per cent of Mazdas on risk, it makes up only two per cent of Warrantywise Mazda claims.” FROM £3,000 THE first Mk3 Mazda MX-5s are now a decade old and represent affordable thrills – wind-in-the-hair motoring doesn’t come much better. It has delivered sports car fun for over 25 years, and while the third-generation model was bigger than its predecessors, that only adds to its usability as an everyday sports car. This cabriolet has a strong reputation for reliability, and as it’s a fair-weather car,…

EXPERT INSIGHT “WHILE the VW Group’s emissions cheating software has cast a shadow over its diesel engines, the reality is that the 1.6 and 2.0 TDI engines are still good in every other respect. Even if the engines involved are recalled to be retuned, it’s unlikely owners will suffer any kind of retrospective tax penalty. Residuals may take a bit of a hit in the short term, but for used buyers, that means you’ll get a Yeti for even less. And if you’re nervous about the whole affair, the 1.2 TSI petrol (below) is an excellent engine, too.” THE Skoda Yeti has more than proven itself as a new car, and today it’s more desirable than ever as a second-hand buy, which is why it’s our 2015 Used Car of…

Kia Cee’d 1.6 CRDi 3 PRICE: £20,495 ENGINE: 1.6-litre 4cyl, 126bhp RECENTLY facelifted Cee’d looks smart, comes with loads of kit and is backed by a seven-year warranty. The 1.6-litre isn’t the best performer, but it emits just 100g/km of CO2. Peugeot 308 1.6 HDi Allure PRICE: £21,045 ENGINE: 1.6-litre 4cyl, 118bhp HANDSOME and refined 308 matches class leaders for comfort and quality. It’s also good to drive, while smooth 1.6 HDi punches above its weight and delivers decent economy.…

FORMULA One will feature a record 21 rounds in 2016, after the proposed calendar for next season was approved by governing body the FIA at a meeting of its World Motorsport Council last week. The final version of the calendar sees the Australian Grand Prix moved to 20 March from its original planned date of 3 April. Seven other races have had their date changed, including the Hungarian Grand Prix, which has been brought forward to meet teams’ requests for a three-week break for their hard-worked staff. The other notable change is a shift to 19 June for the new European Grand Prix in Baku, Azerbaijan – meaning it now clashes with the Le Mans 24 Hours. This prevents Force India driver Nico Hulkenberg defending his 2015 Le Mans win…

SEBASTIEN Loeb is to join former Citroen team-mate Carlos Sainz for Peugeot’s assault on the Dakar Rally in January. The nine-time World Rally Champion was announced as part of the French squad’s four-strong driver line-up last week – alongside the returning Sainz, Cyril Despres and Stephane Peterhansel. “I’ve been interested in all types of different motorsports and Dakar is one of them,” said Loeb. “I think it’s a great challenge to compete in the desert. “The Dakar is completely different from the World Touring Car racing that I’m doing with Citroen at the moment. “It’s another approach to racing entirely, but I’ll discover that in January.”…

AS the VW scandal rumbles on and shows no sign of letting up (as our report on Page 12 shows), it’s no surprise that much of the debate has spread to the wider pollution issue and whether this could be the death of diesel power. The latest diesels that comply with Euro 6 tests – assuming you believe the results – are much cleaner than before across all pollutants, but we are seeing a slight shift in attitudes. Auto Express’s sister website Carbuyer.co.ukhas seen an increase of nearly a quarter in the number of people looking at reviews of electric and hybrid cars in the past few weeks – no doubt fuelled by the latest rumpus. Meeting up with Tesla boss Elon Musk last week, he told us that he…

POLICE chiefs and Government officials have admitted that they won’t issue fines to drivers or passengers caught under the new in-car smoking laws for at least three months. Legislation came into force in England and Wales on 1 October, banning anyone from smoking in a car with a person under the age of 18 on board. The penalty for those flouting the ban is a £50 fixed fine. It’s yet another law for traffic cops to enforce on the road, but the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said officers have been advised against issuing fines from the outset. A spokeswoman said: “As the existing smoke-free law extends to vehicles, police will be taking an educational, advisory and non-confrontational approach when enforcing it. This would see people given warnings rather than…

SKODA is now offering its hot Octavia vRS diesel with the option of four-wheel drive on DSG auto models. Starting from £27,315 for the hatch and £28,515 for the estate, the 4x4 2.0 TDI DSG can sprint from 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds and hit a top speed of 143mph. Economy drops from 64.2mpg to 57.7mpg in the hatch and from 60.1mpg to 56.5mpg in the estate. Prices have risen by £400 across the vRS range, but sat-nav is now standard; it used to be a £755 option. It means the entry-level 217bhp 2.0 turbo petrol hatch starts at £24,230.…

SUZUKI will reveal a handful of new concept cars at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month, ranging from the wacky to the downright odd. But the Japanese manufacturer will look to balance its creativity with some real-world significance in the shape of the new Ignis. The model is Suzuki’s first foray into the city car crossover market, and Auto Express has learned that the car will arrive on these shores by 2017, although the Ignis badge has yet to be confirmed for the UK. Alongside the Ignis at Tokyo will be a trio of concepts (see panel) which have all been designed to showcase technologies and product proposals that will shape Suzuki’s future, with the brand celebrating its centenary in 2020. The Ignis will sit beside the new Celerio…

MAZDA will use its stand at the Tokyo Motor Show to display an all-new sports car concept, and it could signal the return of the brand’s famous rotary engine. Details of the new concept are scarce, but Mazda has stated: “Designers strove to condense the company’s sports car history to as great a degree as possible into this concept.” All we have to go on so far is this darkened teaser shot, showing a cab-rearward two-door coupé. The long bonnet and sloping roofline give it a Jaguar F-Type-style profile. Mazda claims it “clearly embodies the car maker’s lineage”. Rumours surrounding the return of the rotary engine are rife, with senior Mazda officials telling us there’s “still enthusiasm for rotary tech at Mazda”. Another hint towards the return of the rotary…

FROM: Misotonic I WOULD love to see the Government stepping up penalties for those breaking the law. I think a £5,000 fine and compulsory confiscation of the vehicle would be appropriate for anyone driving uninsured. This would deter others from doing it, too. FROM: Inchy WHEN the fine for driving uninsured is just £300, it’s no surprise so many young drivers do it. Their insurance premiums are multiple times that, even for the cheapest cars. Either decrease the insurance premiums or increase the fine; I see no other way around it. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk • “I’m irritated by the fact that my insurance premium is higher because of these people driving uninsured.” Janjua • “Who wouldn’t be tempted to gamble when faced with a choice of…

UK drivers are currently experiencing the most significant regulatory and technological overhaul in years; tax discs, V5Cs and drink-drive laws have all changed in the course of a year. That’s before you consider driverless cars and connected technology. Since 1931, the Highway Code has been the backbone of motoring development in the UK. But with so many changes coming so quickly, is it still relevant today? In a bid to find out whether the Highway Code is still fit for purpose, Auto Express teamed up with some UK road safety experts and pored over the Highway Code in all its forms: the £2.50 book, the £3.99 app and the free PDF version available online. Firstly, we looked at the quoted braking distances for a “typical car” – one of the…

THERE was a time when if you needed a four-wheel-drive estate that could face a wet and windy school run on a Monday, but would also be unfazed by the prospect of tackling the Scottish Highlands at the weekend, a Subaru was the only car for the job. That, however, is no longer the case. An influx of rivals from the likes of Skoda, Volvo and VW has impinged on Subaru’s increasingly niche appeal. So, with the all-new Levorg, the brand has taken a slightly different approach. Of course, permanent four-wheel drive remains, but the Levorg is first and foremost designed to be driven on the road rather than off it. Choosing your Levorg couldn’t be easier, as from launch there is only one engine, one gearbox and one trim…

SKODA’S new Superb strikes right in the heart of the company car class, taking on heavyweights like the Mazda 6, Ford Mondeo and its posher sister car, the Volkswagen Passat. It’s a fair assumption to say that the Czech brand will shift the most Superbs in diesel guise, but as we all know, they aren’t for everyone. While the 217bhp and 276bhp 2.0-litre petrols will interest those after an executive express, the 1.4-litre options should entice buyers who want a smooth and efficient five-door hatch – the low Benefit in Kind rate of 18 per cent only boosts appeal. The 1.4-litre petrols will be familiar to many, as they’re used in a wide range of VW Group cars. They pack either 123bhp (only available in S trim) or, like in…

ALL of us want to make our motoring budgets stretch further these days, and by buying a second-hand car you can save thousands. Pre-owned motors make plenty of financial sense, as the original buyer has taken the heaviest hit of depreciation when the car was showroom-fresh. Yet choose carefully, and you can secure the keys to a model that’s barely run-in and still has the balance of its new car warranty. But with so many forecourts and classified adverts vying for your attention, how do you decide on the right motor for you? To make the job easier, over the next 18 pages we pick the best second-hand buys in 16 classes in our Used Car Awards. From city cars to SUVs, and from compact family hatchbacks to cosseting luxury…

EXPERT INSIGHT “THE DS 3 delivers the same kind of personalisation as the MINI without going down the retro route. However, we’d recommend avoiding cars that have been specced up by their owners and go for one of Citroen’s own special editions, as you’re less likely to suffer from a negative impact on residuals. Pick of the bunch is the flagship Ultra Prestige, which featured plush leather seats and climate control – buy used and you can make massive savings on the steep initial showroom list price.” FROM £5,500 ONCE again, it’s the DS 3 that has stolen the Auto Express gong for Britain’s best used premium small car. That may be surprising news for those who still associate French car manufacturing with flaky reliability and poor residuals. But Citroen…

EXPERT INSIGHT “INSIGNIAS are cheap because there are so many of them, but that means you can be choosy about which model you go for. Buy via Vauxhall’s Network Q approved used scheme, and you get 12 months’ warranty and roadside assistance, plus you can tap into its servicing and finance schemes, too.” FROM £2,500 WITH its sharp styling, decent handling and generally excellent value for money, the Vauxhall Insignia is not surprisingly the star turn in the family car category of our Used Car Awards. But it’s a miracle the Insignia is here at all. It was launched in 2008 in the wake of Vauxhall’s parent company, General Motors, filing for bankruptcy protection, making the investment in a high-quality family car seem risky at best. But the company’s departure…

EXPERT INSIGHT “IF you want a seven-seater, but aren’t ready for a people carrier, the Santa Fe is a great choice. While the rearmost row of seats is a little bit cramped, it should be fine if it’s only for use on the odd occasion. Plus, the cabin feels pretty sturdy, so should stand up to plenty of hard family use.” FROM £2,795 THE second-generation Santa Fe 4x4 marked a big step forward for Hyundai. Not only did it serve up massive practicality, decent efficiency and appealing looks, the material quality and driving dynamics were much improved over some of the company’s more agricultural models from the past. We rated this SUV highly when it was introduced to showrooms back in 2006, and it’s now a great-value choice for second-hand…

EXPERT INSIGHT “PEUGEOT’S Audi TT rival first hit showrooms in 2010, so its debut appearance in our Driver Power survey two years ago was extremely impressive, as it ranked as the top sports car ahead of far more prestigious and pricey alternatives. In 2015, newer models may have su pa sed it, but owners still rank its performance and handling, while the striking styling helps to keep the RCZ looking thoroughly modern. As a used buy, it makes a lot of sense.” FROM £8,500 IF you want to get the look for less, then Peugeot’s RCZ perfectly fits the bill. The sleek coupé still appears as fresh and desirable as it did upon its debut in 2009. With its gaping grille, distinctive, silver-finished roof rails and concave rear glass, the…

EXPERT INSIGHT “THE Mk6 Golf GTI is an evolution of the Mk5, and while it’s not quite as sharp as the latest Mk7, it’s still an entertaining family car that delivers sporty handling and hatchback practicality in a tempting package. The three-door looks more sporty, and the DSG auto takes the strain out of everyday use, but the manual car is more involving to drive.” FROM £9,000 THE previous-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI is a tempting choice, with prices starting to fall since the arrival of the Mk7 model. It’s a development of the Mk5 GTI, which reinstated VW’s pioneering performance car as a force to be reckoned with in the hot hatch class. The punchy 2.0-litre TSI petrol turbo was treated to a power boost of 10bhp, taking the total…

CHILDREN have an amazing way of changing your perspective on things. A month ago, our Toyota Verso was a spacious car with the kind of practicality I couldn’t envisage ever needing. Then Adam, our second child, came along, and suddenly the car is starting to look a little bit pokey. It’s not time to panic just yet. Toyota’s mid-size MPV is still a roomy seven-seater with a 440-litre boot if you stick to five of those seats. It hasn’t even come close to running out of space yet, it’s just that I can foresee the terrible day when it won’t be big enough – a day I never thought possible. There are now two child seats to fit in, plus a couple of pushchairs. That’s before you even start to…

TESLA’S Model X has arrived, catapulting the electric car pioneer into the hugely competitive global SUV market. The all-electric, all-wheel-drive 4x4 model joins the Model S saloon in the brand’s product range. It’s designed first and foremost as a family utility vehicle with seven seats, class-leading interior space and practicality, married to strong safety credentials centred around active collision avoidance technology. Beyond that, it’s got ‘falcon wing’ rear doors, a ‘Bioweapon Defence’ button and a range of up to 257 miles – plus, top-spec models will surge from 0-60mph in 3.2 seconds. Speaking at the Model X launch event in California, Tesla boss Elon Musk explained that he’d set out to prove that any car could go electric. The Model X follows the lead of the Model S by offering…

THE Volkswagen Group has suspended the sale of 4,000 new cars in Britain, just days after announcing plans to recall the 11 million vehicles affected by the diesel emissions test cheating scandal. In the UK, more than 1.1 million vehicles will be affected by the recall on the EA 189 engines across the VW Group’s brands (see our main image), and it has suspended the sale of Euro 5 models across all affected makes. VW said there are around 4,000 vehicles affected, either in central or dealer stock, that will not be offered for sale until necessary modifications are carried out. The 4,000 vehicles represent around three per cent of the brands’ total stock in the UK. Although all new cars sold from September onwards have to be compliant with…

MORE than two weeks since the story of VW’s emissions test cheating broke, the company’s customers remain in the dark over a number of key issues. Was the defeat device used in EU emissions tests? What is the fix cars require? Will it affect real-world fuel economy and emissions? Will VW offer compensation for the inconvenience of remedial work, and any subsequent difference in performance? If so, how much? And will there be compensation for those owners who are seeing the value of their cars reduced at a faster rate than might have been expected? We put all those questions to VW last week. At the time of going to press, we’d received no answers. Yes, there are legal and technical issues which VW has to consider before making any…

• New law bans smoking in cars with passengers under the age of 18 in England and Wales. • Anyone caught breaking the law is subject to a £50 fine. • It is an offence for a driver, including a provisional driver, not to stop one of their passengers smoking if a minor is present in their vehicle. • The law only applies to private vehicles enclosed wholly or partly by a roof; convertibles with the roof down do not count. • Use of E-cigarettes is not banned under the new law, but Wales has banned their use in public buildings.…

FIAT’S new 124 Spider is easily one of 2016’s most eagerly anticipated cars, and our latest spy shots turn the level of excitement up a notch as they give us our first glimpse of the shapely design. The Mazda MX-5-based roadster was confirmed by Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne earlier this year, and he exclusively revealed the 124 name to Auto Express soon after. This is the first time we’ve seen the 124 Spider without any disguise, though, and the spy shots confirm the exclusive images we revealed in Issue 1,357. While the pictures are blurry, the design direction is clear to see, with the most noticeable feature being the front end. The bonnet is significantly longer than on the fourth-generation MX-5 it’s based on, harking back to the original 124…

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…

“CitNOW believes it has the technology to get customers back into showrooms” “The CitNOW idea is that you create a short video as a response to any form of query, introduce yourself and the car in question” THE days of visiting multiple dealerships in search of a new car are becoming a thing of the past. The modern car buyer does their research, enquiring and negotiating via online reviews, E-mails and telephone calls. It seems that we increasingly know exactly what we want before even setting foot on the forecourt. And that’s backed up by the stats, which reveal buyers now make an average of 1.2 visits to a showroom before signing on the dotted line for their next car; a decade ago it was 4.4 visits. These are worrying…

EDMUND KING President, AA “THE Highway Code is something many learners pay attention to before taking their driving test, but then leave it untouched after passing. “This is a shame, as it is in a constant state of review and covers many important driving rules. But to truly reflect the modern driving environment, we would like to see a section covering new technology, such as automatic driving aids and braking technology. A lot of drivers have these systems installed, but should not rely on them in all circumstances. How many know this?” STEVE GOODING Director, RAC Foundation “MANY of us have trouble recalling our partner’s birthday, let alone the 300 or so rules in the Highway Code. “After passing their test, most motorists consign their copy of the Highway Code…

OVER the course of nearly 70 years and countless updates, the legendary Land Rover Defender has continued to set the standard for unstoppable off-road ability. But ever-tightening emissions and safety regulations mean that time is running out for the famous four-wheel-drive machine, with production being wound down this year. However, rather than mourn the loss of its iconic Defender, Land Rover is sending off its evergreen off-roader in style with a trio of ‘Celebration Series’ special-edition models. The lavishly equipped Adventure and Autobiography are hugely desirable, but it’s this Heritage model that’s closest to the spirit of the original. As its name suggests, this machine is packed with retro touches that hark back to the earliest Land Rovers. Only 400 Heritage models will be sold in the UK, available in…

THE Nissan X-Trail has lived in the shadow of its popular Qashqai sibling spacious and generously equipped SUV. However, to inject new life into the Hyundai Santa Fe rival, Nissan has installed its 1.6-litre DIG-T turbo petrol engine, which claims “sharp performance with exceptional fuel economy”. On paper, the first part is true. This is now the fastest and most powerful X-Trail on sale, offering 161bhp and a 0-62mph sprint time of 9.7 seconds. But in reality, the fact it has 80Nm less torque than the original diesel (240Nm vs 320Nm) means it never feels that fast. Put your foot down on the motorway, and it struggles to gain momentum, while on steep inclines, you’ll find yourself changing down a gear to pass slower traffic. Only above 2,500rpm does the…

EXPERT INSIGHT “SKODA has a brilliant record for customer satisfaction in our Driver Power survey and the Citigo is one of its star performers. It debuted in second place two years ago and while 2015 saw a slight fall overall, it was running costs where it really stood out. Owners report that the car is cheap to run with its low emissions, insurance and strong fuel economy. It was nly really performance and practicality that let it down – not what city cars are bought for – and the Citigo achieved a score of more than 90 per cent overall.” FROM £3,500 IT’LL take more than a few miles on the clock to take the showroom sheen off the Skoda Citigo, which in Issue 1,377 was named our favourite city…

EXPERT INSIGHT “THE Ford Focus is extremely popular due to its brilliant driving experience and robust chassis, but the latest third-generation version in particular stands out with its stylish design, as well as the huge step forward Ford made in on-board technology. Warrantywise policyholders have reported that this tech doesn’t break much, and Ford as a company is in the top 10 in our list of most reliable manufacturers. Even so, if you’re thinking about buying a second-hand Focus Mk3, keep an eye out for broken wheel bearings and blown alternators.” FROM £3,895 THE Ford Focus is a firm fixture in the UK’s list of best sellers – and the qualities that make it a brilliant new car make it an equally tempting second-hand buy. The latest generation really does…

EXPERT INSIGHT “IT’S not just our road testers who love the Yeti; owners do, too. It’s a stalwart in our annual Driver Power customer satisfaction survey – a three-time winner and never outside the top two. Owners praise its practicality, which doesn’t come at the expense of ability on the road, either. Plus, as it’s been on the market since 2009, it’s proven reliable and well built, and a mid-life facelift has helped keep it fresh.” FROM £4,795 THERE’S nothing mythical about the appeal of Skoda’s practical crossover, the Yeti. The car’s been selling like hotcakes almost since its launch in showrooms back in 2009, because it’s immensely practical, reliable and fantastic value for money. That’s also why it’s been a consistent top performer in our Driver Power satisfaction surveys…

EXPERT INSIGHT “THE 3 Series is perhaps the perfect compact exec – this F30 model in particular. Its N20 engine has won awards, its chassis is designed to maximise rear legroom and the suspension gives levels of comfort this model had never seen before. Warrantywise has replaced DPFs, turbos and fuel injectors on the 3 Series.” FROM £9,500 SINCE the 3 Series launched back in 1975, BMW has been refining the recipe to ensure that its premium saloon stays at the top of the compact executive class – and this sixth-generation model is proving incredible value for money. It’s just been facelifted, with the first examples now hitting the road, so the F30 3 Series that went on sale in 2012 is looking even more affordable. Prices start from under…

EXPERT INSIGHT “THE 1.6 HDi diesel has just enough power to cope with a full complement of passengers, but if you’re going to be travelling seven up frequently, the 2.0 HDi is a better choice. Thankfully, neither is burdened with particularly high running costs. VTR+ spec has a decent standard kit count as well, while the ride is good on the smaller 16-inch wheels featured on this model. We found an approved used 1.6 HDi VTR+ at a Citroen franchised dealer for £15,995, and it came with the added peace of mind of a 12-month warranty and breakdown cover.” FROM £13,500 WHEN it comes to practical family transport, the latest Citroen Grand C4 Picasso is tough to beat, and with the first examples of the stylish MPV now landing on…

EXPERT INSIGHT “OWNERS voted the XJ the best executive car in our Driver Power 2015 satisfaction survey, yet it was marked down for reliability. We know of past issues with the car’s TFT dashboard going blank, although Jaguar’s constant software updates should make a dealer-serviced example less likely to go haywire.” FROM £16,000 AFFORDABLE luxury is what cars at the prestige end of the market are all about. High list prices when new – often breaking the six-figure mark at the top of the scale – low demand and relatively high running costs mean these models suffer from serious depreciation in the first couple of years. But that makes them a great pick for used buyers who want luxury for the price of a well specified hatchback. And in 2015,…

Space race COMPACT hatchbacks need to accommodate growing families, so space is important. With its small boot and more cramped cabin, the Focus trails its rivals. The Astra and Leon are closely matched, as the former gets more rear legroom but a boot that’s 10 litres smaller. It also has a false boot floor when ordered with a space-saver spare wheel. Infotainment ALL three cars get user-friendly infotainment touchscreens as standard. Sat-nav is included in the Astra and Leon and a good-value £250 upgrade on the Ford. Only the Vauxhall is available with the Apple CarPlay set-up (below), which mirrors your iPhone’s screen and apps. Performance THE Astra led the way at the track, but we were shocked by how big its advantage was over its rivals. Not only was…

OUR results tables show you category by category which of our winter tyres performed well where – and we’ve included the Vredestein all-season tyre and Continental summer tyre in our results tables to show how their performance compared with the best winter tyres. It’s sobering how big the differences in performance are in some of the tests – and if anything can persuade you to make the investment when the temperature falls below seven degrees Celsius, this is surely it. OVERALL VERDICT OUR test results are neatly split in two, with the top five hard to separate, and Goodyear Dunlop enjoying a slight advantage. All are a sound choice for winter use, and the buying decision will come down to availability and what you want from a tyre. The remaining…

NISSAN’S radical front-wheel-drive racer will not return to the FIA World Endurance Championship until the 2016 season. After a disappointing Le Mans, the brand decided to undertake a test programme with the GT-R LM before coming back. It now says the car won’t appear again until at least the first round of the 2016 WEC. Nissan has also recruited a new team principal, experienced engineer Michael Carcamo, who’s set to work alongside the GT-R LM’s original designer Ben Bowlby. “Ben had his hands full managing the design and build along with the race and test operation,” explained Carcamo. “That’s a lot to ask anyone, so we’ve added resources and infrastructure to the programme to bring it to the next level.”…

I ALWAYS have, and probably always will, like Volkswagens. As a 17-year-old, my first car was an air-cooled Beetle. Over the past three decades I’ve driven over 100 VW-badged production cars and prototypes. Today, my modest car collection includes three VWs – one new, one old, one ancient. Despite my fondness for the brand, in this magazine in March 2014 I warned of serious problems with the MPG/emissions/range claims of some Volkswagen vehicles – particularly diesels. I reported that on a gentle, traffic-free, daytime run to Geneva in perfect conditions and in one hit (i.e. no cold engine drawbacks), the Golf 1.6 I was driving drank 30 per cent more derv than it should have, according to official figures. For obvious reasons I blamed the manufacturer. But I also pointed…