Innholdsfortegnelse for October 21, 2015 i Auto Express

I’VE long been a fan of Daytime Running Lights. The safety benefit of being illuminated at all times is clear, but I’m also enjoying the added sense of style they bring to some models. DRLs have been mandatory on all new cars that have gone on sale since February 2011, but I reckon we should go a step further and call for automatic headlights to become standard on all new cars. All too often, you see cars being driven at night or in poor weather without lights on. And as the clocks go back and the weather takes a turn for the worse, it’ll become all too commonplace. In fact, DRLs have posed something of a problem here, too – I often spot someone who obviously thinks their lights have…

VOLVO will have a full range of plug-in vehicles by 2020, led in 2019 by an all-electric, Tesla-rivalling S60-sized car. The new car will sit on Volvo’s Scalable Product Arcitecture (SPA). This underpins the new XC90 and forthcoming S90 (below) and was designed from the start for full electric power as well as plug-in hybrids. The new model is expected to be pitched head-to-head with Tesla’s Model 3, which is due to be launched in 2017. Volvo is confident the new electric car will have a range of over 300 miles, while performance should be Tesla-rivalling, too. Although a saloon is the most natural first fit for an all-electric model, Volvo hasn’t ruled out an XC60-sized SUV to provide a rival for the new Tesla Model X. Håkan Samuelsson, president…

Tucson gets a dose of attitude for SEMA HYUNDAI will be heading to the 2015 SEMA aftermarket show in Las Vegas with a pumped-up Tucson (above). Tuned by Rockstar Performance Garage, the Nissan Qashqai rival gets an extra 15cm added to the ride height to accommodate massive 32-inch tyres, and features fully adjustable off-road suspension, bright decals and an uprated sound system. We’ll also see versions of the Genesis and Veloster at the show. Massive increase in EV and hybrid sales SALES of electric cars and plug-in hybrid vehicles have soared this year, after the announcement that the Government Plug-In Car Grant will be replaced by a new tiered system based on CO2 emissions and electric range in 2016. In the year to date, 20,992 plug-ins and EVs have been…

OWNERS affected by the diesel emissions test scandal have received recall letters this week – yet have been left disappointed as they didn’t include an apology from VW. The news comes after VW Group UK managing director Paul Willis announced a three-stage plan for fixing ‘cheating’ models in front of the Transport Select Committee in the House of Commons. The plan aims to have a fix ready by the end of 2015, with all 60 affected models from the five affected makes recalled and repaired by the end of 2016. Willis said the 1.2-litre and 2.0 diesel engines will require a software update, while models with a 1.6 diesel will also need new injectors. In Germany, the authorities have issued a mandatory recall for affected vehicles, but the UK Government…

VW has revealed to US authorities that current 2016 model year diesel cars are fitted with software that could help produce lower emissions during tests. It was previously thought to be limited to cars built between 2009 and 2015, but it’s possible current VW Group cars could have a new cheating device. The revelations centre around the ‘auxiliary emissions control device’ fitted to new VW diesels – different to the ‘defeat device’. US authorities are looking at whether the device is installed to cheat on emissions tests, with VW submitting extra info.…

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…

Essentials Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TDI 150 Sport Price: £31,500 Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl diesel Power/torque: 148bhp/320Nm Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive 0-62mph: 9.2 seconds Top speed: 130mph Economy: 70.6mpg CO2: 104g/km ON SALE Now PRACTICALITY An electric tailgate is standard, as is the automatic load cover, which retracts when the boot opens SPECIFICATION We tried mid-range Sport, but top-spec S line gets racy details like trim on sills, plus even bigger wheels WE’VE driven the new Audi A4 extensively over the past few weeks, both in the UK and on the Continent. We’ve tried petrols, diesels, manuals and autos, but until now, only the four-door saloon. For the first time since its launch in 1994, A4 Avant customers will get their cars at the same time as buyers of the…

Essentials Ferrari 488 Spider Price: £204,400 Engine: 3.9-litre V8 twin-turbo Power/torque: 660bhp/760Nm Transmission: Seven-speed dual clutch, rear-wheel drive 0-62mph: 3.0 seconds Top speed: 203mph Economy: 24.8mpg CO2: 260g/km ON SALE June 2016 HARD-TOP It takes just 14 seconds to stow the roof. Prod a button and the aluminium panel flips gracefully up and over, before sliding unobtrusively beneath a panel ahead of the engine cover SOUNDTRACK Any fears the addition of turbos would have diluted the Ferrari V8 soundtrack are banished the moment you squeeze the throttle and the needle on the rev counter races to the 8,000rpm red line HANDLING Even with the safety net switched off, Spider is balanced and approachable, while bucket seats add to the experience. The LaFerrari-sourced braking system provides eye-popping stopping power SUMMER is…

Design JUST because you’ve plumped for a practical supermini doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. But neither the Honda and Nissan is especially exciting to look at. The Fabia is far more visually appealing with its chunky looks and squat, low stance – and that could be enough to drag customers towards Skoda’s impressive dealerships. Clever touches SKODA’S designers have dotted plenty of ‘Simply Clever’ touches around the latest Fabia. These include an ice scraper hidden in the petrol flap and a clip in the window for parking tickets. You also get a bottle holder in the glovebox and a phone pocket on the side of the driver’s seat. Size LOOKS and performance might be important, but practicality is just as crucial. At 4.1m long and with the longest…

Toyota Verso Excel 1.6 D-4D PRICE: £24,495 ENGINE: 1.6-litre 4cyl, 109bhp THE cheaper Toyota boasts two extra seats over our test cars. You can leave these folded if boot space is a priority, but it’s still useful to have them. Excel trim gets kit to match its rivals, but there’s no auto option on the D-4D. SEAT Leon ST FR 2.0 TDI 150 DSG PRICE: £24,700 ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 148bhp YOU could make a saving and go for a top-spec SEAT Leon estate instead. The 148bhp TDI is punchy and efficient, plus the DSG auto is one of the best around. A roomy cabin and a 587-litre boot mean it’s practical, too.…

FIRST TEST GT Radial Savero SUV tyre Price: From £60Rating:  Contact: 01565 831910, www.gtradial.com THE UK can’t get enough of SUVs, so it’s no surprise to see tyre manufacturers getting in on the act with rubber designed specifically for these high-riding cars. The latest offering is from GT Radial, with its Savero SUV tyre targeting models like the Nissan Qashqai, Dacia Duster, Jeep Renegade and Kia Sportage – which spend most of their life on asphalt and rarely venture off-road. It’s available in 22 sizes, covering 16 to 18-inch rims, speed ratings of H (up to 130mph) to V (up to 149mph), widths from 215 to 265 and profiles of 55 to 70. Prices start at £60 in the UK for the 215/65 R16 H. The tyre uses the latest…

BRUSHES are a key part of any car cleaning kit, and the new range from ValetPRO aims to cover jobs inside and out. The line-up includes several versions for shifting dust and crumbs from the cabin, but as most wheel cleaners no longer include a brush, we focused on those for clearing disc dust from rims. We tested the reinforced wire ValetPRO products against our reigning champ from Muc-Off. The brushes were rated on two alloy wheel designs – where we looked at how they tackled dirt between spokes – as well as on a scrap panel to check for the risk of damage. Plus, we looked at prices from a range of sources as we went to press. The newcomers impressed, particularly the Long Reach Wheel Brush, but Muc-Off…

CARS THE DRIVER’S CHOICE BMW 3 Series FOR: Superb ride and handling, efficient AGAINST: Common, cabin lacks special feel THE BMW 3 Series is the obvious company car choice for many people. It’s evolved over the years from a driver-focused saloon into today’s premium all-rounder. But it still sets the dynamic benchmark, and is more refined and polished than ever. The 320d has a great engine, combining punchy performance and class-leading economy, while even SE spec has lots of kit. We found a 64-plate 320d in high-grade Luxury trim with 7,000 miles for £22,895. INTERIOR RELIABILITY CARS THE CLASSY CHOICE Mercedes C-Class FOR:Styling, premium cabin, comfort AGAINST:Noisy diesel, ride not the best THIS latest C-Class debuted Mercedes’ new design approach, and even next to Lexus’ sharp IS it stands out.…

Essentials McLaren 570S Price: £143,250 Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 Power/torque: 562bhp/600Nm Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch, rear-wheel drive 0-60mph: 3.1 seconds Top speed: 204mph Economy: 26.6mpg CO2: 249g/km ON SALE Now DESIGN Shape of tail-lamps mirrors the headlights, and mimics the McLaren company logo. The lights are surrounded by carbon fibre in rear end that’s carefully designed to deliver maximum downforce BRAKES Bright yellow calipers stand out behind the huge black alloy wheels, and they grip the massive carbon ceramic discs to provide stopping power to match the incredible straight-line performance THE 570S is the first sports car that McLaren Automotive has ever made. That’s not merely some leftfield observation made by someone who’s just been knocked sideways by the car at its international launch; it’s a clear statement of intent from…

FERRARI has revealed full details of a bonkers, hardcore edition of the F12. It’s called the F12tdf – not the Speciale as first speculated – and is an homage to the Tour de France endurance road race that Ferrari dominated in the fifties and sixties. We can’t imagine many people thought the ‘regular’ 731bhp F12 was sluggish, but Maranello has upped the ante even further. The naturally aspirated 6.3-litre V12 has been uprated from 731bhp to 769bhp, with the 0-62mph time down from 3.1 seconds to a LaFerrari-matching 2.9. The top speed is claimed to be “in excess of 211mph”, and maximum power is delivered at a mighty 8,500rpm with a 8,900rpm red line. Yet the power figures are only half the story, as the F12tdf is an impressive 110kg…

VW is set to radically rethink its range of cars as a result of the emissions scandal. Among the major changes will be “streamlined processes” to cut costs, and the development of modular electric car platforms. Dr Herbert Diess, the CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, announced major alterations to future product plans that centre around a “reorientation of the diesel strategy”. Alongside this, we’ll see a new MEB Modular Toolkit, allowing electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains to be brought in across the range. The Phaeton – hinted at by the C Coupé GTE Concept – was widely tipped to be axed in VW’s drastic cost-saving programme, but will be granted a reprieve and return as a Tesla rival. Diess claims the next model will be an electric saloon with “long-distance…

Essentials Renaultsport RS.01 Price: £210,000 (est)for car and season Engine: 3.8-litretwin-turbo V6 petrol Power/torque:550bhp/630Nm Transmission: Seven-speed automatedsequential, rwd 0-62mph: 2.5 seconds Top speed: 190mph ON SALE N/A • We drive extreme GT3 racer at challenging Jerez circuit in Spain • Twin-turbo V6 engine delivers 0-62mph in only 2.5 seconds RENAULTSPORT has a rich history of producing wild and wonderful one-make racing cars. From the GTA Turbos of the eighties to the Sport Spiders and rear-engined Clio V6s that followed, the brand’s machines have always tended to be, well, just a little unhinged. This new mid-engined, 550bhp, 190mph RS.01 is no exception. Indeed, it may even be the maddest model yet to emerge out of the eccentric Renaultsport stables. At the same time, though, the RS.01 also happens to be a…

PARKING is the bane of many motorists’ lives. If you counted up the hours spent hunting for a spare space you could probably live another lifetime. Trouble is, the pain doesn’t stop when you find a gap, as you’ll have to take out a second mortgage to stay for any length of time, especially in cities or at specific venues. And the saga goes on because if even if you’re parked, you still might be left to rue your decision. Arrive back just a couple of minutes late due to unforeseen circumstances, and you could be slapped with a ticket from an overzealous warden. There’s good news, though. The British Parking Association (BPA) has reviewed its guidelines so car parks give users a 10-minute grace period at the end of…

HOT TOPIC Dirty diesels scandal FROM: TDIPower IT’S instances such as the VW emissions scandal that prove electricity is the way ahead. As a Nissan Leaf owner who does over 13,000 miles a year, I can say there isn’t anything impractical or deceitful about electricity. Can’t say the same about diesel. FROM: Fadyady THIS situation has arisen only because manufacturers are overcommitting on diesels. To keep up with increasing diesel sales, the regulations had to be tightened – but as is obvious, there’s no point in tightening the regulations if the tech can’t keep up. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk • “Let’s just get diesel cars off the road. Clearly the regulations surrounding them are hollow and in need of correction.” James • “I’ll still buy diesels; they…

Essentials DS 4 Crossback BlueHDi 180 Price: £26,495 Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbodiesel Power: 178bhp Transmission: Six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive 0-62mph: 8.6 seconds Top speed: 124mph Economy: 64.2mpg CO2: 115g/km ON SALE Now EQUIPMENT Dash has been tidied up with fewer buttons, but screen is on small side and looks dated. Still, the dials look classy, and are easier to read than DS 5’s PRACTICALITY Rear feels cramped and windows don’t open. The 385-litre boot capacity (top) is smaller than that of key rivals the Mercedes GLA (481 litres) and Volvo V40 Cross Country (391 litres) THE DS 4 has always been a rather difficult car to pigeonhole. Part-hatch and part-coupé – and no better at being one than the other – it has been an unconventional alternative to the likes…

Essentials Toyota Mirai FCV Price: £66,000 (excl. grant) Engine: Hydrogen fuel-cell stack and 244V battery Power/torque: 153bhp/335Nm Transmission: Single-speed fixed-ratio, front-wheel drive 0-60mph: 9.6 seconds Top speed: 111mph Economy: 0.76kg/100km CO2: 0g/km ON SALE Now EQUIPMENT Standard kit includes hi-tech readout, heated front and rear seats, touchscreen navigation, blind-spot warning and emergency braking PRACTICALITY Space in the rear is a little bit tight, but the 361-litre boot is nearly a match for those in cars such as the Volkswagen Golf LONG before the Leaf, Toyota was one of the pioneers of low-emission motoring when it launched the hybrid Prius in 1997. Not wanting to rest on its laurels, the brand has been looking even further into the future, setting its sights firmly on 100 per cent zero-emission vehicles such as…

SsangYong Tivoli 1.6D 4x4 ELX automatic Price: £19,500 Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl diesel Power: 113bhp Transmission: Six-speed auto, four-wheel drive 0-60mph: 11 seconds (est) Top speed: 107mph Economy: 47.9mpg CO2: 156g/km ON SALE Now SSANGYONG is still something of a niche player in the UK, but it’s aiming to increase sales over the next few years – and the model spearheading its hopes is the new Tivoli crossover. The car is great value, but now SsangYong is making it even more attractive, with the option of four-wheel drive and a new six-speed automatic gearbox. The addition of the former is intriguing, as it means the Tivoli is one of the few supermini-SUVs to offer total traction. Fitting 4WD has also meant a rethink for the rear suspension, with a multilink set-up…

NEW: Ford B-MAX 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium PRICE: £16,195 ENGINE: 1.0-litre 3cyl, 98bhp FORD’S three-cylinder turbo has lots of torque, so the B-MAX is faster than its power output suggests. Plus, for a similar price in Titanium trim you get lots of kit. There’s also more practicality thanks to the pillarless sliding doors. USED: MINI Cooper Clubman 1.6 PRICE: £14,500 ENGINE: 1.6-litre 4cyl, 118bhp THIS budget will buy you a well equipped, low-mileage, used MINI Clubman. This 1.6 Cooper fits the bill thanks to its premium badge and extra practicality over a hatch. Just watch for the third door, as it opens on the road rather than pavement side.…

Essentials Fiat 500X 1.4 MultiAir Pop Star On fleet since: July 2015Price new: £17,595Engine: 1.4-litre 4cyl, 138bhpCO2/tax: 139g/km/£130Options: Art Grey paint (£350),dark tinted windows (£175), Comfort Pack (£250), Comfort Plus Pack (£100), Dynamic Safety Plus Pack (£650), Nav Pack (£1,000), Visibility Pack (£200)Insurance*: Group: 11 Quote: £407Mileage/mpg: 5,065/36.1mpgAny problems? None so far *Insurance quote from AA (0800 107 0680) for a 42-year-old in Banbury, Oxon, with three points. WE LIKE 500X shares its funky interior design with the standard 500, while the two-tone seats add a classy feel. There’s a fair amount of space in the back, too WE DON’T Soft white, pastel pink... Call it what you like, our car’s Art Grey paint isn’t to all tastes. But at least it’s reasonably priced, at £350 WORKING for a car…

Classic Mini Specials and Moke Keith Mainland (Crowood Press, www.crowood.com) Price: £25 (hardback) Rating: AN interesting insight into the diverse and lesser-known side of the Mini story. Starting with a brief history, the book covers many Mini variations, from rally cars to Mokes, and international models. Whether you have a keen interest in Minis or no knowledge at all, or are looking for buying advice, this has something for you. Ferrari 250 GT Doug Nye (Porter Press, www.porterpress.co.uk) Price: £60 (hardback) Rating: THIS book tells the story of an iconic Ferrari – the 250 GT Short Wheelbase. From its inception with Stirling Moss, the greatest driver of the day, the car combined a beautiful body with a V12 engine and became one of the most revered Ferraris of all-time. The…

Q Leon injector issues I’VE had the injectors and wiring loom replaced on my 2007 SEAT Leon FR, but the engine still stutters when I’m driving. Any ideas what may be causing this? Christian Davies, E-mail A IT may be worth checking whether your garage remapped the ECU in your SEAT to accommodate the new set of injectors. The ECU controls and calculates the injection timing, and failure to recode the system may result in skewed calculations, which could explain your problems. Q Are ‘old’ new tyres safe? IT’S been suggested to me that I shouldn’t buy a ‘new’ set of tyres as they’re four years old. The tyres haven’t been used, but I’ve been told they may be less reliable. Is this true? Anette Roger, E-mail A WE spoke…

MERCEDES’ Lewis Hamilton can clinch his third Formula One world drivers’ championship this weekend at the Circuit of The Americas (CoTA) in Austin, Texas. Hamilton’s team-mate Nico Rosberg’s retirement due to mechanical issues last time out in Russia has left the Brit with a 66-point lead over Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel and a 73-point cushion over Rosberg. The reigning champion needs to outscore Vettel by nine points and Rosberg by two points in order to seal the title – meaning if he wins, with Rosberg second and Vettel third, the fight will be decided in his favour. With Mercedes having already been crowned constructors’ champion in Russia, attention is now turning towards the last few free race seats on the 2016 grid. Mexican Esteban Gutierrez is expected to be unveiled as…

IT’S been just over a month since the public first heard of the VW scandal. And although the beleaguered company repeatedly insists that it’s “working at full speed on a solution”, it’s not moving fast enough. Also, it can forget about “a solution” and concentrate instead on delivering solutions. Lots of them – like, NOW. There’s talk, but comparatively little positive action from the firm that’s surely required to immediately do more – and spend more – to appease cheated customers, embark on the rebirth of the badge and take practical steps to redeem itself. Apologies mean little at times like this – after deliberate cheating has occurred. Yet an expression of deep regret wouldn’t go amiss, along with a plea for forgiveness and a cast-iron guarantee in its corporate…

IT’S no secret that BMW has big plans to expand its range of SUVs over the next three years, and arguably the most interesting is the X2, revealed for the first time here in our exclusive main image. BMW intends the newcomer to sit perfectly in the middle of an array of new SUVs – ranging from a Nissan Juke-sized X1 Sport Cross right up to a Range Rover-baiting X7. Auto Express first revealed that BMW was eyeing up the compact coupé-SUV niche last year, and this is our first evidence that it’s serious in its intentions. Unsurprisingly, the X2 will join the X4 and X6 in being the more sporty and daring version of a straight-laced SUV – in this case the X1. Under the skin, it’ll be identical…

CAR headlight technology is becoming increasingly complicated. It’s no longer just a case of remembering to turn off your lights when you park to avoid a flat battery. There’s now a baffling array of tech – bending light round corners, automatically dipping beams for oncoming cars, even spotting pedestrians – and it’s your job to know which to use when. That’s crucial at this time of year, with the clocks going back on 25 October, as when the light fades, the accident odds stack against you: 40 per cent of fatal and serious injuries reportedly happen at night, even though only 25 per cent of car journeys are made then. That’s why Auto Express is asking if automatic headlights – which can make those lighting decisions for you – should…

THE Highway Code says drivers must use headlights at night – which counts as half an hour after sunset until half an hour before sunrise – except on a road which has lit street lighting, where sidelights can be used instead. Daytime running lights, which have had to be fitted as standard on all new cars from February 2011, should only be used in the day, and in most cases will only light the car from the front. Some manufacturers, such as Volvo, have extended the scope of their DRLs to include the tail-lights. But if you don’t have a car set up like this, you should switch to sidelights or headlamps as usual at dusk or when visibility is poor.…

IT’S not just the price of repairs that varies across the UK, as we revealed back in Issue 1,381, but what garages are asked to fix. According to a survey of thousands of motorists by garage price comparison site WhoCanFixMyCar.com,drivers in Liverpool are most likely to use a garage rather than a mobile mechanic. They must also be keen on a fast getaway, as drivers there are 30 per cent more likely to need a new clutch than the national average. In Leeds, drivers are 70 per cent more likely to require steering or suspension repairs, with motorists in Scotland 80 per cent more likely to need new brakes and exhausts. While sat-nav repairs and security issues are most common in London, drivers in the north-east are twice as likely…

Eighties Fiesta XR2 vs today’s Fiesta ST AS our Issue 1,392 feature revealed, we’ve been putting high-performance legends head-to-head with today’s equivalents in our drag race series, and this week Ford’s eighties Fiesta XR2 takes on the current Fiesta ST. Both have 1.6-litre engines, but a turbo gives the new car loads more power. And our video shows just what difference three decades of progress made to the hot Fiesta’s performance. New L200 meets its pick-up rivals MITSUBISHI says its new L200 has the biggest load hauling ability, the tightest turning circle, the lowest emissions and fastest acceleration of any pick-up on sale. We tested the final claim by racing our Pick-up of the Year against the VW Amarok and the Toyota Hilux – on and off road... You can…

DeLorean DMC-12 Price: £30,000-plus Engine: 2.85-litre Renault V6 Power: 150bhp Transmission: Auto, rear-wheel drive 0-60mph: 8.0 secs (est) Economy: 20mpg “WHERE we’re going, we don’t need roads.” Those were Doc Brown’s famous words as he took off in his iconic time-travelling DeLorean at the end of the 1985 classic movie Back to the Future. As the wheels retracted into the body and the silver car flew off into the distance, viewers were left hanging as to what the future would bring. Well, welcome to the future – as we’ve reached the date Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd), Marty McFly (Michael J Fox) and girlfriend Jennifer Parker (Claudia Wells) arrive on at the start of the sequel. Today. Wednesday 21 October 2015. You’re forgiven for asking where your self-lacing trainers are or…

Essentials Lexus GS F Price: £69,995 Engine: 5.0-litre V8, petrol Power/torque: 470bhp/530Nm Transmission: Eight-speed auto, rear-wheel drive 0-60mph: 4.5 seconds Top speed: 167mph Economy: 25mpg CO2: 262g/km ON SALE Now EQUIPMENT GS F comes generously equipped and includes these racy sports seats up front. The only options are a sunroof and a Mark Levinson stereo REAR SPACE Even with front sports seats, there’s plenty of leg and headroom in the back. Rear-wheel drive makes for a large transmission tunnel, though PRACTICALITY With no batteries to store, the GS F features a bigger load bay than standard GS – there’s 520 litres compared to regular saloon’s 465 litres FOR a brand new car, the Lexus GS F has a surprisingly old-fashioned outlook on life. Its chassis may have been heavily modified…

Essentials Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription Price: £59,995 Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl petrol, plus electric motor Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, four-wheel drive 0-60mph: 5.3 seconds Top speed: 140mph Economy: 134.5mpg CO2: 49g/km ON SALE Now BADGING Twin Engine is Volvo speak for plug-in hybrid and will feature across brand’s entire range by 2020. Petrol power for front wheels, electric power for rears BATTERIES Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture platform was developed for batteries from the start, so there’s no loss of boot or passenger space COMFORT XC90 is first plug-in hybrid to seat seven people – ahead of Audi’s Q7 plug-in. Space in all three rows is impressive and quality excellent TIMING counts for a lot in the car business, and with consumers thinking twice about diesel power, the arrival of Volvo’s…

Infotainment FORD has addressed one of the major flaws of the old C-MAX with its new multimedia system. But the Citroen’s twin-screen setup (below) still works well – split between a widescreen display up top and a touchscreen below. It might not be quite as quick or user-friendly as the Ford’s unit, but it’s visible from every seat, which is a nice touch. Design PARKED side-by-side, it’s the older Citroen that looks like the fresher-faced car, even with the Ford’s design alterations. This proves that buying an MPV doesn’t mean you’re limited to bland boxes. The C4’s design is unusual and attracts attention, but it works ergonomically. Flexibility OUR C-MAX was fitted with a hands-free power tailgate. Wave your foot under the bumper, and it opens automatically – it’s just…

Essentials Range Rover Sport SDV6 Autobiography Dynamic On fleet since: December 2014 Price new: £76,250 Engine: 3.0-litre V6 twinturbodiesel, 253bhp CO2/tax: 185g/km/£225 Options: 22-inch wheels (£3,228), Meridian Signature Reference System (£4,000), perpendicular park assist (£900), Rear entertainment package (£1,500), Traffic sign recognition (£600) Insurance*: Group: 45 Quote: £619 Mileage/mpg: 12,022/31.8mpg Costs: First service (£352) Any problems? None so far *Insurance quote from AA (0800 107 0680) for a 42-year-old in Banbury, Oxon, with three points. WE LIKE Terrain Response dial gives choice of off-road settings, but Steve has been enjoying car’s talents more on road. Meridian stereo delivers a great sound WE DON’T Graphics on the satnav and infotainment system as a whole now look a little bit dated when compared to Range Rover’s rivals in the premium SUV class…

Got a query? Cat_Dow@dennis.co.uk  @AE_Consumer Q Best windscreen cleaner DESPITE using a variety of products and methods, I consistently fail to achieve a clean, smear-free finish on the inside of my windscreen. What’s the best solution? Philip Leese, E-mail A DODO Juice Clearly Menthol has been a consistent performer whenever we’ve tested it. It does a really good job of leaving a streak-free windscreen. The product uses an alcohol-based formula, and although it’s mixed with a solvent – so you need to be careful not to inhale it – judging by the results, it’s the best solution. Q Concern over clouded lights I OWN a 1997 Peugeot 306 and it’s just failed its MoT due to cloudy headlights. Am I able to clean them up or do I have to…

Aston upgrade for Project Cars game WHEN we first tested the Project Cars video game in Issue 1,372, we were excited to see cars would be released to keep gamers coming back. And now, the developer has released an Aston Martin Track Expansion consisting of three legendary Aston cars as well as a new track. Included is the DBR1 from 1959 (above) – the marque’s first Le Mans 24 Hours champion. Cooper unveils a trio of new tyres COOPER Tires has released three new products for varying terrain. The Zeon CS8 is a family car tyre developed with ex-Formula One racer David Coulthard, and claims excellent wet grip. It features Cooper’s Wear Square – an easier-to-use version of the wear indicator on all tyres. Coulthard had some input with the…

AS Formula One and most other motorsport championships start to wind down for the winter, the FIA Formula E series is gearing up for its second season. The electric racing championship kicks off this weekend in Beijing, China, and runs through to the London finale in June. While the Formula E cars look the same as they did in season one, there are big changes under the metal, as teams now have the option of developing their own electric powertrains. Previously, a standard McLaren-built motor was mandatory. Seven of the 10 entries have elected to go down this new route. Of the others, Dragon Racing will run the powertrain developed by rival Venturi, while the Trulli and Andretti squads are sticking with the season-one McLaren set-up. In the cockpit, there’s…