Innholdsfortegnelse for October 28, 2015 i Auto Express

IN the wake of Dieselgate, it’s only natural that the car industry has been under the microscope. But is there a pattern emerging that ensures only the negative elements are highlighted? On one day last week, there were no less than three prominent car-related stories on the home page of the UK’s most influential news website. VW led the way again with the revelation that it would investigate older EA 288 engines to see if they too contained software to rig emissions tests. There was also coverage of a spate of fires in previous-generation Vauxhall Zafiras, and a story that Tesla’s self-driving tech (above) can’t be relied on. Auto Express is a title that champions the rights of the consumer, and I acknowledge these stories tackle areas of concern –…

THE winner of our Kia car in a million competition (Issue 1,376) has picked up the keys to her new car at her local dealer. Caroline Holland was presented with her new Fusion White 1.4-litre SR7 Pro_cee’d last week by Sean Cosgrove, sales manager at Ken Jervis Kia in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs. Auto Express had teamed up with Kia to give the car away after helping build the 1,000,001st Cee’d at the factory in Slovakia (inset). This was part of the brand’s celebrations after the Cee’d hit the production landmark; the first car rolled off the line in 2006. A delighted Caroline, from Hodnet, Shrops, added: “It was a total surprise and a very nice surprise, too, as it is an amazing prize. We’ve had a Kia in the past, but…

MotoGP Abarth 595 is go, go, go ABARTH has unveiled a racy Yamaha version of its 595 hot hatch (above). The Yamaha Factory Racing Edition has been built to celebrate Abarth’s sponsorship of the MotoGP series, and is priced from £17,420. For that you get a Record Monza exhaust, lowered suspension and Koni shock absorbers. Further setting it apart are 17-inch matt black alloys, while there’s Yamaha badging inside and out. The cabin also gets a flat-bottomed steering wheel and aluminium pedals. The car is on sale now. Saab 9-3 set for EV return in Turkey? THE defunct Saab 9-3 is set to make a return, in spirit at least, as Turkey’s new ‘national car’. National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) has sold the platform rights to a Turkish national research…

THE number of motorists prosecuted for using a mobile phone while driving has nearly halved in the past five years – despite figures revealing that their use and involvement in traffic accidents is rising. Statistics obtained by the RAC show the number of motorists taken to court for using a mobile phone behind the wheel has fallen from 32,571 in 2009 to 17,414 last year. That decline comes despite previous research from the Department for Transport (DfT) revealing that 500,000 motorists continue to use a phone behind the wheel. Plus, the number of accidents in which a mobile was a contributing factor rose to 492 – up 40 per cent from 2010 to 2014. The RAC says this highlights a worrying disparity between what motorists see on the road and…

LONDON’s black cab is a globally recognised icon. Like the red phone box, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, the famous Hackney Carriage has been associated with our capital for decades. Now, though, the Geely-owned London Taxi Company has debuted an all-new TX5 for 2017. The TX5 captures the spirit of the London taxi and draws on more than 60 years of design that made the black cab an icon. Senior VP of Geely design, Peter Horbury, told Auto Express: “The brief was clear. It has to look like a London taxi.” The new design uses a similarly vertical front grille and rounded headlamps, with a more upright stance and chrome touches. While the inside is still under consideration, the six-seat layout has been confirmed. David Ancona, design director of Geely…

Live report from the Tokyo Motor Show IT only happens every two years, but this motor show in the Japanese capital is always well worth the wait. Here the local manufacturers not only try to outdo one another with exciting new cars, but also with the bizarreness of some of their creations. So expect to see cars you will be driving in the next few years – or maybe the next millennium. Full review of the Ferrari 488 Spider WE’VE already been blown away by the turbocharged Ferrari 488. But if there was one downside over the old naturally aspirated 458, it was the engine note. So does removing the roof help? And what has this done to the impeccable driving dynamics? All is revealed in our thrilling video. You…

HOT TOPIC Fiat’s Tipo and Aegea FROM: toby2449 IF the Tipo hatchback looks as good as the saloon, I will certainly consider it as a replacement for my 1.6 Bravo Multijet. I’m still surprised the Bravo never achieved widespread popularity in the UK, but I’ve a feeling this won’t apply to the Tipo. FROM: Kevin Higgison NOT sure about Fiat moving into this sector. I think it should stick with hatchbacks and entertaining sports cars. I can see the new 124 Spider selling along with the Tipo, but the family-based Aegea saloon would be better badged as a Chrysler. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk • “The Tipo’s cabin bears a resemblance to the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, and I think it actually looks far better.” Boulle • “I think…

Essentials Ford Mondeo Estate 2.0 TDCi Zetec 150PS AWD Price: £25,345Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbodieselPower: 148bhpTransmission: Six-speed manual,four-wheel drive0-62mph: 10.5 secondsTop speed: 130mphEconomy: 57.6mpgCO2: 127g/km ON SALE Now EQUIPMENT Zetec models get 16-inch alloys, as well as chrome trim and front foglamps. The four-wheel-drive powertrain is also available on the hatch PRACTICALITY There’s enough room in the comfortable rear seats for three adults to sit side-by-side, and they fold down to boost carrying capacity WE’RE already very familiar with the new Ford Mondeo. But this Mk5 model becomes only the second version to be offered with four-wheel drive, following the launch of the original back in 1992. We tested the load-lugging Estate with the 148bhp 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine. Adding four-wheel drive to the Mondeo will set you back £1,500 over…

Cadillac ATS-V Coupé Price: £55,000 (est)Engine: 3.6-litre twin-turbo V6Power/torque: 464bhp/603NmTransmission: Eight-speed auto,rear-wheel drive0-60mph: 3.9 secondsTop speed: 189mphEconomy: 25mpgCO2: 260g/km ON SALE Now MENTION Cadillac to Brits, and they’ll think of some finned fifties space rocket or leather-lined eighties barge. Outside the UK, though, the brand has built itself a small but loyal following, notching up nearly 1,000 sales in Europe last year. For the past decade, its CTS-V has offered a distinctly American alternative to those tired of BMW M cars and Mercedes-AMGs. Now the V-Series of Caddies has grown to two, with the smaller ATS-V yours for around £60,000. It’s on sale in the UK, but only from one dealer and in left-hand drive. This ATS-V Coupé rivals the BMW M4 and Mercedes-AMG C 63, and goes head-to-head with…

THE MX-5 is all-new, but that hasn’t stopped Mazda from offering tempting finance deals across the range. You can get a 5.9 per cent APR representative rate, and choose a deposit ranging from zero to £5,810 on the 2.0 Sport Nav tested here, depending on how much you’re willing to spend each month over the 37 months of Mazda’s PCP scheme. There are a few deals to be had on the GT86, too. The limited edition Aero and Bianco models are coming to the end of their runs, so you might be able to haggle a discount on remaining stock. Toyota is also offering £205 off the entry-level Primo model, which takes it to £22,495. That’s £800 less than the MX-5 tested here, but you do get less kit. The…

Got a query? Cat_Dow@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q Tailgate bike rack needed I NEED to carry three bikes with me when I go on holiday. I’ve got a campervan with a rising roof, so I’m unable to fit a bike rack. What’s the best tailgate-mounted option? Holly O’Loughlin, E-mail A THE Exodus Rear High Mount 3 Cycle Carrier (above) won our tailgate-mounted bike racks test in Issue 1,320 thanks to a sturdy construction, ease of use and value for money. It’ll fit on nearly every car, and the mounting height means you’re unlikely to need a separate number plate or light board. It’s priced from £99.99. Q Fears over sat-nav security I MOUNT my sat-nav on my windscreen, but I’ve been told the rings it leaves on the glass mark the car…

Shades for drivers help to reduce glare TRANSITIONS Eyewear has announced the launch of its first range targeted at motorists, named Drivewear. Transitions lenses are adaptive to light conditions and reduce glare, but the Drivewear range features a material called Trivex, which is lightweight and said to resist impact. In low light, Drivewear lenses use a green/yellow colour, and as light levels increase they move through copper red to a deep brown colour. Transitions Drivewear lenses can be used with or without a prescription. See www.transitions. comfor info. New batteries offer lifetime guarantee HALFORDS has taken a step forward in car battery tech by launching the Yuasa Black Lifetime Guarantee range. These batteries are guaranteed to last the full, 15-year average lifespan of a vehicle – which…

PRODUCT GROUP TEST 28 | 10 | 2015 Every week, we extensively test all the latest car kit from tyres to trim cleaners. Log on to www.autoexpress.co.uk to look through our huge online test archive. IT’S easy to spend a fortune on both cleaning and protecting the outside of your car, with an endless list of products on the market. But to guard the interior from stains and messes, you need to invest in a fabric protection spray. These sprays form a layer over the fabric and prevent stains from becoming permanently ingrained in the surface, which could damage the value of your model when it’s time to sell. We’ve put seven of the top options to the test here. How we tested them WE divided a car seat into…

FORMER McLaren and Williams Formula One driver Juan Pablo Montoya will test Porsche’s 919 Le Mans racer after the final World Endurance Championship (WEC) round of the year in Bahrain next month. The Colombian, who finished second in this season’s IndyCar championship in the US for Team Penske, is considering a Le Mans 24 Hours run next year or in 2017. Porsche is looking for a replacement for 2015 Le Mans winner Nico Hulkenberg, who’ll be unable to defend his victory next year due to a calendar clash with the new European Grand Prix in Baku, Azerbaijan. Should Montoya get a Le Mans seat with Porsche, he’ll have a chance of matching Graham Hill’s unique ‘Triple Crown’ – wins at the Indianapolis 500, Monaco Grand Prix and Le Mans 24…

Essentials Citroen Cactus M concept Price: N/AEngine: 1.2-litre 3cyl turboPower: 110bhpTransmission: Six-speed automatic,front-wheel drive0-62mph: 10.2 seconds (est)Top speed: 117mph (est)Economy: 58.9mpgCO2: 110g/km THE C4 Cactus is quickly becoming the face of Citroen. It’s proven more popular in the UK than the company predicted, and the crossover’s success will shape the future of the Citroen product range. The Aircross concept, unveiled at April’s Shanghai Motor Show, previews a larger and more practical SUV on the horizon, but the versatility of the Cactus has allowed the brand to delve into its heritage as well. The Cactus M concept is a tribute to the classic Citroen Mehari (below) from the sixties, and Auto Express was lucky enough to be handed the keys. Only one, priceless example was built, so the car you see…

VOLKSWAGEN has launched a Generation Six special edition of the Caravelle, which pays tribute to the vehicle’s iconic past. The red and white exterior is designed to hark back to the original fifties Type 1 Caravelle. The newcomer (above) also gets retro, special-edition 18-inch alloy wheels, as well as LED lights, chrome grille detailing and privacy glass. Engine options include a 148bhp or 200bhp 2.0 TDI with a seven-speed DSG auto. Prices start at £51,114 (inc VAT).…

PORSCHE’S Macan range is hotting up, as the brand has revealed a new GTS version. Priced from £55,188, the more focused model features extra power, an uprated chassis and racier styling details. Porsche saves its GTS badges for the most driver-orientated cars in its range. So the Macan GTS gets the same 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 as the Macan S, yet uprated to 355bhp – slotting it in between the S and Macan Turbo in terms of performance. That extra 25bhp means the GTS is capable of 0-62mph in five seconds flat with the Sport Chrono pack fitted, which is four-tenths quicker than the S but two-tenths slower than the Turbo. Flat out, the compact SUV will manage 160mph. It gets Porsche’s seven-speed PDK auto box and four-wheel drive as standard.…

RENAULT has unveiled a striking new concept, called the Coupé Corbusier. It’s a tribute to the famous architect Le Corbusier, who died 50 years ago. The brand has been quick to point out that the concept is purely a design study, though, and does not preview any forthcoming production car. The Coupé Corbusier is being described as “a 21st century car inspired by the architect’s modernist principles and theories”. Le Corbusier was famous for designing buildings around the world, including the Villa Savoye in France, where the concept will be displayed. The striking newcomer is a radical departure from Renault’s road car range. Its long, sleek profile sits low to the ground, with a small glasshouse and bluff front end. The large doors are hinged at the rear and open…

Q What is the idea behind the TX5? A “The new vehicle had to be a completely different animal, with all the extra excitement of batteries and a range-extending engine. The other requirement was for six seats.” Q How did you build this iconic design? A “We had to give [the TX5] a logical but tasteful progression. The current model is cute and cuddly, but the new one had to be more horizontal. It has to fit seamlessly into the cityscape.” Q The TX5 has a panoramic roof. Why is this important for a London taxi? A “It’s a premium experience. If you get in a black cab, you are choosing another level of taxi. It’s a purpose-built vehicle – I think the passenger is very important in that.” Q…

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…

ANDY and Gemma Cartwright and their four children were just a normal family, until the collapse of MG Rover shattered their lives 10 years ago. Today, the Cartwrights give a rare insight into the human price paid by thousands of families and the real turmoil caused by the company’s sudden closure. It’s a decade since the motoring world was rocked by the fall of one of the industry’s great names, with the loss of 6,500 jobs at its production plant and 30,000 more at UK suppliers. But the headlines which dominated the national news for days failed to reveal the human devastation that was left for Longbridge, the Birmingham suburb that was the home of MG Rover. Andy and Gemma have slowly rebuilt their lives since the collapse, as a…

Essentials BMW 730d xDrive Price: £67,260Engine: 3.0-litre 6cyl turbodieselPower/torque: 261bhp/620NmTransmission: Eight-speed auto,four-wheel drive0-62mph: 5.8 secondsTop speed: 155mphEconomy: 56.5mpgCO2: 132g/km ON SALE Now PRACTICALITY You won’t be short on space in the 7 Series, but a long-wheelbase version is also available – adding an extra 14cm to the bodywork for £3,950. The 515-litre boot is a decent size, too EQUIPMENT Driving Experience Control allows you to configure how youd like to drive the 7 Series, while leather, a reversing camera, gesture control and 19-inch alloys are standard YOU might not think it, but the rather unexceptional exterior of the new BMW 7 Series hides a rather exceptional new car. It’s the largest model BMW has ever made, yet is up to 130kg lighter than before thanks to its part-carbon-fibre construction. It’s…

Essentials Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GX4h Price: £33,899 (inc. £5k grant)Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl petrol,plus electric motorsPower: 200bhpTransmission: Single-speed, CVT0-62mph: 11.0 secondsTop speed: 106mphEconomy: 152mpgCO2: 42g/km ON SALE Now CHARGING Outlander gets a CHAdeMO charger, allowing an 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes. There’s an all-electric range of 32.5 miles, too SPACE Rear seat passengers won’t be complaining thanks to good levels of leg, knee and headroom. Interior quality has also gone up a notch PRACTICALITY Outlander’s 436-litre boot is decent. Diesel comes in seven-seat guise as standard, but due to the placement of the batteries, the PHEV only has a five-seat set-up MITSUBISHI broke new ground when it launched the Outlander PHEV in 2014 – not so much for the technology it offered, but because it cost the same as…

Body styles WHILE these two cars share a front-engine, rear-drive configuration, their body designs couldn’t be more different. Both cars feel sporty from behind the wheel, but the MX-5’s open top arguably makes it that bit more enjoyable to drive. The extra noise from the engine and tyres only adds to the sense of involvement. Engine choice THERE are two engine options in the MX-5: 1.5 or 2.0 litres. The 129bhp 1.5 makes do with smaller wheels, and also does without the limited-slip diff. However, it’s still extremely sporty to drive, and prices start from £18,495 – a lot less than the GT86. Tuning options TUNERS such as Cosworth, Litchfield and Fennsport offer various upgrades for the GT86, from software updates to the addition of turbochargers. There aren’t many options…

OUR Lexus NX 300h has clocked up 9,985 miles since it joined the fleet earlier this year, yet most of that is courtesy of other members of the Auto Express team. The demand of our new car review videos means I’m often in different vehicles, but the NX has been providing stylish transport for a number of my colleagues. So it seems only appropriate to hand this report over to them. Our film crew regularly use the Lexus when it’s available to lug their kit about, which saves them the hassle of renting a van. Filmmaker Edward Day said: “You certainly feel like you’ve stepped up in the world. It’s so posh to travel in yet is still very practical – the boot is really useful for carrying our kit.…

FIRST TEST Black and Decker HVFE2150L cordless vacuum cleaner Price: £169.99 Contact: www.blackanddecker.co.uk BLACK and Decker’s Dustbuster won our most recent in-car vac group test (Issue 1,354), and the company has followed it up with this latest cordless model, which features ORA technology. ORA stands for Optimised Runtime and Airflow, and that’s evident in the 16 minutes we got out of the battery of this HFVE2150L vac. It felt longer, as you switch the button on and off, rather than holding down a trigger. The cordless vac features a stylish grey and white colour scheme, plus a high-quality feel. It’s also easy to empty, and as it weighs only 4.4kg, moving it around the car is simple. The attachments included are great for the harder-to-reach places in the cabin, while…

TESTER Our man Naylor put the TomTom GO 5100 through its paces on recent holiday in Sicily “One of the best things about the 5100 is the display – it’s large with clear directions” 600-MILE TEST TomTom GO 5100 Price: £239.99 Contact: www.tomtom.com THE TomTom GO 5100 earned a full five-star rating when we first tested it in Issue 1,377 – but we wanted to see how it would fare over an extended period of time in the first of our new long-term test features. A September holiday in Sicily gave my wife and I the perfect opportunity to do so, and we took one along on our trip all around the Italian island. One of the best things about the 5100 is the display – it’s large with…

CARS RELIABLE CHOICE Honda CR-V FOR:Reliable, loads of space, simple to use AGAINST:Lacks image and quality feel THE CR-V does without the badge appeal, style and premium feel of rivals here, but it has more tricks up its sleeve. It’s not the best to drive, either, but it’s comfortable and relaxing, with easy controls and a logical dash layout. There’s also acres of space. Another benefit is Honda’s reputation for impeccable reliability, but you’ll have to stretch to EX spec for a powered tailgate. We found a 2013 2.0-litre petrol EX with 80,000 miles for £14,995. INTERIOR RELIABILITY CARS PREMIUM CHOICE AudiQ5 FOR:Premium feel, classy cabin, drive AGAINST:A bit pricey, parts are expensive THE Q5 is at the other end of the scale to the Honda. It’s a real premium…

Essentials Aston Martin DB10 Price: N/AEngine: 4.2-litre V8 petrolPower: 430bhpTransmission: Six-speed manual,rear-wheel drive0-60mph: 4.8 secondsTop speed: 190mphEconomy: 21.9mpgCO2: 321g/km ON SALE N/A DESIGN The DB10 features plenty of familiar design cues, including 10-spoke alloys. Plus, there’s a strong shoulder line and perforations in the bonnet IT’S a bit of a cliché to make James Bond references when writing about Aston Martins, but they’re justified in this case, because we are actually driving 007’s car here. The absolutely stunning and unique DB10 was created for the latest Bond movie, Spectre, which debuted this week at cinemas around the globe. It’s the work of Aston Martin’s design virtuoso Marek Reichman, and although Bond was initially going to drive the next-generation DB9, Spectre director Sam Mendes thought the spy deserved something sportier than…

YELLOW PERIL Research shows that drivers are braking hard near cameras to avoid tickets, potentially causing accidents DANGEROUS braking “black spots” are being created by fixed speed cameras as motorists try to slow down and avoid a ticket, according to new research. The study by driver data firm Wunelli found incidents of this hard braking were on average six times more likely to take place just before speed cameras – and up to 11 times as likely at some sites. It said speed cameras are encouraging “poor driver behaviour” after analysing data over a billion miles to produce a top 10 of the worst areas near speed cameras in the UK. Wunelli defined a “hard braking event” as a change in speed of 6.5mph or more over one second –…

WINTER is around the corner, but MINI is already preparing for the spring sun with the unveiling of its new Convertible. Set to go on sale in March, the car will cost from £18,475 in Cooper spec – an increase of £750 over the outgoing model. While that may seem steep next to the £15,295 DS 3 Cabrio, we expect a cheaper, entry-level One to appear later in 2016. Joining the turbo petrol Cooper at launch will be a diesel Cooper D (from £20,225) and a range-topping 189bhp Cooper S (from £22,430). The new Convertible is based on the latest MINI hatch, and cuts a familiar silhouette, but is bigger all-round than the outgoing car. It’s 98mm longer and 44mm wider than the last cabrio, yet just 1mm higher. A…

VAUXHALL has announced full pricing and specs for its new Astra Sports Tourer estate, due in March. The range kicks off from £16,585, which Vauxhall claims is £1,870 less trim-for-trim than the old car. That gets you the base 100bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine in Design trim, which comes with 16-inch alloys, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, air-con and automatic lights. Range-topping Elite Nav spec brings sat-nav, heated leather seats, dual-zone climate control and 17-inch alloys; prices start at £20,605. Engines include a 1.0-litre and 1.6-litre turbo with 197bhp. A 1.6-litre diesel in varying power outputs can also be had, with either single or twin turbos.…

ONLINE sales are taking over the car industry, with everything from new models to breakdown cover available via websites. Insurance comparison sites are one of the biggest examples of motorists going online to hunt for the cheapest deal. But the latest figures from Consumer Intelligence suggest companies shouldn’t be ditching their helplines just yet, as a quarter of drivers still renew insurance over the phone. In fact, they should be making call centres better, as statistics show 83 per cent of people were angered by their calls to firms over the past year. It seems staff don’t know what they’re talking about. That’s backed up by our Driver Power satisfaction survey results from earlier in the year (Issue 1,381) which highlighted that product knowledge and clarity of information provided by…

WE all know that smoking in public confined spaces is illegal, but what exactly is the law when it comes to smoking in vehicles? Since 2007, it has been illegal to smoke in enclosed public places and workplaces, including public transport, taxis and work vehicles. These rules were further extended from 1 October 2015, and it’s now illegal for a driver of a private motor vehicle to smoke with anyone under the age of 18 present in the vehicle or, indeed, to allow a passenger to smoke. These rules will be enforced by the police and the penalty for breaking them will either be a £50 fixed penalty notice or – if prosecuted before a magistrates’ court – a fine of up to £200. However, those smoking e-cigarettes will not…

ROVER has had a turbulent life since its inception as a motorbike manufacturer in 1883. It thrived in the fifties and sixties and merged with British Leyland in 1967, but by 1975 BL was bankrupt. In 1988, the company was bought by British Aerospace and renamed Rover Group. It was sold to BMW in 1994. The Rover 75 (right) went on sale in 1998 and things looked on the up… 2000 BMW sells Land Rover to Ford, and retains the Cowley plant for MINI production. MAY 2000 The Rover Group is sold to the Phoenix Consortium for £10 and becomes the MG Rover Group. Only Longbridge remains in Rover’s hands – MG Rover’s cars include standard Rovers and sporty MG alternatives. 2001 MG Rover’s best year of sales at 170,000…

Essentials Jaguar XF 3.0 TDV6 S Price: £49,945Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbodieselPower: 296bhpTorque: 700NmTransmission: Eight-speed automatic,rear-wheel drive0-62mph: 6.2 secondsTop speed: 155mphEconomy: 51.4mpgCO2: 144g/km ON SALE Now PRACTICALITY The XF rights the XE’s wrongs in terms of practicality. You get a decent-sized 540-litre boot and enough space in the rear for tall passengers. There’s no Sportbrake estate version yet, and it looks unlikely that one will be produced EQUIPMENT Top-spec S trim cars come loaded to the rafters, with a TFT display between the dials and an eight-inch central touchscreen. A Meridian sound system is also included as standard, plus there’s a long list of safety equipment WE drove the new Jaguar XF on the twisting roads of Portugal in Issue 1,384, and were blown away by its blend of luxury, performance…

Essentials Porsche Cayman GT4 Price: £64,451Engine: 3.8-litre flat-sixPower/torque: 380bhp/420NmTransmission: Six-speed manual,rear-wheel drive0-62mph: 4.4 secondsTop speed: 183mphEconomy: 27.4mpgCO2: 238g/km ON SALE Now PRACTICALITY It may not be quite as easy to live with day-to-day as the standard Cayman, but it gets the same 425-litre boot – 275 litres in the rear and 150 litres at the front (above) EQUIPMENT Porsche’s trio of dials look as good as ever. GT4 comes only with a six-speed manual box; there’s no dual-clutch PDK. Standard kit includes 20-inch wheels and Alcantara seats A FEW years ago, if you wanted a hardcore Porsche built for true drivers then the 911 GT3 was the go-to option. It’s still a great driver’s car, but now the GT3 is only available with the PDK double-clutch automatic transmission. So enthusiasts…

Off-road THE Range Rover is miles ahead of its rivals for off-road ability, and the Terrain Response system adjusts the traction and stability control for different surfaces. The Audi has an off-road mode for the stability control, while hill descent control is a £195 option. In contrast, the BMW doesn’t offer any off-road extras beyond its 4WD system. Premium sound ALL three cars’ sound systems can be upgraded. Audi’s £690 Bose set-up includes LED-rimmed speakers, while BMW’s £600 harman/kardon system is in 7.1 surround sound. Range Rover’s top-spec 17-speaker Meridian sounds great but costs £1,600. There is a cheaper £600 option. Tax THE BMW’s lower CO2 emissions really reap the benefits for company car buyers. A 128g/km output means it sits in the 23 per cent tax bracket – one…

NEW: Caterham Seven 270 PRICE: £22,995 ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 135bhp IF the MX-5 isn’t going to be your only car, why not go the whole hog and buy one of the best-handling cars on the planet? The 270 has plenty of power, covers 0-60mph in 5.0 seconds and boasts classic looks. Plus, you could pocket £3,000 if you build it yourself. USED: MGB Roadster PRICE: From £16,000 ENGINE: 1.8-litre 4cyl, 95bhp THE MX-5 is a modern successor to the MGB, and while prices vary according to condition, you could bag a tidy chrome-bumpered model for similar cash. You’ll recoup your money when you sell it – just be prepared to get your hands dirty to keep it running.…

FIRST TEST Britax KING II ATS child seat Price: £180 Rating: Contact: 01264 386034, www.britax.co.uk EVERY parent knows how crucial it is to install a child seat correctly in their car, but it’s no less important to ensure that your little one is properly secured in the seat’s harness. The general rule is parents should be able to slide no more than two fingers between the harness and the child’s chest. Yet that’s only an approximate guide, and a new seat from Britax aims to inject more science into the operation. The new KING II ATS is a forward-facing seat suitable for children aged from nine months to two years old. The difference is that it checks and monitors the tightness of the harness and can adjust it as necessary.…

Lamborghini Supercars: 50 Years Stuart Codling (Motorbooks, www.foyles.co.uk) Price: £50.00 (hardback) Rating: THIS book combines glorious pictures with interesting information about Lamborghini’s greatest hypercars. It’s a history of some of the most evocative names in the motoring world, including the Miura, Huracán and Countach. The book covers everything from the early days of tractor manufacturing to the polished supercars of today. Jaguar Design – A Story of Style Nick Hull (Porter Press, www.porterpress.co.uk) Price: £90.00 (hardback) Rating: IF proof were needed that Jaguar has produced some of the most beautiful cars of all time, the hundreds of high-quality pictures in this book will remind people of the history behind them. It’s fascinating to see the development behind iconic classics like the E-Type and Mark II, and to learn of Jaguar’s…

Got any car queries? Martin_ Saarinen@dennis.co.uk @AE_ Consumer Q Civic’s manifold misery I BOUGHT an eight-year-old Honda Civic in October, and just two days after purchase, I noticed the exhaust manifold was broken. Is the dealer responsible for this? Yusuf Bendasan, E-mail A UNDER the new Consumer Rights Act, which came into force on 1 October, you’re entitled to reject – or have the dealer fix – the car within 30 days if it’s not as described. An exhaust manifold is classified as a wear and tear item, but your dealer should have mentioned it. Q C4 Picasso won’t restart THE stop/start on my Citroen C4 Picasso cuts the engine, but when I take my foot off the brake, there is no response. I have to restart…

THE motor industry has long had a logical interest in the residential property business. After all, cars are often extensions of homes. They’re parked inches from our front doors, either kerbside or on driveways. They’ve even been known to occupy their own ‘lounges’ (aka domestic garages) inside, alongside or beneath our homes. For decades, Toyota in Japan has been operating its successful and wonderfully funky housing division. In South Korea, Hyundai homes are common. And Honda has lately been telling folk keen to self-build that it’ll help them get started, and will even (via hondasmarthome.com) allow them to download architectural drawings of its idea of tomorrow’s sustainable house, with roof-mounted solar panels designed to recharge the all-electric vehicles and garden equipment in the integral garage. True, it’s described only as…