Auto Express 1462

EVER considered buying an alternatively fuelled vehicle? If not, why not? As the picture above illustrates, there’s more choice than ever, with 83 different models now available to UK buyers, from superminis to SUVs to vans. It’s an appropriate time to ask, as well, with diesel continuing to attract negative headlines – not always entirely fairly, in my opinion – and significant changes to the road tax banding system just a month away from being introduced on 1 April. This week our Ultimate Car Cost Cutter feature covers the changes in depth, but in short the new rules will have major implications for the annual tax bill for alternatively fuelled vehicles. While pure electric models will remain free, owners of hybrids and plug-in hybrids face charges for the first time.…

mail@autoexpress.co.uk THE Stelvio SUV is very possibly the most important car in Alfa Romeo’s 105-year history, according to company boss Reid Bigland. But if that sounds like hyperbole given Alfa’s illustrious past, then consider this: the Stelvio will account for more than half of all Alfa sales globally once it hits the road later this year – and in the process, it will transform the brand into a major world player in the premium segment. The Stelvio will spearhead a new marketing push, not just into the US, but China and Asia as well. In the UK it could even account for as much as two-thirds of Alfa sales over the next five years, so it’s a fundamental car for the famous old Italian brand. Based heavily on the underpinnings…

James_Brodie@dennis.co.uk @jimmybrods “New engine is 17bhp up on outgoing ST, but equal to its overboost figure” FORD has revealed its new Fiesta ST hot hatch, which is based on the upcoming seventh-generation supermini. The fiery new ST will be the company’s headline act at next week’s Geneva Motor Show. The biggest news is the move to an allnew engine configuration. Out goes the fourcylinder 1.6-litre turbo used in the current car, and in comes a lightweight three-cylinder 1.5. This produces 197bhp, which is 17bhp up on the outgoing Fiesta ST but equal to its overboost figure. Torque swells from 240Nm to 290Nm, and Ford claims that the new Fiesta ST can cover 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds – two-tenths quicker than the old car, and on par with the limited-run ST200.…

James_Disdale@dennis.co.uk THE covers have finally come off the new DS 7 Crossback, and Auto Express has been given a tour of the SUV ahead of its Geneva Motor Show debut. The brand has pulled out all the stops for its first SUV, which has a plug-in powertrain, unique suspension and various autonomous functions. Since splitting from parent brand Citroen in 2015, DS has been saddled with an ageing line-up. However, with the DS 7 Crossback, the maker finally has a ‘bespoke’ model to take on premium cars such as the Audi Q5 and Range Rover Evoque. Bosses are aware that DS can’t simply copy its rivals, though. Project director Xavier Savignon told us: “We’re not at the same level as premium rivals in terms of profile, so we have to…

Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk @LobAllan AFTER a lengthy teaser campaign and a ‘Save the Date’ invitation for its Geneva Motor Show unveil, the first images of the new Alpine A110 sports car in production form have landed. The Porsche 718 Cayman rival is expected to arrive towards the end of 2017. UK sales will start early next year, with a price tag of around £50,000. The new images show the finished front and side profile of the car – from Renault’s sporty new sub-brand – for the first time. As expected, it looks virtually identical to the Alpine Vision Concept that made its debut in 2016, with exactly the same lightweight aluminium bodywork and the distinctive dual front LED lights. Only small details such as the mirrors are more conventional than the concept’s,…

PORSCHE has revealed its most powerful Panamera ever: the Turbo S E-Hybrid. The new four-door coupé, priced from £137,140 uses the 542bhp 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 from the Panamera in tandem with a 134bhp electric motor. That combines for a total of 671bhp and 850Nm of torque – more than any other Porsche currently on sale. Those outputs, and the all-wheeldrive system, mean the two tonne-plus Panamera claims to cover 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 193mph – although reports suggest it’s even faster. With plug-in hybrid assistance, Porsche says the S E-Hybrid delivers fuel economy of up to 97.4mpg, and emits 66g/km of CO2. The electric motor is powered by a 14.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack that can be charged in six hours from a standard charge socket,…