Auto Express 1480

SUFFERING from Brexit fatigue yet? I don’t blame you. Negotiations for our departure from the European Union have barely started and I suspect a degree of indifference is already setting in for many of us. That’s entirely understandable, but the reality is what’s agreed could have major implications on what you pay for your next car. I’ve had a number of discussions recently with industry insiders who are now genuinely fearful that Brexit could do some damage to prices, and the PCP deals that many of us now use to run a new car. Few want to go on the record for fear of being seen as a prophet of doom, but the concern is real. The thinking behind this was backed up last week by a report from the…

▪ Big changes under the skin put Fiesta back among the class best ▪ New trim levels and engines boost family appeal of supermini James_Disdale@dennis.co.uk WE’VE seen it on the motor show stands and been up close during static photo shoots, but after months of waiting Auto Express has finally got behind the wheel of one of 2017’s most eagerly awaited cars – the all-new Ford Fiesta. The newcomer has some big shoes to fill, because even after eight years on sale its predecessor still had a firm grip on the top of the sales charts, plus it continues to set the class standard for driving fun. Ford bosses are acutely aware that upmarket models such as the VW Polo and new SEAT Ibiza – the latter still basking in…

Ford Fiesta Rating: Prices from: £12,715 Monthly from: £223 THE Fiesta looks set to keep its title as Britain’s favourite car: as we reveal in our drive on Page 6, it’s one of the best-value cars on sale. The basic monthly costs look high, but for a few quid extra you can step up to desirable Zetec trim. It’s fun to drive, stylish and comfortable, and also comes loaded with kit. With improvements to interior quality, infotainment and space, the new Fiesta is the best it’s ever been. There’s a hot ST version on the way, too. Citroen C3 Rating: Price from: £11,135 Monthly from: £202 CITROEN’S C3 offers something a bit different. It’s quirky, cool and comfortable, and the bright interior gives a sense of space. It’s not great…

THE silhouette may look familiar, but underneath the clever cladding (right) lies a much sleeker machine, and a very different sort of Bentley. This is the allnew Continental GT – and Auto Express has had an early taste of what to expect when the car reaches showrooms next spring. After 14 years and sales success that surely exceeded all expectations, the Conti gets a fresh chassis and lots of new technology. It’s based on the VW Group’s new MSB platform, first used by the Porsche Panamera, but 200mm has been chopped from the wheelbase to underpin the Crewe company’s 2+2 coupé. In fact, this is no mere re-skin of the Panamera; Bentley engineers were involved from the start with the MSB platform, and their demands have influenced the Porsche, just…

Sam_Naylor@dennis.co.uk @SamNaylor_AE ASTON Martin has confirmed that its first-ever electric car, the RapidE, will be launched in 2019. These official sketches preview the look of the Tesla Model S rival, which will be based on a concept (right) from 2015 that was also called the RapidE. Only 155 production versions of the GT will be made, with prices expected to hit the £250,000 mark; Auto Express understands the newcomer is being used as a test bed for Aston Martin’s forthcoming SUV, the DBX, which will also be available with an electric powertrain when it goes on sale. Aston has joined up with Williams Advanced Engineering, the division of the famous racing team that develops bespoke road cars and Formula E battery tech, which will help develop the vehicle. The initial…

James_Batchelor@dennis.co.uk @JRRBatchelor THE new Range Rover Velar is one of this year’s must-have cars. And as you would with a new jacket or pair of trousers, we tried it for size by taking a ride up the hill at last weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. Referring to fashion when talking about the Velar isn’t a step too far, either. It’s arguably the most desirable model ever to wear the Range Rover badge. In fact, its coupé roofline, rakish profile, slim headlights and rounded-off rump cut a dash even in Goodwood’s exotic Supercar Paddock. While the latest Lamborghini Centenario and mad Aston Martin Vulcan AMR Pro caused a stir, the Velar drew a huge crowd. Even as we were setting up the car for some video, the Land Rover team was…