Innholdsfortegnelse for 1494 i Auto Express

Sean_Carson@dennis.co.uk @Sean_Carson_ THE original 2004 Mercedes CLS created a new niche, carving out the four-door coupé sector with its elegant styling and sportier set-up. It’s these elements that Mercedes has elevated to the next level with the third-generation CLS – and we’ve sampled a final pre-production car from the passenger seat in the UK. Here is our verdict ahead of the model’s global debut in November at the LA Motor Show. This CLS marks the introduction of the new Mercedes 242bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, but it was the 3.0 straight-six petrol and diesel models we experienced during our ride. The 3.0-litre petrol boasts advanced tech for the brand, too; a new 48V electrical system allows an integrated starter-alternator to deliver a 27bhp hit as part of the new EQ…

Martin_Saarinen@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer DASH cams could help cut the number of serious and fatal accidents in the UK by alerting emergency services to crashes in the future, Auto Express can reveal. From this year, dash cams will be able to upload video footage wirelessly to remote ‘cloud’ servers thanks to new connected features. Dash cam maker Thinkware told Auto Express that in the future the devices could automatically record and upload footage to emergency services when their built-in G-sensors detect an accident. Thinkware’s business development manager Tim Sagar said: “Instantaneous video evidence will be invaluable for the emergency services to help them assess the severity [of an accident]. “Then, of course, there are cases where vehicles leave the road and nobody is aware there has been an accident,” he added. “Cams…

TOYOTA has previewed four new cars for the Tokyo Motor Show, including a striking GT 86-based GR HV Sports concept. Said to “integrate the thrill of a sports car with the environmental friendliness of an eco car”, the design study concept has a hybrid system similar to that of the TS050 Hybrid Le Mans Prototype. The GR HV Sports also features a targa-style roof. The GR HV forms part of Toyota’s new GR range, taking its initials from Gazoo Racing, the brand’s in-house racing company. The team fields the TS050 in the World Endurance Championship, with some of the race car’s design passed to this concept. Also making its premiere will be the TJ Cruiser crossover. The box-shaped commercial vehicle gets SUV tyres and large front grille. It uses a 2.0-litre…

John_McIlroy@dennis.co.uk @johnmcilroy ESTABLISHED models like the Mondeo could face an uncertain future as part of a radical rethink announced by Ford into its future product strategy – shifting the firm’s focus away from combustion engines and conventional cars and towards electrification, SUVs and pick-ups. The plan was announced last week by CEO Jim Hackett, who had promised a turnaround plan for Ford after his first 100 days at the helm. Hackett announced plans to trim $10bn (£7.6bn) in costs from the business. He also stated that he aims to remove $7bn (£5.3bn) of investment in new cars – spending it on expanding Ford’s line-up of SUVs and pick-ups instead. Auto Express understands the push towards pick-ups in the US could also deliver more products in this area to European customers.…

MOST people won’t have a hard time distinguishing between a van and a car, but it’s not so easy for the Government, it seems. In recent months the Treasury has begun challenging the views of employers on vans and classifying some as cars if they have features such as a second set row of seats. It’s worth noting here that cars attract a higher level of tax than vans do. According to Treasury guidelines, a van is a goods vehicle that is built primarily for that specific purpose. In the Treasury’s eyes, a second row of seats or rear passenger windows mean the van may not be purely intended for carrying goods. But there’s little consistency here. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has said it accepts double-cab pick-ups with a…

Contact Lawrence Allan mail@autoexpress.co.uk @AutoExpress Write to: Watchdog/Letters, Auto Express, Dennis Publishing, 31-32 Alfred Place, London WC1E 7DP HOT TOPIC Dyson’s EV plans FROM: Mark Rupert I’VE got faith in Sir James Dyson. He’s been ahead of the game in the home appliance market for years, and although this is different to car making, the principles of innovation and clever engineering will go a long way. I think he’ll get the battery tech right. FROM: Maj1124 NOT sure how much Dyson will actually be doing to develop an EV. I can see it relying heavily on existing suppliers to get it off the ground and just putting its logo on the bonnet, plus some clever touches. Developing a car is very different to making a cleaner. Join the debate at…

Richard_Ingram@dennis.co.uk @rsp_ingram BEFORE sporty sub-brand Polestar reveals its first standalone model, it will continue to offer performance parts for existing Volvos. Its latest efforts focus on the ageing V40, injecting late-life appeal ahead of the hatch’s demise next year. The V40 has always been good to drive, with accurate steering and tight body control. The £4,725 Polestar Performance Pack builds on a solid base, then, adding what Volvo calls ‘optimised’ ECU software, new lightweight wheels, an air intake and exhaust upgrade, tweaks to the springs and dampers and some subtle styling changes. Most of the parts are available for existing cars, but combining them on a new T5 gains an extra 8bhp and 50Nm of torque. The first thing you’ll notice is the ride. The new springs are 10mm lower…

SKODA CITIGO score 3.4 Swing radio Standard Key features: Bluetooth, app-based nav THE Citigo has a slightly unusual infotainment set-up, but it’s one that’s catching on. Instead of the sat-nav screen mounted on top of the dash in the pre-facelift car, there’s simply a mount for your smartphone with a handy USB socket just behind it to keep it charged. Then you just download the Skoda app to your phone, or use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto on your device, to get access to navigation and other features. Bluetooth means you can sync your music and make phone calls, too. It’s actually an unmatched system if you only use your phone for mapping anyway – many city car buyers do exactly that – although if you don’t have a modern…

Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk @LobAllan BACK in 1983, Margaret Thatcher secured a landslide victory in the General Election, Culture Club’s song Karma Chameleon dominated the charts and the Austin Metro was the UK’s best-selling car. It was also the year that the first Nissan Micra arrived on British shores. In the decades since then, politics, the music scene and the automotive industry have all been transformed. So we thought we’d see what’s changed on Nissan’s small car by bringing the Mk1 model together with our 2017 version. “Mk1 car looks dated thanks to its boxy, featureless shape’ This car is a slightly later 1988 example with a mere 4,500 miles on the clock – it’s actually moved less than our six-month-old Micra. It’s almost in showroom condition, but it looks rather dated thanks…

NEW PRODUCT Step2 McLaren 570S ride-on Price: $79.99 (£60 approx) Contact: www.step2.com AN open-top McLaren sports car is something thousands of people aspire to, but only the lucky few can stretch to the £200,000-plus price tag. Now, though, McLaren has teamed up with US-based Step2 to produce an all-new 570S Spider – and it’s available for less than £100. The Step2 McLaren 570S ride-on is a child-sized push car that will turn any living room into a race track. It’s built from sturdy, lightweight plastic, and Step2 pitches it as a stylish and practical alternative to a pushchair thanks to its adult-height push handle. It’s a single-seater, with a stowage area under the seat for the ‘driver’ to keep everything from snacks to crayons. There are even cup-holders either side…

Nominees revealed for book of the year THE Royal Automobile Club has announced its Motoring Book of the Year shortlist. Nominated are Stephen South: The Way it Was by Darren Banks, Jaguar C-type: The Autobiography of XKC 051 by Chas Parker and Philip Porter, Watching the Wheels by Damon Hill, Red Dust Racers by Graeme Cocks, Delage – Champion Du Monde by Daniel Cabart and Christophe Pund, and Continental Journeys by David Bassoli. One book will win the overall title on 1 November and another the Specialist Book of the Year award. Land Rover upgrade parts in one place A NEW catalogue brings together all the upgrades for Land Rovers from the Defender to the Range Rover Evoque. Rimmer Bros Land Rover Catalogue has more than 200 pages of OEM…

DESPITE the rise of sat-navs and apps, many drivers still prefer to use paper maps which can’t go wrong or misdirect you. They are also great for seeing the bigger picture ahead of a trip. The best sizes are A4 or A3, and the bigger options usually work out cheaper per page. But of course the bigger you buy, the more room they take up in storage. A larger scale gives more detail but means more pages and weight. In general, spiral-bound maps are easier to use since they fold flat, although they’re often not as robust as perfectbound versions. So which atlas will put you on the right road? We tested eight. How we tested them WE checked for up-to-date mapping by picking four current road projects and detail…

Sam_Naylor@dennis.co.uk @SamNaylor_AE ▪ Our verdict as we get first taste of production version of SUV ▪ Sits on MQB platform; promises strong practicality, lots of tech SKODA’S new range of SUVs started with a winner. The excellent Kodiaq seven-seater was crowned Best Large SUV at the 2017 Auto Express New Car Awards, and has subsequently won a series of tough road tests. That’s set expectations high for the smaller Karoq – but can it match its bigger brother’s top mix of practicality, dynamics and standard equipment? Despite the demise of the outgoing Yeti, the Karoq is not a direct replacement for the boxy SUV. It’s 20cm longer than the old car and much bigger inside. We first drove a prototype version of the Karoq way back in May (Issue 1,471),…

Steve_Fowler@dennis.co.uk @stevefowler NISSAN is gearing up for the Tokyo Motor Show at the end of October by previewing a hot version of its new allelectric Leaf – hinting that the brand’s aggressive EV rollout won’t come at the expense of performance models. Called the Leaf Nismo, the car is only a concept for now. However, when it takes to the Tokyo stage, it’ll boast sporty styling and a more potent all-electric powertrain. For now, Nissan is remaining tightlipped about the Leaf Nismo’s figures, but one insider hinted at performance close to that of a Ford Focus RS. “Expect a 0-62mph time of below six seconds,” we were told. It’s easy to see how the Leaf Nismo differs from the standard hatchback, with large alloy wheels, lowered ride height, two-tone black…

James_Batchelor@dennis.co.uk @JRRBatchelor Videowatch NISSAN’S new Leaf and Hyundai’s first hot hatch take top billing at youtube.com/Autoexpress this week. Full preview of Nissan’s new Leaf NISSAN has launched its secondgeneration Leaf with more attractive styling and, more crucially, improved battery tech. The latest model will travel 235 miles on a single charge (and there’s a 310-mile model coming), while there’s a more conventional interior and autonomous driving modes. Editor-in-chief Steve Fowler has the lowdown on our YouTube channel. Behind the wheel of Hyundai’s i30 N WITH its new i30 N, can Hyundai really take on established hot hatch titans such as the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Honda Civic Type R? It looks the part and with its development being signed off at the Nürburgring, the early signs are promising. Log on…

Steve_Fowler@dennis.co.uk @stevefowler WORKING in the car business for most people is as much a passion as it is a career. And that’s certainly true of Nick Rogers, executive director, product engineering at Jaguar Land Rover. He’s been with the company since the British Leyland days of 1984, starting as an apprentice in body engineering and rising through the ranks to now sit on the main board of one of Britain’s most successful companies. The cars Rogers is responsible for go from the Range Rover to the Jaguar F-Type – cars that are clearly in his blood. So much so that he has a garage full of Jaguar and Land Rover models of his own that reveal much about the man himself, the people who inspire him, those he works with…

Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk @LobAllan MERCEDES is often accused of filling needless niches, and cars such as the GLA are regularly cited as evidence. But with the explosion of the crossover market, manufacturers are rolling out SUV-inspired models at a rate of knots, and several hot versions are just around the corner. Having been on sale for more than two years, the AMG GLA 45 has been given a series of mid-life updates along with the rest of the range. External revisions aren’t obvious, but there’s a new front apron with vertical louvres added to the air intakes, as well as a chrome splitter. The rear features a tweaked spoiler and new diffuser. These improve cooling while also reducing drag. Our test car’s flagship Yellow Night Edition spec enhances the chintz. The abundance…

Jonathan_Burn@dennis.co.uk @Jonathan_burn THE automotive industry is going through a radical period of change. The fallout from the Dieselgate scandal has forced car makers to begin to develop electric and hybrid vehicles at a frantic rate as consumer confidence in diesel continues to sour. The switch from conventional petrol and diesel cars to electric vehicles is a trend you’ll see throughout the next 34 pages as we run through all of the key new models that will be arriving in dealers from 2018 and beyond. The theme of electrification isn’t the only one you’ll spot, either, because there seems to be no let up in the appetite buyers have for SUVs and crossovers. There’s never been a more exciting time in the industry, and if you’re in the market for a…

Stuart_Milne@dennis.co.uk @stuartjmilne JUST how close to the edge can Ford’s big SUV go? Certainly not quite as far as a Discovery Sport, but over the past few months it’s clear to me that it’ll take you as close as you could reasonably want. While the sales brochure makes passing reference to the Edge’s intelligent four-wheel-drive system, the reality is that its safety, comfort and practicality will be more important to most buyers. Nevertheless, it has a reasonable amount of ground clearance, as well as electronics that can send torque to the front or rear wheels when needed. That means the Ford is perfectly adequate for the mild off-roading expected of it. That helps ensure the Edge is great for family adventures. Its styling might make it the textbook US ‘soccer…

products@autoexpress.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q When should I clean wheels? WHEN cleaning my car, I’ve always tackled the wheels first. I’ve been told that this is wrong and they should be done last because they are the dirtiest part of the car. Which is right? Paul Cage, E-mail A IF you are using a wheel cleaner that needs time to work, you can apply this before tackling the bodywork, but make sure it doesn’t dry out. A pressure washer can be used to ensure there isn’t much dirt to take off and minimise the transfer of grime to the wash bucket. If you’re just using a mitt, leave the wheels until last. Q Are LED bulbs worth fitting? I HAVE seen LED headlamp bulbs for sale on the Internet and am thinking…

Sponsored by 67th PLACE 2017 Results Vauxhall Corsa Factfile Years: 2014 to present CO2: 119g/km Fuel economy: 55.4mpg (1.4i ecoFLEX) Best options: Sat-nav, heated seats and heated steering wheel, park assist, OnStar, Wi-Fi hotspot Prices: From £5,690 GOOD “THE gearbox is very smooth and the dashboard even advises me when to change up or down.” “I love the styling – it’s a very modern and smart shape.” “Heated seats are an excellent addition and very comfortable. Didn’t expect this in a car like the Corsa.” “Even in icy conditions, I’ve had no problems with my Corsa’s handling.” “The dashboard is well laid-out – everything is conveniently placed and easy to use.” “Cheap road tax of £30 is a nice bonus every year.” NOT SO GOOD “MY car sometimes feels short…

Stephen_Errity@dennis.co.uk PEUGEOT has announced an increased commitment to the FIA World Rallycross Championship and confirmed that ninetime Word Rally champion Sebastien Loeb will once again be at the wheel of one of its 208 WRXs for the series’ 2018 season. Peugeot’s rallycross effort has to date been conducted on a ‘semi-works’ basis in collaboration with Swedish former driver Kenneth Hansen’s family team. The squad will continue to be involved in the project in 2018, but now with more direct backing and technical support from Peugeot itself. The French manufacturer is said to have an eye on the long-term future of rallycross. The sport is seen as a likely candidate for transferring to electric power in the coming years, due to the short distances covered in its elimination-heat format and the…

Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk @LobAllan FOLLOWING on quickly from the reveal of the updated Range Rover Sport in Issue 1,493, Land Rover has now pulled the wraps off its revised full-size 2018 Range Rover. The luxury SUV is available to order now from £79,595, which is £2,800 more than the outgoing car. It features a more luxurious cabin, new tech and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. As part of the model year change, the British maker’s long-standing flagship has received some mild exterior revisions. The front grille has been tweaked to bring it into line with the new Velar, while four new LED headlight systems are available. These include an adaptive Pixel-Laser High Beam option that can project light up to 500 metres ahead of the car. At the back, a new bumper integrates…

Fiat gives 500X a minor makeover FIAT has revealed an updated version of its 500X crossover (above) for 2018. As well as minor front and rear tweaks, there are new bronze and green paint colours, plus extra personalisation options. Inside, Fiat has added the latest Uconnect HD Live touchscreen to higherend models, bringing Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and other online services. The car will go on sale early next year, with prices to be confirmed at a later date. Renault planning major expansion RENAULT is planning to introduce 21 new vehicles across its brands – including budget marque Dacia and sports car firm Alpine – before 2022. CEO Carlos Ghosn announced last Friday a new alliance between Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi will generate more than £62billion in revenue by the…

John_McIlroy@dennis.co.uk @johnmcilroy LEXUS is making big claims about the safety features on the latest generation of its flagship LS – and Auto Express has jumped aboard to see how the Mercedes S-Class rival’s tricks work in practice. The LS features Lexus Safety Sense +A, which takes the firm’s existing features and adds a couple of world firsts. The car can now detect static pedestrians behind it when it’s reversing, so it can warn drivers if they’re about to strike a small child, and stop itself if it feels a collision is imminent. Lexus set up a demonstration of the LS’s other new feature at Toyota’s test facility near Brussels. The car can identify pedestrians at speed, too, and if it thinks you’re about to hit someone it will apply the…

Matthew Avery Director of Research at Thatcham Research www.thatcham.org/car-safety AUTONOMOUS cars are a hot topic. But many of us don’t realise that the key piece of technology to deliver automated driving is already here, fitted on many of the cars we drive and delivering safety benefits. I’m talking about ACC or adaptive cruise control. Unlike regular cruise control that merely keeps to a set speed, ACC maintains a safe distance between your vehicle and the car in front, regardless of the set speed, by using the same radar that delivers your AEB autobrake. The beauty of ACC is that it manages the speed and distance, thereby reducing fatigue on long motorway journeys. There’s also another safety benefit. So many collisions occur simply because we drive too closely to the car…

Sean_Carson@dennis.co.uk @Sean_Carson_ KIA has already proven it can sell a £40,000-plus SUV with its seven-seat Sorento, changing perceptions of the firm from value-focused and practical to a desirable brand in its own right. But a £40k sports saloon is a different proposition. Enter the Stinger GT-S, a 3.3-litre twinturbo V6 with the power and potential to rival Audi’s S5 Sportback. Four-cylinder petrol and diesel cars will be available, too. Even though it has the performance to topple the S5, with prices starting from £40,495 it undercuts the German four-door by around £7,000. Kia’s head of vehicle development Albert Biermann told us that the Stinger has “to surprise people and change perceptions of the brand”. And it could do that – because it’s a genuinely characterful car, with plenty of pace.…

Volkswagen up! beats 1.0 60PS 5dr PRICE: £10,955 ENGINE: 1.0-litre 3cyl, 59bhp THE VW up! shares its chassis and powertrain with the Citigo, while it’s also slightly more upmarket. However, it’s actually better value in youthful beats trim, which features a powerful stereo for a small, five-door city car. Toyota Aygo x-press 1.0 VVTi 5dr PRICE: £12,055 ENGINE: 1.0-litre 3cyl, 68bhp ANOTHER option for those after a sporty-looking urban car is the Toyota Aygo. That distinctive X-shaped front end has real appeal, and while it trails on refinement, the eager threecylinder engine and scope for customisation are strong.…

Stephen South: The Way it Was Darren Banks (Performance Publishing, www.performancepublishing.co.uk) Price: £25 Rating: MANY little-known race drivers aren’t deserving of a book. But this looks at the unfortunate Stephen South, who seemed destined for glory that instead went to Nigel Mansell. If we’re being picky, the print quality isn’t up to much. But as a first effort from the author and publisher, it’s a fine read. Jim Clark Eric Dymock (Eric Dymock Motoring Books, www.dovepublishing.co.uk) Price: £22.50 Rating: RELEASED to coincide with the imminent 50th anniversary of Jim Clark’s death, this is a lightly edited and beautifully reprinted version of Eric Dymock’s tribute to him. It’s a great read, giving you an insight into the life of this extraordinary man, and is full of anecdotes about his life and…

Martin_Saarinen@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q Is wiper noise normal? THE front and rear wipers on my new Mercedes E-Class Estate make a horrible noise. A main dealer looked into this, but staff claimed it must be a characteristic of the car. I struggle to agree. Who can help? Gordon Bradley, E-mail A TO see if the dealer is right, have the car independently inspected by an authorised engineer. They will be able to determine whether the noise is normal. Engineers in your area can be found at www.iaea-online.org. Q How to cut premiums MY insurance premium has just come up for renewal and I’ve noticed I’m being charged a higher rate than before. I haven’t had an accident in 10 years and want to stay with my provider. Is there any way…

NEVER thought it’d come to this, but I reckon it’s time every motorist carefully contemplates installing an equaliser (aka a dash cam or other audio visual device) inside the car looking at other drivers. Camera tech has thus far been used as a weapon to attack us. Let’s equalise matters by using it as a form of defence, too I’m not talking about new and unnecessary Government legislation forcing us to do this. Instead, I suggest we celebrate the advanced and affordable evidence-gathering tech available to us. For the good guys – that’s the overwhelming majority of us – we have little to worry about as such cameras can and do help protect us and our vehicles (criminals loathe cameras). Also, we should remember that if dash, head or body…