Innholdsfortegnelse for 1497 i Auto Express

John_McIlroy@dennis.co.uk @johnmcilroy THE revived Supra sports car will ditch its Toyota badging and be sold solely under the manufacturer’s Gazoo Racing brand, Auto Express understands. In what will be seen as a major commitment from the marque to its high-performance Gazoo division, the sports coupé – which is being developed jointly by the Japanese maker and German giant BMW – will not be sold with Toyota badges. “The Supra will be by Gazoo,” said the boss of the performance division, Shigeki Tomoyama. The news comes after it transpired that the Gazoo Racing team became more heavily involved in the car’s development – after Toyota president Akio Toyoda tested the vehicle and decided it needed to be “more mobile”. Prototype cars have since been given more of an edge to what…

John_McIlroy@dennis.co.uk @johnmcilroy LEXUS is preparing an all-new flagship LS to take on the Mercedes S-Class – and Auto Express has been given a brief run around the roads of Yokohama, Japan, to gauge how the latest limo is shaping up. There’s now just a single version on offer – a long-wheelbase LS 500h, which mixes a 3.5-litre V6 with a pair of electric motors, for a combined output of 354bhp. It’ll do 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds, even with its complex four-step auto box, which mimics a conventional 10-speed unit. Our short drive offered little chance to take the LS beyond 50mph, but it felt accomplished at lower speeds. The standard air suspension does a fair job of soothing out ramps and ridges in the road, but sharper imperfections are more…

Martin_Saarinen@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer NEARLY one in three drivers are handed fines each year, as police and local authorities increase the use of cameras to catch offending motorists. Of the 40 million drivers in the UK, 12 million are fined annually says a new RAC Foundation report. At eight million, parking fines make up the majority of penalties, although local authorities hand out 2.5 million for box junction and bus lane violations as well. A further one million speed and red light camera tickets were issued in the same 12-month period, along with 500,000 for late licensing and a lack of insurance. “In 2015, 74 per cent of fixed-penalty notices were camera detected” The study cites the growing use of cameras as a reason for the large number of fines issued. In…

IN Issue 1,496, we reported on how jams on the UK’s motorways and A-roads are costing the economy £9billion a year in lost productivity, fuel wastage and pollution. Headline figures showed over 1.35 million instances of congestion in the past 12 months with the worst lasting over 15 hours and costing £2.36million. We even polled the UK’s road experts on what can be done to improve our cluttered network, and they suggested everything from redesigning crash barriers so they can be easily removed to alerting drivers of accidents quicker and redesigning the road system to accommodate more vehicles than ever before. None of the suggestions included delaying much-needed repairs and improvements to the road system, but this is exactly what Highways England has decided in recent days. Last month, the…

Contact Hugo Griffiths mail@autoexpress.co.uk @AutoExpress Write to: Watchdog/Letters, Auto Express, Dennis Publishing, 31-32 Alfred Place, London WC1E 7DP HOT TOPIC Polestar 1 revealed FROM: Wiley THE Polestar 1 looks great, and the performance figures push it miles away from anything Volvo has built in years. And while the price is a slight concern, the subscription package should make the car more accessible. Let’s just hope it drives well. FROM: Robert Garden POLESTAR has certainly made it clear that it won’t just be building tuned-up Volvos. I love how it looks, and 592bhp sounds great, but I’m disappointed that the car won’t be sold in RHD in the UK. And I’m not sure what its main rivals are, either. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk ▪ “I like how more manufacturers are…

James_Brodie@dennis.co.uk @Jimmybrods THERE has been a lot of noise coming from the Volvo camp in recent months. Alongside the standalone (for now) spinoff Polestar 1, the brand’s commitment to a fully electrified future has the Swedes on a focused path to zero emissions. In the here and now, however, Volvo’s mission is much simpler: offer those in the premium market something different to the German norm. It’s a challenge the maker is taking in its stride – and the S90/V90 duo is a part of that success story. Launching in the summer of 2016, the car you see here stepped straight into the executive estate class as a key player, thanks to its winning combination of comfort and class. Initially available with a choice of just two (D4 and D5)…

ALFA ROMEO STELVIO score 3.3 Alfa Connect 3D Nav Standard Key features: 8.8-inch screen, sat-nav OUR top-spec Stelvio comes with Alfa’s 8.8-inch infotainment set-up, which is controlled by a rotary wheel on the transmission tunnel. The big screen fits into the dash nicely, but the interface’s design restricts how much information can be displayed. The sat-nav map isn’t as large or as clear as in its rivals, displayed in a letterbox format that makes it harder to view. Still, this doesn’t affect the usability of the system too badly – the TomTom-based unit is easy to operate and works well – but it does mean the Alfa’s set-up looks small. The graphics could be sharper, too, especially compared with the Volvo’s, while the Stelvio’s lack of Apple CarPlay and Android…

Martin_Saarinen@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer FOUR 40-litre rucksacks, two tents, four sleeping bags, three chairs, four folding mattresses, two pillows, food for six, 18 wooden logs, two cameras, two bags of clothes and several litres of water. This, plus me, my better half and two friends, was all supposed to fit inside our Citroen C3 for a trip to North Wales recently. In a previous report (Issue 1,483), I mentioned that the C3 really impressed me with its interior space. And most people on the team who’ve since grabbed the keys feel the same way – there’s far more room inside than you’d expect of a supermini, which prompts the question, just how far could we push this stylish car’s practicality? “Without three adults and several items of luggage, the car felt lighter…

Smart new child seat has built-in airbags MAXI-Cosi has launched a world first: a child’s car seat with built-in airbags. The innovation comes from the brand’s collaboration with airbag maker Helite, to produce a seat with airbags in the shoulder pads. Maxi-Cosi claims the airbags will reduce forces on children’s necks by up to 55 per cent over other car seats in the event of a collision. Currently the tech is available only on the new AxissFix Air seat (right), which costs £550. To find out more, log on to www.maxi-cosi.co.uk. Neat solution to end confusion on blades IT’S recommended that wiper blades are changed annually – but doing so can be an exercise fraught with curses and broken fingernails, depending on your car’s fittings. Ring thinks it has the…

PRODUCT GROUP TEST 1 | 11 | 2017 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. HEADLIGHT bulb makers are always raising the bar, with some now claiming up to 150 per cent more light than standard versions. Even those in our test with lower percentages promise to deliver a beam that’s over twice as bright as a regular bulb. But are pack promises the best way to buy? To find out, with the help of Ring, we headed to GE’s light tunnel in Budapest, Hungary. How we tested them AS the performance level of bulbs gets ever higher, we have made our test harder in order to find a winner…

Could it be that your petrol or dieselpowered BMW is eventually bettered by a more desirable Bosch-branded EV? LONG, loyal, lasting relationships between motor manufacturers and car buyers are fast disappearing. And loyalty levels will likely reduce further when comparatively simple (and simple to build) 100 per cent electric cars become the norm. We’ve seen that all-electric tech gives birth to new marques such as Tesla and Polestar. But countless others – in particular firms currently on the fringe rather than at the centre of car-making – are either thinking about or committed to becoming full-blown manufacturers of fully electric cars. So could it be that your petrol or dieselpowered BMW is eventually bettered by a more desirable and affordable Bosch-made and branded EV? Might you soon be driving a…

Jonathan_Burn@dennis.co.uk @Jonathan_burn HONDA hogged the limelight at last week’s Tokyo Motor Show with the unveiling of its Sports EV Concept. The low-slung, two-seat coupé previews how an all-electric Honda sports car could look, but bosses insist there are currently no plans to put the model into production. Honda CEO Takahio Hachigo told Auto Express: “We don’t yet have any plans to make it commercial. We are going to see what the feedback is like so we can learn whether we should launch it in the market.” It follows Honda’s Urban EV supermini concept (opposite), which was first seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and has been confirmed for production in 2019. The Sports EV sits on the same all-new electric vehicle platform that underpins the supermini, although no…

Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk @LobAllan MITSUBISHI is looking to use its new position as part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance to produce a Ford Fiesta-rivalling supermini. It would share its platform and mechanicals with the next-generation Renault Clio and Nissan Micra, and is expected to replace the smaller Mirage in Europe. Our exclusive image previews how the new car could look. Speaking to Auto Express prior to last week’s Tokyo Motor Show, Mitsubishi’s corporate vicepresident and product planning head Vincent Cobee told us: “Designing and building a bespoke platform is expensive, and the margins in the small car sector are smaller. So are we looking to use Renault and Nissan platforms in that segment? The answer is yes.” Cobee, who joined Mitsubishi from Nissan when it bought a 34 per cent stake in the…

James_Batchelor@dennis.co.uk @JRRBatchelor Videowatch AT youtube.com/Autoexpress this week, we round up the stars of the Tokyo Motor Show, plus reveal all on the new Audi A8. Video highlights of Tokyo Motor Show THE Auto Express team has clocked up another motor show before 2017 is out – this time it’s Tokyo. Japan’s capital always puts on a good show, and this year was no exception with a range of debuts. From sleek Mazdas that point at future models to Honda’s weird and wonderful Sports EV Concept, Tokyo 2017 had it all. Head to our YouTube channel to see the show’s stars. All the details on hi-tech new Audi A7 AUDI’S model roll-out continues with the new A7. The outgoing car looked dated, but the new version showcases the best of the…

Steve_Fowler@dennis.co.uk @stevefowler FOR most marques concept cars are something of a rarity. They might pop up every few years, grabbing the headlines at motor shows. Then they’re gone, occasionally leaving behind a production car with perhaps a passing resemblance to the concept that previewed it. Nobody, though, is as prolific as Jeep when it comes to producing concept cars. At this year’s annual Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, it took the wraps off not one, not two, but seven different concept cars. But why? Jeep boss Mike Manley invited us to Detroit to find out and to drive some of them – a rare opportunity given their handmade and priceless nature. The Jeep Safari is an annual event run by owners and Jeep fans, with the company attending as an…

Richard_Ingram@dennis.co.uk @rsp_ingram THIS week, Lexus boss Yoshihiro Sawa told Auto Express that the future of his brand’s smallest car is in doubt (Page 17). The popularity of crossovers and SUVs means sales of the CT 200h have suffered – despite its fuel-sipping petrol-electric powertrain. In order to maintain momentum before the hybrid hatch is replaced (or axed), Lexus has carried out some tweaks. Chief among these is a new trim structure, alongside revised bumpers, fresh lights and a different grille. Higher-spec SE trim replaces entry-level S cars, while Luxury, F Sport and Premier models complete the range. All come with alloy wheels and a seven-inch display, and our expensive top-spec model adds a Mark Levinson stereo and sat-nav. Based on the previous-generation Toyota Prius, the CT is available with just…

Dawn_Grant@dennis.co.uk AFTER six months on the Auto Express fleet, we’re saying farewell to our Renault Mégane. It has proven a great family car over that time, and while I’m excited about what’s coming next, I’m still sad to see the trusty hatchback go. As I don’t often drive to work, I mainly used the Mégane for weekends away – it came into its own in particular on trips to Dorset and Wiltshire (below) in recent months. On both occasions, the Renault was nice and quiet on the motorway journey out of London, and the adaptive cruise control meant some busy main roads were much more relaxed, as I didn’t need to keep adjusting my speed manually. “Sport mode firms up the steering, making the car feel a bit more engaging”…

products@autoexpress.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q Locked on to Audi’s wheel I WANT a steering lock for my Audi Q3, but am wondering if there is one on the market that can fit over the airbag and horn mechanism in the centre of the wheel, which sticks out a lot. Any suggestions for a device that will fit? Dave Worrall, E-mail A WE asked the top two companies from our Issue 1,412 test. Disklok (01257 795100, www.disklokuk.co.uk) says that its small device will fit. Stoplock (01488 689400, www.saxon-shop.com) suggests its Pro Elite, although both the winning Pro and Airbag locks would also be suitable. Q Dash cam mounting query HAVING bought a dash cam for my Ford Kuga, I’ve been checking the legal positioning on the windscreen. It shouldn’t protrude into the arc…

EVEN when cars are full of complex electrics, a soldering iron is a handy tool. It can be used for basic electrical repairs, adding accessories and, with practice, ‘stitching’ broken plastic bumpers and panels. In our last test, the best gas iron was the Laser 3410 and the top mains electric version was the Draper 71418 (since replaced by the 85356). We put the established Laser and latest Draper up against Sealey’s new iron – the rechargeable SDL6. We soldered a spade terminal, hooked up a speaker and stitched a crack in a plastic bumper, plus checked tool temperatures. Marks were given for effectiveness, ease of use, accessories and online prices. The Laser balanced power, portability and accessories. The new Sealey was good, but didn’t quite hit the mark. And…

James_Brodie@dennis.co.uk @jimmybrods THE Citroen C4 Cactus has been given a mid-life facelift, three years after the company’s funky compact crossover first landed at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. Gone is the car’s distinctive, Airbumpplastered SUV look, replaced by more conventional hatchback styling. A fresh face, new cabin comforts and more powerful engines are also on the menu, as is Citroen’s latest suspension technology. The refreshed design marks a departure from the original’s chunky appearance. This new C4 Cactus steps more towards a standard family hatchback in terms of how it looks, as the brand intends to place more distance between its ‘normal’ cars and its new Aircross range of crossovers and SUVs. With the arrival of the toned-down C4 Cactus, Citroen will finally call time on the regular C4 hatchback.…

Subaru set to go electric by 2021 THE global design chief of Subaru has revealed to Auto Express that the brand’s first electric model – due by 2021 – will be a full-size SUV. The car, whose styling will be inspired by the Ascent Concept (above), will use multiple electric motors to provide 4WD, and will sit on the maker’s new Global Platform architecture. While the design isn’t yet finalised, engineers are working on how best to package the batteries without compromising practicality. Hi-tech suspension for all DS models DS plans to roll out its camera-enhanced suspension set-up across all large cars – including the replacement for the DS 5. The system, which is similar to Magic Body Control on the Mercedes S-Class, will make its debut on the DS…

Executive Director at British Insurance Brokers’ Association www.biba.org.uk HAVE you fitted door poppers to your car or bull bars to your 4x4? Not things you may think are significant enough to tell your insurer about, but they could all actually invalidate your cover. Research by the British Insurance Brokers’ Association reveals that the list of modifications that insurers want to know about is now in the hundreds. Many are interested in modifications since the car left the dealership, but some now treat ‘optional extras’ fitted to the car when new by a manufacturer as a modification, too. It may not always be easy to tell if a second-hand car has been modified and if you don’t know the alloy wheels were ‘aftermarket’, it’s likely the Ombudsman would support you in…

Richard_Ingram@dennis.co.uk @rsp_ingram THE world may seem to be turning its back on diesel, which is why our first taste of SEAT’s new Arona SUV (Issue 1,495) came courtesy of the VW Group’s tried-andtested 1.0 TSI turbo petrol. But what if you’re not ready to make the switch and want a small crossover with appreciably low running costs? Can a diesel offer the best of both? Those intrigued by the Arona TDI will be pleased to hear the petrol car’s fine driving dynamics remain intact. The smallest SEAT SUV impressed in petrol form, and despite not being as quiet or refined, it remains good to drive – with little body roll and a smooth-shifting manual gearbox. It may not feel quite as light on its feet, but the 113bhp 1.6-litre diesel…

NEW: Jaguar F-Pace 2.0d 240 R-Sport PRICE: £44,060 ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 237bhp FOR around the same price as our three rivals, you could get into a high-spec Jaguar F-Pace R-Sport with a 237bhp diesel. It’s more than a match when it comes to handling and practicality; the Jag’s great to drive and is comfortable. USED: Porsche Macan S Diesel PRICE: £42,500 ENGINE: 3.0-litre V6, 254bhp CHOOSING a used model means you can have a superb Porsche Macan. It’s the best driver’s car in this class, and has a powerful and smooth V6 diesel engine. We found one with 22,000 miles at a lower price than new rivals in this test.…

A Life in Car Design Oliver Winterbottom (Veloce Publishing, veloce.co.uk) Price: £37.50 Rating: AN interesting look into the world of car design and the dysfunctional British motor industry. Responsible for cars like the Lotus Eclat and TVR Tasmin, Winterbottom is in a position to provide insight on both fronts, and does so through an interesting series of stories. Lots of photos of cars from drawing to concept to production, but we’d like more high-quality shots to match the excellent anecdotes. F1 Retro 1980 Mark Hughes (Motorsport Magazine, www.motorsportmagazine.co.uk) Price: £60 Rating: THANKFULLY, the cheap-looking dust cover is the only real low point of this book. A sequel to Hughes’ earlier 1970 work, this continues its journey into what were, for many readers, their formative years of F1. Bound to bring…

Martin_Saarinen@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q Worry over a red light fine I WAS stopped in front of a red traffic light, but an ambulance needed to get past me, so I had to pull out and make way for it. A red light camera caught both of us. Will I get a fine, and if I do, can I appeal? Robbie Turner, E-mail A IF you do get a fine sent to you it’s worth trying to appeal it because there will be evidence that you moved out of the way for an ambulance. However, you should have stayed put, because emergency vehicle drivers are trained to manoeuvre around you. tryin evi sta dri Q Do I need to replace pump? MY SEAT Leon is due to have its cambelt replaced and…

Stephen_Errity@dennis.co.uk NISSAN will become the first Japanese car manufacturer to enter Formula E when it takes over from its Alliance partner Renault in the electric single-seater racing series at the start of the 2018-19 season. Commenting on Nissan’s announcement, Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag said: “To have a name like Nissan coming on board is a momentous day for the series. “Not only is it great to welcome a new manufacturer to the Formula E family, it’s great to see our first Japanese car maker entering the frame, showing truly how global the electric revolution is.” Daniele Schillaci, Nissan’s executive vicepresident of global marketing and sales for zero-emission vehicles, added: “[Formula E] will give us a global platform for bringing our pioneering Intelligent Mobility strategy to a new generation of…