Innholdsfortegnelse for 1532 i Auto Express

Alex_Ingram@dennis.co.uk @AxleIngram “Cayenne Coupé shares its platform with the Panamera, which already has plug-in hybrid tech” DEVELOPMENT of the first ever Porsche Cayenne Coupé is well under way, and our spy shots show it’s almost ready to take the fight to BMW’s X6 and Mercedes’ GLE Coupé (Page 16), as well as the forthcoming Audi Q8. The test car looks largely undisguised at the front, suggesting a near-identical face to the regular Cayenne. The majority of styling changes are set to take place at the rear; the most obvious tweak is a more steeply-raked roofline. Around the C-pillar you’ll notice a shorter, rounded window line, while the rear number plate has been relocated from the boot to the bumper. A spoiler sprouts from below the rear window, and the way…

James_Brodie@dennis.co.uk @jimmybrods “M will allow the company to embrace alternatives to traditional car ownership as customer preferences change” VOLVO has launched a new mobility brand, called M, which will provide on-demand access to cars through a smartphone app. M will do more than simply list nearby cars and book pick-up points, because it will learn users’ habits and offer a personalised customer experience based on their requirements. Public Beta testing begins this autumn, with M set to launch in Sweden and the United States next year. A UK rollout is likely early in the next decade. Volvo says M will provide five million “direct consumer relationships” by 2025, allowing the company to embrace alternatives to traditional car ownership as customer preferences change. The firm’s CEO Håkan Samuelsson explained: “We recognise…

James_Batchelor@dennis.co.uk @JRRBatchelor AT youtube.com/Autoexpres this week, we reveal all about Aston’s DBS Superleggera, plus you can relive VW’s record Pikes Peak run. Full details on Aston DBS Superleggera NEW Aston Martins don’t come along often, so there’s lots of excitement surrounding the DBS Superleggera. The 700bhp-plus super-GT aims to tempt buyers away from Ferraris, and our pre-production drive on Page 10 reveals it’s set to succeed. Now watch our video for full details on the car. VW I.D. R smashes Pikes Peak record VOLKSWAGEN’S I.D. R has smashed the outright record for the Pikes Peak Hill Climb in Colorado. Driver Romain Dumas covered the 12.42-mile course in seven minutes, 57.148 seconds. That broke the existing EV best by almost a minute, and beat the overall record of 8mins 13.878s. Watch…

LEGAL EXPERT www.consumer-genie.co.uk UNDER the Consumer Rights Act (2015), new car buyers have 30 days in which to receive a full refund if the vehicle is “not of satisfactory quality, or fit for its general purpose, or was misadvertised”, says consumer lawyer Joanne Lezemore. Within that period, the “right to reject is outright and the dealer cannot refuse”, she adds. Once past 30 days, but within six months, the dealer has to be given at least a chance to fix the fault. Lezemore adds that if the fix isn’t successful, “then, within the first six months after delivery of the car you can still reject it but you will not get a full refund. The dealer can make a deduction for the use you have had of the car, including…

“WITH HIS WORK AT NISSAN IN HELPING TO SHAPE CARS LIKE THE QASHQAI AND LEAF, PLUS HIS WORK AT ASTON MARTIN, HE WAS THE CLEAR CHOICE” “THIS AWARD IS FOR EVERYBODY AT ASTON MARTIN WHO HELPED TO TURN AROUND THE FORTUNES OF THIS GREAT BRITISH COMPANY”ANDY PALMER PRESIDENT AND CEO OF ASTON MARTIN AND LAGONDA LTD ANDY Palmer is no stranger to the pages of Auto Express. In 2012 he was the first number one in the annual Auto Express Brit List, receiving a place in the Auto Express Hall of Fame as a result. Since then, he has arguably gone on to even greater things as the president and CEO of Aston Martin, reviving and repositioning the British brand as the maker of beautiful, luxurious sporting cars that are…

James_Batchelor@dennis.co.uk @JRRBatchelor “Jeep fans will know the Wrangler is in the elite class when it comes to heritage” Performance 0-60mph/top speed 10.3 seconds/99mph Running costs 35.8mpg (official) £86 fill-up IF you like your SUVs to be little more than raised, tech-laden, leather-lined hatchbacks, this isn’t the review for you. But if you’re an enthusiast who values departure angles over traffic jam assist systems, then keep reading. Jeep fans will know the Wrangler is in the elite class when it comes to heritage. With a bloodline dating back to World War Two, its status is gilt-edged and sits in that special tier alongside the Land Rover Defender and Porsche 911. But like the Landie and unlike the 911, the Jeep has barely changed over the past 80 years. Until now, that…

James_Brodie@dennis.co.uk @jimmybrods “The sizeable 400Nm of torque is probably all you’ll ever need in everyday driving” Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 460/1,480 litres IN Issue 1,531 we named the facelifted Mercedes C-Class saloon as the Best Executive Car at the 2018 Auto Express New Car Awards. Now we’ve driven the revised Estate version for the very first time. Although it plays second fiddle to the four-door from a popularity perspective, the wagon is still a hugely important member of the C-Class team, and a reason why the model found its way into the top 10 best-selling cars in the UK in 2017. Mercedes’ focus with this revamp isn’t all cosmetic, either. Design changes are few and far between, in fact, with the recognisable updates limited to a set of new lights…

SsangYong Rexton THE unwritten law that punctures only happen at inconvenient times was proven yet again recently on our SsangYong Rexton. Products editor Kim Adams was due to set off early the next morning for a five-day race and track day trip to Spa and Zolder in Belgium, but the TPMS alert sounded as he went to refuel. A quick inspection showed a screw had punctured the SUV’s tread. Fortunately, the Rexton has a full-size spare, despite carrying a compressor and sealant in the boot. The spare is under the car, but the tools to lower it were confusingly found in a cloth bag marked ‘Towing Kit’. With the wheel eventually lowered, the next problem was dragging the hefty spare from under the car. Kim had to lie on the…

YOUR VIEWS ON YOUR CARS 2018 Results Leon Factfile Years: 2012 to present CO2: 114g/km Fuel economy: 57.6mpg (1.2 TSI 115) Best options: Climate control, alloys, parking sensors, sat-nav, LED headlights Used prices: From £5,000 OVERALL SCORE 90.11% Bars show where model finished out of 75 vehicles in our 2018 new car survey. The longer the bar the better • GOOD “I LOVE to drive it on country roads, because it handles so well.” “My Cupra model has adjustable suspension; great for UK roads.” “Brakes are smooth in operation, yet effective in an emergency.” “All-round visibility is good; reversing camera fills in any gaps.” “Came as standard with loads of safety kit, including AEB.” “Phone connectivity and stereo system are top notch.” “Rear window blinds are a nice touch.” •…

Dear Alex, I’m looking to replace my current car with a fun cabriolet that I can enjoy during the summer. What can I get for £7,000? Lee Chalmers, E-mail Contact: Alex_Ingram@dennis.co.uk • THE ALL-ROUND CHOICE Mazda MX-5 FOR: Handling, gearbox, running costs AGAINST: Sluggish in this company NOT much comes close to the Mazda MX-5 for driving pleasure at any price. The lightweight front-engined, rear-wheel-drive chassis delivers a ride and handling balance that’s ideal for tight and twisty UK back roads, and while the 1.8 and 2.0-litre engines aren’t the last word in outright performance, they’re revvy and enthusiastic. Post-2009 versions of the previous MX-5 gained a significant overhaul, and a facelifted 2.0-litre with 50,000 miles can be yours for just under £7,000. • THE STYLISH CHOICE Nissan 350Z FOR:…

mail@autoexpress.co.uk “On the move the T-Cross rides extremely well and steers with a light, accurate precision” THE Volkswagen Polo-based T-Cross will be the company’s third new SUV in 18 months when it launches next spring, completing a family lineup of five off-road-inspired models. We’ve been for an early drive in Volkswagen’s new mini-SUV in all-but-finalised pre-production form, ahead of the car’s official debut in October. The front-wheel-drive SEAT Arona rival is a bit longer than a Polo, at 4,107mm. It’s also 110mm higher, and the driving position has been raised by 100mm, too. As a result, it’s considerably bigger than a Polo in every direction, despite featuring an identical wheelbase. “It feels more grownup inside, and the extra space is immediately obvious from any seat” In the rear, the T-Cross…

INCIDENTS of dangerous driving caught on dash cams can now be sent directly to police following the launch of a new universal online service. The National Dash Cam Safety Portal (NDSP), previously detailed in Issue 1,519, now has backing from 19 of the UK’s 45 police forces, with more expected to give their support soon. After detailing the location of the incident and submitting footage to the NDSP, drivers complete an online form, creating a ‘gold standard’ package of evidence for police. Launched by dash cam maker Nextbase, but compatible with all brands, the NDSP shortens the time it takes to process footage from 14 hours to minutes.…

Martin_Saarinen@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer REGULAR readers will have noticed that, since last month, Auto Express has been focusing on more general issues affecting drivers every day, rather than individual cases in our Watchdog page. Over the past few weeks, we’ve looked at how a drop in the number of traffic police has hit driving standards, and carried out a comprehensive review of council parking charges across the UK. But many of you continue to have issues with new and used cars, plus dealers. Although we’re no longer able to take on individual cases to investigate such problems, our experts have compiled some tips on what to do if you’re having trouble with your car or dealer. Also note the contacts at the bottom of the page. INDUSTRY ADJUDICATOR The Motor Ombudsman www.themotorombudsman.org…

FINANCE EXPERT www.nacfb.org OVER 80 per cent of new cars are bought on finance, so drivers often worry about their contract smallprint. Owners should know they can get out of a contract by terminating it voluntarily once 50 per cent of the total amount owed is paid. But finance expert and National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) board member Graham Hill advises: “When you voluntarily terminate an agreement it will show on your credit file and could put lenders off providing you with a PCP in future.” Also be wary of cars with existing finance. A check online should remove any doubt, but Hill points out: “If the car is on a PCP or HP deal and the previous owner tells you there is no finance owing, you’re an…

“THE QASHQAI IS A PIONEERING DESIGN THAT CREATED THE CROSSOVER SEGMENT AND HAS SINCE TRANSFORMED EXPECTATIONS OF WHAT A EUROPEAN FAMILY CAR SHOULD BE”MATTHEW WEAVER EUROPEAN DESIGN DIRECTOR AT INFINITI AND NISSAN WE want something new, something different… especially when it comes to cars. Those were the words uttered by then-product boss Carlos Tavares as Nissan launched the original Qashqai to the unsuspecting public. Here was a model that offered all the practicality of an MPV with a footprint the same as the contemporary Ford Focus, but the premium style of a 4x4. The Nissan Qashqai not so much tore up the rulebook, as sent it into oblivion. Replacing the Almera hatchback, the Qashqai ripped the SUV market wide open, creating a new segment – and we’ve not looked back…

John_McIlroy@dennis.co.uk @johnmcilroy THE Auto Express Brit List is seven years old in 2018, and it’s encouraging to see how the pressure on its 50 places has increased every 12 months since its inception. Even in an era of Brexit, global supply chains and disruptors such as autonomous tech and electrification, the UK is still supplying more than its fair share of the brainpower that keeps the car industry rolling. This year’s Brit List features car company bosses, but also high-ranking individuals from finance, logistics, motorsport, engineering and design. The task of our judging panel (above) was not only to rank Britain’s best car-industry talent in order, but also to address the thorny issue of which individuals were to be left bubbling under, just outside of the top 50. Small wonder…

James_Brodie@dennis.co.uk @jimmybrods HYUNDAI seems to be in almost every big-selling segment at the moment, while also championing both fuel cell and battery electric technology. It even boasts an expanding range of full-blown performance cars under the new N badge, and makes no secret of its desire to move further upmarket and be seen in a more aspirational light, too. Step forward Hyundai’s latest flagship: the new Santa Fe. The fourth generation of the seven-seat SUV goes on sale in Britain this September, aiming to woo potential Skoda Kodiaq and Land Rover Discovery Sport customers. As such, the new car’s emphasis is very much on its position as Hyundai’s largest, most luxurious SUV, and it wears all the hallmarks of the brand’s latest design language. We’ve already tried it in Korean…

Richard_Ingram@dennis.co.uk @rsp_ingram HOME is where you park it. As our American road trip feature (Issue 1,523) revealed, the California name has been a fixture in the VW range since 1988; and it’s as popular now as it was back then. The latest addition to the lineup is this Edition model. Just 80 will come to the UK, and there is a choice of Beach or kitchen-equipped Ocean variants. Prices start from £52,985. We’re testing the range-topping Ocean Edition. It gets all the usual luxuries, including a gas hob, sink and refrigerator, as well as an electrically operated pop-up roof, six-inch touchscreen and three-zone climate control. The new Edition version adds gloss black details, tinted lights and windows, plus unique decals. The 17-inch wheels are exclusive to this model. As usual,…

Alex_Ingram@dennis.co.uk @AxleIngram Performance 0-62mph/top speed 8.1 seconds/130mph Running costs 43.1mpg (on test) £48 fill-up/£140 or 26% tax A RECENT study stated that it takes a third of employers just 90 seconds to decide whether or not they’ll offer a candidate a job at an interview. I couldn’t find any specific research into whether the first impressions of a bright yellow Japanese hot hatch are as vital, but I’m sure the principles are much the same. This is our new Suzuki Swift Sport, and I’ll be running it for the next few months. So has my first encounter left me with the desire to hire, or will I be showing the sporty supermini the door? Well, if its looks are equivalent to a well-crafted cover note, it’s already got my attention.…

Alfa Romeo Giulia Issues 1,515, 1,526 Audi A7 Sportback Issue 1,529 Citroen C3 Aircross Issue 1,526 Honda Civic Type R Issues 1,512, 1,524, 1,527 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Issues 1,514, 1,523, 1,528 Kia Stinger New arrival Mazda CX-5 Iss 1,503, 1,512, 1,521, 1,530 Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Issues 1,509, 1,521 Nissan Leaf New arrival Peugeot 5008 Issues 1,523, 1,531 Renault Koleos Issue 1,530 SEATArona Issues 1,524, 1,531 SsangYong Rexton Issues 1,516, 1,525, 1,529 Suzuki Swift Sport New arrival Toyota C-HR Issue 1,527 Volkswagen Arteon Issues 1,520, 1,530 Volvo XC60 Issues 1,523, 1,527…

Sponsored by Got any car queries? Hugo_Griffiths@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q Should a clutch fail so soon? THE clutch on my four-year-old car failed after just 28,000 miles and a repair will cost me hundreds. Can I ask the manufacturer for help, and should this happen after so few miles? Joanna Thompson, E-mail A CLUTCHES can and often do last much longer than this, but for one to go after four years and 28,000 miles is by no means unheard of. Unfortunately, as a wear and tear part, the clutch isn’t covered under warranty, although you could ask your dealer for a goodwill gesture towards repairs. Q Tracker trouble hits delivery MY insurer wants the new car I’ve just bought fitted with a tracker. The dealer has been unable to activate the…

WITH racing director Eric Boullier resigning from the McLaren Formula One team last week, rumours are rife about star driver Fernando Alonso’s time at the team. But McLaren CEO Zak Brown believes the departure of Boullier (below) – who persuaded the Spaniard to make the move to the outfit in Woking, Surrey – will not affect Alonso’s future. “Fernando is someone who has a history here at McLaren,” said Brown. “He’s a huge asset. You all see his magic on the race track, but we see his magic off it, the valued contributions he makes and insights he has.”…

Sean_Carson@dennis.co.uk @sean_carson_ “Even in patchy, damp conditions, the DBS Superleggera feels explosively fast” ASTON Martin’s Second Century business plan continues apace. The recent DB11 AMR improved the DB11 launched in 2016, and the latest Vantage has earned plenty of praise. Next up is this DBS Superleggera, which will join the line-up later this year. And Aston invited Auto Express to try it in final prototype form, getting the full briefing from its chief engineer, Matt Becker. “It’s the brute of the range,” Becker tells us. The DBS gets the 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 carried over from the DB11. The engine uses the same hardware, but with more boost pressure from those turbos and a remap, the motor is making 715bhp and 900Nm of torque. There’s a new eight-speed auto gearbox, too.…

Latest Jimny to get new 1.5-litre power MORE details have been revealed about the 2019 Suzuki Jimny (above). It will get a new 1.5-litre petrol engine, with manual or auto gearboxes available, while AllGrip Pro all-wheel drive is standard fit. Suzuki has confirmed the off-roader will have a tiny 85-litre boot. More info will be announced later, but we expect a premium over the current car’s £12,999 starting price. New warranty deal for Jeep customers JEEP has launched a new warranty plan called the ‘5-3-5’ campaign. It provides new car customers with a five-year guarantee, a three-year servicing programme and five years of roadside assistance. Limited to 75,000 miles, it applies to all current Renegade, Wrangler, Compass, Cherokee and Grand Cherokee models. It is set to run until further notice,…

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: 0345 850 1130 (m) RAC: 0330 159 1446 (m) Which?: 01992 878329 Citizens Advice Consumer helpline: 03454 040506 Local Trading Standards Local Citizens Advice Bureau Used car inspections AA: 0800 056 8040 RAC: 0330 159 0720 Technical advice AA: 0370 142 0002 (m) Driving licences DVLA: 0300 790 6801 Car registration/history HPI: 01722 422422 AA: 0800 316 3564 DVLA: 0300 790 6802 RAC: 0330 159 0364 Traffic information AA: 0906 888 4322 RAC: 09003 444999 (p) Problems with dealers The Motor Ombudsman: 0345 241 3008 Consumer Ombudsman: www.consumerombudsman.org RMIF: 0845 305 4230 Scottish Motor Trade Assoc. 0131 331 5510…

mail@autoexpress.co.uk @AutoExpress Write to: Watchdog/Letters, Auto Express, Dennis Publishing Ltd, 31-32 Alfred Place, London WC1E 7DP FROM: rover10 WHEN this Focus hits the road it will sell like hot cakes. It’s lower, wider, with a longer wheelbase and a host of innovative new tech. This is the beginning of a new and successful chapter for the Focus. FROM: Mike Whitehead THE exterior is the best since the Mk1 Focus. The cabin looks a little cheap, but it’s still a big improvement, and may be better in the flesh. Looking forward to an ST if the standard car handles this well. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk ▪ “I am sure the new Focus is good to drive, practical and easy to live with, but it’s just so boring to look at.”…

“THE TRUE CHALLENGE HAS BEEN TO MOVE THE KIA BRAND FROM THE LOWLANDS OF ‘BUDGETBRAND’ TO THE CURRENT HEIGHTS OF STYLISH, ASPIRATIONAL, QUALITY MAINSTREAM WITH SOME EXCEPTIONAL PRODUCTS”PAUL PHILPOTT PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE AT KIA MOTORS (UK) LIMITED THE automotive industry is what academics might call mature. There’s a known cycle of product launches and brands are well defined. So it takes a rather special organisation to launch as an unashamedly budget brand, then turn itself into a genuinely desirable marque – with a warranty that still leads the market. In less than 30 years, Kia has grown from a small import business to a mainstream player in the UK. It has transformed its product lineup from the cheap and cheerful Pride, to one encompassing fabulous SUVs and a sports…

2012 ANDY PALMER OUR first Brit List winner while at Nissan, Palmer is now driving astonishing growth at Aston Martin. He’s restored the British brand to profitability and is about to open a new factory in Wales to build its Varekai SUV. 2013 IAN ROBERTSON ROBERTSON finally stepped away from BMW recently, after a short spell where the global boss of sales and marketing took on a ‘UK ambassador’ role that saw him liaising with Government on key issues. 2014 STEVE ODELL FORD had yet another management shakeup late last year, and Steve Odell took the opportunity in November to bring his 37-year stint with the firm to an end, retiring from his marketing, sales and service role. 2015 ALAN BATEY ALAN Batey started out as an apprentice with Vauxhall,…

James_Brodie@dennis.co.uk @jimmybrods Running costs 49.6mpg (official) £81 fill-up AS well as introducing an all-new Santa Fe (Page 36), Hyundai has tweaked its big-selling Tucson SUV. Over 600,000 examples were sold globally last year, and Europe is its biggest market. Design changes are headlined by a new grille, which follows the Santa Fe by using Hyundai’s latest ‘cascading’ profile. New LED headlights and tail lamps appear, while the bumpers have been given a minor rethink. The latest car rides on new-look wheels, too. But the most eye-catching changes come inside. Hyundai has thoroughly revised the Tucson’s dashboard with a brand-new look. A whole new upper dash means that the tall, button-heavy central stack and touchscreen have been removed. Instead, the cleaner design now uses a floating display. Overall, the driving environment…

Running costs 31.2mpg (on test) £59 fill-up/£140 or 36% tax Performance 0-60mph/top speed 5.9 seconds/169mph Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 420/1,209 litres Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph 46.3/31.8/10.8m THE Honda Civic Type R name has been around for more than 20 years, but this latest version is arguably the best ever, despite missing out on the high-revving VTEC action found in older cars. While the current 2.0-litre turbo isn’t an all-time great, the motor produces 316bhp and 400Nm of torque, making this fastest Civic ever built incredibly quick. The Type R took 5.9 seconds to reach 60mph from a standstill in our track tests, which was 1.3 seconds slower than the Golf. That’s down to the VW’s launch control system and four-wheel-drive powertrain, which deliver a perfect getaway every time. But the Civic went…

Dawn_Grant@dennis.co.uk AS soon as I got the keys to the Citroen C3 Aircross on our fleet, I promised my uncle and aunt I’d bring it to Wiltshire on a visit. My relatives run a Citroen C3 Picasso on the Motability scheme, but it’s up for renewal next March, so they were curious to see how the small SUV fares as a potential replacement. Having heard plenty of good reports, they welcomed the chance to poke round the car for themselves. I wasn’t sure what they would make of the new design direction Citroen has embarked on; the car certainly has an individual look. Still, the market has been softened up by the quirky C4 Cactus and C3 supermini, and the Aircross is undeniably a statement, moving things on from my…

products@autoexpress.co.uk @AE_Consumer THE pace of tyre development is frenetic as drivers and car makers demand ever more performance. That shorter development cycle can be seen in this year’s tyre test, where not one of the 10 contenders took part last time we tested the big-selling 225/45R17 size. To find out which of the current crop is best for your car, we returned to Continental’s proving ground at Uvalde, Texas, with 10 top brands. Tyre labelling is driving this rapid development. It lets owners compare key performance factors – wet grip, fuel economy and pass-by noise – at a click of a mouse. And all makers are chasing the tyre labelling holy grail: top A ratings in fuel economy and wet grip. But our test covers nine criteria, including a more driver-relevant cabin…

Motoring’s most outspoken and opinionated columnist sounds off “Volvo isn’t unlike Audi was 20 years ago: taking on established premium firms before matching or beating them” THERE’S no better place than the Auto Express awards to catch up with the great and the good from the global motor industry. And because I’m partly responsible for him entering the car business many years ago, I had a long chat with Volvo director Mike Johnstone at the ceremony last week. He agrees his firm’s on a roll after winning Auto Express trophies, plus the World Car of the Year title a few months back. Although he’s too modest to admit it, Volvo isn’t unlike Audi was 20 years ago: taking on established premium firms, before matching or beating them. Volvo’s credentials are…