Auto Express 1558

WE’VE enjoyed reporting on Jaguar Land Rover’s good times during its remarkable turnaround under Tata ownership: booming sales – with production rising from 241,000 cars in 2011 to 614,000 – profits soaring and the workforce rising to 44,000 globally. So last week’s announcement of huge losses with a 6.9 per cent drop in sales resulting in a programme of £2.5billion-worth of cuts – including 4,500 job losses – was incredibly sad, if not exactly unexpected. So what – or who – is to blame? CEO Dr Ralf Speth told us: “The automotive industry is facing unprecedented multiple external political and regulatory disruptions and technological changes simultaneously. “Just to name a few: Brexit, China, China/US trade, CO2, diesel, diesel taxes especially in the UK, taxes and duties, WLTP and I could…

Richard_Ingram@dennis.co.uk @rsp_ingram “All versions get a turbocharged straight-six, developing 335bhp. Every model is rear-wheel drive and has an eight-speed auto gearbox; there is no manual” THIS is the brand new Toyota Supra. After months of teaser images and spy pictures, the two-door coupé has finally been revealed at the Detroit Motor Show. Toyota claims the GR (Gazoo Racing) Supra has been conceived as “a sports car in its purest form” with “no compromise that would diminish the driving experience”. Prices will start from around £50,000, and the first deliveries are due this summer. All versions get a turbocharged straight-six, developing 335bhp. Every model is rear-wheel drive and has an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox; there is no manual version. The Supra will do 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds, but Toyota says the…

BACK in September, we were given a very early taste of the all-new Toyota Supra in Spain. Even after just a short drive around the hills above Madrid, it was clear that the car’s engineers had worked incredibly hard to make it feel like a proper sports car. The balance and precision were perfectly judged, offering exactly what you want from a car like this. Its active dampers controlled the pitch and yaw with polish, while its steering felt linear and clean in its action, allowing you to quickly build confidence in the chassis. It felt as quick as a Porsche 718 Cayman GTS and as precise as an Alpine A110. We also tried the Supra on track. Here, the steering and chassis flowed as one. The latter required very…

Luke_Wilkinson@dennis.co.uk @LT_Wilkinson FORD has been caught testing a very early version of its all-new Fiesta-based small SUV. This heavily-disguised test mule (right) will evolve into a replacement for the firm’s EcoSport crossover, and our exclusive image above previews how the car could look when it arrives at some point next year. The as-yet-unamed SUV will join the Fiesta Active in the company’s compact crossover range and the manufacturer will hope the new model can rectify the shortcomings of the current EcoSport by offering extra interior and boot space, plus a more premium cabin. Our spy photographs also show Ford’s new compact SUV will at last ditch the EcoSport’s side-opening bootlid in favour of a conventional top-hinged hatch. We expect the new SUV to offer a taller ride height than the…

Reviews and features editor European flavour to boost new SUV THE all-new Fiesta SUV can’t come soon enough for Ford. For years the company has been hamstrung by the ageing EcoSport, which was originally designed for the South American market. It was poorly packaged and underwhelming to drive. By taking a more conventional approach to styling, the brand will hope to replicate the success of rivals such as the Nissan Juke. Simple SUV design cues will give it a fresher appearance, while the raised ride height should ensure the car is easy to drive. Ditching the EcoSport’s bulky side-hinged tailgate will boost practicality, too, while basing the new model on the latest Fiesta will herald a suite of frugal, up-to-date engine and trim options. Hurry up, Ford! You’ve got a…

Nissan Juke THE car that started the baby SUV boom will be replaced before the end of 2019. The new Juke moves to Renault-Nissan’s CMF-B platform. It will retain its characterful but oddball looks, although the cabin will get a makeover. Renault Captur SECOND generation of Renault’s crossover will sit on the same platform as the Juke. It’s likely to arrive before the end of this year, and should feature much-improved interior quality and space. Hybrid versions are expected. Skoda ‘small SUV’ IN theory, Skoda’s forthcoming baby SUV (teased on Page 17) is a class above the Fiesta – but it’s likely to be a close rival on price. It’ll sit on the VW Group’s MQB A0 platform, creating a spiritual successor to the hit Yeti. Vauxhall Mokka X THE…