Innholdsfortegnelse for 1584 i Auto Express

THERE have been plenty of times over the past two decades when it’s been hard not to feel sorry for Lotus enthusiasts. Starved of cash, but still a hotbed of engineering talent, the Norfolk firm has struggled on with the same, badly ageing basic models, delivering pure driving thrills. Many of you will remember Lotus’s most recent false dawn: the fabled Paris Motor Show of 2010, when hordes of celebs unveiled six future concepts from the company. Not one of them ever made production. This week’s first all-new Lotus for 11 years might not be exactly the sort of model to get hordes of brand purists excited, either – for the Evija is not an affordable, Porsche-rivalling roadster but rather a 1,972bhp pure-electric hypercar which costs £250,000 just to reserve.…

Jonathan_Burn@dennis.co.uk @Jonathan_burn ● 1,972bhp for all-new Lotus ● Most powerful road car ever “Lotus claims 0-62mph in less than three seconds and a top speed in excess of 200mph” LOTUS has revealed its first all-new car for a decade – the Evija. The pure-electric hypercar marks a number of firsts, not only for its maker, but for the industry, because Lotus says it’s the world’s most powerful road car. The Evija (pronounced E-vi-ya) was previously known as the Type 130, and is Lotus’s first full-electric model. It’s due to be built at the firm’s base in Hethel, Norfolk, next year. Lotus CEO Phil Popham describes the Evija as “a car like no other” and one that will “pave the way for further models”. Penned by Lotus design director Russell Carr,…

Nissan gives the first glimpse of next Juke NISSAN has announced that the second generation of its Juke small SUV will be unveiled on 3 September – and issued the first teaser image of the vehicle. The single picture (above) already confirms that the Juke is not going to stray too far from its current divisive looks for its second iteration. It’ll use the same CMF-B platform as the new Renault Captur and should feature both petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Ford in fresh deal to use VW’s MEB tech VOLKSWAGEN and Ford have announced that they are going to expand their collaboration on future cars. The VW Group’s all-electric MEB platform will be used to support at least one “high-volume” Ford model that will be built in Europe and…

Steve_Fowler@dennis.co.uk @stevefowler AS the car and technology industries get ever-closer, the prospect of your brand-new car having outdated technology soon after it leaves the dealer is very real. The battle to be tech leaders in the car business is fierce, and it’s fair to say that Jaguar Land Rover has been behind the pack in the past few years. Responses from owners in our annual Driver Power customer satisfaction survey reveal that owners have been far from happy with the level of the tech the two British brands offer. But JLR is hoping to go from zero to hero; it’s just won our Technology Award at the annual Auto Express Awards (Issue 1,583) for its ClearSight Ground View monitor, and we were invited up to its engineering headquarters in Gaydon,…

James_Brodie@dennis.co.uk @jimmybrods THIS is the car that could become Mazda’s best-seller in Europe. It’s the new CX-30, a compact crossover that slots into the gap between the CX-3 and the CX-5. So why isn’t it called the CX-4, you ask? That already exists as a car for the Chinese market and is a different proposition, while this newcomer is looking to build on the momentum established by its hatchback sibling: the recently launched Mazda 3. Sizing up at 4,395mm long and 1,795mm wide, the CX-30 slots neatly into the compact crossover class, being just a little bit larger than the Volkswagen T-Roc, fairly similar in size to the Range Rover Evoque, and just a little bit smaller than the chunky Volvo XC40. But there really is no end to the…

MODEL TESTED: Kia Ceed 1.0 T-GDi 2 PRICE: £18,600 ENGINE: 1.0-litre 4cyl, 118bhp THIS is the first time we’ve tested the new Ceed with a 1.0-litre petrol engine. It’s a closer match to the Skoda when it comes to price, because this ‘2’ model (although our pictures show a GT-Line S car) starts from £18,600, just £15 more than the Scala. Design & engineering KIA launched the all-new Ceed last year. It is designed to take on rivals from Europe, and it has the engineering make-up to do so, with MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link set-up at the rear as part of the new K2 platform. This also means the new model is better to drive than before, because previous Ceeds weren’t as enjoyable as the likes of…

Darren_Wilson@dennis.co.uk Running costs 43.5mpg (on test) £73 fill-up Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 497/1,697 litres AFTER a couple of months with our Honda CR-V, I’m really feeling the sense of relaxation that comes with driving a hybrid family SUV. Is it exciting? Nope, but it does promote a very contented feeling when behind the wheel. I’ve covered some decent mileage, too, with a good mix of A-roads and motorways, as well as my usual daily commute through South London. With the local speed limit now lowered to 20mph on most of the streets near me, I’m noticing that the hybrid Honda is ideal for coasting at this lower speed. If you play the acceleration game well, you hardly need to use the pedal – a light touch is all that’s needed…

Special Jack Barclay Bentleys double up THE UK’s oldest Bentley showroom, Jack Barclay, has joined forces with Savile Row tailor Huntsman to celebrate the centenary of both brands. The result is a pair of bespoke Bentley Bentaygas (above). Commissioned through Bentley’s Mulliner division, the Sportsman and Businessman both feature a tweed interior, a chess set in the back and contrasting paint finishes. Buyers will also receive a unique Huntsman jacket. Those interested should contact the Jack Barclay Bentley showroom in central London. Phone firm connects Ford with new tech FORD and Vodafone are testing new connected car technology that could put an end to hunting for parking spaces. Parking Space Guidance is able to lead drivers to nearby car parks, and can even display how many spaces are left. It’s…

EATING outside is one of the joys of summer, whether it’s at a family picnic, a festival, a car show or a race meeting. Rather than empty your kitchen drawers into a bag, you could get a hamper that includes everything you need to accompany your al fresco meals. In one set, they should keep food cool, and crockery stashed safely so it doesn’t rattle in your car’s boot. We tried six to find out which had the best ingredients, and which could hamper your enjoyment. PRODUCT GROUP TEST 17|07|2019 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 How we tested them WE were looking at quality of cutlery and crockery,…

Vicky_Parrott@dennis.co.uk @VickyParrott ● Prices expected to start from around £16,000 ● Premium interior borrowed from the 508 exec THE Peugeot 208 doesn’t need much introduction. It’s the bread and butter of the small car world, along with key rivals such as the new Vauxhall Corsa (with which it shares its platform) and the Ford Fiesta. Peugeot is pitching its car as ‘the classy one’ in this crowded market. The chunky but chic styling backs that up, as does a rather executive-looking interior that borrows much of its styling from the larger 508. The 208 is also going to bring electric motoring into the mainstream like never before, since it is offered in pure-electric guise with a 211-mile driving range – more of which you can read about over the page.…

John_McIlroy@dennis.co.uk @johnmcilroy ● Pure-electric one-off ● 0-62mph in 2.5 seconds THIS is the Bentley EXP 100 GT, a birthday present from the British brand to itself to mark its centenary – but also a look ahead to techniques and tech that could be introduced over the next 15 years. The EXP 100 GT is an ultra-luxurious, pure-electric grand tourer that’s designed to show how Bentley’s approach to ‘enjoying travel’ would look in 2035. At 5.8 metres, the car is longer than the current Mulsanne, but its roofline is no higher than that of the Continental GT. There are significant developments in Bentley’s design approach at the front, where the double headlights have been replaced by single units. Thanks to the electric powertrain, the grille is closed off, and Bentley has…

Hugo_Griffiths@dennis.co.uk @hugo_griffiths ● Tax changes to benefit EVs ● Promotes zero emissions tech COMPANY car drivers who choose an electric car will pay no Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax next year, after HM Treasury announced it would change the rules in light of new emissions regulations. That means an employee in the 40 per cent tax bracket who chooses a Tesla Model 3 instead of a BMW 320d will save more than £4,500 in tax in the 2020/21 financial year. Even drivers who choose a plug-in hybrid like the Mercedes C 300 de will be almost £3,000 worse off than those going for a pure-EV. The change follows the introduction of the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). These are more stringent emissions tests than the NEDC regime they replaced, so…

James_Batchelor@dennis.co.uk @JRRBatchelor MINI’s electrifying new £24k hatchback THE MINI has finally gone electric. You may remember the MINI E from a decade ago, but that was only ever destined to be a prototype. Now we have the Electric, with a range of up to 144 miles and prices from around £24,000. Join me on an exclusive walkaround tour. Renault’s upmarket new Captur revealed RENAULT has unveiled an all-new version of its Captur SUV. And just like the new Clio, the fresh small SUV seems similar to the car it replaces. The big improvement here is in quality – both in looks and materials. It’s a big step forward; join news editor Johnny Burn to see what’s new. You can watch any of our videos on your phone Simply scan this…

mail@autoexpress.co.uk @AutoExpress Write to: Letters, Auto Express, Dennis Publishing Ltd, 31-32 Alfred Place, London WC1E 7DP HOT TOPIC New Peugeot 2008 FROM: David Pyne HAVING run one of the current 2008s in GT spec for four months, I can honestly say it’s one of the best cars around for everyday life, and it’s great to drive. I would happily look at the new one, and I’ve had Audis, BMWs and all sorts in the past. FROM: Sam Boksa PEUGEOT has to stop applying the same design to all of its cars. I know there’s supposed to be one design language across the whole brand, but this is too much. The same look is simply being replicated over and over again. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk ■ “Good to see plenty…

mail@autoexpress.co.uk BACK in 2003, when BMW first unleashed its all-new 1 Series into the premium family car market, the firm proudly claimed it as the best rear-wheel-drive hatchback in the world. But although the then-new 1 Series was good to drive, practical it was not – certainly not alongside the front-driven hatchbacks of the time. But BMW persevered with the second-generation 1 Series, which looked better than the original, drove even more sweetly and was fractionally more practical than its predecessor. Yet it was still rear-wheel drive, and so still it lacked the boot capacity and space of its FWD rivals, because rear-driven cars are fundamentally compromised when it comes to packaging. So enter the third-generation 1 Series which, shock horror, is not rear but front-wheel drive, and features engines…

THE Maserati Levante is only three years old, but in that short time it has become the marque’s best-selling car by a significant margin. Now the SUV range is expanding further, with the introduction of two V8-powered models, which are designed with ultimate performance in mind. The Levante GTS develops 523bhp and 710Nm of torque from its 3.8-litre petrol engine, while the top-specification Levante Trofeo takes these figures up to 572bhp and 730Nm, making it the most powerful series production Maserati ever. That puts it in direct competition with high-performance SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne Coupé Turbo and the recently revealed Audi SQ8. The V8 engine is similar to the one already used in the Maserati Quattroporte GTS (although that’s not sold in the UK) and the Ferrari 488 models,…

MODEL TESTED: Skoda Scala 1.0 TSI 115 SE PRICE: £18,585 ENGINE: 1.0-litre 3cyl, 113bhp SKODA has a reputation for building great-value cars, so here we’re testing the most affordable model in the Scala range: the 1.0-litre turbo petrol, with 113bhp and a manual gearbox, in SE trim. It’s the cheapest car here, at £18,585. Design & engineering THE Scala is an all-new model, and as you’d expect of any fresh product from a VW Group brand, it’s based on architecture shared with plenty of other cars. In this case it’s the MQB A0 platform. This is an evolution of the architecture that underpins the VW Golf (and the Skoda Octavia), but the A0 denotation means it’s the version generally used for superminis. So the Scala is based on the same…

Skoda Scala Radio Bolero Standard Key features: Smartphone link, USB C THE Scala has an eight-inch screen even in entry-level SE trim, with DAB radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s an excellent system that keeps things simple, and although sat-nav isn’t standard, most buyers will be able to use their smartphone for that. If you don’t have one, navigation costs £1,150 as part of an upgrade that increases the display size to 9.2 inches and includes a digital instrument cluster. Skoda’s set-up features a neat user interface and a responsive screen, so it’s good to use, and smartphone integration works well, too. There’s a pair of USB C ports in the centre console – perfect for those with the latest tech – but an adaptor means any USB…

THE UX is a car that makes the most of the latest tech that’s on offer to Lexus, which has been bequeathed by parent firm Toyota. It sits on Lexus’s Global Architecture – Compact platform, with double wishbone rear suspension, and MacPherson struts at the front. The UX 250h uses a 150bhp 2.0-litre non-turbo petrol engine, mated to a nickel-metal hydride battery and two electric motor/generators. With 107bhp from the electric motors, it means a total hybrid output of 181bhp – plenty for a 1,540kg car. But it’s how Lexus’s fourth-generation hybrid system delivers its power that indicates an improvement over previous hybrids. The software feels more intelligent and, with an improved CVT automatic transmission, engine and electric motor revs are better matched with each other, so there’s a stronger…

Pete_Baiden@dennis.co.uk @PeteBaiden Running costs 43.4mpg (on test) £79 fill-up/£145 or 33% tax Practicality Boot (7/5/2-seat mode) 230/700/1,775 litres Performance 0-62mph/top speed 9.8 seconds/126mph OVER the Christmas period I love to sit down and watch The World’s Strongest Man on TV, but since I’ve been running the SEAT Tarraco on the Auto Express fleet, I’m thinking of entering next year’s event. Now, before you think I must have gone insane, let me explain. The SEAT Tarraco’s huge boot means I’ve spent almost as much time lifting heavy things in and out as I have actually behind the wheel. In fact, I’ve been lugging so many weighty items, it often feels like I’ve been to the gym for a weights session. I’m using the boot’s large dimensions as an opportunity to clear…

Got a query? products@autoexpress.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q Removing bolts more easily I REGULARLY swap my wheels to even out tyre wear but as I’ve got older, I find it increasingly difficult to remove the wheel bolts. I’d like an impact wrench but the cost is too much for my occasional use. Any ideas? Nathan Vickers, E-mail A CORDLESS impact wrenches are great tools but not cheap. Clarke (www.machinemart.co.uk) does a 12V version (above) powered from the battery or cigar lighter socket for a little over £40. Another solution might be to use a telescopic wheel brace, which reduces the effort required. Q Drying a car without a scratch I’VE just had my car polished because the paint had a lot of swirls and light scratches. I now want to keep it…

Stephen_Errity@dennis.co.uk • Deal announced ahead of GP • McLaren confirms 2020 squad SILVERSTONE will host the British Grand Prix until at least 2024, under the terms of a new contract announced ahead of the race last week by F1 manavvgement, circuit management and the circuit’s owners, the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC). In a statement, F1 chairman and CEO Chase Carey said: “If it is to have a long-term future, our sport must preserve its historic venues, and Silverstone and Great Britain represent the cradle of this sport, its starting point back in 1950. “Our aim is to bring the sport we love to new countries, while also maintaining its roots: Silverstone and the British Grand Prix are an integral part of that vision.” BRDC chairman John Grant added: “With…

Vicky_Parrott@dennis.co.uk @VickyParrott ● Same styling as the regular 208 supermini ● Official WLTP range of 211 miles ALONG with petrol and diesel versions, the 208 will be offered as an EV. This small car is a big deal. The e-208 Active has a 134bhp electric motor under its bonnet that drives the front wheels. Still, this pure-electric 208 is designed to look just like the rest of the range because Peugeot believes that electric is as normal a choice as petrol (or soon will be). Only a subtle blue-green tinge to the Lion logo on the Peugeot’s nose and rump, and the ‘e-208’ badging, give it away. The official WLTP driving range for the e-208 is 211 miles; the 50kWh lithium-ion battery is charged via the CCS and Type 2…

ASTON Martin has revealed its latest limited-edition special: the DBS GT Zagato. The new model is being sold as part of an ultra-exclusive package, because customers have to commit to buying not only the DBS GT but also a DB4 GT Zagato continuation, at a total price of £6million. The modern offering takes inspiration from the DB4 GT, including a cab-rearward shape and a curved roofline with the iconic Zagato double-bubble design, plus a single carbon-fibre panel instead of a rear window. Carbon fibre also plays a big part in one of the Zagato’s party pieces; the front grille is made from 108 carbon-fibre elements, which sit flush with the bodywork when the car is off. Firing up the engine causes each piece to “flutter” into their open position, to allow cooling…

James_Brodie@dennis.co.uk @jimmybrods ● Two-seat concept is cheap to build and cheap to own ● Could be part of Free2Move programme by mid-’20s “We want to do an urban electric car that can be driven without a driver’s licence” IT’S an open secret that nearly all of the concept cars you see on shiny motor show stands these days can’t be driven. However, Citroen’s latest show-stand duo, the AMI One and 19_19 (see right), are more than just static sculptures. They’re actually fully functional, and we’ve now taken both for a short spin. A car park in deepest Leicestershire is hardly the dense, urban, Paris environment for which the tiny two-seat AMI One concept was designed, but climbing onboard for a hands-on taste with Citroen marketing boss Arnaud Belloni reveals things…

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.consumer-ombudsman.org RMIF: 0845 305 4230 Scottish Motor Trade Assoc. 0131 331 5510…

Alex_Ingram@dennis.co.uk @AxleIngram BUYERS in the compact executive class have never had it so good. In the past year the Mercedes C-Class and the Jaguar XE have each upped their game with facelifts, and an all-new BMW 3 Series has elbowed its way straight to the top of the class. Now Audi has responded with a refreshed A4. Driven here in Avant estate form, the A4 benefits from various nips and tucks intended to boost efficiency, keep the infotainment tech up to date, and give a little update to the styling. Externally, there are new headlights, more intricate LED lighting graphics, fresh bumper designs front and rear and, running the width of the bonnet, a false vent that’s a styling nod to Audi’s Sport Quattro rally special from 1984. Inside, the…

sean_carson@dennis.co.uk @sean_carson_ JUST as the old Porsche 911 gained a T (for Touring) model – a pure driver’s car with a more basic specification – now it’s the 718 Boxster’s turn to be ‘Teed’. According to Porsche, the T is “pared back to the bare essentials”, so you get features such as cloth door pulls instead of metal handles, as well as the brand’s narrower, 360mm-diameter GT Sport steering wheel. Elsewhere, the infotainment is replaced by a cubbyhole in the dash, although it’s a no-cost option to reinstate it, and most buyers probably will. There are many more key specification and engineering tweaks to back up any boasts about driver enjoyment, though. The 718 Boxster T also sits 20mm lower than the standard car on Porsche Adaptive Suspension Management two-mode…

MODEL TESTED: VW Golf 1.0 TSI 115 SE Navigation 5dr PRICE: £20,815 ENGINE: 1.0-litre 3cyl, 113bhp THE Volkswagen Golf is one of the best-selling cars in Britain and has led the way in the family hatchback class since the Mk7 version was launched in 2012, with a Mk7.5 facelift in 2017 keeping it fresh. Here we’re driving the five-door version in 1.0 TSI manual form. In SE Navigation trim it costs £20,815, which is cheaper than the entry-level S model. Design & engineering THIS Golf is based on the MQB platform, but unlike the Scala, it uses the larger version of this architecture, so it shares parts with close rivals such as the SEAT Leon, but also very different models like the Skoda Kodiaq. In 1.0-litre petrol form, it has…

Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost 100 Style PRICE: £18,655 ENGINE: 1.0-litre 3cyl, 99bhp THE Ford Focus is one of the best cars to drive in this class, and it’s practical, too. You don’t get as much kit for your money in a low-spec car and the engine is also a little down on power compared with its rivals’. But the Focus’s fun handling should make up for that. Skoda Octavia 1.0 TSI 115 SE PRICE: £19,610 ENGINE: 1.0-litre 3cyl, 113bhp SKODA offers a rival to the Scala with the Octavia. Some buyers may not like its saloon-like shape, but it has a gigantic boot. Performance and economy can’t match the Scala’s, and it’s more expensive in the same trim. But look out for tempting deals on these.…

sean_carson@dennis.co.uk @sean_carson_ Running costs 53.3mpg (on test) £51 fill-up Practicality Boot space 480 litres Performance 0-62mph/top speed 6.8 seconds/149mph EVERYONE loves a winner – and it seems that phrase is ringing true, because our BMW 320d has proved a big hit already. The 3 Series took the title of compact executive car of the year at our recent New Car Awards, and while I was painting the floor of the photography studio when we shot our BMW for our awards special (Issue 1,582), it gave me some time to reflect on what makes the 3 Series – and the 320d in particular – such a convincing winner. Junior executive saloons like this spend plenty of time trawling up and down the motorway, so there are a few areas that are…

Audi e-tron Issue 1,579 BMW 3 Series Issue 1,576 Citroen Berlingo XL Issue 1,579 Cupra Ateca Issues 1,564, 1,573, 1,581 Dacia Duster Issues 1,561, 1,564, 1,572, 1,575, 1,583 Ford Focus Issue 1,582 Honda CR-V Hybrid Issue 1,576 Hyundai Santa Fe Issue 1,575, 1,580 Kia e-Niro Issue 1,569, 1,580 Kia Ceed Issue 1,567, 1,577, 1,582 Mazda MX-5 Issue 1,573 Mercedes G-Class Issues 1,565, 1,574, 1,581 Mercedes X-Class Is 1,547, 1,557, 1,563,1,571,1,578 Renault Mégane R.S. Issue 1,581 SEAT Tarraco Issue 1,574 Skoda Fabia Issue 1,572, 1,582 Volkswagen California Issues 1,578, 1,583 Volkswagen Touareg Issue 1,580…

NEW PRODUCT Carly VAG app Price: From £44.90 Contact: www.mycarly.com THE latest version of the Carly app lets drivers of Volkswagen Group vehicles tune their car’s electronics. The app, which works via an adaptor attached to the on-board diagnostics port (OBD), allows owners to access tools that are usually restricted to workshops. Essentially it gives users a way into the car’s electronic systems and control units without visiting a garage. This latest version – for owners of VW, SEAT, Skoda and Audi cars built after 2000 – allows the driver to run accurate diagnostics to detect faults, as well as to configure the car to their own requirements. These options include comfort settings for the electric windows and sunroof, plus flashing the lights and programming beeps when locking and unlocking the…

An Austin Anthology II James Stringer (Veloce Publishing, www.veloce.co.uk) Price: £15.99 THIS tells a further series of stories about Austins with charm, humour and period photos. There’s plenty you might not know, like the four racing cars intended for the French Grand Prix, of which just one remains. This is fun, and good for younger enthusiasts. Maserati 300S plus the Factory Team Cars Walter Baumer (Dalton Watson Fine Books, www.daltonwatson.com) Price: $270 (£215) AS usual from this publisher, this is a beautiful set of books, packed with the best photos and interesting to read. But they’re massive, and only the most die-hard enthusiasts will get through it all. For them, no book is better, and it goes some way to justifying the price. Skidstorm Available for: iOS, Android Price: Free…

Got any car queries? Tristan_Shale-Hester@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q Keeping reg on retention I AM selling my car and want to keep its original registration. The DVLA has advice on transferring private plates, but how can I retain this standard registration? Salli Roskilly, E-mail A TRANSFERRING private plates is common, and the DVLA is set up well for it. Retaining standard registrations is more unusual, so you’ll need to ask the DVLA for a V778 form (known as a Retention Document). Remember that you can’t put a more recent plate on an old car to make it look newer than it is. Q Cure for head unit headache? THE infotainment system on my car has failed, and my dealer says a replacement unit will cost around £2,000. Is there a cheaper solution…

Dear James, I’m looking for a fast, four-seat coupé or hatchback with plenty of character for £10,000. What would you suggest? Ron Smith, E-mail Contact: James_Brodie@dennis.co.uk • THE STYLISH CHOICE Alfa Romeo Brera FOR: Gorgeous looks, tuneful V6, driver-oriented cabin AGAINST: Weight dulls handling and performance WITH styling by the legendary Italian design house Giugiaro, the Alfa Romeo Brera is the best-looking car of the three. However, its perfect proportions are sullied by its 1,605kg weight, which mars the Italian’s performance, handling and efficiency when compared with the BMW. The Brera’s saving grace is its tuneful 3.2-litre V6 engine, which sounds great up to the 7,000rpm red line. With 260bhp and 322Nm of torque, the Alfa gets from 0-62mph in seven seconds and on to 155mph. • THE RAPID CHOICE…

Motoring’s most outspoken and opinionated columnist sounds off “Vauxhall and Peugeot need to cut the price of their e-superminis if they’re to stand any chance of competing with the MINI” IT’S happened, and not before time. The A word – affordability – has risen to the top of the car-buying agenda where it belongs… and must stay. JLR started an honest conversation on this topic on 5 July. That’s when the Indian-owned, British-based firm correctly acknowledged that its I-Pace may be a brilliant, clever, game-changing product but, when retail prices for it are in £60k-£80k territory (after government subsidies), the fact is that the reigning World Car of the Year is way beyond the reach of the majority of new-car buyers. With such pure-electric vehicles very much in mind, the…