Auto Express 1590

THE motoring public’s love of SUVs shows no signs of abating. And makers are meeting demand with models spanning all classes, from jacked-up superminis to plush, all-electric soft-roaders (tested on Page 36). In this week’s issue, we drive the new Skoda Kamiq for the first time. It’s the Czech firm’s take on the market-defining Nissan Juke, a car that basically created the small SUV class when it was launched – opinion-splitting looks and all – almost a decade ago. In a way, Skoda has been here before, of course – with the Yeti, a car that proved very popular with British customers, although it struggled to gain as many fans in continental Europe. But the Kamiq is a very different creation, and it’s clear that Skoda’s engineers, designers and marketeers…

● First verdict on 600bhp-plus battery-powered saloon – on road and track ● Delivers zero-emissions driving combined with traditional Porsche performance WE’RE sliding around Porsche’s Weissach test track as if it’s better to look out of the passenger window than the windscreen. The cornering forces are so strong that we’re wondering whether we’re about to be reacquainted with our breakfast. But we’re not in a twin-turbocharged 911; instead, this is Auto Express’s introduction to the all-electric Porsche Taycan. Engineer Christian Wolfsried gives us a rude awakening by demonstrating the Taycan’s launch control. He starts with both feet on the pedals, but as he lifts his left foot he says, “Careful!”. Barely three seconds later, the speedo hits 100kph (62mph). A few years ago, the idea of a pure-electric Porsche, with…

Jonathan_Burn@dennis.co.uk @Jonathan_burn ● New models and old favourites to be all-electric ● Range will start with e-tron compact hatchback AUDI is fast-tracking an electric vehicle programme that will see the German firm launch 20 fully electric cars by the middle of the next decade. A range of never-before-seen EVs is in the pipeline, but some of the brand’s best-known models will also make the switch to electric power. While Audi’s focus will initially be on launching EVs at the upper end of its product range, where greater profits can be made, one of the most significant models to arrive will be a compact hatchback that will be priced from around £30,000. A rival for the forthcoming Volkswagen ID.3, as well as the Tesla Model 3, it will act as Audi’s…

James_Batchelor@dennis.co.uk @JRRBatchelor ● We drive concept EV that recalls sixties special based on the Beetle MEET the Volkswagen ID. Buggy. It marks the return of the classic VW beach buggy of the sixties, and, just like that famous car, this new one promises to offer the same heady mix of open-air thrills and fun driving charm. The model this concept pays tribute to was never actually a VW creation. Californian engineer Bruce Meyers shortened a Beetle chassis and bolted on a fibreglass body, creating the Meyers Manx. He offered it in kit form first, then as a production car, but by 1971 the original company had folded. Fast-forward to 2019 and we’re driving a car that’s supposed to evoke the spirit of the Manx. There’s the same bug-eyed front end,…

THE Hyundai Kona N has been given the green light for production, Auto Express understands – and it should make its public debut before the end of next year. In May 2018, we revealed that Hyundai’s head of R&D, Albert Biermann, had told engineers to build a prototype fast Kona to give management a chance to evaluate it for production. Senior figures have now told Auto Express that the project, previewed by our image (right), has been granted approval – and the Kona N has been bumped above a mooted Tucson N in the model pipeline. Assuming the vehicle stays on schedule for a reveal before the end of 2020, it could tally with the mid-life facelift for the Kona range, which first appeared in 2017. It’s likely that the…

SEAT has launched a new plug-in hybrid powertrain and a sports-inspired FR trim level for the Tarraco SUV. The Tarraco PHEV gets a 108bhp turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine, a 113bhp electric motor and a 13kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Total system output stands at 242bhp and 400Nm of torque, enough to give the Tarraco a 0-62mph time of 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 135mph. SEAT also says the car can travel “more than 30 miles” on pure-electric power. CO2 emissions are 50g/km. Meanwhile the sporty Tarraco FR features wider arches, a larger rear spoiler, unique grille and full-width rear light bar, plus new 19-inch alloys. Inside, there’s a 9.2-inch infotainment system, an FR-branded sports wheel and a pair of faux-leather-trimmed electrically adjustable sports seats. The Tarraco PHEV will make…