Auto Express 1645

MAINSTREAM media seized upon research by Greenpeace and Transport and Environment last week, suggesting that plug-in hybrid vehicles have become a “wolf in sheep’s clothing”. This won’t surprise many Auto Express readers, but it turns out that PHEVs aren’t that efficient if you don’t, well, plug them in. It was an interesting angle for the environmental pressure groups to take – and one that I viewed with interest as I completed another week of pure-electric school runs in our Volvo XC40 plug-in hybrid (above). PHEVs are a relatively easy target for the likes of Greenpeace, because if they aren’t used properly, then they are, in effect, regular combustion-engined cars made less efficient by the extra weight of the batteries that they’re forced to carry around. Trouble is, many company car…

Luke_Wilkinson@dennis.co.uk @LT_Wilkinson BMW has pulled the wraps off a pair of new high-performance models, the M3 saloon and M4 coupé. For the first time, the two will be offered with the option of four-wheel drive and both new cars will go on sale in the UK next March. The M3 has been around for over three decades and established itself as the go-to compact performance saloon. This sixth-generation model has revealed an extensive overhaul and is the most powerful yet, with a 503bhp six-cylinder engine under the bonnet. The M4 is mechanically identical. That motor is the BMW M Division’s latest twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six petrol. It’s the same unit found in the X3 M SUV – and as in that car, it comes in a choice of two…

Jonathan_Burn@dennis.co.uk @Jonathan_burn HYUNDAI’S i30 N hot hatch has been a huge success for the Korean firm, helping to establish it as a serious player in the segment. Now it’s time for an update, so Hyundai has subtly redesigned its VW Golf GTI rival, increased the power output and made an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox available for the first time. The i30 N’s overall proportions and size remain unchanged, with Hyundai focusing on subtle design tweaks, such as adding a wider, flatter grille that is flanked by restyled LED headlamps featuring a new V-shaped lighting signature. The lower section of the front bumper also now features new side fins that improve air flow and aerodynamic efficiency at high speed. At the back a new roof-mounted spoiler has been added,…

James_Brodie@dennis.co.uk @jimmybrods THIS is Audi’s upcoming small electric SUV, the Q4 e-tron. It will be revealed next spring, before landing in UK showrooms in summer 2021 – just in time to take on the Tesla Model Y. While it’ll wear the Q4 name, it will in effect be an electric Q3 alternative – no larger in footprint, but with interior space to rival the Q5’s thanks to the packaging of its all-electric drivetrain. We’ve seen the Q4 e-tron in concept form, and these spy images strongly suggest that the finished car will use plenty of that model’s design cues. The roofline and C-pillar are taller and more conventional than the coupé-inspired concept’s. However, the smooth shape will be sleeker than that of the Q3; aerodynamic optimisation is key…

MOTORISTS who kill other road users while under the influence of drink or drugs, or while speeding, racing or using a mobile phone behind the wheel, could receive a life sentence under tough new laws that may come into force as soon as next year. The current maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving, and careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs, is 14 years. However, judges and relatives of those killed in such collisions, have for some time voiced concerns that current guidelines are too lenient. In addition to stricter penalties, a new offence of causing serious injury by careless driving will be drawn up to specifically target those who leave victims with long-term and debilitating injuries. Life sentences for killer drivers were mooted in…

THIS is Suzuki’s new Swace estate. It joins the recently unveiled Across SUV, and when it arrives in the UK later this year it’ll rival the new Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Golf estates. The Swace is the second vehicle born from Suzuki’s partnership with Toyota. As such, it’s based on that company’s Corolla Touring Sports, but features a subtly restyled radiator grille, new front and rear bumpers, fresh LED headlamps and a tweaked pair of tail-lights. With the exception of some new leather upholstery, the Swace’s interior is transferred wholesale from the Corolla. It shares the same multifunction steering wheel, digital gauge cluster and eightinch infotainment system. The latter also offers support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Swace’s hybrid powertrain is another direct transfer from the Toyota.…