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Steve_Fowler@autovia.co.uk @stevefowler “We haven’t had the chance to transform the company since Henry Ford scaled the Model T. We could remake the entire company, and five years from now it won’t look like the one you and I grew up with”JIM FARLEY Ford CEO THERE are few people in the automotive world that live and breathe cars as much as Jim Farley. He’s been CEO of Ford for almost exactly a year, but as well as running one of the biggest car companies in the world, he’s also a racer – and a proper racer at that, describing being behind the wheel as “my yoga”. Auto Express caught up with him at the recent Goodwood Revival for an exclusive chat about his love of cars and the future of Ford.…

FIAT will start a fresh assault on the city car and supermini market in 2023, according to boss Olivier Francois. The brand has been trying to make a successor to the Panda viable, and the CEO told Auto Express that being part of the Stellantis group has cut the firm’s development costs by up to two thirds, making small cars more feasible. “We have found a way to make the new Panda, we’ve found a way to make all B-segment Fiats. We will start in 2023 and every year there will be a new, amazing Fiat. They are designed, they are funded. This is what Stellantis is going to bring to Fiat. Maybe a year from now it will be time to start revealing what we’ve done,” he said. Francois…

Luke_Wilkinson@autovia.co.uk @LT_Wilkinson “The Remastered is the best-built classic Mini we’ve driven, and it has all the quirks that make the Mini so charming” SINCE it was founded back in 2013, David Brown Automotive has carved out a name as a purveyor of immaculately manufactured models that celebrate the evocative lines and driving pleasure of British cars from the 1960s, but with modern reliability and drivetrains. Back in 2018 (Issue 1,515), we dropped by DBA’s Silverstone facility to meet the firm’s founder, David Brown, who gave us a tour of his workshop and walked us through the finer details of his then-latest creation – the 503bhp Speedback GT. Now, we’re back for another visit, both to check on how the business has managed during the pandemic and to get an inside…

Stephen_Errity@autovia.co.uk MG is a brand on the move again, grabbing a rapidly increasing share of the UK market thanks to a mix of strong finance offers, a long warranty and a couple of pure-electric models. But the brand now has a halfway-house PHEV in its range – the HS Plug-in. The HS is the largest model in MG’s line-up right now; it’s a full-size family SUV, so a rival to the Peugeot 3008 and Vauxhall Grandland. It comfortably undercuts those on price, though; the HS Plug-in comes in at a whisker over £30,000, whereas the recently updated Grandland Hybrid starts at nearly £35,000 and Peugeot will ask you for a further two grand for a 3008 Hybrid. Those numbers mean that the MG could be an option not only for…

MODELTESTED: Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6 T-GDi PHEV Ultimate PRICE: £49,010 ENGINE: 1.6-litre 4cyl/e-motor, 261bhp Running costs 34.0mpg (on test) £64 fill-up/£480 or 11% tax Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 571/1,649 litres Performance 0-62mph/top speed 8.8 seconds/116mph THE current Hyundai Santa Fe arrived in 2018, but it quickly benefited from an update when the diesel line-up was replaced by hybrid and plug-in versions. It’s the top-spec PHEV we drive here, which undercuts both rivals with a price tag of £49,010. Design & engineering THE Santa Fe is longer and taller than its rivals here, and it has a more traditional boxy SUV shape, with a long roofline and an upright rear end. Hyundai has added an imposing grille up front with a diamond design, but it’s a look that’s sure to split…

Jaguar F-Pace P400e S PRICE: £55,910 ENGINE: 2.0-litre PHEV, 395bhp AN update to the F-Pace in 2020 introduced plug-in power to Jaguar’s top seller. It’s a set-up that packs a punch, with a 0-62mph time of 5.0 seconds. However, this is backed up by a claimed electric range of 33 miles and economy of 128mpg. BMW X3 xDrive30e M Sport PRICE: £52,350 ENGINE: 2.0-litre PHEV, 292bhp WITH a range of up to 30 miles on electric power alone, the X3 can’t quite match its rivals here for zero-emissions running. It should be more entertaining to drive, though, while space, equipment and five-seat practicality all fall in its favour.…

How we tested Snow OUR winter tyre test always starts with performance on snow. Travel restrictions meant we couldn’t complete snow handling at Hankook’s Ivalo proving ground, but its testers were able to assess the key braking and traction performance. The tests were done three times at different sub-zero temperatures measuring the distance to slow from 40-5kph (25-3mph), then the time taken to accelerate between the same speeds. Wet WHILE we were waiting for travel restrictions to lift, Continental completed the wet and dry objective tests. Wet braking measured the distance taken to stop from 50mph using the Contidrom rail system, which ensures that the same piece of tarmac is used for every test for consistency. The rail was also used for straight aquaplaning, where one wheel is placed in…

AS we’ve seen in other recent tests, the Dunlop range is showing its age and it’s hard to see when new designs will be coming, because the focus has switched to brand licensee Goodyear. We’ve been testing the Winter Sport 5 since 2015 when it was runner up, but results since then have been mixed and now it’s in the bottom three. Dunlop has always been a top performer on snow, but here it was fifth on the white stuff, showing how others have moved the game on. It was in the same position across the wet tests, thanks to good aquaplaning resistance, but elsewhere it was off the pace. In fact it was lacking pretty much everywhere and needed patience on the throttle through turns. Care was also needed…

AS we saw in our summer tyre test, Hankook is not afraid to do more than just tweak a tyre’s performance, because the latest version of the S1 Evo3 swept to the Korean producer’s first win. The i*cept RS2 has been up and down our leaderboard, but this result backs up last year’s second place, when it regained the form it lost in 2019. Of the three vying for the final podium, the Hankook is the one to have in the snow, taking the best of the rest role behind our top two. It was also the best choice of the trio in the dry by a clear margin. There were sharp steering and low slip levels, making it easy to find the line and get on the throttle early.…

WE’RE pretty sure Avon would agree that the WV7 Snow needs updating or replacing. Dunlop is in a similar position, with a tyre that’s beginning to show its age, whereas Maxxis needs to develop more performance away from dry roads. There’s precious little to choose between Goodyear, Michelin and Hankook, although Goodyear needs to rediscover its wet performance, while Michelin needs to work on snow grip. Hankook has finally found the right balance for the RS2, although its fuel economy could be better. Continental is the one for snowy conditions, but elsewhere the Bridgestone is the clear winner. SNOW BRAKING SNOW TRACTION STRAIGHT AQUAPLANING CURVED AQUAPLANING WET BRAKING WET HANDLING WET CIRCLE DRY BRAKING DRY HANDLING ROLLING RESISTANCE CABIN NOISE OVERALL Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 EVEN the briefest scan of these…

Search more than 50,000 cars with competitive finance Order online, delivered to your door, 14 day money-back guarantee CO2/tax 154-171g/km £155 Running costs 43-48mpg (D240) £82 fill-up Performance 0-62mph/top speed 7.0 seconds/135mph WHEN Land Rover introduced the Range Rover Velar in 2017, few realised the name’s significance. Velar was the codename for the original Range Rover, launched in 1970 and often seen as the first luxury SUV. It wasn’t, because the first cars weren’t all that luxurious, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee had arrived seven years earlier – albeit not in Europe. But none of this really mattered, because what buyers really cared about was that the Velar looked great, offered serious luxury and was a true Land Rover. This meant that for those who needed to, it was capable…

Yousuf_Ashraf@autovia.co.uk @ashrafoncars • All-new flagship for BMW’s forthcoming range of electric cars • Brand-new tech and very high quality packed into X5-sized SUV THIS could be the most important new BMW in a generation. It’s the iX, and while it’s a large, premium electric SUV (and there are plenty of those at the minute), this car is a distinct turning point for BMW. It’s a technological flagship, and fires the starting gun on the brand’s next-generation EVs. The styling is certainly distinctive, with brutal surfacing, a low shoulder line and enlarged kidney grilles setting the iX apart from just about anything on the road. The footprint is similar to an X5’s, but with a far lower roofline; in the metal the design isn’t quite as jarring as it might look…

FORD’S new Bronco SUV (above) could be coming to Europe, according to Farley. Speaking exclusively to Auto Express, he said, “I’m just waiting for these guys [Ford of Europe] to make up their mind.” Asked how well the Bronco would fare in Europe, Farley said, “Absolutely, it works. I see all these Land Rover Defenders around – absolutely. I think it would work fine.” Although the Bronco – recently spied testing in high-performance Raptor trim (below) – is a strong possibility for Europe, Auto Express understands that it’s unlikely to be right-hand drive. That’s not to say UK dealers wouldn’t be prepared to import lefth-and-drive models from Europe. There’s no word on European prices, but in the US the 4x4 starts at around $30,000 (£22,000).…

PROTESTERS who block roads may face a charge for contempt of court and possible imprisonment after the Government – via its National Highways agency – was given an injunction following repeated trouble on the M25. “Invading a motorway is reckless and puts lives at risk,” said Secretary of state for transport Grant Shapps. This followed news from the Home secretary last week (Issue 1,696) that a new offence for “public nuisance” would be created to help deal with such protesters. PAGE 17: See Inbox for reaction to the protests…

Limited-run Enyaq iV marks new Skoda era SKODA has launched a new “Founders Edition” version of its Enyaq iV SUV (above) to celebrate the start of its “era of electrification”. Production is limited to 1,895 examples worldwide, of which 50 will come to the UK. It costs £46,725 and is available with either silver or black metallic paint. Also standard are 21- inch wheels and Skoda’s LED-backlit grille, along with unique badging and upgraded trim inside. The Founders Edition is powered by an 82kWh battery for a range of up to 331 miles. Shapps urges no panic as fuel stations shut DRIVERS should be prepared for more local filling station closures as the HGV delivery driver shortage continues to bite, but have been urged to “carry on as normal” by…

THE classic car industry doesn’t only bring joy to an estimated 4.5 million enthusiasts in the UK, it also sustains numerous jobs. It’s reckoned there are close to 2,500 businesses working to keep the nation’s fleet of classic cars on the road, and yet until now the only voices in the classic car lobby have been those of individual enthusiasts and clubs. With so many issues lining up to derail our enjoyment of classic cars, it’s great to see the industry weighing in. If the HCVA can leverage its clout at the Treasury in the heart of government, classic car enthusiasts may have reason to be very grateful.…

We want to hear your views. Send your questions or opinions to the E-mail address below Contact Tristan Shale-Hester mail@autoexpress.co.uk @AutoExpress FROM: Wayne White THESE sorts of protests could delay ambulances that are trying to save someone’s life, or vehicles delivering organs and other medical supplies. Someone could also lose their job from being late. Endless reasons this is a bad idea. FROM: Jason Jardine IF these protesters are all for the climate, why are they blocking a motorway and thus forcing cars to sit with idling engines for hours on end? Pollution is always bad, but it’s even worse when it’s pointless with no byproduct. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk ■ “How did they get to the M25? I bet they all own cars. We should block their driveways.”…

James_Brodie@autovia.co.uk @jimmybrods CO2/tax 193g/km £490 or 37% Running costs 33.2mpg (official) £81 fill-up HAVING made a splash with its first cars on the UK market, the arrival of Genesis in Britain has been one of 2021’s success stories. The G80 executive saloon, the GV80 large SUV and the mid-size GV70 have all made solid impressions, with their strong quality, premium interior designs and excellent tech. They’ve all proved strong contenders in their respective classes. This G70 is the fourth new car the brand has launched here this year. It’s a compact executive saloon designed to rival the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class, as well as the Volvo S60 and VW Arteon. However, the G70 isn’t new; it’s been on sale in other markets for a couple of…

Richard_Ingram@autovia.co.uk @rsp_ingram IT says a lot about the confidence that Audi has in its new all-electric Q4 e-tron that it has launched the Sportback version so soon after the SUV. But why wouldn’t it? The Q4 e-tron is expected to do big numbers for the brand in Britain, and quickly become its second best-selling car. On paper, the Sportback (which Audi claims will account for around 16 per cent of UK Q4 sales) is actually more practical than the conventional Q4 e-tron. Measured to the parcel shelf, the coupé’s boot stands at 535 litres, a gain of 15 litres. Fold the seats and the standard SUV has the advantage, but not by much – 1,490 litres to 1,460 litres. You might expect rear-seat practicality to suffer, but Audi’s designers have…

MODELTESTED: Audi Q5 50 TFSI e quattro S tronic Sport PRICE: £51,730 ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4cyl/e-motor, 295bhp Running costs 30.0mpg (on test) £73 fill-up/£480 or 11% tax Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 465/1,405 litres Performance 0-62mph/top speed 6.1 seconds/148mph THE second-generation Audi Q5 arrived in 2017, and was facelifted for the 2021 model year. This 50 TFSI e arrived as part of the range update, and it sits alongside the more powerful (and around £6k more expensive) 55 TFSI e. While an S line model appears in our pictures, here we’re testing the 50 TFSI e Sport, which is the entry point to the Q5 plug-in line-up and costs £51,730. Design & engineering THE Q5 has been one of the most popular models in Audi’s range ever since it arrived in 2009,…

Audi Q5 MMI Navigation Plus Standard Key features: Virtual Cockpit, touch control AUDIS no longer come with a trackpad and control wheel to operate the MMI Navigation system, and the set-up in the Q5 is purely touchscreen. The display offers a clear layout with useful shortcut buttons and it has decent graphics, although the mapping looks dated when compared with the Hyundai’s modern system. The touchscreen is used for everything but the climate controls (which are laid out below), and the screen responds to your inputs with a click each time you touch it. The system is easy to navigate and offers lots of information, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. As with its rivals here, Audi offers connected services, with a three-year subscription. Also included is Audi’s…

FOLLOWING its return to our summer tyre tests, Avon makes its debut in our winter assessment. But you can’t help thinking that it would have liked to have done it with a newer design than the WV7 Snow, which was launched in 2016. A lot has happened in tyre design since then, and the root of its problems are on snow, where it was four per cent behind the pace-setting Continental. It was pretty close in braking, some half a metre behind the best, but struggled more for traction. Across the wet tests it was in front of the Goodyear Dunlop pair, helped by good performances in aquaplaning, plus a podium in wet braking. Lateral grip was poor, though, where it finished last in cornering and handling. It was less…

WHEN we last tested in this size in 2019, Goodyear’s Performance + was the victor, with six category wins and two seconds. There were no wins this time, but the results were close between it and the Michelin and Hankook. When tested shortly after its launch in this size the UltraGrip was the snow master, but as we saw last year, it has been overtaken on the frozen test tracks. Results in the wet and dry were similar too, with mid-pack finishes across the tests. Dry braking was a highlight and the handling was close to quickest. It felt good, too, with only a touch more lock needed than the best, and a decent balance. That was carried over to the wet, although the lap time was three seconds or…

WHILE it was a struggle to separate third through fifth places, the Continental was clearly in front of the chasing pack, but unfortunately Bridgestone is another step ahead. The TS 870 took part in last year’s test and it would have won were it not for a delay in its release due to the pandemic. But Bridgestone seems to have found something further, because while the TS 870 still had the edge in the snow, it couldn’t match its rival elsewhere. In the wet you could feel that from behind the wheel. Compared with most rivals the WinterContact had a useful balance, but it didn’t quite have the bite of the Bridgestone or Hankook. A fourth in braking is not what we expect from Continental, but then neither is a…

Search more than 50,000 cars with competitive finance. Order online, delivered to your door, 14 day money-back guarantee THE rapidly growing popularity of SUVs has seen the choice available to potential buyers skyrocket in recent years. At the affordable end of the spectrum are supermini-based SUVs, which offer some extra practicality, ride height and style – although the latter is subjective – over their more traditional counterparts, without becoming too large or expensive in the process. Citroen got in on this trend early, introducing its C3 Aircross back in 2017, and it remains a capable and popular model today. Volkswagen’s Polo-based T-Cross went on sale two years later in a bid to move the field on, bringing with it smart styling and a refined drive. Skoda had already seen great success…

CLIMB behind the wheel of the Skoda Kamiq and the upright driving position is immediately noticeable. Some drivers will consider this a positive, but taller drivers may find it a little harder to get comfortable. Fortunately, there’s a lot of adjustability in the seat. On the move, the Kamiq is very pleasant. It rides compliantly at low speeds and is easy to drive. There are more noticeable vibrations at higher speeds, which can upset the ride comfort on faster roads – this is also an issue with the T-Cross – and the C3 Aircross’ ride is much more forgiving on faster roads. The Kamiq’s interior isn’t perfect – there are a few more cheap plastics dotted around the cabin than would be ideal, but it’s generally pretty impressive overall. The…

HOW OUR GUIDE WORKS PERFORMANCE: This is the manufacturer’s claimed acceleration time for a car, and is measured from 0-60mph or 0-62mph (0-100kph), in seconds. ECONOMY/EMISSIONS/RANGE: Combined WLTP economy in miles per gallon, emissions in grams per kilometre of CO2 and maximum claimed range for EVs. Figures are achieved in the latest WLTP tests, but will vary according to equipment and are unlikely to be representative of everyday efficiency. INSURANCE: Group rating as quoted by the Association of British Insurers. WARRANTY: Next to each manufacturer’s name is the basic warranty period in months and miles for the mechanicals, corrosion and paintwork. EVs and hybrids will have dedicated battery cover. LIST PRICE: This is the on-the-road figure and includes VAT, delivery to dealer, 12 months’ road tax, number plates and first…

Whitmarsh to head up Aston F1 division FORMER McLaren F1 team boss Martin Whitmarsh (above) has been appointed group CEO of Aston Martin Performance Technologies – encompassing the F1 racing team and an “applied technology” arm that will look to commercialise its expertise in other industries. Whitmarsh, 63, has held consulting roles in and out of motorsport since his McLaren stint ended in 2014, including an America’s Cup racing yacht project. Mikkelsen homing in on ERC championship EX-works Volkswagen World Rally Championship driver Andreas Mikkelsen is in the lead of the European Rally Championship (ERC) standings going into this weekend’s Rally Portugal in Fafe, having taken victory at the previous round in the Azores. The 32-year-old Norwegian is looking for a way back to the sport’s top level, contesting both…

Luke_Wilkinson@autovia.co.uk @LT_Wilkinson • Limo due for 2022 unveiling • Will include electric i7 variant ALONGSIDE its electric SUV flagship, the iX (left), BMW’s other halo car – the 7 Series limo – is set to return, with an unveiling in late 2022. However, BMW is planning to build its next luxury saloon on a platform that will allow both combustion and pure-electric power, with the i7 name being lined up for the new EV model. Our exclusive images show how the new 7 Series is expected to look. BMW will introduce a new headlight design, in which the current car’s combined daytime running lights and main headlamps will be ditched in favour of split units, with the latter located lower down in the bumper. As is customary on recent BMWs,…

Alistair_Crooks@autovia.co.uk • Controlled using smartphone • Interior looks like gaming PC CARS have influenced plenty of videogames, and now the roles have been reversed with this MG concept car. It’s called the MAZE, and it’s an all-electric car previewing what MG’s EVs could look like in a far-flung future. It has been designed in London by the team at SAIC Design, a European design studio owned by MG parent company SAIC. Indeed, this is the same design studio that created the Cyberster concept revealed at this year’s Shanghai Motor Show. The MAZE is just a digital concept for now, but the thinking behind it is rooted in an important question: how do car makers make their vehicles appealing to the next generation of car users? MG and SAIC Design seem…

Chris_Rosamond@autovia.co.uk “Classic cars typically drive less than 1,200 miles a year, so their emissions are low” BRITAIN’S £18billion classic car industry is bracing for a fight in the face of ever-tightening legislation aimed at reducing CO2 emissions. The recently formed Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance (HCVA) has just appointed its first CEO in Garry Wilson, a former motoring industry exec who says he’s determined to get the industry a place at the top table as legislation is formulated. “Contrary to what many people believe, classic and historic cars made 30, 40 or 50 years ago and still running are extremely environmentally friendly, at least compared with new cars being made today, which have a higher carbon footprint,” he told us. “Classic cars typically drive less than 1,200 miles a year,…

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) 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: 0113 222 2010 AA: 0800 316 3564 DVLA: 0300 790 6802 RAC: 0808 164 1923 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 Problems with…

sean_carson@autovia.co.uk WE’VE sampled Porsche’s more practical, slightly more rugged Taycan Cross Turismo electric car in high-performance (and pricey) Turbo form, but as ever with the brand, more affordable models always follow close behind – and so it is that we’re driving this less powerful 4S version. More affordable is a relative term given that it costs from £88,270. But with the Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo at £117,960, and the Turbo S £140,360, this 4S certainly lowers the barrier to Taycan CT ownership. For that price you still get the 93.4kWh Performance Battery Plus, which offers a maximum claimed range of 277 miles. With up to 270kW DC charging capability, if you can find a point fast enough, a five to 80 per cent charge will take less than 23 minutes…

James_Brodie@autovia.co.uk @jimmybrods THE new-car landscape is changing, and at a pace never seen before. With nearly every manufacturer now well on the way to heavy electrification, there’s perhaps never been a richer tapestry of new cars in the pipeline. That’s because the concept cars of recent motor shows are arriving in production form thick and fast. In the late 2010s, many big car makers set out their stalls with a blitz of concepts showcasing the near future, and the present looks set to be defined by the finished items. But the near future is not only battery electric; with the internal combustion engine’s days numbered, perhaps some car makers feel obliged to send petrol off with a bang. That’s why, alongside many new electric and hybrid cars in this rundown…

MODELTESTED: Volvo XC60 T6 Inscription Expression PRICE: £53,090 ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4cyl/e-motor, 345bhp Running costs 33.0mpg (on test) £96 fill-up/£480 or 15% tax Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 483/1,410 litres Performance 0-62mph/top speed 5.9 seconds/112mph AS with the Audi Q5, Volvo offers two flavours of XC60 plug-in hybrid. They’re sold under the Recharge banner, and T6 and T8 variants are available. Here we test the less powerful T6 in Inscription Expression trim, which costs £53,090. The car in our pictures is a higher-spec Inscription model. Design & engineering THE XC60 has been around for as long as the Q5, having been launched in 2017. It uses the same SPA platform that underpins the XC90 and the firm’s saloons and estates, and means that 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines are standard across the board. Here…

1st VOLVO IT’S a very close-run thing, but as a plug-in hybrid, the Volvo XC60 T6 makes more sense than its rivals here. Electric range is decent (and will only get better with an updated version), it’s reasonably efficient when petrol power is added to the mix, and it offers a good blend of performance and comfort. While the infotainment takes some getting used to, the suite of advanced safety features is impossible to ignore. 2nd AUDI THERE’S very little to separate the Volvo and Audi. This lower-powered Q5 plug-in has more than enough performance for most needs, and it’s a sportier car to drive than the XC60. However, it’s not quite as comfortable as its Swedish rival, while efficiency takes a hit once the battery is flat. There’s not…

Darren_Wilson@autovia.co.uk WHAT better way to end a six-month spell with our SEAT Leon e-Hybrid than a week’s staycation in sunny Suffolk? It was the first time my wife and I have had a week away without either of our kids in 21 years. So packing wasn’t a problem. That’s possibly a good job too, because the e-Hybrid version of the Leon only has a 270-litre boot. Packing for three of us for the week would have been okay, but only after some editing and planning. I’m not sure four of us was ever an option. In fact, before we left I asked my eldest son, George, to see whether my grandson Zack’s buggy would fit in the back. To be fair, it did, but there wasn’t much room for any…

products@autoexpress.co.uk EXTREME changes in weather mean it’s more crucial than ever to have the right tyres for every situation, and the ultimate solution is to change tyres according to the season. While all-season tyres have grown in popularity, we continue to test winter versions for the driver who wants the best performance from their vehicle when the temperatures drop. The world is starting to return to a sort of normal but when we started this test, strict travel restrictions were still in force. As a result we asked Hankook to complete snow braking and traction tests at its facility in Ivalo, Finland. Continental then carried out the wet and dry objective tests, plus rolling resistance, in Germany. Fortunately, restrictions were eased just in time for us to travel to the…

WE’VE seen promising performances from Maxxis in our other tests, and while joint sixth doesn’t immediately impress here, the WP6 was in the thick of the battle for the final podium spot. It performed best in the dry, where it was third across the two tests with a pair of podium finishes. It impressed on the stopwatch and it felt good, with a liveliness most rivals lacked. The front gripped well with limited push when accelerating. It was also responsive to throttle changes. If the dry was its peak, then it was in the freezing temperatures where it struggled, although it was closer to the leaders in the wet, where it delivered mixed results. Nowhere was that more apparent than in aquaplaning, where it was second in a straight line,…

THE Alpin 6 made a strong test debut when we looked at this size in 2019, but it has fallen a little further away from the leaders and has to be happy with a place just outside the podium here. As we have seen in previous years, the Alpin 6 is not at its best in snow, but that makes it a good candidate for UK conditions. It only beat the struggling Avon in Finland, and was some three per cent behind the test-topping Continental. That lack of sub-zero performance was compensated by a runner-up result in the wet tests, with podium finishes in the shallow water assessments. The Alpin 6 had a great balance around the wet handling circuit, and it was also best of the rest in braking…

THERE’S no compromise to the Blizzak LM005’s win this year and it easily romps to a second victory on the trot. As soon as the results started coming in, it was clear it would take something special to stop the Bridgestone. Seven wins and a runner-up spot from 11 tests makes this a convincing success. It topped the snow braking test, but the winning margins meant the Continental had the edge on the white stuff. Other rivals also performed better in the deep-water aquaplaning tests, but elsewhere it was all Bridgestone. The Japanese producer has certainly found something in wet braking because it was more than two metres ahead of the next best, with the rest of the field covered by a similar margin. The Blizzak had an edge for…

Tristan_Shale-Hester@autovia.co.uk Q Will switching to electric increase my servicing costs? I’VE been toying with the idea of buying an electric car and, having only owned petrol and diesel models, there’s a bit of a learning curve. One thing I want to know is what the servicing implications are – will it be more expensive? David Gerald, E-mail A ELECTRIC cars generally tend to be cheaper to service than petrol or diesel models, because there are no complex engines or gearboxes to maintain. One point to bear in mind is that, at the moment, only around five per cent of automotive mechanics have completed the necessary training to work on EVs. Check your dealer’s EV servicing prices and also see what qualifications your local independent has. Q Can I be fined…

WHEN it comes to driving dynamics, there’s not a lot separating the Volkswagen T-Cross from the Skoda Kamiq; unsurprising when you consider they share a platform. Like the Kamiq, the T-Cross has a strong engine, is easy to drive around town and agile when cornering at higher speeds. We especially like the feel of VW’s manual gearbox; it’s light, slick and precise. Inside, the sliding rear bench is useful, because you can increase boot space to 455 litres without folding the back seats all the way down flat. This gives the T-Cross an advantage over the Kamiq, although it’s the C3 Aircross that offers the biggest boot capacity without losing its rear passenger accommodation. The T-Cross has the highest-quality interior of these three supermini-based SUVs; it’s not quite premium level…

Stephen_Errity@autovia.co.uk ● Evans challenge “a long shot” ● Co-driver reshuffle continues TOYOTA’S Sebastien Ogier has one hand on what would be his eighth World Rally Championship title in nine years going into this weekend’s Rally Finland. Following another podium finish at the previous event in Greece, the Frenchman now leads the drivers’ standings on 180 points – 44 ahead of his Welsh team-mate, Elfyn Evans, and 50 clear of the third-placed man, Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville. There are 90 points on offer across the remaining rounds in Finland, Spain and Italy. Speaking after Greece, Ogier said: “This one makes me happy. You can’t win every weekend, but this has been another great step for the championship. I wanted to keep the lead and we actually increased it.” Evans, who was taken…

HOW’S this for a run of events? Last winter, the Citroen Ami wins its first major trophy: World Vehicle of the Year. By early summer it’s got the Auto Express Technology award. Then, in August at the British Motor Show, car nuts queued to see the most talked about and photographed vehicle there. A few weeks later came the happiest story of the year: Citroen will sell the Ami in the UK. It’s expected to have a cash price of about £6,000. Plus, the firm told me that although mobile phone-like, circa-£40-a-month contracts may be offered here as in France, such deals require deposits of a grand or three. Low or no-deposit contracts appeal more to Brits, even if this means payments of nearer £80 a month. Either way, this…