Innholdsfortegnelse for 1713 i Auto Express

WE’RE always excited by cars at Auto Express – but this week comes a reminder that every vehicle that we enjoy driving is made, designed and developed by people. Because the exciting news that Matt Becker, formerly of Aston Martin and Lotus, is on his way to Jaguar Land Rover is accompanied by the sad confirmation that Mike Cross, the British brands’ director of Vehicle Targets and Sign-off, is retiring. Crossy, as he is known in the industry, joined Land Rover back in 1978 as a development engineer. He’s racked up a total of 37 years working on Jaguar Land Rover products, honing them over thousands of miles on his favourite roads, usually in the UK (we can’t divulge the precise locations, but north Wales and stretches of the Fosse…

IF you fancy getting your hands on a new Mondeo before the model departs Europe for good, time may have already run out by the time you read this. Production of the current Mondeo officially ends in March, but in the UK you can no longer order a factory-fresh one. You’ll have to buy a new one from stock, and a source told Auto Express that numbers nationally are into single digits and that the car is in effect sold out. At time of going to press, Ford’s website was already showing that the taps had run dry, with no Mondeos available direct from the brand’s own inventory. However, we were advised that the odd unsold new Mondeo could still be found around the country – and we confirmed as…

LM62 marks Morgan’s Le Mans class victory THIS year marks the 60th anniversary of Morgan’s class win at Le Mans in 1962, and to celebrate, the British brand has released its Plus Four LM62 special edition (above), limited to just 62 units. On sale now and priced from £78,995, the LM62 features paint jobs inspired by the original sixties racer, spotlights and wire wheels. The Morgan’s 2.0-litre engine produces 255bhp and can be linked to either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Research shows key new-car buying needs A REPUTATION for quality, style and a positive ownership experience are the top-three reasons car buyers choose their new models, according to new research conducted by Auto Express’s parent company, Autovia. These three factors topped a list of 17 reasons…

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: Glynn Olive A LACK of police presence is clearly evident on all UK roads; there’s a growing minority of dangerous drivers. I see more National Highways patrols than police cars, but these patrols cannot take dangerous drivers off the road. FROM: Jon Hill IT’S plain to see that the reduction in traffic cop numbers was down to budgets, rather than the good behaviour of motorists. The use of the roads has grown, while driver patience has diminished. Driving in the UK now feels very hazardous. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk “Cameras have a role to play in policing, but we need cops in cars to complement them.”…

Alex_Ingram@autovia.co.uk @AxleIngram Performance 0-62mph/top speed 4.7 seconds/155mph Running costs 35.3mpg (off icial) £86 fill-up Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 470/1,290 litres ON the face of it, the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé seems like a niche within the already expansive BMW line-up, but there are several reasons why you might be tempted by its less traditional take on the compact executive formula. Despite the ‘4’ prefix, the Gran Coupé is closer to the 3 Series saloon than the 4 Series Coupé. It features the dramatic, toothy grille of the 4 Series, plus the slimmer, scowling LED headlights, but there are two extra doors, just like on the 3 Series. The handles themselves are flush-fitting, though, for a cleaner look, even if they’re not as pleasingly chunky to use. The biggest change…

Skoda Kodiaq Amundsen eight-inch touchscreen Key features: Integrated Wi-Fi AS with the rest of the Kodiaq, the car’s touchscreen system is another case of a piece of kit that just gets the job done without any drama or irritation. There’s nothing wild about the Amundsen infotainment setup; it looks tidy enough, and at eight inches, it isn’t even the largest screen available – there’s a 9.2-inch Columbus system that’s standard on the SportLine models and above, and is a £965 option here. The navigation set-up is easy to program, with functions revealed by a proximity sensor as your hand moves close to the display. Loading times are quick, and the screen is responsive to pinch and swipe movements. Of course, smartphone integration is also included. It’s a shame that the…

Dawn_Grant@autovia.co.uk Practicality Boot (seats up) 367 litres Battery/charging 54kWh battery 50kW DC (0-80% in 52 mins) OUR Lexus UX 300e has been on the Auto Express fleet – and outside my home – for three months. And in those 12 weeks I’ve noticed major changes since the last time I ran an EV, the SEAT Mii Electric, back in 2020. On the plus side, you see far more electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. On the down side, there’s never been more demand on the charging infrastructure. It’s so frustrating when you drive to a single fast charger and see a car in front of you driving into the space. In this respect, EVs aren’t like combustion-engined cars at a filling station, because you know the delay to your journey is…

Lancia model is a kit of alright, says Italeri IF you want a model car kit that’s a cut above the competition, then Italian model firm Italeri may have the answer. It’s just launched a 1:12-scale kit of the Lancia Delta HF Integrale 16V. It’s made using fresh moulds for what Italeri claims is a new level of accuracy and quality, with metal photo-etched chrome parts, plus realistic hoses and springs. It also has opening bonnet and doors, plus working suspension and steering. If you want this rally icon, you’ll need £299.99 and a fair few hours to spare. Michelin tyres hailed after ADAC survey A RECENT study on tyre particulates by Germany’s ADAC has revealed Michelin as a leader in the field. The research subjected tyres to 15,000km of…

PRODUCTGROUP TEST 26|01|2022 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 EVEN the most careful driver can find themselves straying above the speed limit. Maybe it’s late at night and there are no other cars around, or you’re just following the flow of other traffic. With so many different restrictions and constantly changing limits on smart motorways, it can be easy to get caught out. If you’re unlucky, you could spot a police detector van just a little too late, or maybe see the dreaded double flash of a camera as you pass under a motorway gantry. The inevitable envelope in the post might require you to spend a day on…

MERCEDES is a conservative car maker, which is why it rarely takes any big risks with its products. It focuses on producing well made cars at premium prices, and it leaves the gimmicks to others. So when it launched the original ‘twin-chassis’ A-Class in 1998, such a car was quite out of character. Costly to build and dynamically compromised, that original A-Class was still popular, and the Mk2 stuck to the same formula. Mercedes’ smallest car always struggled to compete against more conventional hatchbacks, though, which is why the Mk3 switched to a more familiar layout. This time Mercedes hit the spot, so when it launched the fourth generation, it opted for more of the same – and was rewarded with even greater sales success. History THE A-Class Mk4 hatch…

James_Brodie@autovia.co.uk @JPBrods • All-new executive saloon preparing for 2023 launch • More efficient hybrids and S-Class tech will feature THE next Mercedes E-Class is coming in 2023, and at a time of all-electric rebirth for the German brand, it will set out to prove that Merc’s combustion-powered favourite is still an important model. It will hit UK roads in the second half of next year, beating the next-generation BMW 5 Series to market. However, while its rival will come with an all-electric option alongside its combustion and hybrid drivetrains, the E-Class will stick with 48-volt mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engines, plus plug-in hybrid power. Instead, Mercedes’s electric EQE saloon will line up as the E-Class’s EV stablemate. New E-Class development prototypes have been spotted on public roads in Europe, as…

Chris_Rosamond@autovia.co.uk “Home fuel bills could rise by as much as 50 per cent from April if OFGEM raises the domestic price cap” THE cost of charging electric cars could rise significantly as a result of moves by regulator OFGEM to raise the Energy Price Cap in April, potentially threatening the rate of EV adoption as consumers weigh up the benefits of switching from petrol or diesel cars. The cost of electricity is driven mostly by the wholesale price of gas, which UK power stations use to generate between a third and half of the UK’s power. The figure rises when wind farms aren’t generating in calm weather. Wholesale electricity costs are 300 per cent higher than a year ago and home bills could rise by as much as 50 per…

BATTERY manufacturer Britishvolt’s plans to build the UK’s first gigafactory in Blyth, Northumberland, have met with fresh Government approval and a reported £100million of extra funding through the Automotive Transformation Fund. The project also gained £1.7billion in private funding, on top of £2.6billion already committed by Britishvolt. The gigafactory is expected to be operational by the end of 2023, with ultimate capacity of 300,000 lithiumion batteries a year. It will also provide 3,000 jobs, as well as generating 5,000 more across the plant’s supply chain. Business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “Britishvolt’s gigafactory will not only enable the UK to fully capture the benefits of a booming electric vehicle market, but will also bring thousands of highly skilled, well paid jobs to the north-east of England.”…

sean_carson@autovia.co.uk THE automotive world is becoming increasingly fragmented in many ways. In fact, the buzzword ‘mobility’ that we hear so frequently as enthusiasts has never been more appropriate to describe the state of play today – and one technology start-up based in Milton Keynes, Bucks, is looking to exploit the pool of potential customers looking for easy mobility with its new venture. While big car manufacturers are increasingly focusing on fully autonomous driving tech (after all, it means they can still sell their products to individuals this way), Imperium Drive is similarly looking to lighten the load for the driver and take them out of the loop, but in a slightly different way. Instead of software taking over, Imperium Drive is trialling a concept where your car will be driven…

sean_carson@autovia.co.uk Performance 0-62mph/top speed 10.3 seconds/119mph Running costs 40.9mpg (official) £77 fill-up THE addition of a 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain means the newly updated Jeep Compass will be even more appealing to some buyers, but with prices starting from £39,895 for the petrol-electric model, it still represents a significant outlay or a higher monthly PCP price. This pure-petrol model might be easier to stomach. At £30,895 in Limited specification, the 1.3 GSE T4 uses the same four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine as the 4xe, without the electrified rear axle (so it’s only two-wheel drive), which means a total of 128bhp and 270Nm of torque. It also does without the automatic gearbox, making do with a six-speed manual instead. The same subtle styling revisions have been applied though, with a stronger, more…

Performance 0-62mph/top speed 10.2 seconds/126mph Practicality Boot (7/5/2 seats) 270/765/2,005 litres Running costs 37.0mpg (on test) £84 fill-up/£155 or 36% tax MODELTESTED: Skoda Kodiaq 1.5 TSI SE L Executive PRICE: £35,575 ENGINE: 1.5-litre 4cyl, 148bhp WHILE the car in our pictures is in SE L trim, this has since been superseded by the SE L Executive, although the former is still available from stock. At £35,575, the Executive costs £870 more than the outgoing SE L, but that price hike is easily offset by a more generous kit list that includes standard leather upholstery, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat and a reversing camera. Design & engineering SINCE the Kodiaq has been around since 2016, Skoda saw fit to introduce a subtle list of mid-life upgrades to the range towards the…

NEW: SEAT Tarraco 1.5 TSI SE Tech PRICE: £33,795 ENGINE: 1.5-litre petrol, 148bhp IT looks different, but the Tarraco is almost identical to the Kodiaq under the skin. For that reason, we’d recommend finding the trim/engine combination that suits you best, and then find the SEAT or Skoda that offers the best value for money. USED: Land Rover Discovery 2.0 SD4 S PRICE: £34,500 (’17) ENGINE: 2.0-litre diesel, 237bhp THE 5008 and Kodiaq can fit seven at a pinch, but the Discovery has acres of space. It’s incredibly comfortable and the diesel has plenty of towing torque. The budget offers a wide range of choice, but we found a 2017 SD4 with 49,000 miles for less than £35k.…

Running costs 34.0mpg (WLTP) £70 fill-up/£145 or 37% tax Performance 0-62mph/top speed 7.6 seconds/112mph Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 452/1,328 litres THE XC40 cuts a unique figure in Volvo’s line-up. While most of the firm’s range focuses on understated cool for their aesthetic, the brand’s smallest SUV instead chooses bold, dramatic lines and an overall profile that looks almost boxy beside many rivals, and especially the Jaguar. The resulting look is funky and modern in the metal, especially when combined with the contrasting black roof and door mirrors of our test car. It’s a shame some of the design flourishes bring compromises, though; the kink towards the rear of the side windows looks dramatic from the outside, but it means that the driver has to put up with poor over-the-shoulder visibility.…

products@autoexpress.co.uk CHOOSING a pick-up as a cost-effective alternative to a big SUV makes financial sense, particularly if you’re a business user, but it kind of misses the point. Truck cabins have improved massively in recent years to the point where you wouldn’t complain about getting into one after a hard day on a building site, but they can’t match a SUV’s passenger space. It’s the load bed that sets a pick-up apart and it needs to be used for more than the odd muddy bike or supermarket shop to make up for reduced creature comforts elsewhere. Which is exactly what I’ve been doing. I’ve recently moved house and have started on improvements. While professionals are doing most of the work, I’ve used our Ranger to dispose of old kitchen appliances.…

Got a query? products@autoexpress.co.uk Q Looking for sat-nav guidance MY sat-nav is no longer supported by the maker. Can you suggest a replacement? Rob Carter, E-mail A IF you want a standalone device, our test winner is the Garmin DriveSmart 65 (£229.99, above) but if you’re already a TomTom user, we like the Go Discover, which costs the same. They work well with live traffic and phone connectivity. Or, why not try a smartphone app? Most are free and work just as well, if not better in some areas. Q What’s truth about ceramic? I’M buying a used car from a dealer and they’ve offered to ceramic coat it. I hear it means I won’t have to wash the car for months. Is this true? Paul Wilson, E-mail A A…

A CAR that won’t start when needed is a pain, so it pays to be prepared. Jump leads and a friendly neighbour used to be the solution, but now starter packs are the way to get going in an emergency. The latest to join the growing market is from Launch. To see if it’s worth a spot in your glovebox this winter, we put it up against our current test-winner from MSC. Using a 1.6-litre petrol engine connected to a failing battery, each fully charged device was required to turn the engine over five times, for five seconds, with a two-minute rest between the attempts. We checked the charge state at the end of the test, as well as assessing features such as cable length, sockets, connectors and technical spec…

Stephen_Errity@autovia.co.uk “There’s one fewer team on the grid than last year due to Audi pulling out” THE eighth season of Formula E gets under way with a double-header in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, this weekend. It will be the final year of the series’ current ‘Gen2’ machinery, before the more powerful and radically styled ‘Gen3’ car arrives for 2022-23. But there are still changes afoot this time around. Following criticism of a qualifying system that too heavily penalised the championship leader going into each weekend, a new knockout formula will make its debut in Diriyah. It sees the field divided into two groups of 11 drivers, who will battle to set a time in a pair of 10-minute opening sessions. The fastest four from each group then progress to head-to-head duels…

W124 (1993-1995) A CHANGE in naming saw the facelifted W124 rebadged as the E-Class. The range was topped by the V8-powered, Porsche-built E500, and the W124 is now a cult classic. W210 (1995-2003) THIS was the first generation to feature V6 engines, while the addition of xenon headlamps was a first for any Mercedes. Most powerful model was the 354bhp E55 AMG. W211 (2002-2009) BIG sales numbers saw more than 1.5 million units sold worldwide. Efficiency was key, with a wide range of diesel engines offered through its life. W212 (2009-2016) AN angular design marked out the W212, although it was smoothed over in 2013. Coupé and convertible variants arrived with this generation. W213 (2016-PRESENT) CURRENT car is packed with tech first seen in the S-Class, including advanced driver-assist systems.…

James_Brodie@autovia.co.uk @JPBrods Brand-new saloon designed and built in China Ford has no plans to sell new Mondeo in Europe THE FORD Mondeo saloon is back for a fifth generation, but it won’t be heading to Britain. Instead, this new version of the iconic saloon has been designed by Ford’s China Design Centre in Shanghai, and is specifically for the Chinese market. Last March, Ford said that production of the Mondeo would cease at the brand’s Valencia plant, bringing an end to nearly 30 years of the model once so synonymous with hard-working Brits that it spawned the term “Mondeo Man”. Ford’s announcement referred to the European market, and the model’s continued life in Asia is not a huge surprise. However, the company recently confirmed: “There are no plans to sell…

sean_carson@autovia.co.uk Refresh for flagship BMW cars Prices start from £72,225 A RANGE-WIDE overhaul for BMW’s 8 Series Coupé, Convertible and four-door Gran Coupé models – including the flagship M8 Competition – has been unveiled as part of a mid-life refresh for the brand’s high-end luxury models. Subtle styling tweaks and the addition of more tech and kit are the key changes, with all regular 8 Series bodystyles coming as standard with an M Sport pack that includes a new lower front bumper, a fresh diffuser insert at the rear, 20-inch M alloy wheels and an M Sport braking system with blue calipers. As with other high-end models in the firm’s range, the new 8 Series features illumination for the kidney grille as part of BMW’s “Iconic Glow” package. Inside, all…

tristan_shale-hester@autovia.co.uk @tristan_shale HIGHWAY Code updates coming into effect this week will make it easier for drivers to be prosecuted over accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists, amidconcerns about a lack of advertising for the new rules. From 29 January, pedestrians will gain new priority when crossing road junctions, while cyclists will have priority when passing a turning car, under a new hierarchy of road users. Hojol Uddin, a motoring lawyer at JMW Solicitors, said the new rules would give some cyclists the confidence to take more risks on the road. “My concern is there will be a situation where car owners are more likely to be prosecuted now than they were before,” he told us. Uddin also shared concerns that the Department for Transport (DfT) was “railroading” the new rules in…

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.consumerombudsman.org RMIF: 0845 305 4230 Scottish Motor Trade Assoc. 0131 331 5510 Problems with…

Richard_Ingram@autovia.co.uk @rsp_ingram Electric motor Power/range 94bhp/30 miles Running costs 166.2mpg (off icial) £50 fill-up MINI’s popular Countryman compact SUV launched in 2017 and was promptly facelifted a mere three years later. But the all-important PHEV version has only just arrived in the UK. This tax-busting plug-in hybrid uses the same powertrain as before, so the changes are largely aesthetic, but the Countryman is an interesting proposition, with low running costs, good practicality and a sense of style. As on the full MINI range, the Countryman gets Union Flag tail-lights, new bumpers and some trim changes. LED lights are standard, with new paint and wheel choices, too. Inside, the analogue dials have been replaced by a digital panel first seen in the MINI Electric; it’s not the most configurable, but it…

Alex_Ingram@autovia.co.uk @AxleIngram Performance 0-62mph/top speed 5.8 seconds/149mph WITH so much hype around fully electric SUVs, it’s easy to forget that Audi still sells plenty of combustion-engined models, too. Some of them rely solely on the pump for replenishment, but others, such as the Q8 TFSI e driven here, mix the ease of refuelling with petrol on longer journeys with just enough electric range to make everyday trips cheap and emissions-free. Some cheaper PHEVs lack the range or power in electric mode to make them genuinely usable as an EV. However, the Q8 performs more than well enough on both counts. Electric power comes from a 134bhp motor, but torque is more relevant – at 400Nm, it’s only 50Nm behind the petrol element of the hybrid set-up. Left to its own…

Performance 0-62mph/top speed 10.2 seconds/117mph Practicality Boot (7/5/2 seats) 167/702/1,940 litres Running costs 36.2mpg (on test) £81 fill-up/£155 or 34% tax MODELTESTED: Peugeot 5008 P’Tech 130 Allure Premium PRICE: £35,155 ENGINE: 1.2-litre 3cyl, 129bhp PEUGEOT’S 5008 has long ranked among our favourite cars in this segment, so it will be intriguing to see what the updated model brings to the table. The Allure Premium trim tested here with a 1.2 PureTech petrol engine and eight-speed automatic gearbox starts from £35,155. Add on options including a powered tailgate (£400) and metallic paint (£600) and the total comes to £36,405. Design & engineering AS with the Kodiaq, the 5008 was already a very competent offering in this segment, so the facelift has only brought subtle changes. The front-end treatment mirrors that of…

FEATURES SKODA is known for its clever touches in cars, and the Kodiaq is no different. In addition to the various drawers and cubbies and optional waste bin, there’s an ice scraper/tyre tread-depth gauge stored in the fuel-filler flap, and an umbrella in the front door. Every version of the 5008 is at least optionally available with retractable window blinds, and three 12-volt sockets can power various devices. EFFICIENCY BOTH cars lack even mildhybrid systems, but each has tricks up its sleeve to get every last mile from a gallon of fuel. The Kodiaq’s fourcylinder engine has cylinderon-demand tech, which turns off two cylinders at a gentle cruise. Only a very keen ear will detect when it activates.…

NEW PRODUCT Clarke generators and metal saw Prices: from £137.99 Contact: machinemart.co.uk IF you don’t have mains power where you work on your car then Clarke may have the answer, with a range of three new generators the company has just added to its line-up. The units use inverters to deliver mains electricity and have Euro 5-compliant petrol motors. Kicking off the line-up is the £238.80 800W IG950D, with sine-wave tech to ensure a stable output when using electronic kit. There’s also an eco mode to match running to the load, improving fuel economy. Claimed run time from the 2.1-litre tank is more than five hours. Next up is the £310.80 IG1200C, which has a similar run time and the same 230V and 12V outputs. Topping the range is the IG2000D,…

Ferrari 75 Years Dennis Adler (Motorbooks, quartoknows.co.uk) Price: £35 Rating: DON’T expect a critical view of Ferrari within these pages, since it’s a celebration of the brand’s history and prestige, beautifully illustrated with excellent photos, some of them by the author. Alongside you’ll find a chronological breakdown of Ferrari’s most important cars. It’s clear, interesting and written with passion. A good coffee-table book, and a fine addition to any Ferrari library. Triumph TR2, TR3, TR3A and TR3B Paul Hogan (Veloce Publishing, veloce.co.uk) Price: £19.99 Rating: OWNERS, or potential owners, of one of these pretty little sports cars would benefit from picking up a copy of this book. It details some common problems with the TR2 and its related cars, and helps you diagnose and fix them. It’s not a workshop…

Got any car queries? Tristan_Shale-Hester@autovia.co.uk Q What are cover implications for declaring SORN? I BOUGHT a sports car last summer that I now want to put in my garage and on a Statutory Off-Road Notice (SORN) until winter is over. Will my insurer still cover me if it’s damaged while off the road in the next few months. Bryan Hall, E-mail A YOU should contact your insurer to check whether or not they will cover your car while it is on a SORN, because some insurers don’t want to cover cars that are left unattended for long periods of time. Although this is within their rights, if your insurer won’t provide cover, other insurers will and there are even some providers who offer specific policy options for cars that are…

Andretti FORMERLY the works BMW outfit, Andretti landed sponsorship from blockchain platform Avalanche in order to continue racing after the Munich brand wound up its effort at the end of last season. Key personnel from the BMW days, including team principal Roger Griffiths and race-winning driver Jake Dennis, remain. They should help former IndyCar driver Oliver Askew get up to speed quickly. Dragon Penske A TEAM that has often struggled for pace and continuity in Formula E to date, Dragon finished second from bottom last season and is a curious choice for the former Alfa Romeo F1 man Antonio Giovinazzi to make his electric debut with. But a switch from building its own powertrains to becoming a customer team from 2023 onwards could give it a more stable base to…

FOR the overwhelming majority of us, the most dangerous thing we’ll do today is drive a car, walk on or cross a road, or ride a bike on a public highway. Big money from central Government needs to – but almost certainly won’t be – spent on our roads to ensure it doesn’t turn into a tragic, sometimes life-ending problem. But everything from infrastructure improvements, to recruiting more traffic cops and a long-overdue, nationwide review of speed limits are all deemed too expensive. The politicians can’t be arsed. At the other end of the scale, a driver can invest a paltry £50 right now to significantly reduce his or her chances of being involved in a prang at this most risky time of year. Read what follows and you might…