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sean_carson@autovia.co.uk ● Plug-in hybrid powertrain only ● Jeep plans to ditch fossil fuels IN a bid to boost its environmental credentials Jeep will only offer its new Grand Cherokee SUV with 4xe plug-in hybrid power in Europe, signifying the brand’s next steps when it comes to electrification. At the new car’s European debut, CEO Christian Meunier said the firm’s flagship SUV (on this side of the Atlantic) will start a move towards electrified-only powertrains as Jeep will drop its pure-petrol and diesel engines by the end of the year. Meunier said: “In most European markets, with the exception of Italy, we’ll have a 100 per cent electrified range – every Jeep will either be MHEV or 4xe. We will drop the regular gas [petrol] and the diesel, and this is…

Mazda names its price for hybrid 2 hatchback THE hybrid-engined Mazda 2 supermini (above) is on sale in the UK now, with prices from £20,300. While it’s a new car to Mazda’s line-up, it’s a rebadged version of the latest Toyota Yaris Hybrid. There are three specifications, called Pure, Agile and Select. Standard kit for the entry-level model includes 15-inch steel wheels, automatic windscreen wipers, air-conditioning and as even-inch infotainment system. Drivers cut car use as fuel prices hit a peak AVERAGE pump prices of petrol and diesel in the UK have reached record highs. Petrol hit an average of 148.02p per litre, while diesel rose to 151.57p. The AA, which provided the data, conducted a poll of 15,335 of its members. It found that 43 per cent are cutting…

NEW pictures of a Lexus concept car that points to an all-electric successor to the LFA have been revealed. The brand unveiled this new concept late last year alongside a clutch of concept vehicles that will join its line-up as production cars in the next decade. Lexus describes the supercar concept as being “a battery-EV sports car that inherits the driving taste, or the ‘secret sauce’, of the performance cultivated via the development of the LFA”. Toyota’s CEO Akio Toyoda said he wants this to be a “sports battery EV” concept, and outlined that the model has a target 0-62mph time “in the low two-second range”. Toyoda added that “with both proportions and low ride height essential to a sports car, it will showcase the unique driving performance of a…

@tristan_shale “The SMMT’s plan calls for consumer interests to be put first in every aspect of charging” THE Government should create an independent EV chargepoint regulator to ensure public charging is affordable, available and accessible, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has said. In a newly published seven-point plan, the industry body has called for the creation of a regulatory body, which it has dubbed ‘Ofcharge’, to monitor the state of the UK’s EV charging infrastructure, enforce minimum standards and keep charger provision in line with zero-emission vehicle targets. The plan itself calls for consumer interests to be put first in every aspect of charging. Despite the fact massive investment in charging infrastructure is already under way, the SMMT is calling for a “binding commitment” for the right…

tristan_shale-hester@autovia.co.uk @tristan_shale THERE are plenty of things driving doesn’t mix with – alcohol and drugs both immediately spring to mind. Sleep deprivation is another obstacle to safe motoring, albeit one that probably carries less of a taboo. This shouldn’t be the case, though, because driving while tired can be just as dangerous as doing so while under the influence. We’ve all seen those signs on the motorway that read, “Tiredness can kill, take a break” – and they’re there for good reason. In a bid to highlight the problematic nature of driving while seriously tired, we set up an experiment. Auto Express staff writer Luke Wilkinson would get a good night’s sleep, while deputy consumer editor Tristan Shale-Hester (yours truly) would stay awake all night. The pair of us would…

James_Brodie@autovia.co.uk @JPBrods WHILE the people-carrier market has been devoured by SUVs, there are still signs of life in the compact MPV class. And that’s where this new 2 Series Active Tourer will land, rivalling the Mercedes B-Class. With the previous 2 Series Active Tourer racking up more than 400,000 sales, BMW clearly sees that as reason to continue, and around 90 per cent of new Active Tourers sold will find homes in Europe. There will be no seven-seat 2 Series Gran Tourer this time, with the five-seat version the only option. But the new car has grown in size slightly to plug the gap; it’s wider, taller and has a longer wheelbase. But perhaps the greatest gains are to be found in technology rather than practicality. The new car is…

NEW: Porsche Macan S PRICE: £54,630 ENGINE: 2.9-litre V6, 375bhp IF you sway towards the practical end of the performance car debate, then the Macan is a fascinating option. It handles more like a hot hatch than an SUV, and while it lacks the straight-line speed of the RS 3, its V6 engine has just as much character. USED: BMW M2 Competition PRICE: £57,500 ENGINE: 3.0-litre 6cyl, 404bhp NEARLY new examples of the M2 are priced similarly to our hot hatches here, but it sets itself apart by sending all of its 404bhp to the rear wheels. It lacks the all-weather performance of the A 45 S as a result, but it’s every bit as exciting to drive.…

EVEN the most vigilant driver will occasionally be baffled by speed limits. On major roads they can constantly change due to ‘smart’ running or road works, or because of a fixed hazard. They will be signed of course, but it’s easy to miss the limit if you are concentrating on making a lane change, for example. Many new cars have a built-in camera that recognises road signs and displays the speed limit on the central screen as a reminder. Now smartphone users can also fall back on the same technology, according to app developer Sygic. A function built into its navigation uses your phone’s camera to read signs, including the LED temporary limits on motorways. However, it doesn’t work very well in anything less than near-perfect conditions, leaving you to…

Steve_Fowler@autovia.co.uk @stevefowler ● All-electric Scénic due in 2024 ● Offered as five-seater only Visit autoexpress.co.uk for your daily news updates RENAULT’S so-called ‘Renaulution’ is set to take another retro step forward with a reinvention of the legendary Scénic MPV, the company has confirmed. Launched in 1996 as a more family-friendly version of the Mégane, the Scénic MPV only disappeared from UK price lists last year, as family buyers turned towards SUVs. So it’s no surprise that the new Scénic is being reborn as an SUV. The new model will use the all-electric CMF-EV platform that made its debut in the new Mégane E-Tech Electric. Whereas that forthcoming vehicle is a competitor for Volkswagen’s ID.3 hatch, the Scénic will be a rival to the ID.4 SUV. Auto Express expects that the…

BY 2025 Jeep will have a zero-emission BEV in every global SUV segment. CEO Christian Meunier told Auto Express: “This is a big opportunity for Jeep.” As we revealed last year, Jeep will expand into new market sectors, including a smaller electric SUV (top) to sit beneath the Renegade – and it could happen soon. Meunier said: “Stay tuned, you’ll get some news in the next few months about this. Jeep is a true global brand and we want to cover the range of true SUVs; we’re not expanded to 100 per cent.” Asked if the first all-electric Jeep has to be an iconic model, following the Wrangler Magneto EV concept revealed at Jeep’s Moab Safari last year, or if its first EV will be a more globally applicable smaller…

Dean_Gibson@autovia.co.uk @DeanGbsn ● Hot pick-up packs 284bhp ● Arrives in UK later this year HAVING tested the waters for an EU-specific performance pick-up with the first Ranger Raptor, Ford has upped the ante with this second-generation model. It’s based on the all-new Ranger that’s due in showrooms in 2023, but this time around the Raptor swaps diesel power for a 3.0-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost petrol V6. The Ranger Raptor now packs 284bhp – an increase of 74bhp over the old model – and there’s 491Nm of torque, too. An anti-lag system features, similar to the set-up originally seen in the Ford GT supercar, which boosts throttle response by keeping the turbos spinning for three seconds when the driver lifts off. An active exhaust offers four noise levels, too, including Quiet and…

TOYOTA engineers have filed a patent for a simulated manual gearbox. It uses a fake gearstick and clutch pedal plus some clever software to control the amount of torque from an electric motor, to make the electric vehicle’s powertrain act and drive like a traditional internal-combustion car’s. The transmission is still a fixed gear, but it works by regulating the torque flow depending on the fake ‘gear’ the driver selects. In virtual first gear, the system will provide plenty of torque, but a low top speed. Sixth gear will allow the EV to reach a higher top speed, but the level of acceleration will be slower, just like a petrol car. A shaker plate gives the transmission a mechanical feel.…

TWO hot versions of the Mercedes EQE electric saloon have been revealed. The AMG EQE 43 and 53 both go on sale in the UK later this year, with the duo getting AMG styling tweaks, bespoke suspension and substantial power hikes. The EQE 43 uses two electric motors for 469bhp and 858Nm of torque, with 0-62mph claimed in 4.2 seconds and a range of up to 331 miles. The EQE 53 has 617bhp or an optional 677bhp, which offers a 0-62mph time of 3.3 seconds and a 322-mile range. Prices for both models will be confirmed closer to UK launch.…

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…

Steve_Fowler@autovia.co.uk @stevefowler Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 412/1,323 litres Performance 0-62mph/top speed 9.7 seconds/130mph Running costs 52.1mpg (official) £77 fill-up Visit autoexpress.co.uk for the latest new cars and drives IT’S AN interesting time for the Stellantis empire, recently crowned as Europe’s biggest-selling car group and with a flurry of launches across its myriad brands. Only last week (Issue 1,715) we reviewed the new Vauxhall Astra, and now we’ve driven the new Peugeot 308 here in the UK. Both cars sit on Stellantis’s EMP2 platform and share many other bits under the skin. Of course, this is a well trodden path, not least with Stellantis’s big rival, the Volkswagen Group. And although family hatchbacks like the 308, Golf, Astra and Ford Focus don’t sell in the numbers that they used to (while…

sean_carson@autovia.co.uk AS McLaren is gearing up to launch the all-new Artura plug-in hybrid, you’d be forgiven for forgetting about other cars in its range, such as the GT. It remains something of an outlier anyway, conceived as a luxurious grand tourer to challenge the likes of Bentley’s Continental GT and the Aston Martin DB11, but skewed towards the sportier end of the spectrum as all McLarens are, featuring a carbon-fibre chassis, a mid-mounted engine and a sporty supercar shape. The GT does not conform to the usual GT recipe. But McLaren has persisted, bringing some minor updates to the model in the form of improved standard kit, which should offer better value, and a revised brake booster for cars with carbon ceramic brakes. The extra equipment includes the Pioneer and…

MODEL TESTED: Audi RS 3 quattro Carbon Black PRICE: £59,055 ENGINE: 2.5-litre 5cyl turbo, 395bhp Running costs 31.4mpg (WLTP) £75 fill-up/£490 or 37% tax Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 282/1,104 litres Performance 0-62mph/top speed 3.8 seconds/155mph THE Audi RS 3 Sportback in our pictures is in Launch Edition trim, which was limited to just 96 units in the UK. We’re instead testing the newcomer in Carbon Black spec, which costs £59,055 before extras. Design & engineering TAKING the humble A3 as a starting point meant that Audi’s RS division needed to make extensive changes to almost every aspect of the driving experience. The work starts with the suspension – most of which is unique to the RS 3. The front gets redesigned pivot bearings for the struts, while the subframes and…

Audi RS 3 Sportback MMI Navigation Plus Key features: 0-62mph/quarter-mile timer SETTING the RS 3’s in-car tech apart from the rest of the A3 range is a range of specific menus and colourful graphics to let the keen driver focus on any particular task in hand. On the 10.1-inch touchscreen is what Audi calls the RS Monitor; this lets the driver view coolant, engine, and gearbox oil temperatures, plus tyre pressures – all very useful when trying to extract the best from the car, but also for knowing when to stop if things all get a bit too heated. For cars fitted with an optional head-up display, some of this info can be placed directly into the driver’s sight to minimise distractions. Just below sits the Virtual Cockpit with a…

STYLING BOTH of these cars gain muscular add-ons to make them stand out. The RS 3 gets swollen wheelarches and a deep front bumper with gaping intakes. While optional paint finishes like Kyalami Green are attention-seeking, in a muted colour it’s almost subtle. The same can’t be said for the A 45 S, however – although that’s mainly thanks to its huge rear wing. NOISE THE clear difference in these cars’ two characters can be summed up with their noises. The Audi sounds fabulous. It’s a rich and distinctive tone, the sort that can’t be mistaken for anything other than a five-cylinder unit. While its engine isn’t quite as tuneful as the Audi’s, the A 45 S plays much angrier and more purposeful notes. In contrast to the Audi, the…

Steve_Walker@autovia.co.uk IF we take VW Group’s brand positioning at face value, the Skoda Enyaq should be the cheap and cheerful one in our trio. In reality, it’s a shade over £40,000 as standard and our particular car is just under £48,000 with options. Give or take, it’s the same money as the ID.3 but as we know, the larger VW ID.4 is the truer match for our Skoda and that car costs more like £45,000. The Audi Q4 e-tron is £60,000 in this spec, so the Group pricing hierarchy stands up fairly well to scrutiny. What isn’t quite so clearly hierarchical is the perception of quality inside the cars. Both Steve and Rich had reservations about the Skoda’s Arctic Silver paint (probably best described as a pale turquoise) and Cognac…

Audi Q4 e-tron Issue 1,711 Citroen e-Berlingo New arrival Cupra Formentor Issues 1,695, 1,702, 1,714 Fiat 500 Issues 1,699, 1,710 Ford Ranger Issues 1,694, 1,701, 1,713 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Issues 1,710, 1,715 Lexus UX 300e Issue 1,713 Nissan Qashqai Issues 1,707, 1,716 Peugeot 508 SW Issue 1,714 Polestar 2 New arrival Renault Capture-Tech Issues 1,705, 1,712 Skoda Enyaq Issues 1,702, 1,712 Vauxhall Mokka-e Issues 1,696, 1,706 Volkswagen ID.3 Issues 1,698, 1,704, 1,711 Your ultimate guide to buying and owning an electric car…

NEW PRODUCT Kärcher car care Price: from £5.99 Contact: kaercher.com KARCHER has long been one of the go-to makers of power tools to take the strain out of smartening up your car, but now it has added a range of car cleaners to use with them. When the pressure washer has done its job, there’s now Polish & Wax to give the paint a shine and to protect the surface from bad weather, UV light, grime and salt. It costs £11.99 and, like the rest of the cleaners, comes in a 500ml bottle. To provide the finishing touch to the exterior before heading into the cabin is Glass Cleaner. It costs £6.99 and is designed to lift dirt, grease and insects from glass and mirrors. The formula also has an anti-static…

Welding: Everything You Need To Know Todd Bridigum (Motorbooks, quartoknows.co.uk) Price: £18.99 Rating: WELDING isn’t a task to be taken lightly, so brushing up with a clear guide and some easy tips is a great thing to do before you start practising. This book is as straightforward as you’d hope, with simple instructions, lots of colour photography and plenty of step-by-step guides that make it a perfect starting point. Everything You Want To Know About The Pagoda Bernd S Koehling (Independently published, amazon.co.uk) Price: £38.85 Rating: THIS is a good book with tons of information about these beautiful cars. The curious will find questions answered, as well as offering a comprehensive buyer’s guide for those who might want to make a purchase. There are also detailed specs, guides to chassis…

CO2/tax 114g/km £155 Running costs 65mpg (1.6 Turbo D 136) £94 fill-up Performance 0-60mph/top speed 10.1 seconds/132mph WHEN the original Vauxhall Insignia arrived in 2009, it would have been feted as a brilliant family car if it hadn’t been for the Ford Mondeo. In isolation the Vauxhall was a perfectly decent car that appealed on numerous levels, but its arch-rival from Ford had the edge on it at every twist and turn. When the Mk2 Insignia arrived in 2017, the Mondeo was still a threat, but compact executives like the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class were also giving the Vauxhall a hard time. Despite this, there’s still a lot to like about the Insignia, especially how much used car you get for your money. History THE Insignia…

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…

Hydrogen-powered off-road series is go A NEW zero-emission sport was announced this week. It’s called Extreme H and will be an off-road racing series from the group that runs Extreme E. The chassis and powertrain will remain the same as Extreme E, but Extreme H will replace batteries with hydrogen fuel cells. The season is set to begin in 2024, and will race on the same tracks as Extreme E, on the same days and to the same race formats. The hydrogen used to fuel the cars will be sourced from renewables, including solar and hydro energy – the same sources that are used to charge the batteries of the Extreme E cars. The development for the new hydrogen racers is already under way, with the sport aiming to have…

REVIVING the Scénic name is just the start of Renault’s reinvention of iconic cars. Arnaud Belloni, vice-president global marketing, told Auto Express at last year’s Munich show: “We will keep Scénic, we will keep Espace, we will keep Mégane. We will have a lot of new names, too.” But what’s in a name? Belloni talked of “sagas”, saying: “Either the car has been a success and you can say ‘let’s go for another generation’ or the saga is existing. Clio, Mégane, Espace are all sagas. Only strong brands survive. To be a strong brand you need to be loved. To be loved you need to be respected. To be respected you need super-nice products. “But there is also an emotional shortcut. Renault is a lot of things: it’s F1, it’s…

John_McIlroy@autovia.co.uk @johnmcilroy ● Eight-per-cent company car BiK bracket for plug-in hybrid THE Sportage is arguably the car that put Kia on the map in Britain, and its fifth generation arrives with the availability of company car tax-busting plug-in hybrid power for the first time. We’re getting to grips with a prototype on winter tyres in Norway. Kia’s familiar 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine is at the heart of the set-up, but here there’s also an electric motor delivering 90bhp and 304Nm of torque of its own, and a 13.8kWh battery. The total combined output is 261bhp and 350Nm, 0-62mph takes a claimed 8.2 seconds and the top speed is 119mph. Kia quotes a WLTP combined all-electric range of 70 kilometres (43 miles). The Sportage PHEV slots into the eight-percent company-car Benefit-in-Kind…

UK launch for Genesis GV60 later this year GENESIS will launch its GV60 electric car (above) in the UK later this year, and the brand has confirmed that three versions will be available to pre-order shortly. It’s based on the same technical underpinnings as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 – the E-GMP platform – that enables a range of up to 321 miles on a full charge. The entry-level GV60 Premium uses a 168bhp single-motor drivetrain, while a dual-motor Sport Plus model with 429bhp will also be offered. Stolen vehicle figures rise by three per cent THE number of vehicles stolen in the UK rose by three per cent in 2021, according to DVLA data. Police reported 48,400 stolen vehicles, up from 46,800 in 2020. Ford’s Fiesta was the most commonly…

CALLS for a VAT reduction on public EV charging are supported by suppliers. “We have to charge VAT at 20 per cent and we would absolutely back a reduction to five per cent,” Osprey’s Ian Johnston told us. Five per cent is the amount of VAT on domestic bills paid by EV drivers charging at home. “Inequality is a big problem for people who don’t have access to a home charger,” Johnston said. “There are grants for home chargers, but no grants for people who can’t have one, while drivers with home charger tariffs have also seen EV tariffs as low as 5p per kW/hr. Reducing the VAT will certainly help those who are disadvantaged,” he told us. “We could reduce our charge from 45p to 35p overnight.”…

mail@autoexpress.co.uk @AutoExpress FROM: Levent Taskan THE writing was on the wall for both. Audi has had this problem with the 50, A2 and now the A1 and Q2. I don’t know why the latter was made; it felt shoehorned into the range. I wonder if its demise spells doom for the BMW X1, too. FROM: Luke Baldwin I THINK Audi should really grasp the opportunity to differentiate itself from the rest of the brands in the VW Group. Cars like the A3 may not get killed off, but they could be made much more interesting and upmarket than at present. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk ■ “The A1 seems popular; surely it could be relaunched as an electric model?” John Minshall ■ “The A1 should be continued, but not the…

Audi A3 Sportback SHARP styling and an appealing brand image means that Peugeot has its work cut out against premium players such as Audi. The A3 is available with a range of powertrains, while infotainment tech is strong. FOR Brand image, great tech, range of engines AGAINST Cost, cabin design and quality for the cash Verdict: Slick image and tech Mercedes A-Class THE A-Class was one of the best-selling cars in the UK last year and also comes with plug-in hybrid power. As with the Audi, if Peugeot is serious about its push into the premium segment, this is the car it’ll have to beat. FOR Premium interior, range of engines AGAINST On the pricier side, not the biggest inside Verdict: Pug’s premium rival Toyota Corolla TOYOTA is a hybrid…

Alex_Ingram@autovia.co.uk @AxleIngram Performance 0-62mph/top speed 8.9 seconds/112mph Running costs 53.2mpg (official) £74 fill-up THE Lexus ES is often overlooked in the mid-size-executive segment. And you can’t really blame buyers for that; when it’s up against such talented competition as the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class – not to mention newcomers such as the Genesis G80, the Lexus hasn’t had enough to stand out. This new facelift aims to fix that. From the outside, there’s little to tell the old and new apart. There’s a new insert for that huge front grille, apart from on this F Sport car, which looks the same, and there are a couple of new wheel designs. The headlights have also become slimmer, and feature new “three eye” LED units. They’re standard on the top-spec…

MODEL TESTED: Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ Plus PRICE: £57,885 ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo, 415bhp Running costs 31.1mpg (WLTP) £75 fill-up/£490 or 37% tax Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 370/1,210 litres Performance 0-62mph/top speed 3.9 seconds/167mph AT £57,885, the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S slightly undercuts the mid-ranking RS 3 Carbon Black, but add this car’s £795 optional paint and the Driving Assistance pack, which for £1,495 includes blind-spot warning and active cruise control with automated lane keeping, and the total comes to £60,175. Design & engineering AS with the RS 3, turning the standard A-Class into the hardcore A 45 S was an extensive process. The suspension is key among those changes. The MacPherson strut front arrangement has been upgraded with unique aluminium wishbones to reduce unsprung mass, and the axles…

1st MERCEDES DRIVING enjoyment carries a strong influence in a mega-hatch comparison test, and for that reason, the win goes to Mercedes-AMG. Alongside the RS 3, the A 45 S feels sharper, keener and more exciting, yet it feels so confidence-inspiring that you can really exploit that magnificent engine. Despite this, it remains perfectly comfortable enough to live with every day. 2nd AUDI SOME might see the Audi as the superior option of this pair. It’s slightly more comfortable than the A 45 S, and the understated styling has appeal, too. However, a hot hatch should be more than just easy to live with; it needs to feel special and exciting all the time. Brilliant though the Audi is, the Mercedes-AMG strikes that balance just that little bit more effectively. AEB =…

6 ISSUES FOR £1 Then if you continue to subscribe after your trial you pay from just £26.99 every three months (saving you 43%). If for any reason you’re not satisfied you can cancel at any time and receive a refund on any unmailed issues. DELIVERED FREE Every issue is delivered to your door, free of charge. It’ll arrive in paper packaging, too, making it easier than ever to recycle. WELCOME TO THE FAMILY We offer every subscriber a free welcome gift when they come on board. This month get a bottle STP® Complete Fuel System Cleaner worth £14.99. For convenience, scan our QR code with your camera phone for quick access to our secure online store! YOUR FREE GIFT Subscribe to Auto Express today and get a free STP®…

Richard_Ingram@autovia.co.uk @rsp_ingram LINING our cars up side by side, it felt like I’d brought a knife to a gunfight. While Volkswagen has made a concerted effort to visually separate its ID models from the rest of the range, there’s no avoiding the fact the ID.3 is, well, not an SUV. Perhaps I should have opted for the bigger (and pricier) ID.4? Ultimately, while all of our ‘kids’ are different ages – ranging from almost two to nearly 25 – practicality is important to each of us in different ways. I’ve greater concern fitting a buggy in the boot, but Steve F is more bothered about space in the back for his now-adult twin lads. With Steve W’s boys approaching double figures, both boot and cabin space are of equal importance.…

Steve_Fowler@autovia.co.uk @stevefowler WHAT’S impressed me most about my Q4 e-tron is that it feels very Audi both inside and out, as it should do, given its price premium over the other MEB cars here. But did my colleagues agree? There’s no denying the Audi’s doors shut with a more reassuring thud than the other cars here. And when it comes to interior quality the Audi trumps its siblings again. Rich wasn’t that keen on the hexagonal steering wheel, but loved its feel – the contrasting perforated leather just where you put your hands makes it good to hold. And Steve was instantly impressed by the quality of the leather seats in my car. They might be a £1,825 option in the Audi, but they’re holding up much better than the…

Got a query? products@autoexpress.co.uk Q Keep your sidewall shine I’VE been using a tyre shine after washing my car but it never seems last more than a few weeks. How can I make it last longer? Mike Coates, E-mail A AS with most products that aim to protect a surface, preparation is key. It’s not enough just to hose down the sidewall. Use a snow foam if you have a lance, or a soapy brush to thoroughly scrub the tyre. Repeat the process until the foam no longer discolours. Finally, thoroughly dry the surface before applying your tyre shine. Q Is my rubber tyred out? I’VE been told I should replace my tyres because there are tiny cracks in the grooves. There’s plenty of tread left and they’ve done less…

Green light for new Red Bull timepieces TAG Heuer has released a new Red Bull Racing special edition watch to reaffirm its partnership with the Formula One team. It features the Red Bull Racing team colours, with a blue face and bezel, a vibrant yellow second hand and red detailing. The numeral fonts are inspired by racing speedometers with the markings above the five and seven evoking an F1 start line. The watch is available with a blue rubber strap or a stainless-steel bracelet, and starts from £1,650. Visit tagheuer.com if you’re interested. Electric Vauxhalls given charging boost VAUXHALL has partnered with JustPark to make life a little easier for drivers of its electric vehicles. It’s entered into JustCharge, a community network that aims to link those who can’t charge…

Got any car queries? Tristan_Shale-Hester@autovia.co.uk Q Wear and tear versus mechanical defect I BOUGHT a three-year-old, 36,000-mile used car and the clutch has failed. The dealer says it’s not covered under warranty, but I think it must have been faulty when I purchased it. What are my rights in this scenario? AT, E-mail A IF the fault developed and was reported to the dealer within 30 days of your purchase, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 would cover you because the car was “not fit for purpose” when you bought it. If it was later than this, then you are unlikely to be covered by a warranty, because clutches tend to be classed as wear and tear items. If you’re not covered, then make sure you shop around for the best…

• F1 teams ready for 2022 • Unusual design details Alex_Ingram@autovia.co.uk @AxleIngram IT was a busy week for Formula One unveilings, with four more constructors taking the wraps off their challengers for the upcoming 2022 season. This included the on-track debut of the Mercedes-AMG W13 E Performance. The team has returned to its traditional silver livery as drivers Sir Lewis Hamilton and new signing George Russell bid to secure a ninth consecutive world constructors’ title for Mercedes this season. Hamilton will aim to fight back after the heartbreak of the 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi, in which a controversial safety-car restart allowed rival Max Verstappen to get close enough for the Red Bull driver to make a title-winning overtake in a dramatic final-lap battle. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff…

FINALLY, a huge society has published its plans to improve Britain’s EV charging. You can see the SMMT’s ideas on page 16 and, below, a few from me. But first, I’ll set the scene. EV charging is painless, easy and affordable – if you can do it at home and tap into cheaper (not cheap) overnight electricity tariffs. But, when you’re out on the road, and in urgent need of ‘juice’, EV charging sucks. It’s often neither painless nor easy, and can be unfathomably costly. Taking that last point first – illuminated, menu-like price lists should be clearly displayed on and around all public charging units. Just as petrol and diesel pumps or car park pay & display machines spell out their prices (and offer printed receipts), all public EV…