Innholdsfortegnelse for 1739 i Auto Express

@JPBrods ● Signals MINI’s design language ● Production model here in 2024 MINI’s next generation of models will form the brand’s most wide-ranging line-up ever, and a key part of the jigsaw will be a new all-electric compact crossover sharing its underpinnings with the future all-electric MINI Hatch. It’s not due until 2024 but it’s being previewed by this concept: the Aceman. The new model will be slightly smaller than the current Countryman, at just over four metres long, but the fully electric architecture on which the car will be based will maximise packaging to improve space inside. The Aceman will be built in China and two battery sizes and two power outputs could be offered. An entry-level edition will have around 180bhp and a 40kWh battery for a claimed…

Auto Express scoops top industry award AUTO Express was named the best consumer publication at a recent industry awards bash held by Newspress, while our chief columnist Mike Rutherford was honoured with a lifetime achievement award. Richard Ingram, editor of our sister title DrivingElectric, was named EV writer of the year, and Ellis Hyde, who also works for the brand, won the rising star award. Auto Express staff members Tristan Shale-Hester and Dean Gibson were nominated in the consumer and commercial vehicle writer categories. MoT tests at the back of motorists’ minds ONE in 10 motorists admit to having driven without a valid MoT certificate, according to a new study by insurance comparison site Compare the Market. Of the 2,271 drivers surveyed, 11 per cent said they have driven without…

ANOTHER initiative not working out as planned is London’s Ultra low emission zone (ULEZ). Between January and March 2021 – before the ULEZ was expanded to cover the entirety of inner London within the north and south circular roads – nitrogen dioxide emissions were 56 per cent lower in central London than Transport for London’s official estimate if ULEZ hadn’t been introduced. NO2 emissions were also 21 per cent lower in the rest of inner London. From January to March 2022, after the ULEZ expansion, those figures have fallen to 44 per cent and 20 per cent below the estimate for central London and the rest of inner london respectively. Because of external factors such as Covid lockdowns impacting car use and emissions, TfL said it was “difficult to definitively…

POLESTAR CEO Thomas Ingenlath has outlined that the new Polestar 3 SUV will be priced between 75,000 and 110,000 Euros when it goes on sale in 2023 – and we expect UK pricing to start from around £70,000. The brand’s new model will make its debut in October and Ingenlath has also promised that Polestar’s third standalone model to rival the likes of the Porsche Cayenne will be an engaging car to drive. The 3 will be based on the same platform as the forthcoming Volvo XC90. Called SPA2, its pure-electric powertrain will offer a range of up to 373 miles, Polestar claims.…

HOT TOPIC Just Stop Oil protests FROM: Craig Howard THESE protestors should focus on profiteering by energy giants. There’s plenty of scrutiny the Government could offer, such as high taxes on excess profits. This could help drive down unreasonably high fuel prices. FROM: Stephen Justice JUST stopping oil isn’t possible. It can only be an orderly progression and I’m dubious as to the real motives of these subversive protestors who glue themselves to the road and cause misery for innocent people. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk ■ “They’ll only block the M25 if police let them. I suggest arresting them and locking them up.” Stephen Hawkins ■ “Why not help the environment by cleaning up beaches, rather than causing havoc?”Peter Hulbert ■ “Once again, motorists are targeted instead of lawmakers.…

Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 426/1,378 litres Performance 0-62mph/top speed 8.9 secs/129mph (est) CROSSOVERS are key for Kia, and in the UK the XCeed is a big seller, accounting for 10 per cent of the brand’s total sales, and more than half of the Ceed family as a whole. So it’s no surprise that, following changes to the regular Ceed family last year, the XCeed has now been updated. The tweaks include a new 201bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the Ceed GT – in Europe, at least. The UK won’t take this engine, nor, for now, the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol; Kia says the 1.5 T-GDi four-cylinder turbo petrol will interest most customers, so it’s this and the plug-in hybrid that will make up the UK range for the foreseeable…

IT might be SUVs that sell in big numbers today, but Citroen hasn’t completely turned its back on its heritage when it comes to trend-bucking cars, as this C5 X raised-up estate shows. Think of this as a kind of catch-all rival that covers ground occupied by the Skoda Superb and other large family hatchbacks (and for those who don’t want a family SUV) that will also appeal to company car drivers; no surprise, then, that Citroen offers the C5 X with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. This is the model we’re testing here for the first time in the UK. It combines a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 12.4kWh battery that feeds an electric motor; Citroen claims 38 miles of electric range and a BiK rate of just 12…

POLL ARE YOU DRIVING LESS DUE TO THE COST OF LIVING CRISIS? RESULTS We asked if the financial crisis had forced you to use your car less – we had more than 2,700 responses YES 58 PER CENT NO 42 PER CENT HERE’S HOW YOU CAN SAVE From how you buy your car to how you run it, costs can be cut…

@matt_201 THE cost of electricity has gone up, but given that the price of petrol and diesel has risen, too, running an EV or a plug-in hybrid in its electric-only mode still offers considerable savings. So, if you have one of these vehicles, you’re already off to a good start in terms of lowering the potential cost of each journey. There’s plenty you can do to make it cheaper still, of course. Our fuel-saving advice elsewhere on these pages (left) still very much applies to EVs, PHEVs and full hybrids, but it might be worth adopting a different approach to route planning. If your car has regenerative braking to boost battery charge, use it as much as you can. Don’t fall into the trap of putting it in its most…

MOST EV drivers are best off avoiding public rapid chargers where possible and relying on cheaper home charges or free destination chargers. But if you’re likely to be frequenting one particular chargepoint provider and doing a lot of miles, then a paid subscription could well be worth it. A single 10 to 80 per cent charge of a typical 80kWh battery using Ionity’s ‘Passport’ subscription would cost £19 less, so a session like that once or more a month would provide savings, albeit not compared with cheaper providers that can (in the case of a growing number of Gridserve units) charge an electric vehicle just as quickly. It’s worth pointing out that Ionity is a joint venture from several major manufacturers, including BMW, Ford and the VW Group, who tend…

ANOTHER way to save money on your car insurance – particularly if you’re a new driver – is to go for a telematics policy. This comes with a ‘black box’ that plugs into your car’s on-board diagnostics port to monitor the way you drive. Most of these can see how fast or how gently you’re driving, what kind of roads you’re using and what times of day you’re travelling. Siblings Sophie and Tom Griffin have insured their shared car with Tesco’s black box policy and it’s saved them both money at every renewal. “Every year, I check out what other insurance policies cost without a black box, but it’s always cheaper to renew the telematics policy,” Sophie explained. As well as making a saving of around £200 per year each…

“COULD you live with an Ami? Well, the Fowler family did for a while and it could well have a place in your family fleet. If you’re just going to be popping to work or to the shops and you live somewhere where the 28mph top speed isn’t going to cause you problems with queues of traffic behind you, then the Ami could well be the perfect solution. I reckon you’d end up using it more than you first thought – if only because it’s so much fun to be in. You’ll have to be prepared to be stared at lots and answer lots of questions, but that’s part of the appeal; it’s a car that creates interest, as it did with my kids – all young drivers – and…

HONDAJAZZ MK1 FROM £300 WE named Honda’s Jazz as our favourite car back in 2002 because it offered something refreshingly different. Besides being good to drive, the supermini had an innovative interior with ‘magic’ rear seats, which could be flipped in various ways to carry a combination of people and loads. These qualities still exist today, and Honda’s legendary reliability is also very welcome on a car. There are reasons they are cheap to buy now, though. First, most small cars are in demand from young drivers because they are cheap to insure, but the Jazz is in a surprisingly high group 14. This may not be an issue if you are more mature or have a good driving record, but it’s enough to ward off many teenage drivers. The…

MODELTESTED: BMW M4 Competition Convertible PRICE: £85,870 ENGINE: 3.0-litre 6cyl, 503bhp Running costs 22.5mpg (on test) £112 fill-up/£520 or 37% tax Practicality Boot capacity 385 litres Performance 0-62mph/top speed 3.7 seconds/180mph (with M Driver’s Pack) THE M4 Competition tested here comes with what BMW calls the Ultimate Pack. This £11,250 option adds a long list of extras, including laser headlights, a carbon-fibre exterior styling pack, carbon-fibre sports seats and a wind deflector. Factor in the M Driver’s Pack (£2,095), which increases the limited top speed from 155mph to 180mph, plus the Aventurine Red paint (£1,100) and the model we’re driving costs £100,315. Design & engineering UNDER the skin, the BMW M4 Convertible has the same staggering technical stats as the regular Coupé version. A 3.0-litre, six-cylinder engine is boosted by…

1st PORSCHE WHILE both remain utterly compelling performance cars even without a roof, the 911 is the marginally less compromised of the two models. Only the keenest driver will notice any difference between this and the Coupé version; next to the BMW, it’s more exciting to drive, and less windy with the roof down. Most of all, though, it just feels more special, which is what cars like these are all about. 2nd BMW FOR some people, the M4 will get the nod over the Porsche for one clear reason: practicality. Usable back seats will be a deal-breaker for some, and the boot is larger, too. Desirable though it is, as an overall package the M4 still drops just behind the Porsche. As a driver’s car, its body control lacks the 911’s…

WHEN you start running a new car from the Auto Express fleet and the first serious journey you make is driving the car to our annual New Car Awards photoshoot, you know you’re on to a winner – quite literally! The Jogger scooped the Best Family Car award for 2022, and it was even in with a shout of taking our full New Car of the Year gong, only to be pipped by the Nissan Ariya. It’s easy to see why the Dacia was in contention; it’s impressed me from day one. I was already aware of the brilliant, flexible seating, having tested an example back in March. I can fit seven into the car if needs be, and I’m not talking about squeezing them in either; I’m a chunky…

SAVE 43% ON THE SHOP PRICE After your initial 6 issue trial, your subscription will continue at £26.99 every 13 issues representing a saving of 43% on the shop price. FREE DELIVERY Never miss an issue with every copy delivered straight to your doorstep. FULLY FLEXIBLE You are able to cancel at any time using a dedicated customer portal or by getting in touch. There are more options than ever to subscribe to Auto Express with both print and digital versions available, or perhaps you’d like a combination of both, the choice is yours OK I’M IN! HOW DO I SUBSCRIBE? 1 ORDER ONLINE AT autoexpress.co.uk/subscribe (or call 0330 333 9491 if you prefer the human touch). 2 ENTER THE OFFER CODE DJUL22 and select the offer you’d like to…

Austin 7 Around the Americas Guy Butcher and Eunice Kratky (Independently published, bespk.com) Price: £14.99 Rating: ADAPTED from a blog and Facebook feed, this book tells the story of a couple’s epic 25,000-mile journey around North and South America in an Austin 7. It’s a fascinating trip, and documenting it in near real-time makes it feel more raw than a post-trip report. Essential Buyer’s Guide: Morgan Plus 8 Phil Benfield (Veloce Publishing, veloce.co.uk) Price: £14.99 Rating: BUYING a car with as many idiosyncrasies as a Morgan can be a fraught process if you’re not adequately prepared. Like all books in this series, it’s not particularly comprehensive, but this buying guide is a great starting point in helping you avoid buying a lemon. Pixel Car Racing Available for: iOS, Android Price:…

Got any car queries? Tristan_Shale-Hester@autovia.co.uk Q Is it right my car’s clutch isn’t covered by warranty? I TOOK my 18-month-old car back to the dealer because of a strange smell. The technician suspects a clutch issue, but the dealership wants £275 to inspect it and says a replacement clutch is £1,200, and not covered under warranty. Is that right? Richard Percy, E-mail A Richard Percy, E-mail UNFORTUNATELY, clutches don’t tend to be covered by manufacturer warranties, but check your warranty terms to be sure this is the case. You may be able to ask for a goodwill gesture from the dealer given the age of the car. Alternatively, an independent garage may be able to carry out the work using approved parts for less money, or even prove there was…

Electric World RX debut delayed again ORGANISERS have delayed the debut of World Rallycross’s new fully electric top class for a second time, with the first races now set to take place in Hell, Norway, on 13-14 August. The planned round at the Nürburgring circuit in Germany will still take place, but will now serve as a season-ending double-header on 13-14 November. Supply-chain issues affecting the build of the new-generation 680bhp electric supercars have been blamed for the delay. Six two-car outfits are so far confirmed for this year’s championship, including Hansen Motorsport, GCK and a Bauhaus-backed Volkswagen dealer team. Ingram top of BTCC ahead of Knockhill HYUNDAI driver Tom Ingram is at the head of the British Touring Car Championship’s points table ahead of the tin-top series’ annual trip…

@matt_201 ● New hot Civic has more than 316bhp but is still front-wheel drive ● It’s already broken the lap record at Suzuka by almost a second HONDA now has a fully electrified line-up in Europe, but it’s not turning its back on performance, because the Japanese brand has revealed an all-new Civic Type R hot hatchback. The new model will almost certainly be Honda’s last-ever pure-combustion hot hatch and, to celebrate, the car’s unveiling neatly coincides with both the 25th anniversary of the Civic Type R and the Civic model line’s 50th birthday. Honda, however, is sticking to its guns in some areas with the new car, because the Type R continues with its front-wheel-drive layout, despite many of the latest hot hatches – such as the Volkswagen Golf…

@tristan_shale ● System isn’t fully automated ● “More enforcement” needed POLICE forces are failing to enforce red ‘X’ offences on smart motorways as effectively as first hoped, a Government minister has revealed. Since June 2019, National Highways has used the cameras fitted to overhead gantries to detect when a vehicle passes through a red ‘X’ sign, which indicates a closed lane. The idea is that a fixed penalty notice can then be sent out to the driver, who will receive three penalty points on their licence and a fine of up to £100. Appearing before the Transport Committee in Parliament, however, undersecretary of state for transport Baroness Vere explained that the enforcement hasn’t been as straightforward as expected. “I had thought that’s fine. You just fine anybody driving underneath a…

Focused MC20 heads for the track IT’S Maserati’s turn to reveal a track-only supercar, with its Project24 (above). The limited-run model is based on the firm’s MC20 and uses the same basic 3.0-litre V6 Nettuno engine with uprated turbochargers for 740bhp. There’s a six-speed sequential racing gearbox, plus centre-lock wheels and air jacks for quick tyre changes. At the same time, an extreme aerodynamic makeover increases the car’s performance, while the cabin is just as racy, with six-point harnesses and a carbon-fibre steering wheel. Independents pass on more fuel savings SMALL, independent filling stations are undercutting supermarkets and oil companies by passing on wholesale petrol and diesel savings to drivers, according to the AA. The passing of the 10p saving means these small retailers are generally charging no more than…

ORDER books have opened for the Genesis Electrified GV70, with prices starting from £64,405 for the fledgling premium brand’s mid-size electric SUV. The car is powered by a 77.4kWh battery that offers up to 283 miles of range, according to Genesis, while there’s only one powertrain: a dualmotor all-wheel-drive set-up that produces up to 483bhp and 700Nm for a 0-62mph time of 4.2 seconds. Available only in Sport trim, the car comes loaded with kit, including a 14.5-inch infotainment system, while the 800V architecture means a 10-to-80-per cent top-up takes 18 minutes.…

HYDROGEN (H2) has taken a step closer to becoming a viable road fuel, at least for heavy goods vehicles. Previously, synthesised ‘non-biological’ H2 for road fuel had to be produced directly from renewable energy, so manufacturing plants had to be hooked up directly to a wind farm. A government rule change now allows makers of clean H2 (electrolysed from water) to buy renewable electricity from the grid to power the process. H2 fuel cells are widely expected to replace diesel fuel for lorries, because battery tech isn’t viable at the outputs required to transport heavy loads. Operators of van fleets are also looking favourably at H2, while firms such as JCB are promoting it as a replacement for diesel in internal combustion engines (ICE) for construction plant machinery. If green…

KIA cottoned on to the benefits of electrification early, offering hybrid and full EV models ahead of the curve. The brand’s XCeed Plug-in Hybrid was part of that push, and now there’s an updated version of its raised-up family crossover. This 1.6-litre plug-in hybrid has the same exterior and interior updates as the regular 1.5-litre T-GDi petrol we’ve driven, with a focus more on looks, tech and kit for this new model rather than improving the PHEV’s efficiency or all-electric range. That’s because the powertrain is the same as before, with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine joined by an 8.9kWh battery that supplies an electric motor. Drive is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and there’s a total of 139bhp and 265Nm of torque on offer.…

@matt_201 A FEW years on from SEAT spinning-off the Cupra brand as a separate entity, the new arrangement still seems to confuse the average observer. Cue the “What is that?” I’m sure I saw someone mouth as I exited the car park in this Leon. This version isn’t the ‘300’ pure combustion model with 296bhp, nor is it the 242bhp plug-in hybrid. Instead, it’s the 242bhp 2.0 litre, or the ‘245’. It uses the same four-cylinder turbo petrol engine in the same state of tune as the VW Golf GTI, powering the front wheels via a standard ‘VAQ’ electronically controlled locking differential and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. There’s no badging to differentiate this from the other two Cupra Leons. Instead, you have to look for little clues, such as…

IONITY 35p per kWh (with £16.99 per month ‘Ionity Passport’) 69p per kWh without a subscription GRIDSERVE 39p per kWh 22kW AC 45p per kWh 90-350kW/39p <22kW at Electric Forecourts 48p per kWh up to 60kW 50p per kWh up to 350kW BP PULSE 45p per kWh AC (43p with free membership, 35p with £7.85 per month subscription) 56p per kWh 43kW AC/50kW DC (54p with free membership, 43p with subscription) 59p per kWh 150kW (57p with free membership, 45p with subscription) OSPREY 66p per kWh (flat rate, no subscription offered) POD POINT Free–28p per kWh (varies by site and charging speed) INSTAVOLT 57p per kWh (flat rate, no subscription offered) TESLA SUPERCHARGER Free for some Tesla owners 28p per kWh for Tesla owners without free access 60p per kWh…

@matt_201 RISING costs represent a multi-pronged attack on the motorist. It’s the price of fuel that typically hits hardest, and new record average prices have been making regular headlines for months. British motorists were paying a little over £1 per litre during the early days of the pandemic – premium grades are more than twice that now at some filling stations. There are many other areas of increasing financial strain beyond fuel, of course, and there’s no doubt the cost of owning and running a car is taking an increasing toll on motorists’ budgets. PETROL AND DIESEL WE should start with talking about fuel, however. On page 48, you’ll see how different techniques can help you use as little fuel as possible, but however frugal your driving style, at some…

WHILE regular washing enhances a car’s looks, it helps the paint last longer, too. You can also save money by cleaning your car at home. Dirt acts like fine sandpaper, scratching the paint’s finish and making it appear dull and neglected. Use a decent-quality car shampoo and invest in several buckets, one for a mix of water and shampoo, and one with clean water to rinse your wash mitt. And take your time. A lightly abrasive polish will help to rectify minor scratches and swirl marks. A separate wax product protects the paint once you have finished cleaning. Keeping alloy wheels free from dirt, salt and brake dust also reduces the risk of corrosion, avoiding costly rectification; diamond-cut alloys are especially exposed in this regard. Bilt-Hamber auto-wheel is our current…

@matt_201 LOOKING for a heap of money-saving advice in no time at all? Here are our rapid-fire thrifty tips, covering everything from parking to loyalty cards. Most of these are motoring-related, but some can save you money on all sorts of expenditures. From cashback hacks to a way to earn hundreds – or even thousands – from a patch of tarmac (yes, really), the following tips cover a whole lot of ground in no time at all. Quote yourself happy Don’t blindly accept your annual insurance renewal quote; shop around and make sure you include your current provider in the search. Loyalty isn’t always highly regarded, which is why your renewal price might be more than you paid last time around. It’s also worth calling up for some good old-fashioned…

THERE is something undoubtedly exciting about a brand-new car. Perhaps it’s the spotless shine, the new technology or the smell of the interior. Maybe you like the admiring looks from your neighbours or the feeling of security that comes from a car that should be safer and more reliable than a used model. But right now, you could be waiting months for a factory-fresh motor and when it arrives, you’ll likely be paying hundreds of pounds every month in finance for the privilege of driving it. After a few years and thousands in repayments, if you don’t part with yet more cash on a final payment, you will have to hand the car back and could be left with nothing. The shortage of new cars – and the inflated prices…

WITH inflation at 9.1 per cent, prices across the board are increasing. Do your homework, though, and you can cut your next car’s costs by more than that, by swapping an expensive manufacturer PCP for non-manufacturer leases. Here we show you some of the options available to you. CAR FINANCE TIPS CAR manufacturers don’t make comparing deals easy, presenting multiple finance types and varying deposit amounts, contract lengths and mileage allowances. These all affect monthly payments and the total amount paid. To directly compare offers you need like-for-like quotes, because one car could easily jump from £100 per month to £400 simply by changing contract terms. APR figures are also useful, showing how much is charged in interest and other compulsory charges. The lower the figure, the better. You need…

1. Honda 93.38% HONDA is the winner of the 2022 Driver Power Dealers Survey, having risen from eighth place last year. The Japanese brand might not have topped the sales or aftersales tables, but its consistently strong scores in all categories carried it to a well deserved victory. The company’s best ratings were for its aftersales service. Owners were particularly impressed with the communication from the service centres and also thought the facilities here were excellent. Respondents were happy with the retail experience Honda dealers provided, too. It seems showrooms offer attractive deals on models – particularly when it comes to tailoring finance options – with excellent value for money being reported. The salespeople encountered were friendly, you told us, and the clean, modern facilities were a welcome addition. Honda…

MODELTESTED: Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet PRICE: £126,719 ENGINE: 3.0-litre 6cyl, 473bhp Running costs 22.7mpg (on test) £121 fill-up/£520 or 37% tax Practicality Boot (front/rear) 132/163 litres Performance 0-62mph/top speed 3.6 seconds/192mph THERE are variants further down the Porsche range that align more closely to the M4 on price, but the GTS is its nearest rival in terms of power and performance. It’s priced from £126,719. Design & engineering AS one of the most driver-focused derivatives in the 911 line-up, it might be the model most at odds with the laid-back attitude that works with cabriolets so well. That hasn’t stopped the boffins at Stuttgart adding a little flair to the Carrera S package. Subtle details on the outside include a satin-black lip spoiler at the front, plus tinted LED…

NEW: Lexus LC 500 Convertible PRICE: £99,845 ENGINE: 5.0-litre V8, 464bhp IT might focus more on luxury than driver appeal, but chopping the roof from the Lexus LC 500 makes it all the better for appreciating that wonderful 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8. The sound alone is worth the £100,000 asking price. USED: Audi R8 Spyder PRICE: £100,000 (2017, 17k miles) ENGINE: 5.0-litre V10, 533bhp IF you’re willing to do without back seats, then why not go the whole hog and get an open-top supercar? The R8 is very easy to drive at low speeds, while its glorious V10 engine ranks among the all-time greats.…

@matt_201 Running costs 35.2mpg (on test) £81 fill-up/£480 or 13% tax Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 420/1,420 litres OUR Peugeot 508 SW PSE was thoroughly tested in the first few months we ran it. We talked about its plug-in hybrid powertrain (Issue 1,714), its place in Peugeot’s efforts to push further upmarket plus the public’s perception of it (Issue 1,725). In its sternest trial of all, the car went up against a BMW 330e (Issue 1,727) and lost, but by a margin small enough to have pleased Peugeot bosses, we’d guess. But as the estate version of the 508 range-topper, its practicality needed further examination. I’m well placed to assess this, because as well as regularly carrying a seven-year-old child and all the related accessories, I’m in the midst of a…

Bike carrier boosts camping holidays VOLKSWAGEN Commercial Vehicles has added a new bike rack to its range of accessories for the Grand California. The £655 rear-mounted rack has been designed to allow the Grand California’s rear barn doors to open without the bikes having to be removed. It can hold up to two cycles with a maximum weight of 35kg, and has removable and lockable support arms and rim-retaining straps with ratchets. It’s available at Volkswagen Van Centres. Milltek turns up the volume for the RS 3 MILLTEK Sport’s new Race exhaust system for the Audi RS 3 has been designed to enhance the car’s performance, dynamics and sound. It’s a direct replacement for the factory system but retains the original particulate filters and remains compatible with the Audi Drive…

CO2/tax 127g/km £130 Running costs 52mpg (1.4 Boosterjet) £89 fill-up Performance 0-62mph/top speed 9.5 seconds/124mph THE Toyota RAV4 is often credited with launching the compact SUV segment. But that car didn’t arrive until 1994, which was six years after Suzuki had introduced the Escudo in its home market in Japan. Within months of its launch, the Escudo arrived in the UK as the Vitara, the first roadbiased mini-4x4 to be sold here. Despite becoming a fashion icon, its tough separate chassis made it the ‘real deal’ off road. An all-new Vitara arrived after a decade, then a third generation followed in 2005, using a new unitary platform for the first time, in a bid to improve refinement. By the time the Mk4 Vitara was launched in 2015, Suzuki was in…

Vandoorne overtakes Mortara Return to indoor ExCeL circuit FORMULA E returns to the halls of the ExCeL exhibition centre in east London this weekend for the penultimate round of the electric series’ 2021/22 season – the last with the current Gen2 cars. A dramatic double-header in Red Hook, New York, last time out saw multiple drivers aquaplane off the circuit after a sudden downpour hit the first of the two US races. Proceedings were red-flagged and Envision Racing’s Nick Cassidy was declared the winner – a maiden triumph for the Kiwi. The weekend also saw Mercedes EQ driver Stoffel Vandoorne overtake long-time championship leader Edoardo Mortara in the points standings by finishing fourth and second respectively in the two encounters, the second of which was won by DS Techeetah’s Antonio…

CRIKEY, I felt like a proper old dude – a sort of poor man’s Al Pacino – at last week’s Newspress awards. I’m talking here about one of THE events of the automotive year – the ‘Oscars’ of the car journalism and broadcasting world, with only VIP-types on the guest list. Despite this, I blagged my way in. And calling on decades of experience at such events (and with zero awards success, I’m somewhat embarrassed to admit) I did all my usual things: I sat at a celebfree table at the back of the glitzy room; I found a loyal mate/colleague/minder to sit next to me and prop me up; and I quietly informed the wine waiter that, at my age and in my condition, I genuinely prefer a mug…

@matt_201 HONDA has a rich history when it comes to hot hatchbacks and other performance models, and we’ve picked out some of the most iconic cars to ever wear the Type R badge, as well as a few other outsiders in the form of the S2000 roadster and NSX sports car. Honda knows how to deliver fun for driving enthusiasts, and the cars below each offered an exciting blend of qualities that often included raucous engines, agile chassis and superb manual gearboxes, so here’s hoping the new Civic Type R follows in this long line of illustrious hot Hondas. “Honda’s best efforts have featured raucous engines, agile chassis and superb gearboxes” CivicType R(FN2) Production years: 2007-2011 Price when new: £18,600 Engine/Power: 2.0-litre 4cyl/197bhp 0-62mph/Top speed: 6.7 seconds/146mph THE FN2 isn’t…

@johnmcilroy ● Uses SSP Sport platform ● To be built in Leipzig PORSCHE is working on an all-electric flagship SUV that will offer new levels of luxury for the company and sit above the Cayenne in its line-up. Announced during a strategy update from the German manufacturer last week, the new model, which has the codename K1, will use a modified version of the VW Group’s forthcoming SSP electric architecture. The seventh model in Porsche’s line-up will in effect be a rival for BMW’s iX SUV. In an unusual move, Porsche boss Oliver Blume not only revealed the plan for the vehicle, but also confirmed where it will be manufactured. He said, “We plan to add a new luxury, all-electric SUV model to our portfolio, which will roll off the…

BACK in March this year we were given an idea of what Jeep’s new all-electric baby SUV would look like, and thanks to these new images, it’s clear the firm has finalised the compact SUV’s design. We’ve seen it testing in camouflage before, but this is our first undisguised look at the brand’s EV debut. Auto Express sources told us that these images were taken in Portugal during an advertising shoot for the new car, and the baby SUV looks very close to the images revealed when the model was announced. The front end shows a closed-off upper grille for better aerodynamic efficiency, while the lower two grilles are visible; the headlight design and front bumper also look unchanged from the original images. The junior Jeep’s flanks sport typically chunky…

@stevefowler ● Cheaper small models to sit alongside sporty GR cars, too TOYOTA is expected to expand its range of EVs beyond its previously announced family of bZ models to include hot GR cars and even a budget vehicle that could target the Citroen Ami electric quadricycle. Last December, Toyota president Akio Toyoda revealed a range of bZ concepts alongside the sub-brand’s first car, the bZ4X. Auto Express understands plans are afoot to go even further, with smaller, cheaper models and hot GR cars that will build on Toyota’s reputation for brilliant performance models, such as the GR Yaris and GR86. Chief engineer for the bZ4X, Daisuke Ido – the man behind the launch control system in Lexus’s legendary LFA performance car – expressed his excitement at the potential for…

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 makers The Motor Ombudsman: 0345 241 3008 Financial problems Financial Ombudsman: 0800 023 4567 www.check-mot.service.gov.uk…

Running costs 19.9mpg (official) £166 fill-up Performance 0-62mph/top speed 3.3 seconds/193mph @JPBrods LIKE it or not, most of the world’s performance and luxury car makers are building SUVs, and some are exploring just what’s possible from a bodystyle not ideally suited to supercar performance. Aston Martin is the latest, with the DBX707. It’s not the most powerful production SUV in the world but it is, technically, the fastest. A top speed of 193mph, not to mention the 3.3-second 0-62mph time, puts this 2.2-tonne family hauler into supercar territory. This is our first taste of the car on UK roads, and with 697bhp (or 707PS, hence the name) and 900Nm of torque from the Mercedes-sourced 4.0-litre turbocharged V8, you might think the DBX707 could be too much. But Aston has come…

YOU can try to avoid the Conservative party leadership battle, but there’s no escaping the cost of living crisis by simply turning off the TV or radio. It’s a part of the domestic news agenda that hits everyone right where it hurts – in the wallet or purse – and a recent Auto Express poll revealed 58 per cent of readers are reacting by cutting their car use. Soaring inflation means prices of most consumer goods are rising in percentage terms much faster than pay packets, and as the cost of domestic gas and electricity bills goes through the roof, the rising cost of motoring exposes drivers to an extra level of pain. It’s not just the spectacular rises in filling station prices that are to blame, either, although the…

PRIOR to departure, think about the time of day you’re travelling and the roads you’ll use. Rather than spending hours stuck in traffic, could you leave before the rush hour? And the most direct route might not be the quickest or most efficient, either. Apps such as Google Maps and Waze can really help here. They give you the option to set departure or arrival times, and you’d be surprised how much time – and fuel – you could save by setting off 10 or 20 minutes earlier or later. Google Maps displayed through Android Auto, Apple CarPlay or by your phone secured in a proper mount also provide routing based on real-time congestion data. How many times have we tried to avoid a traffic jam by taking a detour…

Auto Express products editor products@autoexpress.co.uk THERE’S an old adage about buying once and buying right, and that’s certainly true when buying tools, parts or accessories for your car. Yes, it’s possible to buy a set of screwdrivers or pliers for a few pounds at your local bargains store, but when you’re working on your car there’s a fair chance they’ll let you down when you need them the most. The issue is not just that you’ll need to replace them, but it’s also the time taken to jump in the car and find a retailer that’s open. And you might end up paying more than you need to. But if you’re only using them for light duties, cheaper tools may last a decent amount of time. It all comes down…

@tristan_shale CAR insurance is a complicated business, with providers taking a wide variety of factors into account to calculate premiums that could well come to hundreds or even thousands of pounds a year. Some of these are hard to get around – you’ll have to pay more if you’re young, inexperienced or have been in an accident, for example. However, there are things you can change to save money, whether you’re taking out or renewing a car insurance policy. Taking advantage of a few of these where you can will leave you with a few extra pounds in your pocket. Renewal and shopping around WHETHER searching for a new policy or renewing an existing one, the first piece of advice is to always shop around. If you receive a renewal…

ANYONE after a cheap new car is likely to start by looking at the price. An understandable move, but the problem is, such figures rarely tell the full story. There are myriad factors that affect how much a car is going to cost you over a longer period, including vehicle tax, fuel, maintenance and what you get back when you sell it. All of these elements contribute to what’s known as a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) figure, which would be extremely difficult to calculate on your own. That’s why we’ve worked with Steve Chambers, senior editor at car data firm CAP HPI to use its clever algorithms to predict the cheapest-to-run new cars available today. The TCO figures over the next few pages are based on a three-year and…

CASE STUDY: Olivia Maran CAR: Skoda Fabia 1.2 YEAR: 2005 MILES: 78,000 PRICE: £613 WHEN nurse Olivia Maran came back from a year travelling and working in Australia, she needed a reliable car to get her to work and back while covering night shifts. “I was also trying to get the deposit for a flat and buy all the other things to set up home in the UK. So money was a bit tight and I needed a car that was cheap to buy, run and insure.” With a budget of just £750, she asked a relative to help her find the perfect car, and he spotted a couple of likely candidates in the local auction. The first, a Peugeot 107, went above the budget during bidding, but they put…

CAR DEALERS don’t always get a bad rap and there’s a lot of positivity from owners in our latest survey. Which is a good thing, because dealers and the manufacturers they represent go to great lengths to try and ensure that facilities and staff are up to scratch. Typically this means spending lots of cash on smart showrooms, and more on training and developing staff so that they’re able to meet customer expectations. But while all brands and dealers would say the same about their lofty aspirations, it’s certainly true that not all are able to deliver to the same standards when it counts. That’s why the Driver Power dealer survey is so useful for consumers and the retail industry alike. It provides an annual comparison of how fierce rivals…

BMW M4 Competition BMW Live Cockpit Professional Key features: Programmable M modes WHETHER you go for an M4 Convertible or spend less than half as much on a 420i, the infotainment is fundamentally the same. We can’t complain, though, because BMW’s set-up remains one of the easiest of its type to use. It integrates a touchscreen with physical controls better than any other system on the market; the former is the quickest way to use the system when parked, while the iDrive controller is great for minor menu changes when you’re on the move. The layout is clear, with large tiles for the main menus, and a home page split into widgets of various sizes based on how important the function is; navigation, for example, takes up roughly half a page.…

NOISE ONE benefit of losing the roof is the ability to appreciate the engine noise in even more visceral detail. If pure volume is your thing, then get the M4. In M mode, it’ll even emit a series of crackles as you lift off the throttle. The 911 makes a quieter but more complex tone. At lower revs it’s mechanical, and under load the rear pipes produce a guttural tone, which climbs into a rich roar towards the 7,500rpm red line. WIND DEFLECTORS EACH of the wind deflectors these cars have does a great job of keeping the cabin calm while the roof is down, even at motorway speeds. The 911’s system is great; a push of a button electrical raises a small blind in a matter of seconds. The…

Got a query? products@autoexpress.co.uk Q Protect your pride and joy I’M considering getting a Porsche as a weekend car, but haven’t got a garage. Have you got any advice on covers for my potential pride and joy? Richard Cobern A OUTDOOR car covers are great for long-term storage, but can be a pain if the car is used frequently, because the car needs to be clean before fitting a cover to avoid scratches. Unless you park under trees or similar, we’d be tempted to get the car professionally protected with a ceramic sealant. If you still want a cover, our test winner is the Halfords All Season. Q Is filtered water worth it? I RECALL reading in Auto Express about a filter to remove minerals from mains water. I recently…