Innholdsfortegnelse for 1769 i Auto Express

THE hot version of the newly facelifted ID.3 will have a rear-wheel-drive layout, Auto Express has learned. The ID.3 GTX, which has already been confirmed by VW and is expected to make its debut in the final quarter of this year, had been widely tipped to use a four-wheel-drive, dual-motor configuration similar to that of the larger ID.4 GTX. But VW sources have revealed to Auto Express that the hot ID.3 will in fact be rear-wheel drive only, potentially leaving scope for an even more extreme, four-wheel-drive edition of the hatchback further down the line. There’s no official word yet on the GTX’s power output, but VW has already developed a more potent rear motor than the ID.3’s 201bhp unit for the ID. X concept and ID. Xtreme prototype. This…

Flagship trim returns to Kia Ceed line-up KIA has re-introduced the range-topping GT-Line S trim level on its Ceed family hatch, Proceed estate and XCeed crossover. It features kit such as a panoramic roof, heated rear seats, leather and suede trim, plus a 12.3-inch digital dash, and all models are available with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Pricing starts from £31,145 for the Ceed 1.5 petrol in GT-Line S trim, while the Proceed with the same powertrain costs £32,245. XCeed 1.5 GT-Line S models cost from £30,395. More cash for chargers from UK Government THE Government is adding a further £56million to the pot for the local electric vehicle infrastructure (LEVI) scheme. The pilot project is aimed at boosting the wider on-street residential chargepoint scheme, helping councils in England to work…

tristan_shale-hester@autovia.co.uk @tristan_shale ● Statistics show 29-per cent rise in vehicle thefts ● Cost of living crisis could fuel further increases CAR theft increased by 29 per cent between September 2021 and September 2022, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics, and there are concerns that the problem will get worse. The AA has predicted that incidents of car theft will continue to become more common in 2023, with the deepening cost of living crisis tempting more people into criminal activity. Older cars are still being stolen with ‘smash and grab’ techniques, but seasoned thieves are more commonly using relay attacks to hijack the signal from a keyless fob, using it to unlock and start a car parked on someone’s driveway. While the theft of items from vehicles…

mail@autoexpress.co.uk HARD as it may be to imagine, without the Boxster, Porsche might not have survived to even see in the 21st century, let alone go on to dominate it as far as the world of sports cars is concerned. Back in the early nineties the company was struggling, and failing, to make ends meet. Its ancient four-cylinder cars were expensive and under threat from a raft of brilliant new six-cylinder turbocharged cars from Japan. Global sales were down to less than 20,000 cars a year, and, if you can believe it, the 911 was rapidly going out of fashion, while being heinously expensive to make. By 1995 it was the only Porsche on sale. So for a year or two, things really did look very shaky indeed for Germany’s…

Alastair_Crooks@autovia.co.uk @AllieCrooks WITHIN the Lexus stable, the RX has been arguably the most successful at taking on its premium German competitors. The incorporation of a self-charging hybrid powertrain in 2005 was a defining moment for the RX, and subsequent generations haven’t changed the formula much, focusing on comfort and build quality. With this new, fifth-generation model, however, Lexus claims it has delivered “a complete reinvention of the large luxury SUV” to make it more competitive than ever. The new RX has arrived at just the right time, with both the Mercedes GLE and BMW X5 receiving mid-life updates this year and electrification featuring across their ranges. The entry-level RX 350h model comes as a 247bhp 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol self-charging hybrid, while there’s also a 500h ‘performance hybrid’, which represents the…

WINNER BMW M3 Touring 1st IT’S been a long time coming, but the M3 Touring has really been worth the wait. It sacrifices next to nothing when compared with the M3 saloon in terms of performance, handling or capability, yet adds a really useful dose of practicality. That it’s even fairly efficient given how much performance is on offer, and compact enough to not feel intimidating to drive, seals the win. Only its borderline ride comfort stops it from getting full marks, but otherwise this is the new benchmark for the fast-yet-practical formula. ● Stunning performance ● Brilliant chassis ● Everyday usability ● Firm ride ● Steering needs more feel ● Carbon-fibre seats not practical for an estate INTERESTED? Scan the code for further information RUNNER-UP Jaguar F-Pace SVR 2nd AS an…

SAME MONEY Porsche Panamera ST THE Panamera was long hailed as the ultimate four-seat GT car, adding some of the 911’s DNA into a car that offers exceptional long-distance comfort. The estate-bodied Sport Turismo version throws a practical 520-litre boot into that mix, and with 542bhp, it’s not lacking in firepower, either. For similar money to the M3 Touring with a few options, you could get a three-year-old Panamera Sport Turismo that’s covered only a handful of miles. ● Effortless performance ● Comfortable cruiser ● More of a four-seater ● Older car for this price SAME CLASS Maserati Levante IF you prefer SUV style, then Maserati offers a left-field alternative to this pair. The Levante is a keen-handling SUV in any spec, but it’s at its best in full-fat Trofeo…

Richard_Ingram@autovia.co.uk @rsp_ingram EARLIER this year, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) released figures that showed a whopping 25.7 per cent of new cars sold in 2022 were grey. And a total of 68.6 per cent were monochromatic: grey, black, white or silver. Uncommon colours like orange and turquoise have seen a small resurgence, although they still only account for a tiny fraction of sales. Any superstitions around green being unlucky seem dead and buried, however; the seventh most popular colour grew 74.2 per cent year-on-year. I think I know why. You see, our Volvo XC40 Recharge was delivered in November, just before an extreme cold snap that had gritting lorries working overtime. Yet with family all over the country, I (along with my wife and daughter) racked up…

Got a query? products@autoexpress.co.uk HOW TO fix paint scratches MARKED or damaged paintwork is never a good thing and can range from an irritating eyesore to something that could lead to more severe consequences and the start of corrosion. It is vital to establish what you are dealing with when it comes to correcting paint damage. At one end of the scale are the fine whirls and lines in the clearcoat that take the edge off the paint’s shine. These are often caused by automatic car washes or when fine grit attached to the bodywork is dragged across the paint by a mitt or sponge; the latter is particularly prone to this. Depending on the depth of the damage, the fix can be simply hand-applying a product such as our test-winning…

MINI designer’s new film takes look at AI THE latest episode of legendary vehicle designer Frank Stephenson’s YouTube series has been released, dedicated to artificial intelligence in car design. Drawing from Frank’s own experience, it looks at the potential benefits and pitfalls of using this fast-evolving tech, especially text-to-image generators. It’s the first in a series of videos from the man behind the modern MINI, set to be launched during 2023 and focusing on new technologies that will shape the future of design. For more, subscribe on YouTube (youtube.com/FrankStephensondesign) to be notified of each new video that goes live. Scramble expected for Bicester tickets BICESTER Heritage’s second Sunday Scramble of the year, scheduled for 23 April, is likely to be popular, given how quickly tickets for the January event sold…

@MercedesAMGF1 Engine Mercedes Races 271 Wins 125 Titles 8 Last year 3rd MERCEDES-AMG’s dominance of F1 had to come to an end at some point, and 2022 was the year it lost its grip. The end result was nowhere near as bad as many had feared after the first couple of rounds, a point at which the W13 was porpoising heavily and lacking speed, with pace that wasn’t only short of Ferrari and Red Bull, but closer to that of Alpine and McLaren. A series of solid performances from George Russell kept Mercedes in early contention, and eventually the team’s huge experience and resources shone through. There’s no better indication of this turnaround than Lewis Hamilton’s form. Poor luck and a tricky car resulted in a slow start to the…

@alfaromeof1 Engine Ferrari Races 192 Wins 10 Titles 0 Last year 6th AS one of few teams that managed to hit the regulated minimum weight limit for its car in 2022, Alfa Romeo got off to a storming start last year. However, the team’s momentum slowed throughout the season due to its relative lack of resources, and other teams caught up. Given that the C43 for 2023 is a development of last year’s car, and other teams have either refined or radically reinvented their machines as well, it would be a surprise if we see a drastic change in Alfa Romeo’s performance. But anything is possible in F1. The resurgent Valterri Bottas will continue to lead the team, having translated his impressive one-lap pace at Mercedes to the new demands…

Alastair_Crooks@autovia.co.uk @AllieCrooks ● Uprated steering and sports suspension for big-selling SUV AS the best-selling Mercedes in the world, the pressure is on the new GLC SUV to maintain its popularity, and a hefty 25 per cent of its sales are expected to come from this GLC Coupé variant. This is still a development car, made clear by the camouflaged exterior, but a full reveal will happen soon. The Coupé will broadly follow on from the previous-generation car with its styling cues, with the rear featuring a sloping roofline and new light clusters for a more rakish profile. The front is pretty much exactly the same as on the current GLC. The engine range and the front of the cabin will be the same as the regular model, too, but headroom…

INVEST in vehicle security, such as a steering wheel lock or wheel clamp. If your car has keyless entry, purchase a Faraday pouch; Auto Express recommends the Defender Signal Blocker (below), which costs just £5.95 for a pack of two. Some keyless fobs can be deactivated when not in use. Always ensure your car is locked before walking away and never leave your keys in plain sight. Consider an aftermarket electronic immobiliser or tracking device – don’t assume that your manufacturer-fitted one will do the job, because thieves can disable these. If you have a garage that you’re using for extra home storage, then maybe it’s time to declutter and use it to park your car instead? After all, this is the most secure place to keep a vehicle.…

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 HOT TOPIC E-scooters FROM: Rob Kewley E-SCOOTERS could make up an essential part of urban mobility, especially for young people. Cars have the potential to cause more harm and injury, but have not been subjected to the same negative narrative as e-scooters. FROM: Joseph Lynn EVERY vehicle on the road – cars, e-scooters, bicycles, horse-drawn carts, etc – should be licenced, taxed, insured and subject to annual inspection. Every person using the road should have to pass a test to get a licence for their vehicle. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk ■ “Private e-scooters are widely used already. It’s about time we legalised and regulated them.” Damian Wallis ■…

FUNDAMENTALLY, the 986 is very strong, but there are issues – the Intermediate Shaft (IMS) bearing, above all. If it fails, it’s effectively game over for the engine. Despite what it says on the Internet, it’s not a widespread problem. Only around 6 per cent of cars (more often second-generation 2.7s rather than the earlier 2.5s) seem to suffer. Fact is, most cars that are still going now are probably still around for a reason. Other things to look out for include noisy water pumps, split coolant tanks (a soggy boot carpet in summer is a sign), leaky window seals that can rot the ECU, and cracked cylinder bores on abused engines (if the oil looks more like black mayonnaise, beware). Also, if the hood fails, don’t expect to spend…

sean_carson@autovia.co.uk Electric motor Power/range 167bhp/322 miles Performance 0-62mph/top speed 10.4 seconds/99mph “The steering has a good weight and the car changes direction with enough precision” NEARLY two years on from its launch, the Volkswagen ID.4 line-up has changed quite significantly. The 1st Edition launch model has given way to regular trim levels, but unfortunately not more affordable ones – given the abolition of the plug-in car grant and the way new-car prices have risen. The ID.4 range now consists of two trim levels – Life Edition and Style Edition – with two battery options – a 52kWh unit and a 77kWh model – and four motor outputs. They include 146bhp, 167bhp and 201bhp single-motor variants plus a 261bhp 4MOTION dual-motor option. There’s also the hotter twin-motor GTX. It’s the heartland…

503bhp Powertrain 3.0 litre 6cyl 59 litres Fuel tank £88 fill up 3.6 seconds Performance 155mph 500 litres Seats up/down 1,510 litres MODEL TESTED: M3 Competition xDrive PRICE: £86,365 POWERTRAIN: 3.0-litre 6cyl twin-turbo petrol, 503bhp PRICES for the M3 Touring start from £86,365, which is £5,315 more expensive than the equivalent saloon. The optional extras fitted to this car include the £11,250 Ultimate Pack, the £7,995 Pro Pack (which features carbon-ceramic brakes) and £2,985 for Frozen Pure Grey metallic paint. These extras lift the total to £105,910. Tech highlights TO create its first-ever M3 estate, BMW’s M division took the M3 saloon as a template, and mixed newly developed chassis upgrades with existing modifications from elsewhere, to make up for the estate body’s reduced stiffness. The Touring borrows the M4…

SAME CLASS Audi RS 4 Avant THE closest alternative to the BMW M3 Touring that you can buy right now is the RS 4 Avant. For 2022, Audi launched a Competition spec, which included manually adjustable coilover suspension with a 10-20mm drop in ride height over the existing RS 4, Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres, a gearbox remap, faster steering and a tweaked exhaust system. However, the 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine produces the same 444bhp as before, so it’s a touch behind the M3 (and a long way behind the Jaguar) when it comes to outright firepower – despite an £84,600 list price that is close to identical to its rival’s. ● Quattro traction ● Excellent quality ● Lots of tech ● Not as sharp as M3 Touring ● Not as…

NEW PRODUCT Vredestein Quatrac Pro new sizes Price: TBC Contact: vredestein.co.uk VREDESTEIN has expanded the range of cars that its ultra-high-performance all-season Quatrac Pro can be used on, by adding 17 new options. The additions mean there are now 103 dimension and spec options for the tyre, which was launched in 2019. This latest expansion covers 18-21-inch rims, although the range also includes 17 and 22-inch versions. More options were added in 2021, and earlier this year a version for electric vehicles was launched. The first newcomers will be available this month, with the remainder arriving in the spring. They include options tailored for front or rear axles to ensure optimal power transfer for all powertrain configurations, including all-wheel drive. The new tyres which, like the rest of the range,…

MOST motorists who are happy to clean their car or two every few weeks will be perfectly happy with a pressure washer that costs less than a £100, like our current Best Buy, the Hawksmoor 140. But if you take your cleaning a bit more seriously, you might want a slightly higher-pressure punch. A more powerful machine isn’t necessary for simple car washing, but it does make blasting mud from 4x4s and cleaning driveways faster. These upscale washers are also packed with features that are designed to make life easier, with long hoses, reels and storage slots for the most commonly used attachments. We have previously been impressed by Nilfisk’s flagship 200-15. It is still a great machine and has the advantage of more power and a longer hose, but…

Chris_Rosamond@autovia.co.uk mail@autoexpress.co.uk THE previous generation of Octavia was always rated highly by Auto Express readers, but its fall from grace is gathering pace. After holding on to 43rd position in the Driver Power new-car survey in 2021, the Czech model tumbled to 66th last year. Where is it falling down? Well, the Octavia languished last in the table for driving pleasure, and was rated nearly as poorly for its ride and handling, and gearbox smoothness. In fact, the Skoda ranked in the bottom five across nine different categories, and didn’t break into the top 10 anywhere. The big Skoda does have some redeeming features, though. It’s ranked 11th overall for boot space and scores above average for running costs. WE SAID “It’s spacious, good value, with a wide range of engines…

@redbullracing Engine RBPT Honda Races 348 Wins 92 Titles 5 Last year 1st REIGNING champion Red Bull adapted to the dramatic rule changes introduced for 2022 better than any other team. While others struggled to prevent extreme porpoising of their cars, the RB18 looked smooth and capable. Once a little excess weight was trimmed mid-season, the team – and particularly Max Verstappen – were unstoppable. The Dutchman took a stunning 15 race wins and team mate Sergio Perez scored another two to fend off initial challenges from Ferrari, then a late-season charge from Mercedes, to absolutely dominate the year. It didn’t seem to matter where on the grid that Max started last year, his rapid pace meant he was always in with a chance of victory by the end of…

@AlpineF1Team Engine Renault Races 44 Wins 1 Titles 0 Last year 4th HAVING claimed the title of “best of the rest” last year by winning the midfield battle, the pressure is on Alpine to edge closer to the front-running teams in 2023. This will be no easy task, however, with rival Aston Martin opting for a radical aero package with its AMR23, and McLaren snapping up exciting new prodigy Oscar Piastri to fill its second seat. Despite its relative success, Alpine suffered from dire reliability last year, with Fernando Alonso falling out of points-scoring positions at multiple races, including the final round in Abu Dhabi. The team pushed the durability of its Renault power unit to the limit to search for those last few tenths, and while performance is essentially…

@AstonMartinF1 Engine Mercedes Races 50 Wins 0 Titles 0 Last year 7th WHISPERS from within the Aston Martin camp suggest that 2023 will be a year of serious progress for the team, as it aims to flip the midfield order on its head. With the backing of Lawrence Stroll – and having poached technical director Dan Fallows from Red Bull – expectations are high going into the first round in Bahrain, not least because the AMR23 racer is an entirely different beast to its predecessor in aerodynamic terms. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it bears some resemblance to last year’s title-winning Red Bull RB18, and drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll will be aiming to replicate some of that car’s success in 2023. The Spaniard in particular will be highly motivated to move…

@AlphaTauriF1 Engine Honda Races 61 Wins 1 Titles 0 Last year 9th ALPHA Tauri’s preparation for the 2023 season didn’t go too smoothly. The team initially looked to sign exciting IndyCar youth prospect Colton Herta, only to be told by the FIA that the American doesn’t have enough points on his superlicence to race in F1. Only time will tell if Alpha Tauri’s gamble to replace Pierre Gasly, a race winner with the Italian outfit, with rookie driver Nyck De Vries will pay off. Although Alpha Tauri’s sister team Red Bull stormed its way to the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships in 2022, Alpha Tauri only managed ninth – with the departed Gasly’s fifth-place finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix being the highlight of the year. Franz Tost, who has been…

John_McIlroy@autovia.co.uk @johnmcilroy ● VW fast-tracks updated look for its all-electric ID.3 hatchback ● Interior is more upmarket, but UK cars won’t get bigger screen VOLKSWAGEN’S ID.3 is barely two and a half years old. But extensive customer feedback and the fast-paced introduction of many rivals have persuaded VW to bring the usual mid-life enhancement of its first bespoke electric car forward by 12 months. On the outside, there are new colour options – including the vivid Dark Olivine Green of the vehicle pictured here – plus fresh headlights and tail-light clusters that create an arch-shaped motif and feature X-shaped brake lights. The front bumper is modified for a sharper look, while the black plastic area at the base of the windscreen has been removed altogether, and replaced by a larger,…

Yousuf_Ashraf@autovia.co.uk @ashrafoncars ● New grille among updates for Peugeot family hatch and estate ● Simplified range goes on sale here in June PEUGEOT’S 508 large hatchback and SW estate have gone under the knife to bring their design in line with the brand’s latest models, as well as improve their tech. The changes are very much evolutionary, with a front end that takes inspiration from the 408 fastback. Peugeot’s new crest sits within a redesigned grille, which blends into the bodywork and headlights. The latter are matrix LED units, with three fang-like running-light strips extending into the bumper. New 18-inch alloys wheels have been fitted too, and the tail-lights have been restyled with a claw-like design. Subtle tweaks – including a new Peugeot script at the back – complete the…

Mercedes names its price for new GLE cars MERCEDES has also confirmed prices for its new GLE SUV, which starts from £77,890 for the 300 d AMG Line model. The 400 e plug-in hybrid starts from £87,505 in AMG Line Premium trim, while the six-cylinder 450 petrol and diesel models are priced from £81,965 and £80,965 respectively. Prices for the new GLE Coupé have also been revealed, with the 450 d costing £92,665. It will only be available in AMG Line Premium Plus trim from launch. Deliveries begin soon. JLR plans three hubs to focus on autonomy JAGUAR Land Rover has announced that it will open three technology hubs in Europe to help develop autonomous driving systems for its products. Based in Germany, Italy and Spain, employees at the company’s…

THE following provide help with motoring problems. Some services are free, others charge a fee or operate on premium-rate lines (p), while some offer advice for members only (m) Legal AA: 0345 850 1130 (m) RAC: 0330 159 1446 (m) Citizens Advice Consumer helpline: 03454 040506 Local Trading Standards Local Citizens Advice Bureau Used car inspections AA: 0800 056 8040 RAC: 0330 159 0720 Technical advice AA: 0370 142 0002 (m) Driving licences DVLA: 0300 790 6801 Car registration/history HPI: 0113 222 2010 AA: 0800 316 3564 DVLA: 0300 790 6802 RAC: 0808 164 1923 Traffic information AA: 0906 888 4322 RAC: 09003 444999 (p) Problems with dealers The Motor Ombudsman: 0345 241 3008 Consumer Ombudsman: www.consumer-ombudsman.org RMIF: 0845 305 4230 Scottish Motor Trade Assoc. 0131 331 5510 Problems with…

sean_carson@autovia.co.uk IT might seem like Dacia is a bit behind the curve on electrification, given that the value brand is only just launching its first hybrid model. However, the key to it is that word: value. Oh, and don’t forget Dacia already makes the Spring – a small EV for the urban jungle – for the European market. To keep costs sensible for buyers, Dacia’s policy is to only turn to petrol-electric propulsion when the tech is at a level that it deems affordable. That’s the case with the Jogger Hybrid 140’s powertrain, which is inherited from sister firm Renault. With prices starting from £22,595 for the base-level Expression car and rising to £23,395 (only two trims are available on the Hybrid, unlike the petrol model), Dacia reckons there’s no…

tristan_shale-hester@autovia.co.uk @tristan_shale HYDROGEN fuel-cell technology seems to have been on the cusp of breaking through into the world of passenger cars for a while. But aside from a few forays, manufacturers haven’t exactly leapt at the chance to put the tech into series production, as they have with full EVs. However, BMW has bucked this trend and will build a run (albeit a limited one, of just 100 units) of iX5 Hydrogen models, which will be going into service this spring, partly as a rolling laboratory to see if hydrogen could be viable in the future. The basic recipe packages two carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic hydrogen tanks within the standard X5’s chunky body, which hold almost 6kg of hydrogen at a pressure of 700 bar. These feed a hydrogen fuel cell mounted…

542bhp Powertrain 5.0-litre V8 83 litres Fuel tank £124 fill up 4.0 seconds Performance 178mph 613 litres Seats up/down 1,440 litres MODEL TESTED: F-Pace SVR  PRICE: £84,940 POWERTRAIN: 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol, 542bhp AT £84,940, the F-Pace undercuts the M3 Touring by £1,425, and despite our car having £7,945-worth of extras to bring the total to £92,885, it’s £13,025 cheaper than the BMW here. Among the Jaguar’s options are an opening panoramic sunroof (£1,600), carbon-fibre interior trim (£1,175) and extra USB sockets for rear passengers (£160). Tech highlights WHEN it was launched, Jaguar said the F-Pace SVR had “sports car performance, SUV design”. Given that the F-Pace was already one of the sharpest-handling SUVs in its class, the starting point was fairly strong, but lots of attention was lavished on…

THERE’S not much to split this pair for outright performance, nor is there much of a difference when it comes to the finances. Place a £10,000 deposit for a three-year PCP on a BMW M3 Touring with a 10,000-mile annual limit, and it will cost £1,255 a month. Match those terms with the F-Pace and you’ll be paying £1,150 a month. A current £2,000 deposit contribution plays a part in that lower cost. The Jag is also slightly cheaper to service, with a cost of £1,482 over three years compared with £1,620 for the BMW. But our calculations show that the BMW will be the cheaper car to run over three years, and that’s almost entirely down to fuel consumption. An old-school V8 and SUV body conspire to make the…

PRACTICAL PERFORMANCE There’s plenty to think about when it comes to these two cars and their mix of space and firepower Sean Carson Associate editor “IF you want the extremes of performance and practicality in a wagon, then the Audi RS 6 Avant is even more extravagant than anything else here. Its six-figure price tag guarantees exclusivity, and it accelerates just as fast as the M3 Touring, while being able to carry even more stuff.” John McIlroy Deputy editor “IF the M3 Touring is a little too firm for you, then fear not, there is always the Alpina B3 Touring. It’s softer, but it doesn’t want for grunt; 488bhp is only slightly down on the M3, but its 730Nm of torque is 80Nm more. Understated style and guaranteed rarity make…

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A-Z of Cars of the 1990s Graham Robson (Herridge & Sons, herridgeandsons.com) Price: £35 Rating: THIS covers all of the 630-plus cars sold in the UK through the nineties, catering to enthusiasts and historians alike. The author provides a brief description of each model and comments on its status both in period and today. There’s a lot to squeeze in, so it’s not exactly a narrative tome, but valuable nonetheless. The Rootes Story Geoff Carverhill (Crowood Press, crowood.com) Price: £40 Rating: GEOFF Caverhill’s account of the Rootes Group is a well researched and engaging read for those interested in automotive history and business. While the book may be a dense read to those who prefer lighter fare, it offers valuable insights into the complexities of the industry and the company’s…

CO2 /tax 32-178g/km £155-£165 Running costs 48-55mpg (BlueHDI 130) £89 fill-up Performance 0-62mph/top speed 10.5 seconds/117mph YEARS ago, Citroen wasn’t afraid to go its own way when it came to designing and engineering its cars. Fast-forward to more recent times, and the French firm lost its mojo for innovation, and when the world started to go mad for SUVs, Citroen focused on more established segments. In 2007 it made a half-hearted attempt at embracing the SUV craze by teaming up with Mitsubishi to offer its first product in the segment, the C-Crosser. But this sold poorly and Citroen stuck with more MPV-like cars until the C4 Cactus arrived in 2014, although this was little more than a high-riding hatch. Incredibly, it wasn’t until 2019 that Citroen fully embraced the SUV segment…

@ScuderiaFerrari Engine Ferrari Races 1,054 Wins 241 Titles 16 Last year 2nd IN the absence of results – and by that we mean victories – the atmosphere at Ferrari tends to go sour. Expectations are always sky high at Maranello, and as such, team principal Mattia Binotto has been ousted after a disappointing 2022 in favour of Alfa Romeo’s Fred Vasseur. To begin with, 2022 had all the hallmarks of a Ferrari renaissance, with Charles Leclerc in particular showing serious promise. The car was adaptable and quick in a variety of conditions, too, and it looked like Leclerc would challenge Verstappen head-on for the title. Unfortunately, that didn’t materialise. A few critical mistakes from Leclerc crept in by the halfway point, and they were compounded by strategy blunders and reliability…

@McLarenF1 Engine Mercedes Races 928 Wins 183 Titles 8 Last year 5th THERE’S an anniversary for McLaren in 2023, but it’s not one that it will likely to be celebrating, because it marks 10 years since the team was a consistent championship front-runner. However, its drivers are certainly capable of ending this dry spell. Lando Norris has shown impressive pace and maturity that previous teammate Daniel Ricciardo simply couldn’t answer, and now he’s joined by rising star Oscar Piastri. The Australian picked up title wins in F3 and F2 on his way to top-level motorsport, and although Formula 1 is a different challenge altogether, he’s tipped to be a future champion in the mould of Hamilton and Verstappen. Will Norris keep him at bay? More importantly, can McLaren provide the…

@HaasF1Team Engine Ferrari Races 144 Wins 0 Titles 0 Last year 8th THE past few years have been tumultuous for US outfit Haas. A disappointing 2021 season saw the team score zero points, although some progress was achieved last year, with drivers Kevin Magnussen and Mick Schumacher scoring enough points for an eighth-placed finish in the Constructors’ Championship. Haas will be hoping the experience of new driver Nico Hülkenberg will result in regular points finishes in 2023. This season marks Haas’s eighth year in F1, and it continues its relationship with Ferrari by using the Italian firm’s engines. Despite having an office in Ferrari’s home town of Maranello, Haas isn’t affiliated with the Italian outfit, nor is it considered a junior team, so data sharing between the two during development…

@WilliamsRacing Engine Mercedes Races 781 Wins 114 Titles 9 Last year 10th WHEN George Russell left Williams for the factory Mercedes-AMG team, Alex Albon had big shoes to fill. Russell was known for pulling impressive results from sub-standard machinery, but on the evidence of 2022, Albon is more than capable of doing the same. He troubled the top 10 on occasion and pulled clear of teammate Nicholas Latifi, who has been swapped for newcomer Logan Sargeant for 2023. Williams had a major rethink with the design of last year’s car part way through the season, ditching its extreme sidepod packaging for a more conventional solution inspired by Red Bull. The revisions undoubtedly brought extra pace, but the team’s 2023 machine aims to refine the concept to bring more consistent handling…

FOR as long as I can remember, early March was always the immovable, much-loved slot in the automotive calendar. This was the time when the mainstream motor industry, its designers and the car-loving general public headed to Switzerland for the legendary Geneva International Motor Show. Not only was it generally regarded as the most important and informative automotive exhibition on the planet, it was staged at the right time, in the right neutral place, and for all the right reasons. Geneva in the first few days of spring always felt like the beginning of the automotive year, proper. It was the place for petrolheads, EV evangelists and diesel diehards to congregate. Trouble is, the above is history. In this post-Covid era, the exhibition could and should be staged this month.…