Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2019 i What Car?

‘It showed that a small car could be just as luxurious as a big one’ When BMW reinvented the Mini in 2001, it disproved the notion that small cars had to be cheap and inspired a host of brands to build rival models. But while there probably wouldn’t have been an Audi A1 without the Mini, the A1 was a game-changer in its own right, showing for the first time that a small car could be just as luxurious as a big one. The Mini has since moved in that direction itself, with the latest version feeling properly plush inside. So, Audi has responded with an all-new A1, and we’re pitting the two against one another from p68. Indeed, things rarely stay static in the car world for long. But…

SUMMER Nissan Juke Small SUV gets a radical redesign, new engines and fresh underpinnings in an effort to improve interior space WHAT DO THE Jeep Renegade, Nissan Juke and Ssangyong Tivoli all have in common? Each is a small SUV that we rate at two stars. But whereas two of those cars are relative rarities on the road, the Juke has consistently been an incredibly popular choice with British buyers since the day it came out. Our main criticisms are its poor practicality, sub-par interior quality and the fact that it’s not very good to drive. So, Nissan has been working hard to allay these shortcomings with its second-generation Juke, due next summer, in order to better challenge rivals such as the Renault Captur and Seat Arona. Underneath, the Juke…

APRIL Toyota RAV4 New generation of Toyota’s large SUV aims to raise the bar for dependability in any conditions and be better to drive WHAT’S THE BEST-SELLING SUV in the world? Believe it or not, that title has, for the past few years, been fought for between the Nissan X-Trail and Toyota RAV4.To British sensibilities, however, these cars are well down the order in the large SUV class. But that could well change with the arrival of this striking fifth-generation RAV4 – and not just because it looks like something out of Star Wars.“Steering and chassis feel are now very important to us,” says chief engineer Yoshikazu Saeki,“and that is a philosophical shift from the previous car.” This focus, borne out through redesigned steering, more complex suspension and better weight…

DECEMBER ‘The Urban EV is expected to achieve an official range of around 155 miles’ Honda Urban EV Renault Zoe rival offers retro design, premium interior and a load of new technology THE URBAN EV is set to be the first electric Honda sold in Europe.The Renault Zoe rival is based on a concept car whose blend of retro and futuristic styling proved so popular that it will hardly be changed at all in production form. The real thing will be somewhat more practical than the concept, though, with five doors rather than three, seating for five instead of four and more conventional-looking controls inside. Built on Honda’s new bespoke electric car platform, the Urban EV is shorter than the Honda Jazz but tall, with a wide windscreen and narrow…

PORSCHE IS A sports car brand, right? With its range including the evergreen 911, 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster, you might be tempted to say yes. However, of the 246,375 cars produced by the German manufacturer in 2017, a whopping 97,202 were Macan SUVs. With that in mind, this facelifted version is rather important. As well as the expected selection of external styling changes, including a new full-width LED light bar at the back, the suspension and engine have been tweaked. While six-cylinder S and Turbo models will follow, at launch there’s just this entry-level 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine on offer. If you want a diesel, forget it; Porsche currently has no plans to reintroduce this unfashionable fuel. Porsche has cleaned up the 2.0-litre engine’s act by fitting it with…

The Amarok has always made an impression with its wide stance and rugged, robust profile – standing out from the crowd, whether it’s in the heart of town, or heading off-road for work or play. Now, the Amarok Aventura enhances those chiselled good looks with a stylish body-coloured sports bar and eye-catching 20-inch ‘Talca’ wheels. From the Amarok Highline, you get bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, front fog lights with cornering function, stainless steel side bars and chrome trim features, as well as electric fold-in mirrors. The Aventura also adds the choice of an exclusive metallic paint – Peacock Green – which is only available on this trim.…

WHY WOULD ANYONE buy a frumpy MPV when a taller, more handsome SUV provides similar practicality? It’s a question that a number of premium car manufacturers have struggled to answer. How often do you see a BMW 2 Series Active Tourer or Volkswagen Golf SV on the road? Exactly. However, this shortage of customer interest in the segment hasn’t dissuaded Mercedes from developing a third-generation B-Class. If anything, its engineers have relished the challenge of creating something that’s even more practical than an SUV yet no less appealing. Based on the new A-Class family car, the B-Class’s body has been raised up and pumped out, giving it more space inside than its predecessor, while it now benefits from a dazzling, classy interior that features the same large digital instrument and…

UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW student Lewis Campbell has won the 2018 Autocar-Courland Next Generation Award for his idea to tackle vehicle cloning using blockchain technology. Campbell, who is studying mechanical engineering, is the 10th winner of the annual award, which supports young talent in the car industry. His winning concept was the installation in cars of a chip that would use a frequency-changing algorithm to deter hackers and communicate with a nearby smartphone, which would take the information and then, via blockchain (a popular form of digital cryptography), store it in a server hosted by the car’s manufacturer, creating an unalterable electronic record.This would make it far tougher for fraudsters to ‘clone’ a vehicle – meaning to steal its identity, usually so as to disguise another that has been stolen. The…

The Discovery Sport is a premium SUV that competes against the Audi Q5 and BMW X3, as well as more mainstream rivals. It’s Land Rover’s best-selling model and replaced the popular Freelander. Available in both five and seven-seat forms, the Discovery Sport is a practical and comfortable choice, offering a great driving position and a strong range of engines. Of those, it’s the 178bhp 2.0-litre diesel that we recommend for its reasonable real-world running costs, and we’d team it with HSE trim, which gets you most of the kit you’ll want. Here, though, is how to add more luxury without breaking the bank. 1 Longer trips with the family won’t stay quiet for long if everyone can’t charge their devices. Our top tip? Pay £225 for USB chargers in the…

The Qashqai has long been a sound choice for diesel buyers, but the petrol options were either too weak or too expensive. The new 138bhp 1.3 changes that, so much so that we’d say it’s the engine that makes most sense for most buyers. The trouble is,although it’s cheaper to buy privately than its rivals, the Qashqai isn’t great value in the long run, due to its relatively heavy depreciation. Reliability is also a concern, and it no longer sets the standard in any key area, despite subtle improvements over the past couple of years. Meanwhile, the Ateca and Karoq are very closely matched and undoubtedly the best two family SUVs at this price point.The former is more fun to drive and really tempting at the moment if you’re buying…

CARS HAVE CHANGED dramatically since the very first, Karl Benz’s Patent-Motorwagen, spluttered into life in 1885. One thing has stayed constant, however: the popularity of the internal combustion engine. Despite electric power having promised a quieter and cleaner alternative for this entire 133-year period, it has always been sidelined due to range concerns and expense. But with battery capacity worries now diminished by Tesla, we were just waiting for this technology to filter down into a more affordable package. That day came with the introduction of the Hyundai Kona Electric, a car that doesn’t cost the earth but might well help save it. The Kona instantly became our favourite electric car, but its reign might be short-lived, due to the arrival of the e-Niro from Hyundai’s sister brand, Kia. With…

The BMW X5 is better than ever. Not only is this new one good to drive and packed with tech, but it also fulfils a much broader remit than its predecessor, thanks to an impressive ride and lavish interior. Nevertheless, the X5 still doesn’t quite have what it takes to topple the mighty Audi Q7. That’s right: despite being three years old, the Q7 is still the most complete luxury SUV on the market, offering acres of interior space, seven proper seats, remarkable refinement and a limo-rivalling ride. Given that it’s also cheaper to buy and run than the X5, it’s difficult to see why you’d opt for anything else. Audi Q7 For Even plusher ride; seven proper seats; cheaper to buy and run; quieter engine Against Infotainment outgunned by…

Mileage 6885 Price when new £25,245 (including £1885 worth of options) Value now £15,041 Test economy 50.9mpg WITH THE MILES racking up at an alarming rate, it’s about time I went over what it’s like to drive my used Seat Leon. Now, I’ve mentioned previously that my car has sports suspension as part of its FR Technology specification. But while the resulting ride is undoubtedly firm, the car’s movements are so well controlled that you’re rarely bothered by the unpleasant shocks and shudders that are a feature of most sports suspension set-ups. There are four driving modes to choose from in the Leon: Sport, Normal, Eco and a configurable option called Individual. Having played about with them, I’ve now settled on a mixture of the other three settings for my…

EVER SINCE IT arrived, I’ve been trying to work out precisely what my new Stonic is. Kia calls it a ‘B-segment SUV’, but that’s a pretty meaningless term unless you happen to work in the automotive industry. I prefer to think of it as a halfway house: it’s part off-roader – see the raised suspension, chunky roof rails and rugged bodykit with faux sumpguards front and rear – and a big part small hatchback, being based on the Rio (and built in the same factory). The result is a car that looks pleasingly rufftuff, its styling a magpie blend of Citroën C4 Cactus, Mini Countryman and Renault Captur, but is as small, nimble and at home in the city as any other hatchback. Some might miss the authoritative, raised view…

DISCOUNT FASHION IS a mainstay of the internet, providing smart shoppers with a great way of searching for stylish garments at rock-bottom prices. Clearly, spending less while still looking good is enormously satisfying, so why not do the same with your next used car? Take these two trendy coupés, for example. Both are still on sale and therefore don’t look old, yet with a few thousand miles under their belts, they can be found for many thousands less than they were when new. Both come with frugal four-cylinder diesel engines and automatic gearboxes and are in high-spec trims with lots of equipment. However, our BMW 4 Series Coupé test car is fitted with four-wheel drive and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé is in standard rear-wheel-drive form. Even so, the 4 Series…

LESS THAN £10,000 Suzuki Celerio Our pick 1.0 SZ2 List price £7999 Target Price £7851 MPG 65.7 CO2 99g/km For It has a practical interior with a DAB radio and the engine gives adequate performance. Against The interior feels cheap, resale values are weak and infotainment options are limited. WHAT CAR? SAYS Hyundai i10 Our pick 1.0 S List price £9895 Target Price £9195 MPG 60.1 CO2 108g/km For The three-cylinder engine is refined and the interior is surprisingly roomy. Against This entry-level trim doesn’t give you much kit and the engine struggles out of town. WHAT CAR? SAYS Volkswagen Up Our pick 1.0 60 Take Up 3dr List price £9325 Target Price £8920 MPG 64.2 CO2 101g/km For Fun to drive, with a comfortable ride and an upmarket interior.…

LESS THAN £26,000 Skoda Superb Our pick 2.0 TDI 150 SE Technology List price £24,525 Target Price £23,342 MPG 65.7 CO2 112g/km For Masses of standard kit; lots of rear leg room and boot space; comfortable ride. Against Some other executive cars are more fun to drive and the engine is a little gruff. WHAT CAR? SAYS Mazda 6 Our pick 2.2 Skyactiv-D 150 SE-L Nav+ List price £25,795 Target Price £25,055 MPG 64.2 CO2 117g/km For Smart interior; smooth and flexible engine; hushed motorway cruiser. Against Saloon boot hinders practicality and the infotainment is so-so. WHAT CAR? SAYS Volkswagen Passat Our pick 2.0 TDI 150 S List price £25,295 Target Price £23,337 MPG 67.3 CO2 109g/km For Drives well, with a good ride and refined diesel engine, while the…

LESS THAN £60,000 Audi Q7 The Q7 is so much more than your typical luxury SUV. Not only does it ride like a limo, offer the straight-line performance of a hot hatch and accommodate like an MPV, but it also delivers sublime refinement. The Q7 also has one of the greatest SUV interiors on the market, thanks to a modern, minimalist dashboard design and Audi’s fantastic MMI infotainment system. Our pick 50 TDI 286 quattro S line List price £59,295 Target Price £54,419 MPG 41.5 CO2 177g/km For Very well equipped, a wonderful ride and smooth, powerful engine. Against Expensive to buy and run. Some rivals have more third-row leg room. WHAT CAR? SAYS Volvo XC90 Our pick D5 Momentum List price £52,410 Target Price £47,445 MPG 49.6 CO2 149g/km…

Star ratings Outstanding Good Average Below par Poor Target Price The most you should pay for a car True MPG Our real-world fuel economy figures whatcar.com The place to look, whether you’re buying, leasing or simply running a car KEY INFORMATION Verdict Our road test reviews are the standard by which the car industry judges new cars. Price on the road The price set by car makers, including delivery and the variable rate of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). Contract hire Contract hire rental prices supplied by Wessex Fleet Solutions.These are based on a three-year/36,000-mile contract, excluding maintenance and VED. For quotes, call Wessex Fleet Solutions on 01722 322888. Target Price The Target Price is a fair price for your new car, based on research by What Car?’s team of mystery…

‘The hybrids will balance engine and batteries for an almost perfect 50/50 weight distribution’ MARCH Porsche 911 Sports car gets increased power across the board, a new interior and hybrid variants for its eighth era ASIDE FROM A blip in the late 1990s, styling updates to the 911 sports car have generally been about as radical as putting milk in your tea, and Porsche wasn’t about to change that approach with this eighth-generation model. However, the subtly revised looks do hide some significant technical changes. For the first time, every engine in the expansive line-up will be turbocharged, marking the end of the characterful but dirty naturally aspirated units found in more hardcore versions of the outgoing car. What’s more, Porsche will offer two four-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid variants, including a…

MARCH BMW 3 Series The 3 Series has been so successful over the years that it’s come to define the class in which it competes.This new version is larger, lighter and safer than its predecessor, and BMW reckons its improved ride and handling will help it topple the Audi A4. It won’t be launched until March, but you can find out if it has regained class honours now on p28. SPRING Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon This is a new bodystyle for the A-Class, with longer rear doors than the hatchback on which it’s based and a short, separate boot. The four-door will be pricier than the hatch, starting at around £25,000, but expect the interior to have the same wow factor. APRIL Volvo S60 Volvo renews its battle with the Audi…

IT’S FAIR TO say that most classes of car have at least one model you would describe as iconic. If you’re looking at family cars, you’ll probably be considering the Volkswagen Golf, while those in the market for a luxury SUV will have the Range Rover near the top of their wish list. For executive saloons, it’s the BMW 3 Series. With a name that’s been around since 1975, it’s the default choice for those who want a premium saloon with more than a hint of driver appeal. But with it being toppled by the Audi A4 and feeling the recently revised Mercedes-Benz C-Class breathing down its neck, its grasp on the class has been weakened. So, with the sixth-generation model now shuffling off to a retirement home, it’s time…

THIS SURE AIN’T Mercedes’ first rodeo. The new GLE is just the latest in a long line of American-built luxury SUVs from the German brand. Just over 20 years ago, in the deep south of the US of A, the M-Class was born, and in the ensuing years it became Mercedes-Benz’s best-selling ‘high-rider’. In 2015, a facelift for the third-generation model included a change of name to GLE. And now an all-new car is rolling down the production line in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, sporting even more radical changes. It now features Mercedes’ swish MBUX multimedia system with two 12.3in displays, plus you can specify a third row of seats for the first time and a raft of new engines is inbound. When you first slide inside the new GLE, there’s that…

JAGUAR LAND ROVER (JLR) is trialling a new technology that is intended to help drivers avoid getting stuck at red lights, and in the process reduce congestion and emissions. The Green Light Optimal Speed Advisory (GLOSA) system tells the driver the required speed at which to travel to avoid having to wait at lights. It relies on wireless communication between cars and road infrastructure. GLOSA is currently being tested on UK public roads in a Jaguar F-Pace as part of a larger connected and autonomous driving project, called Autodrive, that JLR is a part of, along with a range of partners including fellow car maker Ford and electrical systems specialist Thales. COMING SOON A JLR spokesman said the technology should be fitted to production cars within the next three to…

LARGE SUVs Ideal for big families, these cars offer lots of equipment and strong engines 1 Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 150 SE (5 seat) List price £29,080 Target Price £27,057 Saving £2023 This is Skoda’s largest SUV, and it’s supremely practical inside while also offering excellent value. It’s available with seven seats, too. 2 Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi KX-2 auto List price £35,625 Target Price £32,235 Saving £3390 Kia’s largest SUV offers lots of space for seven and is a good choice if you plan on towing regularly.The sole 2.2-litre diesel motor on offer is punchy. 3 Audi Q5 2.0 TDI 190 Sport List price £40,175 Target Price £36,667 Saving £3508 The Q5 is superb to drive and relatively cheap to run, plus it comes with one of the classiest…

CAR BREAKDOWN COVER is something you pay for but hope you won’t have to use. However, if your car does let you down, you’ll want to know that help is on the way quickly, especially if you’re stranded at the side of a motorway or on an unlit country lane at night. You’ll also want your car either fixed on the spot or transported to a suitable repairer. So, as part of this year’s What Car? Reliability Survey, we asked 15,384 motorists to tell us whether their car had broken down in the previous 12 months and how well they were looked after if they’d called out a roadside assistance service. Only a small proportion (1143 cars) suffered a breakdown, with 65% of that group (746) calling out the AA,…

IF YOU’RE AN avid viewer of Masterchef, you’ll be well aware that luxury can come in small packages; just look at Saliha Mahmood Ahmed plating up her delicious panna cotta for proof. The combination of small and opulent exists in the automotive world, too, and Mini is perhaps its most famous exponent. Sure, the 5dr hatchback adds a dash more practicality than the 3dr, but it’s still a small package combining chic looks with an interior that’s as succulent as it is colourful. It has just had some extra ingredients added, too, with restructured trim levels and revised option packages, so you can still season it to taste. We’re testing the 5dr with the Comfort Pack (£900), which most customers are expected to order. Audi has taken a less flamboyant…

The Kona Electric may have represented a breakthrough, but its time at the top has come to an end after just two months. For some, its more compact dimensions will be a bonus, but it’s impossible to ignore the extra roominess of the e-Niro. Then there’s the driving experience. The two cars can go almost the exact same distance, but the e-Niro is better mannered. Its slightly softer edge makes it comfier, yet it also handles more tidily and accelerates in a less flustered manner. Pricing sets the result in stone, because for all of its superiorities, the Niro will cost you just £150 more to buy than the Kona. Kia e-Niro For Better ride and handling; hot hatch-rivalling acceleration; spacious interior Against Can struggle to put its power down;…

IF WE WERE to play a word association game, what would you come up with for Alfa Romeo? Beautiful, sporty and fragile, I’d wager. But perhaps it’s time to strike that last one from the list for good, because the Italian brand has actually been in the top 10 of the What Car? Reliability Survey for the past two years. Indeed, in 2018 it finished ahead of all its prestige rivals, with the exception of Lexus. So, we’re now putting the durability of one of Alfa Romeo’s latest cars to the test ourselves, having added a used Stelvio SUV to the long-term fleet. Specifically, the model I’ve gone for is a 2017 207bhp 2.2-litre diesel, complete with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, Alfa Romeo’s Q4 four-wheel drive system and just over…

Mileage 9233 List price £42,945 Target Price £36,717 Test economy 40.1mpg I recently found myself using the rear bench of our A4 Allroad as a mobile office, as I took new reviewer Becky Wells through the finer points of uploading to whatcar.com.We quickly found an issue, however: although the Allroad’s squishy suspension is great when you’re driving, it can lead to some queasy feelings should you be hunched over a laptop in the back when your chauffeur is pressing on over country roads. A switch from Comfort to Dynamic mode helped, but to avoid any cleaning bills, we decided to wait until we got onto the motorway before continuing our work. And then the Allroad came good. With its suspension back in Comfort mode and its engine revving slowly in…

WHICH TYPE OF car best suits your lifestyle? It’s a tough question – one that requires you to consider a multitude of factors, from where you live, the length of your commute, how many children you have and your penchant for speed (or not) all the way down to more frivolous considerations, such as aesthetics. It’s something I’ve given a lot of thought to over the years, but now I think I finally have an answer – and it’s not the one you might expect. You see, I’ve run several SUVs in the past, and I like them. They’re spacious, have plenty of boot space and tend to be pretty comfortable. But despite this, every example I’ve run has been compromised in some way, suffering from heavier fuel consumption, a…

LESS THAN £15,000 Dacia Sandero Our pick 0.9 TCe 90 Essential List price £8595 Target Price £8498 MPG 57.6 CO2 109g/km For Lots of space for the money, decent to drive and a fair amount of standard kit. Against The engine is unrefined at most speeds and the interior is comparatively basic. WHAT CAR? SAYS Skoda Fabia Our pick 1.0 TSI 95 SE List price £14,380 Target Price £13,531 MPG 64.2 CO2 101g/km For Spacious interior, good to drive and relatively cheap to run. Against Hard interior plastics and low-speed ride could be better. WHAT CAR? SAYS Suzuki Swift Our pick 1.2 Dualjet SZ3 List price £11,999 Target Price £11,630 MPG 65.7 CO2 98g/km For Good to drive, with sharp steering and fine body control, and it’s fairly well equipped.…

LESS THAN £50,000 BMW 5 Series The 5 Series is plush enough inside to compare favourably with just about any other car on sale. It corners with greater composure than rivals and rides more comfortably, particularly if you specify it with the optional adaptive dampers. And yet you won’t have to add much else because even the entry-level SE spec includes sat-nav, leather upholstery and an automatic gearbox. Our pick 520d SE List price £37,775 Target Price £34,464 MPG 62.8 CO2 119g/km For Spacious, well-appointed interior and great to drive, with a quiet, economical engine. Against You need to add variable dampers for the best ride quality. WHAT CAR? SAYS Audi A6 Our pick 40 TDI Sport S tronic List price £38,640 Target Price £35,526 MPG 62.8 CO2 117g/km For…

LESS THAN £22,000 Nissan Qashqai Our pick 1.3 DiG-T 140 Visia List price £19,995 Target Price £19,995 MPG 53.2 CO2 121g/km For Practical and classy interior, comfortable ride, superb refinement and low running costs. Against Visia trim misses out on some goodies and the thick pillars limit visibility. WHAT CAR? SAYS Seat Ateca Our pick 1.0 TSI Ecomotive 115 SE List price £21,880 Target Price £19,676 MPG 54.3 CO2 119g/km For Excellent handling, with a spacious interior, a smooth engine and good resale values. Against The ride might be a bit too firm for some and the interior looks a bit bland. WHAT CAR? SAYS Dacia Duster Our pick 1.6 SCe 115 Comfort List price £13,395 Target Price £13,270 MPG 43.4 CO2 139g/km For Roomy inside, reasonably comfortable and incredibly…

LESS THAN £23,000 Citroën Berlingo Our pick 1.5 BlueHDI 130 Flair M List price £22,995 Target Price £20,736 MPG 65.7 CO2 113g/km For Practical and relaxing to drive, thanks in part to decent engine choices. Against Wallowy handling, a laggy infotainment system and cheap-feeling plastics. WHAT CAR? SAYS Vauxhall Combo Life Our pick 1.5 (130PS) Turbo D Life List price £22,660 Target Price £22,660 MPG 65.7 CO2 113g/km For Great value and masses of passenger space, sliding rear doors and a comfy ride. Against Interior feels very cheap and conventional MPVs have better seating flexibility. WHAT CAR? SAYS Kia Carens Our pick 1.6 GDi ISG 1 List price £19,505 Target Price £17,479 MPG 45.6 CO2 143g/km For Competitively priced, seven seats, air-con, cruise control and Bluetooth as standard. Against Unsophisticated…

LESS THAN £27,000 Mazda MX-5 Beneath its taut, compact styling, the MX-5 has one of the most agile chassis around, with a terrifically responsive front end that darts in to corners. Softly sprung suspension ensures the ride is comfortable, while the combination of a lightweight body and super-efficient engines means the MX-5 costs peanuts to run. Best of all, the simple manual soft-top roof can be flipped up and down in seconds. Our pick 2.0 Sport Nav+ List price £24,795 Target Price £23,463 MPG 40.9 CO2 156g/km For Terrific handling and steering, with a comfortable ride and a slick gearshift. Against Rivals have bigger boots, while the interior is pretty snug. WHAT CAR? SAYS Fiat 124 Spider Our pick 1.4 Multiair S-Design List price £26,905 Target Price £25,607 MPG 44.1…

LESS THAN £30,000 Audi TT The entry-level TT is a gem, thanks to a willing engine that can get you to 62mph in a respectable 6.9sec and yet is beautifully refined at a cruise. Lightweight construction helps handling no end; the TT turns in to corners eagerly, there’s little body roll and the ride is well judged for UK roads. The TT also has one of the finest interiors around, with smart materials and a standard digital instrument display. Our pick 1.8 TFSI Sport List price £28,855 Target Price £26,408 MPG 47.9 CO2 138g/km For Smooth, eager engine, darty handling and a beautifully built dashboard. Against Rear seats are seriously cramped and you’ll want to add a few optional extras. WHAT CAR? SAYS BMW 2 Series Coupé Our pick 220d…

SUMMER Volkswagen Golf Hatchback evolves mechanically and has a tech revolution THE VOLKSWAGEN GOLF is one of the bestselling cars in the UK; almost 40,000 examples found homes in the first six months of 2018. It neatly straddles the mainstream and prestige markets, competing with everything from the Ford Focus to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, and still holds a five-star What Car? rating six years after it was launched. However, it’s now time for a new, eighth-generation Golf. Don’t expect a revolution when it comes to the looks; the new Golf will feature sharper creases to bring it into line with the new Polo, but it will still be instantly recognisable, and the three-door, five-door and estate bodystyles are all expected to continue. The new Golf will be based on the…

WHAT’S THE BEST way to tempt someone into electric car ownership? Is it a hefty government grant? Perhaps a 250-mile-plus real-world range? Or could it be pure speed? Although all of those methods have proved persuasive to a certain extent, the secret, it seems, is to combine them all in a fashionable SUV. With the Tesla Model X leading the way, the Jaguar I-Pace snapping at its heels and both the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia e-Niro dangling the same carrot for half the price, it was only a matter of time before someone else joined the party. That someone is Audi with the E-tron. Not to be confused with the plug-in hybrid A3 and Q7 e-trons, this is a large and luxurious SUV that’s electric only. A 95kWh battery…

Now available to order, the Amarok Aventura is a new range-topping special edition of Volkswagen’s rugged pick-up, adding even more striking style to its renowned all-round capability. The Amarok Aventura’s beating heart is a 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine that delivers 258PS – with a 14PS overboost that takes overall power to 272PS for brief periods – as well as 580Nm of torque. Crucially, all that torque is available between 1,400rpm and 3,000rpm, with full power delivered from 3,250rpm to 4,000rpm for maximum load-hauling capacity. Add in permanent 4MOTION all-wheel-drive and an eight-speed automatic gearbox that is smooth, refined and efficient in equal measure, and the Amarok Aventura is perfect for tackling rough terrain, heavy loads, towing and longer journeys. You also get all the load-carrying versatility you would expect from…

The Amarok has always delivered where it counts – with rugged load-carrying performance, both on-road and off. But it also adds a degree of luxury, style, comfort and practicality inside its five-seater double cab that sets it apart from other pick-ups. The Amarok Aventura takes all the premium style and comfort features you get on the Highline trim, including a leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel, Climatronic air-conditioning, and heated front and rear seats. It adds titanium black trim for the roof liner and pillars, and ergo comfort front seats with 12-way electrical adjustment and titanium black Nappa leather upholstery. In the heart of the dashboard is a 6.3-inch Discover Media navigation system with DAB+ radio, Bluetooth, USB slots and seamless connectivity with voice control for compatible smartphones, thanks to ‘App-Connect’. You…

THERE IS A significant parallel to be drawn between the Wombles of Wimbledon and the new Seat Tarraco. Okay, so one is a group of creatures from a beloved children’s story, whereas the other is a new seven-seat SUV. But both extol the virtues of recycling, with the Tarraco being based on the same platform as the Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace. It even borrows some tech from Audi. Seat reckons the 148bhp 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine that kicks off the Tarraco range will take the majority of UK sales. It’s a sweet little engine, and it makes a fair amount of low-down torque, so you don’t have to rev it too hard to make decent progress. Once you’re cruising, it can run on just two cylinders to save…

TESCO,VOLKSWAGEN AND Pod Point will create what they are describing as “the UK’s largest retail network of electric vehicle [EV] chargers” by installing 2400 charging bays at 600 of Tesco’s larger shops over the next three years. Standard 7kW fast chargers will be made available to customers for free, while 50kW rapid chargers will be provided at a cost that is said to be “in line with the market rate”. Volkswagen’s input is motivated by its publically stated goal of selling a million electric cars per year worldwide by 2025. There are 17,000 public chargers in the UK today, 9% of them rapid, but there are set to be 100,000 by 2024, while the number of EVs is predicted to soar from 150,000 to a million. Tesco’s UK CEO, Jason…

BRITONS WERE FIRST offered Suzuki’s baby 4x4 back in 1979, in the form of the LJ 80. This was the perfect farmer’s runabout, with a ladder-frame chassis, simple, long-travel suspension, manually selectable four-wheel drive and a 41bhp 0.8-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine. In the intervening four decades and two model generations, staggeringly little has been changed. The 2019 Jimny uses that same basic formula, albeit in modernised form, and its power now comes from a 1.5-litre unit making 100bhp. The similarity in styling between the two cars is also uncanny, and while the new one is half a metre longer and a quarter of a tonne heavier, it’s still a city car-sized featherweight. Still, some modern features have been added, most prominently a touchscreen infotainment system, active safety aids and heated…

DING, DING: ROUND THREE. The Nissan Qashqai, once undisputed king of family SUVs, has already lost out to the Skoda Karoq and Seat Ateca on two occasions. The most recent skirmish was just a few months ago when a revised Qashqai, with tweaked suspension and a smartened-up interior, went the distance with the Karoq but was comfortably beaten on points. Nissan just won’t give up, though; it’s made even more improvements to its best seller. This time, the changes are mostly under the bonnet, with several new engines, including the 138bhp 1.3-litre petrol that we’re focusing on here. But as a bonus, there’s also a new infotainment system with better smartphone connectivity. It’s the Ateca and Karoq that once again stand in the Qashqai’s way of class supremacy. The Ateca…

The revised Mini hatchback appears to have actually slipped backwards a little. It’s noisier on the motorway than previously and, as before, doesn’t ride particularly smoothly, but you now can’t mitigate the latter issue as cost-effectively, because the price of adaptive dampers has nearly doubled.That said, it certainly provides flexible performance and top-notch interior quality, so it feels pretty swish. The new Audi A1 racks up a couple of extra stars over all the categories. Its notable strength is how stress-free it is to drive, with a soft ride and hushed air on the motorway. It has fewer weaknesses than the Mini, too. However, it no longer feels like it’s a cut above, and with less to differentiate it from the cheaper and better-equipped Volkswagen Polo, it’s a fine car…

IF YOU’VE CONSIDERED buying a luxury SUV in the past couple of decades, the chances are you’ve considered a BMW X5. It kicked off the craze for sportier SUVs in the late 1990s by prioritising handling, ride comfort and interior luxury over hardcore off-road ability. It was an inspired idea by BMW – one that other car makers quickly sought not just to replicate but to improve upon. The influx of upmarket, road-friendly SUVs that followed – each with its own USP – included the Volvo XC90 with its flexible seven seats, the Range Rover Sport with its impressive on and off-road capabilities, and the Audi Q7 with its remarkable comfort and refinement. Essentially, a class-leading SUV now has to be a jack of all trades. Which is why this…

Mileage 3880 List price £32,890 (not including government grant) Target Price £32,069 Real-world range 140 miles MUCH AS I like the way the Leaf drives, a few things about it are really beginning to irritate me. Quite a lot of the niggles are to do with the many electronic driver aids, which don’t seem well adapted to life on London’s ridiculously narrow, twisty and overcrowded streets. The automatic emergency braking (AEB), while a commendable feature, intervenes far too often, applying the brakes in situations that seem completely safe. For example, it happens randomly as I’m driving up to the barrier to get out of our car park, going at snail’s pace and doing nothing differently from any other day. The AEB also reacts if you go for a gap that…

Mileage 5232 List price £28,780 Target Price £26,499 Test economy 32.1mpg You might wonder at the sanity of a man who showers praise on a feature of a car operated by nothing more than two pieces of fabric, but bear with me, because the method by which you fold the 5008’s third-row seats really is as ingenious as it is simple. To erect the sixth and seventh seats, you simply fold back the tonneau cover and then yank on that aforementioned piece of black fabric. It requires a firm tug, but nothing more, and up pop the seats. All that’s left to do is raise the headrests. Putting the seats back again is every bit as simple; with a shove of the headrest and another tug of a fabric cord…

It was a close decision when these two were new, with the C-Class edging ahead thanks to its lower purchase price, inexpensive running costs and longer kit list. However, there’s a big question mark over its reliability, and as your car gets older and runs out of warranty, you want it to be dependable, otherwise you could be footing some large repair bills. The 4 Series, on the other hand, should be more reliable, plus it has a better infotainment system and more space in the back seats.You might find the xDrive’s extra traction to be of use, too, particularly if you live in a rural area. However, we’d still go for the rear-wheel-drive model, because it’s cheaper still to buy and should be on a par with the C-Class…

LESS THAN £20,000 Seat Leon Our pick 1.0 TSI SE Dynamic List price £18,960 Target Price £15,664 MPG 57.6 CO2 112g/km For Strong yet economical petrol engine with low running costs, and the Leon is good to drive. Against Some of the plastics feel cheap and some rivals are more practical. WHAT CAR? SAYS Vauxhall Astra Our pick 1.4T 16V 125 Design List price £19,810 Target Price £18,396 MPG 48.7 CO2 133g/km For Low CO2 emissions make it an ideal company car; decent to drive, with a practical interior. Against The steering feels numb and Tech Line trim adds more kit for only a little more money. WHAT CAR? SAYS Skoda Rapid Spaceback Our pick 1.0 TSI 110 SE Tech List price £16,585 Target Price £15,246 MPG 61.4 CO2 106g/km…

LESS THAN £20,000 Skoda Fabia Estate Our pick 1.0 TSI 95 SE List price £15,545 Target Price £14,623 MPG 64.2 CO2 101g/km For It’s one of the roomiest small estates; SE trim adds air-con and a touchscreen. Against Costs more than the hatchback and seats could do with more support. WHAT CAR? SAYS Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Our pick 1.4T 16v 125 Design List price £19,810 Target Price £18,396 MPG 47.9 CO2 136g/km For There’s plenty of room and you get air-con, Bluetooth and auto headlights as standard. Against Not as spacious as the Skoda Octavia Estate and the boot isn’t that flexible. WHAT CAR? SAYS Dacia Logan MCV Our pick 0.9 TCe 90 Essential List price £10,095 Target Price £10,002 MPG 57.6 CO2 109g/km For Lots of space, low…

LESS THAN £28,000 Peugeot 5008 The 5008 builds on the successful formula of the smaller 3008. It has seven seats as standard; in the first two rows, there’s loads of room for five adults, while the third-row seats are perfect for kids. The boot is also huge when the seats are folded. This 1.2-litre petrol engine may seem small to be hauling along such a sizeable car, but it’s gutsy enough and returns good fuel economy. Our pick 1.2 Puretech 130 Allure List price £28,059 Target Price £26,702 MPG 55.4 CO2 117g/km For Quiet cruiser with a comfortable ride, a practical, funky-looking interior and a big boot. Against Optional panoramic roof harms rear head room and the infotainment system is fiddly. WHAT CAR? SAYS Mazda CX-5 Our pick 2.0 SE-L…

LESS THAN £25,000 Hyundai Ioniq Our reigning Hybrid Car of the Year is the best of the three Ioniq variants available (there’s also a plug-in hybrid and a full EV), combining low running costs and a relatively modest price with a reassuringly normal driving experience like that of a conventional hatchback. The Ioniq is also more practical, better equipped and smarter inside than its main rival, the Toyota Prius, making it a very well-rounded car. Our pick 1.6 GDI Hybrid Premium DCT List price £23,600 Target Price £21,886 MPG 83.1 CO2 79g/km For Good-quality interior; low running costs; good to drive; well-integrated power sources. Against Poor rear head room; unsettled ride around town; not as efficient as Toyota Prius. WHAT CAR? SAYS Toyota Prius Our pick Active List price £24,255…