Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2020 i What Car?

‘Volkswagen, famed for its conservative styling, is now taking a more extroverted route’ Should electric cars be based on existing models that are also available with petrol and diesel engines, or should they be bespoke? Car makers are split on this; Peugeot (see p56),Vauxhall and Volvo are among those going in the former direction, while others such as Audi, Jaguar and Mazda are betting on the latter. Volkswagen, meanwhile, is currently in the process of switching camps; it recently replaced its electric e-Golf with the standalone ID.3 and has plans for a whole range of ID models, which you can read about from p8. Ultimately, there’s probably no right or wrong here; both approaches have led to some excellent cars (and some ordinary ones). However, it’s interesting to see Volkswagen,…

WE’VE DRIVEN A late-stage prototype of the ID.4 and found it to be responsive and, like most electric vehicles, effortless at getting up to speed. That being said, performance on the motorway begins to fade, so overtakes on faster roads won’t feel lightning fast. In the standard driving mode, the brake regeneration – which harvests energy as you slow down and feeds it back into the battery – slows the car progressively. In its higher setting, the regeneration is strong enough that you can drive the ID.4 using one pedal, which should make driving around town a smooth experience. Once you’re cruising along, the most noticeable noise in the ID.4 comes from its tyres, accompanied by some wind noise from around the door mirrors, but on the whole the ID.4…

IF YOU WANTED a Volvo XC40 when it first went on sale in 2017, you could only buy it with a regular petrol or diesel engine. But with diesels being dropped from the Volvo range, today’s line-up consists of not only petrols but also mild and plug-in hybrids and – as bang on trend as homemade banana bread on Instagram – this new Recharge Pure Electric P8. Like the closely related Polestar 2 electric hatchback, the P8 has two motors – one on each axle to make it four-wheel drive – that produce a total of 402bhp. In addition, there’s a sizeable, 78kWh battery that gives an official range of 260 miles. As in the Polestar, there’s no actual start button. You just take a seat behind the wheel with…

NATURAL SELECTION DOESN’T only apply to the animal kingdom; it affects SUVs, too. Where once the trusty diesel engine was the go-to choice for large seven-seaters, any car that sups solely from the black pump looks like a bit of a dinosaur these days. So, like all of the most successful species, the Kia Sorento has evolved. As a result, the cheapest Sorento you can buy – called the HEV – combines a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and a small battery to drive down emissions and fuel consumption. A plug-in version is also on the horizon. And for those who make lots of long journeys or need to tow a hefty caravan or trailer, a grunty 2.2-litre diesel is still available. Whichever version you pick, four-wheel…

THE FORD PUMA ST looks set to be a strong contender in the sports SUV class, because the small SUV on which it’s based is our reigning Car of the Year, thanks to its great handling, practicality and affordability. Sharing its underpinnings with the Fiesta ST hot hatch, the Puma ST is also fitted with that model’s 197bhp turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. Other similarities on the outside include a prominent body kit, new front and rear bumpers and twin exhaust pipes.There’s also a large rear spoiler, 19in alloy wheels and a new Mean Green paintwork option similar to that offered on the Fiesta ST. The Puma ST completes the 0-62mph sprint in 6.7sec and should feel even more agile than the standard Puma, because the steering response has been…

THERE’S NO SIGN of middle-age spread as BMW’s most well-known M performance car turns 35 years old.After being off sale for two years,the M3 saloon’s birthday is being marked by the arrival of an all-new model with extrovert exterior styling and a more powerful six-cylinder petrol engine. The large, vertical front grille, taken from the upcoming 4 Series coupé, is bound to turn heads. Other changes compared with regular 3 Series models include beefier wheel arches housing 19in front and 20in rear wheels, plus a redesigned rear end with quad exhaust pipes. Although a lower-powered M3 will go on sale elsewhere, British buyers will be offered only the range-topping Competition version, which produces a prodigious 505bhp from its twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six – up from the previous model’s standard 425bhp…

A SHOCKING 29% of drivers say they make and receive calls using a handheld mobile phone while driving, according to the 2020 RAC Report on Motoring. That’s an increase of 5% compared with last year’s survey. Despite the introduction of tougher fines for handheld phone use in 2016, the number of people admitting to doing so has fallen by only 2% overall in the intervening period. The survey reveals that younger drivers are twice as likely to break the law by using a handheld mobile phone while driving than older motorists. More than half (51%) of those aged 17 to 24 admitted to doing so in 2019, and, although that figure has fallen to 43% in 2020, this age group is still far more likely than older drivers to check…

PICK OF THE MONTH: FAMILY SUV SAVE £1986 Volkswagen Tiguan WHAT CAR? SAYS Model 2.0 TDI 150 SE Nav List price £32,115 Target Price £30,129 Target PCP £320 The Tiguan is a classy family SUV with flexible seating and lots of standard equipment, pus a large boot. Our recommended 2.0-litre diesel engine offers a fine blend of performance and fuel economy, providing enough punch to cope with urban traffic and motorway cruising alike. SCAN FOR A GREAT DEAL ON THIS CAR PICK OF THE MONTH: FAMILY CAR SAVE £1437 Skoda Scala WHAT CAR? SAYS Model 1.0 TSI SE List price £20,655 Target Price £19,218 Target PCP £194 The Scala is our reigning Family Car of the Year because it offers everything a buyer in this market could possibly…

FRAZER NASH, METROPOLITAN, Swallow, Trojan… you’re probably not alone if you don’t remember these car brands. After all, there have been thousands of car companies over the past 100 years or so and only a tiny proportion have been able to stand the test of time. So, should you be concerned if the brand of car you’ve bought goes out of business altogether or simply pulls out of the UK market? That’s a question being pondered by thousands of British Mitsubishi owners since July, when the Japanese car maker announced that it was beginning to wind down its UK and other European sales operations. The move is part of Mitsubishi’s plan to reduce its overall costs by 20% and focus on investment in its core markets in Asia and Australia.…

INFOTAINMENT The touchscreens are a similar size in all three cars, but you’ll notice that the sides of the E-Tense’s (and e-2008’s) are taken up by temperature controls, so the usable screen area is smaller than in the e-Niro.The screen isn’t as sharp as the e-Niro’s and can be slow to respond to inputs, while the menus are confusing. The touch-sensitive shortcut buttons below the screen are fiddlier to use than physical buttons but are at least bigger than the e-2008’s.…

The e-Niro may be the priciest car here, but that’s less of an issue if you’re a company car driver, and for private buyers it’s still the wisest investment.Think what you’re getting: that extra pace, more space, a much longer new car warranty, likely better reliability… we could go on.The point is, it ticks more boxes. And then there’s its superior range, which all but removes any fretting about travelling long distances and makes the e-Niro a no-brainer. Except if you only do short journeys, in which case the e-2008’s range is likely to be just fine.And if you consider attributes like its posh interior, sensible practicality and lower price as well, there are reasons to recommend the e-2008. Even if you’re taken by its quirky looks and the exclusivity…

From jeans to breakfast cereals and TV subscriptions to schools, we’ve never had more choice. And it’s the same story with SUVs: there are small ones, big ones, rugged ones, fast ones, hybrid-powered ones and even fully electric ones. It’s all the more surprising, then, that until recently the Land Rover Discovery Sport was your only option if you wanted a premium-badged SUV with seven seats that wasn’t the size of an aircraft carrier. However, there is now an alternative: the new Mercedes-Benz GLB. Encouragingly, this is closely related to the comfortable and classy A-Class hatchback. Plus, the four-wheel-drive 220d diesel model that we’ve got here is priced right in line with the equivalent version of its six-year-old rival. Don’t think that this test is going to be a walkover,…

2.2 Saracen Mileage 1480 List price £33,831 Target Price na Price as tested £36,306 Test economy 26.0mpg The Musso continues to prove itself useful when I’m carrying out my day job: videographer. I’ve been using its load bed to film from recently, with the split tailgate making this particularly easy and safe. A bouncy ride on poor surfaces means it can be tricky to keep shots steady, but that’s the nature of a pick-up; if it had a full one-tonne load in it, rather than 100kg of occupant and equipment, I’m sure it would feel rather more tied down. A bigger disappointment is fuel economy. While shooting the new Land Rover Defender alongside a Jeep Wrangler and Volvo XC90 recently, I was surprised to find that the Musso couldn’t match…

Price today £25,500* BMW X2 xDrive20d M Sport List price when new £37,530 Available from 2018-present Based on the conventional X1 family SUV but sacrifices some practicality for added style. Price today £27,000* Volvo XC40 D4 R-Design Pro List price when new £36,870 Available from 2018-present Our 2018 Car of the Year is still practical, plush, comfortable and good to drive. WHETHER IT’S TO fill a niche or satisfy a desire, it seems you can have your SUV in nearly any flavour these days. If, for example, you’re not completely happy with the conventional boxy shape of BMW’s X1 family SUV, you could instead opt for the X2, a car that at first sight seems to be the result of a fumbling midnight liaison between an SUV and…

LESS THAN £21,000 Skoda Kamiq Our pick 1.0 TSI 95 SE List price £19,730 Target Price £18,549 MPG 49.6 CO2 129g/km For Spacious inside, with a big boot, comfortable ride and low running costs. Against Driving position isn’t very SUV-like; height-adjustable boot floor costs extra. WHAT CAR? SAYS Volkswagen T-Cross Our pick 1.0 TSI 95 SE List price £20,210 Target Price £19,341 MPG 48.7 CO2 135g/km For Good balance between ride and handling, plus a spacious, flexible interior. Against Pricier than many rivals, and you’ll want to add a few options. WHAT CAR? SAYS Suzuki Ignis Our pick 1.2 Dualjet Hybrid SZ5 List price £16,509 Target Price £16,509 MPG 54.1 CO2 117g/km For Real-world economy is excellent; spacious and practical; lots of standard kit. Against Unsettled ride; noisy on the…

LESS THAN £20,000 Skoda Fabia Estate Our pick 1.0 TSI 95 SE List price £16,975 Target Price £16,047 MPG 52.3 CO2 122g/km For It’s one of the roomiest small estates; SE trim adds air-con and a touchscreen. Against So-so handling and could do with more supportive seats. WHAT CAR? SAYS Kia Ceed Sportswagon Our pick 1.0 T-GDi 2 List price £19,855 Target Price £18,570 MPG 49.6 CO2 130g/km For Gutsy enough performance for most buyers; lots of kit; boot is big and practical. Against Ride is restless and there’s quite a bit of tyre noise on the motorway. WHAT CAR? SAYS Dacia Logan MCV Our pick 0.9 TCe 90 Comfort List price £11,745 Target Price £11,636 MPG 45.6 CO2 134g/km For Lots of space; low running costs; plenty of equipment…

LESS THAN £30,000 Toyota Corolla The Corolla is a big step in the right direction for Toyota, proving to be not just a great hybrid but a great family hatchback full stop. On our Test MPG cycle, the Corolla returned an impressive 60.6mpg, a figure that will actually improve around town. Racking up the miles shouldn’t be a hardship, thanks to a good driving position and comfortable ride, while Toyota’s reliability record is excellent. Our pick 1.8 Hybrid Icon Tech List price £25,245 Target Price £23,726 MPG 62.8 CO2 102g/km For Plenty of safety kit, an excellent reliability record and a comfortable ride. Against Rear leg room is tight, while the engine is noisy and the infotainment is clunky. WHAT CAR? SAYS Hyundai Ioniq Our pick Hybrid Premium List price…

EVEN A FEW years ago, if you’d walked into a dealership and asked for a car that combined the family-friendly practicality of an SUV with the sleek lines of a coupé, the sales staff would most likely have looked at you strangely and called in a psychiatrist. Now, however, such models are relatively common, ensuring that whether you want a Renault or a Range Rover, there’s something to suit.And the new Audi Q5 Sportback is this market’s latest competitor. Now, let’s be clear: the regular Q5 is very good indeed. It’s our favourite large SUV if you’ve got more than £35,000 to spend, so it’s an excellent basis for this new coupé SUV. The Q5 Sportback certainly looks the part, with a larger, more imposing front grille than its stablemate…

NOT SO LONG ago, budget supermarket chains such as Aldi and Lidl were somewhat looked down on for offering their products at bargain basement prices.These days, however, shoppers more familiar with Waitrose than Woolworths are finding themselves shopping at these cut-price supermarkets, because they offer decent quality at a price that’s jaw-droppingly good.The same could be about to happen with the Dacia Sandero, because there’s an all-new version of Britain’s cheapest new car. Using the same underpinnings as the latest Nissan Juke and Renault Clio, the new Sandero not only has far more modern mechanicals than its predecessor but is also longer and wider.With its wheels pushed farther out towards the corners of the car, it promises more space inside for both people and luggage, even though the existing model…

AMONG CARS THAT let you have your cake and eat it, the Porsche Panamera 4S E-Hybrid bakes a compelling recipe. With that famous badge on the bonnet, you know it’ll be no slouch, and the last bit of its name suggests that a side order of fuel efficiency is on the menu. The cherry on top comes in the shape of a battery that gives it an official electric-only range of 33 miles, beating that of its superb predecessor, which was named simply Panamera E-Hybrid. As well as the range boost, Porsche’s electrified luxury car has been tweaked in the steering and suspension, departments, and, for improved refinement, the engine mounts have been changed. The latest model is distinguished by a one-piece rear light strip, a sharper front bumper and…

SOME FORD KUGA plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV owners are to receive £500 worth of free fuel to make up for not being able to make use of their cars’ 35-mile electric range. Sales of the Kuga PHEV were halted in August over concerns that the car’s batteries could overheat and potentially cause fires. Ford said in a statement that the sale of Kuga PHEV models built before 26 June had been temporarily suspended, and it issued a safety recall that is believed to affect up to 27,000 cars globally. Owners who had already taken delivery of their Kugas were told to only use the car in EV Auto drive mode, which is the setting the car reverts to when it has no battery power. Affected owners will also be given…

HISTORICALLY, IT HASN’T been good news for owners of cars from brands that have gone completely bust instead of simply decided to stop selling cars in the UK. When Daewoo went out of business in 2000, it was a nightmare for owners.The Korean brand’s cars were sold in the UK with a free three-year servicing package, but when the company was declared bankrupt and administrators were brought in, many showrooms and service departments were shut. Even when the brand was acquired by General Motors and some dealerships began operating again, many owners were faced with lengthy journeys to reach a dealer. Despite its turbulent history after separating from BMW, the situation with Rover wasn’t so catastrophic for owners when it was sold to the Nanjing Automobile Group in 2005.The company,…

INFOTAINMENT All of the screen’s width is available for the infotainment, so it can display multiple things at once.The screen is also clear and well positioned, with physical shortcut buttons that are easy to see and use. It doesn’t take long to get to grips with the menus and the screen is the quickest to respond. Like the e-2008, it has wireless phone charging (a £200 option on the E-Tense from December). It also gets a premium JBL sound system that outpunches its rivals.…

Ask almost anyone with an interest in cars to describe the Volkswagen Golf GTI in three words or fewer and you’re likely to hear some combination of the following phrases: ‘iconic’, ‘genre-defining’ and the ‘ultimate all-rounder’. Ever since the original was first introduced in 1976, Volkswagen has wanted the Golf GTI to be all things to all people. It’s the Coldplay of hot hatches: pleasant, popular and just as appealing to your mum as it is to you. It’s a formula that’s undoubtedly been a roaring success, if one that’s been questioned in recent years by sharper rivals from Ford, Hyundai and Renault. What you probably won’t hear being used to describe recent versions of the GTI are words such as ‘thrilling’ and ‘exhilarating’. In response, the latest model has…

We like the stylish X2, but given that these SUVs will mostly be bought as family cars, it’s hard to ignore the extra space you get inside the XC40 for people and luggage. Real thought has gone into the layout of the interior, and it’s really well screwed together. And it isn’t just a big box; it’s also a fantastically comfortable and refined way of getting from A to B. If you fancy a sportier drive, the X2 is still worth a look. It may be less practical, but it’s the cheaper car to buy, and there’s no finer-handling car in this class. It’s also pretty swift and has a class-leading infotainment system. Volvo XC40 For Roomier; more practical boot; decent performance; well equipped; comfiest Against Average infotainment; seats could…

£15,000-£16,000 Skoda Fabia Our pick 1.0 TSI 95 SE List price £15,810 Target Price £14,949 MPG 51.4 CO2 123g/km For Roomy interior, reasonably well equipped and a sprightly engine. Against There are too many hard plastics inside and the ride is firm in town. WHAT CAR? SAYS Kia Rio Our pick 1.0 T-GDi 2 List price £16,000 Target Price £15,054 MPG 48.7 CO2 132g/km For Turbo engine is a fine performer and there’s lots of kit as standard. Against It’s fidgety in town and the handling and security ratings are average. WHAT CAR? SAYS Suzuki Swift Our pick 1.2 Dualjet Hybrid SZ-T List price £15,049 Target Price £15,049 MPG 56.4 CO2 113g/km For Nippy engine can keep up on the motorway, and interior space is good. Against Some rivals ride…

LESS THAN £60,000 Range Rover Velar Our pick D180 S List price £51,050 Target Price £47,944 MPG 42.0 CO2 152g/km For Gutsy performance with reasonable running costs; big boot; good off road. Against Rear leg room is only average and some of the interior plastics feel cheap. WHAT CAR? SAYS Volvo XC90 Our pick B5D Momentum List price £54,960 Target Price £50,466 MPG 44.1 CO2 167g/km For Big, classy interior, with seating for seven and lots of standard equipment. Against The ride isn’t as smooth as you’d expect and the suspension is noisy. WHAT CAR? SAYS BMW X5 Our pick xDrive30d MHT xLine List price £59,145 Target Price £53,986 MPG 37.2 CO2 199g/km For Punchy, smooth engine; super-supple air suspension; excellent infotainment. Against Seven seats costs extra and the boot…

LESS THAN £35,000 Peugeot e-208 Our pick Allure List price £30,225 Target Price £29,710 Official range 217 miles CO2 0g/km For Cushioning ride; quiet cruising; smart interior; fast charging. Against Sluggish infotainment; small rear doors; restricted visibility. WHAT CAR? SAYS Renault Zoe Our pick R135 GT Line List price £32,995 Target Price £30,300 Official range 238 miles CO2 0g/km For Very low running costs; easy to drive; longer range than many price rivals. Against Unsettled low-speed ride and tight rear head room. WHAT CAR? SAYS Seat Mii Electric Our pick 36.8kWh List price £22,800 Target Price £20,455 Official range 160 miles CO2 0g/km For Easy to park; comfortable ride; one of the cheapest electric cars to buy. Against Tight for rear seat space; small boot; lacks modern safety kit. WHAT…

LESS THAN £35,000 Audi TT THE TT HAS dominated this class for years, and this latest version is no different. For starters, it’s beautifully put together and thoroughly contemporary inside. The TT is also quick and great to drive, as well as relatively practical, thanks to an easy-to-access boot, even if its rear seats are cramped. When you consider how well priced it is and how well it’ll hold its value, the TT is an absolute bargain. Our pick 40 TFSI Sport List price £32,570 Target Price £29,908 MPG 41.5 CO2 154g/km For Fabulous interior design and quality; crisp handling; easy to live with. Against The rear seats are seriously cramped, and you’ll want to add a few options. WHAT CAR? SAYS BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé Our pick 218i…

WHAT DO THE films Aliens, Dawn of the Dead and The Dark Knight have in common? They’re all sequels that were received better by customers and critics than the original films, and they represent exactly the kind of success that Volkswagen is hoping for with its new ID.4 electric large SUV. You see, the ID.3 electric family hatchback has got off to a fine start. It was the first car to come from Volkswagen’s fully electric ID sub-brand, and expectations were high when it was revealed late last year. Indeed, What Car? readers rated it as one of 2020’s most exciting new cars, and with a creditable four-star road test rating now under its belt, it’s clear that Volkswagen has proven its concept. In some ways, then, the ID.4 has…

ID.6 Pictured above, the ID.6 is the largest and most luxurious electric SUV that Volkswagen plans to offer. Unveiled at the Shanghai motor show in 2019 as the Roomzz concept car, the seven-seat EV will be a rival for Tesla’s Model X. Drive comes from two electric motors that develop a combined 302bhp. Energy is stored in an 82kWh battery, providing an official range of up to 280 miles. Although the car’s looks will be toned down on its journey to production, some elements from the concept, such as its huge, 13.8in digital instrument cluster and augmented-reality head-up display, will remain. ID Vizzion Revealed in concept form at the Geneva motor show in 2018, the Vizzion luxury car will be the range-topper of the ID range, rivalling the Tesla Model…

FEW CARS CAN truly claim to be unique these days, but the unassuming MG 5 is one of them. Why? Well, it’s currently the only fully electric estate car available in the UK. Powered by a 154bhp motor and a 52.5kWh battery, the 5 has an official range of up to 214 miles – considerably better than the 163 miles on offer in MG’s other electric model, the ZS EV. Despite looking like butter wouldn’t melt, the 5 is surprisingly quick, with a 0-62mph time of 7.7sec, and it responds urgently to a press of the accelerator pedal. If anything, it’s a bit too punchy off the mark, often troubling the traction control, especially in the wet. You’ll also feel the steering wheel tugging in your hands as you accelerate…

CUPRA FORMENTOR. NOW, if you’re thinking “Hang on, a performance car with a Spanish name; is it a Lamborghini?”, that’s a good guess. But wrong. Yes, Lamborghini does name its cars in Spanish, but Cupra is a brand in its own right – the performance offshoot of Seat – and the Formentor is its second sports SUV. The first was the Cupra Ateca, which is still on sale, and a damned fine car, too. But it doesn’t look that special next to the regular Seat Ateca. That’s where the Formentor comes in. Okay, it’s a stretch to say that it looks like a mini Lamborghini Urus, but its coupé-like form is muscular, chiselled and exciting. And while it uses the same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine as the Cupra Ateca, it’s…

IN THEORY, COMMUNISM makes everyone equal. In theory, nuclear fusion provides cheap energy. In theory, the electric Mazda MX-30’s small, 36kWh battery creates less CO2 in its production than the bigger, 64kWh battery in the Kia e-Niro. Or a petrol car, over its lifetime. The problem with theories is reality. In reality, the MX-30’s official range is 124 miles, one of the shortest of any electric car, whereas the e-Niro’s is 282 miles. In reality, the latter is a genuine alternative to a petrol car for family use, whereas the MX-30 will probably need to sit alongside a second car for longer trips. Or you could wait for the range-extender version that’s coming next year; it’ll have a small petrol engine that charges up the battery as you go along.…

WHEN A CAR maker is looking for big sales, building something SUV-shaped is a good start. But when it’s more interested in attracting as much attention as possible, going low and sporty can be a better option, and that explains the Audi E-tron GT. It will be the brand’s fifth electric car, after the E-tron, E-tron Sportback, Q4 E-tron and Q4 E-tron Sportback SUVs.And yet there are still plenty of people out there who don’t automatically think of Audi when considering alternatives to a Tesla. Above all, the E-tron GT’s job is to change that. The finished design of this four-door coupé is still to be revealed, but pictures of camouflaged prototypes suggest that it won’t stray far from the 2018 concept car of the same name. Meanwhile, under the…

REDUCED SPEED LIMITS are being introduced by Highways England on four sections of motorway that have high levels of pollution, in a bid to locally cut emissions and air pollution in the surrounding areas. The locations concerned are the M1 between junction 34 and 33 at Rotherham, the M5 between junctions one and two at Oldbury, the M6 between junctions six and seven at Witton and the M602 between junctions one and three near Eccles, Greater Manchester. Air quality will be monitored at the affected sites over the next 12-15 months to assess the benefits of the speed restrictions. If pollution has been reduced, Highways England is likely to make the 60mph limits permanent and could impose the lower limit on other short sections of motorway. The 60mph limits will…

Coupé-styled SUVs are popular with premium buyers, and now Renault has decided to bring the idea to the cheaper end of the market. Based on the Clio hatch, the Arkana is a large SUV with a plush interior featuring a 9.3in infotainment screen and digital dials. Engine choices are a mild hybrid 1.3 turbo petrol and a 1.6-litre hybrid, borrowed from the Clio E-Tech. Price from £23,000 (est) SMALL AND FAMILY SUVs Alfa Romeo Tonale Early 2021 Majors on style, offers plug-in hybrid power. Hyundai Kona Early 2021 Has gained new looks inside and out, mild hybrid engines and a sporty range-topper. Lexus UX 300e Early 2021 Electric version of UX offers a 186-mile range. Nissan Qashqai Early 2021 New look, new engines and a far nicer interior. Renault Kadjar…

If you’re looking for an upmarket family car, the A3 Sportback should be on your shortlist. It’s comfortable, good to drive, spacious enough for the family and, in our recommended 1.5-litre 35 TFSI petrol form, both punchy and economical.Team this with Technik trim and you’ll have most of your equipment needs covered, but here’s our guide to adding luxury without breaking the bank. 1 Audi’s lane change assistant (£510) makes changing lanes on the motorway safer by monitoring if there’s anything coming up behind you or in your blindspot. If there is a vehicle in your way, an indicator lights up on the door mirror. It’s a very useful piece of kit that has the potential to save lives. 2 The interior of the A3 is already a comfortable place…

NEW DS 3 Crossback E-Tense Ultra Prestige List price £38,990* Target Price £38,225* Intended to be the more premium alternative to the closely related Peugeot e-2008, with an official range of close to 200 miles. Kia e-Niro 4+ Long Range List price £39,145* Target Price £39,145* A landmark car, being the first electric vehicle to win our overall Car of the Year award in 2019. Spacious and offering an impressive range, it’s still our favourite electric SUV. NEW Peugeot e-2008 GT Line List price £35,915* Target Price £35,212* Like the E-Tense, the e-2008 is slightly smaller than the e-Niro and its official range isn’t as good. On paper, though, it’s good value for money. Have you seen Robert de Niro advertising the latest Kia Niro? It’s all about the wordplay,…

INFOTAINMENT This is the same basic system as the E-Tense’s and suffers from the same issues with the restricted usable screen area, slow responses and confusing menus, but thankfully, as with the E-Tense, you can make use of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to bypass Peugeot’s software; this works very well. However, the touch-sensitive shortcut buttons are annoying; they’re tiny and squeezed onto a small panel behind the row of toggle switches, so they’re very hard to use at a glance.…

T5 Inscription Plus Mileage 3400 List price £38,835 Target Price na Price as tested £45,535 Test economy 27.2mpg Over the past few years I’ve driven diesels, cars with downsized, economy-focused petrol engines and electric cars, so the S60’s punchy 247bhp 2.0-litre petrol unit is a bit of a treat. It’s easy to forget how pleasing a powerful petrol engine can be, delivering its power smoothly, quietly and – if you feel the need – with an exhilarating punch. True, recent experience of an Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce and BMW 330i suggests that both are stronger again, delivering notably quicker acceleration. However, I’ve never felt the S60 was remotely short on puff, and the engine’s serene nature really suits the car. If only its fuel economy would improve. I wasn’t expecting…

SMALL CAR Vauxhall Corsa WE FOUND 2018 Corsa 1.4 Energy 5dr, 24,023 miles, £7495 The Corsa is a popular choice because it’s really easy to drive – great for novice drivers – and it’s one of the roomiest small cars around. Plus, there are so many trim and engine choices that there will be a used Corsa to fit any need or budget. Energy trim comes with a few big-car features such as heating for the front seats, steering wheel and windscreen. FAMILY CAR Vauxhall Astra WE FOUND 2019 Astra 1.0T Design, 16,456 miles, £9495 The Astra is a car that’s sometimes overlooked, but it really shouldn’t be, because it drives well, comes with plenty of equipment and is spectacular value for money. You can get a year-old example with…

LESS THAN £23,000 Skoda Scala DESPITE ITS KEEN price, the Scala excels in areas where many of its rivals are complacent, particularly interior space and comfort, with amazing rear seat room and a vast boot. It handles in a tidy manner and its ride, on standard suspension, is among the most cosseting in this class. The interior looks a bit cheap in places, but overall the Scala is a remarkably complete car for the money. Our pick 1.0 TSI 115 SE List price £19,255 Target Price £17,828 MPG 51.4 CO2 125g/km For Spacious rear seats and a big boot; comfortable ride; cheap to buy and run. Against Interior feels a little cheap; not as good to drive as a Ford Focus. WHAT CAR? SAYS Kia Ceed Our pick 1.0 T-GDi…

LESS THAN £25,000 Citroën Berlingo THE BEAUTY OF the Berlingo is that it offers so much for so little; you’ll be hard pressed to find anything more cavernous for the money. But it isn’t just spacious and cheap; it also rides more comfortably than many larger MPVs, so you’ll find the Berlingo a relaxing place in which to travel. Although the interior quality isn’t anything special, the Berlingo is about the most practical car you can buy. Our pick Puretech 110 Feel M List price £21,610 Target Price £20,748 MPG 43.5 CO2 147g/km For Comfortable and relaxing to drive, with a vast amount of space and storage inside. Against Wallowy handling; laggy infotainment system; cheap-feeling interior plastics. WHAT CAR? SAYS Peugeot Rifter Our pick BlueHDi 130 Allure List price £24,485…

LESS THAN £45,000 BMW 5 Series OUR FAVOURITE LUXURY car for the past three years still offers the very best traits of this class. Take the interior, for example: it’s virtually identical to the 6 Series’ and just as well made, but it comes for a comparatively bargain price. The infotainment system is the same, too, and you can spec it up with almost every conceivable feature. It’s the supreme luxury package without a price tag to match. Our pick 520d MHT SE List price £39,580 Target Price £36,404 MPG 56.5 CO2 131g/km For Spacious, well-appointed interior; great to drive, with a quiet, economical engine. Against You need to add adaptive dampers for the best ride quality. WHAT CAR? SAYS Audi A6 Our pick 40 TDI Sport S tronic List…

LESS THAN £25,000 Mini Convertible Our pick Cooper Classic Comf/Nav List price £22,430 Target Price £21,240 MPG 45.6 CO2 141g/km For Fun to drive, good resale values and a quality interior. Against Ride is a bit choppy, rear seats are cramped and option packs make it pricey. WHAT CAR? SAYS Fiat 500C Our pick 1.0 Mild Hybrid Lounge List price £17,400 Target Price £17,194 MPG 49.6 CO2 114g/km For Engine is perfect for town driving, and there’s minimal buffeting with the roof down. Against Lots of wind noise; not as classy as the Mini; little space inside; so-so rear visibility. WHAT CAR? SAYS Smart Fortwo Cabrio Our pick EQ Pulse Premium (22kW charger) List price £23,920 Target Price £21,712 Official range 73.9 miles CO2 0g/km For Truly agile around town;…