Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2021 i What Car?

The other day, I passed two cars that appeared to have had quite a big coming together. But while they were badly damaged, the drivers had thankfully escaped without serious injury and were standing at the roadside. Wind the clock back 20 years and the chances are that the scene would have been distinctly different, because back then most cars offered little crash protection. Above all, the thing that’s driven up standards in the intervening period is the independent tests carried out by Euro NCAP, making it easy for car buyers to compare the safety of different models. So, the fact that Euro NCAP has now introduced the first tests for assisted driving systems can only be a good thing. This technology has the potential to revolutionise road safety, but…

“FOLLOW YOUR BRAIN”, said the advertising banner of the previous-generation Hyundai i20, courting those of a rational disposition who were shopping in the small car class. Now, the new i20 is looking to turn that slogan on its head, following a striking redesign that has injected a bit of glamour and emotion into the third-generation Ford Fiesta fighter. Don’t worry, though: there’s still plenty of sensible stuff included, such as 48-volt mild hybrid technology, lots of space inside and Hyundai’s stellar five-year warranty. The one and only engine option is a good one. It’s a 99bhp 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol with the aforementioned mild hybrid electrical assistance, which eases the load on the engine as you drive. You won’t notice it working to help performance, but the i20 is certainly pokey…

AS EVERY AMATEUR football player knows, when it comes to choosing boots, you’re best staying clear of colours that make you a target on the pitch – you know, the lime greens, hot pinks and medallion golds. Such showiness needs to be backed up with a goal-scoring performance worthy of Cristiano Ronaldo. Carmakers face the same rules when they introduce a new car, and the Ford Puma ST’s launch colour, Mean Green, is like a footballer strapping on a pair of luminous Nike Superfly football boots. So is this a classic case of ‘all the gear, no idea’, or does the latest addition to the ST performance line-up have the moves to back up its Incredible Hulk paint job? Well, it’s based on the same underpinnings as the Fiesta ST,…

IF YOU WISH the Renault Zoe electric hatchback was a little larger and a lot more spacious, the new Mégane eVision could be the answer. It’s envisioned as a halfway house between conventional family hatchbacks and small SUVs, giving it the means to face rivals that include the Nissan Leaf and Volkswagen ID.3 as well as the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia e-Niro. Although its design will change subtly on its journey from this concept car to something you can buy, elements such as its closed-off front grille, LED lights that run the full width of the car, and cameras in place of traditional door mirrors could appear on the final version. We’re yet to see inside the Mégane eVision, but we do know that it will feature a large…

HAVING SHOWN HOW successfully it could do family, large and luxury SUVs, Audi used the same proven formula of plushness and high quality for the Q2 in 2016, and immediately showed that small SUVs could be more than just a fashion statement. Indeed, it has become Audi’s best-selling SUV in the UK and its third best-selling model overall. And now, nearly half a decade later, the Q2 has been under the knife for a bit of nip and tuck. You’d have to put the old and new cars side by side to really notice the changes, but close inspection reveals that the front grille has been enlarged and the air intakes are now more aggressively styled, while a sharper bodykit and new LED headlights (now standard across the range) give…

THE CUPRA LEON is a hot hatchback with a twist: it’s the first of its kind to offer plug-in hybrid power. While regular petrol engines will be available with up to 306bhp, this eHybrid version pairs a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering up to 242bhp and, crucially, electric running for up to 32 miles, as measured in official tests. It’s a flexible engine, the electric motor adding extra low-end thrust, but it isn’t hugely fast when you gun it. The 0-62mph sprint takes 6.7sec – only about a second clear of the regular Leon 1.5 TSI 150 and miles off the pace of key hot hatch rivals. Its soundtrack is insipid, too, adopting a somewhat silly impression of a 1970s V6 Maserati’s woofle when you switch…

PICK OF THE MONTH: SMALL SUV IN DETAIL Ford Puma WHAT CAR? SAYS Model 1.0 Ecoboost Hybrid 155 Titanium List price £22,380 Target Price £20,886 Target PCP £233 The Puma isn’t just our favourite small SUV; it’s also our reigning Car of the Year. The Puma earned our top accolade by doing everything that a small SUV buyer could expect, as well as lowering your fuel bills thanks to its clever mild hybrid engine technology. It’s the best car of 2020. All deals correct at time of writing PICK OF THE MONTH: SMALL CAR IN DETAIL Skoda Fabia WHAT CAR? SAYS Model 1.0 TSI 95 SE List price £15,810 Target Price £13,211 Target PCP £156 This former Car of the Year remains a fine choice in the small…

Audi Q2 WHAT CAR? SAYS Model 35 TFSI Sport List price £26,275 Target Price £24,944 Target PCP £237 If you want a small SUV with a premium badge on its bonnet, the Q2 is well worth considering. It offers a classy interior and tidy handling and should be pleasantly punchy when powered by this 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine. Jaguar F-Pace WHAT CAR? SAYS Model 3.0d V6 S AWD auto List price £55,485 Target Price £52,036 Target PCP £494 We think Jaguar’s largest SUV is best bought in V6 diesel form; this engine provides a relaxing driving experience with plenty of low-down pulling power. Range-topping S trim gets you adaptive cruise control and 20in wheels. Ford Fiesta WHAT CAR? SAYS Model 1.0 Ecoboost 95 ST-Line Edition 5dr List price £20,240 Target…

EURO NCAP UPDATES and toughens up its tests every two years to encourage car makers to continually improve safety standards. For 2020, it introduced a new moving barrier element to the frontal offset crash test, replacing the frontal crash test that had been used since the programme started in 1997. The new test not only measures likely injuries for those sitting in the near and far side of the vehicle during a crash, but also evaluates how much of a risk the car’s front-end structure poses to the vehicle it hits. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, only two cars have been tested so far under the stricter regime: the Toyota Yaris and Volkswagen ID.3. Toyota Yaris The Yaris gained a five-star rating, performing well in the new frontal offset crash…

THE PUMA IS considered one of the most adaptable of the big cats that inhabit the American continents, being found not only in mountainous regions but also tropical jungles, forests, grasslands and even deserts, according to Wikipedia. Although you won’t see many examples of the Ford small SUV of the same name attempting to scale Ben Nevis, it shares that quality with its feline counterpart, being among the most versatile of its breed thanks to a combination of practicality, efficiency, value for money and driver appeal. That’s why the Puma is our reigning Car of the Year. As was the case with the 1990s coupé with which it also shares its name, the reborn Puma is closely related under the skin to the Fiesta small hatchback, but it’s higher off…

THE TERM ‘SUV’ is bandied about endlessly these days, but I wonder how many of us are truly aware of its origins. Coined to separate what were then a new, more road-friendly breed of practical, four-wheel-drive cars from the military and agricultural machines that spawned them, the original ‘Sport Utility Vehicles’ were designed to be as at home lugging haybales around the farm on your country estate as they were ferrying you into the capital for an evening performance at the Royal Albert Hall. But the world has moved on since the days of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and the original two-door Range Rover, and today the SUV tag is applied to everything from the tiny Suzuki Ignis to the gigantic Rolls-Royce Cullinan. A relatively recent addition is the ‘coupé…

In production 2016-present Price from £16,000 Our favourite version 2.0d 180 Prestige auto THERE WAS A time when the thought of a Jaguar wearing wellies would have been unthinkable. But with dwindling demand for traditional executive and luxury cars, Jaguar had to follow stablemate Land Rover and start making SUVs. Today, the line-up includes the family-sized E-Pace and luxurious electric I-Pace, but it’s the F-Pace large SUV that started it all in 2016, and its popularity means there are plenty of used bargains out there. You’ll find an engine to suit most needs in the range, including 178bhp and 237bhp 2.0-litre diesels, a 296bhp 3.0-litre diesel, a 247bhp 2.0-litre petrol, a 375bhp 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol and a 542bhp supercharged 5.0-litre V8. There are four trim levels to choose from.…

LESS THAN £28,000 Mazda CX-5 Our pick 2.0 Skyactiv-G SE-L List price £27,030 Target Price £26,171 MPG 38.2 CO2 168g/km For Classy interior; well equipped even in this entry-level trim; class-leading handling. Against The petrol engine feels weedy at lower revs and the ride is firm. WHAT CAR? SAYS Skoda Kodiaq Our pick 1.5 TSI 150 SE 7 seat List price £27,795 Target Price £23,250 MPG 38.7 CO2 166g/km For Well priced, with a classy and spacious interior and good driving manners. Against Ride is unsettled in town, and the 2.0-litre diesel copes better with heavy loads. WHAT CAR? SAYS Citroën C5 Aircross Our pick Puretech 130 Feel List price £25,655 Target Price £24,423 MPG 44.4 CO2 144g/km For Punchy engine pulls well from low revs; versatile rear seats; well…

LESS THAN £35,000 Audi TT Roadster Our pick 40 TFSI Sport List price £34,770 Target Price £31,921 MPG 39.8 CO2 160g/km For Brilliant to drive, plus it has a sumptuous interior and a fast-acting hood. Against Small boot; rearward visibility is poor with roof up; some essential kit is optional. WHAT CAR? SAYS Mazda MX-5 Our pick 1.5 Skyactiv-G 132 SE-L List price £23,800 Target Price £23,212 MPG 44.8 CO2 142g/km For Great to drive, with a wonderful chassis, a slick gearbox and just enough power. Against It doesn’t have the classiest interior, nor much space for people or luggage. WHAT CAR? SAYS Toyota GT86 Our pick GT86 List price £27,855 Target Price £26,180 MPG 33.2 CO2 191g/km For Light weight and classic sports car layout make the GT86 fun.…

The What Car? Target Price is the maximum you should pay for your new car and is set by our team of mystery shoppers. Every day they haggle to see what discounts are available across the UK. And all What Car?-approved dealers will at least match Target Price. In a lot of cases, however, you can save even more by using our New Car Buying service. Just head to whatcar.com/new-car-deals and select the car you’re interested in, and dealers will compete for your business. It’s all done through our website, so they won’t see your details until you’re ready.…

IF YOU WANT a new smartphone, games console or even high-end footwear, there are only a handful of well-known brands to choose from. Breaking into such established markets is hard, and Hyundai deserves credit for doing just that; its i30 N hot hatchback won its price point at our 2020 Car of the Year Awards, toppling the mighty Volkswagen Golf GTI. And now, having proved that it can produce a great hot hatchback, Hyundai has the pocket rocket market in its sights. Based on the new i20 that you’ve just been reading about, the i20 N is a rival for the Ford Fiesta ST and Volkswagen Polo GTI. It echoes the larger i30 N with more aggressive looks than the standard car, including larger air intakes in the front bumper,…

SOMETIMES, WHEN EMBRACING something new, a touch of the familiar can help ease the transition; that’s why reboots of films such as Blade Runner, Star Trek and Ghostbusters have included actors from the original versions among their casts. With electric cars, a similar thing applies. In a recent What Car? survey, more than two-thirds of electric car buyers said they wanted battery-powered versions of existing cars, rather than something bespoke and new from the ground up.Those buyers are likely to appreciate, then, the fact that it takes a keen eye to tell the electric Vauxhall Mokka-e apart from its combustion-engined sibling. Just like the regular Mokka, the Mokka-e features styling that takes cues from 2018’s GT X Experimental concept car.These include a bold ‘Vizor’ front-end design that will become a…

CAR MARKETING AND hyperbole go together like Fred and Ginger (for our riper readers), or Ant and Dec (if you’re a bit greener). But the Volvo XC60 Recharge T6 is the Ronseal of car names. Google ‘recharge’ and it comes up as “restore electrical energy in a battery by connecting it to a power supply”. In other words, plug it in. And that’s exactly what you do with this new plug-in hybrid large SUV. Officially, with a full charge, the T6 can cover up to 32 miles on electricity alone. With 86bhp from its electric motor, pace around town is adequate and it’ll go on to reach motorway speeds, albeit with an air of lethargy. Thump your foot to the floor, though, and the 2.0-litre petrol engine ignites. Suddenly there’s…

RIGHT ABOUT NOW, you’re probably in one of two camps. On one hand, there will be those who see a handsome new BMW coupé. On the other, there will those who are trying to work out whether the new 4 Series looks more like a beaver or a particularly angry Bugs Bunny. Now, it isn’t for us to judge which of those it is (although it’s obviously Bugs Bunny). Divisive oversized front grille aside, the 4 Series has a lot going for it, being based on our Executive Car of the Year, the 3 Series. But BMW hasn’t just removed two doors and squished the roof; the coupé is wider and its suspension has been retuned for even sharper handling. The engine line-up is much the same as in the…

THEY SAY YOU can’t argue with the laws of physics, but Volkswagen did exactly that when it designed the T-Roc R, because despite being taller and heavier than the Golf R on which it’s based, it proved to be even more fun to drive. But Volkswagen hasn’t stopped there; it’s now given the bigger Tiguan the R treatment. This is the first time there’s ever been a performance variant of the brand’s family SUV, and it certainly looks the part, doesn’t it? Like other R models that have come before, the Tiguan R can be specified in trademark Lapiz Blue metallic paint and features a number of design cues that mark it out as the ‘hot’ model; for example, it wears a more aggressive-looking front bumper with larger air intakes,…

Honda HR-V WHAT CAR? SAYS Model 1.5 i-VTEC SE List price £23,650 Target Price £21,400 Target PCP £236 The 128bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine you get with this HR-V is best suited to town driving, but it should also help to keep running costs in check. SE trim gets you rear electric windows and a broad array of active safety features. Mercedes-Benz GLC WHAT CAR? SAYS Model GLC 220d 4Matic AMG Line Premium 9G-Tronic List price £45,880 Target Price £40,319 Target PCP £456 The GLC offers a stylish interior that’s loaded with kit, plus a punchy range of engines. It’s decent to drive, but rival large SUVs are better all-rounders and have more space in their boots. Volkswagen Polo WHAT CAR? SAYS Model 1.0 TSI 95 Match List price £17,970 Target…

Use your phone to scan the code by the car you like, or search for it on whatcar.com and click the ‘Get best price’ button. We’ll alert dealers in your area so they can compete for your business, but they can’t see your details until you’re ready to buy. You can request quotes on as many cars as you like, and your ‘My offers’ page lets you view them all in one place. While our Target PCP price allows direct finance comparisons, you can also request personalised finance quotes.…

ALTHOUGH IT’S PERFECTLY legal to fit a dash cam into your car and use it while driving, you do need to be careful about its placement. The best place to fit the device is behind the rear-view mirror in the top centre of the windscreen, so that it doesn’t hamper your view and records what’s happening on both sides of the road.The power lead needs to be tucked around the edge of the windscreen rather than being left to dangle down in the middle of the screen. According to The Highway Code, any obstructions on the windscreen must not intrude more than 40mm into the area swept by the windscreen wiper blades. If your dash cam is considered to be obstructing your view of the road ahead, the police could…

What’s the best luxury car for easy access? My wife and I currently own a BMW 5 Series GT. It suits us well because my wife is disabled and has difficulty getting in and out of some cars. The GT’s design puts its hip point in a good place for her. She sits higher up than she would in a regular saloon but not as high as she would in an SUV; those can be too tall for her to climb into. I have been looking for a luxury vehicle that can match the GT for ease of access and offers a relatively high seating position, but I’ve not had any luck speaking to dealership staff or car brand customer service departments. Neither seems to be able to tell me…

WHEN I FIRST took delivery of my Skoda Kamiq, I wondered if I’d taken too big a leap in my ambitious plans to downsize. Maybe changing from a large, spacious saloon to a small SUV would be too much of a compromise. However, I soon discovered that the Kamiq was a veritable Tardis. The first happy surprise was when it swallowed a non-collapsible 1950s office desk. Then I managed to fill it to the gills with massive bags of compost and pots for a garden patio project. And to top it all off, I shoehorned in a large plum tree. The only time the Kamiq felt a bit cramped was when we tried to squeeze three adults into the rear; leg room was fine, but they did look a bit…

Mileage 5286 List price £72,630 Target Price na Price as tested £93,185 Test economy 30.7mpg THE GREAT THING about running a large, diesel-powered luxury SUV is that it’s perfectly suited to covering large distances without you even having to stop for fuel. In fact, the biggest fear I had before a recent trip to Suffolk was that my X7’s boot would prove too spacious. How is this possible? Well, with our faithful old hound Sprocket belted into the rear seats (with a blanket and bed to prevent paws and dribble from meeting leather) and most of our luggage packed into the vast compartment under the boot floor, I was worried that our birds’ cage might slide around. Fortunately, the ridiculously thick carpet turned out to be more than capable of…

LESS THAN £12,000 Dacia Sandero Our pick 0.9 TCe 90 Essential List price £8795 Target Price £8716 MPG 49.6 CO2 134g/km For Lots of space for the money, decent to drive and has a fair amount of standard kit. Against Its engine is unrefined and its interior is comparatively basic. WHAT CAR? SAYS Kia Picanto Our pick 1.0 1 List price £10,745 Target Price £10,745 MPG 58.9 CO2 110g/km For Handing is tidy, the boot is relatively big and you get a long warranty. Against Engine is noisy and struggles out of town, plus safety kit is lacking at this level. WHAT CAR? SAYS Dacia Sandero Stepway Our pick 0.9 TCe 90 Essential List price £10,145 Target Price £10,052 MPG 44.8 CO2 141g/km For Reasonably well equipped, rides better than…

LESS THAN £21,000 Skoda Kamiq Our pick 1.0 TSI 95 SE List price £19,730 Target Price £17,144 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 £16,749 Target Price £16,598 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 £45,000 Volkswagen T-Roc R Our pick 2.0 TSI 300 4Motion DSG List price £40,735 Target Price £38,604 MPG 32.1 CO2 197g/km For Bombastic performance; stunning agility; decent practicality; well equipped. Against Hard dash plastics; Cupra Ateca has more rear leg room and a bigger boot. WHAT CAR? SAYS Cupra Ateca Our pick 300 List price £39,050 Target Price £37,542 MPG 32.5 CO2 197g/km For Huge performance and impressive practicality for a very reasonable price. Against Doesn’t sound very exciting and isn’t as sharp to drive as the T-Roc R. WHAT CAR? SAYS Audi SQ2 Our pick TFSI quattro List price £37,395 Target Price £35,273 MPG 33.2 CO2 192g/km For Exceedingly rapid in a straight line, grippy handling, classy interior. Against The T-Roc costs only a bit more to…

LESS THAN £60,000 Mercedes-AMG A-Class Saloon Our pick A35 4Matic Executive List price £38,955 Target Price £37,650 MPG 36.7 CO2 173g/km For Incredible performance, plush interior, and sublime handling. Against Shame the engine doesn’t sound more tuneful; ride could be more compliant. WHAT CAR? SAYS Mercedes-AMG C-Class Coupé Our pick C43 4Matic List price £56,275 Target Price £54,650 MPG 29.4 CO2 218g/km For Smooth, powerful V6 engine, responsive nine-speed gearbox and masses of grip. Against Road and wind noise at speed; not the most entertaining handling. WHAT CAR? SAYS Kia Stinger Our pick 3.3 T-GDi GT S List price £41,145 Target Price £41,145 MPG 27.7 CO2 233g/km For Nicely balanced handling, with strong pace from purposeful-sounding V6 engine. Against Tight in the back for tall adults; not quite as classy…

WHILE SOME BRANDS can boast about an electric car heritage dating back more than a century, BMW’s stretches back only seven years. Yep, aside from a handful of concepts that never made it into production, it was the i3 family hatchback, launched back in 2013, that kicked off the Bavarian manufacturer’s electric car journey. And at the time, it seemed like the perfect start: a futuristic small car that was built from the ground up to run on batteries, with standout looks, lightweight carbonfibre underpinnings and fancy rear-hinged rear doors. Better still, BMW got the jump on other premium brands in a market that looked like it was going to expand rapidly. But there were a couple of problems. First, electric vehicles (EVs) didn’t really catch on like many had…

IT’S OFTEN SAID that getting to the top is easier than staying there, but that doesn’t appear to be the case for the BMW 5 Series. Despite being launched as long ago as 2016, it remains our favourite luxury saloon; in fact, it has won that category in our Car of the Year awards four years on the bounce. Not even the newer Audi A6 nor the facelifted Mercedes-Benz E-Class was able to knock it off the top spot. But BMW is not a manufacturer that likes to take chances – certainly not with a cash cow like this. BMW has sold more than 600,000 of the current-generation 5 Series, and to galvanise its position at the top of the luxury car class, it has been treated to a mid-life…

THERE’S NO DOUBTING the What Car? award-winning Range Rover Evoque is a fantastic family SUV, but it’s never been the most efficient of things. And, while a hefty fuel bill is clearly a price many private buyers are willing to pay, chunky benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax ratings make it a harder sell to company car users. That, though, is where this new plug-in hybrid P300e version comes in. Officially, it has a 34-mile electric range and emits just 44g/km of CO2, bringing its BIK rate down to just 10%. And, so you can run on electricity as much as possible, it’s one of the few plug-in hybrids that accept a rapid charge; the P300e’s battery takes just 30 minutes to go from 0-80% at 32kW, or 1hr 24min on a 7.4kW…

CAN YOU REMEMBER the days before the term ‘SUV’ had become common parlance? Back then, such high-riding vehicles were generally dubbed ‘off-roaders’, and most offered a choice between family-friendly five-door versions and stumpier three-door models that traded some interior space for a lower price and even greater all-terrain capability. These days you can count on one hand the number of SUVs that offer such a choice. There’s the Jeep Wrangler, the Toyota Land Cruiser, and now the new Land Rover Defender. We’ve already been impressed with the longer five-door 110, and we’ve now had a chance to put the three-door 90 through its paces, both on and off the road. Being almost half a metre shorter overall, there’s no option of a third row of seats, but you can add…

YOU MIGHT THINK that a large plug-in hybrid SUV would be a pricey proposition, but that’s not necessarily the case. Take the Citroën C5 Aircross Hybrid: a spacious SUV with a 31-mile electric-only range, CO2 emissions of just 32g/km and an official fuel economy figure of 188mpg, all for a little over £35,000. Now, that does make it the priciest version of the C5 Aircross, but it’s still cheaper than the rival Ford Kuga PHEV. The C5 hybrid combines a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a battery pack and electric motor to send a total of 222bhp to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Working on its own, the electric motor has enough poke to keep pace with traffic. Calling for a burst of speed will wake the…

IF YOU THOUGHT Vauxhall’s SUV range was looking a bit dowdy, prepare to think again. The Vauxhall Crossland is the second of the brand’s cars (after the similar-sized Mokka) to get a bold new design inspired by that of 2018’s GT X Experimental concept car. With a wide front grille, large air intakes in its lower bumper and thick cladding around its lower edges, the new Crossland looks every inch the rufty-tufty small SUV. In the process, it has dropped its predecessor’s ‘X’ moniker from its name, too. Inside, the Crossland receives an updated infotainment system, plus new seats that promise to provide better support and comfort on longer journeys. The rear seats not only split and fold down in a conventional 60/40 configuration but can also be slid forwards…

Mini Countryman WHAT CAR? SAYS Model 1.5 Cooper Classic List price £24,295 Target Price £22,694 Target PCP £255 We think Mini’s small SUV is best teamed with the 134bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine you get with this deal. It helps to keep running costs sensible while offering decent performance, whether you’re in town or on the motorway. Hyundai Santa Fe WHAT CAR? SAYS Model 2.2 CRDi Premium 4WD List price £39,420 Target Price £36,984 Target PCP £363 The Santa Fe is Hyundai’s largest SUV, with a huge boot and seating for up to seven. Premium is our pick of its trims, giving you heated seats front and rear, plus a heated steering wheel. The 2.2-litre diesel engine pulls well from low revs. Nissan Micra WHAT CAR? SAYS Model 1.0 DiG-T 117…

AROUND 2.4 MILLION motoring offences are committed in England and Wales every year, and a growing number of those transgressors could be convicted on the back of video footage supplied by another road user. It’s estimated that around a quarter of the UK’s 32.7 million drivers now have a dash cam fitted in their car, with many viewing it as a vital back-up if they are involved in an accident or a ‘crash for cash’ insurance scam. The use of dash cams by drivers and motorcycle riders has skyrocketed by 850% in the past four years, according to dash cam maker Nextbase. That’s because, in 2015, insurers started accepting dash cam footage as evidence in claims and the first criminal conviction was made based on the video material. The rising…

Check if a vehicle has been recalled  gov.uk/ check-vehicle-recall New car, service, repair and warranty issues  themotorombudsman.org Citizens Advice Bureau  citizensadvice.org.uk Check a car has a valid MOT test certificate  gov.uk/check-mot-status What Car? New Car Buying  whatcar.com/ new-car-deals Trading Standards  nationaltrading standards.co.uk Financial Conduct Authority  fca.org.uk Check car crash safety ratings  euroncap.com Motability  motability.co.uk What Car? advice  whatcar.com/advice…

Mileage 1510 List price £42,440 Target Price £39,941 Price as tested £47,055 Test economy 39.2mpg THERE ARE TWO words that tend to strike fear into the heart of anyone involved in local amateur dramatics: audition day. This is a time of particular stress and anxiety, so what’s needed is a car that can get you to and from the church hall where your fate will be decided in the most relaxing and comfortable manner possible. Fortunately, my plug-in hybrid Volvo XC40 recently proved itself well suited to such occasions. Having prayed to the am-dram gods, I set off in pure electric mode, enjoying the peace and calm of the car while I practised my lines one last time. Performance from the 80bhp electric motor may be leisurely, but it was…

IT’S AMAZING TO think how far Mercedes-Benz has come in recent years, isn’t it? Once (and largely still) beloved by older generations, it has managed to broaden its appeal to a wider audience, chiefly through design razzmatazz and making the A-Class family hatchback – its entry-level model – so desirable and affordable. Here, though, is a Mercedes not just for all ages but also future generations – or at least so the brand would have you believe. The EQC luxury SUV is the brand’s first all-electric car, and few could argue that it doesn’t have next-gen appeal, with its oversized wheels and headlights that pop like a disco when you press the unlock button on the key fob. Most pertinently, though, the EQC promises up to 232 miles of range…

Steve Huntingford Steve.Huntingford@haymarket.com Mileage 1460 List price £40,735 Target Price £38,120 Price as tested £46,709 Test economy 28.6mpg AFTER BEING LIMITED to relatively short journeys in the early days of my time with the T-Roc R, due to a certain global pandemic, I’ve found myself once again attending events around the country for work, and that’s meant some long motorway runs. In some ways, though, these don’t show the car at its best. While it’s beautifully controlled through corners, the T-Roc R is less impressive when it comes to cruising comfort. It’s not that the ride is harsh, but you are bounced around quite a bit, no matter which mode you select for the £695 adaptive dampers. Then there’s the noise.The turbocharged 2.0-litre engine may fade into the background once…

£15,000-£17,000 Skoda Fabia Our pick 1.0 TSI 95 SE List price £15,810 Target Price £13,211 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 £16 595 Target Price £16 358 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 £15,309 Target Price £15,309 MPG 56.4 CO2 113g/km For Nippy engine can keep up on the motorway, and interior space is good. Against Some…

LESS THAN £25,000 Dacia Duster Our pick 1.3 TCe 130 Comfort List price £15,545 Target Price £15,398 MPG 57.6 CO2 149g/km For Roomy inside, reasonably comfortable and incredibly cheap compared with rivals. Against Interior is decidedly low-rent and there isn’t much standard safety kit. WHAT CAR? SAYS Skoda Karoq Our pick 1.0 TSI 115 SE List price £22,765 Target Price £21,233 MPG 44.8 CO2 142g/km For Very well equipped; rides and handles well; flexible rear seats boost practicality. Against The engine struggles when the interior is loaded; a Seat Ateca is more fun. WHAT CAR? SAYS Nissan Qashqai Our pick 1.3 DiG-T 140 Visia List price £20,565 Target Price £20,565 MPG 41.5 CO2 154g/km For Comfortable ride with surefooted handling and a smooth, punchy engine. Against Dated interior, stingy standard…

LESS THAN £30,000 Skoda Superb Our pick 1.5 TSI 150 SE Technology List price £25,320 Target Price £24,831 MPG 44.8 CO2 143g/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. WHAT CAR? SAYS Volkswagen Passat Our pick 1.5 TSI Evo SE Nav List price £27,085 Target Price £21,252 MPG 45.5 CO2 141g/km For Spacious, plush interior; comfortable and refined at high speeds. Against Less versatile than hatchback rivals, despite the big boot. WHAT CAR? SAYS Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon Our pick A180d Sport auto List price £28,800 Target Price £27,411 MPG 64.2 CO2 115g/km For Comfortable, attractive interior; supple ride; good infotainment. Against Rivals handle better and have bigger boots; rear head room is…

LESS THAN £25,000 Ford Fiesta ST Our pick ST-2 Performance Pack 3dr List price £23,225 Target Price £21,869 MPG 40.4 CO2 158g/km For Fun to drive, with loads of grip and a cracking engine; good value. Against It’s easily upset by bumps and the interior feels a bit low-rent. WHAT CAR? SAYS Volkswagen Up GTI Our pick 1.0 TSI 115 5dr List price £16,540 Target Price £15,991 MPG 53.3 CO2 121g/km For Gutsy little engine; grippy and surefooted; super value. Against Rivals are more involving to drive; weak infotainment; poor safety rating. WHAT CAR? SAYS Suzuki Swift Sport Our pick 1.4 Boosterjet Hybrid List price £21,830 Target Price £21,196 MPG 50.1 CO2 127g/km For Gutsy performance; well equipped; tidy handling. Against Not the bargain it used to be; low-rent interior;…

STAR RATINGS TARGET PRICE The What Car? Target Price is the maximum you should pay for a new car and is set by our mystery shoppers. It’s updated each month and our approved dealers guarantee to match it. However, in a lot of cases, they can save you even more: just visit whatcar.com/new-car-dealsor call 03302 216207 between 9am and 5pm (standard network fees apply). All Target Prices are correct at the time of going to press. TARGET PCP The Target PCP is a fair monthly fee if you’re taking out a personal contract purchase (PCP) finance deal, also set by our mystery shoppers. Most are over 48 months with a 15% deposit and an 8000-mile annual limit.Those marked with an asterisk are over 36 months and those with an apostrophe…