Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2021 i What Car?

FROM ELECTRIFIED TRUCKS delivering Pilsner in the 1930s to experimental battery-powered versions of the Favorit in the 1990s, Skoda has a long history of dabbling in electric vehicles (EVs). And a few years ago, it launched its first proper production model, the tiny Citigo-e. That, though, was essentially an old city car with the petrol engine ripped out and an electric motor stuffed in its place, and only a few thousand were built right at the end of its life. The new Enyaq you see before you has been designed from the very outset to be a fully electric car, and no petrol, diesel or even plug-in hybrid version will ever be offered. Fairly obviously, the Enyaq is an SUV, and it’s quite a big one, measuring up similarly to…

‘A 751bhp AMG performance model will join the EQS line-up later’ JUST LIKE EFFICIENT, German-made clockwork, the pieces of Mercedes’ electric car puzzle are falling into place. Following on from the EQA and EQC electric SUVs, the next model to join the range will be this, the EQS luxury limo. Aiming to give buyers a zero-emissions alternative to the existing S-Class, the EQS’s rivals include the Audi E-tron GT,Tesla Model S and Porsche Taycan. Its looks are inspired by 2019’s EQS concept car but have been toned down substantially for production. Still, the concept’s imposing front grille remains, along with a high bonnet and swept-back roofline. Alloy wheels with a diameter of up to 22in are available, and there’s an extensive list of personalisation options. LED headlights come as standard,…

THE COUPÉ SUV class may seem like an automotive Venn diagram, but think of it like this: you get that stylish coupé you always promised yourself, but without the practicality drawbacks, because it’s also a utilitarian SUV. Positioned below the luxurious Q8 and above the smaller Q3 Sportback, the Q5 Sportback shares the same engines as the regular Q5 large SUV. The 261bhp 2.0-litre 45 TFSI petrol is quiet, very smooth and plenty brisk enough if you work it hard, but it could do with a bit more lowdown punch; it often has to drop a gear when lugging uphill at motorways speeds. That’s not the case with the 40 TDI diesel, which has a good slug more pulling power at low revs. On the air suspension and 20in wheels…

FROM £137 8= Suzuki Ignis WHAT CAR? SAYS Model 1.2 Dualjet SZ3 List price £14,499 Target Price £13,119 Cash saving £1380 If you’re looking for a small SUV that won’t cost a lot to run yet has enough space for a family of four, the Ignis should be on your shortlist. Rivals are better to drive, though, and its infotainment system is poor. FROM £137 8= Mazda 2 WHAT CAR? SAYS Model 1.6 Skyactiv-G 75 SE-L List price £15,940 Target Price £15,315 Cash saving £625 Rivals are better to drive, but the Mazda 2 makes a case for itself with low running costs and an infotainment system that’s easy to get along with. This SE-L model also gives you cruise control and automatic headlights. FROM £134 7…

Forget the cost of fuel, servicing and car insurance; by far the biggest expense of almost any new car will be depreciation. That’s the amount of value it starts to lose from the moment you drive it away from the showroom. According to car pricing expert Derren Martin at CAP HPI, a Volkswagen Golf will lose 20% of its list price after the new owner has driven it just 1000 miles.“That’s a good level of depreciation; models from other brands will lose more value,” he says. On average, a new Golf will have lost half its as-new value by the time it’s three years old and has covered 60,000 miles, while a Ford Focus will have lost 55%, and a Vauxhall Astra takes a 65% hit. Depreciation isn’t all bad…

BEST PREMIUM HATCHBACK Audi A3 40 TFSIe Our pick Sport List price £33,060 Target Price £31,443 Fuel economy 282.5mpg CO2 emissions 25g/km Electric range 40 miles The Audi A3 is one of the most polished family hatchbacks you can buy, offering the driver and passengers a comfortable ride and a roomy, well-appointed interior. The PHEV A3 is our pick of the range, because it’s got strong performance and a longer electric range than most rivals, plus it’s an appealingly affordable company car, thanks to low BIK tax. It’s one of the best plug-ins out there and a fine car in its own right. BEST PHEV TO DRIVE BMW 330e Our pick M Sport List price £42,135 Target Price £39,352 Fuel economy 201.8mpg CO2 emissions 31g/km Electric range 37 miles You…

There’s no doubt history has a habit of repeating itself. Take plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), for instance: we’d argue that they have more in common with increasingly unfashionable diesel-powered cars than you might think. Company cars that drank from the black pump were once a rather offbeat option, appealing only to those more interested in saving fuel than in driving dynamics and refinement. But as the years passed and technology improved, they became the default choice for those looking to save on company car bills. Now all you have to do is swap ‘black pump’ for ‘charging cable’ to see what we mean, because the same thing has happened more recently with PHEVs. Indeed, separately from the plug-in hybrid category, PHEVs picked up the gongs for best executive car, best luxury…

A last-place finish for the Formentor might lead you to think that it’s a bit of a disappointment – but there are mitigating factors. Firstly, this is the least recommendable model in the line-up, with the heavy battery blunting the tidy handling you can enjoy in pure petrol versions. Secondly, it loses out to a couple of very fine premium alternatives, and there’s no shame in that. The X1 has always offered practicality in spades, plus it has a classy interior and a brilliant infotainment system. Excellent performance and handling that’s only slightly compromised compared with regular petrol versions also count in its favour. It doesn’t do quite enough to see off the XC40,though.This is a car that, appropriately, focuses more on comfort than either rival, and it outdoes even…

IN A WORLD where fashions change at breakneck pace, the continuing presence of the Volkswagen Golf is rather comforting. Like Coca Cola or Heinz baked beans, it’s been serving a very particular purpose for decades. That said, vehicular revolution is very much afoot, and the Golf as we know it is definitely living on borrowed time. The future is actually here; it’s called the Volkswagen ID.3 and it runs on electricity. But in every other way it does exactly the same job as the Golf. Unless electric power suddenly falls out of favour, the ID.3 will, in effect, replace the Golf. It might even take the Golf’s name. On the other hand, today’s Golf represents the pointy end of Golf development, so when it came time to choose a new…

Mileage 1526 List price £46,500 Target Price £43,498 Price as tested £52,800 Test economy 31.6mpg AS WITH MOST people, my time behind the wheel is mostly limited to short,urban journeys right now. But thankfully the Q5 comes with heated front seats that work very quickly, so even though it takes a few minutes for the heater to start dispensing warm air, I’m not cold while I wait. There’s also a big difference in the three settings on offer, so I can choose to be either gently baked or fiercely toasted depending on how cold I feel. In some other cars, all three settings can be pretty much the same. It’d be nice to have a heated steering wheel too, but this isn’t available on S line Q5s, even as an…

Mileage 2300 List price £74,610 Target Price £74,610 Price as tested £77,200 Test range 176 miles WHAT GIVES A car the wow factor? For some, it’s just the name; turn up somewhere in a Ferrari or a Tesla and people want to ask questions. For others, the colour helps; red Ferraris and green Aston Martins seem to work, as do yellow Lamborghinis and orange McLarens. Then there are beautiful cars, which just turn your head for their aesthetics – I’m thinking of the Jaguar F-Type, but you’ll have your own ideas – and cars that demand your attention because of their muscular presence, be it via steroidal styling or a throbbing V8, on which counts cars by Mercedes-AMG always score well. ‘No question, the oversized wheels give the EQC real…

As you might imagine with such closely related cars, our victor only wins by a narrow margin. For those who like the raised-up driving position that SUVs offer, the T-Cross places you much higher than the Kamiq. It’s also quieter on motorways and its adaptive cruise control helps ease the stress of long journeys. But, for us, the Kamiq is the better all-rounder. It’s more enjoyable to drive while also being more comfortable,with a more upmarket, more spacious interior and a bigger boot.The fact that it should work out cheaper to run seals its victory. Skoda Kamiq For Roomier and classier inside; comfier ride; lower running costs Against Low-set driving position; more wind and road noise Volkswagen T-Cross For Quieter at a cruise; flexible rear seats; higher driving position Against…

Toyota GR Yaris THE GR YARIS is a truly special machine that feels tailor-made for tackling a British B-road. With its small proportions, clever four-wheel drive system and firecracker of an engine, its performance is incredibly accessible, yet it’s also fast enough to frighten thoroughbred sports cars. For pure driving thrills, hot hatches don’t get any better. And yet it’s well priced and should be fairly cheap to run. Our pick 1.6 Circuit Pack List price £33,495 Target Price £33,495 MPG 34.4 CO2 186g/km For An absolute riot in the bends; incredible traction and acceleration off the line; tempting finance deals Against Limited rear seat and boot space; interior too similar to a regular Yaris’s; small range of options WHAT CAR? SAYS Honda Civic Type R Our pick 2.0 VTEC…

Kia Sorento THE SORENTO’S HYBRID tech combines good real-world fuel economy with comparatively low CO2 emissions, while the ride is forgiving and the steering pleasingly accurate. Throw in a nicely made interior that can seat seven adults in comfort, a driving position that’s lofty enough to make HGV drivers jealous, and Kia’s unmatched seven-year warranty, and you’ve got an outstanding all-rounder. Our pick 1.6 T-GDi Hybrid 2 List price £38,845 Target Price £37,621 MPG 40.9 CO2 158g/km For Vast interior; frugal and strong engine; industry-leading warranty; comfortable ride; well equipped Against Expensive considering you don’t get a premium badge; automatic gearbox can be hesitant WHAT CAR? SAYS Peugeot 5008 Our pick Puretech 130 Allure List price £31,435 Target Price £30,065 MPG 46.0 CO2 136g/km For Quiet cruiser; comfortable ride; practical…

Volkswagen ID.3 THANKS TO REAR-WHEEL drive, accurate steering and fine body control, the ID.3 is an electric car that’s genuinely fun to drive. What’s more, its practicality is up with the roomiest family hatchbacks, and predicted resale values are superb. As a bonus, the ID.3 performed exceptionally well in the latest Euro NCAP safety tests, because it’s good at protecting occupants in a crash and at avoiding crashes in the first place. Our pick Pro Performance Life List price £33,790 Target Price £33,128 Range 263 miles CO2 0g/km For Long official range; fun to drive; spacious and practical interior; slow predicted depreciation Against Iffy interior quality; infotainment systems puts style before substance; charging network weaker than Tesla’s WHAT CAR? SAYS Fiat 500 Our pick 42kWh Icon List price £27,995 Target…

BMW X5 WHEN CHOOSING A plug-in hybrid, it goes without saying that you want economy and cost-effectiveness, but if you don’t want to compromise on the finer things in life, the X5 xDrive45e is right up your street. It offers the same fantastic interior as any other X5, and is even more refined. Yet it’s cheaper to run than rivals, not least because it can travel a whopping 54 miles on electric power. Our pick xDrive45e M Sport List price £69,915 Target Price £65,137 MPG 217.3 CO2 29g/km For Superb ride and handling balance; excellent infotainment; big pure electric range; low company car tax Against Only seats seven if you go for our preferred engine; the boot isn’t as big as you’d expect WHAT CAR? SAYS Audi Q7 Our pick…

Fiat 500 Cabrio THE LATEST FIAT 500 Cabrio is all-electric – a sign of the times, no doubt. However, don’t think that it takes the number one spot just because it taps into the zeitgeist. True, the way you can whizz around near-silently gives it a trump card that no other drop-top can match, but just as appealing is its high-quality interior and the fact that it’s every bit as good to drive as the hatchback on which it’s based. Our pick Icon List price £30,645 Target Price £30,645 Official range 188 miles CO2 0g/km For Great interior with lots of kit; refined and good to drive; low running costs; useful range between charges Against Tiny rear seats; ride could be more settled; pricier than some conventionally powered rivals WHAT…

Ford Puma ST UNTIL RECENTLY, BUYING a sports SUV required a sizeable outlay, but the Ford Puma ST changes that. And don’t think the fact that it costs far less than the competition means it’s far less fun. Even the mighty Porsche Cayenne has to bow to the Puma’s incredible agility, while its greater driver engagement and less extreme acceleration mean there’s far more chance to enjoy yourself on public roads. Our pick 1.5 Ecoboost 200 Perf Pack List price £29,445 Target Price £28,004 MPG 41.5 CO2 155g/km For Hugely entertaining handling; tuneful and punchy engine; relatively cheap to buy and run Against Occasionally bouncy ride; infotainment system could be slicker; Volkswagen T-Roc is bigger in the back WHAT CAR? SAYS Porsche Cayenne Coupé Our pick GTS List price £92,530…

REMEMBER THE SAYING ‘Go big or go home’? Well, the Toyota Highlander won’t be sent packing any time soon, because it’s a vast SUV with enough space for seven. There’s only one engine choice: a 2.5-litre hybrid with a pair of electric motors to give four-wheel drive. While the Highlander runs in electric mode at low speeds, it doesn’t take much to call the petrol engine into action. When you do, performance is adequate but certainly not sparkling; six-cylinder diesel rivals such as the Audi Q7 are far swifter. And while the Q7 is also a little comfier, the Highlander does a fine job of ironing out bumps, with a relaxed gait that makes it an effortless mile-muncher. It certainly prioritises comfort over handling; while it rolls around less in…

AN AVERAGE OF 52 drivers a day had their cars damaged by potholes in the first three months of 2021, research has revealed. A report commissioned by breakdown provider the RAC has revealed that its patrols attended a total of 4694 pothole-related calls from January to March. That’s a three-fold increase on the figures from the last quarter of 2020 and a rise of 37% compared with the same period last year. Callouts by RAC patrols for broken suspension springs, distorted wheels and damaged shock absorbers made up 2.4% of the total, up from 1.6% in the first three months of last year. Those are the components most likely to suffer as a result of pothole damage. The organisation says if road traffic levels had been at pre-pandemic levels, the…

BIGGEST DISCOUNTS ON OUR MOST POPULAR CARS SAVE £2230 10 Range Rover Evoque WHAT CAR? SAYS Model P300e S List price £44,650 Target Price £42,420 Target PCP £373 The Evoque is one of our favourite family SUVs; it has the finest interior of any car in this class, as well as decent space. Plus, thanks to its plug-in hybrid system, this version can drive for up to 34 miles without using a drop of fuel. This should significantly reduce your running costs. SAVE £1872 9 Volkswagen Tiguan WHAT CAR? SAYS Model 1.5 TSI 150 Life List price £27,980 Target Price £26,108 Target PCP £262 The latest Tiguan is good to drive and roomier inside than many rivals. This version combines our favourite 1.5-litre petrol engine with Life…

To find out the biggest causes of depreciation, we spoke to Derren Martin, head of valuations at CAP HPI. He told us the main factor is supply and demand. “The biggest impact on resale values is if there’s an oversupply of a particular model,”he says.“If a car maker pre-registers lots of examples of one model or sells a large number to car rental companies with big discounts, this will adversely affect second-hand values.” In contrast, if a car is sought after, values should remain strong, as is the case with SUVs, which have better resale values than MPVs. There are exceptions, though. While financial incentives are making electric and hybrid cars more appealing to new car buyers and company car drivers, used examples are not in as much demand. Some…

Shouldn’t Audi pay to fix my TT’s door seals? I bought an Audi TT 1.8 TFSI S line coupé last summer and have really enjoyed owning the car until a recent spell of sub-zero weather. Unfortunately,when the outside of the vehicle is frozen in snowy or frosty conditions, the windows stick in the up position when the doors are opened, and this prevents the doors from being closed again after I get in. I am a key worker and work shifts. Recently, I finished work at 11pm and intended to drive home in the TT, which was parked in a poorly lit car park. I managed to get into the car but had to sit for 20 minutes while it warmed up enough for the window mechanism to start working…

As you’ve probably guessed already, it’s the E300e that picks up the silver medal here. Its longer standard equipment list is welcome, while many will appreciate the interior’s wow factor. However, not even the monthly BIK tax saving can make up for the lacklustre way it drives. So, that leaves the 530e as the winner of this test and still our favourite luxury car. Not only is it great to drive (provided you go for the M Sport Pro Pack version) and plenty quick enough for most drivers, but it also benefits from a higher-quality interior with more user-friendly controls and more room in the back. All in all, it’s a far more rounded package that’s well worth the tiny extra monthly outlay for company car users. BMW 530e For…

What do modern performance cars and video games have in common? No, it’s not the synthetic engine noise or arcade-like handling, but the fact that they’re rarely perfect right out of the gate. The first-generation BMW M4, for example, felt far from polished when it was launched. In fact, its somewhat spiky handling balance made it rather intimidating to drive near the limit. It took a number of revisions (or patches, as gamers call them), including the creation of a sharper Competition model, before the M4 finally delivered the handling finesse it had originally promised. And that brings us on to the all-new M4 you see before you. Rather than forcing us to wait for an M4 Competition to arrive, this time BMW is giving it to UK buyers as…

Mileage 2040 List price £52,325 Target Price £44,583 Price as tested £59,080 Test economy 78.6mpg LIKE MANY MODERN cars, my BMW 530e has a wireless charging pad in one of its storage cubbies that lets me keep my phone topped up without having to bother with a cable. But as handy as this is, what I really want is to be able to charge the car itself without plugging it in. You see, while the absence of engine noise when running in electric-only mode enhances the general calm inside this classy saloon, there’s nothing luxurious about standing around in the cold while trying to get a temperamental charging post to work, or wrestling a wet and dirty cable back into the boot of your car. I guess that’s why BMW…

Mileage 1526 List price £34,495 (before £2500 gov’t grant) Target Price £30,187 Price as tested £35,155 Test range 190 miles ONE OF THE hardest things about running something electric like the Zoe is getting used to the idea that I can treat it the same as a conventionally powered car. Admittedly, I’m more careful about how I drive in the Zoe, because I’m more conscious of the energy I’m using – no bad thing. But I’ve come to realise that any concerns I might have had about range and usability are unfounded. Given that my average journey is less than 20 miles and I live in central London, where there’s no shortage of on-street chargers,I can just jump in and go without a second thought. Even when I want to…

DON’T JUDGE A book by its cover. Those seven words have become part of my daily lexicon while living with my BMW X7. Because, let’s face it, few other cars in recent years have been criticised so heavily for their looks. The number of articles and YouTube videos poking fun at the X7’s styling must run into the hundreds, while the enormous front grille has spawned more memes than Donald Trump. So, it’s little wonder my colleagues and family members have been critical of its aesthetics. You might think this would be something of an irritation, but the opposite is actually true. I’ve come to enjoy the process of watching said acquaintances ‘throw shade’ at my X7 before having to backtrack once they’ve actually spent some time in it. Because…

Honda Jazz THE JAZZ IS the small car to beat for passenger space, and its unique and incredibly flexible rear seating only adds to its practicality. It’s neither the most fun car in the class (that’s the Ford Fiesta) nor the most comfortable (that’s the Peugeot 208), but with excellent visibility, it’s definitely easy to drive. Hybrid power also makes it really cheap to fuel, and slow depreciation helps make up for high prices. Our pick 1.5 i-MMD Hybrid SR List price £20,585 Target Price £19,000 MPG 62.8 CO2 102g/km For Remarkably spacious, with great seating flexibility; strong performance; lots of standard kit; holds value well Against Pricey by small car standards; not the quietest cruiser; disappointing infotainment system WHAT CAR? SAYS Volkswagen Polo Our pick 1.0 TSI 95 Match…

Ford Puma THE PUMA IS a joy to drive, because it’s super-nimble for a small SUV, while the steering gives you a real sense of connection with the front wheels. These are things you’ll appreciate no matter what type of road you’re driving on. True, rear seat space is only so-so, but the Puma is still surprisingly practical, thanks to a huge boot with a height-adjustable floor. It’s also well equipped, strong on safety and very fuel-efficient. Our pick 1.0 Ecoboost 155 Titanium List price £22,780 Target Price £21,146 MPG 50.4 CO2 127g/km For Great fun to drive, yet rides bumps well; remarkable blend of performance and economy; big, clever boot Against Space in the back is adequate rather than outstanding; over-the-shoulder visibility could be better WHAT CAR? SAYS Skoda…

BMW 3 Series THE HYBRID BMW 330e slickly integrates the latest tech with the long-held wants and needs of executive car drivers. It’s easy to live with, has a high-quality interior and is great to drive, yet it’s also cheap to run. When charged, it can officially cover 37 miles on electricity, and it remains fairly frugal when running on petrol power. The resulting low emissions yield huge tax savings for company car drivers. Our pick 330e M Sport Pro Pack List price £44,635 Target Price £41,465 MPG 188.3 CO2 34g/km For Great to drive; low emissions and good electric range; high-quality interior; class-leading infotainment Against Smaller boot and petrol tank than regular 3 Series; sporty suspension setup won’t be to all tastes WHAT CAR? SAYS Tesla Model 3 Our…

Tesla Model 3 PUT SIMPLY, NO large electric car balances range, performance, price and technology as well as the Model 3. It was already hugely compelling, both as a private buy and a company car, but a refresh for 2021 made it even better. Factor in access to Tesla’s unbeatable charging network and the Model 3 is an incredibly desirable yet thoroughly sensible choice. It’s the best argument yet for switching from fossil fuels. Our pick Long Range List price £48,490 Target Price £48,490 Range 360 miles CO2 0g/km For Dependable, fast charging network; well priced; stuffed with tech; surprisingly practical; enjoyable to drive Against Firm town ride, pricey finance deals; interior is better than it was, but could still be plusher WHAT CAR? SAYS Porsche Taycan Our pick 4S…

Volkswagen Touran THE TOURAN MATCHES the flexibility of huge MPVs such as the Ford Galaxy, with its independently sliding middle-row seats. And despite being a far more compact car, adults fit in all three rows. What’s more, the Touran feels much like a normal hatchback from behind the wheel, thanks to tidy handling and a supple ride. So yes, it exists to offer an abundance of functionality, but that doesn’t define the way it drives at all. Our pick 1.5 TSI 150 SE List price £29,110 Target Price £23,536 MPG 42.8 CO2 150g/km For Compact outside yet spacious inside; seats seven adults; Isofix on all rear seats; tidy to drive; tempting PCPs Against There are cheaper cash buys; Ford Galaxy has more third row space; automatic gearbox can be hesitant…

BMW 4 Series ITS LOOKS MIGHT be divisive, but whether or not you’re a fan of this 4 Series’ aggressive styling, you’ll love what’s underneath. This is one of the most rewarding driver’s cars in the class and, if you opt for the Pro Pack’s adaptive suspension, it’s also a very comfortable everyday car. In addition, the 4 Series benefits from a wonderful interior with supportive seats and class-leading infotainment. Our pick 420i M Sport Pro Pack List price £43,285 Target Price £40,461 MPG 42.2 CO2 151g/km For Rewarding handling; no longer so derivative of 3 Series; high-quality interior; composed ride Against Looks won’t be for everyone; some rivals have larger boots; you hear wind and tyre noise at speed WHAT CAR? SAYS Audi TT Our Pick 45 TFSI Sport…

Porsche 718 Cayman IT’D BE EASY to write off the Cayman as a poor man’s 911. It can be bought for as little as half the money, so it must be half the car, right? Well, actually, no; in the ways that matter most, the Cayman is the best sports car on the planet. The only caveat is that you need to go for the GTS version, because this swaps the uncouth engines of lesser versions for a glorious 4.0-litre flat six. Our pick GTS 4.0 List price £67,295 Target Price £67,295 MPG 25.9 CO2 247g/km For Brilliant handling; rich, soulful naturally aspirated six-cylinder GTS engine; classy interior Against Lacks the level of standard kit you’d expect of such a pricey car, both in terms of luxuries and safety WHAT…

HEARD THE NAME before? If the answer is yes, it’s because the Hyundai Ioniq is a family car that’s been around since 2017. Now, though, that moniker has a new significance, identifying Hyundai’s range of electric cars. The Ioniq 5, the first of these, is a rival to the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Skoda Enyaq and Volkswagen ID.4 in this fast-growing arena. It aims to stand out with the promise of a 300-mile range and super-fast charging speeds, all wrapped up in an eye-catching design. Our drive of a pre-production model came with a lot of caveats; the steering, suspension and sound insulation were all yet to be fully signed off, Hyundai said. However, if the car can only get better than the version we’ve experienced, there’s lots to look forward…

THE LAUNCH OF the Hyundai i20 N wouldn’t have caused much fervour a few years ago. After all, until the all-new i20 arrived last year, Hyundai’s Ford Fiesta rival was notable only for being remarkably un-notable. But the i20’s bigger sibling, the i30 N, proved how serious the Korean manufacturer was about performance cars, and proceeded to steal sales from such hallowed names as the Ford Focus ST, Honda Civic Type R and Volkswagen Golf GTI. Its entertaining, circuit-worthy handling has rightly whipped up high expectations for the i20 N, Hyundai’s second crack at a hot hatchback. The i20 N has big competition, though. With 201bhp from its 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, heavily uprated suspension and brakes and a traction-enhancing mechanical limited-slip differential (LSD) as standard, it’s aimed squarely…

THEY MAY BE about as on-trend as fur coats and mass public gatherings, but that doesn’t mean diesel engines should be dismissed out of hand when buying a new car. After all, they still drink less fuel than equivalent petrols, while our independent emissions tests show that they can be cleaner, too. True, just how much sense they make depends on what type of car you’re buying, the amount of miles you drive and the type of roads you generally drive on. However, there are still quite a few diesels that are the pick of their respective line-ups. And, on paper, the new D200 version of the Range Rover Evoque looks like it has the potential to join them. A replacement for the D180 model that won our 2020 Family…

SUMMER’S APPROACHING AND we’re all (hopefully) being released slowly back into the wild. And as lockdown is eased, dare we dream about the possibility of a holiday to recharge our batteries? Or a new car, which, if it’s a plug-in hybrid like this new Volvo V60 Recharge T6, will need its battery recharging, too. What’s it like to drive? Pretty good, as it goes. In electric mode it has 86bhp, which is plenty for town driving. That can power you up to motorway speeds, but when the extra 250bhp from the 2.0-litre petrol engine kicks in, the T6 is properly quick. It does take a second or so for the petrol engine to wake up and the eight-speed automatic gearbox to shuffle into the right gear, though. Handling has never…

THE MONDEO FAMILY car will be axed in the UK and the rest of Europe from March 2022, manufacturer Ford has confirmed. The model, launched in 1993, is being discontinued because sales have slumped as traditional family cars lose out to SUVs. Ford says it sold just 2400 Mondeos last year. Some of the decline in sales would have been due to the coronavirus pandemic, but it also reflects a decreased appetite for traditional large family cars. In contrast, the Ford Fiesta small hatchback was the UK’s best seller in 2020, with 49,174 sold. Ford was expected to replace the current version of the Mondeo with a more rugged, SUV-inspired plug-in hybrid with the same name, but it has now confirmed that no such car is planned. It said the…

SAVE 19% 10 Nissan Qashqai WHAT CAR? SAYS Model 1.3 DiG-T N-Connecta List price £25,425 Target Price £20,601 Target PCP £211 It may be getting long in the tooth, but big discounts mean the current Qashqai remains a solid family SUV choice. Its petrol engine is quiet and smooth, while its surefooted handling makes it an easy car to drive. SAVE 19.4% 8= Seat Ibiza WHAT CAR? SAYS Model 1.0 SE List price £16,445 Target Price £13,256 Target PCP £154 Good to drive, remarkably spacious and with a strong range of petrol engines, the Ibiza is a great small car. This version has metallic paint and a 6.5in touchscreen infotainent system. SAVE 19.4% 8= Volkswagen Touran WHAT CAR? SAYS Model 1.5 TSI Evo SE List price £28,580…

PLUG-IN HYBRID electric vehicles (PHEVs) can be a good option for anyone who’s not ready to go fully electric. On short drives, they provide many of the fuel and emissions benefits of electric cars, but they also have a petrol or diesel engine as a back-up for longer runs. At present, 19 of the UK’s 35 mainstream car manufacturers offer PHEVs as part of their lineups, and many will add more models to their ranges over the coming months. There were 66,877 plug-in hybrid cars sold in the UK in 2020 – 91% more than the previous year – according to official figures. Sales of plug-in hybrids are likely to continue to grow as we count down to 2030, when buying a new conventional petrol and diesel car will be…

Having a great idea and being first to market with it doesn’t guarantee that you'll be the one to profit from it in the long run. Take Mitsubishi: it was first to realise that the plug-in hybrid SUV would be the next big thing when, back in 2013, it launched its Outlander PHEV. With the ability to run solely on electric power for short journeys and a petrol engine on hand for longer trips, the Outlander PHEV proved that you really could have your cake and eat it, and consequently it was a big hit. Yet Mitsubishi will soon be abandoning the UK market altogether, due to poor sales of its other models. Fortunately, the plug-in SUV isn't going anywhere. Indeed, there are now dozens of options to choose from…

The new BMW M4’s straight-line speed and staggeringly high handling limits make it the more capable of these performance coupés. However, the flipside to such high limits is that you have to push the M4 very hard before it starts to feel really alive. If you’re a keen track day driver or simply want the faster car, that will no doubt appeal. For most of us, though, these cars will be used on the road, so outright performance is ultimately less important than the smile they put on your face.That’s where the Mercedes-AMG C63 excels; its thundering V8, confidence-inspiring handling and impressive acceleration make it the more entertaining car to drive on the road. It’s a very close win for the C63. Mercedes-AMG C63 For Playful and easy to drive;V8…

Mileage 4698 List price £27,635 Target Price na Price as tested £28,180 Test economy 42.7mpg FOR THE MOST part, my Citroën Berlingo continues to charm, thanks to its old-school practicality and the sort of cushy ride that makes every journey refreshingly relaxing. Indeed, the way it soaks up bumps puts my fiancé’s BMW 1 Series to shame, despite the fact that the latter has the smallest wheels and softest suspension (at least, I think it has suspension) available. True, the Berlingo feels happiest cruising at a gentle pace. However, when you put your foot down a little more, it fares a lot better than you’d imagine for something so tall and van-like. The amount of body lean it generates through corners is never alarming, and so far the door handles…

THERE IS A certain mystique to the Jaguar name that has endured despite the attempts of various management teams to devalue it over the years. Through the lows of British Leyland, the XJ40 and the X-Type, the brand has hung on to a lustre born of 1950s glamour polished by multiple Le Mans wins, and for many it remains the ‘one day’ car to buy when that promotion happens, or the inheritance lands, or the numbers come up. But there is a way to bring it within easier reach, of course, and that’s to go second-hand. When it was registered in November 2018, my XF Sportbrake cost its new owner a whopping £55,315, including more than £10,000 worth of extras. Today, the same car will cost you a little over…

IT’S EASY TO see why small SUVs are all the rage; they combine the chunky styling and raised driving positions of their larger cousins with the low running costs and compact dimensions of the best small hatchbacks. In fact, Volkswagen is so sold on the formula that it has two entrants in this class: the T-Cross and the slightly larger and more expensive T-Roc. Here, we’re pitting the former against one of its major rivals, the Skoda Kamiq, which is closely related to the T-Cross under the surface. We’re testing both of these cars at a year old; buy either of them at this age and you’ll bypass their heavy first-year depreciation and save yourself a decent sum of money in the process. To keep the match fair and make…

Seat Leon AS A FAMILY car, the latest Leon gets the basics right by offering a big boot and even more space for passengers than the gigantic Skoda Octavia. But it also serves up a very welcome slice of fun and costs less to run than you’d think. Don’t go thinking that the Leon feels even remotely hairshirt, either. It’s every bit as smart inside as the more expensive Volkswagen Golf, while its infotainment system is more user-friendly. Our pick 1.5 TSI Evo 130 FR List price £24,060 Target Price £21,059 MPG 50.4 CO2 127g/km For Great handling; smart, spacious interior; punchy yet frugal petrol engines; generous standard spec Against Ride is on the firm side; more wind and road noise than some rivals; very few optional extras available WHAT…

Volvo XC40 IT MAY HAVE been a few years since we voted Volvo’s most affordable SUV our overall Car of the Year, but it remains a hugely desirable product that’s backed up by real substance. The XC40 blends generous passenger space and a practical boot with a quality interior and the sort of top-notch safety you expect from the brand. Plus, our recommended version has plenty of poke and comes well equipped. Our pick T3 R-Design auto List price £34,065 Target Price £31,938 MPG 38.2 CO2 166g/km For Stylish, high-quality interior; big and clever boot; supple ride on most versions; comprehensive safety kit Against Fiddly infotainment system; lacks the rear seat flexibility of some rivals; body sways around a bit WHAT CAR? SAYS Range Rover Evoque Our pick P300e HSE…

Skoda Octavia Estate THE iV IS one of the more expensive Octavias, but it’s still one of the cheaper plug-in hybrids, and for many the investment will pay back dividends. Its official 282.5mpg economy shows what’s possible if you charge regularly, plus the car drops into the exceptionally low 6% benefit-in-kind bracket. As a bonus, you get all the usual Octavia Estate benefits, including lots of kit, a very comfy ride and vast space. Our pick 1.4 TSI iV SE Technology List price £32,185 Target Price £32,185 MPG 282.5 CO2 23g/km For Very low company car tax; 41-mile electric range; cosseting ride; vast boot; competitive price; well equipped Against Plenty of rivals are more fun to drive; floaty over undulations; air-con controls are in touchscreen WHAT CAR? SAYS BMW 3…

BMW 5 Series OUR FAVOURITE LUXURY car for the past four years still offers the very best traits of this class. Take the interior, for example: it’s virtually identical to that of the pricier 7 Series and just as well made, despite the 5 Series costing far less. As a bonus, the 530e plug-in hybrid variant can complete many journeys on electric power. And even when its petrol engine does fire up, the car is quiet enough to shame full-on limousines. Our pick 530e M Sport Pro Pack List price £54,820 Target Price £48,507 MPG 188.3 CO2 34g/km For Fast and fun, yet comfortable and refined; low running costs, particularly as a company car; superb interior Against You need to add adaptive suspension (part of the Pro Pack) for the…

Skoda Superb Estate SPACE IS THE name of the game when you’re looking at wagons, and the Superb Estate has been our favourite for six years, striking the sweet spot of practicality, comfort, low running costs and value more accurately than any In fact, with masses of load space for flat-pack furniture or suitcases and palatial comfort for passengers, it’s one of the most impressive family holdalls any class of car. Our pick 2.0 TDI 150 SE L List price £31,590 Target Price £29,282 MPG 56.0 CO2 132g/km For Comfortable ride; limo-like rear passenger space; huge boot with lots of practical touches; well priced Against Some rivals are more fun to drive on twisty roads; automatic gearbox can be a tad jerky in traffic WHAT CAR? SAYS Skoda Octavia Estate…

BMW X6 THE COUPÉ SUV class wouldn’t exist without the BMW X6. However, the latest version isn’t the benchmark due to its history, but because it moves the game on again. It’s one of the more entertaining cars in the class to drive, and offers stunning performance, no matter which engine you choose. Meanwhile, the interior is as easy to use as it is beautifully built, and you even get generous rear space. Our pick xDrive30d MHT M Sport List price £66,910 Target Price £62,838 MPG 42.2 CO2 176g/km For High-quality interior; powerful yet frugal diesel engine; practical by the standards of the class; great to drive Against Ride is on the firm side; some options you’ll want are pricey; looks won’t appeal to all WHAT CAR? SAYS Range Rover…

Porsche Taycan SOME MIGHT VIEW it as heresy to declare an electric car the number one performance car, but the Taycan is proof that such models can be just as rewarding and usable as the best petrol rivals, and then some. Even the entry-level 4S version can sprint from 0-62mph in just 4.0sec. Plus, the Taycan has exceptionally precise, tactile steering and incredible poise in corners. Its brakes are monstrous, too. Our pick 4S (Performance Battery Plus) List price £87,541 Target Price £87,541 Official range 288 miles CO2 0g/km For Massive and instantaneous performance; remarkably agile; gorgeous interior; seats four adults Against Charging network isn’t as good as Tesla’s; similar-priced Model S is more spacious WHAT CAR? SAYS Mercedes-AMG C63 Our pick S Estate List price £78,103 Target Price £70,139…