Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2024 i What Car?

Hmm, that didn’t age well. Back in 2006, after driving the original Nissan Qashqai for the first time, we wrote that the Japanese brand “will probably come to regret saddling this impressive car with a name that’s so difficult to remember and pronounce, given its potential to limit sales”. Eighteen years later, Nissan has shifted almost four million examples, and the Qashqai remains one of the most popular cars in the UK. It’s as much of a household name as the Vauxhall Astra or Volkswagen Golf. ‘Qashqai is now as much of a household name as Astra or Golf’ In our defence, I don’t think anyone (except perhaps a few people at Nissan itself) foresaw what a game-changer the Qashqai would be, tempting so many drivers away from traditional family…

SAVE £1678 Seat Ibiza WHAT CAR? SAYS Model 1.0 TSI 95 FR List price £22,095 Target Price £20,417 Target PCP £224 With the Ford Fiesta now discontinued, the Ibiza takes up the mantle of being the most fun small car to drive. What’s more, it’s keenly priced, spacious and very well equipped. Our favourite trim, FR, gives you a 9.2in touchscreen, dual-zone climate control and rain-sensing wipers as standard SCAN FOR A GREAT DEAL ON THIS CAR SAVE £2029 Ford Puma WHAT CAR? SAYS Model 1.0 Ecoboost mHEV 155 ST-Line List price £27,340  Target Price £25,311  Target PCP £243 The Puma is a very impressive small SUV, being both fun to drive and surprisingly practical. The mild hybrid 153bhp petrol engine is our pick of the range; it’s very fuel…

Official WLTP fuel economy test results can often be misleading – a belief supported by recent high-level EU reports that suggest some models’ figures are up to 23% higher than what’s achievable in real-world use. That’s why we conduct our own Real MPG efficiency tests. Our tests are carried out under laboratory conditions to ensure repeatability, but they’re based on a real-world driving route that takes into account a wide range of road conditions. The figures reflect what’s achievable if you drive carefully, but without resorting to any extreme measures such as ‘hypermiling’. Here, Darren Moss reveals the most frugal and thirstiest petrol, diesel and hybrid cars we’ve tested, and which you can still buy today. MOST ECONOMICAL For the lowest fuel bills, these are the petrol, diesel and hybrid…

NEW Mini Countryman C Exclusive Level 1 List price £34,640 Target Price £33,368 Reinvented Countryman is significantly larger than its predecessor, making it more practical for family duties. It’s the most powerful and cheapest car here, too NEW Volkswagen Tiguan 1.5 eTSI 150 Life List price £36,720 Target Price £35,114 The latest iteration of Volkswagen’s family SUV builds on a successful formula, with up-to-date technology, refreshed engines and even more space inside Volvo XC40 B3 Core List price £36,685 Target Price £35,629 The XC40 has been around for quite a few years now, but it’s still one of our favourite family SUVs, with a classy and practical interior and a comfy ride Forgive us if you think we’re stating the obvious, but sales of SUVs don’t seem to be showing…

Mileage 2805 List price £38,950 Target Price £38,950 Price as tested £38,950 Test range 245 miles IF YOU GO on a lot of family holidays in your car, you might want to think twice about choosing a Smart #1. Yes the rear seats can be slid forwards to increase luggage space, but even then the boot isn’t huge. Fortunately, I spend more of my time in supermarket car parks than touring Europe, so this isn’t really an issue for me. The flipside is that with the rear seats slid all the way back, there’s plenty of room for a six-footer to sit behind a similarly tall driver. What’s more, those seats recline, making them almost as comfy as those in the front, and a flat floor allows three passengers to…

In association with 1 Renault Clio THE LATEST CLIO represents even stronger value than before, with its wide breadth of abilities making it a great choice over its rivals. It’s fun to drive without sacrificing much in the way of comfort, and this is combined with a smart-looking and generously equipped interior. While the E-Tech hybrid version is smooth and efficient, it’s the cheaper 1.0-litre petrol version in mid-range Techno trim that makes the most sense. Our pick 1.0 TCe 90 Techno List price £19,195 Target Price £17,554 MPG 53.3 CO2 119g/km For Very well priced; smart interior is packed with equipment; fine ride and handling balance; practical boot Against Tight for taller adults in the rear seats; slightly firm low-speed ride; high boot loading lip WHAT CAR? SAYS 2 Honda Jazz…

In association with 1 Lexus LBX AS A SMALL hybrid SUV from a premium brand, the LBX is pretty much in a class of one at present, and it’s a combination that works remarkably well. It may be the brand’s cheapest model, but it’s a true Lexus inside, being plush and very well equipped; mid-rung Premium Plus trim brings useful extra goodies. True, the low-speed ride could be smoother, but the LBX promises lower running costs than most rivals, plus stellar reliability. Our pick 1.5 Premium Plus List price £34,495 Target Price £34,495 MPG 65.7 CO2 105g/km For High-quality interior; efficient hybrid system promises low running costs; very well equipped Against Fidgety low-speed ride; refinement could be better; short on rear seat space WHAT CAR? SAYS 2 Volkswagen T-Roc Our pick 1.0…

1 Tesla Model 3 AS WELL AS being one of the best electric cars you can buy, the Model 3 makes complete sense for company car drivers, largely thanks to its lowly 2% benefit-in-kind tax rating and outstanding efficiency. Even the entrylevel RWD version we recommend has a long range, plus it’s good to drive, packed full of tech, reasonably priced and very practical. Tesla’s dedicated public charging network is second to none, too. Our pick RWD List price £39,990 Target Price £39,990 Range 318 miles CO2 0g/km For Class-leading efficiency; fast charging via Tesla’s own network; surprisingly practical; well priced Against Some fiddly controls; no Apple CarPlay phone mirroring; saloon body means boot opening is small WHAT CAR? SAYS 2 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Our pick E300e AMG Line Premium List price £70,900…

1 Tesla Model 3 AS WELL AS being our pick in the executive car category, the Model 3 is an easy electric car to recommend to a wider audience; frankly, it makes all other cars in this class look like they’re not trying hard enough. Not only is it very well priced, but it’s also good to drive, packed full of tech, fast in any guise and even surprisingly practical. With its long range and Tesla’s world-beating charging infrastructure, it’s impossible to ignore. Our pick RWD List price £39,990 Target Price £39,990 Range 318 miles CO2 0g/km For Well priced; surprisingly practical; good to drive; class-leading efficiency; Tesla’s excellent charging network Against Some fiddly controls; no Apple CarPlay; saloon body means the boot opening is small WHAT CAR? SAYS 2 Volkswagen ID…

1 BMW 4 Series Coupé ITS LOOKS MAY 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 specify the optional adaptive suspension, it’s also a very comfortable everyday car. In addition, the 4 Series benefits from a wonderful interior with supportive seats and a class-leading infotainment system. Our pick 420i M Sport List price £44,195 Target Price £41,184 MPG 44.8 CO2 144g/km For Great to drive; comfortable ride on adaptive suspension; high-quality interior; decent space in rear seats Against Looks won’t be for everyone; some rivals have larger boots; some wind and tyre noise at high speeds WHAT CAR? SAYS 2 Mercedes-Benz CLE Our pick…

Dads: the most trusted source of car advice for generations. Keep that knowledge flowing with a subscription to What Car? Whether it’s for the father figure in your life, a heavy hint to your loved ones or a treat for yourself, save 40% on the shop price and enjoy: ✔ The lowdown on buying and selling ✔ The chance to join our Reader Test Team ✔ Discounts on tickets ✔ Invites to exclusive events ✔ New launches, the latest tech and maintenance advice Plus get exclusive subscriber-only content, access to shows and events, discounts on tickets and unique experiences with Subscriber Extra. For inspiring your love of cars, say thanks with our great offer. Order today, by visiting themagazineshop.com/FD24PA/wca or call 0344 848 8814 quoting ‘FD24PA’ SAVE £17 6 issues…

WHEN CARS GO WRONG THE RIGHTS YOU have regarding a faulty car depend on where you bought it, how it was described and how long you’ve owned it. For example, you have more legal protection if you bought it from a recognised dealer than from a private seller or at an auction. However, even if the law is in your favour, it can be time-consuming to get any money you’re entitled to. Costly, too, because you might have to take the seller to court to get it. What are my rights regarding a car bought from a dealer? THE CONSUMER RIGHTS Act 2015 gives you the right to ask for a full refund in the first 30 days after buying any product that proves to be faulty, including a new…

Mileage 2490 List price £51,950 Target Price £48,499 Price as tested £56,125 Test range 180 miles UNLIKE A LOT of people, I don’t make great demands of my car’s infotainment system. I often drive with the audio system turned off (all the better to enjoy the relative hush of an electric car) and use phone integration only sporadically. However, I still have to delve into the system’s menus sometimes if I need to change a setting, and that’s when it becomes apparent that the bZ4X’s system isn’t particularly user-friendly or logically laid out. Most of the menus are stacked down the left side of the screen, where they’re a stretch to reach, and to adjust the charging limit, for example, I have to go to‘settings’, then scroll down to‘vehicle customise’…

■ Purchase prices You can pick up a tidy 2020-2021 Octavia for around £12,000 (likely in SE or SE Technology trim). Pay around £15,000 for higher specs, including the non-vRS PHEV, or £17,000 for one-year-old cars. The vRS models start at around £20,000, with the PHEV being the most common variant. ■ Fuel economy The 1.0-litre petrol officially averages 56.5mpg and the 1.5-litre option 52.3mpg, so fuel bills will be about the same as for a petrol Ford Focus. To exceed Toyota Corolla (hybrid) heights of economy, you’ll need a diesel (68.9mpg in 113bhp guise) or a PHEV (both of which promise north of 200mpg, although you’ll need to plug them in regularly to achieve that). ■ Insurance Most insurance groups range from the low teens to low 20s (out…

1 Toyota Corolla THE HYBRID COROLLA is a car that will work for just about everyone in the market for a family hatchback, because it’s comfortable, good to drive, well made, generously equipped and remarkably cheap to run. True, rear passenger space isn’t great, but the Corolla is better value than rivals such as the Honda Civic, especially if you stick with our recommended entry-level 1.8-litre model in Icon trim. Our pick 1.8 Hybrid Icon List price £30,495 Target Price £28,204 MPG 54.1 CO2 100g/km For Frugal in real-world driving; comfy and good to drive; generously equipped; well built and reliable Against Tight for adults in rear seats; so-so infotainment system; instrument panel could be more user-friendly WHAT CAR? SAYS 2 Honda Civic Our pick 2.0 e:HEV Sport List price £36,495 Target…

Sponsored by 1 Kia Sportage OUR 2024 FAMILY SUV of the Year is a great all-rounder with a smart-looking, spacious and user-friendly interior, plus a large boot. It’s generally very comfortable and good to drive, too. For the best value, we’d stick with the entry-level 1.6-litre petrol engine, which combines lively performance with reasonable running costs, but it’s worth paying the small premium to step up to mid-range 3 trim for its generous level of standard kit. Our pick 1.6 T-GDi 3 List price £32,875 Target Price £30,884 MPG 41.5 CO2 150g/km For Smart-looking and spacious interior; large boot; good comfort/handling balance; generous warranty Against Very few options are available; slightly unsettled low-speed ride; rear seating could be more flexible WHAT CAR? SAYS 2 Kia EV6 Our pick RWD Horizon List price…

1 BMW X7 IT MAY BE AN SUV, but the X7 is everything a luxury car should be. Its huge interior is as sumptuous as it is practical, and the car is supremely cosseting and quiet at all speeds. We’d stick with the entry-level diesel engine, which is gutsy and refined, but adding the Ultimate Pack is worthwhile for the upgraded air suspension and four-wheel steering it brings – the latter making this giant much more manoeuvrable. Our pick xDrive40d M Sport (Ultimate Pack) List price £108,645 Target Price £103,336 MPG 392.6 CO2 16g/km For Super-quiet and comfortable; incredibly practical, with loads of room for seven adults; high-quality materials Against There are cheaper alternatives; feels its size and weight; looks won’t be to all tastes WHAT CAR? SAYS 2 Range Rover Sport Our…

CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2024 BEST FAMILY ELECTRIC SUV 1 Kia EV6 IT MAY HAVE been around for a couple of years now, but the EV6 is still at the top of its game, offering a very well-rounded package at a lower price than its Genesis GV60 stablemate. It has a long range and can charge up quicker than most rivals, while its interior is smart and well equipped, with limo-like leg room in the rear seats. The single-motor model we recommend is good to drive and more than fast enough for most people’s needs. Our pick RWD Horizon List price £45,995 Target Price £44,299 Range 328 miles CO2 0g/km For Long range; ultra-fast charging; good to drive; smart-looking interior; loads of rear leg room; long warranty Against Shallow…

1 BMW 4 Series Convertible LIKE THE COUPÉ on which it’s based, the 4 Series Convertible feels wonderfully balanced, and combines agile handling with impressive comfort if you specify the optional adaptive suspension. It’s also refined with the roof up or down, and surprisingly practical for a car of this sort, offering space for four adults and a good-sized boot. Throw in an upmarket and well-equipped interior and you’ve got a drop-top that’s hard to fault. Our pick 420i M Sport List price £51,280 Target Price £47,553 MPG 41.5 CO2 155g/km For Sharp handling; comfy ride on adaptive suspension; user-friendly infotainment system; classy interior Against Some visibility issues; rear seats fold flat but don’t split; adjustable lumbar support costs extra WHAT CAR? SAYS 2 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet Our pick 300…

1 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 model, because this swaps the uncouth engines of lesser versions for a glorious 4.0-litre flat six. Our pick GTS List price £75,575 Target Price £75,575 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 CAR?…

THE GOVERNMENT HAS pledged to commission an independent study into the problem of drivers being dazzled by the headlights of oncoming vehicles, after the issue was raised by the RAC, the College of Optometrists and Baroness Hayter, a member of the House of Lords. In addition, it comes after a member of the public set up a petition calling for action to mitigate the effects of dazzling headlights, and this was signed by 10,000 people. The RAC has been surveying drivers on headlight glare since 2018, and in the latest responses from 2000 drivers, 85% of them believe the problem is getting worse. Glare is one of the most frequently cited problems raised by RAC members, with 89% of respondents to the latest survey stating that some headlights are too…

If, like many, you have an unhealthy addiction to social media app TikTok, you might have come across Steve Varsano, a private jet broker with millions of followers and (we assume) many more millions in the bank. Operating from his opulent showroom on London’s Park Lane, complete with an Airbus fuselage in the reception, no less, Varsano’s videos delve into the intricacies of purchasing a private jet. It’s a fascinating process that few of us will experience first hand, and it’s remarkably similar to acquiring a super-SUV. Whether you’re in the market for a Bentley or a Bombardier, the same basic questions need answering. How much are you willing to spend? How much room do you need for people and luggage? How far do you want to travel? Interior appointments…

Price today £37,000* Volvo XC90 T8 R-Design List price when new £66,645 Available from 2015-present With seven seats at the ready, practicality rules supreme with the XC90 Price today £39,000* BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport List price when new £66,665 Available from 2019-present This X5 has an excellent official electric-only range and a smooth six-cylinder engine *Price today is based on a 2020 model with average mileage and full service history, correct at time of writing IT DOESN’T TAKE Albert Einstein to figure out that a tiny Hyundai i10 city car will cost substantially less to fuel than a humongous Hummer SUV. Big cars mean big bills… or at least they tend to. Two popular luxury SUVs that certainly aren’t content with the status quo are the BMW X5 and Volvo XC90…

1 Mercedes-AMG A45 HOT HATCHES ARE first and foremost about having fun, and no other model in this class is as much of a riot to drive as this 416bhp rocketship from AMG. Not only is it absurdly rapid in a straight line, but it’s also agile and entertaining through corners. It may not be quite as comfy as the rival Audi RS3, but the A45 is barely any less practical or easy to live with than a regular A-Class. You’ll need deep pockets to buy and run it, though. Our pick S Plus List price £63,285 Target Price £63,285 MPG 30.7 CO2 208g/km For Savage acceleration; immense grip; entertaining handling; quick shifting automatic gearbox Against Very expensive to buy; Audi RS3 is more comfortable; infotainment controls could be easier to…

1 Land Rover Defender THIS RUGGED SUV fuses fantastic off road ability with fine on-road manners, including a comfy ride and reasonable refinement. The extra-long 130 model can seat up to eight, but the more wieldy 110 model in seven-seat form makes the most sense for larger families. The D300’s muscular six-cylinder diesel engine suits the Defender to a tee, and going for this version helps to keep the asking price from spiralling too high. Our pick D300 X-Dynamic S (7 Seat) List price £69,385 Target Price £67,521 MPG 33.0 CO2 225g/km For Comfy on road and unstoppable off it; plenty of space in second and third rows; glacial depreciation Against Fuel economy and emissions are below par; higher trims are very pricey; Land Rover’s reliability record WHAT CAR? SAYS 2 Hyundai…

1 Mazda MX-30 BETTER LATE THAN never, as they say. Arriving a few years after the electric MX-30, the R-EV is a plug-in hybrid that drives just like its sibling but has a rotary petrol engine to top up the battery that powers the electric motor. This makes it far more usable for out-of-town trips. The R-EV is much cheaper than most other PHEVs, so it makes sense for private buyers as well as company car drivers, and it has a plush, well-equipped interior. Our pick R-EV Prime-Line List price £31,495 Target Price £30,080 MPG 282.5 CO2 21g/km For Good ride and handling balance; smart interior; well priced; much more usable than fully electric version Against Not particularly practical; cramped in rear seats; average predicted resale values WHAT CAR? SAYS 2 Mercedes-Benz…

1 Toyota Corolla Touring Sports THE COROLLA TOURING Sports stands alone in this class, sporting a regular hybrid engine that promises low running costs without a high purchase price. You also get a car that’s good to drive, with a robust and well-equipped interior. Its boot isn’t the largest in this class, but it’s not far off. As with the Corolla family car, we’d pick the cheaper 1.8-litre model, although there’s a more powerful 2.0-litre version if you want the extra grunt. Our pick 1.8 Hybrid Icon List price £31,830 Target Price £29,437 MPG 62.7 CO2 101g/km For Impressive economy and emissions; comfortable ride; practical boot; well equipped; very dependable Against Engine can be noisy under hard acceleration; more wind and road noise than in some rivals WHAT CAR? SAYS…

1 Ford Puma ST IN MOST CASES, buying a sports SUV requires a sizeable outlay, but the Puma ST is a notable exception; even after you add the desirable Performance Pack (which includes a traction-enhancing limited-slip diff), it costs far less than any of its rivals. But don’t think this means it’s far less fun; the Puma ST is incredibly agile and engaging, while its less extreme acceleration mean there’s far more chance to enjoy yourself on public roads. Our pick 1.5 Ecoboost 200 Performance Pack List price £33,110 Target Price £30,924 MPG 42.2 CO2 152g/km For Hugely entertaining handling; tuneful and punchy engine; relatively cheap to buy and run Against Occasionally bouncy ride; infotainment system could be slicker; T-Roc R is bigger in the back WHAT CAR? SAYS 2 Porsche…

1 BMW M3 Touring MUCH AS WE love the M3 saloon, the estate version is even more desirable, thanks to its greater versatility. As well as being incredibly quick, sharp and entertaining to drive (thanks to its ability to go from secure four-wheel drive to playful rear-wheel drive when you’re in the mood), the Touring has a practical boot that makes it more useful as a fast family holdall. The only question is: why didn’t BMW make this car years ago? Our pick xDrive Competition List price £87,825 Target Price £82,572 MPG 27.4 CO2 232g/km For Scorching performance; sharp and entertaining handling; practical boot; comfortable cruiser; snappy gearbox Against Engine doesn’t sound all that inspiring; expensive to buy and run, and you’ll want to add options WHAT CAR? SAYS 2 Porsche…