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Preview issue | November 2012 | £3.00

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the car buyers’ handbook

small world

affordable, cheap to run and fun to drive. but which city car is right for your budget?

We reveal all... p26

FIRST DRIVE

all new peugeot 208

“put THIS CAR on your

DRIVE THE BEST DEAL TOP TEN: SUVs

save on your next new car

shortlist... now!” p16

HOW TO pick the right model

dream drive

485bhp Nissan juke-R tested

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Editorial Director James Baggott James.Baggott@NewAutos. co.uk Twitter: @NewAutosJames Commercial Director Anton Hanley Anton.Hanley@NewAutos. co.uk Twitter: @NewAutosAnton PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Phil Parker Phil.Parker@NewAutos.co.uk Twitter: @NewAutosPhil

A CAR is the second biggest purchase most of us will ever make in our lives after our home, so it’s no wonder the whole process can seem a little overwhelming. Complicated finance packages, warranties and insurance can all be extremely daunting, not to mention the small issue of working out which car is right for you.

For some people buying a car is great fun, but for many it’s simply a necessity – you need a car to get to work or take the kids to school and just want it to be good value for money and reliable.

What it looks like and who makes it isn’t really that important.

This is where New Autos can help. Every month we cut through the marketing speak to help you decide which car is right for you. You’ll find no jargon, just simple, honest advice to help

staff writer James Batchelor Batch@blackballmedia.co.uk Twitter: @NewAutosBatch

ignition

you decide which car to buy.

But unlike other car magazines, New Autos can help you even further. Want to arrange a test drive but don’t know where to start? Or want a brochure for that new car so you can get even more information? Well, let us do the hard work.

Our Reader Service is designed to take the pain out of car buying. Give our team a call and we’ll do the rest. The team and I look forward to guiding you on your way to finding your next dream car.

James

James Baggott, Editorial Director

SUB Editor Dave Brown dave@blackballmedia.co.uk Twitter: @NewAutosDave Contributors David Hort, David Miles, Mike Askew where to find us Blackball Media Endeavour Quay Mumby Road Gosport PO12 2LB T: (023) 9252 2434 W: NewAutos.co.uk New Autos thanks the advertisers in this prelaunch issue for their kind permission to use their material. This does not infer any endorsement.

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New Autos is fully protected by copyright and nothing may be reprinted wholly or in part without permission.

number cruncher key stats and facts from another busy month in motoring september new car sales 1 Ford Fiesta 2 Ford Focus 3 Vauxhall Corsa 4 Volkswagen Golf 5 Vauxhall Astra 6 Nissan Qashqai 7 Volkswagen Polo 8 Peugeot 207 9 BMW 3 Series 10 Mercedes C-Class Figures supplied by the SMMT

33,390 24,442 23,750 18,794 14,894 12,491 12,164 10,221 9,948 9,485

most searched-for cars

auto network most-read

1 BMW 3-Series 2 Ford Focus 3 Vauxhall Corsa 4 Volkswagen Golf 5 Vauxhall Astra 6 Nissan Qashqai 7 Volkswagen Polo 8 Peugeot 207 9 Ford Fiesta 10 Mercedes C-Class

1 New Bentley SUV revealed 2 Ford prices announced 3 Fuel strike could still happen 4 Badger wins Daytona 300 5 SKODA best cars to own 6 Victoria Beckham Evoque 7 New Ferrari F50 coming 8 Audi Q4 breaks cover 9 How to choose the right tyres 10 New internet scam revealed

Figures supplied by Auto Network

Figures supplied by Auto Network

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Autos New

contents

contents

Audi expands S range p8

Preview issue, November 2012

08 Forecourt

Skoda hoping for Rapid success; Chris Evans stages TWO car events; PLUS the best deals on new cars.

14 Driven: Ford Focus ST

With a turbocharged engine and plenty of clever wizardry, there’s no shortage of performance.

16 Driven: Peugeot, Fiat, Mini, Merc

We take a look at the Peugeot 208 1.2 Active; Fiat Punto TwinAir; Mini Roadster; Mercedez-Benz B-Class.

24 Feature: Juke-R

trade tips

City cars p26

10

top

Nissan have beefed up their compact crossover in a BIG way – and the result is madness on four wheels.

Autos

trade tips

inside the car

question time

Value and profit

26 It’s a small world after all

Autos are you sitting comfortably?

tricks of THE trade

The busy forecourt

Pint-sized motors are all the rage. But with a huge array to choose from, which one should you opt for?

the ‘sold’ sign

on the road

flattery will get you everywhere

the false price

bumps and scrapes

“It looks great, has a spacious interior, is well-made and great to drive.” Volkswagen up! p38

Porsche open in Portsmouth

42 Top 10: Tricks of the Trade p9

Get the inside track on how car dealers operate... and avoid the pitfalls when making a purchase.

44 Living with: Skoda Yeti, Kia Rio

Our writers have cars on long-term loan from manufacturers. Get their opinions here.

47 Top 10s

A wealth of information in easy-to-digest morsels to guide you through the car-buying maze.

51 Insurance advice

We’ve got lots of hints and tips to help you choose the best policy at the right price.

55 Selling your car

Getting rid of your motor? With some help from New Autos, you can make the whole process hassle-free.

58 Hot new car deals

Our monthly round-up of the best discounts and offers available to UK car buyers.

7

Autos New

forecourt

forecourt

The latest buying news – hot from the nation’s showrooms

order books open!

bitesize news

‘VIVE LE SUMMER’ SAYS RENAULT French firm Renault is offering savings of up to £800 on certain models.

There’s up to £200 off the Twingo, £400 off the Clio and £700 off the full Megane range. All new Renaults come with the money-saving ‘4+’ warranty, servicing and finance package.

NEW AUDIS HAVE THE S-FACTOR

GERMAN FIRM MIXES PERFORMANCE WITH ECONOMY FOR NEW S MODELS IF you want a big Audi but are keen on small fuel bills, the German marque’s revamped S quattro series could well appeal.

The S models have been updated for 2012 with some clever technology designed to deliver more miles per gallon. The thirsty V10 engine that was a feature of previous versions of the S range has been replaced with an all-new 4.0-litre V8 engine with ‘cylinder deactivation technology’ to improve fuel economy.

The system disengages four of the eight cylinders when the engine isn’t having too much strain placed

upon it. Subsequently, fuel consumption is improved by up to 25 per cent.

The three model ranges to benefit are the S6 saloon and estate, S7 four-door coupe and the S8 executive saloon.

The S8, the head of the range, delivers sublime comfort or supreme excitement as required. The sprint from zero to 62mph takes just 4.2 seconds and top speed is electronically capped at 155 mph.

All models feature Audi’s much-respected four-wheeldrive quattro system that improves on-road traction, and a silky-smooth sevenspeed automatic gearbox

called ‘S tronic dual-clutch’.

They’re all top-quality cars from Audi and are bound to appeal to fans of the marque.

The company is enjoying considerable success at the moment – sales in the UK during 2011 topped 113,000 cars and were up

14 per cent on 2010. And although we say these new cars will appeal to a wide range of buyers, there’s one thing they will all need in common – the willingness to spend between £54,000 and £78,000 to get behind the wheel.

Choosing your new Hyundai has just got easier. The company has launched a new website which features tools such as a ‘car chooser’ and a finance calculator feature.

It’s optimised for viewing on mobiles and tablet devices and you can find it at hyundai.co.uk

BAG YOURSELF A BARGAIN ASTRA

TOYOTA UNVEILS DISTINCTIVE AURIS

JAPANESE HATCHBACK GUNS FOR BEST-SELLING FORD FOCUS The all-new Toyota Auris has been given its official unveiling at the Paris Motor Show. The Japanese firm says the new car will be better and more fun to drive, have more distinctive styling, feature higher equipment levels, will be cheaper to run and reflects Toyota’s determination to inject some more passion into its mainstream products.

The car also shows off the new look Toyota is employing on all future models.

UK customers will be able to choose between 1.33-litre and 1.6-litre petrol engines, a 1.4-litre diesel and a full-hybrid version. Toyota says it expects an even one-third share for each powertrain. Prices and specifications will be announced later this year, and it will rival the Ford Focus.

8

clever website for hyundai customers

On the hunt for a Vauxhall Astra but finding prices are a bit out of reach?

Motorpoint, the UK’s leading car supermarket, may be able to help.

They have hundreds of examples of the currentgeneration Astra, starting from just £6,995. Visit motorpoint.co.uk to see the latest deals.

Autos New

CITROEN TEMPTS WITH RANGE OF OFFERS Citroen is celebrating its successful DS3 model by offering a special finance offer on the car.

In the first seven months of 2012, a total of 10,206 DS3s were sold. More than 27,000 DS3s have now been sold since the car’s launch two years ago.

The model can be financed for £199 per month on Citroen’s Elect 4 Personal Lease plan. Up to £1,500 deposit contribution on selected models is given with Elect 3 PCP & Elect 4 finance, and so too is three years’ free servicing and roadside assistance.

Deals are also available on the C1 city car; C3 supermini; C4 hatchback; the C3 Picasso, Berlingo Multispace, and C4 Multispace MPVs; DS4 and DS5 models.

forecourt

SKODA’S NEW CAR

bitesize news

SALE FEVER SPREADS TO HONDA DEALERS

RAPID WINS THE SPACE RACE

It’s sale time at Honda!

The company’s dealerships are offering a range of tempting deals to try to get you behind the wheel of one of their cars. To run alongside the two-week summer event Honda has also launched an exciting competition, giving customers the chance to win thousands of prizes every day.

Visit honda.co.uk/sale.

CZECH BRAND GOES FOR FAMILY MARKET WITH NEW HATCHBACK If you need a roomy family car that won’t cost the earth, Skoda might have what you’re looking for.

On sale this November will be the Czech firm’s seventh model – the Rapid. And in our view, it’s a car that

deserves to do well in the UK. The Rapid is an all-new family hatchback that sits between the Fabia (smaller) and Octavia (a bit bigger) and will offer a lot – for less than £13,000. Skoda’s slogan these days is ‘simply clever’.

There are no fewer than 19 simply clever touches to entice buyers into the Rapid. And thanks to Skoda being part of the mighty Volkswagen family these days, those jokes about the marque are history.

NEW BRITISH LUXURY 4x4

VOLVO HELPING TO KEEP YOU COOL Drive a Volvo? Well, as the summer finally starts to warm up, your local Volvo dealer will check the performance of your car’s air conditioning system for free. Should the performance be belowpar, they will provide a system recharge. The Swedish company is also running a special offer on cleaning out bacteria and fungi from your system.

FIXED COST SERVICES WITH NEW SPORTAGE

iconic luxury 4x4 returns

all-new fourth generation range rover arrives - order now IF YOU’D LIKE ONE The arrival of a new Range Rover is always big news. This is only the fourth new model in 40 years – and it’s sure to be in high demand.

That’s because it will benefit from a substantial weightloss programme – aiding fuel economy – and engineers have worked on the suspension to give the car more agile handling. Ride comfort will not be compromised, however – and it’s promised the new car will be very luxurious.

Inside, the interior will be as sumptuous as ever with

quality leather and wood furnishings. While under the bonnet, customers will be able to choose between a powerful petrol engine, or more frugal diesel ones.

Order books are now open with deliveries scheduled to start from early 2013, but there’s little chance dealers will be offering tempting discounts.

Cars such as the Range Rover often sell at a premium, with buyers willing to pay more to leap-frog lengthy queues. If you want one, be prepared to fork out at least £70,000.

Kia’s Sportage is now available with the firm’s Care-3 servicing package.

The package offers customers fixed-cost, inflation-proof servicing for the first three or five years. All work will be carried out by trained product technicians, using genuine Kia replacement parts and specified oils, and is available on all 2013 Sportage models.

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Autos New

forecourt bitesize news

‘INCREDIBLE response’ TO PEUGEOT’S NEW 208

order books open

Saga KEEP THEIR customers HAPPY SAGA are doing well when it comes to making their car insurance customers feel valued.

In a recent survey, 98 per cent of people interviewed after a claim said that they had been well looked after.

Saga are the leading specialists in over-50s car insurance, with comprehensive cover starting from just £158 a year.

BRAKing new GROUnD...

MERCEDES CREATES ESTATE VERSION OF CURVY CLS

A CHEAPER WAy TO OWN A BMW M3 BMW is now offering a more accessible way into X3 ownership with the first rear-wheel-drive model in the range, the new BMW X3 sDrive18d.

Powered by a 140bhp, 2.0-litre diesel engine, and available with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox, it’s priced from £28,580 – £2,890 less than the 4x4 versions.

Mercedes-Benz is attempting to create a whole new car sector.

With a name that harks back to the days of bespoke estate cars from the 1920s, the CLS Shooting Brake is now available to order,

priced from £49,360.

The curvaceous car comes as standard with a hightech multimedia system, DAB digital radio, leather upholstery, front and rear parking sensors, metallic paint, powerful headlights,

and 18-inch alloy wheels.

There’s space for five passengers and boot space measures up to 1,550 litres.

Customers can choose between a two diesel engines or a powerful petrol engine.

The new Peugeot 208 Supermini, which went on sale on June 28, has now secured more than 7,500 orders. Morgan Lecoupeur, marketing director at Peugeot UK, said: ‘There has been an incredible and positive response to the new 208, illustrated by the initial 7,500 orders. It really has been a tremendous start for the car.’ Offers from Peugeot on the 208 in September include the popular Just Add Fuel scheme, available to new car buyers from 21 years of age, with three years’ fixed price insurance, servicing, warranty, road tax and roadside assistance. ‘Just Add Fuel’ is available on the 208 3dr Access 1.0-litre VTi from £208 per month.

208 First Drive, p16

IT’S TWINAIR TIME

Micra OFFER IS CRYSTAL CLEAR CRYSTAL Nissan in Lincolnshire, with showrooms in Grantham, Boston and Lincoln, is offering a good deal on new Micras.

Customers can get behind the wheel of a new Nissan Micra 1.2 Acenta Connect for just £126 a month.

The deal comes with no interest for three years, three years’ low-cost servicing and three years’ roadside assistance.

10

HAVE FIVE YEARS’ PEACE OF MIND ALFA ROMEO EXTENDS WARRANTY ON MITO AND GIULIETTA MODELS Alfa Romeo is extending its current three-year warranty by a further two years across the MiTo and Giulietta ranges to provide customers with added peace of mind on their new car purchases.

The company doesn’t enjoy the best reputation amongst drivers for the

reliability of its cars so is hoping the move will help inspire a bit of confidence and attract new buyers.

The news comes as the Italian sporting car brand launches the Alfa MiTo TwinAir – featuring the award-winning 875cc twincylinder turbo engine with

clever technology and low C02 emissions.

The new extended warranty will consist of 36 months’ unlimited mileage cover, plus a further 24 months’ mechanical warranty on all Alfa MiTo and Giulietta retail purchases.

The additional cover

protects the vehicle against manufacturer defects and component faults.

Damien Dally, head of brand at Alfa Romeo UK, said: ‘The Alfa Romeo brand has always had a strong emotional pull but we also have complete confidence in its rational credentials.’

Autos New

forecourt

COMING SOON...

Vauxhall’s entrance into the premium car small sector will be with the Adam. It’s scheduled to arrive in the UK next year.

PORSCHE IN POMPEY

SPORTS CAR FIRM ARRIVES DOWN SOUTH DRIVERS in Portsmouth who have ambitions of driving a Porsche now have a brand new showroom right on their doorsteps. The nearest ones up until now have been in Guildford (up the A3) or Bournemouth (west along the M27).

The development, which is one of the largest Porsche Centres in the UK and sits on the northern edge of the city, demonstrates a major investment in the Porsche business and the local region.

The two-storey Porsche Centre offers a 26-car showroom with an innovative roof-top parking area, an eight ramp workshop and an MOT bay.

A focal point is a spiral staircase leading to the first floor display area.

GOOD EVANS, IT’s CARFEST!

DJ’S INAUGURAL EVENTS Are just the ticket

IF your interest in cars extends beyond simply sourcing the next vehicle to get from A to B, here are a couple of events that might interest you.

Radio 2 DJ and One Show presenter Chris Evans has come up with an idea to cater for them with two exciting new events: CarFest South and CarFest North.

The two weekends – to be staged at Laverstoke Park Farm in Hampshire and Cholmondeley Castle in Cheshire – are the living reality of a dream conjured up by Evans.

His vision was to host his very own perfect ‘family

festival’ brimming with all the things he loves – great cars, good food and foottapping music – and at the same time raise funds for the BBC’s annual Children in Need appeal.

He announced the first CarFest to his millions of listeners to his breakfast show on BBC Radio 2.

The concept was an immediate success with all 20,000 tickets to the Laverstoke Park Farm event selling out within minutes of being put on sale.

Fuelled by this instant sellout, Evans announced that a second CarFest would be held a fortnight later.

SUPERMINIS Alfa Romeo MiTo 5dr Audi A2 BMW i3 Citroen DS1 Ford Ka Hyundai i20 MG3 Mitsubishi Colt Peugeot 108 Renault Clio Renault Twingo Renault Zoe SmartForTwo SmartForTwo+2 Vauxhall Adam

2013 2013 2013 2013 2014 late 2012 late 2012 late 2012 2014 Nov 2012 2014 Oct 2012 2014 2014 2013

FAMILY CARS Alfa Romeo Giulia

Audi A3

BMW 3 Series GT

Fisker Atlantic

Ford Focus BEV

Ford C-MAX hybrid

Ford Mondeo

Hyundai i30 Tourer

Jaguar X-Type replacement Jaguar XF Sportbrake Lexus IS

Mazda 6

Mercedes A-Class

Mercedes baby CLS

Mercedes C Class

MG5

Peugeot 308 (new)

Renault Megane

SEAT Leon

SEAT Toledo Skoda Rapid Skoda Octavia Tesla Model S Toyota Auris Volkswagen Golf MkVII SPORTS CARS Abarth sports car Alfa Romeo Spider Aston Martin Vanquish Audi S1 Audi RS4 Avant Audi RS5 Cabriolet Audi TT Bentley Continental GT2 BMW 2 Series BMW i8 BMW M2 BMW M3

2013 Sep 2012 2013 2013 Dec 2012 2013 2013 Aug 2012 2014 2012 2013 2013 Dec 2012 2014 2014 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2012 2013 2013

2013 2015 2013 Sep 2012 2013 2013 2013 2013 2014 mid 2013 2015 2013

Ford’s clever B-Max, above, and the new Renault Clio, below

OFF-ROADERS Alfa Romeo SUV Audi Q2 Audi Q6 Audi SQ5 TDI Bentley SUV BMW X4 Citroen C4 Aircross Dacia Duster Fiat 500X Ford Fiesta SUV Ford Kuga Honda CR-V

Hyundai Santa Fe Jaguar SUV Jeep small SUV Lamborghini Urus PEOPLE MOVERS Citroen C4 Picasso Fiat 500L Ford B-Max Nissan Note VW Camper

CABRIOLETS Alfa Romeo Spider

Citroen DS3 Cabriolet Kia Roadster

Lexus LFA Roadster

Lotus Elise

Lotus Elite

Mazda MX-5

Mercedes SL

Porsche Boxster

Range Rover Evoque Cabriolet Renault Alpine

Vauxhall Cabriolet

2013 2013 2013 2012 2014 2013 late 2012 Dec 2012 2013 2013 2013 late 2013 Sep 2012 2015 2013 2013

late 2012 Apr 2013 Sep 2012 2013 2013

2014 2013 2013 2013 2015 2014 2014 Sep 2012 Aug 2012 2013 2014 Sep 2012

11

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Autos New

Driven

HOW MUCH? from £21,995 | ON sale? NOW | deal potential? LOW Looks

Outside, you’ll spot the new Focus ST by its unique and more aggressive body styling.

We like the bulging side skirts, chunky rear bumper with diffuser, rear spoiler and attractive 18-inch alloys.

Driving

The new Sport Steering System works by increasing sensitivity when cornering.

With the help of some clever wizardry, the result is almost like a more refined version of the old Focus RS.

DRIVEN: 28 JUNE 2012 | GOODWOOD

CAN THIS CAR BECOME THE NEW TOP HOT HATCH?

Ford Focus ST

BY James Baggott

@NewAutosJames The last Focus ST might have been sophisticated rather than sporty but that didn’t put buyers off and Ford shifted 35,000 of them. Can the new car improve on that?

What is it?

Ford’s rival to the just-launched Vauxhall Astra VXR and the established Renaultsport Megane 265 and Volkswagen Golf GTi. With production of another fast Focus RS uncertain, the new ST could be the hottest current-generation Focus available and this time it is serious about taking the Golf GTI’s scalp as 14

top hot hatch. It is also Ford’s first global performance car.

What’s under the bonnet?

The ST might have dropped a cylinder, now with four cylinders rather than the previous five, but there’s certainly no lack of performance and a clever sound enhancer makes you think otherwise. The turbocharged 2.0litre Ecoboost engine has 10 per cent more power, with a higher 154mph top speed and increased 250Nm of torque. Acceleration to 60mph comes up in just 6.3 seconds.

What’s the spec like?

The ST is available to order now and there are three specification levels to choose from – helpfully labelled as ST-1, ST-2 and ST-3. ST-1 has supportive, colour-coded Recaro seats, the ST-2 adds part-leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control and auto lights and wipers.

Range-topping ST-3 versions have power, heated leather seats, bixenon headlights, rear parking sensors and keyless entry. Prices start from £21,995 for the ST-1 and rise to £25,495 for the ST-3, with first deliveries expected in September.

Autos New

Driven Inside

discover the ford focus st

Interior changes include a unique steering wheel, gearshift and pedals. The snug, supportive Recaro seats really emphasise this Focus’s sporty nature.

ARRANGE A FORD FOCUS ST TEST DRIVE Scan the QR code with your smartphone Visit http://goo.gl/ANLR Call 0800 000 000 to book with your dealer GET A BROCHURE Scan the QR code with your smartphone Visit http://goo.gl/ANLR Call 0800 000 000 to receive model info GET THE BEST PRICE Scan the QR code with your smartphone Visit http://goo.gl/ANLR Call 0800 000 000 to get the best deal

the knowledge THE tech stuff

key selling points

Model Price Engine Power Max speed Economy Emissions 0-60

1 Sporty interior with excellent Recaro seats

Ford Focus ST Frrom £21,995 2.0-litre, turbo 247bhp, 250Nm 154mph 39.0mpg 169g/km 6.3 seconds

THE RIVALS Renaultsport Megane 265, Vauxhall Astra VXR, Volkswagen Golf GTI

This new ST could become the hottest currentgeneration Focus available

2 Responsive steering 3 More efficient, yet more powerful than its predecessor

the deal clincher Almost £3,000 less than a comparative Volkswagen Golf GTI even in topspec ST3 version. A rare performance car bargain – and another hit for Ford.

«««««

What’s it like to drive?

There’s excellent steering feel for starters, yet the ST still feels agile and amazes by how much power can be carried through corners. One word of warning though: should the systems intervene, it can feel artificial. Considering the ST is supposed to be a hot hatch, its ride is surprisingly resolved, with all but the worst road damage filtered out of the cabin. Dynamically, the new estate is equal to the hatch. You won’t feel short-changed – we didn’t notice any difference.

What do we think of it?

We think the Focus ST could potentially be the Golf GTI beater that Ford hopes it will be. It is as easy to drive, live with and as practical as the standard hatch and estate – and now offers a sharper driving experience. On the right road, this fast Ford has the power to entertain like nothing else in this class.

15

Autos New

Driven

HOW MUCH? from £9,995 | ON sale? NOW | deal potential? MEDIUM

Bodystyles

Three and five-door models in showrooms first. Don’t bother waiting for an SW estate – there isn’t one coming.

Engines

Units to suit all tastes and budgets. 1.4-litre petrol tipped to be the best-seller. Diesel frugal but pricey.

With the 208, Peugeot is trying to return to the sales success days of the 1990s

DRIVEN: 7 may 2012 | FRANCE

good enough to beat a fiesta? looks close to us

Peugeot 208 1.2 Active THE KNOwledge

BY James Batchelor

@NewAutosBatch This is the car tasked with bringing sales success back to Peugeot. But has it got what it takes?

What is it?

Peugeot’s all-new supermini challenger aimed squarely at the sector-leading Ford Fiesta. The maker hopes cute looks, competitive pricing and high spec will be enough to tempt buyers away from rivals.

What’s under the bonnet?

A wide variety of petrols and diesels, with sales set to be split equally between them. Our pick is the 1.2.

It’s great to drive yet economical.

What’s the spec like?

The range starts with the Access model for £9,995, but the most popular is expected to be Active, costing from £11,695. It includes air con, a touchscreen display, 15-inch alloys, cruise control and Bluetooth There are plenty of options too, notably sat nav which is a little fussy to use.

What’s it like to drive?

Actually really rather good.

Composed and fun to drive, the ride quality is impressive. Sadly, the driving position is strange, with the tiny steering wheel obscuring the

discover the peugeot 208 ARRANGE A PEUGEOT 208 TEST DRIVE Scan the QR code with your smartphone Visit http://goo.gl/ANLR Call 0800 000 000 to book with your dealer GET A BROCHURE Scan the QR code with your smartphone Visit http://goo.gl/ANLR Call 0800 000 000 to receive model info GET THE BEST PRICE Scan the QR code with your smartphone Visit http://goo.gl/ANLR Call 0800 000 000 to get the best deal

16

clocks and the steering is over-light.

What do we think of it?

We like it. It’s a massive improvement on the old 207, and it’s clear there’s a very good car in there waiting to escape (a sporty GTI is coming). However, the design is a little fussy inside and out, and the Ford Fiesta range is a wellestablished and popular rival that’s better and more fun to drive.

THE tech stuff Model Price Engine Power Max speed Economy Emissions 0-60

Peugeot 208 Active £12,195 (as tested) 1.2-litre, 3cyl 82bhp, 118Nm 108mph 62.7mpg 104g/km 13.8 seconds

THE RIVALS Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, Kia Rio, Vauxhall Corsa

key selling points 1 Better spec than rivals

2 Smaller on the outside, bigger inside 3 Great choice of engines

the deal clincher Cute looks and decent spec at a price similar to key rivals. The car that may take Peugeot back to the top of the supermini class.

«««««

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Autos New

Driven

HOW MUCH? from £12,100 | ON sale? now | deal potential? high

Looks

Fiat has ditched the old Punto Evo’s odd-looking front bumper and given this car a much cleaner look.

Engine

The fitment of Fiat’s much talked about eco two-cylinder TwinAir engine is the most important new feature.

DRIVEN: 6 JULY 2012 | Manchester

fiat has given its punto a new lease of life thanks to an eco engine

Fiat hopes a refresh will get UK buyers back into its Punto hatchback

Fiat Punto TwinAir THE KNOwledge

BY James Batchelor

@NewAutosBatch Fiat hope their clever TwinAir engine and refreshed looks will generate renewed interest in their supermini.

results in a claimed economy figure of 67.3mpg and there’s cheap road tax too, thanks to low emissions.

but the distinct thrum of the engine gets wearing on long trips.

What is it?

What’s the spec like?

If you’re after cheaper tax and a congestion charge free alternative to the Ford Fiesta ECOnetic or the Volkswagen Polo Bluemotion, the new Punto TwinAir is definitely worth a look. However, don’t believe the claimed 67.3mpg figure – we struggled to get more than 46mpg.

Simply a new, eco version of the recently facelifted Punto fitted with the award-winning TwinAir turbocharged two-cylinder 875cc engine. This engine also appears in the Fiat 500 and new Panda, Chrysler Ypsilon and, more recently, the Alfa Romeo MiTo.

What’s under the bonnet?

The aforementioned engine with 83bhp. Some nifty engineering

Priced at £12,100, the TwinAir is a model in its own right. It looks sharp with its unique 15-inch alloys, gloss black mirrors and door pillars, plus the special interior trim. The fivedoor version costs an extra £600.

What’s it like to drive?

Too much body roll and a rubbery gear change spoil the fun, but the ride is surprisingly composed. The engine offers strong performance,

discover the FIAT PUNTO ARRANGE A FIAT PUNTO TEST DRIVE Scan the QR code with your smartphone Visit http://goo.gl/ANLR Call 0800 000 000 to book with your dealer GET A BROCHURE Scan the QR code with your smartphone Visit http://goo.gl/ANLR Call 0800 000 000 to receive model info GET THE BEST PRICE Scan the QR code with your smartphone Visit http://goo.gl/ANLR Call 0800 000 000 to get the best deal

18

What do we think of it?

THE tech stuff Model Price Engine Power Max speed Economy Emissions 0-60

Fiat Punto TwinAir £12,100 875cc, 2-cyl turbo 83bhp, 145Nm 107mph 67.3mpg 98g/km 12.5 seconds

THE RIVALS Ford Fiesta ECOnetic, Skoda Fabia Greenline II, VW Polo BlueMotion

key selling points 1 Ingenious engine with the promise of good economy 2 Composed, refined ride 3 Spacious interior with a practical boot

the deal clincher Fiat dealers are currently offering £1,000 off the price, or £1,090 of extras in a Brio pack, or reduced rate finance.

«««««

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Autos New

Driven

HOW MUCH? from £18,020 | ON sale? now | deal potential? low

On the road

The Roadster’s suspension has been stiffened to give an extra-sporty ride. It’s one of the best Minis to drive.

Cabin

No rear seats results in a large boot – it’s bigger than the hatch’s.

Vast range of options means this is a high-end product.

DRIVEN: 23 JUne 2012 | oxfordshire

RETRO ROADSTER IS FAR FROM A BACK-TO-BASICS convertible

Mini has broken into yet another model sector with the two-seater Roadster

Mini Roadster

THE KNOwledge

BY James Batchelor

@NewAutosBatch Mini’s sixth model aims to recapture the traditional British roadster experience. Does it succeed?

What is it?

It’s the sister car to the controversial Coupe and is a two-seater that features a lowered windscreen by 13 degrees, and has a sporty driving experience in mind.

What’s under the bonnet?

There’s three petrols in the form of a 1.6-litre 121bhp in the Cooper, a 183bhp 1.6-litre turbo in the Cooper S, and a 210bhp 1.6-litre turbo in the John Cooper Works (JCW). There’s also

a 142bhp 2.0-litre diesel in the Cooper SD model.

What’s the spec like?

Standard specification is not that impressive. The entry-level Cooper costing £18,020 comes with alloy wheels and a black fabric roof. The £24,860 top-of-the-range John Cooper Works version comes with a styling kit, and a honeycomb grille.

There is a vast range of option packs and equipment – all quite costly.

What’s it like to drive?

The Roadster is tremendously agile and quick. But we’d stop at it being a

discover the Mini Roadster ARRANGE A MINI ROADSTER TEST DRIVE Scan the QR code with your smartphone Visit http://goo.gl/ANLR Call 0800 000 000 to book with your dealer GET A BROCHURE Scan the QR code with your smartphone Visit http://goo.gl/ANLR Call 0800 000 000 to receive model info GET THE BEST PRICE Scan the QR code with your smartphone Visit http://goo.gl/ANLR Call 0800 000 000 to get the best deal

20

traditional British sports car, though.

For us, the Mazda MX-5 is a little more focussed.

What do we think of it?

It’s little surprise Mini has produced another top-notch car here. The Roadster should be high on your list of two-seater convertibles. Does it revive the traditional British roadster of old? No. But it does offer sports car thrills in a fashionable package with a good dose of practicality.

THE tech stuff Model Price Engine Power Max speed Economy Emissions

Mini Roadster Cooper S £20,905 (tested) 1.6-litre, turbo 183bhp, 260Nm 141mph 47.1mpg 139g/km

THE RIVALS Mazda MX-5, Audi TT Roadster

key selling points 1 Mini’s first-ever two-seater roadster 2 Range includes super fast JCW and frugal Cooper SD 3 The only mainstream two-seater sports car made in Britain.

the deal clincher Wide range of expensive options means Mini Roadster can be personalised to create your perfect, bespoke car.

«««««

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Autos New

Driven

HOW MUCH? from £21,295 | ON sale? NOW | deal potential? MEDIUM

Driving

The new B-Class is stylish and has Mercedes’ latest exterior look. The car also has distinctive LED lights.

Inside

The interior is well-made and the switches are, for the most part, well laid-out. Five-inch multimedia screen is clever.

The old B-Class won few hearts, but this new model should gain admirers

DRIVEN: 18 JUNE 2012 | PORTSMOUTH

WANT A PREMIUM MPV? Mercedes may have the car

Mercedes Benz B-Class THE KNOwledge

BY James Batchelor

@NewAutosBatch Mercedes-Benz sold just over 34,000 units of the old B-Class. This new car aims to continue that.

What is it?

This new B-Class is a practical, premium MPV-like offering and rivals cars like the the Ford C-Max, VW Golf Plus and Renault Scenic.

What’s under the bonnet?

There’s one petrol – a 1.6-litre unit with 121bhp or 155bhp – and a 1.8litre diesel with 108bhp or 135bhp.

What’s the spec like?

The SE model costs £21,295 and

comes with 16-inch alloys, parking assist, auto headlights, and a fiveinch multimedia screen in the dashboard. Sport models start at £22,610 and gain ‘artificial leather’, sports suspension that lowers the ride-height by 15mm, and 18-inch two-tone alloys wheels.

What’s it like to drive?

The 108bhp diesel is the best choice – it’s strong, provides good performance and is economical. It is easy to drive thanks to light steering and good all-round visibility. Our test car had optional 17-inch alloys – this is the best size of wheel to

discover the B-CLASS ARRANGE A B-CLASS TEST DRIVE Scan the QR code with your smartphone Visit http://goo.gl/ANLR Call 0800 000 000 to book with your dealer GET A BROCHURE Scan the QR code with your smartphone Visit http://goo.gl/ANLR Call 0800 000 000 to receive model info GET THE BEST PRICE Scan the QR code with your smartphone Visit http://goo.gl/ANLR Call 0800 000 000 to get the best deal

22

choose as the ride was comfortable.

What do we think of it?

This new car is a much stronger offering and does its best to match its premium positioning in the market. It’s pricey but we can’t see this being too much of a problem as the car both looks better and is built more sturdily. It’s also a step up from the previous, oddly-shaped B-Class.

We think it’s certainly worth a look.

THE tech stuff Model Price Engine Power Max speed Economy Emissions 0-60

Mercedes-Benz B180 CDI Sport £33,110 (tested) 1.8-litre, diesel 108bhp, 250Nm 118mph 64.2mpg 118g/km 10.7 seconds

THE RIVALS Ford C-Max, VW Golf Plus and Renault Scenic

key selling points 1 Engines are super efficient 2 Two specification levels are generously equipped 3 Good levels of build quality

the deal clincher The new B-Class’s CO2 emissions are 26 per cent better than its predecessor – that means noticeable savings on road tax.

«««««

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Open (the throttle) wide and Say ‘R’ DRIVEN: 1 May 2012 | goodwood

Take a nissan juke, bolt in the engine and drivetrain from a GT-r supercar, and what do you get? Madness on four wheels, that’s what...

Wild thing

Built to celebrate the Juke’s success, the R boasts a 485bhp engine and full-time fourwheel-drive. Wowsers.

24

Autos New

On Twitter?

Have your say on this @NewAutosMag

Autos New

feature

BY James Baggott

@NewAutosJames I must admit that if I had a nice long drive in front of my house, like Lord March, I wouldn’t get much work done. The temptation to hoon up and down and scare the milkman in anything with an engine would just be too hard to ignore.

Thankfully, I don’t have that problem – so an invite to apply some rubber to the Goodwood estate’s well wheel-trodden hill climb is always welcome.

The media day for Goodwood’s 2012 motoring events – the Festival of Speed and the Revival – was an eventful occasion.

It’s a chance for Lord March to ramp up the excitement surrounding the two events and a good opportunity for the media to get behind the wheel of some new metal from the supporting manufacturers.

Fortunately I was looking forward to one helluva ride. Nissan had offered a last-minute spin up the hill in one of only two Juke Rs in the

world. For those of you that aren’t in the know, this is basically the love child of a Juke/GT-R one-night stand – and the right genes made it across into the offspring.

Under the matt black Juke bodywork is the running gear and engine from the GT-R. The 3.8-litre, 485bhp twin turbo charged engine has been squeezed into the Juke’s bodywork, the four-wheel drive carried across and it’s got the performance to match. Foot to the floor and 60mph arrives in around three seconds.

The mad project was conceived as a marketing exercise by Nissan GB’s former MD Paul Willcox who, when he took up his new post in Europe, gave it the green light. Costing £250,000 each, the pair were designed and built in the UK by RML – one left-hand and one right-hand drive. The latter is for exclusive use in the UK. So what’s it like to drive? Well, the 1.16-mile Lord March drive was never going to be long enough to get a real feel for this amazing car, but first impressions were staggering. The Juke R handles all that power remarkably well, transferring it into forward thrust with no drama, much like the bigger GT-R does.

There was just enough time to savour the whoosh of the turbos on the start straight as the hay bales and trees quickly melted into a summery soup of colour.

But who knows? I might be given the chance to get behind the wheel of the Juke-R again one day. Since its global launch in January this year, Nissan has been approached by a number of interested buyers which has prompted the company to open the order books. It is understood the production cars will be produced by British-based engineering firm RML . . . and cost £400k !

Development and build was carried out by RML in Northamptonshire. Top job

Juke-r Vs juke Juke 4wd

JUKE-R

Kerbweight (kg)

1,425

1,806

Length (mm)

4,135

4,135

Width (mm)

1,765

1,910

Height (mm)

1,575

1,575

Wheelbase (mm)

2,530

2,530

Track front (mm)

1,525

1,586

Track rear (mm)

1,505

1,598

Clearance (mm)

170

115

Max speed (mph)

125

161

0-60mph (secs)

8.2

3.5

Power (bhp)

190

485

Torque (Nm)

240

588

25

Autos New

mega test Nissan Pixo

WHY? Indian-built cheapster is a clone of the equally thrifty Suzuki Alto. Not much of a looker, but cheap to run.

Hyundai i10

WHY? It’s the market leader and has found many thousands of happy owners. Frumpy looks, but inexpensive to buy.

Volkswagen up | nissan pixo | hyundai i10 Fiat panda | Toyota Aygo

It’s a small world

Pint-sized motors are big news in 2012. Which one should you opt for?

T

he recession, 2010’s Government Scrappage Scheme and ever-increasing fuel prices have seen car buyers’ tastes change. In these times of austerity, people want models that can go miles on a thimble of fuel, can be parked on a postage stamp yet still boast big-car specifications.

The Hyundai i10 is Britain’s most popular city car.

Last year it sold 20,325 units and holds a 48.3 per cent market share, with many satisfied customers behind the wheel up and down the country.

But Hyundai may have had things their way for too long as the VW Group has now waded in with a comprehensive offering across its VW, Seat and Skoda

26

brands to steal sales away from the Korean giant.

Along with the VW Group, Fiat has replaced its muchloved Panda with a stylish and higher-quality offering.

The all-new Panda will pose a large threat to Hyundai dealers as Fiat dealers expect to put a large Pandasized dent into the i10’s sales.

On top of this, the C1, 107 and Aygo threesome have all undergone major face-lifts to take the fight to the Volkswagen Group three. Meanwhile the Nissan Pixo is doing its fair share too by unhelpfully becoming Britain’s cheapest car/supermini.

But which is best? We’ve brought the contenders together for a shoot-out to decide once and for all.

Autos New

mega test

Fiat Panda

WHY? New Panda sheds its old agricultural character and dons a sharp suit. Fun to own and drive in equal measure.

Toyota Aygo

WHY? It’s been around for a while and has cute looks and a respectable badge on its nose.

Facelift aims to keep it fresh.

Volkswagen up!

WHY? It’s the newcomer and aims to shake up the sector. It also benefits from that grownup badge.

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Autos New

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if the 500 is a bit too cute for you, WHY NOT CONSIDER its bigger and more practical stablemate?

Fiat Panda 1.2 Easy £ What is it?

This latest version of Fiat’s little car is designed to build on the success of the outgoing model, with an added dash of Italian style. It has only been on sale for a few months.

£ What’s under the bonnet?

You can have the feisty Fiat with three engines. There are 1.2 or 0.9 petrol engines, the latter being the clever TwinAir with 84bhp, or a 74bhp 1.3-litre for diesel lovers. Our test car was fitted with the 1.2-litre petrol and was in Easy trim.

£ What’s the spec like?

All have ABS and twin front airbags. Our model in Easy trim included remote central locking, manual air-conditioning and a six-speaker stereo. A split-folding rear seat is only an option, which is a surprise.

£ What’s it like to drive?

Fun to drive, the Panda has fine body control and roll is well contained in corners. The only disappointment is the artificial feel to the over-light electronic power steering and the ride is perhaps too firm.

£What do we think of it?

The Panda looks great, should prove cheap to run but the rear could be more spacious and some options such as a split-folding rear seat should really be standard.

THE KNOwledge technical specifications Model: Price: Engine: Power: Max speed: Combined MPG: Emissions: 0-60mph:

Fiat Panda 1.2 Easy £9,550 1.2-litre, four-cylinder 69bhp, 102Nm 102mph 55.3mpg 120g/km 14.2 seconds

key information Airbags: Driver/Passenger/Opt side Parking sensors: Optional Stability control: Optional Alloy wheels: Optional Air-Con/Climate control: Standard Air-Conditioning Sat-nav: Optional USB: Optional Bluetooth: Optional Xenons: N/A

annual running costs Fuel: Insurance: Service: Tax:

£1,000 £400 £250 £30

Figures based on annual mileage of 9,000 miles and 95 Unleaded at 140p per litre. VED rates current as of July 2012.

28

Autos New

mega test

Inside the Fiat Panda, which has only been on sale for a few months

discover the fiat panda ARRANGE A FIAT PANDA TEST DRIVE Scan the QR code with your smartphone Visit http://goo.gl/ANLR Call 0800 000 000 to book with your dealer GET A BROCHURE Scan the QR code with your smartphone Visit http://goo.gl/ANLR Call 0800 000 000 to receive model info GET THE BEST PRICE Scan the QR code with your smartphone Visit http://goo.gl/ANLR Call 0800 000 000 to get the best deal

29

Autos New

mega test

discover the hyundai i10 ARRANGE A FIAT PANDA TEST DRIVE Scan the QR code with your smartphone Visit http://goo.gl/ANLR Call 0800 000 000 to book with your dealer GET A BROCHURE Scan the QR code with your smartphone Visit http://goo.gl/ANLR Call 0800 000 000 to receive model info GET THE BEST PRICE Scan the QR code with your smartphone Visit http://goo.gl/ANLR Call 0800 000 000 to get the best deal

The top-selling city car, Hyundai’s i20, owes much of its success to the Gorvernment’s Scrappage Scheme

30

Autos New

mega test

IT’S THE MARKET LEADER FOR A REASON. WILL YOU FALL FOR THE DEPENDABLE KOREAN CITY CAR?

Hyundai i10 1.2 Classic £ What is it?

Hyundai’s top-selling city car, with much of its recent success down to the Government’s Scrappage Scheme. Given a facelift last year, the i10 is one of the oldest cars in the test as the design dates back to 2008.

THE KNOwledge

£ What’s under the bonnet?

technical specifications

There’s the choice of either a three-cylinder 1.0-litre, or the more powerful four-cylinder 1.2litre we’ve got here.

£ What’s the spec like?

Well-equipped and solidly built, but the spacious interior of the Hyundai feels too cheap and basic. The plastic trim on the steering wheel of our 1.2 Classic test car felt particularly bad.

£ What’s it like to drive?

The 1.2-litre petrol is a smooth and surprisingly refined performer, even on the motorway. It’s no fireball but it is well matched to the light and positive five-speed manual transmission.

£What do we think of it?

The i10 might not be the newest model on the city car block, but there’s no doubting that as a package, it’s still one of the best available.

Model: Price: Engine: Power: Max speed: 0-60mph: Combined MPG: Emissions:

Hyundai i10 1.2 Classic £8,345 1.2-litre, four-cylinder 85bhp, 121Nm 105mph 12.2s 61.4mpg 108g/km

key information Airbags: Driver/Passenger/Side Parking sensors: N/A Stability control: Option Alloy wheels: N/A Air-Con/Climate control: Standard Air-Conditioning Sat-nav: N/A USB: Standard Bluetooth: N/A Xenons: N/A

annual running costs Fuel: Insurance: Service: Tax:

£1,000 £400 £250 £30

Figures based on annual mileage of 9,000 miles and 95 Unleaded at 140p per litre. VED rates current as of July 2012.

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Autos New

mega test

IT MAY NOT HAVE THE GLAMOUR OF ITS RIVALS, BUT IT BEATS THEM ON PRICE

Nissan Pixo 1.0 n-tec £ What is it?

The cheapest car in this test is basically a Nissan-ised Suzuki Alto. The Pixo shares most of the design and engineering with the baby Suzuki and is also built at the same Indian plant.

£ What’s under the bonnet?

A 67bhp, three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine. The Pixo averages an impressive 65.7mpg and emits just 103g/km of CO2.

£ What’s the spec like?

Air-conditioning, electric front windows and a single-disc CD player were standard on the N-TEC model supplied for the test. Shame the level of fit and finish was disappointing.

£ What’s it like to drive?

There is no finesse to the Pixo’s performance and handling, you have to work the engine hard to perform so it is at its best in town. There’s lots of body roll in corners and the ride borders on uncomfortable.

£What do we think of it?

The Pixo might be the cheapest car in this test and will no doubt prove cost-effective to run, but its interior is disappointing, there isn’t as much room inside as rivals and it’s no fun to drive out of town.

THE KNOwledge technical specifications Model: Price: Engine: Power: Max speed: Combined MPG: Emissions: 0-60mph:

Nissan Pixo 1.0 N-TEC £8,250 1.0-litre, three-cylinder 67bhp, 120Nm 96mph 65.7mpg 103g/km 14 seconds

key information Airbags: Driver/Passenger/Side Parking sensors: N/A Stability control: Pack option Alloy wheels: N/A Air-Con/Climate control: Standard Air-Conditioning Sat-nav: N/A USB: Standard Bluetooth: N/A Xenons: N/A

annual running costs Fuel: Insurance: Service: Tax:

£1,000 £400 £250 £30

Figures based on annual mileage of 9,000 miles and 95 Unleaded at 140p per litre. VED rates current as of July 2012.

34

Autos New

mega test

Cheap... but possibly a little bit too cheap?

We weren’t really that impressed by the interior of the Nissan Pixo

discover the nissan pixo ARRANGE A NISSAN PIXO TEST DRIVE Scan the QR code with your smartphone Visit http://goo.gl/ANLR Call 0800 000 000 to book with your dealer GET A BROCHURE Scan the QR code with your smartphone Visit http://goo.gl/ANLR Call 0800 000 000 to receive model info GET THE BEST PRICE Scan the QR code with your smartphone Visit http://goo.gl/ANLR Call 0800 000 000 to get the best deal

35

Autos New

mega test

discover the toyota aygo ARRANGE A TOYOTA AYGO TEST DRIVE Scan the QR code with your smartphone Visit http://goo.gl/ANLR Call 0800 000 000 to book with your dealer GET A BROCHURE Scan the QR code with your smartphone Visit http://goo.gl/ANLR Call 0800 000 000 to receive model info GET THE BEST PRICE Scan the QR code with your smartphone Visit http://goo.gl/ANLR Call 0800 000 000 to get the best deal

It won’t cost you much to run a Toyota Aygo. We found the engine nippy in town, but rather noisy on the motorway

36

Autos New

mega test

IT WAS A HIT AMONG YOUNG AND MATURE BUYERS AT LAUNCH IN 2005. CAN IT STILL IMPRESS?

Toyota Aygo 1.0 VVTi £ What is it?

Part of a city car triple that was launched back in 2005 (there are Citroen and Peugeotbadged versions). Boasting a new look like its sister cars, we think that the Toyota’s revamp has been the best executed.

THE KNOwledge

£ What’s under the bonnet?

technical specifications

There is just a 68bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine available in the Aygo. It feels nippy in town, but is noisy at motorway speeds.

£ What’s the spec like?

Our Fire specification test car added privacy glass and LED Daytime Running Lights to an already comprehensive specification including air-conditioning, electric front windows and a single-disc CD player.

£ What’s it like to drive?

The lack of steering feel is frustrating in the Aygo, as it is hard to work out what the front wheels are doing in corners. On top of this, it appears to weight up in town too, making parking more of an effort.

£What do we think of it?

The Aygo is a likeable car in this group, and should cost pennies to run, but the Toyota shows its age with the stiff ride and poor refinement.

Model: Price: Engine: Power: Max speed: Combined MPG: Emissions: 0-60mph:

Toyota Aygo 1.0 VVTi Fire £9,990 1.0-litre, three-cylinder 74bhp, 93Nm 97.5mph 65.7mpg 99g/km 14.2 seconds

key information Airbags: Driver/Passenger/Side Parking sensors: Optional Stability control: Pack option Alloy wheels: Standard Air-Con/Climate control: Standard Air-Conditioning Sat-nav: N/A USB: Standard Bluetooth: N/A Xenons: N/A

annual running costs Fuel: Insurance: Service: Tax:

£1,000 £400 £250 £30

Figures based on annual mileage of 9,000 miles and 95 Unleaded at 140p per litre. VED rates current as of July 2012.

37

Autos New

mega test

VOLKsWAGEN HAS returned to the city car market. but does this car tick the right boxes?

Volkswagen up! 1.0 £ What is it?

The up! is part of a Volkswagen Group three-part attack on the city car market. There are SEAT and Skoda versions also available.

£ What’s under the bonnet?

The up! is powered by a choice of new 60bhp or 74bhp three-cylinder 1.0-litre engines. Our car had the smaller of these two engines, yet we were impressed with its refinement and torque.

£ What’s the spec like?

Our Move up! test car included all-important air-conditioning, electric front windows and remote central locking. Optional Maps & More navigation system (£290) adds other big car features such as Bluetooth.

£ What’s it like to drive?

The keywords here are refined and composed. Only bigger bumps seem to upset this little Volkswagen. The ride might be supple, but it’s still fun to drive with accurate steering.

£What do we think of it?

In our view, this is the best city car in the group. It looks great, has a spacious interior, is well-made and great to drive. Not a cheap choice, the Seat and Skoda sister cars offer better value for money.

THE KNOwledge technical specifications Model: Price: Engine: Power: Max speed: Combined MPG: Emissions: 0-60mph:

Move up! BlueMotion 1.0-litre £9,440 1.0-litre, three-cylinder 60bhp, 95Nm 100mph 68.9mpg 96g/km 14.4 seconds

key information Airbags: Driver/Passenger/Side Parking sensors: Pack option Stability control: Pack option Alloy wheels: Optional Air-Con/Climate control: Standard Air-Conditioning Sat-nav: Pack option USB: Standard Bluetooth: Pack option Xenons: N/A

annual running costs Fuel: Insurance: Service: Tax:

£1,000 £400 £250 £30

Figures based on annual mileage of 9,000 miles and 95 Unleaded at 140p per litre. VED rates current as of July 2012.

38

Autos New

mega test

We think the Volkswagen up! is well-made and great to drive – and as you can see, the interior is nice and spacious

discover the nissan pixo ARRANGE A NISSAN PIXO TEST DRIVE Scan the QR code with your smartphone Visit http://goo.gl/ANLR Call 0800 000 000 to book with your dealer GET A BROCHURE Scan the QR code with your smartphone Visit http://goo.gl/ANLR Call 0800 000 000 to receive model info GET THE BEST PRICE Scan the QR code with your smartphone Visit http://goo.gl/ANLR Call 0800 000 000 to get the best deal

39

Autos New

mega test

Number cruncher

compare each car’s specification like-for-like with this concise chart

head-to-head Fiat Panda 1.2 Easy 5dr

Hyundai i10 1.2 Classic 5dr

Toyota Aygo 1.0 VVTi Fire 5dr

Nissan Pixo 1.0 n-tec 5dr

Doors Price (£) Insurance group 1-50 Euro NCAP - Occupant Euro NCAP - Child Euro NCAP - Pedestrian Euro NCAP - Overall

Volkswagen up!

1.0 Move Up BlueMotion 3dr 3 9,440 1 N/A N/A N/A 5

5 9,550 5 N/A N/A N/A 4

5 8,345 4 N/A N/A N/A 4

5 9,990 3 4 4 2 4

5 8,250 4 N/A N/A N/A 3

Engine Size cc Cylinders Valves Power bhp Torque Nm Fuel type Transmission Type (MT/AT) Number of gears Driven Wheels

999 3 6v 60@5500 70@3000 Unleaded Manual 5-spd F

1242 4 8v 69@5500 75@3000 Unleaded Manual 5-spd F

1248 4 16v 85@5500 89@3000 Unleaded Manual 5-spd F

998 3 12v 67@5500 68@3000 Unleaded Manual 5-spd F

996 4 12v 68@5500 66@3000 Unleaded Manual 5-spd F

Urban MPG Extra Urban MPG Combined MPG C02 Emissions (g/km) VED Band Max. speed 0-60 mph

56.5 78.5 68.9 95 A 100 14.2

42.2 65.7 54.3 120 C 102 14.0

50.4 68.9 61.4 108 B 105 12.0

55.4 74.3 65.7 99 A 98 14.0

54.3 74.3 65.7 99 A 96 13.8

ESP Central Locking Alarm Immobiliser Alloy Wheels Air-con Climate control Electric mirrors Electric front windows Electric rear windows Metallic paint Cruise control Rear parking sensor Leather Seats Driver airbag Passenger airbag Front side airbag MP3 Connectivity Bluetooth CD Satellite navigation Split/fold rear seat

Std Std N/A Std 650 Std N/A 300 Std N/A 450 350 jt opt 350 jt opt N/A Std Std N/A Std 290 jt opt Std N/A Folding

315 Std DF Std 300 Std 265 55 Std N/A 450 N/A 250 N/A Std Std N/A Std 400 jt opt Std N/A Folding

365 Std N/A Std N/A N/A N/A N/A Std N/A 425 N/A DF N/A Std Std N/A Std N/A Std N/A Folding

N/A Std N/A Std Std 500 N/A N/A Std N/A 450 N/A 425 N/A Std Std

450 Std DF Std Std N/A N/A N/A Std N/A 415 N/A 365 N/A Std Std

N/A N/A Std N/A Folding

200 jt opt 200 jt opt Std N/A Folding

Boot capacity min/max Fuel tank (litres) Length (mm) Width (mm) Height (mm) Wheelbase (mm) Kerb Weight (kg) Gross Weight (kg) Towing limit (braked) (kg)

251 / 951 35 3540 1640 1489 2420 940 1290 N/A

225 / 870 37 3653 1643 1551 2300 1015 1430 800

225 / 910 35 3565 1595 1540 2380 996 1410 800

139 / 751 35 3415 1615 1465 2340 890 1245 N/A

129 / 861 35 3565 1600 1470 2360 885 1250 200

Service interval (miles) Warranty (years) Warranty (miles)

10000 3 60000

18000 3 60000

12500 5 Unlimited

10000 5 100000

9000 3 60000

Model

40

Autos New

mega test

Decisiontime... time...

Decision Not does a iriureraessi real game changer along, Ut la often feum ipsum tat. Duis come nullaor alis but Volkswagen haslareally shaken up thepraesse city car atuer suscing eugait aliqui ex ex exerat sector with its up! ea faccummod magna aliquis quamconum veliqui Why? Because offers lobore big-carmoloreet, levels of space aut alit prat. Ametit nullut sum and refinement, zippyEt,engines and a strong dolorper sectet, quat. vel ut volobor eetuerilisi. dose of style commonly seen in this sector.

Sandreet prat not velesectem vullaore minim More often or not, city cars comeaesendit with too many acipsusto dolobore dolor sendrer compromises, not the ex eniat ullaor atbut ullaore tis VW. alismodo ercin et That’s not forgetting typically-Volkswagen praesequamet vel diatiothe odiam, consequatum levels of high quality, either. zzrit utat, quat,build sisit elit nonsequipsum vel dolore With prices at £7,995, thetioup! is magna aliquipstarting sustin ullaore feuisi conse competitive too.

If you need to finance the car, dipsuscil ea consed dio odit luptatisim nostio odit then thequamet Germanlobore firm has thought that too by velessim estrud tisimofvel ullaortie offering PCPenim (Personal Contract Purchase finance) tis alismodo dolorti ncillan ese vulla aute deals atvolor a meagre £79 perdelessent month. alis dit amet, magnit senis nullum If itduipisi. was our money, however, we would be quis tempted to buy the Skoda Citigo.

It’s identical Molorti nciliquat vullut nullam, conse facidunt to thedoloboreet up! apart from few Skoda badges,dolore a different wis wisl ailiquat et vulluptat grille anddolore is evenvelis cheaper it’s priced from consecte nisim–vulla feum illa con £7,630. vel ulluptat lam, quam zzriure miniamet dolor Perhapsero a Skoda is venis not for you – there’s also the aliquisisci dolore alisi.

SEAT Mii – again, identical to the up! and priced from £7,845.

But, in this test, the up! is head and shoulders above the competition. A well deserved winner.

1

Volkswagen up!

It’s almost the perfect city car – cute looks, and fun to own

««««« «««««

2

Fiat Panda

Looks good but some options should come as standard

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3

Hyundai i10

A well-equipped, grown-up city car that’s good to drive too

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4

Toyota Aygo

The sharp looks cannot hide a car athat carfeels that dated feels dated

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5

Nissan Pixo

It may be the cheapest, but its interior is cheap and rather nasty

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trade tips

10

top

It’s hard buying anything when you’re not as knowledgeable as the person selling – and that’s never more obvious than when you’re buying a car.

With typical British reserve, we’re inclined to politely nod and agree to that paint protection option for

Autos New

tricks of THE trade

an extra £300 or a lower price than we wanted for our existing car. Here, using our combined industry knowledge, we outline some of the tactics deployed in dealerships to win your business – and some tips on how to get the deal you want in the showroom.

Value and profit

A dealer can sell you a new car, make money from the car you trade in and maybe sell you a finance package – that’s three different ways to make money. Your job is to get the maximum return on your car.

As a result, you should beware of valuing your own car – you’re giving a dealer a reason to lower your part-exchange cash.

Remember this: The dealer needs no help in working out its value.

The busy forecourt A busy forecourt gives the impression of a successful dealership. You’ll see all manner of cars, ‘for sale’ signs and action going on around the dealership, giving buyers lots of choice and encouraging them to spend more time making their mind up.

This also gives the impression of a thriving business. A lot of this is actually a conscious effort to create a certain image on the dealer’s part.

the ‘sold’ sign A basic method employed by dealers for decades is to have 25 popular cars and slap ‘sold’ signs on 22 of them.

That creates urgency and allows dealers to employ the ‘only available now’ or ‘only three left’ lines in an attempt to push the buyer towards a purchase. Don’t be fooled.

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the false price All cars have their price. If a dealer values a car at £8k, a notional breakeven point for him might be £9k. It’s likely to be advertised at £9,995.

This is a clever tactic because the dealer can drop the price down to £9,000 and give the impression of a discount or time-limited deal. The buyer goes away happy with what appears to be a bargain price – but the dealer got the price he or she was after all along.

Autos New

trade tips

are you sitting comfortably?

After your senses have been attacked, you’ll notice that you’ve ended up behind the wheel of the car. A good salesman will kneel down next to the car once you’re inside, putting themselves on eye-level with you, close enough to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

inside the car

question time

New cars are obviously clean, tidy and well polished – they’re all simple touches that can make a car seem much nicer and more desirable. But as well as polishes, shines and waxes across the exterior, dealers will also use a silicone spray inside for that unbeatable new car smell.

on the road Once you’re set, you’ll be asked how the car feels, how you feel in the car and whether you’re enjoying the drive. Most motorists won’t know what to look for with regard to how a car handles, so the salesman will fill you in. Guess what – it handles really well!

Once a dealer is at eye-level, they’ll reel off a list of predetermined questions to make you feel comfortable and like you’re in charge. They’re designed to elicit positive replies first and foremost, because the majority of buyers aren’t rude or confident enough to criticise - but also because they give you little room to say no.

flattery will get you everywhere You’ll stop at a nearby window and asked if you can ‘see yourself in the car’. Guess what, you look great behind the wheel – and, yes, you can see yourself in the car! Chances are you’ll be asked to park the test car next to your old car. It’s no coincidence you’ve been asked to park next to your clapped-out old banger.

bumps and scrapes Conversation will move quickly onto your part-exchange model and how much it’s worth.

You’ll be asked to provide a brief history on the model including any scrapes, bangs or repairs – giving the salesman the opportunity to take money off. You’ll next be asked to estimate how much the repairs will cost. Unless you’re a mechanic you’ll be more inclined to give a ballpark figure, which may be too high. If you don’t know, keep quiet.

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living with

first report: 749 miles THE TEAM GETS INTRODUCED TO ONE OF THE MOST TALKED ABOUT SKodas ever - the yeti

Skoda Yeti GreenLine II

BY James Baggott

@NewAutosJames

W

elcome to New Autos’ brand new longterm test car – the Skoda Yeti GreenLine II. Truth is, we should have had Skoda’s award-winning crossover months ago, but with it being one of the three lowest depreciating cars in the country, according to trade valuation specialists CAP, the factory in Mlada Bolselav can’t build them quick enough!

So has it been worth the wait? Well, as I write I’ve had the car almost two weeks and covered hundreds rather than thousands of miles, but the answer in such a short space of time, is a resounding yes.

OY12 AVU fits so well into my life I’m already dreading the day when the man from Skoda will knock on my door to take the key away.

Firstly, there is the practicality and interior space, with definitely more baby seat room than my own two-seater car. My daughter also likes looking out the big tinted rear windows.

The practically-shaped boot is a bonus too. Even 44

Autos New

Autos New

living with

log book

Kia Rio 1.4D

skoda yeti Greenline II Joined fleet: Run by: Price: Engine: Power: Max speed: Combined MPG: Emissions: 0-60mph:

May 2012 James Baggott £22,670 1.6-litre, 4cyl 103bhp, 250Nm 109mph 61.4 119g/km 12.1 seconds

Mileage this month: Our mpg: Costs this month: Problems this month:

749 58.2 £0 None

BY James Batchelor

@NewAutosBatch

T

he job of racking the mileage up on our Rio has fallen to me. First up was a jaunt to Heathrow to catch a flight to Munich to drive the Chevy Cruze SW. And then, later that week, I returned to exactly the same car parking space to hop on a plane to lovely Manchester for the Volvo V40 launch.

And I can happily report the Rio is a delight in airport car parks.

In all seriousness, though, it was on the way to Heathrow when a slight incident occured with the Rio. I was on the M25, and in glancing down at the speedo to check my fuel consumption, I noticed a message saying: ‘Check tyre’.

It caused me quite a bit of anxiety as you can imagine but it then disappeared as quickly as it had appeared. A quick call to our local Kia dealer, Fine Cars, revealed all was okay. It was just a message to notify me the tyres need rotating at the Rio’s 10,000mile service.

This is a minor gripe on what has been a faultless car since its arrival some time ago.

It’s still impressing us, and is regularly returning impressive fuel economy figures in excess of 50mpg.

Not quite the claimed 70.6 but... I’m moaning.

Again.

in a nutshell Roomy, practical, and easy to drive, this is a well-built car for a very reasonable price.

Skoda’s factory is operating round the clock to meet demand for the new Yeti

in the short time we’ve had the car, it has swallowed the usual toddler clobber, a large foldable desk chair and the novelty of having a bigger boot has meant countless trips to the dump.

Then there is the equipment; our Elegance GreenLine II starts at a pricey £20,475, but it does include niceties such as leather trim, Bluetooth and a four-spoke multi-function steering wheel. We’ve also added what we believe to be one of the best, although costly (£1,530) DVD-based sat-nav system.

Personally, I love the way the Yeti pairs with my iPhone the moment I fire up the 105PS 1.6TDi GreenLine engine. It has only thrown a tantrum once, but I think it was sulking after being left in an underground car park while I attended a launch.

It might be a frugal green car, but there’s a real maturity to the way the Yeti drives and rides.

So is there anything we don’t like?

Well... certain colleagues’ have likened the Yeti’s boxy shape and Corrida red paint to Postman Pat’s van, the standard, optimised rolling resistance tyres seem to lack grip in corners and the central locking’s CB-like roger bleep when locking and unlocking sounding like a cheap 80s alarm are the only gripes we have so far .

These are all minor annoyances, and are ones we are sure to forget about as time passes.

In fact, I’m really looking forward to spending the next couple of months behind the wheel of Postman Pat’s red van.

Easy to read dials, and a chunky steering wheel with buttons are real plus points.

«««««

Clever details are the marks of a quality car – like ‘Yeti’ embedded in the headlamp cluster.

in a nutshell Early days, of course, but there’s a great deal to love about the Yeti. If you’re on the waiting list, you’re in for a real treat come delivery time.

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watching the pennies? we give you the top 10...

City cars 1: Volkswagen up!

MAKING THAT PURCHASE «««««

As we’ve already said, the VW up! offers big-car levels of space and refinement, zippy engines and a plenty of style not often seen in this sector. All in all, a worthy winner of our Five-star Car Award.

2: Hyundai i10

«««««

5-STAR CAR

updated

By some way the most popular city car on the market, the i10 hoovers up almost half the sales on the segment in the UK for a very good reason. It’s practical, reasonably well-equipped and very cheap – especially with a five-year warranty.

3: Kia Picanto

buying from a car dealership If you’re buying a new car from a dealership it’s important to consider your rights as a consumer – and ensure you’re protected in case things go wrong.

Preparation is important when buying a new car from a dealership, so doing your homework is the best way to find a good deal – and the car that’s right for you.

Firstly, buying from a car dealer is among the safest forms of car purchase available, as you will be covered by the Sale of Goods Act.

«««««

Another car from Kia that advances the brand another few steps, the Picanto is one of the best cars in the city car sector and is available with high specifications and low prices. In this sector, the Picanto can’t be ignored.

4: Ford Ka

«««««

The Ford Ka is based on the Fiat 500 adding a more supple and responsive ride. But whereas the last Ka was a design revolution the new Ka is somewhat less impressive to look at.

A good drive and a roomy interior should impress.

5: Fiat 500

Additionally, every dealership has minimum preparation standards for each car so you can be sure that buying from a dealership should ensure the best care – and preparation – of that car.

«««««

Wide appeal, funky looks and excellent range of engines make the Fiat 500 enduringly popular – but prices are on the high side when compared to other city cars on the market. Still, very few city cars carry such a retro feel.

If you’ve decided that buying a dealer is the best choice for you it’s time to start researching your needs – and find a car that suits them.

6: Smart Fortwo

You should use magazines, the internet, your peer group and other recommendations to find out what prices similar cars are advertised at. With that figure in mind you should know what your limit is.

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Bigger and better with some of the best fuel economy figures on the market and different powertrains to suit different drivers. Now a more realistic all-round proposition as a car, the Fortwo is excellent, but expensive.

7: Suzuki Alto

Knowing your target price and ideal car you should stick to your required specifications – don’t be swayed by added extras that will push up the price.

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Suzuki’s smallest car - and a good one. Tiny, built just for the city and well made. It’s also practical and impressive when it comes to buying and running costs. Not a car to covet, but one that‘s fit for purpose.

8: Renault Twingo

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Smaller then the Clio, the Renault Twingo is a cheap and simple option that’s reasonably spacious, practical and boasts good engines. Twingo stands for twist, swing and tango – but you’re more likely to be heading down the shops in it.

9: Chevrolet Spark

«««««

updated

Lots of new car buyers miss out on taking a test drive but it’s the best way to be as sure as you can that the car you’re considering is the best one for you.

Cheap, roomy, comfortable, easy to live with and attractively styled, the Spark has a lot going for it. Handling dynamics are not among the pluses, but driving in the city will be a doddle and it should be cheap to run.

Sizing up a car, kicking a tyre and patting the dashboard are no substitutes for taking a real-world drive. That might mean taking the car into a town, a crowded car-park, your garage or the motorway.

10: Toyota iQ

Keep all correspondence and receipts. If things go wrong you will be covered by the Sale of Goods act.

«««««

At less than three metres long, the iQ is a tiny package – but offers innovation and versatility for your money. Lots of clever touches, loads of safety kit, eye-catching design and a good spread of petrol and diesel engines – but the iQ is not cheap.

Ensure you act quickly – within two weeks of delivery – and don’t get sidetracked into accepting partial refunds if the car has a fault.

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Autos New

Reader Service

NEED SPACE FOR KIDS AND CLUTTER? HERE ARE OUR top 10...

Family cars 1: Ford Focus

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Multilink suspension, excellent handling, excellent powertrains and impressive gadgetry mean the Ford Focus does it all, and it generally does it better than competitors.

It’s omnipresent for a reason – it’s a very good car.

2: Volkswagen Golf

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An evergreen sight on roads, the latest Golf – the sixth – is one of the best yet. Engines and suspension set-ups mean the Golf is one of the best drives in the segment, while quality and reliability are also strong for the sector.

3: Audi A3

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The Audi A3 has size and build quality on its side, but it’s expensive and boasts some classic Audi styling (or lack of it).

But it is big – especially in five-door Sportback versions, boasts a strong range of engines and won’t disappoint overall.

4: Vauxhall Astra

Want to arrange a test drive?

Want to order a brochure?

Let the New Autos team take the strain and organise it for you.

One quick call to our Reader Service team is all that’s needed to get things moving.

RING 0844 655 7999 48

«««««

The new Vauxhall Astra has been another sales success for Vauxhall, the British-built family car coming back with a muchimproved design, stunning interior and wide range of engines to suit all drivers. It’s comfortable and roomy.

5: Kia Cee’d

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A massive step change for Kia with a car to worry any mainstream competitor. The cee’d ticks all of the boxes and adds a seven-year warranty to make a package that’s impossible to ignore in the sector.

6: Hyundai i30

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The i30 is at the vanguard of Hyundai’s assault on the established European-and-Japanese volume hierarchy – and it’s a devastating one. With each new iteration of the Hyundai i30 there has come more refinement, style and better engines.

7: BMW 1 Series

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The 1 Series’ styling may divide critics, but BMW’s strong engines and EfficientDynamics technology drive down consumption and emissions. This is a family car you can be proud of – assuming you like the styling and can afford it!

8: SEAT Leon

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Volkswagen underpinnings mean the Leon will always be a competent and reliable car – but it’s fun to drive, comfortable and well built too. In the right trim, the Leon looks the part and is sufficiently different from the rest of the pack.

9: Renault Megane

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Renault’s latest Megane boasts some pleasing coupe-esque lines – and the Renaultsport hot-hatch version holds the front-wheel drive record at the Nurburgring, the industry benchmark for handling and performance.

10: Honda Civic

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The new Honda Civic is as much fun to be in as it is to look at.

Despite the unusual shape, there’s lots of space for luggage and the interior looks futuristic. Handling doesn’t quite live up to the Civic’s space-age looks though.

new

new

Autos New

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NEED EVEN MORE ROOM FOR YOUR CLAN? THE TOP 10...

Large family cars 1: Ford Mondeo

«««««

tricks of the trade updated

Surprisingly good in virtually every regard. There’s a wide range of engines – including excellent new Ecoboost petrol engines for fuel economy and performance – massive interior space, comfort and styling. Safety and comfort are good too.

2: Skoda Superb

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You may have sufficient funds to buy a car outright, which may attract a discount. But you should pay a deposit using a credit card in these circumstances so you have additional legal protection if something goes wrong with the car, as the credit card issuer has joint responsibility to sort out disputes over payments.

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Unusually available first as an estate model, the i40 has seriously impressed. Economical diesel engines, attractive prices for a lot of car (in terms of size and spec) and a five-year warranty mean the i40 should have the big boys worried.

4: Vauxhall Insignia

If you don’t have the cash you may have to investigate a loan from a bank or building society. Shop around for the best interest rate (APR) on your loan. Loan markets are extremely competitive, so you should be able to secure a good rate of interest.

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Vauxhall’s new family car is one the best lookers in the segment, adding style and interior quality to its predecessor’s strengths, namely comfort and a smooth ride.

The Insignia was the best-selling car in the sector last year.

5: Volkswagen Passat

Alternatively, should your credit card issuer have a low interest rate, using a credit card can be a good way of financing your new car. Introductory rates may offer rates of interest as low as 0 per cent over periods of up to one year.

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The all-new Passat may look a lot like the old one but it gets a high-quality new interior and excellent range of engines, including the very efficient BlueMotion option. Interior space is enormous and there’s a big boot.

6: BMW 3 Series

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In a different price bracket to the rest of the cars on this list, but the compact executive is a regular on top 10 sales lists in the UK. The 3 Series is the family car to aspire to – if you have the readies.

7: Peugeot 508

new

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Sensible design, sensible engines, sensible prices – the Toyota Avensis is sensible all round. While that may sound like a back-handed compliment the Toyota saloon is well equipped, comfortable and spacious.

9: Honda Accord

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The Accord is a family car that never fails to impress in terms of its quality and comfort. It’s one of the more expensive cars on the market for the sector, but it offers the excellent i-VTEC petrol engines or frugal diesel engine.

10: Citroen C5

“Only consider using a credit card if you are able to pay off the full balance.”

However, beware of rates following this introductory period – they will be much higher. Only consider using a credit card to finance a purchase if you are able to pay off the full balance before the introductory rates expire.

One of the most popular forms of car finance is leasing, whereby a company buys and owns the car that you have chosen. You will pay back agreed monthly instalments over an agreed period of time.

The 508 saloon marks another model in Peugeot’s improvements to its range, with much-improved interiors, high build quality and a classically French ride (ie. very comfortable). It adds up to a strong proposition for families.

8: Toyota Avensis

If you’re buying a car you may have decided to buy on finance. This will offer you a flexible package that could allow you to buy a car you cannot afford outright.

Choosing the right finance option to pay for your new car may prove difficult and confusing. There are several payment plans that you can choose from, and depending on your personal circumstances; some may be more suitable than others.

The Skoda Superb is an enormous car for the family sector, and for the money. Rear passengers can enjoy more than a metre of legroom and the boot is also one of the largest in the sector. Estate versions are vast.

3: Hyundai i40

HOW TO BUY A CAR ON FINANCE

updated

updated

This method of financing a car purchase is likely to offer a lower monthly payment than a personal loan.

There are many different forms of leasing that depend on your circumstances and may or may not offer a better solution to your requirements.

Finally, hire purchase (HP) may be worth considering as a finance option, especially if the list price of the car is higher than many personal loan limits, which are typically limited to around £20,000.

However, interest rates for hire purchase plans are usually more than personal loan rates and you will never own the vehicle until the full amount is repaid.

As ever, researching your options and being realistic about your requirements and ability to pay back finance is paramount.

«««««

The large, smart C5 saloon is one of the most stylish family cars in the sector. The C5 is a comfortable car for motorways, but a hydropneumatic suspension for automatic models boosts ride comfort again. The C5 is hard to ignore.

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waNT A HIGH DRIVING POSITION? we give you the top ten...

Sports Utility Vehicles

iNSURANCE ADVICe

1: Nissan Qashqai

SEARCHING FOR THE BEST DEAL

«««««

Sitting somewhere between an estate and an SUV, the Britishbuilt Qashqai was the first in the new ‘crossover’ market.

Practical, spacious and at around £17,000 for the cheapest models, it is an affordable car for the family.

The spiralling cost of car insurance – with little chance of a corresponding fall – means that searching for the best deal possible is important if saving cash is a priority for you.

2: Skoda Yeti

When quoting for a premium, insurers will weigh up how likely you are to make a claim using a variety of factors. You can influence some of these factors to drive down the cost of your insurance premium.

«««««

The Yeti is a small, affordable SUV designed for using onthe-road as opposed to off it. Reliable and well-built, the Yeti comes with a good choice of low-cost diesel and petrol engines and the choice of two or four-wheel drive.

3: Range Rover Evoque

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The Evoque comes with all the luxury of a Range Rover at a fraction of the price. Its distinctive sloping roof is stylish and attractive but it manages to retain the off-road ability of its bigger brothers. Still a pricey option though.

4: BMW X3

«««««

The BMW X3 is a brilliant compact SUV capable of seating five in comfort. Classy looks and a comfortable, premium interior are the best in its segment, while a range of efficient-butpowerful engines offer plenty of choice..

5: Audi Q5

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Spacious and practical, the Audi Q5 is a competent crossover SUV with typically superb Audi build quality and a premium feel that will appeal to cash-conscious drivers of the larger and more expensive Audi Q7.

6: Land Rover Discovery 4 «««««

new

Insurers will look at how likely your car is to be damaged or stolen, depending on where you park it, what your occupation is, how often you drive, whether you use your car for business or leisure. They’ll also be interested to know the make and model.

While it may not be possible to change your occupation or address, you can protect your car by parking it off-road where possible. A well-lit street, drive or garage will shave money off your premium.

Equipping your car with an immobiliser, alarm, an in-car tracker can also reduce your costs – particularly with more valuable cars.

If you use your car to travel to work, you will drive up the cost of your insurance, so consider alternative transport that means you don’t use your car for business purposes.

“SMALLER CARS WILL SAVE YOU MONEY WHEN TAXING AND RUNNING YOUR CAR.”

Land Rover builds the UK’s best off-road 4x4s and the large Discovery is the best in its class. Superb off-road, the ‘Disco’ is practical, packed full of equipment and comes with the brands brilliant All Terrain system.

Smaller cars will save you money when taxing and running your car – but they will also save you cash on your annual renewal. Cars with smaller engines and lower list prices will attract lower insurance quotes.

7: Volvo XC60

And while driving safely has clear benefits in all walks of life, a lack of endorsements on your driving licence will ensure lower premiums. Car insurers have been known to refuse to quote for drivers with as little as three points on their licence.

«««««

The XC60 is Volvo combining two things it does so well: SUVs and estates. It’s comfortable, refined and looks great inside and out. Safety kit is, as expected, the best around, and isn’t too bad to drive, either.

8: Honda CR-V

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The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV based on the popular Civic hatchback. It comes with a modicum of off-road ability and some oddball styling, along with a low, £20,000 starting price and a reputation for reliability. About to be replaced.

9: Lexus RX450h

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The RX450h is a luxury hybrid SUV with plenty of power from the petrol and electric set-up. This also helps to keep down running costs, while Lexus has decked out the interior with typically plush materials and plenty of equipment.

10: Toyota Land Cruiser

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Driving safely can also protect your no claims bonus, which will reward you for not making claims over the course of your policy.

If insuring a car is proving difficult due to the high cost, consider third party insurance – or consider increasing the voluntary excess on your policy.

Paying for your insurance in a lump sum or over the internet can also shave precious pounds off your policy. Meanwhile taking advanced driving courses may also reduce costs.

There may not be great savings to be made in any one area – but shaving small amounts off your premium can add up to real savings.

The Land Cruiser is a big, bruising off-roader with a powerful V8 engine designed to cope with tough terrain and conditions. Its sheer size and road presence can be daunting, but there’s no doubting its practicality.

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Autos New

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want space but not a van? we give you the top 10...

Multi-Purpose Vehicles 1: Ford C-Max

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A stylish, five-seat MPV (the Grand C-Max seats seven) that is based on the Ford Focus. This means it is one of the best MPVs in terms of handling and responsiveness. It also comes with Ford’s impressive range of engines and plenty of equipment.

2: Seat Alhambra

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A host of awards attest to the Alhambra’s spacious interior capable of seating seven in comfort. Well-built and practical, it drives like a much smaller car and the Volkswagen engines are punchy but frugal.

3: Volkswagen Sharan

«««««

The VW Sharan is a huge seven-seat car with sliding doors for easier access to the back seats. A classy, hard-wearing interior is a big bonus, so too is the VW badge. But the higher price may put some buyers off.

4: Ford S-Max

«««««

The Ford S-Max is one of the best-handling seven-seat cars available to buy. Responsive steering and extraordinary grip make it feel like a smaller car. It also looks great with a sloping roof and premium-feel interior.

It’s easy! Call our friendly team and you could soon be reaching 40,000 buyers actively looking to replace their car.

CALL US TODAY! 52

5: Vauxhall Zafira Tourer ««««« Launched in 2012, the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer is a ‘lounge on wheels’. It has a range of modern equipment and seven comfortable seats. Its real value comes in its flexibility; the seats can be manipulated into almost any combination.

6: Chevrolet Orlando

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Big, bulky and affordable, the Chevrolet Orlando is a lot of car for your money. Prices start from under £17,000 for this basic but practical seven-seater. It also comes with an impressive five-year warranty for added peace-of-mind.

7: Peugeot 5008

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The Peugeot 5008 is a no-fuss MPV with practicality galore.

For a seven-seat MPV it handles well and offers a strong alternative to the more traditional ‘box’ designs of large people carriers.

8: Mazda 5

«««««

Mazda builds driveable cars like no other and even the boxy, seven-seat Mazda5 people carrier is better than most around corners. Refined and responsive, it feels like a much smaller car. It also comes with ‘wave-like’ designs down the sides.

9: Renault Scenic

«««««

The Renault Scenic is a popular five-seat people carrier (a seven-seat Grand Scenic is also available) with frugal engines and practical, fold-flat seats. It is surprisingly reliable and it comes with a high build quality.

10: Citroen C3 Picasso

«««««

Big and boxy, the Citroen C3 Picasso comes with love-it-orhate-it styling. Despite its size it is surprisingly nimble and passengers will be well-cosseted from wind noise and bumps in the road. At around £12,000, it’s also extremely affordable.

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LIKE A BIT OF EXCITEMENT? we give you the top 10...

Sports cars 1: Porsche 911

«««««

new

Back with an all-new model – though you may not know it from the styling – Porsche goes straight back to the top of the tree with its new 911. Purists may complain about the lack of emotion, but the 911 is a serious driver’s car.

2: BMW M5

«««««

new

The BMW M5 offers searing performance and all the gadgetry required to drift it sideways around a track or cosset your passengers in comfort. Large, luxurious, stylish and so very, very fast.

3: Nissan GT-R

«««««

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Nissan comes to the supercar table with the very fast GT-R – a car that thumbs its nose at Audi and Porsche and undercuts them significantly in terms of pricing. The GT-R is at home on a testing track but not out of its comfort zone on roads either.

4: Toyota GT-86

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new

Toyota’s long-awaited return to building sports cars resulted from a joint venture with Subaru. Priced very competitively at around £25,000, the GT-86 gets a 2.0-litre Boxer petrol engine from Subaru and comes with a raft of gadgetry.

5: Mazda MX-5

«««««

Possibly the best cost-to-smile ratio of any car on the road, the Mazda MX-5 is available with fabric or folding metal roofs and two petrol engines. The MX-5 is compact but it’s engineered superbly. You can buy a new MX-5 for under £20k.

6: Audi TT

«««««

Derided as a hairdresser’s car by precisely no-one who has ever driven one, the TT can be a serious sports car when required. Available in coupe and roadster formats – it is equally good in either.

7: Peugeot RCZ

«««««

The car that put the sexy back into Peugeot, the RCZ is a cracking two-door, four-seat coupe that offers a good drive and truly great powertrains in the shape of THP turbo petrol lumps. The design is something to behold too.

8: Volkswagen Scirocco

«««««

The Scirocco borrows the meaner elements from the Golf and adds grunt and responsive and frugal turbodiesel engine or swift petrol engines. Sleeker exterior styling means the Scirocco really looks the part too.

9: Mercedes-Benz SLK

«««««

Mercedes returned to the sports car sector with the SLK in 1997. This new version appeared in early 2012 and it’s fun to drive, has muscular styling, boasts a quality interior and there’s a large range of engines. There’s even a diesel version.

10: Jaguar XK-R

«««««

Equipped with powerful 5.0-litre petrol engine, boosted by superchargers, the Jaguar coupe offers near-supercar levels of performance from its sleek profile. The XK-R is a stunning grand tourer that offers power and comfort in equal measure.

It’s easy! Call our friendly team and you could soon be reaching 40,000 buyers actively looking to replace their car.

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WANT SPEED BUT NEED TO CARRY KIDS? we give you the top ten...

Hot hatchbacks

SELLING ADVICe how best to sell your car

1: Renaultsport Megane 265«««««

There are a number of considerations to bear in mind when selling your car privately, but if you have parted with the car you still need to ensure you fulfil your responsibilities – or risk financial heartache.

The only slightly bigger brother of this car currently owns the track record for its sector at the feared Nurburgring, widely considered the global benchmark for the performance and handling of new cars.

2: SEAT Leon Cupra R

Whether you are selling privately, through a dealer or a motor trader, it’s important to notify the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) as soon as possible that you have sold the car on.

«««««

Beneath the curvy exterior, lies a hatchback inspired by motorsport. Power comes from a 263bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, and the interior features racing leather sports seats. White wheels are optional.

3: Ford Focus ST

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new

You need to ensure that the new owner registers as the new owner as the DVLA is in charge of vehicle tax and will be made aware of any driving offences or penalties accrued with your car, even if you have already sold it.

Think of the brand new Ford Focus ST as a car that does everything a ‘normal’ Focus does, but with more power and speed. The standard Ford Focus’ practicalies still remain, but beneath its bonnet lies a 2.0-litre petrol turbo.

Do not rely on the new owner to inform the DVLA – ensure that the DVLA is informed of the change of ownership yourself.

4: Vauxhall Astra VXR

The DVLA will confirm the sale of your vehicle in the form of a letter outlining that you are no longer responsible for the vehicle.

«««««

new

Is the three-door Vauxhall Astra GTC a little too slow for your needs? Perhaps the VXR version is more your kind of thing then. With a turbo-charged 2.0-litre engine and 276bhp and some high-tech suspension, this is a rapid car.

5: Audi RS3

how to inform the dvla of the CAR’S sale If you have a V5C registration form it’s straightforward to make the notification.

«««««

Simply fill in the relevant sections with the new owner – making sure you note the exact date of sale – and send it to the DVLA.

Originally only 450 units of the exclusive RS3 arrived in the UK, but now another 250 are available. This is a super, but pricey, hot hatchback that has a powerful 2.5-litre engine under the bonnet. There’s seating for five and it can reach 155mph.

6: Volkswagen Golf GTI

“Do not rely on the new owner to inform the DVLA – ensure you do it.”

You should give the fully completed V5C/2 section to the buyer. If you sell the vehicle to a trader you must complete the V5C/3 section.

«««««

This is the iconic hot hatchback for it has the classic combination of speed and practicality. There’s the choice of manual or DSG (automatic) gearboxes, plus three or five doors.

The range also includes a diesel (called GTD) and convertible.

7: Skoda Octavia vRS

If you don’t have the V5C then you can still sell your car and inform the DVLA by writing a letter detailing the following:

«««««

It may look like a saloon but the VW Golf-based Octavia is in fact a practical hatchback. There’s also an estate version, meaning this is one practical and rapid machine. Engines include a 197bhp 2.0-litre petrol or 167bhp 2.0-litre diesel.

• Vehicle registration mark • Make and model of the car in question • Exact date of sale • Name and address of the new owner

8: Renaultsport Clio 200 «««««

The process will only be completed however when the new owner writes to the DVLA too, documenting the change, so ensure the new owner also contacts the authorities.

Is the Renaultsport Megane too large? Step this way to the Clio. Arguably the finest handling small hot hatchback on the market, the Clio has a naturally-aspirated (no turbo) 2.0-litre engine that develops 197bhp.

9: Mini Cooper S

The DVLA encourages drivers to enter the vehicle’s mileage on the registration certificate to protect against vehicle ‘clocking’.

«««««

Looking for performance and style? There’s few cars that offer more than the British-built Cooper S. Under the retro body lies a 181bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Rear space is cramped and there’s an expensive options list, though.

10: Suzuki Swift Sport

«««««

new

Fun on a shoe-string doesn’t come much better than this car.

Thanks to a 1.6-litre engine developing 133bhp, it’s a rapid little thing that’s ideally suited for the supermarket car park or for some fun on country roads.

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CAR NEEDS A WASH? we give you the top 10 GUIDE TO...

Waterless cleaning 1: Eco Touch Waterless

«««««

When it comes to waterless cleaning products, this is the best.

Eco Touch scores highly in getting rid of dirt and grime on paintwork, and by having to spray into onto a microcloth, cuts wastage and overspray. Buff to shine.

2: Meguiar’s Wash & Wax ««««« Meguiar’s Wash & Wax Anywhere – to give its full name – is expensive but comes in large bottles which offsets this. An excellent trigger cuts down on wastage, and the sweetsmelling liquid is very good on both paintwork and glass.

3: WOW Motor Box Kit

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«««««

This is a very handy product as it comes as a full kit complete with all the cloths you need. The liquid is fragrant and goes on in a fine spray, and is good for all surfaces including cabin plastics, alloy wheels and, of course, paintwork.

4: Synionic Wash & Shine ««««« Synionic’s waterless cleaning offering is another really great product. Adjustable nozzle is one of the best on the market and makes light work of grime. But it falls down with tough dirt and other products do a better job for cheaper prices.

5: Mantis Instant Shine

«««««

This product comes with a well-respected British Rally Championship endorsement, so it can be trusted to deliver.

But, while it’s good on paintwork, it’s not too strong on glass, and the nozzle is just not wide enough.

6: ProShine Wash & Wax ««««« More like a wax than a liquid, ProShine’s product is a good one.

But it needs to be shaken vigourously before use – as the wax and liquid can separate – and the nozzle drips and doesn’t give a fine-enough spray. One of the cheapest on offer.

7: Poorboy’s Spray & Wipe««««« The unique selling point of this product is it can be used in direct sunlight – something other products here advise against. It lifts grime well and the nozzle is adaptable for various uses. Hefty price tag, though.

8: Triplewax Wash & Shine««««« You get a lot for your money here. Triplewax comes in a super size bottle – enough for 10 cars – and comes at a great price.

Paintwork results are average, but a nozzle that gives out a fine spray was a nice bonus.

9: One Drywash Complete««««« Like WOW, this product is labelled as a complete car cleaning kit, although this one adds latex gloves. Paintwork results are generally good, but it’s easy to overspray – and as the liquid drys white, over-exuberant spraying can look nasty.

10: Turtle Wax Waterless ««««« US giant Turtle Wax’s product is a good one. It comes with a large microfibre cloth, and it makes a good job of shifting grime. But that large cloth makes it difficult to find a dry, clean section to buff. Two smaller microcloths would be better.

It’s easy! Call our friendly team and you could soon be reaching 40,000 buyers actively looking to replace their car.

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hot deals

new car deals

our monthly round-up of the best offers and discounts on offer DEAL of the month

Vauxhall Zafira

It’s one of the best-selling cars in the UK – and the biggest seller in its segment – but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some cracking deals on the Vauxhall Zafira.

Boasting seven seats and groaning with practical touches, the Zafira 1.7 CDTi ecoFLEX Exclusiv comes with a frugal engine for low running costs and attracts a saving of over 40 per cent from our partners.

For more details, call Eden Vauxhall, Fareham: 0455 8899 1122

Spec: 1.4T 16V Excite 5dr Price: £11,495 The clever new Vauxhall Meriva offers rear-hinged side doors, which make entry and exit a doddle, along with seven seats and clever configurations to make people carrying easier.

This 1.4-litre Excite model is available at £11,495 – a huge saving of almost 40 per cent on list price.

For more details, call 0845 6767 8888.

Ford Fusion

Spec: 1.6 Titanium 5dr Price: £8,995 Ford’s supermini-cum-SUV Fusion isn’t the newest kid on the block but that hardly matters with prices as low as £8,995 – a saving of almost 40 per cent over list price. A 1.6-litre petrol engine is all the grunt the compact Fusion needs – and a high-spec Titanium trim means this car is an absolute bargain.

For more details, call 0845 2121 2222.

Vauxhall Corsa

Price: £9,295 Spec: 1.2 SXi 3dr [AC] Vauxhall sells around 75,000 Corsa models in the UK every year – and 58

there’s a very good reason for its enduring popularity; the Corsa is a great all-rounder. Equipped with SXi suspension – meaning alloy wheels and lowered suspension – and with a peppy 1.2-litre petrol engine this car will appeal to young drivers. It’s available at a very low £9,295 – a saving of over 35 per cent over list price.

For more details, call 0845 8877 9911

Fiat Bravo

Spec: 1.6 Multijet Dynamic Eco 5dr Price: £12,395 Fiat’s small family car comes with a saving of a third on list price, meaning it’s available for a very cheap £12,395. For that cash you can expect Fiat’s award-winning Multijet diesel engine for incredible savings at the pumps and on annual VED. For more details, call 0845 1122 9911

Peugeot 308 CC

Spec: 1.6 VTi Allure 2dr Price: £17,895 This stylish French convertible is available for a very low £17,895 – over a third off list price and offering one of the cheapest entries into open-top motoring on the market.

With a 1.6-litre petrol engine and a

1.8i VVT SRi 3dr LIST Price: £18,395 DEAL Price: £11,040 The British-built Astra is consistently one of the best-selling cars in the country for good reason. With a strong 1.8-litre petrol engine and well-specced Sri trim this small family car will offer hassle-free motoring and swallow five passenger plus their luggage. It’s available at £11,995 – a saving of 42 per cent on list price.

For more details, call Peter Vardy, Edinburgh: 0845 3311 0000

Ford Fusion

1.7 CDTi ecoFLEX Exclusiv LIST PRICE: £20,765 DEAL Price: £12,459

Vauxhall Meriva

Vauxhall Astra

folding metal roof for added security and handling, this 308 coupecabriolet is hard to ignore as the summer months approach. Bag one for a great price now.

For more details, call 0845 0000 1111

1.6 Titanium 5dr Price: £8,995 Ford’s supermini-cum-SUV Fusion isn’t the newest kid on the block but that hardly matters with prices as low as £8,995 – a saving of almost 40 per cent over list price. A 1.6-litre petrol engine is all the grunt the compact Fusion needs – and a high-spec Titanium trim means this car is an absolute bargain.

For more details, call Dagenham Ford, Esssex: 0845 3311 0000

Fiat Qubo

Spec: 1.4 8V Active 5dr Price: £7,795 This boxy MPV from Fiat offers acres of interior space and low running costs from the 1.4-litre petrol engine.

A saving of almost a third on the list price means the Qubo is available at £7,795 – which is close to the lowest it’s possible to pay for a new car.

For more details, call 0845 3333 1111

Ford Grand C-MAX

Price: £14,995 Spec: 1.6 TDCi Zetec 5dr In high-specification Zetec trim the big Ford people carrier is a steal at £14,995 – a saving of over 30 per cent on list price. A frugal 1.6-litre diesel adds to the appeal of the seven-seat Grand C-MAX – offering low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions to drive down running costs.

For more details, call 0845 3333 9900

SEAT Exeo 2.0 TDI CR SE 4dr [143] LIST PRICE: £21,180 Price: £14,895 Based on the outgoing Audi A4, the SEAT Exeo is a large family car that can boast excellent heritage and an updated interior and exterior to make it a little-known bargain in the car world. The Exeo saloon is available for under £15K – a saving of over 30 per cent.

For more details, call Glasgow SEAT: 0845 6667 4111

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a-z of Manufacturers ABARTH Web: abarthcars.com.co.uk No of dealers: 23 Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

INFINITI

mini test: fiat panda

Web: infiniti.co.uk No of dealers: 11 Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

alfa romeo

JAGUAR

Web: alfaromeo.co.uk No of dealers: 46 Warranty: 3 years/unlimited miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: jaguar.co.uk No of dealers: 97 Warranty: 3 years/unlimited miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

ASTON MARTIN

JEEP

Web: astonmartin.com No of dealers: 18 Warranty: 3 years/unlimited miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: jeep.co.uk No of dealers: 82 Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

AUDI Web: audi.co.uk No of dealers: 135 Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Charming as ever to drive, and with a pair of TwinAir engines, we’re as fond of the Panda as ever. Interior quality is much improved, with both material feel and build quality keeping us happy. There’s as much space in there as ever, too – something that should keep small families happy. The entry level trim and engine we tested slots in at just under £9,000, with prices topping out at

£12,000 for the Lounge 1.3 diesel. Tempting as it is to spec up the Panda with extra equipment and the TwinAir engine though, it does rather go against the Panda’s ‘cheap and simple’ nature. We’ll take the 1.2 petrol in base spec - and not just because we enjoy calling it ‘Panda Pop’.

Price: £8,900, tested in Issue 49.

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KIA Web: kia.co.uk No of dealers: 140 Warranty: 7 years/100,000 miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

BENTLEY

CHEVROLET

DACIA

FORD

LAMBORGHINI

Web: bentleymotors.co.uk No of dealers: 21 Warranty: 3 years/unlimited miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: chevrolet.co.uk No of dealers: 95 Warranty: 5 years/100,000 miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: dacia.co.uk No of dealers: 127 Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: ford.co.uk No of dealers: 781 Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: lamborghini.co.uk No of dealers: 4 Warranty: 3 years/unlimited miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

BMW

CHRYSLER

FERRARI

HONDA

LAND ROVER

Web: bmw.co.uk No of dealers: 154 Warranty: 3 years/unlimited miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: chrysler.co.uk No of dealers: 82 Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: ferrari.com No of dealers: 16 Warranty: 3 years/unlimited miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: honda.co.uk No of dealers: 196 Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: landrover.co.uk No of dealers: 130 Warranty: 3 years/unlimited miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

CITROEN

FIAT

HYUNDAI

LEXUS

Web: citroen.co.uk No of dealers: 210 Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: fiatco.uk No of dealers: 160 Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: hyundai.co.uk No of dealers: 146 Warranty: 5 years/unlimited miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: lexus.co.uk No of dealers: 51 Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

WHAT TO ARRANGE a test drive? let the new autos team take 68

Autos New

LOTUS Web: lotuscars.co.uk No of dealers: 22 Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

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ssangyong

mini test: audi a4

Web: ssangyonggb.co.uk No of dealers: 50 Warranty: 5 years/unlimited miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Mclaren

subaru

Web: mclarenautomotive.com No of dealers: 3 Warranty: TBC Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: subaru.co.uk No of dealers: 79 Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

maserati Web: maserati.com No of dealers: 16 Warranty: 3 years/unlimited miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Charming as ever to drive, and with a pair of TwinAir engines, we’re as fond of the Panda as ever. Interior quality is much improved, with both material feel and build quality keeping us happy. There’s as much space in there as ever, too – something that should keep small families happy. The entry level

trim and engine we tested slots in at just under £9,000, with prices topping out at £12,000 for the Lounge 1.3 diesel. Tempting as it is to spec up the Panda with extra equipment and the TwinAir engine though, it does rather go against the Panda’s ‘cheap and simple’ nature. We’ll take the 1.2 petrol

news autos verdict HHHHH

suzuki Web: suzuki.co.uk No of dealers: 150 Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

mazda

mitsubishi

peugeot

rolls-royce

toyota

Web: mazda.co.uk No of dealers: 159 Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: mitsubishi.co.uk No of dealers: 142 Warranty: 3 years/unlimited miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: peugeot.co.uk No of dealers: 300 Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: rolls-roycemotorcars.com No of dealers: 6 Warranty: 4 years/unlimited miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: toyota.co.uk No of dealers: 184 Warranty: 5 years/100,000 miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

mercedes

morgan

porsche

seat

vauxhall

Web: mercedes-benz.co.uk No of dealers: 136 Warranty: 3 years/unlimited miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: morgan-motor.co.uk No of dealers: 22 Warranty: 2 years/unlimited miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: porsche.co.uk No of dealers: 34 Warranty: 3 years/unlimited miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: seat.co.uk No of dealers: 128 Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: vauxhall.co.uk No of dealers: 404 Warranty: Lifetime/100,000 miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

mg

nissan

proton

skoda

volkswagen

Web: mgmotor.co.uk No of dealers: 46 Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: nissan.co.uk No of dealers: 209 Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: proton.co.uk No of dealers: 85 Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: skoda.co.uk No of dealers: 135 Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: volkswagen.co.uk No of dealers: 223 Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

mini

perodua

renault

smart

volvo

Web: mini.co.uk No of dealers: 148 Warranty: 3 years/unlimited miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: perodua.co.uk No of dealers: 65 Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: renault.co.uk No of dealers: 330 Warranty: 4 years/100,000 miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: thesmart.co.uk No of dealers: 48 Warranty: 2 years/unlimited miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: volvo.co.uk No of dealers: 136 Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles Our favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

the strain and organise it for you. ring 0844 655 7999 69

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