Auto express november 12, 2014 uk

12-18 November 2014 No. 1,345 | £2.80

BRITAIN’S BIGGEST-SELLING WEEKLYCAR MAGAZINE

EXCLUSIVE AL ALLL-NEW

THE CAR NEWS WEEKLY

JAG XF EXCLUSIVE IMAGES The hi-tech Brit that’ll prove Jag can really rival the Germans

REVEALED

BEST

CARS IN EUROPE

DRIVEN NEW MAZDA2 Supermini with a hint of sportss car

PLUS McLaren’s plans for Porsche 911 rival revealed

ROAD TEST

NEW MERCEDES C-CLASS ESTATE VS BMW 3 SERIES TOURING IES TOUR RING VS VOLVO V60

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As voted by you!

Contents

News | New Cars | Features |Tests |Products |Buying cars |Sport

Newsweek

8

COVER All-new Jaguar XF

Exclusive images and details of new executive...

AWD F-Type revealed

10

COVER McLaren’s 911 rival

12

Star ratings for roads

15

Porsche Cayenne GTS

17

SEMA round-up

20

...Plus wraps come off 4WD version of Jag coupé First picture of new Sports Series to take on Porsche

Minister eyes pioneering plan to improve safety Official pictures of big SUV set for LA show debut The most outrageous cars from Las Vegas tuning show

Features Driving into the record books

8 Exclusive images of new Jaguar XF...

10 ...plus new 4WD F-Type Coupé revealed

Best new cars Europe’s best new cars

We reveal the models thousands of drivers voted for

New cars

32

New Smarts at the double

36

Alfa Romeo 4C

40

Skoda Fabia 1.0

42

Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4 TSI

44

We get behind the wheel of ForTwo and ForFour Sports car gets softer set-up specifically for UK roads

36 Our verdict on new Smart ForTwo 46 Merc C-Class Estate vs 5 Series and V60

Online this week

How does supermini fare with Citigo engine under bonnet?

Verdict on entry-level version of cool coupé

Road tests COVER C-Class Estate vs rivals

46

Supermini shoot-out

56

Our cars

64

Merc faces 3 Series and V60 in family-friendly battle New VW Polo and Toyota Yaris go head-to-head

Updates on the Mazda 3 and Suzuki SX4 S-Cross

Products Best new cars in Europe revealed Page 29

First drive verdict on new Fiat 500X SUV

Removed your tax disc?

72

WITH the runaway success of the Fiat 500 city car and the current boom in SUV sales, the new 500X is one of the most intriguing new cars of 2014.

It’s guaranteed to be a major moneyspinner for Fiat – but whether it can recreate the small hatchback’s feelgood factor from behind the wheel remains to be seen.

We’re travelling to Italy to put the 500X – the Jeep Renegade’s sister car – to the test, so log on to see what we make of it.

Mini compressors tested

The top buys to keep your tyres inflated rated

74

For more visit

24 We help to build two-millionth Nissan Qashqai www.autoexpress.co.uk

29

COVER New Mazda 2

Supermini looks great and is excellent to drive, too

32 Mazda’s new 2 supermini driven

24

How we helped build the two-millionth Nissan Qashqai

autoexpress.co.uk

We name the best products to keep your screen clean

Buying cars Peugeot 508 buyer’s guide

78

Best hybrid buys

80

New car prices

84

Big saloon is excellent value second-hand Our experts pick three great choices for £20,000

All the info you need before you head to the showroom

Regulars Consumer news

26

Sport

94

Get Auto Express every week

97

Back chat

98

Watchdog solves your problems, plus you have your say GB rally preview plus Davidson eyes WEC glory

How to net a great deal on your favourite magazine

Mike Rutherford on the reality of car theft in the UK

Thisweek

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AUTO EXPRESS ROAD TESTS

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BLUEWATER shopping mall in Kent: it’s not usually the sort of place I tend to spend too much time in – for me shopping is one of the things the Internet was invented for. But I popped down there this week to see Hyundai’s new Rockar showroom, just along from M&S and right next door to a Body Shop that’s more interested in face creams than car repairs.

Actually, showroom is probably the wrong word – this is a retail experience as far removed from the traditional out-of-town dealer as you can imagine. There are no salespeople, just ‘angels’ for whom commission would be a dirty word, while large touchscreens and giant video walls replace pot plants and daunting desks. You can even take a test drive or get your car serviced, all while popping to John Lewis or going to the cinema.

Sure, cars in shopping centres are nothing new, but this is a permanent addition to Bluewater’s retailer roster, signed up with a 10-year lease.

Apparently it’s an expensive place to sell cars – somebody whispered to me that the space costs four times that of a usual showroom – but Rockar’s haggle-free deals are still a fair few quid below Hyundai’s list prices, which, when bolted in to the manufacturer’s low-rate finance deals, start to look pretty attractive.

You don’t even have to visit Bluewater to buy – you can do the whole deal online through Rockar’s rather fancy website. It’ll be interesting to see whether other dealers follow that online model.

So will this new way of buying work? Only time will tell, but one thing we know for sure is that as much as we all love our cars, buying them is far from the best bit. That’s why I’m so excited by this new venture – it’s about time car buying changed.

STEVE FOWLER Editor-in-chief The paper used within this magazine is produced from sustainable fibre, manufactured by mills with a valid chain of custody.

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Top story First for news every week

■ Exclusive images show bold new look for 5 Series rival ■ Stretched XE platform to cut weight and improve agility Jack Rix Ja

Jack_Rix@dennis.co.uk Jack_R Jac @jack_rix

JAGUAR’S assault on the German establishment is about to step up a gear. With the F-Type tempting away Porsche customers in their droves, the XE about to do battle with the BMW 3 Series, an Audi Q5 SUV rival in the pipeline and even an updated XJ arriving in the coming months, the brand already has plenty on its plate – yet it’s still found time to develop an all-new XF. We’ve seen spy shots of it testing in recent weeks, and a source has confirmed it will debut sooner than we think – in spring 2015, with a launch in late summer next year.

Our exclusive images show how the BMW 5 Series rival will sharpen up its image by taking cues from the XE, with a squarer, more upright grille and an aggressive front bumper. But beyond the new styling, Jag plans to make it the lightest, best-handling, most efficient and technologically advanced car in its class.

The newcomer will sit on a stretched version of the XE’s iQ[Al] chassis, constructed from more than 75 per cent aluminium. As a result, it will be stiffer and more agile, but also significantly lighter than the current

SPIED

Automedia

8 12 November 2014

four-cylinder diesel XF, which weighs in at 1,735kg. Shedding around 100kg would see the car comfortably undercut the 1,695kg BMW 520d and 1,660kg Audi A6 Ultra, although four-wheel-drive versions – due a few months later than the rear-drive models – will weigh a little more.

Knock-on effects of the XF’s weight loss will be much sharper handling – and this will be further boosted by the lightweight aluminium rear suspension (reducing unsprung mass) and double-wishbone front suspension derived from the F-Type.

The electronic steering will also be quickened up for swifter reactions.

Despite driving like a much smaller car, and weighing significantly less, the new XF is expected to be bigger than the model it replaces, creating more breathing space between itself and the XE. More rear legroom and even more boot capacity than the current 540 litres will make it the most spacious choice in its class.

With Jaguar’s £500m investment in its new Wolverhampton engine plant, it’s no surprise the XF will make use of the new Ingenium engine family. Details of a new 2.0litre petrol four-cylinder are yet to be revealed, but a new 2.0-litre turbodiesel will make up the bulk of

EXCLUSIVE IMAGES ON THE ROAD

Our spies have caught new XF on test, and under disguise is more upright grille and aggressive front bumper. Power will be from new Ingenium engines

SMASH HIT

Outgoing XF (right) has as proven a sales success for Jaguar, uar, so new car, revealed in our exclusive images, aims to build on this

A Avarvarii/Auto Bild

Sharp new Jaguar XF is taking shape “Most efficient engine delivers 75mpg-plus fuel economy and 99g/km, so XF should be class’s cleanest car”

new XF sales. This will deliver 161bhp or 178bhp in the XE, with the most efficient model promising 75mpg-plus economy and CO2 emissions of 99g/km.

So this engine should make the XF the cleanest car in its class – toppling the A6 Ultra and Lexus GS 300h.

Private buyers looking for a little more oomph will be offered the latest 3.0-litre V6 diesel, plus the 3.0-litre supercharged V6 from the F-Type in various states of tune, with a near600bhp V8-powered XF SVR earmarked for later in the car’s lifecycle.

Tech fans won’t be disappointed, either, with the current model’s ageing interface replaced by Jaguar’s new

InControl infotainment and connectivity system, first seen on the XE and based around an eight-inch central screen.

Highlights include a crisp, colour head-up display, seamless integration for Apple and Android smartphones and an app that will let you pre-heat or cool the interior, unlock the doors and locate the car in a crowded car park.

The XF will initially be available only as a saloon, with an estate follo following

later – that’s because the current XF Sportbrake will continue for a while as it’s only been on sale for two years.

A huge variety of trims will be available, although a range-topping ‘S’ spec will be reserved for the fastest V6 model, while the rest of the line-up will be offered in Prestige trim for those after luxury, and R-Sport for buyers who prefer to be noticed, with big wheels and more dramatic bodywork.

FO FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE F-TYPE Turn to Pa Page 10 for full details on new AWD coupé, plu plus other performance tweaks due in 2015

12 November 2014 9

Topstoryextra

Jaguar F-Type AWD

Jaguar’s 4WD F-Type wh ■ AWD Coupé on test in Africa ■ 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds Jack Ja Rix

Jack_Rix@dennis.co.uk Jack_R Jac @jack_rix

JAGUAR has released first pictures of a four-wheel-drive F-Type, and confirmed other ‘performance enhancements’ will be added to the range imminently.

In an announcement outlining a major new partnership with the Bloodhound SSC World Land Speed Record programme, Jaguar confirmed that an AWD F-Type R Coupé has carried out a “key communications test on the Hakskeen Pan in the Northern Cape, South Africa”, where Bloodhound will carry out its record attempt.

Although full details will be revealed later this month – when the updated F-Type range debuts at the Los Angeles Motor Show – Jaguar said that the AWD R Coupé covers 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds (0.1 seconds faster than the rear-wheeldrive 542bhp F-Type R Coupé) and can hit a limited top speed of 186mph.

Adding all-wheel drive to the F-Type range now gives Jaguar a direct rival to the Porsche 911 Turbo, which is capable of 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 196mph.

“Our target with engineering the allwheel-drive F-Type was to maintain the engaging rear-drive character that’s so important to Jaguar sports cars, yet offer even greater dynamic capability,” said Ian Hoban, Jaguar’s vehicle line director. “The result is a controllable, exploitable and blisteringly fast performance car in all conditions.”

Jaguar doesn’t currently offer a fourwheel-drive model of any sort to UK

OFFICIAL

New model, seen here on test in South Africa, will rival Porsche 911 Turbo

buyers, although AWD versions of the XJ and XF are available overseas. The four-wheel-drive set-up likely to be employed by Jaguar will be a wet clutch system, which will be rear-biased with power being shuffled to the front wheels when a loss in traction is detected.

Jaguar has also stated the F-Type line-up will grow from six derivatives to 14 when the updated range goes on sale in 2015. Manual gearboxes are expected to become optional for

the first time, ensuring the entry price to F-Type ownership is reduced.

The AWD F-Type was driven by Bloodhound project director and former land speed record holder, Richard Noble, flat out across the desert. On board was the same radio equipment that the SSC will be carrying when it attempts to break the 1,000mph barrier in 12 months’ time. A jet, flying overhead at 500 knots and just 50 feet above the ground, successfully tested the communications system that will be used during the attempt.

Coupé has been working with Bloodhound (above).

Badge confirms AWD

10 12 November 2014

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Jaguar F-Type AWD

Topstoryextra

hips up a desert storm n e e d t o k n o w. . .

r-wheel “The addition of fou y for a wa drive will pave the version range-topping SVR is of the F-T ype, which 12 in expected to launch p-plus” months with 600bh

Range Rover line-up to get array of upgrades...

OFFICIAL

ELSEWHERE at Jaguar Land Rover, a raft of updates to the Range Rover line-up has been announced.

Among the revisions are tweaks to the popular diesel engines in both the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. Whereas before the TDV6 used a twin-turbo, it now gets a large single turbocharger.

The result sees power remain at 254bhp and torque at 600Nm, but efficiency is improved by 8.5 per cent, with 40.9mpg and claimed CO2 emissions of 182g/km.

The SDV6 sticks with the twinturbo set-up, but now delivers an

“The 4WD system will be rear biased with power shuffling to front when required”

...As new £180k special edition hits showrooms

MEANWHILE, the wraps have been pulled off the new Range Rover Holland & Holland edition, a collaboration between Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division and bespoke sporting rifle maker Holland & Holland.

Billed as the ultimate luxury SUV, it’s based on the £140,000 long-wheelbase Range Rover Autobiography Black, so is 200mm longer than a standard

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extra 13bhp and 100Nm of torque, bringing power up to 700Nm. It’s also seven per cent more efficient, returning 40.4mpg and 187g/km.

Plus, there’s the introduction of some world-first technology called All-Terrain Progress Control, which will be a £175 option. It’s designed to improve the Range Rover’s offroad abilities and works like an advanced type of cruise control for serious off-roading (pictured above).

Drivers can select a desired speed between 1mph and 19mph, with the Range Rover able to maintain the speed over tough terrain.

model. Inside, Executive Class rear seats can recline up to 17 degrees, while electrically deployable walnut tables, USB charging points and a bespoke lighting system are fitted.

The boot, meanwhile, features a leather-trimmed cabinet designed to accommodate the brand’s rifles.

Only 40 of the exclusive Range Rovers will be built over a threeyear period, with each carrying a £180,000 price tag.

Special Issue 11

News

McLaren Sports Series

McLaren Sports Series ■ New supercar confirmed, with carbon fibre tub and V8

EXCLUSIVE IMAGE

Jack Rix

Ja Jack Jack_Rix@dennis.co.uk @jack_rix

McLAREN has named its new, sub-650S Porsche 911 rival, confirmed its launch for the second quarter of 2015 and released the first official picture of the car testing (right).

The entry-level model was previously known only by its codename ‘P13’ – and hinted at in our exclusive main image – but it will spawn a range of derivatives, a company spokesman has revealed.

And the whole family of cars will be known as the McLaren Sports Series, although the name is unlikely to feature in the titles for each individual model.

Referred to as “pure McLaren” in the official release, the Sports Series models will sit below the 650S supercar in the range and bring “McLaren credentials and exclusivity to the sports car segment for the first time”. They will compete in an increasingly competitive class (see panel, above) against the new MercedesAMG GT and the top end of the Porsche 911 range, with prices expected to start from around £120,000.

Technical details are scarce, but McLaren has confirmed the Sports Series models will follow in the 650S and P1’s footsteps with “a carbon fibre chassis and mid-mounted V8

“Referred to as ‘pure McLaren’, Sports Series cars will sit below 650S” 12 12 November 2014

Four key rivals for new McLaren

Audi R8

BMW i8

Mercedes-AMG GT

Due to be replaced at end of 2015, R8 redefined the term ‘usable supercar’.

Hybrid BMW is a step behind on pace, but light years ahead in terms of tech.

V8-engined, rear-driven GT will be key rival for McLaren. We drive it next week.

engine”. A version of the 650S’s carbon tub, modified for a shorter wheelbase, is expected, as is a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 with upwards of 450bhp. That should ensure each Sports Series model is the lightest car in its class.

McLaren refused to be drawn on the derivatives it’s planning, but the official picture of a disguised prototype confirms that a coupé will come first.

This is likely to be followed by a droptop Spider and a stripped-out track version to rival the 911 GT3 RS. Our exclusive image shows how the baby McLaren is likely to shape up. Boomerang headlights will continue the design theme set out by the P1 and 650S, while scoops in the rear pillar and flanks will feed air into the V8 engine.

A sticker on the prototype’s windscreen refers to a marketing campaign that will take place over the next 13 weeks, when McLaren will be drip-feeding information using the #BlackSwanMoments hashtag on Twitter.

N E E D TO KN O W

650S and “Along with the P1, , McLaren ies Ser s ort Sp now the borghini is planning a new Lam med P15” ena cod al, riv r ado Avent

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McLaren Sports Series

s takes aim at 911 Our exclusive image shows how Sports Series is taking shape, with official picture (below) confirming coupé will be first car to arrive

News

news inbrief

Audi teases bold new A9 flagship

Audi Q3 gets sharper look and more power Milos Dvorak

Porsche 911 Turbo Neck-snapping acceleration and 4WD grip set the most powerful 911 apart.

THE Audi Q3 has been brought up to date with a raft of changes and styling tweaks for 2015.

It will go on sale from January, priced from £25,340 to £30,820.

The biggest change is the addition of a new 148bhp 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine with cylinder deactivation technology. This powertrain is already found in the A1 and A3, and can be hooked up to a six-speed manual or twin-clutch automatic box, but is front-wheel drive only.

The two 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesels are now more powerful, delivering 148bhp and 182bhp, as well as up to 13 per cent more fuel efficient. Mild visual updates

More power for diesel and RS Q3 (below); cabin as classy as ever to the Q3 include the addition of a new grille and headlamps, plus revised bumpers and new alloy wheel designs. Audi has also made its Drive Select function standard across the range, which includes the adaptive damper system.

The hot RS Q3 (left) benefits from an extra 30bhp, too, taking power from the 2.5-litre fivecylinder engine to 335bhp, but we’ll have to wait until January to see how this affects the current £43,015 price tag.

AS the wraps came off the new Q3 (left), Audi continued to drip-feed information on the A9 concept ahead of its debut at the LA Motor Show later this month.

The A9 is the first creation by new design chief Marc Lichte, and will showcase a whole new design language for the brand.

This screenshot (above) from a teaser video gives us a sneak peek at the flagship luxury saloon.

It shows the coupé-inspired fourdoor will adopt a swooping front end and intricate wheels. In the video, Lichte claims his influences include the original TT coupé.

More potent petrol engine for Qashqai NISSAN’S hit Qashqai is now available with a more powerful petrol engine, as the 1.6-litre DIG-T turbo has been added to the range. This develops 161bhp and 240Nm of torque, and will soon be offered in the Pulsar hatch, too.

A 0-62mph time of 9.1 seconds and top speed of 124mph make the 1.6 DIG-T the fastest Qashqai in the line-up. Even so, Nissan claims 48.7mpg economy and 134g/km emissions. Prices start at £23,200 for the Tekna model.

PAGE 24: Two-millionth Qashqai

Skoda names new Fabia Estate’s price SKODA has announced prices for the new Fabia Estate – and it’ll cost £1,000 more than the hatch when it goes on sale early next year.

The range will start from £12,460 for the entry-level S with the 74bhp 1.0-litre threecylinder engine. SE models cost from £13,905, and the flagship SE-L starts at £14,755. Topping the price list is the 104bhp 1.4 TDI diesel in SE-L spec, at £17,985.

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12 November 2014 13

TEACH WINTER SOME MANNERS. The surly winter weather can cause twice as many accidents than any other time of year, with ice, snow and rain contributing to risky driving conditions. Instead of letting the cold and wet dampen your MINI driving fun, teach winter some manners.

MINI Winter Wheels and Tyres provide increased safety to improve your performance on the roads and with prices from just £584*, it’s like Christmas has come early.

Find your local MINI Centre or visit www.mini.co.uk for more information.

*Recommended retail price is correct at time of going to print and may change without notice. A visit to your local MINI Centre is the best way to keep up to date. RRP includes VAT, but excludes fitting. Your MINI Retailer can give you a quote for fitting.

MINIKIT

Star ratings for UK roads?

News

UK roads could get star ratings after new report slams safety ■ Road Safety Foundation wants A-roads to achieve at least three-star rating Joe Finnerty

OFFICIAL

Joe_Finnerty@dennis.co.uk

UK roads could be given star ratings to help simplify future safety policy after the road system was heavily criticised in a new report.

The Euro RAP findings said most British road deaths are concentrated on just 10 per cent of the network. It recommends setting a national goal for all A-roads to meet a minimum three-star safety threshold, while the busiest A-roads and motorways must hit four and five-star ratings.

Low-cost action – such as resurfacing and improved signage and markings – on 15 stretches of road has reduced serious crashes by 80 per cent, which is worth £0.4billion to the economy.

But the report was critical of the huge gulf that exists between regions. Road users face risks on the major roads of the East Midlands that are two-thirds higher than in the neighbouring West Midlands.

James Bradford, engineering manager for the Road Safety Foundation, which commissioned the report, said it was time for a change, explaining: “The busier the road, the more frequently any flaw in layout leads to death and serious injury.

“Our understanding has grown in the past few years that the risks on each stretch of road can be measured.

The in-built safety of road infrastructure, like cars, can be measured and star rated. We should not be driving fivestar cars on one and two-star roads.”

Roads minister Robert Goodwill responded to the criticism by admitting he is keen to work with the Highways Agency and local authorities to see if

OFFICIAL

Celerio was marked down for its limited active safety

star ratings could help in the UK. He said: “I recognise the positive impact star rating systems have had on the safety of vehicles and roads around the world.

“While it’s far too early to say if we’ll adopt star ratings here, I’ve asked my officials to look into their benefits.”

“There’s a goal of three stars for all A-roads, with four or five stars for busiest A-roads and M-ways”

SUZUKI has been forced to defend a disappointing score for its new city car in the latest Euro NCAP crash tests.

The Celerio, which goes on sale in Britain next year, was awarded just three stars by the safety organisation, with the poor rating focusing on the limited safety equipment – the non-UK model put to the wall isn’t even fitted with a side curtain airbag.

Suzuki assured us, however, that UK-spec cars will come with six airbags as standard, which would theoretically increase the rating. The Celerio was also marked down by Euro NCAP due to a lack of standard active safety tech and a poor pedestrian rating, although it was adequate in front and side barrier impact tests.

The car’s low-cost rival, the Dacia Sandero, managed four stars, while the Skoda Citigo gets the full five stars.

Other models rated in the latest tests were the Tesla Model S, Nissan Pulsar, BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and Skoda Fabia, all of which scored the maximum five stars.

Meanwhile, Renault’s Mégane has been retested after the brand addressed Euro NCAP criticism of the seatbelt reminder system. It’s been marked up to four stars.

Roads minister Goodwill is to look into star ratings for UK roads

Most dangerous roads named AS the debate raged over star ratings for roads, a 12-mile stretch in West Sussex has been named Britain’s most dangerous road. The A285 between Chichester and Petworth saw a 16 per cent rise in serious and fatal crashes from 2007-12, according to the ‘How Safe Are You On Britain’s Roads?’ report commissioned by the Road Safety Foundation.

Second is the A809 from the A811 into Glasgow, followed by the A937 towards Montrose, Angus.

The report also reveals that the risk to road users of serious injury or death is seven times greater on single-carriageway A-roads than on motorways.

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Suzuki city car in crash test slump

Tesla Model S achieved five stars in latest crash tests

■ AUTOBRAKE FUNDING CALL

New report revealed Britain’s dangerous roads

ROADS minister Robert Goodwill has also said insurers and makers should incentivise autonomous emergency braking and not wait for the Government to act.

Thatcham Research had called on ministers to hand grants to drivers who get the kit fitted on their car. But Goodwill ruled out funding, adding: “Insurers could rebate this cost through premiums.

Motorists get a safer car, without paying a lot – and they don’t need to wait for the Government.”

12 November 2014 15

Porsche Cayenne GTS

News

434bhp for Porsche Cayenne GTS ■ More powerful, more efficient super-SUV to debut at LA

Ja Jack Rix

Jac Jack_R Jack_Rix@dennis.co.uk @jack_rix

PORSCHE has revealed a new Cayenne GTS – a badge traditionally attached to the most driver-focused cars in the range, not the most powerful. It follows recently launched GTS versions of the Boxster, Cayman and 911.

While the old GTS used a 414bhp 4.8-litre V8, the newcomer gets a 3.6-litre bi-turbo V6 producing 434bhp. Torque also increases by 85Nm to 600Nm. That means the new car goes from 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds – half-a-second quicker than before – although fuel economy improves from 26.7mpg to 28.8mpg.

A sports exhaust is standard, as are PASM adaptive dampers coupled with steel springs that sit 24mm lower than standard, or optional air-suspension that drops the ride height by 20mm.

The GTS also gets the same brakes as the 513bhp Cayenne Turbo, with 390mm front and 358mm rear discs.

Styling upgrades include chunkier side sills and flared wheelarches, while black 20-inch alloys, black lettering and black exhausts contrast with an array of

Chunkier side sills, flared wheelarches and black rims and exhausts make up the GTS’ styling upgrades

OFFICIAL Leather and Alcantara front seats displaying GTS logo set newcomer apart inside

Cherokee gets safer, tougher ONLY eight months after launch, Jeep has updated its Cherokee in a bid to strengthen its off-road abilities, boost safety and subtly improve the design.

A new Active-Drive II system – only available on Limited automatic models, which now cost £37,195 – adds hill descent control, low-range gearing and a neutral mode that disconnects the rear axle for towing. The 4x4’s forward collision warning system has also been upgraded – it stops the car at up to 12mph – while auto versions now get rectangular exhaust outlets.

www.autoexpress.co.uk

Active-Drive II gives Jeep off-road boost

lurid paint colours. Inside are leather and Alcantara front seats with GTS lettering.

At the other end of the range, Porsche has introduced an entry-level model to sit below the Cayenne S. It features a 296bhp 3.6-litre V6, covers 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds and hits 143mph. Economy and emissions stand at 30.7mpg and 215g/km.

Both Cayennes will debut at the LA Motor Show later this month, with UK sales starting immediately. The GTS costs from £72,523; the entry-level model starts at £49,576.

Jimny’s freshened up EVEN with a brand new Vitara just around the corner, Suzuki hasn’t forgotten about its venerable Jimny 4x4.

It’s launched a new 2015 model featuring ESP as standard, plus a redesigned instrument cluster with a tyre pressure monitor and a gearshift indicator. Topspec SZ4 models get 15-inch alloys and two new shades of metallic paint, while the SZ3 benefits from a new seat design.

One engine is available: an 84bhp 1.3-litre petrol.

12 November 2014 17

Killer drivers debate

News

MPs want killer drivers to face manslaughter charges

OPINION Graham Hope

■ Call in Commons for stiffer penalties ■ Concern that offenders are being let off too lightly

Deputy editor

OFFICIAL

Time to consider stiffer sentences

MPs believe more serious charges are needed for causing death on roads Chris Ebbs Ch

Chris_Ebbs@dennis.co.uk Chr

MINISTERS are calling for killer drivers to be charged with manslaughter to ensure they serve longer prison sentences. Under current rules, if a motorist is found guilty of death by dangerous driving, the maximum sentence they face is 14 years.

Now a number of ministers have called for the more serious charge to be introduced as part of the wider review of motoring offences due in 2015. Talking in the House of Commons, Conservative Alok Sharma, MP for Reading West, highlighted a case in which an offender was driving a stolen

car while disqualified and two-and-ahalf times over the alcohol limit. He then hit and killed two cyclists and was given a prison sentence of 10 years.

Sharma added: “I also want to press for a change in the law to toughen sentences for dangerous driving.”

Gareth Johnson, Conservative MP for Dartford, Kent, echoed this sentiment.

“Will he [Sharma] join me in requesting that the Crown Prosecution Service considers charging with manslaughter far more often, rather than charging with death by dangerous driving?

“If a person causes someone’s death by behaving in a grossly negligent or reckless manner anywhere else in

society, they’re charged with manslaughter,” he said. “If that happens on the road, they are not.”

Minister for Policing, Criminal Justice and Victims, Mike Penning, said that he understood the reasoning behind a much longer sentence but that the issue centred around a question of intent.

“It is a question of whether the driver intended to go and do what they did.

That is why the CPS tends to hold back from prosecuting for murder or manslaughter,” he said. Meanwhile, Penning confirmed that the rule allowing offenders to serve driving bans while in prison would change and that these would start when their sentence ends.

SO, common-sense has prevailed and offenders will no longer be able to serve out driving bans while behind bars – when, of course, they would be unable to drive anyway.

Our justice system often works in mysterious ways, but surely no one could sensibly argue this is a wrong move?

More contentious is the issue of whether drivers who have taken a life on the road should be charged with manslaughter or murder. As is pointed out, proving intent is problematic.

Sometimes, though, there is undoubtedly a need for stiffer sentencing, and perhaps that is the way ahead. Increasing the tariff for death by dangerous driving in extreme cases would address legitimate concerns over the most serious offenders getting off too leniently.

“Increasing the tariff for causing death would address legitimate concerns“

Next RX-8 set to get rotary hybrid power

www.autoexpress.co.uk

EXCLUSIVE IMAGE engines make excellent range-extenders, a pure electric set-up with an engine to only charge the batteries is unlikely, due to the weight of large battery packs. More realistic is a new twin-rotor Wankel engine producing around 250bhp, with a 50bhp

Milos Dvorak

IT’S no secret Mazda has been mulling over a successor to the RX-8 sports car for several years – and our exclusive image shows how the car could look – but which engine it will use has been a hot topic of debate. However, one of the brand’s top powertrain engineers has let slip that the favourite is a Wankel rotary engine, boosted by an electric hybrid.

Florian Callies told us: “There’s still enthusiasm for rotary tech at Mazda.

If we bring [rotary hybrid], it has to be something special. We can’t just drop it into a 6. We’d need to combine these special technologies in a special car.”

When pushed about whether this means Mazda’s fastest car could also be its most efficient, Callies said: “Yes, something like that.” Although rotary

boost from a single electric motor. That’d give the rear-drive coupé far more power than the MX-5, with which it could share a modified chassis. Callies refused to be drawn on timescale, but a 2017 launch is rumoured – two years after the MX-5.

■ FRESH 6 LEAKS AS Mazda gears up to reveal its revised 6 at the LA show, this leaked image of a Japanese-market car gives a first glimpse of its sharper look. We’ll have full details on its debut later this month. P32: Mazda 2 driven 12 November 2014 19

News

SEMA Show special

600bhp-plus Mustang h OFFICIAL

■ King Cobra muscle car, Kia Soul star at US tuning show James Batchelor

Jame James_Batchelor@dennis.co.uk

@JRRBatchelor

CAR fans interested in the wackiest and most outrageous models were spoilt by the sights and sounds at last week’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas.

SEMA is recognised as the world’s largest and most diverse automotive speciality products event, and showcases the best customised cars from companies large and small.

Spread out over more than one million square feet of space, the show taps into a US car parts market that’s worth more than $33billion – and proves that Americans love modifying their cars.

From floor mats to full-on customised cars, SEMA is the place where small companies show off their one-off creations and big car firms compete to outdo each other to take show honours.

This year, big guns Ford and General Motors were joined by the likes of Hyundai, Toyota, Honda, Mazda and Nissan – and we went along to pick out the stars of the show.

CHEVROLET CAMARO GREEN FLASH EDITION

FORD FIESTA ST

BY ALL STAR

DODGE CHALLENGER T/A CONCEPT

HONDA FIT (JAZZ) CUSTOMS

ONE of many special editions of the current Camaro, the Green Flash Edition features a raft of special packs and accessories which are available to Americans from their local Chevy dealership.

FORD’S dinky Fiesta ST took its fair share of the limelight at SEMA. This beige-coloured example was tuned

by All Star, and focuses on a “less-ismore” approach rather than massive wings and chrome detailing.

THE T/A Concept revives a retro package available on the original Challenger of the seventies with lots of matt black detailing, plus T/A stripes that run along the wings and shoulders of the car.

THIS was one of nine custom examples of the Jazz – badged Fit in Japan and America – at SEMA. The ‘slammed’ appearance of the Tjin Edition earned the Jazz the “Hottest Sport Compact” award at the event.

Self-driving VWs by 2019 VOLKSWAGEN has confirmed it will be selling fully autonomous cars capable of driving and parking themselves within the next five years.

Called “automated driving” and “automated parking”, the two systems will allow drivers to relax behind the wheel while also reducing the number of accidents, improving fuel consumption and lowering CO2 emissions.

Autonomous features would include steering, braking, accelerating and decelerating at speeds of up to 40mph.

Engineers at VW’s Electronic Research Laboratory (ERL) in California are currently

20 12 November 2014

testing a raft of technology that will soon appear in models right across the VW Group range – from an entry-level Golf right up to the next-generation Audi A8, due in 2016.

“In America, 93 per cent of all accidents are due to human error,” VW Group of America’s head of driver assistance systems, Jorg Schlinkheider, told Auto Express. “If we can take some of the driving away from the driver, the number of accidents will be reduced.”

VW’s ELR engineers were the brains behind the Audi RS7, which lapped the Hockenheim race track without a driver at the wheel.

VW engineers are already testing autonomous tech on the road

www.autoexpress.co.uk

SEMA Show special

heads SEMA stars FORD MUSTANG KING COBRA

KIA SOUL ICE CREAM VAN

THE Mustang King Cobra name was last used on the iconic muscle car in the seventies, but there’s nothing oldfashioned about this new model’s performance. The King Cobra is what happens when you ask Ford Racing to get to work on the car. Up front lies a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 delivering over 600bhp, and the Mustang will do a standing quarter mile in just 10.97 seconds. And yes, that is a snakeskininspired wrap on the bodywork.

SEMA is home to the coolest one-offs – and what could be cooler than an ice cream van based on the Kia Soul EV? It comes with an ice cream machine, three waffle coneshaped speakers, blackboard menus for windows and fold-out “Stop” signs.

Mat Watson

Mat_Watson@dennis.co.uk @mat_watson

AT autoexpress.co.uk/videos this week, we were going to shoot a supermini estate group test and a feature on particulate filters. But instead we filmed a gratuitous drift video and a supercar drag race.

M4 Convertible vs F-Type track battle

DODGE VIPER ACR CONCEPT EVERYONE loves a Viper, and this is perhaps the ultimate example. The ACR Concept is a track car, and as such has been stripped out and put through a weight-loss programme.

Unnecessary equipment has been ditched – which even includes the sound deadening – while on the outside, the ACR gets a massive rear wing and carbon fibre front splitter.

WHAT do you do if you have a BMW M4 Convertible, a Jaguar F-Type S Convertible and the twisting tarmac of an empty test track at your disposal?

Well, we decided to kill some tyres. It’s not big and it’s not clever, but we’re sure you’ll agree that the result looks utterly amazing on video.

HYUNDAI GENESIS AR550

TOYOTA CAMRY DRAG CAR

TOYOTA YARIS DUB EDITION

EXTENSIVELY tweaked by ARK Performance, the Hyundai packs a 5.0-litre V8 engine with more than 500bhp and a whole host of upgraded mechanicals, including the oil cooler and exhaust system.

UNDERNEATH the conservative body of the Camry lies a tube frame typically used for dragsters. The car also has a whopping 580bhp 5.7litre V8 and a live rear axle from one of Toyota’s heavy-duty pick-ups.

THE Dub Edition Yaris has been beefed up with 20-inch alloys and flared wheelarches, as well as racing seats and a roll bar. Two-tone pearl white and black paintwork completes the mad overhaul.

...As Golf lifecycle’s cut to five years AUTO Express has learned that Volkswagen is slashing the lifecycles of its models to five years in a bid to keep up with market and customer demands. It will mean that core cars, such as the Golf, will be facelifted after three years and replaced every five. The switch in strategy will allow VW to get the most out of its already flexible range.

“We will reduce the lifecycle of our products to better align with customers’ buying habits,” Volkswagen of America’s vice president for marketing and strategy, Joerg Sommer, told Auto Express at VW’s Electronic Research Laboratory (ERL) in California. “A five-year lifecycle will cut two years off our current lifecycle.”

www.autoexpress.co.uk

News

VWs like the Golf will now be replaced every five years

Lambo Aventador meets 458 Spider

IN this, the second video in our 12-part drag race series, a 690bhp Lamborghini Aventador Roadster takes on a 562bhp Ferrari 458 Spider to show just what a difference fourwheel drive and an extra four cylinders can make.

You can watch any of our videos on your phone Simply scan this QR code.

12 November 2014 21

Watchdog We get behind the stories that affect you

Chris Ebbs More needs to be done to dissuade motorists from drink-driving

Reader was unhappy at Ford’s stance

Owner in limbo as Ford and dealer row on rust

■ CASE STUDY Dealer claims it’ll do repair job on Ka under warranty, but Ford says garage is wrong Joe Finnerty

CLAIMING under an anti-perforation or corrosion warranty can be an arduous process. Often it’ll be a dealer inspecting the car who rejects the claim, and our advice is normally to move it up to your manufacturer. But what if the dealer is supporting you and the manufacturer is proving the stumbling block?

That’s what Sue Garrad, from Barnet, North London, found when a claim for rust on her 2009 Ford Ka was supported by her dealer but rejected by Ford.

Sue bought the Ka as the second owner from Dagenham Motors and had it serviced at Trust Ford, Colindale, to ensure the warranty was maintained.

After the last service, a part started to show signs of rust and Sue returned to Trust Ford who said it would be covered under the 12-year bodywork warranty.

However, when the case was sent up to Ford for approval, it was rejected. The maker said it wasn’t a bodywork part and Ford would only offer to cover 40

per cent of the £161 bill. Sue wasn’t happy and told us: “It’s a complete part failure, and the dealership has been really good, but we can’t get past Ford. I think it should be repaired under the bodywork warranty.”

We contacted Ford to find out why it was at odds with the dealer and why the perforation and corrosion warranty appeared worthless. A spokeswoman explained the part was not bodywork as it was the section that bolts the wiper blades to the body – this isn’t covered by the warranty. She said: “The dealer had advised, incorrectly, that it should be replaced under the bodywork warranty.”

We felt this was unfair on Sue, so pushed Ford further. A spokeswoman added: “Ford has now offered 50 per cent towards the cost as a gesture of goodwill for the inconvenience caused, with the dealer discounting its labour costs by 50 per cent and adding a free MoT as a further gesture of goodwill.”

Sue was delighted at the outcome.

■ ADVICE What should you do if it happens to you?

SHOULD the dealer and manufacturer be at odds with each other, you shouldn’t be left in the middle without any resolution. If the case is dragging on, consider taking it to industry regulator Motor Codes, which can try and resolve the case. If you aren’t happy with a bodywork assessment, consider getting an independent inspection.

22 12 November 2014

Pubs fail to deliver on smaller measures PUBS are failing to offer customers the choice of a 125ml glass of wine – rather than 250ml – despite it being a legal requirement, according to research from Direct Line. The insurer claims that the pubs and restaurants are doing motorists and other people who want to limit their drinking a disservice.

Its study of non-chain pubs across the UK found 15 per cent would not serve customers a 125ml glass and of those that said they would, 29 per cent admitted it was not listed on the menu.

Rob Miles, director of motor trading at Direct Line, said: “We’d urge anyone who does plan to drive not to drink at all. Few people realise 250ml is a third of a bottle and often contains three or more units of alcohol.”

WE’RE getting to that time of year where drink-driving comes under the microscope more than ever.

And while it’s a shame to see that pubs aren’t doing their bit to ensure that smaller alcoholic drinks are available (below), even small servings should be viewed as too much for drivers.

A 125ml glass of wine is generally something that a designated driver would think is acceptable to have before driving home. But the reality is it can affect people differently.

Driving should never be based on a simple calculation of the number of drinks you’ve had.

A small glass of wine could put someone close to the limit, and may push others over it – there is no hard and fast rule.

Instead, the thought process needs to change. If you’re in doubt about how much drink you are allowed, you shouldn’t have any drink at all. Simple.

As we head into the festive season, there will no doubt be stories of pub chains offering free soft drinks for designated drivers in a group.

This might all sound well and good, but I have yet to be in a pub and see such an offer on show or advertised. Perhaps the pub is scared of losing revenue, but either way, such a campaign needs to be more widespread and better publicised.

Yes, there will a concerted anti-drink-drive campaign and an increased police presence, but with more than 7,000 people caught in December last year, there’s still some way to go.

Chris_Ebbs@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer

“If you are in doubt about how much to drink, don’t have any at all” www.autoexpress.co.uk

■ Reader’s security fears as she forgets to switch engine off

What do you think?

Contact Joe Finnerty mail@autoexpress.co.uk

@AutoExpress

Write to: Watchdog/Letters, Auto Express, Dennis Publishing, 30 Cleveland Street, London W1T 4JD Remco Meulendijik

Engine left running... on locked 4 Series

Inbox

Readers have their say on SUV addition to forthcoming Model III line-up

HOT TOPIC Tesla Model III SUV

Chris Ebbs

ONE of the main problems of keyless ignition was highlighted in Issue 1,344 when we reported on the recent rise in thefts, but one reader believes there is another potential problem.

Michele Egan bought a new BMW 4 Series Convertible. After taking the car out one day, she found that the engine had been running for four hours while she’d left it for lunch – it was so quiet, she hadn’t noticed it and had locked the car.

Michele asked her dealer whether or not the engine should automatically turn off if she locked the car and the key wasn’t within a certain distance. “The car would already be going, so would be easy to steal,” she explained.

We spoke to BMW to see if it was possible for the engine to remain running while the car was locked.

A spokesman told us this was the case, but there were a number of warnings for drivers. “The car emits an audible warning that the driver should hear outside the car, while there is also a prompt on the screen inside when you open the door when the engine is still running.”

Contacts THE following provide help with motoring problems. Some services are free, others charge a fee or operate on premiumrate lines (p), while some offer advice for members only (m).

Reader’s error on 4 Series highlighted what she believes is a security issue

DRIVING DOCTOR Paul Ripley www.drd.uk.com

HOW fast should you drive at night and how do you judge if it’s safe or not?

The key is vision. Always make sure you match your speed to what you can see.

Simply put, the less you can see, the slower you need to set your speed.

Don’t take risks in the dark – and that includes at dusk and dawn, too, when conditions are worsening. More than 95 per cent of traffic incidents are caused by human error after all.

TOP TIP: Don’t be a risk taker at night – lower your speed as vision decreases.

■ LESSONS FOR PRISONERS

A TOTAL of 190 prisoners, including 89 currently serving a sentence for ‘violent’ offences, were given temporary release for driving lessons or tests in 2013, according to Government figures.

Other prisoners released for training included 51 convicted for drug offences, 29 for robbery and five for theft and handling. Prisoners can take tests if the prison service believes it will help their rehabilitation, although they are expected to pay for lessons themselves.

Legal AA: 0906 010 1300 (p) RAC: 0870 5533 533 (m) Which?: 01992 822 800 Consumer Direct: 0845 404 0506 Local Trading Standards Local Citizens Advice Bureau

www.autoexpress.co.uk

@drpaulripley

Used car inspections AA: 0800 085 3007 RAC: 0800 085 2529 Technical advice AA: 0870 606 1619 (m) Driving licences DVLA: 0300 790 6801

FROM: stivans IF Tesla and other electric vehicle developers really want to change the game on a large scale, they should first try to make deals with rental companies. The prospect of buying electric cars scares most users because of the still under-developed infrastructure in the UK and the doubts on the real-life practicality. If I had to rent a car, I would definitely hire an EV for a week or so just to check whether it works as promised.

At the moment, you can’t rent a Tesla, so I won’t be trying one out. It’s a risky investment, in my opinion, just like the Renault Fluence and Nissan Leaf are.

Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk ■ “The electric range suits me and the tech will continue to develop and get better thanks to pioneers like Tesla.” Lil

■ “I reckon the SUV could be a great addition to the existing market. Let’s hope the £30,000 price is correct.” MrKash

■ “At £30,000 it’s so compelling there’s no point considering anything else. I’d go on a waiting list now if I could.” TreeFella

Time for Vauxhall to Reduce pollution by rethink design policy kicking out the jams FROM: James Hunt ENGINE improvements at GM in the Corsa (Issue 1,341) are no doubt welcome, but overdue. It’s just a pity about some of the exterior designs.

I’ve always thought the Vauxhall Adam to be a bit of a mess with its low grille and C-pillar design. Now the front-end treatment has been grafted on to the new Corsa and ruined that for me, too.

FROM: Richard Allen EACH week we hear more ways of cutting pollution, but surely avoiding gridlocked traffic is the best? The M25, for example, will be helped when the crossing at Dartford becomes automated. Flowing traffic on motorways causes less pollution and saves time and fuel. Building bypasses on the south coast is not the answer.

Bright idea to make our roads more safe

Creating stylish SUVs is the right way to go

FROM: Ron Morgan THERE’S much debate about cyclists and the dangers posed by motorists. In view of that, and the fact lots of cyclists seem to prefer black Lycra outfits, why not make a bright yellow sash mandatory to give motorists half a chance of seeing them in any conditions? It’d make it safer for everyone – including cyclists.

FROM: Patrick Adam I’M not a fan of SUVs in general. I find that height works against driveability compared to saloons or hatchbacks, but what I see in the new Vauxhall SUV strategy (Issue 1,343) looks nice. Since SUVs are flavour of the month, Vauxhall had better launch them sooner rather than later or it will risk getting left behind altogether.

Car registration/history HPI: 01722 422422 AA: 0800 316 3564 DVLA: 0300 790 6802 RAC: 0800 975 5867 Traffic information AA: 09003 401100 (p) RAC: 09003 444999 (p)

Problems with dealers Motor Codes: 0800 692 0825 RMIF: 0845 839 9205 (m) Scottish Motor Trade Association: 0131 331 5510 Problems with makers Motor Codes: 0800 692 0825

Financial problems Financial Ombudsman: 0800 023 4567 Safety concerns/recalls Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA): 0117 954 3300

12 November 2014 23

Inside story A different take on the world of motoring

DRIVING INTO THE RECORD BOOKS 132 We’re on hand to see nissan’s two-millionth qashqai roll offf the sunderland production line, setting a new record, and find nd out what it takes to be part of a great british success story ry

markets the Qashqai has been exported to, including Congo, Burkina Faso and Suriname

“It’s massive for Sunderland and the north east. You see Qashqais on the road all the time. everybody in the area knows somebody who works here and that’s all due to the Qashqai in the past 10 years”

Peter Thompson team leader

Joe Finnerty

Joe_Finnerty@dennis.co.uk

THE Nissan Qashqai: trendsetter, UK success story, record breaker. The two-millionth example rolled off the line at Nissan’s Sunderland plant on Wearside last week, just eight years after production on the first-generation model started.

That makes it the quickest British-built car to hit the landmark – faster than the 10 years it took the original and new MINI, the 11 years for the Ford Cortina and 18 years for the Ford Fiesta.

The milestone car – a Magnetic Red n-tec model – was given the same love and attention as every other Qashqai. And Auto Express was on hand to find out just what goes into producing a record breaker, as well as making sure it was in tip-top condition.

The original Qashqai was a brand new concept for the UK market, and Nissan’s vision showed us what a crossover was. Eight years later and it seems that UK buyers can’t get enough of them. So how did Nissan

24 12 November 2014

create such a success from scratch? Senior vice president of Nissan manufacturing in Europe, Colin Lawther, explained how the UK and Europe persuaded Japanese bosses to hand over the reins: “Nissan was looking for a replacement for the Almera, and something that was a breakthrough vehicle. We took the lead and came up with what was important to the European market.” The design centre in Paddington, London, produced the initial sketches and Lawther said there were a lot of questions from Japan about what the new look was all about, but the UK and European teams pushed the car through.

“Our team at Cranfield turned it into a car that could be produced within the existing plant at Sunderland,” said Lawther. “It’s been a huge success story, not just for us, but for the automotive industry in the UK.” Being the first of its kind has its advantages, but once rivals follow suit, the difficulty is to keep ahead of the trend. The Qashqai is now the benchmark

2,708 new parts in a Nissan Qashqai

75%

Report Reporter Finnerty joins team to put finishing touches to record Qashqa Qa Qashqai, before driving it off line

aga against which every competitor is jud judged and that presents its own ch challenges. Lawther said there was a cle clearly defined plan as to how to move the model on with the second second-generation Qashqai.

“The first generation was a lifestyle change car and with the new one we’ve improved the internal quality and made it more premium,” he explained. “We’ve kept the essence of the car, but refreshed the engines and improved emissions, too.”

Nissan has invested £534million into the development of the Qashqai, and while it’s been warmly received in the UK, it’s also an international success story.

Total global production of the Qashqai now tops 2.5 million, with the first-generation model also made by Nissan

of parts in Qashqai are sourced from Europe

“The factory is brilliant for us, if it wasn’t for Nissan we’d be out of a job. There’s plenty of work and it certainly keeps you busy” Gavin Jobling Inspector

in China and Jap Japan. From 2015 the new Qashqai qai will al factured in Nis ’s also be manufactured Nissan’s pl plant in St. Petersburg for domestic sa sales in Russia. Since December 2006, 85 per cent of the two million made in Sunderland have been exported to 132 international markets, from Congo to Qatar.

That impressive Qashqai production means the factory is now closing in on its all-time volume record of 2.3 million held by the Micra, which was produced from 1992-2010 in the north east.

It’s an impressive amount of work that the factory team gets through, with round-theclock, three-shift production in operation since 2010 in order to meet customer demand. That means a car rolls off the

12 November 2014 25

Inside story

Two-millionth Qashqai

62

seconds between each Qashqai that rolls off the line

“It’s a nice car and has been a big success, and that gives you a bit of pride to be working on it – It’s keeping us in work” Mark Smith Team leader

9,324

“It’s enjoyable working here – it’s hard work, but rewarding, and you definitely take pride in your work” Andy Ainsley Quality control

people in the UK supply chain who contribute to Qashqai

production productio line every 62 seconds, or 58 per hour.

Auto Express got a taste of what it takes to make it on to the production line by taking part in a skills training session with tutor Martin Abelé. Workers from Russia and India all visit the test centre on site at Sunderland to learn the best way to build Nissans, whether it’s in the paintshop, body work or quality assurance departments.

We were tested on securing bolts on to a plate and spot welding. Martin explained there’s a “standard op” for every task, with a pictorial flowchart showing us how to perform. “It’s always referred to as the current best practice as we feel there’s always room for improvement,” he told us.

Fitting three bolts to four metal plates sounds like a walk in the park, but the target time of 55 seconds isn’t easy. We managed one minute and six seconds – so we won’t be offered a job on the line any time soon!

The spot welding is a tougher task as we struggle to manipulate the huge welding tool to hit accurate tolerances. It certainly isn’t easy to meet the Nissan standards

27 12 November 2014

and still maintain the necessary speed. Our time in the skills centre – which is operated in conjunction with nearby Gateshead College – highlights Nissan’s constant desire to operate in the best way for the Qashqai and its other models. This means the skills set on offer at Sunderland is ever growing. Add to this the continued demand for Qashqai and crossovers, and the future in the north east is bright.

The factory itself is currently undergoing a redevelopment as it makes room to take on Infiniti Q30 production to run alongside the line for the Qashqai, Leaf and Juke.

So, with Sunderland continuing to set the standard and the Qashqai continuing to break records, it would seem the UK automotive industry is in safe hands.

As Lawther concluded: “I can’t see any reason why we shouldn’t continue the success.”

58 suppliers in the UK

JOBS BOOST

“The new Qashqais are much nicer tthan the first model. I enjoy the job, too; I like doing tthe checks and inspections”

Over 11,500 people are employed by Nissan across all its UK sites and dealerships, supporting a further 26,000 jobs in the supply chain in this country. The Qashqai’s success saw a full shift reinstated, allowing the brand to take on workers who had been let go during the recession – including Andy and Tracey

Tr Tracey Taylor Quality control

www.autoexpress.co.uk

Three Polished Performers.

Three cars, three Golden Steering Wheel awards. And a Porsche won every category in which it was entered. Best SUV for the Macan, best sports car for the Cayman GTS and best Cabriolet for the 911 Targa.

Three cheers from us for the readers and judges.

Official fuel economy figures for the Macan range: Fuel consumption in mpg (l/100 km): urban 23.9–42.2 (11.8–6.7), extra urban 36.2–49.6 (7.8–5.7), combined 30.7–46.3 (9.2–6.1), CO2 emissions: 216–159 g/km. Official fuel economy figures for the Cayman GTS: Fuel consumption in mpg (l/100 km): urban 22.2-24.8 (12.7-11.4), extra urban 39.8-44.8 (7.1-6.3), combined 31.4-34.4 (9.0-8.2); CO2 emissions: 211-190 g/km. Official fuel economy figures for the 911 Targa range: Fuel consumption in mpg (l/100 km): urban 20.3-23.9 (13.9-11.8), extra urban 36.7-40.9 (7.7-6.9), combined 28.2-32.5 (10.0-8.9), CO2 emissions: 237-204 g/km.

The mpg and CO2 figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results, are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience.

Europe’s best cars

THE AWARD

WINNERS

THOUSAND OF READERS VOTE FOR THE BEST CARS ON SALE ALE We announce the class winners in Europe’s biggest car awards James Batchelor

James_Batchelor@dennis.co.uk Jame

@JRRBatchelor

IT’S that time of year again when car buyers across Europe have their say on the best new cars to have been launched in the past 12 months.

Ever since 1978, the Golden Steering Wheel Awards have celebrated the very best cars in each sector, and in the process they have become highly coveted by the world’s top car makers.

As you would expect, winning one of the awards is no easy task. As in previous years, the start of the process saw the readers of Auto Express and its European sister titles cast their votes on which cars they wanted to put forward as their favourites.

In Issue 1,332, we carried a shortlist of contenders for you to vote on in the six categories – Small Cars, Compact Cars and Crossovers, Cabriolets, SUVs, Executive Cars and Sports Cars.

After that, our expert team of road testers – along with our counterparts on titles in Germany, France and Italy – debated your selections. And following

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an exhaustive testing and judging process, now is the time to reveal the overall winners.

As you will see over the page, this year there was little consensus between UK readers and their foreign counterparts, with none of the six Golden winners being cars that you voted for in August.

And despite there being a host of exciting new cars from all over the world launched in the past 12 months, it’s German manufacturers who will be celebrating most enthusiastically, picking up five of the six awards.

“The awards are highly ghly coveted by the world’ d’s top car manufacturers” rs”

12 November 2014 29

Europe’s best cars

Golden Steering Wheel awards

Small cars The winner is...

Mazda 2

OUR PICK: 2 1.5 SkyActiv-D PRICE: From £12,000 (est) WE’VE only just driven the new Mazda 2 (see our first drive on Page 32), but it’s already won fans across Europe.

The new model takes on Mazda’s new Kudo design language and looks different from other superminis. It has a sleek interior that majors on simplicity and an upmarket look.

Cutting-edge engines offer decent levels of power with impressive fuel economy. It’s sure to be a hit in the UK. Taking the runners-up spots were the MINI and the Vauxhall Corsa.

UK VOTERS CHOSE

MINI COOPER

We say...

“The Mazda 2 has always been a good per for mer. On the new car, the steering is the nicely weighted and gearchange is slick, ble ensuring an enjoya drive that almost matches that of the excellent Ford Fiesta.”

Jac k rix associate editor

Compact & crossover The winner is...

Volkswagen Golf SV OUR PICK: Golf SV 2.0 TDI 150 SE PRICE: £23,950 LONGER, wider and taller than the Golf Plus it replaces – not to mention also improving on build quality and efficiency – the new Golf SV is a natural choice in this sector.

Readers across Europe were unanimous in giving the Golf the top honour thanks to its space, driving ability and predicted residual values.

The Golf SV pushed two important newcomers down into the two runners-up spots: the Mercedes GLA and BMW 2 Series Active Tourer.

UK VOTERS CHOSE

JEEP RENEGADE

We say...is an extremely “The SV er competent five-seat MPV which deserves s to be on any buyer’ s shortlist. Where it fall t short, though, is tha it lacks the flexibility and stand-out style of our favourite, the class-leading Citroen C4 Picasso.”

JAM ES DISD ALE road test EDITOR

Executive The winner is...

Volkswagen Passat OUR PICK: Passat 2.0 TDI 150 SE Business PRICE: £25,530

UK VOTERS CHOSE

CO BMW 4 SERIES GRAN

30 12 November 2014

UPE

THE Passat has earned itself an excellent reputation for solid build quality, decent driving dynamics and good reliability over the years, and the new car certainly lives up to this excellent pedigree.

It moves the game on with more fuel-efficient engines, improved quality and class-leading technology, giving more premium machinery a run for its money. The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé and Mercedes C-Class placed second and third respectively.

We say... -selling saloon

“VW’s big is better than ever. for t Ref inement and com are class-leading, and t tau the handling more and more engaging has than before. It also lity excellent cabin qua and sharp looks.

The new Ford Mondeo has a tough rival.”

OWE N MILD ENH ALL SENIOR ROAD TESTER

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Inside story

Golden Steering Xxxxxxx xxxxxxxWheel awards

Europe’s best cars SUVs The winner is...

Porsche Macan OUR PICK: Macan Diesel S PRICE: £43,648

UK VOTERS CHOSE

JEEP CHEROKEE

PORSCHE has been targeting the compact premium SUV class for years and the Macan is a well executed contender. It beats the sector’s best, such as the Range Rover Evoque, Audi Q5 and BMW X3, with its sports carlike drive and classy interior.

While there may not be many models to choose from in the range, each version has its key strengths.

The BMW X4 and Range Rover Sport were second and third respectively.

we say... comes to

“When it agility and fun, the sel Porsche Macan Die leaves its rivals standing and is . seriously quick, too It costs just a little more than a BMW X3 xDrive30d M Sport and it’s quiet and economical to boot.”

LES LEY HARR IS ROAD TESTER

Cabriolets The winner is...

Porsche 911 Targa OUR PICK: 911 Targa 4S PRICE: £86,377

UK VOTERS CHOSE

ER ALFA ROMEO 4C SPID

OF all of the convertibles launched in the past year, the new Porsche 911 Targa is unquestionably among the most stylish and desirable.

The latest 911 derivative features a glass rear window that neatly slips back behind the (laughably) small rear seats – but otherwise it’s business as usual. That means fantastic build quality, classic looks and fun driving characteristics.

Alfa’s 4C Spider and the Chevy Corvette were second and third.

we say...

“If you’ve got your heart set on a conver tible and you ve, want four-wheel dri ue then we’ve got no iss recommending the Targa 4S. It’s comfor table, fun and far more stylish than a standard 911 Cabriolet.”

mat wat son editor-at-large

Sports cars The winner is...

Porsche Cayman OUR PICK: Cayman GTS manual PRICE: £55,397

UK VOTERS CHOSE

E JAGUAR F-TYPE COUP

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THE Cayman is already a firm favourite with us here at Auto Express, and we know our readers rate the Stuttgart sports car highly, too. The GTS turns things up a notch with 15bhp more power, extra body styling and a sporty interior.

Engaging driving dynamics and an unbeatable overall package helped seal the win. Yet another German car took second place – the impressive new BMW i8 – while the Jaguar F-Type, was third.

We say... unlikely to

“You’ll be hp notice the extra 15b on the road, but the handling has all the . fluidity you’d expect ing The wheel is brimm the with feedback, while p chassis delivers gri when you need it and poise when you overstep the limits.”

dean gibs on dep. road test ED.

12 November 2014 31

New cars

36

Visit autoexpress.co.uk for the latest new cars and drives

Performance 0-62mph/top speed

SMART FORTWO

Clever two-seater city car is back, but does it set the pace in this market?

Running costs

10.1 seconds/111mph

83.1mpg (official) £56 fill-up

n e e d t o k n o w. . .

fir m UK “Mazda has yet to con ected to exp prices, but they’re to £18,000 range from £12,000 ven here” for top-spec diesel dri

Mazda2

FIRST DRIVE Early verdict on sharp-looking new supermini that’s taking aim at the Fiesta Jack Rix Ja

Jack_Rix@dennis.co.uk Ja Jack @jack_rix

OVER one in every five cars sold in Europe is a supermini, plus the Ford Fiesta has been the best-selling new model in the UK for the past five years, so it’s little wonder that Mazda has high hopes for its all-new 2.

And to be frank, so do we. Since the CX-5 arrived in 2012, followed by the 6 and 3, Mazda has struck a rich vein of form for producing mainstream

32 12 November 2014

cars that look great and drive brilliantly.

So could the 2 really knock the Fiesta off its perch? We were invited to drive a variety of pre-production models in Barcelona to find out.

Whichever way you look at it, the Mazda 2 is new in every department.

The wheelbase has been stretched by 80mm to unlock some more interior space, the electric steering is quicker and the suspension geometry and settings have been retuned. By increasing the amount of high-tensile steels, Mazda has also made the body 22 per cent

stiffer but lighter than before, allowing it to up the equipment levels but keep the overall kerbweight constant. So the 1,040kg diesel is 77kg lighter than the equivalent Fiesta.

Two all-new engines have also been developed for the 2 and forthcoming CX-3 crossover. The 1.5 SkyActiv-G – available with 74bhp, 89bhp or 113bhp, and revised manual or auto gearboxes – does without a turbo, but has a compression ratio of 14:1. This is the highest of any naturally aspirated

38

SMART FORFOUR

We also try out the new rear-wheeldrive four-seater.

40

We found SkyActiv-D diesel was happy to rev without compromising refinement

ALFA ROMEO 4C

Pretty coupé has softer set-up for UK market, and we try it for size.

42

SKODA FABIA 1.0

Does latest baby make sense with small-capacity engine from tiny Citigo?

44

VW SCIROCCO

Verdict on 1.4-litre turbo petrol version of updated Volkswagen coupé.

Essentials Mazda 2 1.5 SkyActiv-D

Price: £18,000 (est) Engine: 1.5-litre 4cyl turbodiesel Power/torque: 104bhp/220Nm Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive 0-62/top spd: 10.1 secs/111mph Economy: 83.1mpg CO2: 89g/km

ON SALE Spring 2015

Rear space is more generous than before thanks to a 80mm increase in wheelbase.

Boot is deep, and can easily be boosted by dropping rear seats, but they don’t fold flat.

Big rev counter looks great

QUALITY Interior materials are a

mixed bag, ranging from sumptuous leather handles and panels to scratchy plastic on door tops. However, things should improve for full production cars

HEADLIGHTS Optional full LED

headlamps are rare in class, while running lights give the 2 a distinctive look. Auto dipping function prevents car from dazzling other road users

“New 2 is comfortable – despite being fitted with stiffer springs and dampers than before, it only judders over potholes and big bumps” petrol engine, and is a strategy Mazda insists delivers better real-world economy. The 1.5 SkyActiv-D is only available with 104bhp and a six-speed manual box, but promises 83.1mpg and 89g/km emissions, putting it up there with the class’s cleanest cars.

We drove the 89bhp petrol, plus the diesel, and although petrol engines normally make more sense in small cars, the opposite is true here. Drive calmly, keeping the revs below 3,500rpm, and the petrol engine is refined and quiet with plenty of torque and sharp throttle response. But stretch it nearer to the limiter and it starts to sound coarse, with a booming engine note

that quickly gets tiring. We tried it with the lighter and more compact new auto, which does its job well so long as you don’t ask it to kick down too suddenly – shift paddles would help here.

It’s the SkyActiv-D that surprised us, though, doing an excellent impression of Mazda’s 2.2-litre. While most diesels deliver a surge of power followed by a flat spot, this offers a far more linear power delivery and is happy to rev without sacrificing refinement. In-gear pace is strong as well, and while the manual box could do with a shorter throw, it has a pleasingly notchy feel.

The electric power-steering has a quicker ratio than before, but it doesn’t weight up much in corners.

It’s so direct, though, that you quickly

12 November 2014 33

New cars

become confident placing the car in bends and darting in and out of traffic.

The 2’s comfortable enough for the daily grind, too; despite having stiffer springs and dampers than before, it only judders over potholes and big bumps.

However, to pass a verdict on its highspeed refinement, or see whether it can outhandle a Fiesta on the limit, we’d need a more extensive test drive than this.

It’s the design that has to reel in the customers, and it’s here where the 2 noses ahead of the competition. You’re probably familiar with Mazda’s Kodo design language by now, and with its short overhangs, three-dimensional chrome wing element under the front grille and optional full LED lights, the car is beautifully proportioned, with details to match. If we have one criticism it’s that even the largest 16-inch wheels

Mazda 2

don’t quite fill the arches, but any bigger and they would inevitably spoil the ride.

The interior is just as impressive, with the most expensive-looking design this side of an Audi A1. The asymmetrical bulls-eye vents look great, while the seven-inch display and rotary controller are reminiscent of Mercedes’ A-Class, and brilliantly simple to use.

There’s a class first head-up display, too, while the materials on our top-spec car were superb in some areas (leather on the dash, door panels, seats) and suspect in others (scratchy plastic on the tops of the doors and glovebox).

Still, as these are pre-production cars we have to assume things will improve.

There’s lots of front seat and steering wheel adjustment, while the pedals are nicely positioned, without any offset.

Passengers in the back have more room

Interior is brilliantly designed and has Audilike quality.

Seven-inch infotainment system is easy to use; sharp details include neat tail-lights than in a Fiesta, and two adults can easily sit one behind the other – as long as they’re not both six-footers.

The deep boot offers 280 litres with the rear seats in place, or 960 litres with them folded – 10 and 14 litres less than in the Ford, but 30 and 173 litres more than in the old Mazda.

Steering is light, but feels direct enough for you to place 2 in bends confidently

Verdict MAZDA is on a roll at the moment, and the new 2 brings something fresh and exciting to the supermini class with its chiselled looks, plush interior and engaging handling. We’ll have to wait for a more extensive drive to make a full assessment of its handling, but things are looking promising.

While there are question marks over some of the cabin materials, plus the refinement of the new petrol engine, assuming Mazda can iron out these issues before the car goes on sale next spring, it should be a serious contender in the most competitive class of all.

★★★★★

34 12 November 2014

www.autoexpress.co.uk

New cars

Smart ForTwo

Essentials

n e e d t o k n o w. . .

r “Over ForTwo’s 16-yea d lifetime, Smart has sol ly, over 1.5 million global with 100,000 of those ” UK finding homes in the

Smart ForTwo Proxy Price: Engine: Power: Transmission:

0-62mph: Top speed: Economy: CO2:

£12,360 0.9-litre 3cyl turbo 89bhp Five-speed manual, rear-wheel drive 10.4 seconds 96mph 67.3mpg 97g/km

ON SALE December

EQUIPMENT Central touchscreen looks good, although if you want sat-nav you’ll have to specify option pack. Alloy wheels, climate and cruise control come as standard

SPACE Large sunroof makes new

model feel a lot more spacious inside.

Plus, there’s a well shaped 260-litre boot and a variety of storage cubbies

SmartForTwo

FIRST DRIVE New, improved city car builds on groundbreaking original, but is it a contender in a market that’s really moved on?

Jonathan Burn Jonat

Jonathhan_Burn@dennis.co.uk @Jonathan_burn

THE smallest and most distinctive city car has returned, thoroughly reengineered from top to bottom. With its new engines, gearboxes and sharp design, the third-generation Smart ForTwo is aimed at addressing its predecessor’s shortcomings.

At 2.69m long, the ForTwo keeps its tiny proportions, so you can still smugly park nose first into the kerb. This time, however, it has a more muscular stance as 10mm has been shaved off its height and 110mm added to the width.

The wheels have been pushed as far into each corner as they’ll go, maximising interior space and boosting agility. There’s also a trio of new engines,

all fitted over the rear axle. Two threecylinder petrol engines – a 70bhp 1.0-litre and an 89bhp 900cc turbo – will be your only options initially, with an entry 59bhp three-cylinder set to join the range in the coming months.

The ForTwo uses a shortened version of the new Renault Twingo’s rear-engined chassis, but don’t mistake this for a mini Porsche 911. Despite the sports car layout, its packaging is designed to add practicality, not sportiness.

The wider body also means there is far more space inside than its proportions would suggest. Top-spec Proxy models like our test car come with a contrasting blue textured dash and centre console with matching seats, as well as a panoramic roof. Sadly, the other goodies fitted to our car, such

as the seven-inch infotainment system with sat-nav, ambient lighting, reversing camera and auto lights and wipers, are part of a £1,295 Premium Plus package.

Add that to the £12,360 base price of our test car and that’s only £800 less than a Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost.

We tested the more powerful, turbocharged 89bhp 900cc model, and the step up in quality over the previous version is immediately obvious. Gone are the vibrations, replaced with a more refined, but characterful off-beat thrum.

As the Smart is lighter than a Twingo, economy is also fractionally better, too – the car claims 67.3mpg and 97g/km of CO2. With only 880kg to haul around, 0-62mph takes 10.4 seconds – on par with equally powered rivals. Yet the engine is still not the most eager performer. There’s none of the strong in-gear pace you’d expect from a turbo, but Smart has addressed the two biggest issues that plagued the ForTwo’s predecessor: the bonebreaking ride and lethargic gearshifts.

Buyers can choose between a fivespeed manual or twin-clutch DCT gearbox. The manual comes as standard, while the auto is a £995 option. Both are welcome replacements, with the simple five-speed manual enough to transform the Smart from

“It’s incredibly agile and manoeuvrable, highlighted by the extremely tight 6.95m turning circle”

Smart ForTwo

New cars Take ForTwo beyond city limits, and up to cruising speed, and it gets noisy

Otis Clay

It still only seats two, but wider new Smart feels more spacious Hidden storage compartment in boot lid is one of many cubbies dotted around the new ForTwo; circular dials on bright blue dash give the interior a sporty feel asthmatic to athletic on its own.

Improved travel in the suspension makes the ForTwo easier to live with day-to-day, too. Over a well worn road it covers ground with relative ease, and it feels more at home charging through city streets than ever before.

It’s incredibly manoeuvrable and agile, highlighted by the extremely tight 6.95m turning circle.

Covering long distances is more bearable than before, but still a chore

due to the rather rowdy engine at higher speeds, plus excessive amounts of wind noise kicked up by the slab-sided body.

On a practical level, the Smart remains rather hopeless. A 260-litre boot is big enough for the two occupants, but no model at this price point demands such compromises. That’s why around 80 per cent of UK buyers are expected to pay the extra £495 to get a lot more car, with the all-new ForFour.

PAGE 38: Smart ForFour driven

Verdict IT’S pricey, and still not perfect, but the Smart ForTwo can now be considered a credible alternative in the city car market – providing room for two is enough. It’s easier to drive and feels more mature.

The much-needed cosmetic and mechanical updates mean it’s better at managing everyday demands. If you need more space, there’s always the new ForFour.

★★★★★

12 November 2014 37

New cars

Smart ForFour

Running costs

Performance

65mpg (est)

0-62mph/top speed

£42 fill-up

11.5 secs (est)/96mph

FIRST DRIVE Is new four-door Smart a more convincing take on the modern city car?

Jonat Jonathan Burn

Jonathhan_Burn@dennis.co.uk @Jonathan_burn

THE original Smart ForFour was a sales flop when it arrived back in 2004. It lasted only two years in production before it was axed, and we’ve never seen it on our shores since. But after an eight-year absence it’s back – and unlike before it’s been developed alongside its smaller brother, the ForTwo (driven on Page 36), so you get the same clever packaging, quirky styling and ‘made for the city’ attitude.

At only £495 more than the ForTwo, the ForFour is comparatively good value when you consider how much more car you get for your money. So where exactly do the two models differ?

Well, the wheelbase has been stretched by 621mm and the length of the body by 800mm. That’s enough to squeeze in a set of rear doors and two

38 12 November 2014

rear seats. So unlike its compromised brother, the ForFour comes into direct contact with some well engineered and highly rated rivals, including the Hyundai i10 and Skoda Citigo.

The bad news for the bigger Smart is that such fierce opposition makes it appear rather expensive. Around £1,900 more than an equivalent i10 is a big premium in what’s supposed to be a cheap and cheerful market sector.

On the move, the rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive layout – which is shared with the latest Renault Twingo – makes the ForFour more agile and nimble than rivals. An 8.65-metre turning circle means the car can only be outmanoeuvered by its two-seater

counterpart, so navigating tricky parking spaces or tight bends is a breeze. The steering is geared towards ease of use, which makes it a little short on feel, but it’s light, allowing you to unlock the ForFour’s swift and responsive nature.

Out of its comfort zone, the ForFour begins to stumble and stutter where rivals quickly adapt. Despite the sporty rear-drive chassis, it’s not as much fun to drive as a Citigo, which is a surprise.

The front tyres are skinnier than the rears and soon run out of grip, while the 89bhp, 900cc turbo and five-speed manual gearbox are saddled with an additional 95kg over the ForTwo. Refinement at higher speeds is better than the mechanically identical Twingo’s,

“The steering is light, allowing you to unlock the new ForFour’s swift and responsive nature” www.autoexpress.co.uk

Smart ForFour

New cars

Otis Clay

Essentials Smart ForFour

Price: Engine: Power: Transmission:

Alloys look stylish, and are pushed right into corners as part of neat design. Full-length sunroof allows welcome light into the interior, while dash-top pod houses a rev counter and clock, and looks fantastic

0-62mph: Top speed: Economy: CO2:

£12,215 0.9-litre 3cyl turbo 89bhp Five-speed manual, rear-wheel drive 11.5 seconds (est) 96mph 65mpg (est) 100g/km (est)

ON SALE December

n e e d t o k n o w. . .

t of the “Around 70 per cen s and new ForFour’s chassi s are ent mechanical compon nault Twingo” shared with the Re

EQUIPMENT Sat-nav and rear

view camera are part of Premium and Premium Plus packs, although stop/start, cruise and climate control all feature as standard

INTERIOR Design is shared with the ForTwo inside, with contrasting colours and funky circular themes. There are lots of useful cubbies, too, although you don’t get as much space in rear as in an i10

PRACTICALITY You can free up

more space from the 180-litre boot by making the back seats more upright.

Fold them flat, and a maximum capacity of 975 litres is available

Even though it’s rear-engined and reardrive, ForFour isn’t much fun in bends as Smart has invested in 40kg of extra sound deadening, but again it’s no match for an i10 here, either.

Thankfully, there are some nifty features which give the ForFour some urban appeal. The cabin and interior design are shared with the ForTwo and even in basic Passion spec there’s lots to like. The contrasting dash, chunky multifunction steering wheel and novel centre console layout add a sense of fun.

Smart has done well to maximise the space inside, too. A handy storage compartment is hidden beneath the centre console, and although the rear doors are short, they open to 85 degrees, so it’s more accessible than you’d first imagine. It’s not as roomy in the back as an i10, but you can squeeze a six-foot

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passenger behind a six-foot driver – although they wouldn’t want to spend too much time back there.

When you’re not transporting people, you can also use the Smart’s flexible storage space. The 180-litre boot is a bit small, but you can make the rear seats more upright to free up some valuable space. The bench also folds completely flat to give 975 litres, while the rear seatbases can be flipped into the floor to offer an extra 120mm of height – handy for carrying taller or bulkier items. In addition, the front passenger seat folds flat so you can load items up to 2.2 metres long.

Unfortunately, a lot of the kit on our test car cost extra. The seveninch navigation system, heated seats, reversing camera and panoramic roof alone added a whopping £1,840 to an already premium price tag.

Verdict AS a city car the ForFour makes significantly more sense than its little brother. The versatile seating and boot arrangement are a real highlight, while the way it drives around town puts it one step ahead of its class rivals. Yet while it sits at the premium end of the market, the ForFour is still too expensive. Put simply, models from Hyundai and Skoda offer more space and a broader breadth of abilities for less.

★★★★★

12 November 2014 39

New cars

Alfa Romeo 4C

n e e d t o k n o w. . .

sion of 4C will “Soft-top Spider ver 2015 with a in on cti du enter pro l exhaust tra cen c ovi rap new Ak der” lou n eve ngs thi to make

Essentials Alfa Romeo 4C Price: Engine: Power: Transmission:

0-62mph: Top speed: Economy: CO2:

£45,000 1.75-litre 4cyl turbo 237bhp Six-speed dual-clutch auto, rear-wheel drive 4.5 seconds 160mph 41.5mpg 157g/km

ON SALE Now

AlfaRomeo4C

Performance 0-62mph/top speed 4.5 seconds/160mph

FIRST DRIVE Stunning sports car gets softer set-up for British roads

COMFORT Sports leather seats are a £1,200 optional extra and look fantastic, but they’re not the most comfortable for long journeys

Ja Jack Rix

Ja Jack Jack_Rix@dennis.co.uk @jack_rix

IT’S fair to say the Alfa 4C has failed to live up to the hype – its bonejarring ride and fidgety handling are at odds with its sublime styling. However, this is our first go in a full UK-spec righthand-drive car fitted with the standard chassis, rather than the ‘racing’ set-up.

Unlike any other 4C we’ve driven before, this version comes with smaller wheels (17-inch at the front and 18s at the back), no rear anti-roll bar and softer springs and dampers – making an immediate difference. The steering wheel still wriggles around in your hands, passing on information about the road surface below, but it doesn’t sniff out cambers and follow tiny ruts in the road with quite so much enthusiasm.

Nor does it crash over every surface imperfection so violently – but these things are relative. By any normal standard, it’s still a bruising experience

EQUIPMENT Cabin functions are

operated by buttons in the centre console, including electric windows, hazards and the DCT gearbox settings

Smart interior looks the part, but heavy steering makes it difficult to enjoy to drive on public roads. At low speeds, the unassisted steering provides a real workout, and the limited rear visibility makes parking sensors a must.

Clearly, this isn’t a car that’s been designed with the city in mind; and as the speed increases, things improve.

The steering lightens up in your palms

Lightweight 4C is quick, yet could be more fun

and loads up nicely in corners, while the four-cylinder turbo’s roar makes it sound like a mini McLaren 650S. With just 895kg (plus fluids and passengers) to push along, it possesses a vicious turn of pace and has the agility to match.

To really make the most of the 4C’s high-speed talents, however, you need a powertrain you can trust, and the engine’s spiky delivery makes it unpredictable on the limit.

There’s no denying it’s a gorgeous piece of design, though. Its advanced carbon fibre monocoque and ballistic power-to-weight ratio make for mouthwatering reading. However, its execution seems confused – it’s too harsh to be driven every day (even in ‘comfort’ spec) and it trails its rivals for handling on the limit. The 4C seems destined to be an exotic oddity rather than the driver’s car benchmark that it could have been.

PERFORMANCE Mid-mounted turbo engine delivers a sharp turn of pace and makes right noises, but power delivery could be more linear

Verdict THE 4C looks great, accelerates savagely and its weight-saving regime is impressive. With the ‘comfort’ chassis it’s marginally more docile than it was, but not enough to change its fundamental character. It’s still far from an everyday car and the powertrain lacks the refinement of its rivals.

★★★★★

www.autoexpress.co.uk

New cars

Skoda Fabia 1.0 MPI SE

SkodaFabia1.0MPISE FIRST DRIVE New ’mini gets three-cylinder engine to compete with rivals

Essentials Skoda Fabia 1.0 SE Price: Engine: Power: Transmission:

0-62mph: Top speed: Economy: CO2:

£12,760 1.0-litre 3cyl petrol 74bhp Five-speed manual, front-wheel drive 14.7 seconds 107mph 58.8mpg 108g/km

ON SALE Now

BIG BOOT Huge load space is

boosted by wide opening and square shape. Rear seats are split 60:40, but they don’t fold completely flat

Steve Fowler

Steve_Fowler@dennis.co.uk Ste @stevefowler

THREE-cylinder engines are all the rage in supermini land, so not wanting to miss out, Skoda has slipped the 1.0-litre motor that does such good service in the Citigo city car under the bonnet of the new Fabia.

Surely it’s a recipe for success?

Er, no. While it has a certain charm in the smaller car, it’s not so successful in the supermini. The lack of power is more apparent – especially if you take advantage of the excellent space in the Fabia and get the family (and plenty of luggage) on board. You’ll find yourself urging the car forward on inclines as you swap for a lower gear... again.

And when you eventually get up to 70mph on the motorway, the engine drones endlessly – like that annoying throbbing noise you get on a plane that never disappears.

The ride’s not great, either – a bit too bouncy for our liking.

It’s reasonably cheap to run, though, with a claimed average of 58.8mpg.

Sadly, it’s not cheap – most buyers will go for the nicely equipped SE model, but you’ll have to find £12,760 for that, which makes a Peugeot 208 look

42 12 November er 2014

PRACTICALITY Plenty of storage

dotted around Fabia’s cabin includes handy features like smartphone holder that lives in cup-holders

n e e d t o k n o w. . .

up “Plastic insert breaks ard, the functional dashbo alise er can person and buyers tures” it with their own pic

Interior is smart and easy to use, but on road, Fabia’s short on refinement

like sensational value. Yes, we did say it was nicely equipped and you do get plenty of luxury kit, but you don’t get much in the way of luxury feel. The interior may look smart enough until you touch it – it doesn’t exactly shout high quality.

There are some clever touches, though, as you’d expect from Skoda. There are lots of places to put things, making this an easy car to live with.

What we’d struggle to live with is this model’s lack of power and refinement.

We’d juggle the finance to get the 1.2-litre car that costs just £630 more – it’s definitely worth stretching to.

EQUIPMENT Fabia prices have

risen, but so have the levels of luxury kit, with air-con featuring as standard

Verdict SADLY, this 1.0-litre model is proof that not all three-cylinder superminis are superstars. The Fabia is smart and spacious, and comes with lots of equipment, but while prices have risen, quality hasn’t kept pace. Go for the 1.2 instead, although even then there are better superminis to buy.

★★★★★

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New cars

Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4 TSI

Coming soon MASERATI ALFIERI 2016

BASED on the concept seen earlier this year, Maserati’s answer to the Jaguar F-Type will come in coupé and convertible form.

SUPERMINIS

VWScirocco1.4TSI

FIRST UK DRIVE Verdict on new entry-level coupé

0-62mph: Top speed: Economy: CO2:

£22,585 1.4-litre 4cyl turbo 123bhp Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive 9.3 seconds 126mph 52.3mpg 125g/km

ON SALE Now Dean Gibson

Dean_Gibson@dennis.co.uk

THERE has been a range of updates to the VW Scirocco, including the return of the rapid R flagship. But if you’re after a coupé on a budget, does the new entry-level 1.4 TSI deliver enough thrills to warrant a second look?

On the surface, you’d be hardpressed to tell the updated model from its predecessor. There are new lights front and rear, while the interior gets a bank of dials on top of the dash, but aside from that, it’s not much different.

Still, that’s no bad thing, as there wasn’t much wrong with how the Scirocco looked. That hatchback body has a unique style, while the squared-off rear means this is a practical four-seater.

The 123bhp 1.4 TSI petrol turbo is offered in the £20,735 base model or the GT tested here (which costs £1,850 more), but while the engine is small, it’s still punchy. There’s a broad spread of mid-range torque for overtaking, while the six-speed gearbox has a smooth shift with a weighty feel.

However, the Scirocco is still based on the Mk5 Golf platform, so while it’s a decent performer in corners, it doesn’t have the sharp reactions or lightweight feel of VW’s latest MQB-based models.

It’s a little heavy and slow to react, although there’s no faulting the car’s comfort or cruising ability.

44 12 November 2014

early 2015 2015 2016 mid 2015 early 2015 early 2015 early 2015 late 2015 2016 early 2015 early 2015 early 2015 April 2015 spring 2015 2015

FAMILY CARS

Alfa Romeo Giulia late 2015 Alfa Romeo Giulia Estate late 2015 Audi A3 three-cylinder late 2015 Audi A4 early 2015 BMW 1 Series facelift 2015 BMW i5 mid 2015 Cadillac ATS winter Ford Mondeo Vignale early 2015 Honda FCEV mid 2015 Hyundai Genesis winter Infiniti Q30 spring 2015 Jaguar XE early 2015 Kia Soul EV December Kia Rio coupé 2015 Mercedes CLA Shoot. Brake early 2015 MG5 early 2015 MINI Clubman early 2015 Nissan Leaf mid 2016 Porsche Panamera estate 2015 Renault Espace 2015 Skoda Superb 2015 Skoda Fabia estate early 2015 Tesla Model III 2016 Toyota Prius 2015 Toyota FCV mid 2015 Vauxhall Astra 2015 VW Beetle Dune late 2015 VW Golf Alltrack mid 2015 VW Golf GTE winter VW Golf CC 2015 VW Passat Alltrack summer 2015 VW Passat GTE June 2015

VW Scirocco 1.4 TSI GT Price: Engine: Power: Transmission:

Audi A1 facelift Citroen DS1 Fiat 500 Ford Ka Honda Jazz Hyundai i20 Mazda 2 Renaultsport Twingo SEAT Ibiza Skoda Fabia Smart ForTwo Smart ForFour Vauxhall Adam S Vauxhall Viva VW Polo GTI

New front and rear lights set latest Scirocco apart, plus there are new dials on top of the dashboard

PRACTICALITY Scirocco’s 292-litre boot expands to 1,200 litres with the back seats down. Inside, it’s spacious and rear passenger space is decent. There are plenty of storage cubbies, too.

Verdict VOLKSWAGEN has clearly followed the philosophy of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ with the Scirocco.

The 1.4 TSI is a punchy performer, with improved emissions and economy, and is a great choice for coupé buyers on a budget.

★★★★★

SPORTS CARS

Alfa Romeo Spider 2015 Alfa 4CStradale 2015 Alfa 6C 2016 Audi RS3 mid 2015 Audi A5 spring 2016 Audi R4 2015 Audi R8 early 2015 Audi TT Sportback 2016 Audi TT Sport Quattro 2015 BMW M1 2016 BMW M2 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupé winter Caterham Aeroseven winter Caterham sports car 2016 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 spring 2015 Ferrari 458M early 2015 Ford Focus RS 2015 Ford Mustang early 2015 Honda Civic Type R March 2015 Honda NSX mid 2015 Jaguar XE SVR early 2016 Kia GT4 Stinger 2016 Lamborghini Asterion LP910-4 2017 Lexus GS-F early 2016 Lexus RC early 2015 Lexus LF-LC 2016 Maserati Alfieri 2016 McLaren P13 2015 Mercedes-AMG GT early 2015 MG TF replacement 2015 MINI JCW early 2015 Nissan Pulsar Nismo mid 2015 Peugeot 308 R mid 2015

Porsche Cayman GT4 Porsche GT3 RS Porsche 961 Porsche Pajun Renault Alpine Toyota FT-1 (Supra) Vauxhall Monza VW Golf R estate VW Passat GTE SUVs

Alfa Romeo SUV Aston Martin SUV Audi Q1 Audi Q5 Audi Q6 Audi Q7 Audi Q8 Audi RS Q1 Bentley SUV BMW X3 BMW X7 Dacia Duster facelift Ford Edge Honda Vezel Infiniti QX30 Jaguar C-X17 Kia Sorento Lamborghini Urus Land Rover Defender Maserati Levante Mazda CX-3 Mercedes GLK Mercedes GLE Coupé Mercedes baby SUV Peugeot Quartz Porsche Cayenne Coupé Porsche Macan Turbo S Porsche Macan GTS Range Rover Sport SVR Renault Kwid Renault Mégane SUV Renault seven-seat SUV SEAT IBX Skoda Yeti+2 SsangYong crossover Suzuki iV-4 Tesla Model X Toyota C-HR Volkswagen Taigun Volkswagen Tiguan Volkswagen T-ROC Volvo XC40 Volvo XC60 Volvo XC90 PEOPLE MOVERS

BMW CAT 7-seater Ford C-MAX facelift Ford Grand C-MAX facelift Ford S-MAX Mercedes R-Class VW Touran

2015 mid 2015 2016 2017 2015 late 2015 2015 2015 June 2015 early 2015 2017 2016 2016 2016 mid 2015 2017 late 2016 2016 2016 2018 2016 2015 2015 late 2015 2016 early 2015 2017 2016 2016 early 2015 2015 2015 2017 2016 2017 early 2015 2015 winter 2016 2015 2015 2016 2016 2016 2015 2015 2017 2015 2016 2016 2018 late 2015 early 2015 early 2015 spring 2015 spring 2015 early 2015 late 2015 March 2015

CABRIOLETS

Audi TT Convertible 2015 Alfa Romeo 4CSpider early 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale A early 2015 Ford Mustang Convertible 2015 Lamborghini Huracán Spyder 2015 Mazda MX-5 2015 Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet 2015 Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet 2015 MINI Convertible late 2015 Range Rover Evoque Cabriolet 2015 Rolls-Royce Wraith Drophead 2016 VW Beetle Dune cabriolet late 2015 LUXURY CARS

BMW 7 Series Cadillac ELR Infiniti Q80 Jaguar XF Mercedes S-Class Pullman Rolls-Royce Phantom VW Phaeton Volvo S90

early 2015 late 2015 2020 2016 2015 2017 late 2016 2016

Buying a new car?

Tell us about your experience www.autoexpress.co.uk/driverpower

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Road tests

Visit autoexpress.co.uk for the latest new cars and drives

56

TOYOTA YARIS vs VOLKSWAGEN POLO Has facelift made Yaris a supermini contender?

Find out as it meets VW.

BMW 320d ED Business Ed. Touring

Price: £33,025 Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbodiesel, 161bhp 0-60mph: 7.2 seconds Test economy: 48.7mpg/10.8mpl CO2: 112g/km Annual road tax: £30

46 12 November 2014

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66

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SUZUKI SX4 S-CROSS Autumn clean proves crossover is scrubbing up well to family life.

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comforts

We see if new C-Class Estate has space and quality feel to beat BMW and Volvo TO be considered great, an estate has to be practical. But to compete in the executive class, it also needs to be a top-quality product.

That’s what Mercedes is hoping to achieve with its all-new C-Class Estate. Based on the latest saloon, launched earlier this year, it combines luxury, quality and a decent-sized

boot. For this test, we’ve chosen what’s expected to be the best seller, the C220 BlueTEC, in mid-range Sport trim.

Competition is hard-fought in this class, and no contender is tougher than the BMW 3 Series Touring. It matches the Mercedes in most areas and, in 320d guise, delivers a potent blend of

performance and economy. Volvos always spring to mind when considering estates, too. The V60 isn’t the roomiest car here, but looks smart and the new D4 diesel mixes efficiency and punch.

So can the new Mercedes make an impact?

Or is the executive estate competition now too strong for the newcomer to make an impression?

Volvo V60 D4 SE Lux Nav

Price: £33,245 Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbodiesel, 179bhp 0-60mph: 8.1 seconds Test economy: 45.2mpg/10.0mpl CO2: 99g/km Annual road tax: £0

Merc C220 BlueTEC Sport Estate

Price: £34,060 Engine: 2.1-litre 4cyl turbodiesel, 168bhp 0-60mph: 7.9 seconds Test economy: 49.0mpg/10.9mpl CO2: 115g/km Annual road tax: £30

www.autoexpress.co.uk

Pictures: Pete Gibson Location: Moggerhanger Park, Bedfordshire

12 November 2014 47

Road test

Mercedes C-Class Estate vs rivals

MODEL TESTED: Mercedes C220 BlueTEC Estate PRICE: £34,060 ENGINE: 2.1-litre 4cyl, 168bhp THE current Mercedes C-Class was launched earlier this year, taking styling inspiration inside and out from the S-Class limousine. As with past generations, the range has now expanded to include a five-door estate. You pay a £1,200 premium for the extra practicality, and here we test the mid-range Sport model in C220 BlueTEC diesel guise, which costs £34,060.

Styling 4.1/5 MERCEDES has taken bold steps with the design of its most recent models, and the C-Class Estate certainly cuts a dash compared to its rivals here. As you would expect, it mostly shares the saloon’s looks, so you get a large rounded grille with an oversized threepointed star, while swooping headlights add yet more drama to the front end. Sport models and above get full LED headlamps with distinctive daytime running lights.

Further back, the sculpted wings and doors add drama to the look, while the extended roof line of the estate blends into a small bootlid spoiler and a rounded tailgate. The Estate also gets roof rails, which are finished in chrome on Sport models and higher, while the tail-lights wrap around the rear wings and bootlid. That tailgate is power-operated on all models and, while it’s a little slow to open, it does at least take the strain out of lifting it.

Climb inside and the C-Class Estate is identical to the saloon, so you get the same high-quality look and finish as you’ll find in the S-Class limousine. Again, all models have a tablet-style colour centre console display and, while it looks a bit like an aftermarket addition, it’s easy to navigate, courtesy of the standard COMAND control wheel.

Automatic models, like the one in our test, feature a column-mounted shift, decluttering and freeing up space on the dash, while the mix of gloss black plastics and metal switches adds an air of solidity. All cars get artificial leather as standard, but you’d be hard pressed to tell it from the real thing, while the C-Class’s build quality can’t be faulted.

Driving 3.7/5 THE new C-Class Estate feels like a premium product from behind the wheel, but unfortunately, the cabin ambience is disrupted as soon as you fire up the 2.1-litre diesel. While Mercedes has striven to make the powerplant as clean as possible, it hasn’t succeeded in making it quieter.

It starts with quite a rattle, and certainly sounds louder than the diesels in either rival here. It continues to rattle away when you’re accelerating, too, and only really settles once

“C220 is a decent performer, but its extremely light steering is a letdown” 48 12 November 2014

you’re at cruising speed. Thankfully, the C220 is a decent performer. The seven-speed auto gives you the option of changing gear yourself, including with the steering wheel paddles, but the electronics do a good job of picking the right ratio, although the box can hold on to gears for a little too long.

There are five driving modes – Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual – and in the two Sport modes, throttle response is rapid. We managed 0-60mph in 7.9 seconds, although the BMW was faster still, and acceleration was strong across the board.

Comfort and Eco modes do blunt performance, but not so that the C-Class feels sluggish in everyday driving.

Unfortunately, the steering is a letdown. The wheel feels extremely light, especially around the dead-ahead, while Merc’s Direct Steer system adjusts the power assistance according to speed and driving mode. Although the response is weightier in Sport modes, the variableratio rack is inconsistent and has hardly any feedback compared to the BMW’s steering.

Take things easy and the Mercedes is a comfortable cruiser, although the BMW does just as good a job at ironing out bumps.

Sport models get 15mm lower suspension than SE cars, while the 17-inch wheels and relatively high-profile tyres mean the ride height change doesn’t adversely affect comfort. Overall, the C-Class Estate is just as accomplished as the saloon when it comes to refined cruising, but it can’t match the 3 Series Touring for driving enjoyment.

Reliability 3.8/5 MERCEDES’ reputation for manufacturing mechanically robust cars is still intact, but with the raft of electronics on its new models, glitches are likely to become more of a cause for concern. The latest C-Class is too new to have appeared in our Driver Power surveys, yet it’s already been recalled for a steering column issue as a precautionary measure.

The C-Class has a five-star Euro NCAP score, and comes with eight airbags, Collision Prevention Assist, an active pedestrian bonnet and adaptive braking with adaptive brake lights. For adaptive cruise, lane keeping and blindspot assist, you need to add the Driving Assistance Pack for £1,495.

Exterior

Mercedes C-Class Est Interior

Running costs 3.9/5 OUR C220 BlueTEC Sport Estate costs £34,060, which is over £1,000 more than the BMW, but it does come with full LED lights, Park Assist, heated seats and Garmin sat-nav. Other options are offered in the form of packs, rather than individually, so you can easily bump the price up by a couple of thousand pounds if you want specific extras.

We managed 49.0mpg on test, which was slightly better than the BMW and ahead of the Volvo, but emissions of 115g/km mean the Mercedes is the priciest company car.

Servicing is also more expensive, although depreciation is on a par with the 3 Series’.

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Road test

T EST ErS’ n ote s...

oon, “Like the C-Class sal es the Estate version ooz nty style and packs ple ide of visual drama, ins and out. It arguably n tha looks more stylish the saloon thank s to e, its elongated roof lin which apes that of the CLS Shooting Brake.”

jam es disd ale road test editor

On the road LATEST C-Class isn’t as much fun to drive as the 3 Series, with steering a particular letdown, but it’s a composed and comfortable cruiser.

Plus, its low emissions – helped by easy-access AdBlue fuel treatment tank – help compensate

T EST ErS’ n ote s...

“Mercedes should be ing applauded for includ e a net and extra storag as standard – rivals charge for this kit.”

owe n mild enh all senior road tester

tate

!

Braking

Running costs

115g/km

Boot (seats up/down)

0-60/30-70mph

70-0/60-0/30-0mph

49/0mpg (on test)

£30 or 19%

490/1,510 litres

7.9/7.5 seconds

49.8/35.9/9.5m

£85 fill-up

CO2/tax

Practicality Performance

Screen

Practicality 4.4/5

TABLET-style display will be familiar to owners of other Mercedes, and it’s easy to use via COMAND controller

THE standard powered tailgate is a handy feature if your hands are full. The load cover also lifts at the same time, revealing a 490-litre boot. That’s five litres down on the BMW, although you do get a cargo net and folding storage box to add a bit of practicality.

Another neat feature is the 40:20:40 split/fold bench, operated using switches in the boot or by the back seats. In this configuration, 1,510 litres is available – that’s 10 litres more than in the BMW. There’s little to separate the C-Class and 3 Series for back seat space with the seats up, as both cars offer lots of head and legroom, but the Mercedes’ circular metal air vents add a classy touch. You get plenty of room up front in the C-Class, too, while the deep centre console storage bins and two-level glovebox offer lots of storage.

Leather trim MERCEDES’ Artico artificial leather is standard, although most people will struggle to tell it from the real thing

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12 November 2014 49

Road test

Mercedes C-Class Estate vs rivals

MODEL TESTED: BMW 320d SE EfficientDynamics Touring

PRICE: £33,025 ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 161bhp BMW’s brilliant 3 Series is our reigning compact executive champ, thanks to its blend of fun driving dynamics, strong performance, low running costs and rocksolid build quality. In Touring form, the desirable German machine adds family friendly practicality. Featuring a spacious boot and an ultra-frugal diesel engine, the 320d EfficientDynamics tested here is the pick of the range, particularly when fitted with the eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Styling 3.9/5 THE 3 Series fails to attract as much attention as its sleeker rivals here. Even so, the well proportioned and neatly finished Touring is still a handsome, classy-looking machine and, to our eyes, is more attractive than the standard four-door saloon.

That said, our test car’s kerb appeal wasn’t done any favours by its small 16-inch alloy wheels. Buyers looking for more visual aggression will prefer the M Sport model, which gets a subtle bodykit, 18-inch alloy wheels and chrome-tipped tailpipes.

Inside, the Touring looks and feels identical to the saloon model. That means you get a logically laid-out dashboard which is angled towards the driver, plus plenty of high-grade materials and impeccable fit and finish.

Further highlights include the intuitive iDrive infotainment controller and the comfortable, low-set driving position.

And while the interior can’t match the C-Class for style, it is beautifully built and thoughtfully designed. The 3 Series also comes with a decent amount of standard kit.

Climate control, a DAB radio and parking sensors are all included, while Business Edition models add sat-nav, plus leathertrimmed and heated seats. However, you’ll have to fork out £710 for xenon headlamps, which are standard on the Volvo, while the Mercedes gets even more powerful LED units.

Driving 4.5/5 WITH a 161bhp power output and a 380Nm torque figure, the BMW looks to be outgunned by the Mercedes and Volvo in this encounter. Yet, thanks to its fast-shifting eight-speed auto, the 320d blasted from 0-60mph in just 7.2 seconds – nine-tenths faster than the more powerful Volvo. The Touring extended its advantage during our in-gear tests, taking just 3.2 seconds to go from 30-50mph in fourth.

The BMW’s 2.0-litre engine is also one of the smoothest four-cylinder money can buy, and has the clattery Volvo and gruff Mercedes beaten for refinement. It also responds crisply

“BMW’s rear-wheeldrive layout provides progressive and balanced handling” 50 12 November 2014

Exterior

to the throttle and pulls effortlessly from around 1,700rpm. The box works brilliantly in manual or auto modes, letting you unlock every ounce of the engine’s performance.

As you’d expect, the BMW backs up its punchy performance with class-leading handling. In fact, thanks to its combination of small wheels and softer SE suspension, the EfficientDynamics delivers the best ride and handling balance of the entire 3 Series line-up. The steering is sharp and well weighted, while the rear-wheel-drive layout provides balanced and progressive handling.

Adding to the car’s driver appeal is the standard Drive Performance Control, which allows you to alter the throttle sensitivity and steering weighting to suit your mood.

Yet this engaging handling doesn’t come at the expense of comfort, as the 320d soaks up bumps almost as effectively as the Mercedes.

It also rivals the C-Class for quiet and calm cruising, recording exactly the same 63dB figure on our noise meter at 70mph.

Reliability 4.1/5 FINISHING an impressive 14th, the 3 Series topped the compact executive car rankings in our Driver Power 2014 satisfaction survey. As you’d expect, owners praised the handling and performance, plus it scored highly for reliability and build quality.

The 320d Touring comes with lots of safety kit as standard, including six airbags, stability control, seatbelt pre-tensioners and tyre pressure monitoring. You can add desirable extras such as the £370 lane keep assist, £620 adaptive cruise control and £825 head-up display. BMW’s On Call SOS set-up can automatically alert the emergency services in the event of an accident and, if you opt for the standard 320d, you can specify BMW’s excellent xDrive all-wheel-drive transmission.

Running costs 4.2/5

BMW 3 Series To

Interior

THE £33,025 BMW is the cheapest car of our trio, undercutting the Mercedes by £1,035.

Plus, the 320d backs up its competitive price with surprisingly low running costs.

Thanks to the addition of the brand’s EfficientDynamics tech, which includes stop-start and active aerodynamics, the BMW emits just 112g/km of CO2 – that’s 3g/km less than the C-Class. Combine this with the lower price, and the 3 Series works out as a cheaper company car choice than the Merc, with higher-rate earners saving around £200 a year in Benefit in Kind.

The eco-friendly tweaks help to boost economy, and we recorded an excellent 48.7mpg. Further financial savings come in the form of BMW’s great-value £425 Service Inclusive pack that covers routine maintenance for five years and 50,000 miles.

There are downsides, though, including the BMW’s relatively weak residuals of 42.1 per cent – the lowest here. And you’ll have to fork out at least £1,040 on extra equipment to match the Mercedes’ generous spec, offsetting the price advantage of the 320d.

www.autoexpress.co.uk

Road test

T EST ErS’ n ote s...

“BMW’s eight-speed the automatic is one of Not best in the business. h only is it silky smoot and responsive in operation, it allows r the 320d ED to delive hot hatch-rivalling t per for mance withou har ming its impressive fuel eff iciency.”

jam es disd ale road test editor

On the road BMW still leads the class for driver appeal, even in Touring estate guise, while super-smooth diesel engine leaves rivals trailing for refinement and efficiency, too. Plus, the separateopening tailgate glass gives versatility a boost

T EST ErS’ n ote s...

“The combination of SE nar rower tyres and in suspension results an entertaining driving experience.”

owe n mild enh all senior road tester

ouring

!

CO2/tax

Practicality

Performance

Braking

Running costs

112g/km

Boot (seats up/down)

0-60/30-70mph

70-0/60-0/30-0mph

48.7mpg (on test)

£30 or 18%

495/1,500 litres

7.2/7.2 seconds

48.3/34.6/9.1m

£73 fill-up

Sat-nav

Practicality 4.4/5

NAVIGATION system comes as standard on generously equipped Business Edition 3 Series, with clear mapping on the large central screen

OUR contenders are closely matched on rear seat space, but the BMW steals a march on the Mercedes and Volvo when it comes to versatility.

Its 495-litre boot is the biggest here, and benefits from a wide opening, flat load bay and several handy hooks and load-securing eyelets.

Another neat feature is the opening glass tailgate – useful for loading small items. And as the BMW comes with run-flat tyres, the space that would be taken up by the spare can be liberated to create a deep hidden compartment beneath the hinged boot floor.

As with the Mercedes, there’s a useful 40:20:40 split/fold rear bench, which gives you a number of carrying options, plus a loadthrough ski hatch. And with all the seats folded flat, there’s a vast 1,500 litres of space on offer – only 10 litres down on the Mercedes.

Automatic box EIGHT-speed auto is a real highlight of the 3 Series, getting most from diesel in auto or manual modes

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12 November 2014 51

Road test

Mercedes C-Class Estate vs rivals

MODEL TESTED: Volvo V60 D4 SE Lux Nav PRICE: £33,245 ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 179bhp FEATURING eye-catching looks, an upmarket cabin and a new diesel engine that blends strong performance and excellent efficiency, the revised Volvo V60 is able to take the fight to its premium rivals in this class. We test the newcomer in extremely well equipped £33,245 D4 SE Lux Nav guise.

Styling 4.1/5 THE second-generation V60 made its debut four years ago, yet the sleek styling still stands out among its rivals, with its steeply raked front and rear windscreens, small side windows and raised rear end.

The recent facelift added a wider grille and new headlights up front, although the pedestrian-friendly humped bonnet still appears a bit ungainly. At the rear, the look is largely unchanged, which means you get the same distinctive tail-lamps and gloss black trim insert at the base of the rear screen. Our SE Lux car has 17-inch wheels, a twin-exit exhaust and rear spoiler as standard, but buyers wanting even sportier looks can opt for the R Design version, which is £900 less.

Climb inside, and the V60 uses Volvo’s familiar design cues. The trademark ‘floating’ centre console has a bank of buttons and features a central keypad flanked by four rotary controls, while lower down is Volvo’s traditional air distribution pictogram that allows you to select which air vents to open.

Overall, the cabin looks smart, features high-grade materials and feels solidly screwed together. Our car included Volvo’s crystal-clear TFT instrument pod that lets you customise the display’s graphics and colour schemes.

However, some controls do take a bit of getting used to, and it’s easy to reach for the wrong dial – for instance, retuning the radio instead of adjusting the temperature because the two controls look identical at a glance.

Driving 2.9/5 FIRE up the V60’s new D4 diesel, and from the outside, you won’t be awarded any prizes for guessing what fuel it uses. The engine is quite noisy outside, and our noise meter revealed it was 2dB louder than its rivals here, neither of which is a paragon of refinement. There’s plenty of sound deadening inside, though, and, while it’s not as smooth as the BMW’s diesel, it’s not as intrusive as you’d expect.

What the 2.0-litre engine lacks in refinement it makes up for with on-paper performance. Despite boasting the strongest eco-friendly credentials here, the V60 is also the most powerful car, with a healthy 179bhp and muscular 400Nm of torque. However, the Volvo failed to translate its power advantage

“Despite boasting the strongest eco-friendly credentials, V60 is the most powerful choice” 52 12 November 2014

Exterior

to the track, as it was the slowest car in the 0-60mph sprint. This can partly be blamed on the six-speed gearbox, which features long ratios to maximise efficiency but which also blunt acceleration.

There is an automatic option, although it has the same six-speed layout and can’t match the BMW’s eight-speed unit for smoothness or response. The V60 is heavy, too, tipping the scales at 1,628kg, which is over 100kg more than the 3 Series.

This heavy kerbweight is the car’s undoing in corners. Where the BMW is sharp and agile, the Volvo can’t disguise its greater bulk as it rolls in bends. The suspension crashes over rough surfaces, and never feels very settled at any speed, although the car is fairly refined at motorway cruising speeds and the seats are supremely supportive.

The steering needs a fair amount of effort and the Volvo has a large turning circle, while the long brake pedal doesn’t feel as responsive as its rivals’, as our assessments proved – the V60 needed more distance to stop.

Reliability 4.4/5 VOLVO has a reputation for building cars that are as sensible as they are safe, and the V60 has been in production long enough for any faults that did exist to have been resolved. This is backed up by our Driver Power 2014 satisfaction survey, which placed the pre-facelift V60 in 13th place out of 150 for build quality.

Another area where Volvo can’t be faulted is safety. The V60 comes loaded with passive and active systems, including a full set of airbags, side impact protection, anti-whiplash headrests and Volvo’s innovative City Safety low-speed collision prevention system.

SE Lux models also get standard adaptive xenon headlamps with a cornering function.

As a result, the V60 bagged a strong five-star Euro NCAP rating, with a 100 per cent score for its electronic safety assist systems.

Volvo V60 Interior

Running costs 4.3/5 IF you’re looking to keep your company car costs in check, then the V60 is worth serious consideration. Emissions of 99g/km place it in the lowest 15 per cent tax band, which combines with our SE Lux Nav model’s £33,190 P11D price to deliver an annual Benefit in Kind bill for higher-rate earners of £1,991 – that’s £383 and £593 less than for the BMW and Mercedes respectively.

Private buyers will also be cheered that the V60 should retain a reasonable 45.2 per cent of its new value after three years.

The Volvo offers plenty of standard kit, with cruise and climate control, DAB radio, Bluetooth and auto wipers all included.

Heated front seats are a £300 option, though – surprising on a car with Scandinavian roots.

Despite claiming the lowest CO2 emissions and strongest fuel economy figures, the car returned a distinctly average 45.2mpg in our hands. And with no pre-paid servicing options, it will cost more than the BMW in garage bills.

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Road test

T EST ErS’ n ote s...

y “Thank s to their box styling and large ate dimensions, Volvo est cars used to be the load ultimate in spacious 0 is luggers. Yet the V6 ion – a break from tradit in its sleek lines result t’s a cramped boot tha barely any bigger than a family hatchback’s.”

Head-to-head CO2/tax 99g/km £0 or 15%

dean gibs on deputy road test editor

Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 430/1,241 litres

details

Performance

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Boot space THE BMW scores a narrow victory in terms of space with its well shaped 495-litre boot and separate glass opening. The Mercedes hits back with a slightly larger capacity when the seats are down, plus a standard powered tailgate and handy load securing system.

Taking the wooden spoon here is the Volvo, which is hobbled by a 430-litre load bay and small boot opening. Still, the passenger seat folds flat for long loads.

0-60/30-70mph 8.1/7.0 seconds

!

Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph 53.5/39.7/10.6m

Company car costs Running costs 45.2mpg (on test) £87 fill-up

T EST ErS’ n ote s...

erful, but “It’s eff icient and pow ylinder r-c the Volvo’s new fou last diesel is hardly the ” word in ref inement.

THE Volvo will inflict the least damage on your monthly budget, thanks to its impressively low 99g/km CO2 output – although this rises to 109g/km if you opt for the auto. Mercedes owners can expect the biggest Benefit in Kind bills as the C220 has the highest list price and 115g/km CO2 emissions.

owe n mild enh all senior road tester

Practicality 3.4/5

Instruments WE like the TFT display for the instruments, as it can be customised to show what you want

TRADITIONALLY, Volvo’s estate models have set the class standard for space and practicality, but the V60 has the smallest boot here by some margin. With the seats in place, there’s just 430 litres to play with, plus the opening isn’t as tall or wide as the BMW’s. Folding the 60:40 rear seats flat increases space to 1,241 litres, but that’s still 269 litres less than in the Mercedes.

On the plus side, the boot is packed with handy hooks and a 12V power supply, while the front passenger seat can be folded flat to accommodate extra-long loads. There’s also good rear head and legroom, plus the cabin is packed with useful storage, including a large glovebox and front and rear folding armrests housing cup-holders and lidded cubbies.

Driver appeal ESTATE cars aren’t just spacious; they can raise a smile too. Leading the way for fun is the BMW, which has the same beautifully balanced handling as the saloon. The C-Class is capable and composed, but offers very little feedback and works its front tyres too hard. The V60 has plenty of grip, yet feels stodgy.

Air vents VOLVO owners will be familiar with the pictogram that lets them control the flow of air for the vents

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12 November 2014 53

Merced Mercedes C-Class Estate vs rivals

Figures On the road price/total as tested Residual value (after 3yrs/36,000) Depreciation Annual tax liability std/higher rate Annual fuel cost (12k/20k miles) Ins. group/quote/road tax band/cost Cost of 1st/2nd/3rd service Length/wheelbase Height/width Engine Peak power/revs Peak torque/revs Transmission Fuel tank capacity/spare wheel Boot capacity Kerbweight/payload/towing weight Turning circle/drag coefficient Basic warranty (miles)/recovery Service intervals/UK dealers Driver Power manufacturer/dealer pos.

NCAP: Adult/child/ped./assist/stars 0-60/30-70mph 30-50mph in 3rd/4th 50-70mph in 5th/6th/7th/8th Top speed/rpm at 70mph Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph Noise outside/idle/30/70mph Auto Express econ (mpg/mpl)/range Govt urban/extra-urban/combined Govt urban/extra-urban/combined Actual/claimed CO2/tax bracket Airbags/Isofix/park sensors/camera Automatic box/stability/cruise control Climate control/leather/heated seats Metallic paint/xenon lights/keyless go Sat-nav/USB/DAB radio/Bluetooth

Results

BMW 320d ED Business Ed. Touring £33,025/£34,565 565 £13,904/42.1% £19,121 £1,187/£2,374 £1,434/£2,391 31/£414/C/£30 £425 (5yrs/50k)

SERVICING COSTS ONCE again, BMW leads way when it comes to keeping maintenance bills to a minimum, with its £425 five-year Service Inclusive package.

4,624/2,810mm 1,429/1,811mm 4cyl in-line/1,995cc 161/4,000 bhp/rpm 380/1,750 Nm/rpm 8-spd auto/rwd 57 litres/run-flats 495/1,500 litres 1,510/550/1,600kg 11.3 metres/0.30Cd 3yrs (unltd)/3yrs Variable (1yr)/153 10th/21st 92/84/77/70/5 7.2/7.2 secs 2.8/3.2 secs 4.3/5.5/6.6/10.4 secs 138mph/1,750rpm 48.3/34.6/9.1m 69/49/61/63dB 48.7/10.8/611 miles 53.3/78.5/65.7mpg 11.7/17.3/14.5mpl 155/112g/km/18% Six/yes/£330 Yes/yes/yes Yes/yes/yes £645/£710/£495 Yes/yes/yes/yes

TRANSMISSION THE 3 Series has the least amount of power here, but thanks to its excellent eightspeed automatic gearbox, it set the pace at our track.

Opt for the sixspeed manual and you’ll save £1,550.

BRAKES NOT only was the BMW fastest from 0-60mph, it also stopped sooner than its rivals.

Plus, the brake pedal has a firm, progressive action.

STANDARD KIT SE spec has all the essentials, while Business Edition models like ours add leather, heated seats and sat-nav.

1st

BMW

THE 3 Series Touring is one of our favourite compact estates, and nothing here has changed that view. Not only does it have the biggest boot, it’s also fun to drive, surprisingly fast and remarkably frugal.

Plus, it’s superbly built and, in Business Edition guise, comes with all the kit you’re likely to need. It’s not as stylish as the Mercedes and Volvo, but that’s not enough to prevent it winning here.

★★★★★

Road test

Me Mercedes C220 0 BlueTEC Sportt Blu Estate Es

Volvo V60 D4 SE Lux Nav

£34 £34,060/£35,765 £15,123/44.4% £18,937 £1,292/£2,584 £1,426/£2,376 31/£389/C/£30 £30 pcm (3 years)

£33,24 £33,245/£41,515 £15,027/45.2% £18,218 £996/£1,991 £1,546/£2,576 29/£384/A/£0 £250/£375/£320

4,702/2,840mm 1,457/1,810mm 4cyl in-line/2,143cc 168/3,000 bhp/rpm 400/1,400 Nm/rpm 7-spd auto/rwd 66 litres/foam 490/1,510 litres 1,615/575/N/A 11.2 metres/N/A 3yrs (unltd)/4yrs Variable (1yr)/136 9th/20th 95/84/78/86/5 7.9/7.5 secs 3.2/4.5 secs 6.5/7.9 secs/N/A 142mph/1,600rpm 49.8/35.9/9.5m 69/53/60/63dB 49.0/10.9/711 miles 53.3/74.3/64.2mpg 11.7/16.3/14.1mpl 154/115g/km/19% Nine/yes/yes Yes/yes/yes Yes/£795/yes £645/LEDs/£1,595* Yes/yes/yes/yes

MERCEDES

REAR DRIVE AS with the BMW, the C-Class is rearwheel drive. Yet like most modern Mercedes, it works its front tyres harder than you might expect.

DRIVER POWER MERCEDES ranked a creditable ninth in our satisfaction survey in 2014.

But its franchised network finished a disappointing 20th in the dealer poll.

CO2 EMISSIONS STICK with the standard six-speed manual box over our test model’s auto, and CO2 emissions fall to 109g/km, while the price drops by £1,500, too.

2nd

THERE’S no denying the Mercedes has incredible showroom appeal. It looks fantastic, and features one of the most slickly styled and well finished interiors in the business. It’s practical, too, with a roomy boot and very spacious cabin, while you get plenty of standard kit as well. Yet it’s hobbled by its uninspiring handling, gruff engine and higher company car tax bills.

★★★★★ ★

4,635/2,776mm 1,484/1,899mm 4cyl in-line/1,969cc 179/4,250 bhp/rpm 400/1,750 Nm/rpm 6-spd man/fwd 68 litres/space saver 430/1,241 litres 1,628/492/1,800kg 11.3 metres/0.29Cd 3yrs (60,000)/3yrs 18,000 (1yr)/109 11th/16th 94/82/64/100/5 8.1/7.0 secs 3.1/4.7 secs 6.4/8.7 secs/N/A/N/A 140mph/1,750rpm 53.5/39.7/10.6m 71/48/61/64dB 45.2/10.0/676 miles 65.7/78.5/74.3mpg 14.5/17.3/16.3mpl 167/99g/km/15% Six/yes/£375 £1,550/yes/yes Yes/yes/£300 £625/yes/£550 Yes/yes/yes/yes

BENEFIT IN KIND THANKS to its attractive price and low 99g/km CO2 emissions, the V60 is by far the most costeffective company car choice here.

NOISY ENGINE VOLVO’S new four-cylinder diesel is powerful and efficient, but it’s far from refined. Our noise meter figures show it was 2dB louder than its rivals outside.

LONG RANGE IT’S not the most economical choice in this test, but a large 68-litre tank means it’ll travel nearly as far as the Mercedes between fill-ups.

3rd

VOLVO

IF you want a stylish and cost-effective company car with a dash of practicality, the V60 is hard to beat. It also features an incredibly comfortable cabin and lots of equipment. Yet it can’t compete with its rivals in this test in terms of space, versatility and driver appeal, while the new four-cylinder engine lacks the refinement you’d expect from a model with upmarket aspirations.

★★★★★ ★★

*As part of pack. Insurance quotes from AA (Tel 0800 107 0680 or www.theAA.com) for a 42-year-old living in Banbury, Oxon, with three penalty points. Residual values provided by CDL VIP Data. Items in red fitted to test car.

C-Class Estate range secrets

Worth considering...

C-Class range?

Any more models?

Jaguar XF Sportbrake

AT launch, the Estate range mirrors the saloon’s. So our Sport sits between the SE and AMG Line, with the C220 offered alongside C200 and C250 BlueTEC diesels, plus a C200 petrol. Prices range from £28,055 for the C200 SE manual to £36,710 for the C250 BlueTEC AMG Line.

THE C300 BlueTEC Hybrid arrives in the new year, although, like the saloon, the diesel-electric model is likely to have a slightly smaller boot. At the top of the range, the AMG C 63 Estate is available to order, with a new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, starting from £60,995.

IT’S a bit old, and a bit bigger, but Jaguar’s XF estate brings some British luxury for a similar price to the C-Class. For £33,995, you can get the 2.2D (163) SE Business model. It offers leather, sat-nav and xenon lights, while the boot is a spacious 550 litres.

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12 November 2014 55

Road test

Toyota Yaris vs Volkswagen Polo

Toyota Yaris 1.33 VVT-i Sport

Price: £14,995 Engine: 1.33-litre 4cyl, 99bhp 0-60mph: 10.6 seconds Test economy: 41.4mpg/9.1mpl CO2: 119g/km Annual road tax: £30

56 12 November 2014

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Toyota Yaris vs Volkswagen Polo

Road test

IT hasn’t been long since we held our last supermini battle (the new Vauxhall Corsa vs rivals, Issue 1,342), but we already have another new contender to put under the microscope. This time, it’s the turn of the recently facelifted Toyota Yaris to show what it can do.

In the past, the Japanese supermini has been a dependable but rather uninspiring choice in the class, so Toyota has given it a bit of a boost with fresher looks, an expanded model range and a revised interior with more technology on offer.

For this test, we’ve lined it up against the winner of our last comparison, the Volkswagen Polo. We were impressed by the VW’s all-round ability previously, and it’ll pose a strong challenge for the Yaris.

We’re testing petrol versions of both cars here – the 1.33-litre Yaris in new Sport trim, and the Polo with 1.2-litre turbo power in SE specification.

Has Toyota done enough to take the fight to the Polo, or will the Yaris come up short?

Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI (90) SE

Price: £14,360 Engine: 1.2-litre 4cyl, 89bhp 0-60mph: 9.9 seconds Test economy: 40.7mpg/9.0mpl CO2: 107g/km Annual road tax: £20

Small

wonders Does the new Toyota Yaris have what it takes to scale the heights of the supermini class?

We find out as it squares up to the VW Polo Pictures: Otis Clay Location: Bruntingthorpe, Leics

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12 November 2014 57

Road test

Toyota Yaris vs Volkswagen Polo

MODEL TESTED: Toyota Yaris 1.33 VVT-i Sport PRICE: £14,995 ENGINE: 1.33-litre 4cyl, 99bhp

THE Toyota Yaris was introduced back in 1999 as a replacement for the lacklustre Starlet, and instantly proved a hit – winning the 2000 European Car of the Year title.

The current, third-generation model hit showrooms in 2011, while this update adds Toyota’s latest corporate nose and modern technology inside. We test the new Sport trim here with 1.33-litre four-cylinder power.

In five-door form, it costs £14,995.

Styling 3.6/5 TOYOTA has tended to forge its own path when it comes to styling, and while earlier versions of the Yaris didn’t set the world alight with their rounded shapes, the current car has some sharp angles in its design to keep it interesting. What’s more, the facelift has arguably made it even more distinctive.

The biggest changes are reserved for the nose, where you’ll find a new headlamp design featuring high-intensity LED daytime running lights on Sport models and above, and a grille that takes inspiration from the new Aygo city car. On the Yaris, it comprises a subtle ‘X’ that cuts from the lights through the Toyota badge and into the bumpers. It’s a distinctive styling cue, and certainly looks more dramatic than the Polo’s upright nose.

Elsewhere, Sport models get unique 16-inch alloys, a subtle boot spoiler and rear privacy glass, while at the back you’ll find full LED tail-lights; but again, these are reserved for Sport and Excel models. Overall, the Yaris has been given a successful update, and it has a sharp look that will be more appealing than the Polo’s to buyers after a bit of style.

Inside, the first thing that strikes us about our test car is the distinctive red dashboard, door inserts and seat trim. This is part of the Piri Piri pack, which is a no-cost option on Sport models – you get simple, darkgrey plastic as standard. However, for us, the red trim adds a dash of excitement to the otherwise low-key design.

The interior is well built, although the plastics are harder than those found in the VW and the seats are softer and not as supportive. On the plus side, Toyota’s new Touch 2 multimedia system is easy to use and the seven-inch touchscreen responds quickly and logically, while the optional sat-nav is also relatively simple to operate.

Driving 3.5/5 GO for the 1.33-litre Yaris, and you get a smooth four-cylinder engine under the bonnet which is quiet and refined at idle.

It’s also unruffled on the move, although unlike in the turbocharged Polo, you need to

“Yaris has a sharp look that will be more appealing to buyers after a bit of style” 58 12 November 2014

Exterior

use all of the engine’s revs to extract the best performance. The 99bhp unit is 10bhp up on the VW’s, and has 7Nm more torque, at 125Nm, too. However, those figures are made at 6,000rpm and 4,000rpm respectively, and the Yaris proved to be slower than the Polo in all of our performance tests. A 0-60mph sprint time of 10.6 seconds was seven-tenths behind the Polo’s, although that’s 1.1 seconds faster than Toyota’s claimed 0-62mph figure.

The six-speed gearbox has a light yet positive shift, so it’s easy enough to keep the engine in its relatively narrow power band, while the rest of the Toyota’s controls are light and easy to use. There’s not much feedback from the steering, but turn-in is positive, and the Yaris feels light and manoeuvrable – especially around town.

However, the payoff for this lightweight feel is a slight nervousness when compared to the VW. The Yaris tends to hop and skip over bumps that the Polo soaks up easily, while motorway comfort isn’t on a par because road noise is more pronounced, too. Overall, the Toyota is reasonable, but it’s no match for the VW in terms of comfort and involvement.

Reliability 4.6/5 ONE area where the Yaris will excel is reliability.

Despite a handful of high-profile recalls, the brand has a first-class reputation for building cars that will run and run, and, like the rest of the range, the newcomer gets a five-year/ 100,000-mile warranty. That’s two years more than the VW offers, but as our Driver Power satisfaction surveys have revealed, you’re unlikely to ever need warranty work to be done.

The third-generation Yaris placed 57th out of 150 in Driver Power 2014, achieving high scores for its reliability, running costs, ease of driving and in-car technology. This new model is likely to fare just as well, while its tech score might climb even higher thanks to the new multimedia system.

The Yaris has a five-star Euro NCAP rating, and its percentage scores are similar to the Polo’s. You get seven airbags and tyre pressure monitors, although Toyota doesn’t offer the advanced options of the VW, such as adaptive cruise control and tiredness alert.

Toyota Yar Interior

Running costs 3.9/5 OUR Yaris Sport costs £14,995, which is £785 more than the Polo, although the slightly lower-spec Icon model costs £14,095 and gets a similar list of standard kit. Options include metallic paint (£495), sat-nav (£650) and a panoramic roof (£550), all of which cost less than the same options on the VW. We returned 41.4mpg on test – just ahead of the Polo – but a slightly smaller fuel tank meant the Yaris had the shorter range. Road tax of £30 a year is £10 more than for its rival here, but company car users will face bigger bills thanks to the more expensive list price and tax band. Servicing costs will be higher, too, while private buyers will be hit by heavier depreciation, which will see the Yaris worth less than the Polo after three years.

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Road test

T EST ErS’ n ote s... just “Toyota has done

enough to keep the Yaris up to date. It’s tweaked the styling so as to not offend any cur rent owners, ent while the infotainm es system upgrade giv it one of the most user-friendly interiors on the market.”

dean gibs on Dep. road test editor

Design THE updated Yaris looks much more appealing than its predecessor, particularly at the front.

Our Sport model boasted a new headlamp style with high-intensity LED daytime running lights and an Aygoinspired grille – both part of the eye-catching ‘X’ design. Meanwhile, other neat touches include panoramic glass as a £550 optional extra, and standard 16-inch alloys

ris

T EST ErS’ n ote s...

, but “It’s not to all tastes ard the bright red dashbo our trim adds a bit of col to an otherwise dull interior.”

!

CO2/tax

Practicality

Performance

Braking

Running costs

119g/km

Boot (seats up/down)

0-60/30-70mph

70-0/60-0/30-0mph

41.4mpg (on test)

£30 or 14%

286/768 litres

10.6/10.3 seconds

50.6/36.9/9.8m

£53 fill-up

jam es disd ale road test editor

Infotainment

Practicality 3.7/5

TOYOTA’S new Touch 2 multimedia system is very user-friendly, and is complemented by a responsive touchscreen

THE Yaris has a 286-litre boot – six litres up on the Polo’s (the Toyota has no spare wheel, only a repair kit; the Polo has a space-saver) – but the opening is narrower and the load lip higher. There’s a rectangular base, although mouldings for a false floor in the boot sides cut into the space, and when you fold the back seats there’s a big step in the floor.

Access to the back seats is a little tighter than in the Polo, thanks to the Yaris’ narrower back doors. Once you’re there, space is on a par with the VW, although taller passengers will find that legroom is a bit tight. Sport models come with rear privacy glass, while the optional panoramic glass helps the cabin to feel spacious. Up front, there’s a small glovebox and shallow door bins, plus you get a handy shelf on the dash to the right of the steering wheel for loose change.

Gearbox THE six-speed gearbox shifts positively as you pick up speed, although it’s a little on the light side

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12 November 2014 59

Road test

Toyota Yaris vs Volkswagen Polo

MODEL TESTED: Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI (90) SE

PRICE: £14,360 ENGINE: 1.2-litre 4cyl, 89bhp THE fifth-generation Volkswagen Polo was launched in 2009, and this year it has benefited from a facelift to bring it into line with the larger Golf. That means there’s been a minor update to the looks, while the engine range has been optimised for greater efficiency and the cabin now features VW’s latest touchscreen multimedia system. Here, we test the 1.2 TSI model in SE trim, at £14,360.

Styling 3.8/5 FROM the outside, the revised VW Polo is pretty restrained in its update, and does even less than the Yaris to distinguish itself from its predecessor. The overall shape is the same as before, with only minor tweaks to the lights, plus new wheel designs and the option of LED headlamps and running lights on higher-spec models.

While the Polo isn’t the most exciting car to look at, you can’t fault its fit and finish.

Tight shut lines are a sign of its quality, plus the classless looks mean it will appeal to a broad cross-section of customers.

Climb inside and you’ll see more significant changes, but again, they’re not as wholesale as the updates to the Yaris.

The biggest is the addition of VW’s latest touchscreen infotainment system, as seen in the Golf. This incorporates a motion sensor that brings the buttons up when you move your finger close to the screen, and means the display looks clean when you’re not navigating through menus.There’s also a new instrument binnacle with a larger trip computer display set between the dials, while the multifunction steering wheel shares its button layout with the Golf, too.

Overall, the Polo is a top-quality product, and the plastics have a premium feel when compared to the Toyota’s. The well damped switchgear has a real feelgood factor, too.

the Yaris, it’s developed at just 1,400rpm, so it feels punchier through the rev range than the Toyota. That torque figure also cancels out any disadvantage the Polo may have for being equipped with a five-speed gearbox.

The box has a beautifully precise action, is great to use and VW has been able to fit long ratios which boost the Polo’s motorway cruising comfort. The SE’s standard 15-inch wheels help the soft suspension to iron out most surface imperfections, too.

Compared to the fidgety Toyota, the VW feels settled and stable, and you wouldn’t fear driving it over long distances.

There’s more good news at the wheel, too, as the Polo’s comfort doesn’t come at the expense of its handling. There’s plenty of body roll, but grip is good, and it doesn’t become unsettled by mid-corner bumps like the Yaris. The Toyota feels lighter in corners, but the Polo has a stability about it that encourages you to push on harder.

Reliability 3.5/5 THE VW came home a disappointing 119th in our Driver Power 2014 satisfaction survey, but hopefully this minor facelift will help eliminate any production niggles that may have arisen. At least the Polo benefits from the brand’s latest touchscreen technology, and will come with the most recent software – so it should run smoothly.

Safety is a real highlight, and all cars get electronic stability control (which can’t be turned off), traction control, brake assist and post-collision brake application. Extras include adaptive cruise control and parking sensors. The Polo earned a five-star Euro NCAP rating in 2009, and the percentage score should improve with the new model.

However, only four airbags are standard, with curtain bags costing an extra £645.

Driving 4.1/5

Running costs 4.3/5

THE latest Polo has built a reputation for grown-up driving dynamics, and VW has managed to improve its refinement and comfort even further. The turbocharged 1.2 TSI engine is smoother than the rev-happy, naturally aspirated 1.33-litre unit in the Yaris.

We managed a 0-60mph time of 9.9 seconds, which compares favourably with VW’s claimed 0-62mph figure of 10.8 seconds, although acceleration through the gears was on a par with the Yaris. That’s pretty impressive when you consider that the 89bhp 1.2 TSI has a 10bhp power disadvantage to the Toyota. However, it’s the Polo’s 160Nm torque output that proves decisive. Not only does it give the VW a 35Nm advantage over

PRICED at £14,360, the Polo 1.2 TSI SE is all of £635 cheaper than the Yaris, so you can add the excellent sat-nav (£700) and still undercut the Toyota. There are more options to choose from, too, including adaptive cruise control (£500) and heated seats (as part of the £360 Winter Pack). If you want more kit on the Yaris, you need to upgrade to Excel trim.

VW claims that the 89bhp 1.2 TSI turbo model can return 60.7mpg fuel economy, which is around 5mpg better than its rival here. Our time with the Polo was brief and included plenty of fast motorway miles, so a return of 40.7mpg is respectable.

The turbocharged engine helps emissions, too, and a figure of 107g/km is 12g/km ahead of the Toyota’s. You pay £20 per year for road tax, while a 14 per cent company car banding means business users are up to £163 better off annually if they run the VW. The Polo’s fixed-price servicing deal offers better value than Toyota’s service costs, while the attraction of that Volkswagen badge on the nose helps residuals, too – resulting in an impressive retained value of 49.2 per cent.

“While the Polo isn’t the most exciting car to look at, you can’t fault its fit and finish” 60 12 November 2014

Exterior

T EST ErS’ n ote s...

is “On the road, the VW It’s a great all-rounder. fun nippy around town, finds on twisty roads and y.” motor way work eas

owe n mild enh all senior road tester

Volkswage Interior

Multimedia

VW’s intelligent infotainment system includes a motion sensor that brings buttons up as you get closer to the screen

Steering wheel

POLO’s new, multifunction steering wheel features the same button layout as the Golf, which adds a touch of class

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Toyota Yaris vs Volkswagen Polo T EST ErS’ n ote s...

ken “The Polo is a shr un but replica of the Golf, a bad that’s far from being the thing. While it means rly styling isn’t par ticula air an interesting, there’s from of quality that oozes every panel, and the rket interior has an upma the t tha feel Toy ota str ugg les to match.”

dean gibs on deputy road test editor

Road test Head-to-head

CO2/tax 107g/km £20 or 14%

Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 280/1,371 litres

Performance

Design BOTH cars have been facelifted this year, but you’ll barely notice the difference between a 2014 VW Polo and its 2013 counterpart.

In comparison, the Yaris has been given a significant overhaul.

The front end has headlights similar to those on the Verso MPV, while the ‘X’ theme seen on the new Aygo has also been incorporated in the front end. Go for a Sport model, and you also get distinctive 16-inch machined black alloys.

0-60/30-70mph 9.9/10.2 seconds

!

Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph 51.4/36.9/9.4m

Options Running costs 40.7mpg (on test) £57 fill-up

en Polo

YOU can spec up the Yaris with sat-nav (£650), panoramic glass (£550), metallic paint (£495), leather (£900) and a couple of option packs. The Polo has pricier extras, but offers adaptive cruise control. This £500 kit includes steering wheel controls and customisable cruising distance.

Practicality 4.1/5 THE Polo has a 280-litre boot, which is six litres down on the Toyota’s. However, the load lip is low, and the floor opens to access the space-saver spare wheel. The split-fold back seats are easy to collapse, but there is a step in the floor when they’re folded – you have to flip up the seatbases for a completely flat floor.

Access to the rear seats is easy thanks to wideopening back doors, and legroom is better than in the Toyota, but dark cabin materials mean it feels a little claustrophobic in the back. There are deep cup-holders and a handy tray for your smartphone in front of the USB and 12V sockets on the centre console, while the standard touchscreen infotainment system is logically laid out and easy to navigate.

Engines TOYOTA has stuck with a naturally aspirated engine, while VW has taken the turbo route for its motor. The Yaris has more power, but you have to rev it to make the most of it, which will harm economy. The Toyota is hobbled by higher emissions, too, and so is a pricier company car choice.

Heated seats HEATED front seats are part of the £360 optional Winter Pack, which also adds headlight washers and heated screen washer jets

www.autoexpress.co.uk

12 November 2014 61

Toyota Yaris vs Volkswagen Polo

Figures On the road price/total as tested Residual value (after 3yrs/36,000) Depreciation Annual tax liability std/higher rate Annual fuel cost (12k/20k miles) Ins. group/quote/road tax band/cost Cost of 1st/2nd/3rd service

Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI (90) SE £14,360/£15,665 £7,065/49.2% £7,295 £396/£793 £1,697/£2,828 15/£292/B/£20 £288 (2yrs)

Length/wheelbase Height/width Engine Peak power/revs Peak torque/revs Transmission Fuel tank capacity/spare wheel Boot capacity (seats up/down) Kerbweight/payload/towing weight Turning circle/drag coefficient Basic warranty (miles)/recovery Service intervals/UK dealers Driver Power manufacturer/dealer pos.

Euro NCAP: Adult/child/ped./stars

3,972/2,470mm 1,453/1,780mm 4cyl in-line/1,197cc 89/4,800 bhp/rpm 160/1,400 Nm/rpm 5-spd man/fwd 45 litres/space saver 280/1,371 litres 1,107/421/1,000kg 10.6 metres/N/A 3yrs (60,000)/1yr Variable miles/223 19th/31st 90/86/41/5

0-60/30-70mph 30-50mph in 3rd/4th 50-70mph in 5th/6th Top speed/rpm at 70mph Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph Noise outside/idle/30/70mph Auto Express econ. (mpg/mpl)/range Govt urban/extra-urban/combined Govt urban/extra-urban/combined Actual/claimed CO2/tax bracket

9.9/10.2 secs 5.0/7.2 secs 10.9 secs/N/A 114mph/2,600rpm 51.4/36.9/9.4m 62/40/58/64dB 40.7/9.0/403 miles 47.1/70.6/60.1mpg 10.4/15.5/13.2mpl 160/107g/km/14%

Airbags/Isofix/park sensors/camera Auto box/stability/adaptive cruise ctrl Climate control/leather/heated seats Met paint/panoramic glass/keyless go Sat-nav/USB/DAB radio/Bluetooth

Four/yes/£295/£240 £1,375/yes/£500 £380/no/£360 £540/£855/no £700/yes/yes/yes

Results

VOLKSWAGEN

Deals & discounts

Toyota Yaris 1.33 VVT-i Sport RESIDUALS STRONG residuals mean the cheaper Polo will be worth more than the pricier Yaris after three years.

SERVICING PLAN PRICE is based on an 18-month service plan, although VW offers schemes that last up to four years or 40,000 miles.

PERFORMANCE DESPITE its power disadvantage, the Polo proved to be quicker than the Yaris, thanks to its broader power delivery.

OPTIONS HEATED seats are in the Winter Pack, which also brings headlight washers and heated screen washer jets. Our car’s white paint is a £260 option.

1st

THERE’S no stopping the updated VW Polo. Its combination of punchy performance, smooth and refined cruising ability, high-quality interior and practicality means it’s going to be a tough act to beat in the supermini class. Not only is it a great all-rounder that’s just as capable on the motorway as it is around town, it comes at a decent price, while low running costs mean it won’t be expensive to run, either.

★★★★★

Road test

£14,995/£16,690 £6,463/43.1% £8,532 £478/£956 £1,668/£2,780 10/£251/C/£30 £125/£195/£125

Facts, figures and advice powered by carbuyer.co.uk

3,950/2,510mm 1,510/1,695mm 4cyl in-line/1,329cc 99/6,000 bhp/rpm 125/4,000 Nm/rpm 6-spd man/fwd 42 litres/repair kit 286/768 litres 1,040/450/880kg 10.0 metres/0.29Cd 5yrs (100,000)/1yr 10k miles (1yr)/181 17th/6th 89/81/60/5

ENGINE FOUR-cylinder unit is a development of the 1.0-litre three-cylinder found in the Aygo and iQ city cars.

WARRANTY TOYOTA’S five-year cover will provide added peace of mind, although you’re unlikely to need to use it, as the brand’s cars are so reliable.

10.6/10.3 secs 5.4/8.0 secs 12.1/17.1 secs 109mph/2,900rpm 50.6/36.9/9.8m 55/41/59/68dB 41.4/9.1/382 miles 43.5/65.7/55.4mpg 9.6/14.5/12.2mpl 158/119g/km/16%

HIGH CO2 EMISSIONS are poorer than Polo’s, and while that means only £10 extra road tax a year, company car users will face bigger tax bills.

Seven/yes/£700*/yes £1,000/yes/no No/£900/no £495/£550/no £650/yes/yes/yes

2nd

TOYOTA

THE new Toyota Yaris has made a positive step forward with its looks and infotainment system, but it’s not quite done enough to take the spoils ahead of the Polo. This Sport model has some attractive extras to make it appeal to a younger audience and it’s a decent urban runabout, too. However, the Yaris doesn’t feel as at home on the motorway, while the higher price and steeper running costs count against it.

★★★★★

In red = equipment fitted to our test car. Insurance quotes from AA (Tel 0800 107 0680 or www.theAA.com) for a 42-year-old living in Banbury, Oxon, with three penalty points. Residual values provided by CDL VIP Data. *As part of pack.

Yaris range secrets

BUY a new Toyota Yaris on AccessToyota finance from your local dealer, and you can benefit from zero per cent APR across the range.

To drive away in a Yaris Sport like the one that we tested, all you need is a £1,500 deposit, then you’ll have 36 monthly payments of £223. At the end of the term, you can either keep the car and stump up a final payment of £5,705, or Toyota will guarantee the same amount against a future purchase.

Volkswagen’s Solutions personal contract lease offers a finance rate of 7.3 per cent APR, although that includes a £1,000 deposit contribution to sweeten the deal. You can also add the great-value, fixed-price servicing deal to your monthly payments.

Head for a new car broker, and you can expect discounts on both cars. For instance, buyacar.co.uk is offering a saving of around £2,500 on a Yaris Sport, and an even bigger £3,300 discount off a top-spec Excel auto. Meanwhile, Broadspeed.com says it’ll knock around £2,300 off the Polo, so you could even upgrade to a 1.2 TSI SEL model for less than the list price of the SE tested here.

What do you think?

Tell us about your car

www.autoexpress.co.uk/driverpower

Worth considering...

New line-up?

How about a hybrid?

Vauxhall Corsa

THE Yaris range now comprises Active and Icon trims, which sit below our Sport, plus top-spec Excel. Prices start at £10,995 for the 1.0-litre Active three-door. Add £600 if you want five doors. The only diesel option is the 90bhp, 72.4mpg 1.4 D-4D Icon five-door, at £15,595.

THE Yaris Hybrid has also been updated. It’s only available as a five-door in higher-spec Icon and Excel trims, priced £16,195 and £17,695 respectively. The same options are available, while Hybrids also get the exclusive colour option of Avantgarde Bronze.

IT looks similar to the old car, but Vauxhall has made wholesale changes for the better under the skin of its new Corsa supermini. For £14,695, you can get a highspec Excite model powered by Vauxhall’s smooth and refined new 113bhp 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine.

www.autoexpress.co.uk

12 November 2014 63

Our cars

Living with a Mazda 3

Otis Clay

Otis_Clay@dennis.co.uk Otis_ @AEsnapper

THINK of the Jet Age of the fifties and sixties, and no doubt words like ‘speed’ and ‘glamour’ spring to mind.

You can also add ‘thirst’ to that list, as the fastest aircraft of the era burned through so much fuel on high-speed runs that mid-air refuelling with planes such as the stunning Vickers VC10 seen in our pictures was commonplace.

However, fast forward to the present and head back down to earth, and you’ll discover that you no longer have to pay a heavy price at the pumps if you want a mix of high performance and style. Take our Mazda 3 for example. Thanks to the Japanese brand’s innovative SkyActiv technology, I’ve been able to enjoy a car that blends stunning looks and a sparkling driving experience with impressive fuel returns of 41.5mpg.

That figure doesn’t look so great when compared to, say, our Suzuki SX4 S-Cross (Page 66), but it’s worth bearing in mind that the Mazda is powered by a fairly straightforward 2.0-litre petrol engine, not some eco-optimised smallcapacity diesel. It’s not as though this frugality has been achieved through the application of a feather-light right foot, either. My commute into our central London office takes in towns, villages and motorways, plus plenty of fast single carriageways that are littered with HGVs that need to be overtaken. As a result, the 3 is rarely allowed to relax.

Not that this is a problem, because unlike its turbocharged rivals with smaller capacities, the Mazda’s engine loves to be worked hard. The fourcylinder feels a little bit limp below 3,000rpm, but above it, the engine note takes on a racy rasp and the 3 accelerates with real urgency. Adding to the thrills is the six-speed manual gearbox, which benefits from the sort of snappy shift you’d expect on a sports car.

So, given that it’s not my driving style that’s boosting the car’s economy, what can it be? Well, for starters, there’s the clever i-eloop energy recovery system, which uses a lightweight capacitor to store electrical energy that’s captured when the car is braking or coasting.

This can then be used for powering the efficiency-boosting stop-start or any other electrical system. As a result, the 3

Mazda 3

THIRD REPORT Sporty hatch is proving performance and style don’t have to come at the expense of low running costs

PRACTICALITY Split-fold rear seats boost the 3’s boot capacity from 364 litres to 1,263 litres, while the nose (below) is extremely attractive

doesn’t have to produce as much electricity using a traditional enginedriven alternator, meaning more power for acceleration and less fuel used.

And then there’s the car’s low kerbweight. Our Sport Nav model comes loaded with standard kit, yet it tips the scales at just 1,280kg – around 100kg less than an equivalent Vauxhall Astra – and, obviously, the less weight you have to cart around, the less fuel needs to be used. On top of this, the Mazda’s low weight improves handling and braking, too. Head down a long, twisting back road and there’s endless fun to be had as you revel in the 3’s remarkable agility and poise.

Factor in the car’s attractive looks, practical cabin and generous kit list, and it’s no wonder I’m enjoying every moment behind the wheel of a car that proves that fast, fun and frugal family motoring is no flight of fancy.

MY RATING

GEARBOX Six-speed manual box is great fun to operate. Its slick shifts provide sports car thrills, giving you a taste of the MX-5 in family hatch 64 12 November 2014

★★★★★ ★

“The 3 blends stunning looks and a sparkling driving experience with impressive fuel returns of 41.5mpg” www.autoexpress.co.uk

Our cars Mazda 3 2.0 Sport Nav On fleet since: Price new: Engine: CO2/tax: Options:

February 2014 £20,195 2.0-litre 4cyl, 118bhp 119g/km/£30 Metallic paint (£430), leather trim (£1,200), Safety Pack (£700) Insurance*: Group: 18 Quote: £341 Mileage/mpg: 20,270/41.5mpg Any problems? None so far *Insurance quote provided by AA (0800 107 0680) for a 42-year-old living in Banbury, Oxon, with three points.

Essentials

T E S T E r S’ n o t e s . ..

trend “Mazda is bucking theharged for downsized, turboc ed bas petrol engines, and on our 3, it appears that the approach is paying off.”

Owe n Mild enh all Senior road tester

EQUIPMENT MZD Connect

infotainment system features a sat-nav and can also link up with your smartphone for handsfree calling, texting and access to music and social media

INTUITIVE Interior of the 3

is impressively user-friendly, with steering wheel-mounted buttons pairing up with the MZD Connect through voice control

po i n t s . ..

G o o d & Bad poi and feels like

CO2/tax

“The Mazda looks our car has a quality product, but loose trim ing some niggles, includ p display” and a faulty head-u

119g/km £30 or 16%

Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 304/1,263 litres

Performance 0-62/top speed 8.9 secs/121mph

www.autoexpress.co.uk

12 November 2014 65

Our cars

Living with a Suzuki SX4 S-Cross

Steve Walker St

Steve_Walker@dennis.co.uk St

OUR Suzuki Sx4 S-Cross has had a long overdue date with a bucket and sponge. I’ll admit it, I’ve been driving a very, very dirty car. There are no excuses, either; not for the thick black grime on the alloys or the holiday sand forming dunes in the footwells and boot.

Yes, the cleaning regime I’ve applied to the S-Cross has been very shoddy, but all that changed when I booked the car in for the buffing of its life!

If you stand back and squint a bit, the Crystal Lime green metallic paint on our S-Cross hides the dirt brilliantly. It’s not a colour I’d choose, but the bright shade adds interest to the bulky lines and generic detailing of the Suzuki’s exterior.

One of the 17-inch wheels has picked up some slight kerb damage since my last report, but on the plus side, all of them are a breeze to clean. While multispoke wheel designs can be a nightmare, black inserts on the Suzuki’s eliminate tricky crevices that usually call for a toothbrush and skinned knuckles.

The cabin’s wide, flat surfaces might lack visual interest, but again they don’t collect dust in the way more complex layouts in rival models can.

po i n t s . ..

G o o d & Bad poi handsome

“ It’s not exactly a bulbous car, but the Suzuki’s us cio exterior hides a spa in” and robust cabin”

Tough

MY RATING

Suzuki SX4 S-Cros

FOURTH REPORT Crossover scrubs up well after a string of fam Otis Clay

With the dust and dirt stripped back, it’s clear that the tough plastics in the S-Cross are holding up well to hard family use. There are some scuffs around the doorsills and at the sides of the boot, plus the back of the front passenger seat has taken a beating from my son’s feet as he sits in his car seat, but a quick wipe revealed that the leather is blemish free.

I’ve praised the removable side pockets in the boot before, although I’m now having doubts. While they are useful, the plastic inserts are flimsy and difficult to slot back – it feels as though they may not last the course.

With the Suzuki returned to (near) showroom condition, it was back out on the road. The absence of long trips in the past few weeks has seen the trip computer’s indicated economy dip below 60mpg for the first time in a while, but my calculations show we’ve been getting around 53mpg from the 118bhp 1.6-litre diesel. That feels respectable given the punchy performance on offer.

The S-Cross is still an enjoyable car to drive and what its simple design lacks in showroom wow factor it makes up for in toughness and easy-to-clean functionality.

★★★★ ★★

“With the dirt stripped back, it’s clear the tough plastics are holding up well to family use” 66 12 November 2014

EASY CLEAN Side pockets in boot are handy,

but difficult to get back in place; multi-spoke wheels proved surprisingly simple to clean

www.autoexpress.co.uk

Living with a Suzuki SX4 S-Cross

Our cars

Fleetwatch

“The Crystal Lime green metallic paint hides dirt brilliantly!”

Peugeot 308 SW

WITH the nights getting longer, we’re seeing our cars in a new light; and when it comes to parking, our 308 estate is leaving us in the dark. Our Feline-spec model has lots of kit, including a reversing camera, to aid precision.

While it’s handy during the day, the camera is underexposed at night. The car’s reversing lights don’t shine very brightly rearwards, either, so if you’re backing into a space and looking at the screen, objects can all of a sudden loom out of the dark – like you’re watching some kind of deep-sea documentary.

Still, the camera is complemented by rear Audi A3 Saloon parking sensors, so Issues 1,324, 1,335 you’re unlikely to collide BMW i3 with anything large, Issue 1,338 and when you’re not Citroen G. C4 Picasso parking the bright LED Issues 1,322, 1,335, 1,342 headlamps make light Dacia Duster work of the winter gloom.

Issues 1,305, 1,315,

Our fleet

ss

mily outings

T E S T E r S’ n o t e s . .. er we drive “No matter wheth slow, in the S-Cross fast or always it y, ntr cou or n tow g.” returns at least 50mp

owe n mild enh all senior road tester

CO2/tax 110g/km £20 or 18%

Essentials Suzuki SX4 S-Cross 1.6 DDiS SZ5 On fleet since: Price new: Engine: CO2/tax: Options: Insurance*: Mileage/mpg: Any problems?

January 2014 £21,749 1.6-litre 4cyl, 118bhp, 110g/km/£20 Metallic paint (£430) Group: 19 Quote: £334 8,561/53.8mpg None so far

*Insurance quote provided by AA (0800 107 0680) for a 42-year-old living in Banbury, Oxon, with three points.

Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 430/875 litres

Running costs 53.8mpg (on test) £67 fill-up

FAMILY FRIENDLY Rear is

roomy; Steve found it easy to shift foot marks from front seatbacks

www.autoexpress.co.uk

Lexus IS 300h HAVING sat-nav in a car is handy, but the software needs to be up to date if you want every road in the UK included.

As our picture editor Dawn Grant found out, the Lexus IS 300h needs an update. She recently visited friends who have just moved into a new build in Sunderland, but the car’s nav couldn’t find their house, either by postcode or street name.

In the end, Dawn had to use her smartphone to point the car in the right direction. Still, when she wasn’t cursing the sat-nav, Dawn found the Lexus really relaxing for the long drive north.

1,330, 1,339 Hyundai i10 Issues 1,332, 1,338 Jaguar F-Type Iss. 1,307, 1,319, 1,329, 1,344 Kia Carens Iss. 1,302, 1,318, 1,332, 1,340 Lexus IS 300h Iss. 1,312, 1,320, 1,329, 1,340 Mazda 3 Issues 1,311, 1,334 MINI Cooper D 5dr New arrival Mitsubishi Outlander Issues 1,328, 1,336, 1,344 Nissan Qashqai Issues 1,323, 1,332, 1,341 Range Rover Issues 1,286, 1,292, 1,304, 1,318, 1,326, 1,337 Peugeot 308 SW Issue 1,342 SEAT Leon SC Cupra New arrival Skoda Superb Estate New arrival Suzuki SX4 S-Cross Issues 1,310, 1,321, 1,334 Volkswagen Golf GTI Issues 1,320, 1,332, 1,341

We’ve told you about our cars Now tell us about yours www.autoexpress.co.uk/driverpower

12 November 2014 67

Products

Visit autoexpress.co.uk for our extensive product archive

Henry Willis Got a query?

Henry_Willis@dennis.co.uk @WineryHills

n e e d t o k n o w. . .

new range “Each camera in the t levels, can record in low ligh compatible are and all three cams Pro mount with every off icial Go already made”

THIS WEEK’S BESTPRICEFROM £99.99 (Hero)

HOT KIT

Q A

New GoPros shoot in NEW PRODUCT GoPro Hero cameras

Best price: From £99.99 (Hero) Contact: 020 7084 9725, www.gopro.com

THREE new GoPro action cameras have been released for drivers eager to capture road or track memories – and each offers something different for motorists, from the novice film enthusiast to experienced racer and movie maker.

Aimed at attracting amateur thrill seekers, the entry-level GoPro Hero kicks off the range and is competitively priced to match. We found it online for only £99.99 at the time of going to press.

The bargain Hero is wearable and can also be mounted in or outside a car to help capture high-definition video footage at 720p or 1080p or five-megapixel (MP) still images at any angle

with its wide-angle lens. All this is housed in a rugged, waterproof case, so that you can use the camera on rainy track days.

Next up is the Hero4 Silver, which improves on the cheaper model by introducing a touch display and 12MP camera. It’s able to film in HD and GoPro claims that the menu screens are easier to navigate than before. This unit also has Wifi and Bluetooth to link with the GoPro smartphone app, and Smart Remote for wireless recording controls. We found this priced at £289 at the time of going to press.

Top of the range is the GoPro Hero4 Black – costing £369.99 – which claims to offer twice the power of its predecessor, as filming quality is improved. It can film at 4K, which is more than is required to replay videos in full HD when hooked up to a monitor.

Easy listening in your car NEW PRODUCT JustPlay-USB

Price: £249.99 Contact: 0333 370 6533 www.justconnectme.co.uk

FINDING a way to get music stored on phones and MP3 players to stream through a car’s stereo can be a lengthy process, so Just hopes to cut the confusion with its JustPlay-USB. With a similar set-up to the JustPlay – another radio adaptor from the same firm we covered recently – this new version is compatible with more devices including Android smartphones, USB sticks and most Apple hardware.

Simply plug a music player into the JustPlay-USB’s port, which can be tucked away into the glovebox for convenience, and Just claims you’ll be able to play audio on even the

www.autoexpress.co.uk

Q A

Which is best spray nozzle?

MY budget can’t stretch to a pressure washer yet I find washing by hand takes too long. I’d like to use a standard hose, and I think a spray nozzle could work. What do you suggest?

Mike Booker, E-mail A SPRAY nozzle would certainly help wash delicate bits of the car, as it disperses water at a slower rate. We’d recommend the Draper 6 Pattern Hose Spray Gun (79985) – the best price we found it for online was £7.34. Its six spray modes and easy-grip handle helped it win a previous nozzle test. See www.drapertools.com for more details.

Upgrading Yaris light bulbs I HAVE just bought a 2003 Toyota Yaris and its dipped headlights are poor for night driving. I’ve seen Auto Express has tested replacement bulbs before, but I’m not sure what’s best for my car.

Hamid Abouahmed, E-mail YOUR car takes an H4 fitment, which we tried in our Issue 1,341 bulbs test. From the winners, we can recommend the Osram Silverstar 2.0 in the ‘Up to 60 per cent’ brightness category (which we could find for £11.05, www.osram.com) and the Philips X-tremeVision in the ‘Over 60 per cent’ band (£18.52, www.amazon.co.uk). We also tested Philips’ new X-tremeVision (£32.30, www.amazon.co.uk), which we found to achieve an 88.2 beam rating – the highest of all we tried.

TOP TIPS

Stop refuelling errors

most basic manufacturer-made or aftermarket stereo. Steering wheel controls still work with the JustPlay-USB where appropriate and, for an extra £150 on top of the £249.99 outlay, you can opt for ‘text in display’, which means song information will show on the car’s radio display.

While the JustPlay-USB may be pricey compared to replacing the stereo head unit altogether, the cost includes a mobile fitting service visit from a trained Just technician.

TOPPING up your car’s tank with the wrong fuel can be a costly error. So a cheap, visual reminder could potentially save you thousands of pounds. One solution is Solodiesel, available for £39.99 at www.solodiesel.co.uk. Select the right size for your car, and it replaces the filler cap to only allow the correct nozzle and so prevent misfuelling.

12 November 2014 69

Products

Latest kit rated

PRICE £349.99

n e e d t o k n o w. . .

screen of “In CarPlay mode, the just like ks loo 20 A1 the SPH-D h shared app that of an iPhone wit displays” on ati ific not icons and

Pioneer pushes CarPlay FIRST TEST Pioneer SPH-DA120

Best price: £349.99 Rating: ★★★★ Contact: 0330 123 1240, www.pioneer.co.uk Henry Willis

SINCE the initial announcement of Apple’s official iPhone-mirroring CarPlay software earlier in the year, drivers loyal to the brand have been waiting for the chance to put it to use.

While there were concerns CarPlay was intended only for manufacturermade units, Pioneer has emerged as the early leader with the SPH-DA120, the first aftermarket head unit with Apple’s software built in.

All you need to do is plug a lead from the unit into your iPhone’s Lightning

connection – this will not work on older handsets – and you can interact with the device’s Siri voice command system to make calls, send and receive SMS messages, use Apple Maps for sat-nav directions and more.

Once the iPhone is plugged into the unit, it is locked into CarPlay mode and everything is then controlled by the screen of the Pioneer stereo. It relies heavily on Siri for most controls, to minimise driver distraction.

This works for and against the ease of use of CarPlay – the voice recognition software is not always accurate, being affected by high levels of cabin noise, although the problem will be worse in some cars than others. It worked well when we tried it in Pioneer’s Subaru BRZ

demo car, but we wonder how this would change in a vehicle with a noisier ride.

Siri will let you dictate a message and listen to an incoming text without displaying it on screen, so it’s a fine tool for staying connected – when it works.

Main menu navigation is done with the touchscreen of the SPH-DA120 unit, and you can also use Siri for impromptu commands, using the iPhone’s internet connection and locating software, such as saying “Find the nearest car park”.

While these pre-loaded apps work well, the limited number of third-party software can make the system feel restrictive. Its familiar interface should please Apple fans though, and we expect CarPlay to take off with the support of more app developers.

Get on the charge with Ring NEW PRODUCT Ring charging accessories

PRICEFROM £4.99 (RMS50)

RRP: From £4.99 (RMS50) Contact: 0113 213 7379, www.ringautomotive.co.uk

KEEPING your mobile phone topped up with power is essential for winter driving – and this new range of charging accessories from Ring aims to keep drivers connected.

Two USB cables kick off the range with an RRP of £4.99 each. The RMS50 is a charging lead with a Micro USB end connection, while the RMS52 features a Mini USB adaptor instead. Between the two, they should be able to add juice to the batteries of most popular Android smartphones and other portable electronic devices.

There are also two 12V plug adaptors, which sit in the cigarette lighter socket and provide two USB power outlets.

With a power rating of 2.5A, the RMS16 retails at £9.99 while the more powerful RMS18 – at 3.5A – has an RRP of £24.99.

Completing the line-up are two leads for Apple products.

The RMS51 cable, costing £12.99, is for older 30-pin devices, and the Lightning-compatible RMS53 has a price of £19.99.

70 12 November 2014

n e e d t o k n o w. . .

accessories “Ring’s new charging phones st mo h wit rk wo should old and new and tablets including ices” dev ple Ap and Android

news, deals& events

Vauxhall winter health check offer VAUXHALL is helping customers prepare for winter by inviting them to take their vehicles to dealers for a cut-price coldweather health check for £25.

The 25-point inspection aims to give motorists peace of mind in tricky driving conditions, with essential parts being looked at and fluids topped up. Also included is a Winter Survival Pack worth £20. Find a Vauxhall dealer near you at www.vauxhall.co.uk.

Grab a free Kindle with Pirelli tyres PIRELLI is offering an early Christmas gift of a free Amazon Kindle to every customer who buys two or more tyres sized 17 inches or above.

To take advantage of the deal, visit one of 95 Pirelli Performance Centres – you can find your nearest at www.pirelli.co.uk/ amazon, along with more information on the offer. The promotion closes on 30 November.

A feast of classics on show at NEC SOME of the finest classic vehicles in the country will be on display at the annual Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the NEC in Birmingham this weekend (14-16 November).

As ever, the show will be packed with concours vehicles, while there are live restoration stands, vehicle auctions and hundreds of car products on sale.

For ticket information, see www.necclassicmotorshow.com.

Know an event coming soon?

Contact Henry_Willis@dennis.co.uk

www.autoexpress.co.uk

Products

Adhesive remover mini test

Mini test EFFECTIVEBUTPRICEY Autoglym Intensive Tar Remover

n e e d t o k n o w. . .

nds using the “Autog lym recomme alongside ver mo Re Tar ive Intens cier pri a It’s ss.

Gla t its Fas option, but achieves good results”

Best price: £6.49 Contact: 01462 677766, www.autoglym.com

AUTOGLYM recommended that we use its Tar Remover alongside the Fast Glass cleaner (best price £7.49) to get rid of glue on the windscreen.

We used the Intensive Tar Remover first, dripping the solution on to a cloth and working it around the residue left on the glass. The thick solution smelt strong, so we used it sparingly.

It needed more work than expected to rub on to the glass and soak into the desired area, but results were effective. After a couple of minutes we applied the Fast Glass, wiped everything away and noted that all remnants of the adhesive left behind by the tax disc holder were gone.

Despite the clean and smear-free finish achieved in combination with the Fast Glass, this is an expensive method. The Sticky Stuff did the same job for almost a third of the price.

Rating: ★★★

50 Shades of Rust Tom Cotter (Motorbooks, www.motorbooks.com) Price: £20 (hardback) Rating: ★★★★

THE stories behind some of the barn finds featured in 50 Shades of Rust are fascinating. From priceless Porsches to ageing US muscle cars, it’s amazing to think they’d be abandoned in the first place.

Our only criticism is that the book mostly features the tales of cars found and restored in the USA, but it’ll still appeal to most.

PRICE PRICE£6.49 £XX.XX (xxxml)

Keep your screen clean when ditching the disc Henry Willis

THE death of the paper tax disc has been long awaited. Yet few drivers are prepared for the change with 61 per cent still displaying them, despite not needing to since 1 October, according to research by contractandhireleasing.com.

As more begin to remove the now pointless paper, the adhesive left on the glass by some tax disc holders can be

tricky to get rid of – so what’s the best solution to deal with this?

Autoglym claims its Intensive Tar Remover can deal with strong tar, adhesive and wax staining, among other substances. We put it up against the Sticky Stuff Remover from De-Solv-It, which is meant for similar jobs, but is a spray solution.

The aerosol pipped Autoglym’s offering as it was considerably easier to apply.

GOOD-VALUEALL-ROUNDER De-Solv-It Sticky Stuff Remover

“The adhesive left by some tax disc holders can be tricky to get rid of”

PRICE £4.99

Best price: £4.99 Contact: 0345 504 53 53, www.halfords.com

WE set about tackling the dried adhesive on our windscreen using the Sticky Stuff Remover aerosol, a dry cloth and a scraper. It sprays out a fine gel, which we left on the glass for five minutes before getting to work with an ice scraper.

After we’d agitated the dirt on the windscreen, we treated it with warm soapy water and once dried, the results were impressive – it was as if the tax disc holder had never been there.

Wiping the glass with warm water cleaned it, although not as throroughly as could be achieved with a specialist glass cleaner, such as the Fast Glass. However, this delivered the same outcome at a fraction of the price.

Like its rival, this can be used for other tasks in the car but represents better value for money.

Rating: ★★★★

72 12 November 2014

books, dvds&games

Racing Colours Simon Owen (Veloce Publishing, www.veloce.co.uk) Price: £19.99 (hardback) Rating: ★★★

THE book’s late author, Simon Owen, extensively studied the design of racing car liveries. In a fitting posthumous publication, Racing Colours outlines the unique team colours of the most famous cars of motorsport, from 1908 to 2009, and includes accompanying quotes from associated drivers, mechanics or team members. The book features dozens of designs.

Sleeping Dogs Available for: PS4, Xbox One Best price: £32.54 Rating: ★★★★

REMASTERED for the latest generation of games consoles, Sleeping Dogs is back with better graphics and added content. The open-adventure game features a number of exciting cars to drive.

Differences from the previous versions are minor, so those who have already played the game needn’t buy it again.

App of the week CSR Racing

Available for: iOS, Android Price: Free Rating: ★★★★

w.... need to know

ver claims to “Sticky Stuff Remo mber of nu a kle tac to e be abl luding inc car the d un aro jobs and wax” ase gre oil, ng ovi rem

WE gave CSR Racing full marks in our review in Issue 1,228, and now it’s back after a major update. There are more cars, and online multiplayer content is now free. But there are more in-app purchases than before, which you’ll need to progress in career mode.

www.autoexpress.co.uk

Products

Mini tyre compressors tested

12 VOLT MINI COMPRESSORS

We put 10 of the best mini compressors through their paces

PRODUCT GROUP TEST 12 | 11 | 2014

Every week, we extensively test all the latest car kit from tyres to trim cleaners.

Log on to www.autoexpress.co.uk to look through our huge online test archive.

Kim Adams

SINCE compulsory tyre labelling came into force two years ago, makers have spent millions on developing tyres that cut fuel use – but you won’t see the benefit if you don’t keep them pumped up.

The easiest way to keep tyres inflated is with a mini compressor powered via the cigar lighter. A weekly check and top-up takes a few minutes and you’ll maximise fuel economy, while keeping wear to a minimum. So which compressor is the best?

We put 10, plus two cordless versions, to the test.

2014

Ring 12v Preset Digital with LED Light RAC 635 Price: £34.99 Pressure added: 16psi Contact: 0113 213 2000 www.ringautomotive.co.uk Rating: ★★★★★

BEST BUY

YET another win for Ring, this time with the new RAC 635.

Despite rivals boasting very similar designs, the RAC 635 manages to stand out. It comes in a padded case, which is ideal if you’re storing it in the boot where it’ll be knocked around. It has a bright, large digital display with the easiest pre-set arrangement on test. The pump jointly topped our test, while the gauge was precise.

2014

Michelin High Power Rapid Tyre Inflator Price: £39.99 Pressure added: 16psi Contact: 0800 731 4973 www.michelin.com Rating: ★★★★

RECOMMENDED TYRE giant

Michelin has gone its own way with this compressor in the face of lookalike rivals. Apart from the unique shape, it is also a ‘digital power source’ with 12v and USB outlets. The former means the inflator can be used as an extension lead, while the latter works with fussy Apple kit. It also packs a powerful, smoothrunning pump with a preset cut-off.

Ring 12v Preset Analogue with LED Light RAC 625

Clarke 12v Air Compressor with Digital Gauge

Draper 12V Mini Digital Air Compressor

Price: £25.99 Pressure added: 14psi Contact: 0113 213 2000, www.ringautomotive.co.uk Rating: ★★★

Price: £23.98 Added: 14psi Contact: 01992 565300, www.clarkeinternational.com Rating: ★★★

Price: £28.73 Added: 12psi Contact: 023 8049 4333, www.drapertools.com Rating: ★★

THE £9 saving over its test-winning stablemate might look attractive, but you give up more than just a digital gauge with this cheaper Ring compressor. Pumping was a little slower, but still acceptable and, while better than some, the dial gauge isn’t the easiest to read and was around 2psi shy. Storage is acceptable and, like our winner, it comes in a padded case with a screw-on hose connector with air release.

THIS Clarke compressor has a lot going for it, with generous, covered storage, three adaptors and a three-LED worklight. It also pumps pretty well, and was only beaten by our top three. The gauge, with its preset cut-off, was well within tolerances, despite warning it should only be used as a guide. It’s a shame, then, that the package is spoilt by a short air hose which only just reached the top of our 18-inch rim.

THERE’S not much wrong with this neat Draper compressor that a little more pumping power wouldn’t fix. It lacked the grunt of the best here, but the overall package is still satisfactory, with a decent LED light that includes a red emergency mode. It’s stored in two open cubby holes that are easy to use and provide decent protection, plus the screw-on air hose was a usable length.

74 12 November 2014

www.autoexpress.co.uk

Mini tyre compressors tested

n e e d t o k n o w. . .

ssor’s “Length of the compre use – e of hose helps with eas e could reach we tested if the hos h rim” inc 18an of to the top

Halfords Rapid DigitalTyre Inflator Price: £34.99 Pressure added: 16psi Contact: 0845 057 9000 www.halfords.com Rating: ★★★★

Products

How we tested them

Verdict

WHEN it comes to compressors, the easier they are to use, the more likely you are to check your tyre pressure. We looked for quick pumping, which we tested over two minutes on a 13-inch tyre. We also wanted an accurate gauge, and took into account easy storage as well as supplied adaptors and accessories such as lights and power sockets.

Prices are the best online at the time of the test.

SERIAL winner Ring takes another victory with its latest RAC 635, which topped the pump test. The Michelin High Power Rapid took second from the Halfords Rapid Inflator, thanks to its comprehensive package.

TOP pumping earns this Halfords unit a place on the podium. Like our top two, it can be set to stop at a given pressure and it has our preferred screw-on air line which cuts air loss when disconnecting.

The gauge was accurate and storage easy to use with a generous cubby for the lead and neat slot for the hose. An effective five LED light completes a good package.

Sakura 12V Digital Air Compressor Price: £29.99 Added: 13psi Contact: 01488 689400, www.saxon-shop.com Rating: ★★★

1. Ring 12v Preset Digital RAC 635 2. Michelin High Power Rapid Tyre Inflator 3. Halfords Rapid Digital Tyre Inflator

THIS Sakura compressor is noticeably smaller than our top three and comes in a nylon, drawstring bag. It’s handy for keeping everything together, but offers limited protection. It was a touch off the pace in the pumping test, but we liked the accurate gauge with presets on the top of the unit which made it easy to read as it worked.

Storage could be better, but the five LED worklights worked well.

RAC 12V Compact Inflator

Halfords Rechargeable Multi Purpose Inflator

Clarke Cordless Compressor with Spotlight Plus Car Starter

Price: £12.50 Added: 10psi Contact: 0203 474 0909, www.racshop.co.uk Rating: ★★

Price: £54.99 Added: 14psi Contact: 0845 057 9000, www.halfords.com Rating: ★★★★

Price: £35.98 Added: 10psi Contact: 01992 565300, www.clarkeinternational.com Rating: ★★★

AS its name suggests, this compressor is tiny, which makes it great for glovebox or boot storage, but using it is seriously compromised. It comes with cigar lighter and battery terminal crocodile clip connections, but there’s no on-board storage. The compact casing also means the air line is only around 10cm long, so the pump will be hanging on most wheels. Pumping is slow, and a keen price can’t overcome the drawbacks.

IT’S not cheap, but you do get a fair bit more than just a compressor with the first of our cordless models. The addition of 12v and USB sockets makes it a portable power source, although we couldn’t get the latter to charge our iPhone 5S. As a tyre inflator it’s user-friendly and works well, plus there’s a mode for inflatables and a deflate option. If you can use its extra capabilities, it’s worth the price.

YOU get plenty for your money with this cordless Clarke unit, which can be used to revive flattened car batteries via the cigar lighter. It can also charge USB-powered devices, including Apple kit.

There’s a spotlight and LED worklights, which are handy when working at night. However, all these additions compromise its tyre pumping, which was relatively slow. Storage for the short hose is fiddly and there’s no room for all the accessories.

www.autoexpress.co.uk

12 November 2014 75

Buyingcars

New and used buying advice

Joe Finnerty

YOUR VIEWS ON YOUR CARS

Go any car queries?

Got Joe_Finnerty@dennis.co.uk Joe Joe_ Finner @AE_Consumer @AE_Con

Q

Ford Galaxy

YOU TELL US... MPV is very practical, but reliability’s a concern GOOD

2014 Results

Galaxy Factfile Years: 2006 to present CO2: 139g/km Fuel economy: 54mpg (1.6 TDCi Zetec) Best features: Electric mirrors, DAB radio, cruise control, bi-xenon lights, privacy glass

Prices: From £3,000 OVERALL SCORE

88.25%

Bars show where model finished out of 150 cars in our 2014 survey. The lower the rating the better

150 125 100 75 50 25

RELIABILITY BUILD QUALITY RUNNING COSTS PERFORMANCE ROAD HANDLING RIDE QUALITY EASE OF DRIVING SEAT COMFORT PRACTICALITY IN-CAR TECH

www.autoexpress.co.uk

1

128 127 81 43 43 25 49 66 8 73

46 th PLACE

NOT SO GOOD

“SPACIOUS and comfortable with a good driving position. Great for load carrying, too.”

“THE clutch had to be replaced within 12 months along with the mass flywheel.”

“It’s a practical and spacious car that copes with everything demanded of it.”

“Some of the trim isn’t wearing well.”

“It has not put a foot wrong – so far it’s been totally reliable.”

“Considering its size and shape it is cheap to run.”

“The Galaxy is by far the best family car that you can buy.”

“It’s a good, well built all-round car. It has a quality feel about it.”

A Q A

“I get a poor response from the auto gearbox – especially when pulling away from a standstill.”

“Our Galaxy keeps developing little faults that are raiding our bank account.”

“We had three major electrical problems in the first six months.”

“Some of the plastics could be better quality.”

How do you rate your car?

Tell us what you think

www.autoexpress.co.uk/driverpower

Q A

Why the delay on X-Trail?

X-Trail with a I’VE ordered the new Nissan Xtransmission. I diesel engine and automatic tr December this year, but was going to get it in Decembe idea why this is? it’s now been delayed. Any ide Duncan Worley, E-mail Xtronics did have NISSAN told us the X-Trail Xtro models from longer lead times than other m with the launch due to a supply issue w supply has now gearbox unit itself. However, su and dealers are normalised and the factory an working on clearing all previous orders.

Yaris is feeling drained I’VE been away on holiday twice this year and each time the battery on my 2013 Toyota Yaris has drained. I only do short journeys so the dealer says there’s nothing wrong with the battery and it’s quite normal. Is this correct?

Carl Madge, E-mail MODERN cars are fitted with a lot of tech and electrics, so if left unused, batteries will run down. If you’re only doing shorter journeys, the battery won’t have time to charge and recover either. Try a few longer runs and consider using a battery charger on your car.

Concern at Polo juddering MY VW Polo has started juddering under braking. It’s only two years old, but I’m concerned there could be something wrong with the suspension already. What should I do?

Stephen Cunningham , E-mail IT’S unlikely to be a suspension problem, and sounds as if it’s more likely down to worn brake discs. Other owners of MkV Polos have reported that the discs can wear or warp quicker than you’d expect, creating juddering under braking. Take the Polo to your dealer to get it looked at – the car should still be under warranty given its age.

12 November 2014 77

Buying cars

NEED TO KNOW

There was a 1.6-litre petrol engine offered initially; by summer 2013 this had been axed, leaving diesels only.

Peugeot 508

NEED TO KNOW

The 508 doesn’t have an especially cosseting ride. Cars with GT trim have stiffer suspension, which is too firm.

D NEED OW TO KNOW

As the locking wheel nuts ged, you are easily damaged, ed if you get could be stranded lace them a puncture. Replace tives. with alternatives.

BUYER’S GUIDE: Peugeot 508 FROM £7,000 Big saloon or estate makes for an appealing second-hand bargain LARGE French cars have always shed their value very quickly in the UK. As a result, while Peugeot’s biggest models have often been attractive for a variety of reasons, their high running costs due to savage depreciation can make them a risky buy when new.

But that depreciation means those same cars are usually spectacular value on the used market, and that’s just how it is with the 508. If you’re looking for stylish family transport and you hadn’t considered one of these great-value saloons or estates, perhaps it’s time to revise your shortlist.

outset, saloons and estates were available with a choice of 1.6 or 2.0-litre diesel engines.

The former came in manual or automated manual (EGC) forms, the latter 140bhp manual, 163bhp auto or 200bhp auto. There was also a 1.6-litre petrol engine in 112bhp automated manual or 156bhp manual form.

A refresh in May 2013 brought significant extra standard equipment for all 508s, including sat-nav for all but Access trim. A facelifted 508 is set to arrive soon, with a redesigned nose, more standard equipment and a new ultra-clean 2.0 HDi engine.

History

Which one?

Richard Dredge

THE 508 replaced the 407 in September 2011. From the

78 12 November 2014

FORGET the petrols – the diesels are much better. The

2.0 is usefully more muscular than the 1.6, while the 2.2 is unnecessary. The EGC auto is best avoided – much like the costly RXH, which struggles to achieve the claimed economy.

All 508s get power windows front and rear, air-con and ESP; the SR adds cruise and climate control plus alloys. The Active features auto lights and wipers, 17-inch alloys and, in the case of the 508 SW, a panoramic glass roof. The Allure gets rear parking sensors, 18-inch alloys and electrically adjusted/ heated front seats. In the range-topping GT, you’ll find leather trim and xenon lights.

Alternatives

THE Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia are the 508’s closest natural rivals, as they’re plentiful and their ‘everyman’ image ensures you get plenty of metal for your money. Both offer spectacular value and come in saloon or estate forms.

You can buy hatchbacks, too.

As with the 508, Citroen’s C5 is a saloon or estate only – savage depreciation means it’s something of a used bargain.

The Skoda Octavia isn’t quite such a good deal, but as a star of our Driver Power survey it’s one of the most complete nonpremium family cars on sale.

Verdict

THE 508 was never going to set the UK new car market alight, but it offers a great alternative to the more obvious family saloons and estates. It’s more comfortable than most of its rivals and stylishly good looking, but perhaps its biggest stumbling block is that there isn’t a hatch – although there’s a very roomy estate, while the saloon is more practical than you might think.

Meanwhile, the things that matter most are all present; strong build quality, decent cabin space, excellent safety levels, plenty of standard kit and tempting prices.

“Large French cars’ savage depreciation means they’re usually spectacular value on the second-hand market” www.autoexpress.co.uk

Peugeot 508

How much?

PARKING sensors aren’t fitted as standard to all 508s, but you shouldn’t really consider buying one without them – ideally front and rear.

14

13

2014

2013

12

2012

61 60

2011

2011

Model 1.6 VTi SR auto 1.6 THP Active 1.6 HDi Active 5sp 2.0 HDi 140 Active 2.0 HDi 140 SR 2.2 HDi GT auto RXH hybrid

Boot

FOR such a big car, the 508 SW’s boot opening is rather small. The saloon’s bootlid deposits rainwater into the load area when it’s opened.

N/A N/A £13,395 £13,695 N/A £17,495 £19,695

N/A £9,675 £9,295 N/A £9,875 £9,495 £11,850 £9,895 £9,350 £11,995 £9,950 £9,550 £9,675 £9,675 £9,295 £15,295 £12,995 £12,450 £17,295 £13,995 N/A

£8,575 £8,750 £8,595 £8,795 £8,575 £11,450 N/A

YOU can get into a 508 for less than £7,000, although it’ll probably be a 120,000-mile-plus saloon. It’ll be a diesel, too; less than one per cent of 508s are petrols.

There are about the same number of estates as saloons.

The former is worth £100-£300 more, but prices fluctuate wildly, so it’s easy to pick up a 2.0 HDi for the same (or even less) cash than someone else’s 1.6 HDi. About a quarter of 508s have an automatic transmission; few are available for less than £9,000. You’ll be doing well to find a 508 RXH, and these are generally priced from £20,000.

Connectivity

DROPPED Bluetooth con connections can be an issue with cer certain phones; som some cars which should have come wit with Bluetooth don don’t have it.

Running costs CO2 emissions

Annual road tax

1.6 VTi 120 1.6 THP 156 1.6 HDi 112 1.6 e-HDi 112 2.0 HDi 140 2.0 HDi 163 auto 2.2 HDi 204

Wi Windows

Performance Perfor

Running costs

CO2/tax

0-62mph/top speed

58mpg (2.0 HDi 140)

125g/km

9.8 secs/130mph

£94 fill-up

£110

20-21 24-29 20-22 20-25 24-25 26-30 33-37

45mpg 44mpg 60mpg 64mpg 58mpg 49mpg 49mpg

144g/km 149g/km 124g/km 109g/km 125g/km 149g/km 150g/km

£145 £145 £110 £20 £110 £145 £145

CARS built up to July 2012 need to be serviced every two years or 20,000 miles, although the 1.6 HDi cuts this to 12,500. 508s made after July 2012 must be serviced annually; the same mileage limits apply. From 2014, the 1.6 HDi limit was increased to 16,000 miles.

Services alternate between minor and major, at £215 and £396 respectively; this is cut to £150 and £280 once the car’s three years old. While the petrol engine is chain-driven, the diesels have a timing belt which must be replaced every 10 years or 150,000 miles for the 1.6 HDi; the 2.0 HDi extends this to 160,000. Replacement costs £345, or £295 if the car is over three years old.

Partwatch www.autoexpress.co.uk/driverpower

Front brake pads (axle set) Brake discs (pair) Door mirror glass (electric) Front wiper set

THE 508 made its Driver Power debut this year, at 32. For a brand that has struggled in our poll in the past, that was a reasonable start. Apart from a 24th place for running costs, though, all of the 508’s scores were fairly average.

www.autoexpress.co.uk

Independent price

£64.34 £131.04 £43.60 £59.98

£34.74 £62.28 £9.46* £25.14

Part

OUR VIEW

YOUR VIEW

Dealer price

Prices for 2011 2.0 HDi. Dealer prices Evans Halshaw Stourbridge (www.evanshalshaw.com). Independent prices Euro Car Parts (www.eurocarparts.com). *Price from www.wingmirrorshop.co.uk

Recalls Interior

THE use of high-quality materials gives the 508’s cabin a premium feel to match a VW Passat’s, but the dash is cluttered so takes some getting used to. Space is excellent though, as is the boot area; the saloon can stow 473 litres while the estate boosts this to 1,598.

Contacts

Official www.peugeot.co.uk Forums www.peugeotforums.com www.clubpeugeotuk.org

A SINGLE recall for the 508 is pretty good, when you bear in mind that its 407 predecessor was recalled 15 times. The one 508 recall came in Oct 2013 and affected 350 cars built from Jan 2012 to May 2013.

It centred on possible fuel leaks from the injection system, which could lead to a fire or diesel spills on to the road surface. The solution was to fit replacement injectors and maybe new fuel return pipes.

12 November 2014 79

Insurance group

Fuel economy

Model

MISTED-up windows can be a problem, particul particularly in the winter winter. It may be because there’s a water leak into the cabin – but that’s not alwa always the case.

MARK Sculley from Carmarthen owns a 2.0 HDi 140. He says: “I wanted something to swallow lots of motorway miles, and the 508 was superb value used. It’s comfortable, well equipped, roomy and looks great; shame it’ll still shed value quickly.”

Values courtesy of Glass’s Guide

Sensors

Buying cars

Buying cars

Best buys

Car hunter £20,000 for a user-friendly hybrid

THE PRACTICAL CHOICE

Dear Lawrence, I’m looking for an efficient, modern hybrid, but it has to be easy to drive and park around town and good on the motorway. What are my options for around £20,000?

Benjamin Gould, E-mail Contact: Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk

THE PREMIUM CHOICE

Peugeot 3008

THE CLEVER CHOICE

Lexus CT 200h

Vauxhall Ampera

FOR: Practical, comfortable, good performance AGAINST: Noisier diesel, standard car styling

FOR: Classy image, executive equipment AGAINST: Firm ride, CVT gearbox

FOR: Range-extender, equipment, comfort AGAINST: Only four seats, some cheap plastics

WHEN the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 was launched, it was a pioneer in the market as the first production diesel-electric hybrid in the UK, as well as the first hybrid crossover. However, that uniqueness sadly isn’t reflected in the design. It looks identical to a standard 3008, a car with styling that splits opinion.

Its performance is as good as the Ampera, thanks to the 163bhp 2.0-litre diesel combined with a 37bhp electric motor. It also manages 74.3mpg in the 16-inch wheel version (our pick of the range) and emits 99g/km of CO2. It’s the best here on the motorway, thanks to that punchy motor and good ride comfort. The interior is pleasant, and well built, too.

The ace up the Hybrid4’s sleeve is practicality; the 1,500-litre boot is only 100 down on the standard 3008, while passenger space is strong. We found a 2014 Active model with only 1,300 miles on the clock for just within your budget at £19,100.

LEXUS designed the CT 200h as an upmarket alternative to Toyota’s Prius. It offers all the tech, style and prestige associated with the brand, but in a smaller package than the rest of its range.

The hybrid technology, although not as advanced as the Ampera’s, makes it smooth, cheap to run and impressively efficient, with up to 74mpg claimed.

This figure drops quite a bit on the motorway, where it can’t quite match the Peugeot’s strong diesel engine. It’s still great around town, however.

Inside, it’s well built, well equipped and more spacious than the Ampera, but the dash isn’t intuitive to use. It also has a firm ride that isn’t a problem at higher speeds, but annoying around town. The CVT gearbox means the engine makes a din under acceleration, too, and although it has a 0-62mph time of 9.4 seconds on paper, it doesn’t feel that fast. We found a 2013 Luxury with 9,000 miles for £18,450.

LIKE THE 3008 Hybrid4, the Ampera, and its Chevrolet Volt sister car, were the first of their kind when they launched in 2012. They debuted the first petrolelectric range-extender hybrid powertrain on the market, and although neither car was a sales success, they are excellent when driven properly.

The idea is that you use it as a regular electric car, charging it for a 50-mile battery-only range, and a petrol generator kicks in when the batteries are empty.

So it’s very frugal on short journeys, with traditional consumption figures on longer motorway trips.

As a car, the Ampera is futuristic looking, but easy and pleasant to drive, with a 0-62mph time of 8.5 seconds. It’s near silent most of the time, too.

The interior is well equipped, although bootspace is reduced and there are only four seats. Battery replacement at around £2,000 is a cost to consider.

We found an Electron with 15,000 miles for £19,985.

Bid to protect used buyers THE Government has introduced a set of new proposals to tackle problems in the used car industry and give consumers greater protection.

The proposals form part of the Used Car Commission, which was launched last November. It says it found the industry generally worked well, but identified areas for improvement.

Closer cooperation between police and trading standards to target gangs who steal cars to clone, export or break up is the key focus. There will also be a minimum set of requirements for used car codes and trader approval schemes. Information gathering on used cars will also be targeted, to ensure problems can be acted upon.

80 12 November 2014

“There will be a minimum set of standards for used car codes”

Nissan Leaf

DEAL OF THE WEEK £3,200 off deposit on Leaf NISSAN is hoping to make its Leaf EV even more attractive thanks to a tempting lease deal.

The car, in entry-level Visia spec, is available for £15,985 outright.

But if you opt to lease it, Nissan contributes £2,200 to the deposit – and the dealer will cough up an extra £1,000. There’s also 0 per cent APR, with a 10 per cent deposit, from just £169 a month, including battery lease. Nissan will even throw in a home-charging unit for free. Visit www.nissan.co.uk for info or go to www.carbuyer.co.uk for more great deals.

www.autoexpress.co.uk

Buying cars

Used triple test

BMW 1 Series

Audi A3

Volvo V40

74.3mpg (official)

68.9mpg (official)

78.5mpg (official)

£64 fill-up

£64 fill-up

£67 fill-up

Premium efficiency

Wallet-friendly diesel hatchbacks make a lot of sense at the pumps, but which is the best used?

BMW1Series

AudiA3

VolvoV40

Verdict

1 ★★★★★ BMW 1 Series

Well built cabin is lacking in equipment

Audi’s simple interior has a quality feel

V40 is well equipped, but tech is fiddly

116d EfficientDynamics

2.0 TDI SE

D2 SE

Years: 2011 to date Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl, 114bhp Insurance group: 15 Econ/CO2: 74mpg/99g/km Why? BMW’s 1 Series is cheap to run and superb to drive, and more practical than you think.

Prices from:

£12,995

DESPITE its divisive styling, the BMW 1 Series is an excellent all-rounder.

The 1.6-litre diesel punches above its weight, and the responsive and engaging drive ensures it feels agile.

Plus, the ride is more comfortable than on the previous 1 Series. It’s not quite as efficient as the V40, but it’s good for the class. The interior is more basic than the others’, and not as well equipped, but it’s well laid out and solidly built. It also has the biggest boot here, while the BMW scored highly for reliability in our Driver Power 2014 poll.

82 12 November 2015

Years: 2012 to date Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 148bhp Insurance group: 21 Econ/CO2: 68mpg/106g/km Why? The A3 is a classy choice, with a premium interior and powerful diesel engine.

Prices from:

£15,250

WHILE the Audi A3 isn’t an exciting car, it majors on premium style. We tested a 2.0 TDI, although there’s also a 1.6 TDI available. The 2.0-litre is easily the fastest and most refined here, and only slightly less economical than the others.

It doesn’t drive as well as the BMW, though, as it has a firm ride, but it’s more engaging than the Volvo. The interior is excellent, with a simple design and premium build quality. It’s spacious, too, although the three-door layout is a drawback. The A3 came second for build quality in our Driver Power survey.

Years: 2012 to date Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl, 113bhp Insurance group: 17 Econ/CO2: 78mpg/94g/km Why? The V40 is the most efficient car here, as well as being stylish, refined and safe.

Prices from:

£13,495

THE V40 makes a strong case for itself against its rivals here. It’s the best looking, inside and out, while the D2 diesel is efficient and refined, but still matches the BMW for performance. It’s also better equipped than its rivals.

It can’t quite match the others in terms of the driving experience, though, with heavy steering, a vague gearbox and a firm ride marking it down. It’s also the least spacious here, with a small boot.

The V40 finished 34th in our Driver Power survey for reliability, and was rated ninth for in-car tech.

A NARROW win here for the BMW 1 Series. Not only is it efficient and practical, but it’s also fun to drive, comfortable and more affordable compared to rivals here.

2 ★★★★★ Audi A3

THE A3 is a great choice, thanks to its classy looks and premium interior.

The diesel engine is strong, but it doesn’t handle or ride as well as the BMW.

3 ★★★★★ Volvo V40

IT’S a left-field choice, but the V40 has a lot going for it in terms of efficiency and style. It’s a shame it loses out because of its poor ride.

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Spor Sport

All the action from the world of motorsport

Dean Gibson

Dean_Gibson@dennis.co.uk

AS the World Rally Championship descends on the Welsh forests for its final round of the season, there’s going to be a sting in the tail.

A challenging new stage at Llyn Brenig in the Denbigh Moors has been added to the route for the first time in the 82-year history of the UK’s round of the WRC, and the thrilling action from this leg will be televised.

While the 10.8km stage will be unfamiliar to the rally crews, Auto Express already has first-hand experience of it, after taking an exclusive run in our Hyundai i10 on the closed circuit. The route winds its way around the edges of the Llyn Brenig reservoir and into the surrounding forests, and we can confirm it’ll push all the competitors to the limit.

Final preparations had yet to take place on our visit, so we had to use our imagination to picture the start line; but with a long, uphill straight disappearing into the woods, there was a real sense of driving into the vast unknown.

Performance

While the i10 we’re running on our fleet doesn’t have the pure performance of the current generation of World Rally Championship cars, it gave us more than enough of a taste of what to expect, and with limited grip on the gravel, there was plenty of wheelspin as we set off from our imaginary start line.

The stage then winds its way uphill into the forest, where organisers have gone to great efforts to ensure that the surface is up to scratch for this event.

That meant spending many months hacking back the overgrowth, while the gravel has been filled and patched to leave an even, smooth track.

There’s a variety of bends to negotiate, from muddy, 90-degree rights and lefts in the woods to hairpins and fast, gravelly, downhill sweepers. And as Llyn Brenig is open to the public, the odd pedestrian along the route gave us a taste of what it might be like to race along the course lined with spectators.

There’s a mix of gravel and some broken tarmac sections, too, but all of it is slippery, so car set-up will be critical to get the best time. The majority of the stage is through the forests, but the final

WALES’ STING IN

we preview uk’s season-ending wrc round by driving challenging new stage

Course is made up of gravel and broken tarmac sections, so it’s set to be a tough test

“With a long, uphill straight disappearing into the woods, there was a real sense of driving into the vast unknown” 94 12 November 2014

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WRC stars look to end year on a high Titles are already decided, so expect a straight fight for glory among big players and local hopes in Wales

We took twisty course at gentle pace in i10, but Hyundai is running three i20s in Wales Rally GB

WITH Volkswagen and Sébastien Ogier having successfully defended the manufacturers’ and drivers’ titles this year, the pressure is off the field – so it should be a straight fight for glory at Wales Rally GB. Ogier (above, left) and co-driver Julien Ingrassia won in Wales last year, but team-mates Jari Matti Latvala and Andreas Mikkelsen have history on their side, as Scandinavians tend to go well in Britain.

Elsewhere, Hyundai has lined up Thierry Neuville, Juho Hanninen and Hayden Paddon, although team principal Michel Nandan feels a podium will be hard to come by: “We have strong drivers,” he told Auto Express, “but we have to hope for others to trip up, because VW is strong and local drivers will want to impress.”

Leading those locals are Kris Meeke and Elfyn Evans. Meeke is heading the Citroen WRC team and aiming to improve on his four third-place finishes this year. Evans, meanwhile, has risen through the ranks admirably with Ford, and will want to impress on home soil.

His team-mate Mikko Hirvonen will be looking to go out on a high, after announcing Wales Rally GB will be his final event before retiring.

The Finn has won 15 rallies from 162 starts in a 13-year WRC career.

THE TAIL

Winner of Wales Rally GB will be crowned by edge of Llyn Brenig reservoir

Nathan Morgan

section breaks out of the unknown to run alongside the Llyn Brenig reservoir.

Spectators will have a fantastic viewing opportunity here, as the stage winds its way up from the valley floor to the top of the reservoir dam and along to the finish line.

After crossing the line, there will be a podium presentation right by the lake edge, where the winner of the 2014 Wales Rally GB will be crowned. While there were no trophies for our run, we

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had a real sense of achievement after our i10 battled its way through the dirt.

Of course, not everybody will be able to get to Llyn Brenig, but the compact course layout will be perfectly suited to television. The plan is to have cameras at the start and finish – which are only yards apart – while on-board footage will be picked up throughout the stage. It promises to be an entertaining finale, and will put Wales Rally GB back on the map.

PAGE 96: Hyundai’s WRC plan for 2015

Where to watch...

Live coverage: iRobot Brenig Power Stage Sunday 16 November, BT Sport (11.45am), S4C (2pm) Daily rally highlights: BT Sport, ITV4, Motors TV Check your TV guide for more information

Sport

News round-up

Davidson on cusp of WEC title Stephen Errity

Stephen_Errity@dennis.co.uk

BRIT ace Anthony Davidson and his Swiss team-mate Sebastien Buemi are on the verge of clinching the World Endurance Championship drivers’ title in Sakhir, Bahrain this weekend.

The Toyota duo dominated the series’ previous round in Shanghai, China, to take their fourth win of the season in the #8 TS040 Hybrid. They now lie 42 points clear of their main rivals Marcel Fassler, Benoit Treluyer and Andre Lotterer in the #2 Audi, with just 52 points on offer at the remaining two rounds in Bahrain and Brazil.

Le Mans winner Lotterer has admitted that the odds of he and his team-mates bringing home a third successive WEC drivers’ crown for Audi are now slim.

“We are pretty realistic about our chances,” he said after the race in China. “It’s unrealistic that we can win it now, but we are going to stay optimistic to keep our motivation up for the last two races and keep on pushing.”

Davidson and Buemi are racing as a duo without their early season codriver Nicolas Lapierre at the moment.

The experienced Frenchman was stood down by the team after crashing in difficult conditions during the Le Mans 24 Hours and the race in Austin, Texas.

Toyota management claims he will be part of the squad in 2015, but his situation remains unclear at present.

The LMP1 driver market is currently a hotbed of activity, with some possibly retiring Formula One drivers such as Jenson Button linked to Porsche and several drivers still to be confirmed for the forthcoming Nissan protoype programme. It’s thought as many as

■ British Toyota star closes on drivers’ championship ■ Series heads to Bahrain this weekend Crew of the No8 Toyota has won four times this season

Davidson and Buemi (centre) triumphed convincingly last time out in Shanghai to cement lead

“Davidson and Buemi are now 42 points clear

of Fassler, Lotterer and Treluyer in the No2 Audi”

four 2014 GP stars could be heading for WEC for 2015, and although Force India has re-signed Nico Hulkenberg for next year, he continues to be linked with a one-off Porsche run at Le Mans.

Elsewhere in the WEC, the class title battles remain close ahead of Bahrain.

In LMP2, G-Drive Racing’s Olivier Pla, Roman Rusinov and Julien Canal’s win in China reduced Sergey Zlobin’s gap at the front to just eight points.

In GT, retirements in China for both Ferrari and Aston’s title-contending crews saw Porsche’s Fred Makowiecki close to within 25 points of leaders Gianmaria Bruni and Toni Vilander.

Hyundai plans three-car WRC tilt AFTER achieving several podiums and an unexpected victory in the World Rally Championship in 2014, Hyundai is ramping up its challenge for 2015.

Last week, the Korean manufacturer confirmed Spaniard Dani Sordo will line up alongside lead driver Thierry Neuville in 10 rounds of the WRC as it attempts to beat title holder Volkswagen.

Speaking exclusively to Auto Express, team principal Michel Nandan said that while this year has seen great results, the team needs to keep pushing.

“We’ve worked hard and showed our potential this year, but the work doesn’t stop,” he told us. “The updates we have coming for next season’s car should see us challenge VW, and I expect we’ll

96 12 November 2014

MOVING UP

Thierry Neuville and Dani Sordo are aiming to get Hyundai on terms with VW in 2015

be consistently going for victories by the middle of next year.”

Hyundai ran a total of five drivers on rotation to boost development in 2014, but with Neuville and Sordo confirmed for 2015, Juho Hanninen,

Hayden Paddon and Brian Bouffier will be without a permanent slot.

But according to Nandan, there could still be opportunities. “It’s not confirmed, but we want to see if we can run three cars all year,” he said.

■ SAUBER SIGNS NASR GP2 Series star and current Williams test driver Felipe Nasr (above) has been signed by Sauber for 2015.

The 22-year-old Brazilian, who finished second in this year’s GP2 standings, joins Caterham refugee Marcus Ericsson at the Swiss team.

Current Sauber drivers Esteban Gutierrez and Adrian Sutil now look to be without drives for next year.

British young gun Jolyon Palmer, who beat Nasr to this year’s GP2 title, also looks unlikely to be on the grid.

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Backchat Join the debate now... mail@autoexpress.co.uk

I THOUGHT it wouldn’t be long before car crime hit the headlines once again, and everyone from Tracker (with tons of security devices to sell) to the BBC’s Watchdog programme (viewers to win) is scaremongering about car theft.

Meanwhile, elements of the insurance industry disgracefully suggest some prestige models will be refused cover. In turn, the motorist may be fooled into believing car theft is rampant. But it isn’t.

True, vehicles still get stolen. But let’s put the problem in perspective, eh? According to the United Nations, Britain is not even a Top 20 car-thieving country. Meanwhile, our own Office for National Statistics says Motoring’s most outspoken and thefts have fallen 55 per cent in a decade. opinionated columnist sounds off That’s because cars are generally harder to steal, at a time when modern thieves Scaremongering sensibly stay indoors quietly committing Internet fraud, rather than venturing about car theft could outside, nicking cars on streets fool motorists into swamped by CCTV and ANPR cameras. thinking that it is Trouble is, well intentioned but rampant here in misguided ‘fair competition’ laws from Britain. But it isn’t Europe dictate that car firms who have generally done a good job in combating car crime must now share their security secrets with wider audiences.

Big mistake. Sharing attracts iffy third parties. One manufacturer told me the EU is actively “preventing makers from providing optimum security on their vehicles”. The result? A thief can easily source an electronic ‘key blank’ that can be programmed to start the car of his choice.

Strict licensing of ‘blanks’ and related products would help. As would proof of ownership/user documents, which drivers should surely be legally required to present before heading out through ports. After all, some cars stolen in England end up in Eastern Europe within 10 hours.

It’s time to get back to basics. Why do so many cars rely solely on one potentially cloneable key? Why not a combination of two or three electronic and manual keys? And how come manufacturers don’t design and incorporate into their cars more physical restraints to prevent the unauthorised turning of steering and road wheels, or use of pedals?

As for the Tracker organisation? I’d prefer its army of technical folk and ex-cops to concentrate less on recovering cars after they’ve been stolen, and more on preventing vehicles from being nicked in the first place.

Mike Rutherford

Do you agree with Mike?

Have your say at facebook.com/autoexpress 98 12 November 2014

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