1q021pr6uim magzus.org

Mpg (l/100km): Not applicable CO2 emissions: 0 g/km. Electric energy consumption (combined): 20 to 21 kWh/100Km / 3 3.1 miles/kWh. The iX xDrive40 electric range: 246-257 miles. The iX xDrive50 electric range: 366-382 miles. These figures were obtained after the battery had been fully charged. The iX is a battery electric vehicle requiring mains electricity for charging. Figures shown are for comparability purposes. Only compare electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load *Participating Retailers only Test drive subject to applicant status and availability

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Design & Pictures

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Is the world really ready for a £100k Volvo? Well, here it is

BIG Volvo SUVs don’t come around very often

We’ve only ever had two XC90s in 20 years and I’ve always been a big fan (and been lucky enough to run a couple of them), which makes the arrival of that car ’ s replacement called EX90 officially a big thing

But, for all the excitement I’ve felt in the lead up to the new car ’ s launch, I can’t help but feel a little disappointed by two big things: its price and its weight

The new EX90 weighs an astonishing 2,818kg and that’s before it’s fully loaded with up to seven people Has Volvo done absolutely all it can to keep the kilos off? Weight is the enemy of efficiency, and that is all the more important in an EV which the EX90 is

How much further could the EX90 go on one charge of its enormous 107kWh battery for every extra kilo saved? Volvo will, of course, say that its customers want all the kit it’s included and, to be fair, there is some really groundbreaking stuff in there, especially when it comes to safety as you’d expect from Volvo

But then there’s the price: the first models to arrive in the UK are expected to start at over £96,000, rising to over £100,000 I don’t know about you, but that seems like an awful lot of money for a Volvo to me

I’ve often moaned about the rapid rise in car prices at the bottom end of the market (as has Mike Rutherford on page 82), but the temptation for some makers to milk the margins at the more profitable end seems too great

Developing and building EVs is a costly business, that’s for sure But premium brands not just Volvo need to make sure they’re not pricing themselves out of the market Especially in an EV world where buyers are increasingly attracted more by tech and style than a badge

This could be an open goal for brands like Kia, Hyundai and a host of newcomers with increasingly appealing EVs that have the style and quality to match or beat traditional premium players, but at a fraction of the price

STEVE FOWLER Editor in-chief

steve fowler@autovia.co.uk @stevefowler

SAFETY

REVEALED Electric EX90

Yousuf Ashraf@autoviacouk @ashrafoncars

VOLVO made headlines in 2017 when it became the first major car manufacturer to announce the end of internal combustion engines in its line up, with a switch to a fully electric range by 2030 Now, the launch of the new EX90 SUV marks the most important milestone in that transition so far.

The EX90 is the brand’s first model to be built on a dedicated EV platform, and it’s looking to land a heavyweight blow as the flagship of its next generation range.

In fact, with a version wearing a six figure price tag, it’s the most expensive Volvo ever However, the Swedish firm is keen to showcase its sustainability and connectivity, with CEO Jim Rowan hailing the EX90 as “the first Volvo to be truly defined by its software and part of a wider ecosystem”

You can think of it as a fully electric version of the petrol and diesel powered

XC90 SUV, which will remain on sale for the time being, at least until the EX90 hits the roads in 2024. The EX90 is the first production car to be born of Volvo’s new design language, which was previewed by the Recharge concept revealed last year

That car’s influence is seen mainly from the rear, with a new tail light signature consisting of two C shaped LED elements on the tailgate, and two vertical elements that run down the edge of the rear window.

Up front, an updated version of the brand’s trademark ‘Thor’s Hammer’ lighting signature sits either side of what will become the new family face for Volvo, with a fresh interpretation of the diagonal bar that has embellished the grilles of combustion powered Volvos for decades

Above the windscreen sits a prominent blister in the roof that contains a suite of

electronics and sensors for the EX90’s driver assistance systems

The car’s bluff silhouette and sharp shoulder lines that rise up to the C pillars are reminiscent of the XC90’s, but the EX90 is an altogether different machine under the skin. It uses the same pure electric SPA2 platform as the Polestar 3, and comes with a choice of two dual motor powertrains

The design also incorporates new levels of sustainability. Volvo claims that 15 per cent of the steel used in its construction is recycled, while a quarter of the aluminium in the car has had a prior life Similarly, 15 per cent of the plastics are reused, alongside continued use of bio friendly materials.

At more than five metres long, Volvo’s new flagship offers seating for seven with a 310 litre boot This grows to 655 litres with the third row folded down, and a

CLEAN Minimalist design sets the tone for EX90’s upmarket interior

YousufAshraf

“The EX90 is the first Volvo to be built on a dedicated EV platform, and is the flagship of its next-generation range”

JIM ROWAN

A “I can’t go into specifics about what models we’ll be releasing, but we play across all the spectrums We’ve already said that we’ll produce a smaller SUV, and then we’ll look at different formats, such as saloons and estates, when we get to that point.”

Q Will all future models be based on the same SPA2 platform as the EX90?

A “We have another platform which will take us to a much lower cost But in terms of price, we need to get to price parity between ICE cars and EVs ”

Q How is the brand presently allocating resources to EV and ICE vehicle development?

A “We have divested the last of our ICE development to Aurobay [a Volvo and Geely joint ventre], so it will develop them on our behalf The core technology that we’re investing in with our engineering talent is completely focused on EVs and next generation mobility.”

sets Volvo on new path

LUXURY

Comfortable seats and high-end sound systems will go some way to justifying the new EX90’s six-figure price tag

“The EX90 is kitted out with the latest radar and camera systems to make it the firm’s safest car yet” yet”

GLASGOW-born Rowan took over from Håkan Samuelsson earlier in 2022. Formerly CEO at Dyson, during the technology company’s brief flirtation with the automotive world, the Brit will now lead the Swedish brand into its new all-electric era.

Q Will the Volvo line up of tomorrow look similar to today, with saloons and estates alongside SUVs?

President & CEO, Volvo

cavernous 1,915 litre load bay is available with just the front seats in place

The entry level Twin Motor variant produces 402bhp and 770Nm of torque, and can haul this 2,818kg SUV from 0 62mph in 5 9 seconds The more expensive Twin Motor Performance version cuts a full second from this time, thanks to a more potent motor set up with 510bhp and 910Nm of torque Both are limited to a top speed of 112mph

Each model is equipped with a 107kWh (usable) battery, but with its preliminary 364 mile range figure, the Twin Motor can travel four miles further than its more powerful stablemate A 10 to 80 per cent charge takes half an hour thanks to 250kW DC charging capability, and the SPA2 architecture also provides bi directional charging The technology is still under development, but it could allow users to send energy from the car’s batteries back to the grid during peak times The system can also power electrical appliances, or even other Volvo EVs.

The EX90 is kitted out with Volvo’s latest array of radar and camera systems to make it the firm’s safest car yet These sensors along with a lidar unit, which can detect objects hundreds of metres down the road, even at night communicate with the SUV’s Nvidia Drive on board computer, which processes road information in real time

As well as a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including a Pilot Assist function that can take control of the steering, the EX90 offers a concentration monitor and sufficient hardware to theoretically enable autonomous driving in the future

Volvo is ramping up its in car connectivity offering with the EX90, which arrives with Snapdragon computing power and Unreal Engine 5 graphics software, which is usually used to develop blockbuster gaming titles A 14 5 inch portrait touchscreen sits at the heart of the largely button free, minimalist

cabin, which runs an evolution of Volvo’s Google powered infotainment software

The system includes a variety of Google apps and bundles 5G connectivity, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. A Bowers & Wilkins Dolby Atmos enabled stereo also features, and customers can use a smartphone based digital key to access the car and adjust its home charging schedule. Volvo will also improve the EX90’s software throughout its life via over the air updates

In the UK, the EX90 will be launched in range topping Ultra spec, costing a projected £96,255 in Twin Motor guise and £100,555 in Performance trim It will also be available via the Care by Volvo subscription service from £1,599 a month. Later, the entry level EX90 will cost from around £75,000

Riding on air suspension and 22 inch alloys, Ultra models include a lidar system and driver attention monitor, along with the Bowers & Wilkins stereo, recycled fabric upholstery and a panoramic glass roof A four zone climate control set up also comes as standard, along with a cabin air purifier, soft close doors and pixel LED headlights.

The EX90 enters production later in 2023, with first deliveries scheduled for early 2024 PAGE 82: Rutherford on EX90 prices

INTERIOR

As with current Volvos, new EX90 features a portrait touchscreen, this time measuring 14.5 inches and incorporating the latest Google based infotainment and navigation software

“There’s seating for seven with a 310-litre boot. This grows to 655 litres with the third row folded down”

SOLUTIONS

As well as offering up to 1,915 litres of boot space, EX90’s new platform allows for substantial storage under the bonnet

First glimpse of Volvo’s entry-level electric SUV

VOLVO hasn’t forgotten about small cars in its electrification push, and a reminder of that was teased at the conclusion of the new EX90’s presentation

Next year Volvo will reveal an entry level electric SUV, which looks set to take strong inspiration from the EX90, distilled into a much more compact footprint

It could use the EX30 or EX40 names Volvo has applied for both of those

trademarks while it features the same rear light signature and stocky stance as the EX90, with an upright tailgate and short overhangs front and rear

The new model will use the Geely developed SEA platform, which underpins the Smart #1. It will be similar in size to that car and is likely to use the same running gear, so a range of 273 miles from a 66kWh battery should be possible.

TEASER

Q The EX90 looks similar to the XC90 in its overall silhouette what’s the reason for this?

A “What we’ve done is kept the three rows the same, but then created space around the occupants. We created this silhouette, keeping the strong, clean language of Scandinavian design and then brought in elements of electrification ”

Q The car’s lidar sensor is very prominent Why?

A

“The engineers turned up with this big sensor, and we asked if we could mount it low rather than on the roof But the thinking is that, like in the animal kingdom, the sensor needs to be mounted at the ‘top of the head’ It’s there for a purpose, and to see 250 metres ahead in the dark, it needs to be at the top.”

Q Why no digital mirrors?

A“We’ve done a lot of customer research on this. What we’ve found is that from an aerodynamic point of view, it would be great just to have cameras outside But the reality is, when you look at a screen on the dashboard, you need to refocus your vision. With a traditional mirror you’re looking at long distances, so you don’t need to refocus We’re still figuring out what to do with this technology Our customers have asked us to keep the mirrors, so that was the decision we made ”

ANOTHER Brit high up the ladder at Volvo, Page joined the brand in 2013. He has also worked at Bugatti, Rolls Royce and Bentley.

Volvo head of global design

Forthcoming entry level SUV (left) was briefly shown at the EX90’s launch event

DRIVING

Funky Cat set among the p

Ingram Richard Ingram@autoviacouk @rsp ingram

THIS is the GWM ORA Funky Cat Yes, you read that correctly An all new Chinese car maker with an all electric product portfolio is launching its first model in the UK, and it’s called the Funky Cat Jokes aside, this odd looking electric car has the potential to put the metaphorical funky cat among the pigeons It costs from £31,995 (or £399 per month with an 11 per cent deposit) in First Edition spec, but it’s likely we’ll see cheaper models join the line up later, as well as a bigger battery version boosting range to more than 260 miles Every Funky Cat for the time being comes with 64kW charging; that’s a little off the pace, although an 80 per cent charge should still take less than 45 minutes

At 4 23m long, the Funky Cat is a little shorter than a Volkswagen ID 3 or MG4, but much longer than a MINI Electric. However,

while every ORA comes in a five door body, like the VW, the 228 litre boot is closer in size to the MINI’s which, for context, measures 211 litres

Yet while the ORA’s rear doors don’t open all that wide, they reveal a spacious cabin with enough room for a six foot tall adult to sit behind a similar height driver The flat floor means it shouldn’t prove tricky if you need to carry three in the rear, either; by contrast, the MINI is a strict four seater.

Up front, the Funky Cat greets you with a slick twin screen layout and a reasonably premium interior There are soft materials and exposed stitching on the doors and dashboard, and while the steering wheel doesn’t look as if it will wear as well as those in its rivals, the seats are comfortable

The infotainment system is light years ahead of VW’s laggy set up, although some

key features are hidden, which is frustrating Especially when ORA insists on fitting a sensitive driver attention monitor that shouts if you take your eyes off the road

But the standard fit sat nav works well, and while it’s not ready yet, we’re told cars will receive an over the air update with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in June

Every First Edition car gets 360 degree cameras as well as wireless phone charging and dual zone climate control There’s keyless entry, LED headlights and 18 inch wheels, and a five star Euro NCAP rating

While it punches above its weight on kit and cabin tech, you might expect the Funky Cat’s rivals to show it a clean pair of heels on the road But that isn’t the case In most situations, it performs well; the ride

is just the right side of firm, giving you a feeling of attachment to the road without being uncomfortable It isn’t as quick as a MINI or an ID 3 (0 62mph takes 8 3 seconds) but if you floor it out of corners, the car will spin the inside wheel. The steering is a weak point; it’s light and doesn’t offer much feedback

ORA claims the Funky Cat is capable of one pedal driving, but in reality that’s not quite true The MINI Electric’s set up is strong and can bring you to a full stop; the Cat won’t do that, although you quickly learn to trust its ability in everyday driving.

The Cat’s even pretty competent at higher speeds It’s not whisper quiet, but it takes short motorway stints in its stride Again, the ORA feels firm but

“It’s a little shorter than a Volkswagen ID.3 or MG4, but longer than a MINI Electric and has a spacious cabin”

● UK’s first EV from GWM ORA ● 193-mile range, room for five

Richard

Funky Cat is surprisingly fun to drive, and it’s competent on the motorway, too

INTERIOR

The

pigeons

controlled, with the car’s pliant ride working in its favour.

Orders open later this month, both online and via the brand’s four initial dealerships IM Group (also responsible for Subaru and Isuzu) will handle sales, servicing, parts and distribution, with the company targeting one additional showroom every month through 2023

Verdict

THE year is almost out, but the GWM ORA Funky Cat is arguably the biggest and most pleasant surprise of 2022 It’s time to sit up and take notice of the Chinese car industry; if you can see past the childish name and slightly challenging rear end styling, the Funky Cat is an extremely credible small EV Watch out, Europe, China’s on the march

SPACE

UK drug-driving offences soar by 54 per cent post-lockdown

OFFENCES

The AA says it hopes the post-lockdown stats are an anomaly and that standards will improve

driving, 7,605 cases of dangerous driving and 96,801 cases of drivers failing to supply information when required

DRUG driving and speeding offences hit record highs last year, according to worrying new official figures

AA analysis of Crown and Magistrates Court data for 2021 showed that as the country came out of Covid lockdowns and travel restrictions, the number of drug driving cases increased by 54 per cent to 21,411, while speeding cases rose by 24 per cent to 208,496

In addition, three other offences reached record highs; there were 793 cases of causing serious injury through dangerous

The data also showed that, while 32,500 drivers were taken to court for drink driving, only 6,169 appeared in the dock for mobile phone use behind the wheel

One key statistic uncovered was that, of the 638,044 motoring cases brought to court in 2021, 565,440 resulted in a guilty verdict That means 85 5 per cent of motoring cases end with a conviction

Although last year’s rise in prosecutions bore some connection to court sittings being suspended during lockdown, the AA expressed concern

that the standard of driving in the UK fell following the pandemic

The organisation’s head of roads policy, Jack Cousens, commented: “With record highs of dangerous driving, drug driving and speeding, it is a timely reminder to every driver that being behind the wheel is a serious responsibility

“Drug driving has increased year on year since records began, and while more police forces are carrying out roadside tests, it seems some people are willing to chance it We need to put more focus on this issue and eliminate it completely from our roads.

“We hope this is a short term blip in the figures and that driving standards

Eye test plea for licence renewal

AN eyesight test should be a compulsory part of every driving licence renewal application, according to GEM Motoring Assist chief executive Neil Worth.

Poor vision is a contributory factor in close to 3,000 collisions causing serious injury or death annually, said Worth.

“There are too many people driving whose eyesight has deteriorated to a dangerous level,” he added “Recent spells of Covid restrictions have put many people off booking an eye test.

“Every driver should undergo a mandatory eye examination with every photocard licence renewal, meaning the road environment is safer for everyone.”

GEM has also offered advice for older drivers or those who might have concerns about an older relative’s driving

“We want everyone to enjoy the freedom of the open road for as long as possible, but

CHECK-UP

GEM Motoring

Assist says an eye test should be carried out for every driving licence renewal

only while they are safe Warning signs relating to failing health or reduced ability can develop slowly and gradually in older drivers This often means they won’t be aware of the growing risks they may pose ”

Worth advises all senior drivers to plan ahead when facing the prospect of hanging

up the car keys, and start thinking about alternative ways to stay mobile.

“Seniors who do wish to carry on should sign up for a driver assessment for feedback on what you do well and where there may be room for a few safety improvements.”

have improved when the 2022 statistics are announced ”

Auto Express has previously reported that drivers want to see more active road police to tackle falling driving standards, but that forces are relying less on cops in cars and more on camera footage

A Home Office spokesperson said: “It is vital that everyone is able to travel safely on our roads, and we recognise the critical role our enforcement plays in saving lives and driving down criminality

“We are working closely with the police and local authorities on how to further improve our roads enforcement and reduce road traffic casualties ”

New Peugeot 408 priced from £31k

THE new Peugeot 408 has gone on sale from £31,050. Plug in hybrid models are a key part of the mix, with the PHEV line up kicking off from £38,400.

Engines include the 1 2 litre PureTech three cylinder petrol, which develops 128bhp, and two plug in hybrids with a 1.6 litre petrol engine and a battery and electric motor, with power outputs of 178bhp and 222bhp Trim levels include Allure, Allure Premium and GT, plus the range topping First Edition from £45k.

Tristan Shale-Hester

tristan shale hester@autoviacouk @tristan shale

Porsche lifts the lid on hi-tech secrets of upcoming Macan EV

John McIlroy

John McIlroy@autoviacouk @johnmcilroy

PORSCHE is promising an even sharper focus on driving dynamics with its second bespoke electric vehicle, the next generation of Macan, than with the Taycan. Senior engineers from the project have told Auto Express that the new PPE platform will allow the Macan due to be revealed next year, and previewed in our exclusive image to feature not only 800V electrics, but also significant chassis tweaks to make it feel “unmistakably like a Porsche”

These gains will include one of the most advanced iterations yet of Porsche’s Active Suspension Management, with two valve dampers for the first time on one of the firm’s cars “This allows us a greater spread of settings,” Dominik Hartmann, the Macan’s chief chassis engineer, told us “You’ll feel a bigger difference between all of the modes ”

Both steel springs and air suspension will be available, with a double wishbone layout at the front and a multi link set up at the rear The car will be able to vector its torque from front to rear, but it will run in rear drive mode most of the time, with the front motor disconnected, as in the latest Taycans

The Macan will feature a prismatic cell based battery with a capacity of around 100kWh and be capable of faster charging speeds than the Taycan’s 270kW tech, with enough shove to recharge from five to 80 per cent of capacity in just 25 minutes The

And an all-electric version of 718 is starting to take shape

PORSCHE’S push towards electrification isn’t going to stop at the Macan and here’s early proof that the firm’s two entry level sports cars, the 718 Boxster and Cayman, will also be losing their four cylinder petrol engines soon.

Spied for the first time, this prototype shows that Porsche is working hard to keep its 718 models’ low slung profiles when they turn into EVs by the middle of

this decade. The test mule has a longer wheelbase than normal, and a longer front overhang a sign, perhaps, of how Porsche’s engineers are working to cram a battery pack into a two seat layout.

Few technical details are known, but Porsche’s most recent Cayman sized concept, the GT4 e Performance, packs an 82kWh battery and can produce more than 1,000bhp in ‘qualifying trim’.

battery inverter will, in effect, split the 12 battery modules into a pair of 400V packs when connected to such a charger. It will level up the charge between the two ‘halves’, then feed both simultaneously for a small drop in the overall charging time The total system power is more than 600bhp, and there’s over 1,000Nm of torque.

The new model the first of Porsche’s models to move from combustion engined

power to all electric propulsion will use the PPE platform to get a longer wheelbase within similar dimensions to the current car’s Hartmann said, “I’m over six foot four inches and I’m very comfortable in the rear cabin We’ve made gains in the packaging ”

There’s no official word yet on a debut date, but you can expect to see the car by the middle of 2023, and the first deliveries to customers in the first quarter of 2024

SPIED

STRETCHED Wheelbase of mule is longer than current 718’s, which may allow a suitable battery pack to

Cupra turns down the heat on Leon

CUPRA has added two milder engines to the Leon hatch and estate line ups, creating new ‘warm’ options that use pure petrol powerplants already offered in SEAT’s versions of the same car.

As a result, Cupra Leon buyers can choose from five powertrains, factoring in the existing 2.0 litre petrol motors and the 1.4 litre PHEV. The Leon

hatch is offered with the new 187bhp 2 0 litre TSI engine linked to a seven speed DSG gearbox, and is priced from £33,170. The same powertrain in the estate version costs from £34,445.

The wagon is also available with the 148bhp 1.5 litre engine option. This costs from £30,875 as a manual and £32,985 with a DSG automatic.

fit

“Senior engineers from the project have told us that the new Macan will have chassis tweaks so it feels ‘unmistakeably like a Porsche’”

Lower emissions and longer pair

CITROEN has updated the plug in versions of its C5 Aircross and C5 X models in a bid to improve efficiency and boost their company car appeal

The C5 Aircross SUV gets the most significant update: an increase in battery capacity from 13 2kWh to 14 2kWh This small gain is enough to lift the family SUV’s capacity for pure electric running to 41 miles, tipping it over the 40 mile threshold so it now attracts eight per cent Benefit in Kind tax instead of the previous version’s 12 per cent. Citroen claims this could save

a 40 per cent taxpayer around £47 per month over a three year period.

The C5 X sticks with the same 12 4kWh battery as before, but a switch to a different official testing policy improves its low battery threshold. This isn’t quite enough for the car to break into the better tax band, though; while its CO2 emissions fall to 27g/km, its official electric range rises to 39 miles.

HOT TOPIC Cyclists

FROM: William H Roberts IT’S scary riding a bike in the pouring rain in rush hour Even with lights and a reflective jacket, cars pass me close enough for their mirrors to touch my rucksack. Bad road users are bad road users; the vehicle is irrelevant

FROM: Matt Hunter CYCLISTS can use roads where necessary, but they should have to complete a cycling proficiency test prior to doing so If car, motorcycle and bus operators must prove their standard of driving to use the road, then so should cyclists

Two projects set up for Renault powertrains

RENAULT has made key announcements on the future of its powertrains It has formed a new division called Ampere, which will be responsible for developing six new electric Renault models coming before 2030 Ampere shares will be floated on the Paris Stock Exchange Meanwhile, Renault has signed up with Geely to develop new hybrid and internal combustion engines for Renault, Dacia, Geely, Volvo, Lynk & Co and Proton cars, as well as models from Renault’s Alliance partners Nissan and Mitsubishi.

Both cars are available to order now; the C5 Aircross PHEV costs from £35,935, while the plug in C5 X is priced from £36,720. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk

■ “Why can’t all cities have designated cycle lanes, separate from the road and pavement?”

EV6 GT sparks end of Kia Stinger UK sales

THE KIA Stinger has been withdrawn from sale in the UK, ahead of the arrival of the high performance, all electric EV6 GT before the end of this year.

Introduced in 2017, the Stinger brought four door coupé style to the Kia line up, as well as showcasing a new and ambitious side to the brand. Launched with a twin turbocharged 3.3 litre V6 developing 365bhp, the GT S version beat the Audi S5 Sportback in its first Auto Express road test. It is still in production and existing orders will be fulfilled.

FROM: Gary Murray YOUR article on Land Rover dealers (Issue 1,752) was interesting I ordered a Defender in May for £60,217 A month later, they told me the specs had changed and that the price for a car with the same options would be £68,125 The agreed price should have been honoured

FROM: Des Heathcote NOW that the Fiesta is gone (Issue 1,753), will Ford be introducing a replacement supermini or city car? If buyers want a small but practical car, do we have to look elsewhere? If so, Ford’s loss will be the gain of other manufacturers who still produce these types of car

FROM: Robin Bell ANDREW K says traffic police are needed (Issue 1,753) As an ex traffic officer, tailgating was one of my concerns, mainly with HGVs who did it to reduce drag The penalty now is higher than it was, but you can easily drive for 100 miles and not see a traffic patrol car

FROM: Peter Amey MIKE Rutherford’s motoring manifesto (Issue 1,753) should include the cancellation of HS2 The route and work to date could be used to build a fast toll road from London to Birmingham, with the option to extend further north This could generate income to fix roads

I can’t see why spec change costs me

Axing small cars may be big issue for Ford

Reducing traffic cops means cutting safety

Scrap HS2 in favour of a new toll road

Andrew Verrechia

Some readers want cyclists to have to pass a test before they take to the road

icondrives

NEW SERIES The greatest cars we’ve tested revisited

NissanMicra

The second gen supermini was a revelation

Matt Robinson Matt Robinson@autoviacouk @matt 201

SO many motorists have a story to tell about the K11 Nissan Micra Perhaps they learned to drive in one, had one as their first car or owned one as a faithful runabout, or still do The Micra was brilliant at many things, and suitable for all kinds of drivers, regardless of experience and age.

“For once, Nissan has built a car with real personality,” Auto Express said on the occasion of its first drive of the fresh Micra (1 January 1993), adding, “It’s a machine which transcends age and class barriers in the way the Mini once did” Much like the Mini, and unlike the outgoing Micra, it was to be made in the UK Specifically, in the Sunderland plant that would go on to produce over 10 million cars. Around a quarter of those would be Mk1 and Mk2 Micras, despite production of the model moving to Chennai, India, from the 2010 K12 generation onwards The vacated space on the British production line was filled by another wildly popular Nissan, the Mk1 Juke, a car we’ll also revisit in this series

Going back to the Micra, we’re not sure our claims of the car being “so cute you could cuddle it” quite stand up three decades on from the K11’s launch, but you have to remember the kinds of mainstream cars Nissan was churning out at the time The K10 Micra itself summed up the brand quite well: worthy, but quite dull. Nevertheless, it sold in spades, with buyers tempted by its value and potential fuel economy So if its successor could wrap all of those up in a more attractive package, Nissan was onto a winner That’s exactly what the company produced, in more ways than one Nissan sold 1 4 million examples of the K11, and in 1993 it also snagged the European Car of the Year award, becoming the first Japanese car to do so. But what’s it like to experience today? Thanks to a beautifully preserved 1994 example belonging to Nissan UK, we can find out It was purchased from the parents of a company employee and inducted into the firm’s heritage fleet in 2014, thanks to its fantastic condition and incredibly low mileage. Today, around

22 years after its manufacture, it has fewer than 12,000 miles showing on the clock

The first thing you notice is just how compact it is compared with the average modern supermini. It was small in its day, too, noted for bucking the upsizing trend by being a little smaller than the K10

Inside, this L trimmed Micra is incredibly simple but very typical for its time. The usual bargain basement set up of manually winding windows is present (four on this five door example), and even an analogue trip meter is a luxury too far for this car the oval instrument cluster consists of a central speedometer flanked by

Lean

Pre-1996 cars (such as this example) weren’t fitted with anti-roll bars, which means there’s plentyofbodylean when cornering

“The first thing you notice is just how compact it is. It was small in its day, too, and was a little smaller than the K10”

Details

This L trimmed Micra is basic,but typical of the era,with wind-up windows and a simple radio-cassette player, but the 16-valve engine was a rarity in a supermini

Whatwe saidthen i

ISSUE 223, 1 January 1993

“AS a replacement for the 10-year-old original Micra, the new Nissan could hardly be more radical. The new one is vastly improved, it’s quieter and more comfy. Build quality seems better than ever, too.

“Although the Micra handles well, it isn’t as inspiring to drive along a twisty road as some rivals. Yet, taking into account the Micra’s obvious quality, refinement and aesthetic appeal, it is the best small car you can buy.”

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amusingly large fuel and temperature gauges, and that’s your lot

The dashboard, meanwhile, is an uncomplicated design featuring a large and surprisingly deep storage shelf stretching across the whole passenger side of the car But really, I’m more interested in the view out, which is superb thanks to the Micra’s bubble like glasshouse and barely there A and B pillars again, typical for the time Headroom is supplied in abundance

This simple set up means it would have been great for new drivers in its day, who will have also appreciated just how light the pedal box is ideal for learning clutch control Changing gear involves using a fairly long lever, but the shift quality itself is just fine.

What learners might find more difficult is the steering; it’s unassisted on this example so is quite heavy, although you don’t need to be travelling particularly fast for it to lighten. The set up is also very slow, making for amusing moments grabbing armfuls of lock with the big two spoke steering wheel during committed cornering an activity which also reveals just how much the Micra rolls

It doesn’t take much to run the skinny 155 section, 13 inch tyres out of grip, either, pushing the car into some near comic levels of understeer Handling has come an awfully long way since the nineties and improved

while the K11 was still in production, with anti roll bars fitted from 1996

In any case, getting up to the kind of speeds that illicit excess roll takes some doing The 1 0 litre inline four has to be worked hard to make any sort of forward momentum happen because it serves up all of 55bhp. It’s a reasonably refined unit, at least, utilising 16 valves at a time when many competitors were still on eight valve set ups

It’s even fairly hushed at motorway cruising speeds, although at that point there is quite a lot of wind and road noise Ride comfort is generally pretty good, helped by those small wheels and the reasonably tall 70 profile sidewalls (thankfully, the K11 comes long before the time big wheels and low profile tyres became so widely accepted), although the damping can be a little jittery at times

As simple, honest transportation, the second generation Micra nailed the brief (arguably in a more successful fashion than its less impressive successors), and continues to do so to this day The robust, straightforward nature of the car means you still see a decent number of K11s biffing about That’s what this car is about, above all: providing mobility to as many as possible

This is a prescient thing to examine, because affordable cars are under threat The smaller city car class is being decimated as

I’ve

got one!

JON Kirk of Chesterfield, Derbyshire has a 2002 example, built right near the end of the K11’s production run and bought for his late mother 11 years ago. “She needed a car and I said, ‘I’ll buy you your first automatic,’” he recalls. The £1,300 CVT equipped Micra fitted the bill perfectly.

“She loved it like a pet, and I’m not joking!” Jon says. “She drove it until she lost confidence.” Jon’s had the Micra ever since, primarily out of sentimental value because “it’s the last thing I’ve got of my mum’s,” but the car’s also served a very practical purpose: it’s his second car for driving all around the nearby Peak District for trail running and mountain biking. And yes, it really does manage to haul three bikes on a tow ball rack, plus three riders.

Its reliable and easy to-clean nature makes it ideal for such activities. It’s been cheap to run, too. “I think it’s averaged about £350 a year, which was for tax, test insurance and maintenance,” Jon says.

View

Interior

Simple dash includes a large shelfforthings to slide around on and an instrument binnacle with speedo and large fuel and temp gauges

manufacturers abandon it due to narrowing profit margins, and the supermini class occupied by the Micra isn’t fairing much better Prices are rising and Ford will soon be removing one of the market’s biggest players, the Fiesta The current Micra, meanwhile, is due to be replaced in 2024 with an EV, and with the cost of producing such cars still being an expensive affair, it won’t be anything like as affordable as the K11 was

So, if you do still own one, we wouldn’t blame you at all for hanging on to it for a little longer After all, it’ll do you proud.

Interested in buying one?

ALTHOUGH the K11 has done better than many of its contemporaries in the survivability stakes, don’t expect a huge pool of cars to choose from. You’re also more likely to find one of the facelifted (late 1997 onwards) versions than an early car such as our test vehicle. That’s not a bad thing, because from then on power steering was fitted as standard and safety equipment levels improved. A further update in 2000 provided refreshed powertrains. As with any car of this vintage, check thoroughly for rust. The sills, cross member and around the sunroof (where fitted) are known weak points. The engines use a timing chain rather than a belt, which should last the lifetime of the car if the oil is replenished when necessary, so check for service history and be wary of excessive rattling because that indicates the chain is at the end of its life.

ThinA-pillars mean everyone has a greatview ahead,although the rear pillars could make life challenging on the driving test

Land RoverDefender 130

FIRSTDRIVE We get to grips with the largest model that Land Rover builds

Alastair Crooks@autoviacouk @AllieCrooks

A SPRAWLING Defender line up has emerged since the vehicle’s launch three years ago But here comes the big one literally: the eight seat Defender 130. It stops short of seating nine because the three seat front bench offered on the Defender 90 isn’t available in the 130 At 5,358mm long, it’s 340mm longer than the seven seat Range Rover in long wheelbase form Up front, there’s nothing to tell the 130 apart from the 110, and the cars share the same wheelbase. Instead, the rear is elongated from the C pillar onwards. Here, we’re testing it with the mild hybrid twin turbocharged, 3 0 litre straight six diesel powertrain A 0 62mph time of 7 5

seconds is as quick as you’d want in a car of this size and weight, and the electrified, turbocharged diesel is responsive enough at any speed thanks to a significant 650Nm of torque being available from 1,500rpm

You might expect the 130 to flounder at the sight of a corner but, just like smaller models, it flows through bends surprisingly well The brakes have to be applied slightly sooner to contain the extra momentum, but there’s a lovely progressive feel to them, and the feedback through the steering wheel is good, if you’re gentle with your inputs

The air suspension (which can raise the ride height by 72mm), delivers excellent comfort at higher speeds, but it fidgets a little over ruts and bumps around town

We drove the 130 on Land Rover’s Eastnor Castle off road course And despite the

“In most SUVs, the third row only suits kids, but the 130 can take happily two adults and a child”

AlastairCrooks

extra weight, the 130 seemed as adept in the rough stuff as its smaller siblings It also has the same approach and departure angles, plus a maximum wading depth of 900mm Even urban driving in the biggest Land Rover isn’t too intimidating either, because it has plenty of standard driver assistance systems The X Dynamic HSE comes with blind spot assist, traffic sign recognition and, once you find a space large enough, the 360 degree parking aid really helps.

In mid level X Dynamic HSE trim, utility and luxury are very well balanced The exposed screwheads, chunky grab handles and angular design are all bespoke to the Defender and give a utilitarian alternative to the more premium Discovery There’s also lots of storage, with huge door bins up front and a large area under the centre console The third row in most SUVs is usually good enough only for small children, but the 130 can happily fit two adults and a child The low window line and panoramic sunroof (standard on all 130s) let plenty of light in

OFF ROAD

so it doesn’t feel dark back there. But a middle row or front seat occupant will have to give up some legroom should an adult sit at the back Even with the middle row tilted all the way forward, getting into the back also requires some effort, given the height of the floor and the protruding wheelarch Thanks to the extra length, boot space has improved over the seven seat Defender 110 with all three rows in place. The 130

has a family hatchback rivalling 389 litres, whereas the 110 makes do with 231 litres

The number of people who really need the 130’s practicality and off road prowess will be few and far between. Plus, in this X Dynamic guise, it also costs a significant £83,435, which is £9,855 more than the equivalent 110 model There’s not much this side of a minibus that can match the 130’s people carrying ability, however.

FIRSTDRIVE Plug in h

THIS is the moment when things get serious for the Alfa Romeo Tonale We’ve driven mild hybrid editions of the Italian brand’s BMW X1 rival up to now, but this plug in hybrid is the Tonale that really will allow Alfa to compete with the Germans and Volvo, thanks to its much reduced Benefit in Kind tax.

The technical make up looks promising enough There’s a 1 3 litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 177bhp, a front electric motor designed to assist the engine and work as a generator, a six speed automatic gearbox and a further 121bhp electric motor on the back axle to help deliver four wheel drive, plus a 15.5kWh battery.

The overall output is some way north of the mild hybrid’s, at 271bhp This punch is partially swallowed up by a kerbweight that exceeds 1,800kg, but

John McIlroy

John McIlroy@autoviacouk

omeo Tonale PHEV

hybrid has the potential to divert company car drivers from key rivals

even so, this is the fastest Tonale to date, with a 0 62mph time of 6 2 seconds Alfa claims it can travel up to 43 miles on electricity This is important, because it tips the Alfa into the same eight per cent Benefit in Kind tax band as BMW’s latest plug in X1s, well clear of the 14 per cent sting on Volvo’s XC40 T5 Recharge

There’s further good news from behind the wheel; Alfa’s engineers have done a good job of masking the car’s origins. The steering feels fast, but it’s pleasingly responsive, giving you the sort of sharp turn in that might set an Alfa apart from, say, the XC40. The Tonale backs this up with commendable body control, too.

Indeed, the heavier PHEV feels more planted and less likely to be unsettled overall than the mild hybrid Tonale There’s

a little bit of patter on high frequency sections, but larger road scars are swallowed with impressive readiness.

The PHEV’s extra shove really makes its presence felt, too There’s enough punch to cope with the car’s bulk without feeling strained; the system makes intelligent decisions on when to cut the engine in and out (the car can travel at up to 84mph on electricity alone) and the transition between power sources is smooth unless you’re brutal with the throttle pedal

It’s easy to find yourself at a comfortable motorway cruise with the engine just a distant hum at a little over 2,000rpm and the worst noise a little tyre roar from the rear So it’s a pretty refined thing overall

You can use the DNA toggle to move between three vehicle modes, but in

practice, we’d flick between the regular setting and Advanced Efficiency, which basically puts the car into EV mode, while dulling its response a little in a bid to eke extra mileage from the battery Dynamic, on the other hand, is too keen to hold on to revs. This exposes the fact that, while the 1 3 litre engine is actually a comfortable enough companion when it’s being supported by the two electric motors, it’s less useful and more vocal in the higher reaches of its rev range

The cabin is the same as on non PHEV editions of the Tonale, so there’s enough space for four strangers or five friends. Boot capacity takes a hit because of the hybrid installation, however, down to a Volkswagen Golf sized 385 litres with the rear seats up, and from 1,550 to 1,430 with them folded

With so few obvious dynamic flaws, pricing could well be the key factor, and the way Veloce pricing has been going so far, the car tested here is likely to cost similar to the higher powered BMW xDrive30e.

Verdict

THE plug in Tonale is definitely the best version yet of Alfa’s smaller SUV. It’s surprisingly comfortable and composed, the powertrain has sufficient punch and there’s probably just enough of a sporty flavour to its steering and handling to live up to its badge UK prices are likely to play a key role in its adoption by company car choosers here but that in itself is an achievement, because there are plenty of other reasons to persuade you to consider it

“There’s enough punch from the Tonale’s PHEV set up to cope without it feeling strained”

Ingram Alex Ingram@autoviacouk @AxleIngram

THE X1 compact SUV has proved a huge hit for BMW. And while this new one looks more imposing than before, it doesn’t stray too far from the winning formula of the old model, despite the fact that it’s now offered with a fully electric powertrain.

The front end gets the enlarged kidney grilles that are becoming a staple of every new BMW, set between a pair of sharper, slimmer headlights. The flanks have been tidied up with much sharper creases and fared in door handles, and the back has an injection of modernism thanks to the three dimensional effect of the LED tail lights.

At 4,500mm long, the X1 is 53mm longer than its predecessor, while it’s also 24mm wider and 44mm taller Track widths are up by 31mm front and rear, with the aim of improving cornering stability and giving the car a more imposing stance That bluff front end suggests that this won’t be the most aerodynamic vehicle, but BMW claims class leading efficiency; in all electric iX1 guise, it boasts a drag coefficient of just 0 26Cd That growth has helped inside, too It’s most obvious in the back, where the X1 has plenty of knee and headroom. Beside rivals like the Mercedes GLA and Audi Q3, the BMW has a clear edge for accommodation The same is true in the boot; the 540 litre capacity is 50 litres more than before though the Audi’s sliding rear bench allows more if you sacrifice some rear legroom

Interior

The biggest change from old to new X1 is how the cabin looks up front The basic layout is similar to that of the most recent 2 Series Active Tourer unsurprising, given that the X1 shares the same architecture. The iDrive rotary dial has gone completely, and the X1 relies more on touchscreen input Good news, then, that the system is one of the best. Physical buttons in the X1 are limited, but the on screen temperature controls are some of the easiest of their type to use, and BMW says its latest voice recognition software will serve as a further replacement for the physical iDrive controller

The line up includes petrol, diesel, plug in hybrid and fully electric versions Here, we have the petrol powered, four wheel drive xDrive23i The four cylinder unit makes 215bhp and is mated to a seven speed dual clutch transmission and mild hybrid tech

There’s a subtle delay from that gearbox on setting off, but get past that and there’s performance to spare The car takes 7 1 seconds to cover the 0 62mph dash, and the power arrives in a linear, constant surge. Once up to speed, the gearbox finds its wits a little more, and the way that the MHEV system cuts and reengages the four cylinder

Adaptive dampers react to road and driving style, but always feel on the firm side

“For a fairly high-riding car, the X1 handles more like a hatch, with a front end that points keenly into turns”

Alex

BMW X1

FIRSTDRIVE New look for SUV brings fresh tech for cabin, plus more space than in previous X1

DASH Disappearance of the iDrive rotary controller will be irritating for some, but the new touchscreen and voice command set-up is impressive in its execution, and the personal assistant learns your voice over time

Essentials

BMW X1 xDrive23i

M Sport

Price: £41,470

Engine: 2 0 litre 4cyl petrol turbo

Power/torque: 215bhp/360Nm

Transmission: Seven speed automatic, four wheel drive

0 62mph: 7.1 seconds

Top speed: 145mph

Economy: 42 2mpg CO2: 154g/km

ONSALE Now

e is very slick Officially it’ll hieve up to 42 2mpg, and in our hands, around 40mpg seemed entirely possible

It’s effective rather than exciting, but the chassis is a little more enjoyable. For a fairly high riding car, the X1 handles more like a hatchback, with a front end hat points keenly into turns, little body roll, and lots of grip The steering is quick and precise, if not loaded with feedback

There is a downside, though, and that’s the ride comfort. Over most surfaces the X1 is quite firm, with higher frequency bumps causing the car to jiggle about a lot It’s not crashy, but some occupants might find it a little irritating While the X1 has adaptive dampers, they can’t be adjusted by the driver Instead, they react to the road and your driving style, and adjust their rate accordingly It’s a shame, because in terms of road and wind noise, the X1 is more refined than its closest rivals

Prices start from £33,775 in sDrive20i form Standard kit includes

LED headlights and rear lights, a powered tailgate, those snazzy curved displays, cruise control and a reversing camera Upgrading to xLine trim costs £2,000, and it comes with a different design of 18 inch wheels, artificial leather, satin silver trim on the outside and aluminium effect trim inside.

M Sport cars, with sportier looks inside and out, plus M Sport suspension, start from £38,525, while this xDrive23i version costs £41,470 before options.

Verdict

IN terms of tech, handling and space, the new X1 hits the mark. It feels like the most contemporary compact premium SUV from the driver’s seat, and in xDrive23i form, it mixes strong performance with impressive economy True, this M Sport version on the largest wheels available might prove to be too uncomfortable for some, but that aside, it’s yet another strong showing from BMW

VolkswagenID.Buzz

FIRSTUKDRIVE Style and substance combine to great effect

NEED TO KNOW

WE’VE been waiting a long time for a modern interpretation of the Volkswagen Microbus, but it’s finally here in the shape of the ID. Buzz. It certainly looks the part, with its bluff front end and optional two tone paint But as well as turning heads, there are plenty of features on board that will draw the attention of premium family car buyers

The ID. Buzz is smaller than the combustion engined VW Multivan that launched last year, but the wheelbase is similar, which benefits interior space The ID. Buzz is a five seater a longer seven seat version is due later in 2023 but access is great, thanks to the sliding doors, while the back seats move back and forth and fold flat into the floor, too.

From behind the wheel, the ID Buzz feels like a high quality product, which is something that can’t be said of some recent VWs. There’s lots of kit on the top spec Style models, although some of it such as the climate controls is just as fiddly as it is in other VWs The car’s light coloured trim will probably show marks quickly, but the matt finish means it should stand up to some punishment better than the gloss trim found in many new cars A tall driving position much higher than you’ll find in most family SUVs gives a great view out, too

The ID Buzz is well controlled over bumps and potholes, while our car’s

optional 21 inch wheels didn’t have an adverse effect on the car’s ride The electric motor packs 201bhp, and there’s a surge of acceleration at lower speeds that is surprising in a car of this size and shape

The ID Buzz isn’t quite as impressive under braking, with the pedal needing a firm push to bring this 2 5 tonne vehicle to a halt It’s also not the most agile car either, but at least the weight is set low in the chassis, so it’s stable in corners. It’s not entertaining, but that’s not what the ID. Buzz is about.

Where the ID Buzz performs well is in terms of charging and range With the same 77kWh battery as offered in the ID 4 SUV, there’s a range of up to 255 miles on offer. On a typical autumn day, we saw a range of around 230 miles from a full charge, although turning on the climate control saw 20 30 miles immediately trimmed from this.

Verdict

IT’S expensive, but the ID. Buzz is arguably VW’s most convincing EV yet. It taps into the company’s heritage with its retro inspired looks that turn heads wherever you go, but it backs up this style with a genuinely practical five seat interior There’s a real feel good factor about this car that means it’s a refreshing change from the SUVs that currently dominate the premium family EV sector

False floor is removable, while drawer system boosts ID Buzz’s versatility

Strong demand means that if you order an ID Buzz now,

ID. Buzz is very smooth, even on 21 inch wheels, while tall driving position gives a great view out

“Acceleration at lower speeds is surprising in a carofthis size and shape”

Dean Gibson

Dean Gibson@autoviacouk @DeanGbsn

THERE was never a plan to produce a performance version of the Polestar 2, but when CEO Thomas Ingenlath asked his team if they could make his company car quicker, it was only a matter of time before it would become a production reality

That journey started in 2020 when a concept called the Beast was shown at the Goodwood Festival of Speed A year later a development car ran up the hill at the same event. Now it’s production ready, complete with a name the BST 270 Edition and a punchy £68,990 price tag, which doesn’t include the bespoke grey colour scheme or central stripe, both of which are options; £5,000 for the grey wrap (yes, really) and £1,000 for the stripe

Based on the dual motor Polestar 2 with the optional Performance Pack, the BST 270 has the same 78kWh battery positioned between the front and rear axles and a motor on each producing a combined 476bhp (up from the standard dual motor’s 402bhp), with torque increasing by 20Nm to

EV’s tweaks include adjustable

680Nm It’s a tenth quicker to 62mph at 4 4 seconds and has the same 127mph top speed and claimed 287 mile range

So where are the performance gains? From the chassis Employing the services of Ohlins, Polestar has once again asked for something bespoke from the specialist suspension company. In the case of the BST 270, it’s a two way adjustable damper for the front axle that includes a dual flow valve allowing for both rebound and compression changes at the twist of a knob.

The target was to improve damper response times, low speed ride, mid range compliance and high speed control An aluminium strut brace for the front of the car has also been developed and equipped.

The BST sits on 25mm shorter springs that are also 20 per cent stiffer, and is equipped with new 21 inch wheels fitted with bespoke Pirelli P Zero tyres. Polestar also asked Brembo to design a new braking system that was 20 per cent lighter

When it comes to the damper adjustments, Polestar’s recommendation

for the road is seven clicks of rebound and the same for compression, the settings applied to the rear mono tube damper by jacking the car up and getting on your hands and knees and doing it manually To adjust the front, you open the bonnet and turn the easily accessible knobs on the remote reservoirs.

On the road, the BST 270’s body control and ride are improved greatly over the Polestar 2 fitted with the Performance Pack, a car that crashes and thumps across the surface no matter its condition, shattering the calmness of the calming interior It takes very few miles to appreciate the quieter, more controlled and polished ride of the BST It’s still caught out by rough edges in the surfaces, but it no longer falls clumsily over them.

As a consequence it flows much better along the road, steering more keenly into corners, and it feels more settled on the apex and more enthusiastic on the exit. It’s no BMW i4

Stuart Gallagher

M50, but it’s a more composed car that feels more in tune with the performance its motors have to offer.

Should you (and we doubt many of the BST buyers will) find yourself in a pit lane, the adjustability of the damper settings means that you can dial in and out understeer and oversteer to create a chassis that reacts and suits your style of driving And while this is a rather strange proposition for a 2.2 ton EV, there’s no denying that the work that has gone into creating the BST is hugely impressive

You can also adjust the dampers to suit heavy payloads and/or poor road surfaces, of course, although those stiffer springs will always be a factor when it comes to ride comfort

With only 270 examples of the BST set to be built, and the 40 allocated for the UK already spoken for, you’re as likely to see one on the road as you are a McLaren Senna Which makes it not only a curious beast, but a rare one, too.

Matt Robinson Matt Robinson@autoviacouk @matt 201

OVER the past 20 or so years, the Nissan X Trail has strayed further from its chunky, utilitarian roots The outgoing model was little more than a replacement for the Qashqai+2, and at a glance didn’t look a whole lot different to the second generation version of that car

Now, though, Nissan has sought to put a little more distance between the Qashqai and the X Trail Visually, the latter certainly looks a lot more aggressive than its smaller brother, thanks to sharp lines and an imposing fascia, even if it doesn’t evoke memories of the boxy first version It’s 20mm wider than before and 15mm taller

Inside, the X Trail feels noticeably more spacious than a Qashqai, particularly in the rear, where there’s an abundance of legroom and plenty of headroom With five seats, you get 585 litres of boot space, which is 81 litres more than in a Qashqai, but notably less than the Skoda Kodiaq’s 835 litres As in the Skoda, boot space takes a 100 litre hit when speccing seven seats. This £1,000 option isn’t available on front wheel drive e Power models

The X Trail’s dashboard is similar to the Qashqai’s, which is both a good and a bad thing. The quality is mostly good, but the

DETAILS Digital instrument cluster appears on mid-range trims The e-Pedal feature works well, but you need to use the brake pedal to come to a full stop Drive modes help boost traction

Nissan X-Trail

design feels old fashioned following the arrival of the Ariya and its more futuristic cabin. Plusher X Trails get a 12.3 inch infotainment system (with an eight inch unit on cheaper versions), which is easy to navigate and looks crisp but could do with being a little more responsive. It’s flanked by an equally good looking 12 3 inch digital instrument cluster

The e 4orce four wheel drive version of the X Trail e Power has a 1.5 litre ‘VC Turbo’ three cylinder engine But instead of driving the wheels it provides charge to a 2 1kWh battery, which powers two electric motors: 201bhp on the front axle and 134bhp on the rear, to deliver a combined 210bhp

The benefit over a full or plug in hybrid powertrain is there’s no awkward juggling

of power sources, as can sometimes be experienced in such cars the motors merely get on with the job, and the engine switches on and off as necessary Often, you don’t notice when the engine fires up, although it does become much more vocal when the X Trail is accelerating, with a response akin to a CVT equipped car

The X Trail sets off smoothly and provides linear acceleration, and there is an EV mode, although this will disengage under even moderate acceleration There’s also an ‘e Pedal Step’ mode, which allows for one pedal driving some of the time Floor it, and the X Trail will sprint from 0 62mph in 7 2 seconds, which feels reasonable enough And on the subject of numbers, the X Trail e 4orce gets an official economy figure of 42.2mpg, more than

INTERIOR

It might look different to the Qashqai on the outside but the X Trail is very similar here, with a nicely built cabin

“We were hoping for a better official economy figure and much more than in our test”

10mpg down on the Qashqai e Power We’d hoped for more, and it’s worth noting we were a long way off that number in our test, averaging around 36mpg

The X Trail rides comfortably on UK roads, although there is a hint of choppiness, particularly on broken surfaces Refinement is impressive, too, with wind and engine noise kept to a minimum when cruising

While the X Trail range starts at a reasonable sounding £32,030, it gets expensive near the top For a seven seater Tekna e 4orce, you’re looking at £45,485

Over the N Connecta grade which is expected to be equally as popular Tekna gets a 10 8 inch head up display, 19 inch wheels, a wireless charger, a panoramic glass roof, a powered tailgate and Nissan’s ProPilot driver assistance set up. The much cheaper N Connecta is still very well equipped, however, and looks the better choice because you still get the larger infotainment system and the digital cockpit.

Fiat Pandazzurri

FIAT was at it in 2016, when, prior to the Euros, it s backing for the Italian team with this striking blue the Panda called, appropriately enough, the Pand

Among the design highlights were seatbelts in of the Italian flag, the Italian Football Federation’s the side of the car and special stickers in tribute t legends Gianluigi Buffon (number 1) and Andrea (number 21), plus the many playmakers who hav starred for the Azzurri over the years (number 10)

Curiously, this most Italian Panda was also sold in Belgium and the Netherlands, too

THE BEAUTIFUL GAME?

Not every maker is a winner when using football to sell cars

Graham Hope

IT’S unlikely to have escaped your notice that football’s World Cup kicks off on 20 November. A heavy schedule of matches and TV coverage will ensure events in Qatar dominate the conversation worldwide.

Over the years, this global obsession with the beautiful game has presented opportunities for car makers, who have attempted to tap into its popularity with a special edition some with more success than others. Here are the good, the bad and the ugly of football themed cars

Volkswagen Polo S04 and Werder

IS anything in football more contemptible than the fan who supports more than one team? The motoring equivalent has to be this Polo. In 2008, a special edition emerged in Germany called the S04 (above) Painted in blue and white, it was a tribute to Schalke 04, the club that launched the careers of World Cup winners Mesut Ozil and Manuel Neuer, among others.

But VW was also wooing Werder Bremen fans with another Polo special It came in white, black and silver, and was distinguished by a rendering of the club’s badge over the C pillars, with more logos inside.

Fiat Panda Italia 90

WHO can forget the iconic World Cup of 1990? Pavarotti Ireland’s heroics. Roger Milla. Toto Schillaci. And, of course, England’s semi final heartbreak. With all this going on, the Fiat Panda Italia 90 probably passed you by Based on a standard white 750cc Panda, it featured red and green stripes to reflect the Italian flag, a custom interior fabric called Azzurri blue in tribute to the colour of the national team and unique football styled wheel covers Rather surprisingly, the model was available across Europe, while an Italia 90 convertible was showcased at matches. Cute enough to make Gazza cry.

Chevrolet Sail Manchester United

WHILE Old Trafford is considered by Man United fans as the Theatre of Dreams, we’d wager few petrolheads spent much time dreaming about this limited edition Chevrolet Sail that was produced for the Indian market (and accompanied by a similar version of the Beat hatchback)

Conceived off the back of Chevy’s sponsorship deal with United and apparently produced in response to “strong demand”, the models featured gaudy decals and an array of extra kit in tribute to some of the legends who’d worn the red shirt In terms of desirability, though, they were more Eric Djemba Djemba than Eric Cantona.

MINI Paceman GoalCooper

WHILE the name, in football manager parlance, was frankly unbelievable, the Paceman GoalCooper was a Brazilian themed homage to the game to coincide with the 2014 World Cup (although BMW had no official affiliation with the FIFA tournament, so the press materials made no reference to it)

The Paceman was said to be fully equipped for training thanks to an AstroTurf clad boot and miniature table football set, but the date of the launch was most telling 1 April 2014 Yes, this was an elaborate April Fool’s gag

Lifan X60

Jeep Renegade Juventus

BRANDING a car with a football club’s colours can be a dangerous business, as is illustrated by some of the cars on these pages. But Jeep certainly hit the target with this 2015 version of the Renegade, which was built to celebrate Juventus reaching the Champions League final.

Turin’s

Opel Corsa Football Championship Edition

HERE’S another model built to celebrate soccer’s global showpiece which didn’t dare reference the W***d C*p in case FIFA’s lawyers issued a red card.

While Opel’s Corsa Football Championship Edition couldn’t boast a snappy name, it did mark Germany’s qualification for the South Africa finals in 2010 with a vaguely stylish white paintjob complemented by stripes in the colours of the German flag running from the bonnet to the rear quarter window Clearly it proved motivational, because this was the World Cup in which Germany went on to thrash England 4 1 in Bloemfontein.

NEVER heard of the Lifan X60? You’re probably not alone It’s a derivative compact crossover from China that’s generally as memorable as a 0 0 draw in the rain at Stoke. But the X60 did cause a stir at the 2014 Beijing Auto Show when Lifan unveiled a version emblazoned with an image of Portuguese star Luis Figo, who was in attendance and, frankly, looked slightly puzzled by proceedings.

Figo, a Ballon D’or winner who played for both Barcelona and Real Madrid, had been engaged as a brand ambassador in an attempt to raise Lifan’s global profile

Superleague Formula

ONE of the most prominent tie ups between cars and football was this soccer themed foray into motorsport The premise was simple: a race series where the team sponsorship was provided by football clubs.

A number of top names were attracted, including Liverpool, AC Milan, Rangers, Porto and Sevilla The racing cars were branded in the clubs’ colours, but although the format had promise, particularly for a TV audience, it never really caught on and in 2011, four years after its arrival, it came to a low key end

Fiat 500X Fulham FC Edition

THIS limited edition from 2017 truly was limited in its availability, because just 15 were made and were only offered to season ticket holders. The Fiat 500X special came through a tie up with retailer Fiat Chrysler Motor Village UK and appropriately enough, given that Fulham once inexplicably had a statue of Michael Jackson outside their stadium was based on the 500X Pop Star.

So, was the 500X a Thriller or just plain Bad? You can decide, but an exclusive white, black and red paint finish and unique FFC badging meant other road users were left in no doubt which team the owners supported.

Old Lady is renowned the world old over for its kit’s black and white vertical stripes, but this zebra interpretation put a clever new spin on the colour scheme While a fleet of zebra Renegades made quite an impression on the streets of Berlin prior to the final, Juventus were less convincing on the pitch, ultimately losing 3 1 to Barcelona.

The

THE Honda Civic turned 50 years old this year It started life as a compact hatchback, in part a response to rising fuel prices and a desire from buyers to own a small and reliable car that didn’t cost the earth to run.

Now the Civic has reached its 11th generation. In the decades that have passed, Honda has had plenty of time to perfect the

family hatchback formula, but this latest model responds to similar needs to the first which is why power now comes exclusively from an all-new hybrid system.

One of the Civic’s Japanese rivals has led the way in petrol/electric technology in this class for some time. That’s why we’re pitching the Civic against the Toyota

Corolla, a car which itself has recently been subjected to a mild update To keep the pair on their toes, we’ve enlisted the help of the Vauxhall Astra. The latest model has already proven its worth, seeing off both the Ford Focus and VW Golf in a previous group test. So does the Civic have what it takes to compete with the best in this segment?

ters’ notes

PEUGEOT308

Plug in hybrid joins the fleet, but we’ve already got some concerns

AUDI SQ5 Performance SUV proves that diesel isn’t dead yet

Pictures: Pete Gibson

tra might have sold by the millions since its , but they are small numbers beside the other 5 million Civics have been sold since 1972, while has shifted over 50 million Corollas worldwide ”

Carson Associate editor

s’ n t release, two; 27 Toyota Sean o

ROADTESTS

MODELTESTED:

Honda Civic e:HEV Sport

PRICE: £30,595 ENGINE: 2 0 litre 4cyl, 181bhp

MANY recent Hondas have been let down by a relatively high retail price, but this Civic in mid range Sport trim weighs in at a reasonable £30,595 So is there a catch?

Design & engineering

THE latest version of the Civic is a clean sheet design compared with its predecessor, and Honda has plenty of stats to back up the changes even when it comes to the aesthetics While you might not immediately notice a 35mm increase in wheelbase, a 20mm shorter rear overhang or a bonnet that sits 25mm lower compared with the outgoing model, the lack of fuss to the design is clear This is a much cleaner, more cohesive look than the old Civic

There are stats elsewhere to flaunt the Civic’s technical improvements, too The new body structure is 22 per cent more rigid than the outgoing car ’ s, while the aluminium bonnet and resin tailgate are respectively 43 and 20 per cent lighter than the items on the last Civic Revised suspension features retuned dampers, a wider track and low friction ball joints, which Honda says bring the benefit of improved stability and dynamic response, while great care has been taken to insulate both the din from the engine at the front and the road noise from the rear wheelarches

Honda’s designers have also worked hard to tidy up the interior design significantly The overall effect is one of the slickest looking cabins in the segment, yet one that hasn’t compromised on ergonomics just take a look at the big climate control switches, for example Build quality feels great, too

The powertrain is a fascinating one A 2 0 litre Atkinson cycle engine (Honda claims an industry best thermal efficiency of 41 per cent) is paired with two electric motors At low speeds, the Civic is EV only; when hard acceleration is needed or the 1 05kWh battery runs low, the engine can run as a generator for the battery, without driving the wheels At motorway speeds, the system switches to engine only, reducing any possible losses through the hybrid system The result is 181bhp and 315Nm, plus a claimed economy figure of 56 5mpg

Driving

IT may sound complex on paper, but in practice that hybrid system works incredibly smoothly It behaves much like an EV in most situations save for the occasional engine noise kicking in which in combination with the precision of the other controls, makes it very easy to control when parking or when shuffling along in heavy traffic The only time the engine really makes itself heard is if you ’ re trying to match the rapid 7 9 second 0 62mph time It’s slightly noisier than the Toyota in similar situations, but it doesn’t sound as harsh The Civic’s ride quality is certainly the firmest here, though Around town, this is relayed into the cabin by a level of fidget that isn’t quite present in either of the other two cars The sounds of knocks and bumps are well isolated from the occupants, though, and this is combined with a level of damping which, although firm, feels sophisticated The Civic’s

Performance Honda’s 2.0 litre engine and a pair of electric motors help it sprint from 0 62mph in 79 seconds

ROADTESTS HondaCivic vsrivals

ride settles down beautifully at high speeds The trade off for that is a degree of body control that little other than a Ford Focus or Mazda 3 can compete with The chassis is agile and adjustable, yet serves up plenty of grip, too The steering feels sharp, precise and predictably weighted The basic set up here bodes very well for the Type R model something hot hatch fans will be delighted to hear

Practicality

THE Civic’s talents lie beyond the way it drives, though, because it’s also one of the most spacious in its class Only the Skoda Octavia is better for rear passenger accommodation; the Honda is far more roomy than either of its rivals here Headroom is also competitive, while a removable fabric panel makes it easy to reach the Isofix child seat mounts

At 415 litres, the boot is above average for the segment The opening is quite large, but the boot floor ramps up towards the front of the compartment with the seats raised, so it will be a little fiddly to stack larger items such as suitcases The seatbacks fold flatter than in either of its rivals here, though, while the neat retractable parcel shelf is easy to stow when you need to carry bulky items Storage is decent up front, too There’s a large central bin, a pair of deep cup holders and a large smartphone shelf The door pockets are larger than the Toyota’s, but not as wide as the Vauxhall’s

Ownership

HONDA owners are provided with a three year/90,000 mile warranty as standard with the new Civic That’s the same amount of time as the Astra’s, but the Vauxhall’s package runs to only 60,000 miles Neither are a match for the Toyota, though, which can run for as long as 10 years and 100,000 miles The only catch to this deal is that you must take the car to be serviced at an official Toyota garage each year, at which point the warranty cover is extended by a further 12 months and 10,000 miles

Running costs

ONE of the chief aims of a hybrid powertrain is to save fuel and in that respect the Civic has really nailed its brief We averaged 50 3mpg on test, which is impressive considering the performance on offer The Corolla also does well, only just behind on 49 2mpg The Astra gets close to those numbers on a long motorway run, but around town it was thirstier, averaging out at 43 5mpg

That means the Civic costs £2,999 to run for 20,000 miles; the Corolla is £67 more (almost the cost of one tank of fuel in the Honda) and the Astra is the most expensive, at just under £3,500

Testers’ notes

“With so many cars now using LED tech, the Civic’s halogen reversing light looks a bit cheap At least it shouldn’t cost much to replace if it blows.”

Alex Ingram Chief reviewer

Interior Civic looks smart and modern inside, while the fit and finish are a match for anything in the class Boot 415 litre boot is above average for the class A step in the floor compromises its usability, though

THROUGHTHE RANGE

ROADTESTS

MODELTESTED: Toyota Corolla GR Sport 2.0

PRICE: £34,135 ENGINE: 2 0 litre 4cyl hybrid, 181bhp

IN this sporty looking GR Sport trim, the Corolla is the most expensive car here, at £34,135 Factor in the fetching Platinum White Pearl paint with a black roof (£1,240) and the total price climbs to £35,375

Design & engineering

LIKE the Civic, the Corolla bears a nameplate that dates a long way back into Toyota’s history, with the first version appearing in 1966 It’s certainly a car that is forward looking in terms of its design, though; despite this version’s initial release dating back to 2018, it still looks sharp and contemporary beside its two very new challengers The sporty GR Sport trim definitely plays a part here, but it’s a modern look, regardless Inside, it doesn’t quite look or feel as fresh as its competitors, but the clean design is functional and uncluttered The GR Sport’s black trim is jazzed up with some subtle red stitching, but overall it’s a fairly subdued place to sit The front seats are fantastic, offering plenty of side support yet remaining comfortable on longer journeys, too

The Corolla rides on Toyota’s TNGA platform, which was designed from the outset to work with hybrid powertrains Here, there’s a choice of two: the range kicks off with a 1 8 litre unit that makes 138bhp, or there’s the more potent 2 0 litre option we have here At 181bhp, it’s a match for the Civic, but its 250Nm torque figure is 65Nm lower

The Toyota’s hybrid system works differently from the Honda’s; the engine can drive the wheels directly, either with or without the help of the electric motor, with charge being placed back into the 1 8kWh battery slightly larger than the Honda’s unit through regenerative braking or engine idling Charging is controlled automatically

The gearbox is what Toyota refers to as an E CVT It can constantly adjust the revs of the engine in order to maximise either efficiency or performance

Driving

TOYOTA has spent many years trying to perfect its hybrid tech, and that’s clear from the quality of the Corolla’s powertrain With sufficient battery charge, the car moves off seamlessly in electric mode, before the petrol engine wakes up to add a little extra shove once up to speed When cruising at anything below most motorway speeds, the engine will frequently cut out again to boost the range as much as possible

This being the larger of the two engines on offer, the hybrid system doesn’t come at the expense of performance, either The sprint from 0 62mph takes 7 9 seconds a match for the Civic and with the engine backed up by the responsive electric motor, it feels lively too especially if you switch to Sport mode, which sharpens the throttle response

That strong performance means that the one downside to Toyota’s E CVT a droney engine noise doesn’t happen as often here, because the engine doesn’t need to be stretched much Still, when it does happen, it’s the least pleasant noise of this trio You can access artificially stepped gear ratios by flicking the two steering wheel mounted paddles But they’re

Performance

Toyota matches the Honda in sprint to 62mph, but its engine is the least refined here when pushed

HondaCivicvsrivals

ROADTESTS

pointless; they don’t add any tangible excitement to the experience or benefit the performance, and they still feel unnatural to use

We’d love to see the Corolla equipped with a more exciting powertrain, because its chassis is one of the best in this segment It runs the Honda very close for sharpness, yet manages to ride with more compliance, especially at lower speeds, so it gives a great everyday compromise The steering doesn’t quite have the ultimate precision of the Civic’s, but is still better than most alternatives

Practicality

IF there’s one Achilles’ heel for the Corolla, it’s the boot space With both a 12 volt battery and a space saver spare wheel located at the back, the overall capacity is just 313 litres that’s smaller than you’ll find in most superminis It’s worth noting the 1 8 litre hybrid is less affected by this problem, so it gets a more generous (but still not brilliant) 361 litres

The Corolla also has the least cubby space inside The central bin between the front seats is narrow and the base is covered by a cheap piece of fabric that isn’t even stuck down The door pockets struggle to hold a reusable bottle, too, but our main gripe is that there’s nowhere useful to hold a smartphone if it’s plugged into the USB port itself positioned in an odd place on the underside of the dash

Rear seat passengers have the least kneeroom (there’s slightly less than the Astra and much less than in the Civic), but headroom is a little more generous than it is in the Vauxhall

Ownership

THE Corolla was assessed by safety experts Euro NCAP back in 2019 and it achieved the top five star rating, with an excellent 95 per cent score in the adult occupant protection category While the Astra achieved only four stars in its assessment, it’s worth nothing that NCAP’s standards get tougher every two years, so the scoring the Astra was subjected to in 2022 was harder to pass The Civic hasn’t been tested yet

Running costs

REGULAR maintenance helps to maintain the Toyota’s huge warranty, but the small downside is that the price of that might be a little high compared to some rivals An intermediate service for the Corolla costs £230, while a major service will set you back £350, so it’s worth budgeting that into your annual costs The Astra costs £470 to service for the first two years of its life, but it’s the Civic which is the best value here Honda offers a five year service plan that costs £699 This means that maintenance over that period comes to just under £140 per year

Testers’ notes

“The boot might be small, but the small elastic strap that holds the false floor in place makes it much easier to reach the spare wheel.”

Alex Ingram Chief reviewer

Interior Cabin is neatly laid out and put together well enough, but it’s short of storage space

Boot The need to store the 12 volt battery under the boot limits storage space to a disappointing 313 litres

THROUGHTHE RANGE

ROADTESTS

MODELTESTED: Vauxhall Astra GS Line 1.2 Turbo

PRICE: £27,210 ENGINE: 1 2 litre 3cyl, 128bhp

WE’RE testing the Astra in middle spec GS Line trim, which with an automatic gearbox comes to a very competitive £27,210 (the six speed manual ’box shown here is £2,100 cheaper) That makes it comfortably the cheapest car in this test, but does it feel that way from behind the wheel?

Design & engineering

ANOTHER long standing nameplate, the Astra has been part of the furniture on UK roads since 1980 Big changes have happened to the C segment hatchback in that time, the most notable in recent years taking place in this eighth gen model the first Astra to be developed with technology from the Stellantis group Beneath the sharply styled body sits the same EMP2 architecture used by the likes of the Peugeot 308, Citroen C5 Aircross and the brilliant new DS 4 The powertrains are shared with those French cars, too; under the bonnet, there’s a choice of petrol and diesel engines While these both lack the hybrid assistance you get in the Toyota and the Honda, the Astra sets itself apart with the option of a plug in hybrid powertrain The PHEV model combines a 1 6 litre turbo engine with a 12 4kWh battery We’re driving the 1 2 litre three cylinder petrol here, though It’s a little down on power compared with the mix of 2 0 litre petrol and electric motors that the Japanese contenders use, but 128bhp and 170Nm is still adequate shove for most families

The Vauxhall’s engine sends its drive to the front wheels through an eight speed automatic gearbox

Much like with the new Civic, the Astra’s cabin is a vast improvement over the model that came before it Most obvious are the strides forward in both tech and quality; this really feels like a product that’s creeping closer to premium alternatives than ever before The cabin materials are well finished, but we reckon that the acres of piano black style plastic aren’t likely to stand up to family life very well Ergonomically, it’s not quite a match for the competition here either The dashboard line is very high, which means that even if you choose to jack up your seat higher than you might normally choose to, the view ahead still isn’t as clear You’ll probably need to raise the seat for another reason too several testers found that the steering wheel doesn’t adjust low enough

Driving

OUR nit picking with the steering continues out on the road Beside two rivals with slick, precise responses, the Astra feels just a bit lazy It’s even worse if you put it in Sport mode, when the rack becomes heavier without adding any useful feedback Turn in to a corner, and it’s clear that the Astra has been set up to feel secure rather than fun; in this company, it feels a little unresponsive It is, however, fine for all but keener drivers and the Vauxhall feels very stable on the motorway

Another area where the Astra is a little slow witted is its transmission The eight speed auto gearbox just can’t compete with the keen responses of either of the two hybrids here It doesn’t feel as smooth at any point, either, but that’s particularly true at low

Performance

Refined 1.2 litre engine doesn’t have hybrid tech and is hampered by a dim witted auto ’box

HondaCivicvsrivals

ROADTESTS HondaCivic vsrivals

speeds, where the interaction between brakes, gearbox and engine stop start system is clunky

In terms of outright performance, the Astra lags behind the other two on paper and out on the road However, this is easier to excuse because of the Astra’s lower price point What’s more important is that the engine is very quiet; the three cylinder motor emits a subtle vibration, but even under hard acceleration it’s never as vocal as the other two partly explained by its more conventional auto ’box

In terms of ride quality, the Astra falls between the most comfortable Toyota and the busier Honda, which is a respectable result Road and wind noise is well contained on the whole

Practicality

AT 422 litres, the Astra has the largest boot of this trio While it only just pips the Civic for overall volume, the space is flatter and better shaped, so it’s easier to load plenty of items on board Fold the seats and the overall space expands to 1,339 litres, which helps the Vauxhall pull even further clear of the Honda However, the Astra can’t compete with the Civic’s rear seat accommodation Although the centre seat is quite comfortable, the Isofix points are the least accessible of these three; they’re behind zipped covers and you have to fight through the internal seat foam to get at them properly

The front seats are treated to the largest and best thought out cubby spaces, though There’s a neat sunglasses holder beneath the central air vent, and the central storage bin and the glovebox are huge, while the main bin, which holds a wireless charging pad, has space for a second smartphone in the same area impressive

Ownership

VAUXHALL put in a poor showing in our most recent Driver Power satisfaction survey, with the brand finishing 19th out of 29 brands overall Toyota is usually a strong finisher, so its 10th place finish was a slight dip in form, while Honda took a strong fifth

Running costs

WHILE hybrid powertrains emit fewer emissions than conventional combustion engines and therefore sit in lower company car tax brackets, those savings are offset by the Astra’s lower P11D value So despite its 29 per cent Benefit in Kind banding, the Astra is the cheapest; standard rate income tax payers will face deductions of £1,564 per year, compared with £1,639 for the Civic, even though it is rated two percentage bands lower The Corolla sits in the 28 per cent band, but its P11D value the highest here means that its deductions come to £1,898

Testers’ notes

“Some of us found that there are one two many textures going on in the Astra’s cabin It all looks a bit fussy beside the Honda.”

lex Ingram hief reviewer Alex Chief

Interior Astra’s mix of digital screens and geometric dash layout looks very contemporary

Boot 422 litre boot beats the Civic’s, although there’s quite a deep bumper to lift heavy items beyond

THROUGHTHE RANGE

VAUXHALL has previously offered a bewildering array of trim levels, but the Astra is much simpler: there’s a choice of Design, GS Line and Ultimate.

While Design is competitive, its kit levels lag behind the Honda’s; 16 inch alloy wheels, parking sensors front and rear, satellite navigation and climate control are all there, though And it’s decent value on matching PCP terms, the range starts from £414 per month.

GS Line is marked out with 17-inch wheels and lots of black exterior detailing. It also gets 360 degree parking cameras, adaptive cruise control and keyless entry and these add-ons bump up the monthly finance outgoings to £451.

Adaptive LED headlights, 18 inch wheels, a punchier sound system, a head up display, a panoramic sunroof and wireless smartphone charging are added by Ultimate trim This sends the cost climbing to £480 per month.

Infotainment

FROM the outset, the Honda’s system scores highly for simplicity The main menu screen is split into two rows of large tiles, which are easy to pick out on the nine inch touchscreen We also like the physical shortcuts and climate controls The screen itself responds quickly to touches and loading times are fast if not quite a match for the Corolla’s The display itself doesn’t quite look as sharp as either rival’s and we’d like to see a USB C port for connecting smartphones

Top spec Civics get a high end Bose sound system, but even the standard eight speaker set up is far better than these rivals’ offerings especially the Toyota’s While the Astra comes with digital dials as standard, this feature is only offered on the range topping Civic Advance Sport models get a slightly odd half and half solution At least the information is shown clearly

Which multimedia system is best for music, sat nav & connectivity?

INFOTAINMENT tech has often been the downfall of Toyotas The latest system fitted to the Corolla has changed all of that, though, because it’s a huge improvement over the company ’ s old set ups

While the eight inch screen isn’t any larger than before, the better resolution makes this one of the sharpest systems in its class The graphics have been tidied up into something that’s not only clearer to read, but also easier to understand The screen responds well to touches and navigation routes load faster here than in either the Vauxhall or the Honda Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, if you prefer to use them

There are one or two minor downsides While the screen has been updated, the digital instrument panel and the reversing camera haven’t In comparison they both look a bit old fashioned beside the new set up

FIRST impressions are positive The screen is large, the graphics are bright and the colourful display looks easy on the eye The home screen is set across three main pages it defaults to the radio page, while swipes to the side to bring up the navigation and a third page has shortcuts to other applications The screen itself is fairly responsive to touches, although the display on our test car got quite hot after a while

Loading times are the slowest here, though, with some noticeable lag after selecting functions Planning a route through the navigation system also takes the longest here Most frustrating, however, is that the climate controls are via touchscreen only and you may need to move away from, say, your navigation page to change the temperature On the plus side, the resolution of the 360 degree parking cameras is the best here

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/VED 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 (seats up/down)

Kerbweight/payload/towing weight

Turning circle

Basic warranty (miles)/recovery

Driver Power manufacturer/dealer pos.

NCAP: Adult/child/ped./assist/stars

0 62mph/top speed

Test mpg/range (miles)

WLTP combined

WLTP combined

Actual/claimed CO2/tax bracket

Airbags/Isofix/park. sensors/camera

Auto box/lane keep/blindspot/AEB

Climate ctrl/adaptive cruise

Leather/heated seats

Metallic paint/LED lights

Keyless entry & go/powered tailgate

Sat nav/digital dash

DAB/connected services

Wireless charge/CarPlay/Android Auto

Honda Civic e:HEV Sport

£30,595/£31,220 £16,426/ 53 7% £14,169 £1,639/£3,279 £1,799/£2,999 28/£726/£155 £699 (5 years)

4,551/2,734mm 1,408/1,802mm 4cyl in line/1,993cc 181bhp/N/A 315Nm/N/A eCVT auto/fwd 40 litres/repair kit 415/1,220 litres 1,459/471/750kg 11 6 metres 3 yrs (90k)/3 yrs 5th/1st N/A

7 9 secs/111mph 50 3/443 56.5 mpg 12 4 mpl 130/113g/km/27%

Eleven/yes/f&r/yes

Yes/yes/yes/yes Yes/yes No/yes £625/yes Yes/no Yes/no Yes/yes Yes/yes/yes

VED

ALTERNATIVE fuel cars benefit from lower VED costs so the Honda and Toyota are cheaper than the Astra from the second year on

DIMENSIONS

CIVIC is the largest inside but thats because its the largest outside its 181mm longer than the Toyota

Vauxhall Astra GS Line 1.2 Turbo

£27,210/£27,810 £12,718/46 7% £14,492 £1,564/£3,128 £2,081/£3,468 20/£640/£165 £470 (2 years)

ENGINE

Toyota Corolla GR Sport 2.0

£34,135/£35,375 £19,525/57 2% £14,610 £1,898/£3,797 £1,839/£3,066 20/£714/£155 £570 (2 years)

DEPRECIATION

THE Toyota holds its value the best here; the Astra will lose 10 per cent more of its value over three years

DEALERS

HONDAS dealer network was ranked the best of any in our 2022 Driver Power survey

4,374/2,675mm 1,432/1,860mm 3cyl in line/1,199cc 128/5,500 bhp/rpm 170/1,750 Nm/rpm 6 spd man/fwd 52 litres/dealer fit 422/1,339 litres 1,371/509/1,200kg 10 5 metres 3 yrs (60k)/1 yr 19th/N/A 80/82/67/66/4 (’22)

9 7* secs/130mph 43 5/498 48.7mpg 10 7mpl 150/124g/km/29%

WIRELESS

HIGHER spec Civics get wireless charging and smartphone connectivity so theres no need for messy cables

Eight/yes/f&r/360 £1,500/yes/no/yes Yes/yes No/yes £600/yes Yes/no Yes/yes Yes/yes No/yes/yes

IT might have the fewest cylinders and the smallest capacity but the Astras engine compensates with a turbocharger

TOWING

ONE area where the Astra leads is in its towing capacity at 1,200kg Its hybrid rivals’ braked trailer limits are 450kg less than the Vauxhall’s

4,370/2,640mm 1,460/1,790mm

4cyl in line/1,987cc 181/N/A bhp/rpm 250/1,500 Nm/rpm

E CVT auto/fwd 43 litres/space saver 313/N/A litres 1,510/400/750kg 10 8 metres 10 yrs (100k)/1 yr 10th/6th 95/84/86/77/5 (’19)

7 9 secs/112mph 49 2/465 55.3 mpg 12 2 mpl 133/119g/km/28%

Seven/yes/f&r/yes Yes/yes/no/yes Yes/yes No/no £630/yes Yes/no Yes/yes Yes/yes Yes/yes/yes

SPARE WHEEL

ITS boot is the smallest but at east the Corolla gets a spare wheel as standard

BREAKDOWN

TOYOTA and Vauxhall offer a single year of breakdown cover; the Honda comes w th three

RANGE

COROLLA has a bigger tank than the Civic Astras tank is big enough for almost 500 m les at our tested economy

HONDA

PREVIOUS versions of the Honda Civic have generally been practical and decent to drive, but the latest version ranks even closer to the top of the class in those areas than ever before. Of more significance, however, is this new model’s value for money, especially its fuel economy, which means we now rate the Civic as one of the very best cars to buy in this segment

VAUXHALL

WHILE it was able to overcome the best that Ford and VW have to offer, it shows the quality of the Honda that the Vauxhall must settle for second here The latest Astra isn’t just stylish, but practical, comfortable and solidly built too however, the Civic offers more performance, better fuel economy and even more space for almost identical money. Still, it’s a very respectable showing for the Vauxhall

TOYOTA

1st 2nd 3rd

THE Corolla takes third place, but it still puts forward a very strong showing. It’s great to drive, is almost as frugal as the Civic and the new infotainment set up is miles better than the previous offering. However, in this 2 0 litre form the Toyota is quite expensive and practicality is below average for the class. If those things aren’t deal breakers for you, the Corolla is still well worth a look

ONE

for practicality remains a brilliant all rounder. Spacious, comfortable and with performance almost on a par with the Honda, it’s also competitively priced in this segment.

THE Golf remains as solid, as s as ever, but the latest version down big time by clunky touchscreen ergonomics Expect an update shortly aimed at addressing those flaws.

is let

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Heavy going

The added weight of a PHEV’s battery and engine isn’t conducive to great economy

Peugeot 308

way down on Peugeot’s claimed 37 miles and that’s before the cold weather of winter hammers it further still

Running costs

Practicality

PLUG in hybrids have always seemed like a bit of a stopgap to me I see them as little more than an introduction for those who want to go electric, but still want the security of extra range for longer journeys But what are they actually like to live with on a daily basis? The new Peugeot 308 Hybrid is the first PHEV I’ve run on the Auto Express fleet, so I’m keen to find out if they have something else to offer

The big issue I have with plug in hybrids is weight If you ’ re running in electric mode, you ’ re carrying around a big combustion engine at the front If the petrol engine is doing all the work, then you ’ re carrying around the weight of a dead battery Both scenarios result in poor economy and that’s certainly been the case with the 308 so far I’ve been driving it in electric mode as much as possible since taking delivery and I’ve been especially disappointed with the efficiency, which has averaged around only 2 0 miles per kWh That’s less than half of what you can expect to achieve from some of the best pure electric cars It means that I’ve only been able to coax around 24 miles of range from the 12 4kWh battery some

I’m not alone in my thinking, because Auto Express reader Victor Hedges recently contacted me to say how disappointed he is with the efficiency of his Peugeot He drives a 3008 Hybrid4 and has been getting no more than 22 miles of range, despite the brand’s claims that he should be achieving closer to 39 miles

Once you ’ ve used up the battery on our 308, the situation isn’t much better, because the 1 6 litre petrol engine alone struggles with the weight and only returns around 32mpg Whichever way you drive, you’ll be replenishing the Peugeot regularly

Just a couple of years ago that probably wouldn’t be such a big issue, because it was still relatively cheap to top up the battery But rising energy costs mean it’s not such an attractive proposition these days Paying the current national average of 18p per kWh to charge at home means a full charge is going to cost £2 23 And, due to the poor efficiency,

you may have to charge almost daily depending on how often you drive

I’m quite lucky because my wife is able to charge for free at her nearby workplace, and when she borrows the PHEV, she brings it home with a nearly full charge So we ’ ve actually enjoyed relatively cost free motoring, but how many people have this luxury? You now have to pay to charge at Tesco and it’s surely only a matter of time before others follow suit

But it’s not all bad news for plug ins because they do work well when it comes to performance The 308 Hybrid we have on our fleet is the lower powered model with 178bhp (a 222bhp model is also available), but it’s genuinely quick when in ‘Sport’ mode Press the accelerator hard when going for an overtake and the electric motor kicks in to add an extra punch The sprint from 0 62mph officially takes 7 6 seconds, and it feels every bit as fast as that, although the automatic gearbox is a bit clunky

Aside from the weight issues, the new Peugeot 308 has otherwise been a pleasant

FIRSTREPORT Our PHEV’s styling and performance are getting praise, but what about its economy?

“It’s early days, but I’m disappointed with the PHEV’s thirst for electricity and petrol”

Pete Baiden Pete Baiden@autoviacouk @PeteBaiden

surprise, especially inside The cabin is a lovely place to sit, and feels like a giant leap forward from its predecessor It has a premium feel, maybe not quite up to BMW or Audi standards, but it’s not too far behind

The infotainment system is slick and the high resolution display means everything is crystal clear Just below the screen is a set of ‘i Toggles’ instead of physical buttons and they can take a bit of getting used to, but they are configurable, so you can set them up just the way you like it, with the controls you use the most at your fingertips

I was initially worried about a lack of space after running a series of SUVs on our fleet, but so far it’s been okay I have two children and neither has complained about the rear legroom, and the boot has swallowed everything it’s needed to, although a true test will come when we ’ ve managed to take some longer journeys

Peugeot

On fleet since: October 2022 Price new: £34,570 Engine: 1 6 litre petrol + e motor, 178bhp CO2/BiK: 25g/km/8% Options: Pearlescent paint (£695) Insurance*: Group: 26 Quote: £709 Mileage/mpg: 4,613/ 84 4mpg

WE LIKE The 308 is a looker and I’ve already had a few comments from friends and family about how attractive it is The LED running lights, front and rear, have attracted particular attention

WE DON’T The 308 has a limited pure electric range of around 24 miles in my hands. It’s enough for the school run, but I have to charge up the battery on an almost daily basis

Verdict

WEIGHT is the Peugeot 308 Hybrid’s weakness, because it really impacts the efficiency of both the electric motor and petrol engine. However, the hatchback has plenty of plus points and it now feels like a premium product more than ever

I’M torn when it comes to the colour of my Audi SQ5 Sportback fleet car You see, I quite like the ‘ camo green ’ look, as evidenced by my hoodie and trainers I wouldn’t say I’m stylish, though, so I’m not sure what that says about the Audi’s colour choice especially because the green it’s painted in reminds me of my wheelie bins I’m not convinced that’s the idea the German firm’s designers were aiming for

The colour is called Distinct Green it’s a metallic shade that costs £675 and I do like how Audi has branched out from the usual black/grey/silver/white monochromatic shades that premium SUVs such as this usually come in It certainly adds a bit of character, even if it seems to be a divisive point for many of my friends and family who see the car for the first time Some love its modern look; some really don’t

There are a few more of these divisive points on the move too, unfortunately Rear seat passengers have complained of a choppy ride, even with the adaptive dampers in their Comfort setting This is on the standard 20 inch wheels, too; 21 inch rims are available as an option What’s not up for debate is just how good the SQ5’s powertrain is As brands move towards plug in hybrid petrol or fully

electric propulsion, even for sporty models, a 3 0 litre turbocharged diesel V6 might seem like an odd choice But with 336bhp and, crucially, 700Nm of torque from just 1,750rpm, the SQ5 proves that when diesel is done right, it can still make sense Performance is effortless, helped by the smooth eight speed automatic gearbox

What I don’t like is the fake note that’s piped through the speakers in Dynamic mode It’s meant to make the SQ5 sound like a V8 It seems needless to me given that the V6 actually has a nice, natural roar plus when the fake quad tailpipes are so obvious, it just jars Maybe this is Audi practising for when its line up goes fully electric?

Initially, I wasn’t sold on the Sportback bodystyle either (but let me remind you, I’m clearly not one to comment on matters of style) Compared with the regular SQ5 SUV, this swoopier model loses 20 litres of boot space and costs £2,450 more, weighing in with a pretty hefty price tag of £62,695

I’m warming to its arcing roofline a little, though, and at least it doesn’t prevent me from getting my golf clubs in the boot That means I don’t have to lay them across the back seats and test the longevity of the upholstery This is a major plus point

When Audi refreshed its Q5 model line, it removed the central click and scroll wheel in favour of a pure touchscreen set up At the time I thought this was a mistake, and

Audi SQ5

“The V6 has a nice note, so it’s a shame Dynamic mode generates a fake V8 sound”

WE LIKE Eight speed auto ’box is slick, and although the Sportback loses some practicality to the regular SQ5,

being able

to fit golf clubs in the boot is a big bonus for Sean

Green giant Sean is a fan of his Audi’s distinctive paint, despite it being a good match for the local bins

Technology

There’s little need to use the touchscreen, thanks to Audi’s responsive voice control system

SeanCarson sean carson@autoviacouk

WE DON’T Even though the wheels looks small, with chunky tyre sidewalls, the SQ5 doesn’t

Essentials

Audi SQ5 Sportback

On fleet since: October 2022

Price new: £62,695

Engine: 3 0 litre V6 turbodiesel, 336bhp

CO2/tax: 214g/km/£1,420

Options: Distinct Green metallic paint (£645), matrix LED headlights (£1,050), Comfort and Sound pack (£1,395), Park Assist Plus (£300), Storage pack (£225)

Insurance*: Group: 45 Quote: £1,376

Mileage/mpg: 2,562/37 6mpg (on test)

Any problems? None so far

*Insurance quote from AA (0800 107 0680) for a 42 year old in Banbury, Oxon, with three points

Mazda CX-60 PHEV

MAZDA’S latest addition to its line up has just arrived on our test fleet and within 72 hours of the plug in hybrid’s delivery, it was whisking chief sub editor Andy Pringle and his family off to north Wales for half term

They left home shortly after seven o’clock on a Friday evening, with a journey of at least four hours ahead of them. It could have been a grim experience, but the Mazda made the journey far less taxing than it might have been, given the appalling weather

Andy’s eight year old daughter enjoyed hearing her audiobooks through the Bose stereo, while her father was more impressed with the optional Driver Assistance Pack (£1,100). In crawling traffic on a sodden M25, the adaptive cruise control was an absolute godsend

Once in Wales, the car continued to shine, thanks to its spacious interior and sure footed feel on the Welsh lanes. And even though there was no chance to top up the car’s battery where Andy was staying, he reckoned the average of just over 40mpg for the trip was pretty good

in some ways I still believe as much But spending more time with the car and using the fantastic voice control system has meant this isn’t as much of an issue any more I simply say “Hey Audi” and tell it what I want, from a destination for the sat nav to the radio station I want to listen to The Virtual Cockpit ahead of the driver

first seen on the TT in 2014 is as good as ever and Audi is still right at the sharp end of the class when it comes to this tech

Dynamically, the Audi is also pretty solid The steering provides little feedback, although it’s sharp, and the SQ5 handles fairly well But is it worthy of hot S model status? I’m undecided I’ve not really needed to call upon the car ’ s quattro four wheel drive system so far, but with winter conditions incoming and a trip to Scotland beckoning, I’m glad of the reassurance

On that subject, with a range of around 600 miles from a full tank, not having to stop every 250 miles like I did in my previous fleet car the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is a welcome treat

SOME might not be fans of the term ‘sports utility vehicle’, but contributor Stuart Milne has been putting his F Pace’s ‘sport’ and ‘utility’ credentials to the test during his daughter’s recent rugby matches.

Following a winter sport means rain, mud and the cold are all too familiar to the Milne family So too is driving in some exceptionally slippery car parks. The big Jag’s four wheel drive system is just the job, so Stuart hasn’t needed the assistance of a scrum to get him out of the car park unlike some rear wheel drive cars

The boot is the perfect height to swap rugby boots for trainers, and the large tailgate doubles as a spot to enjoy a cup of hot coffee out of the rain The boot swallows kit bags, umbrellas, balls, fold up chairs and the rest of the gear. Best of all, Stuart reckons, are the heated seats, which have been getting a fair bit of use lately.

Kit Jag’s boot makes rugby life a lot easier

20 CHRISTMAS

OVER £50 GIFTS

Part one of our festive gift guide focuses on extra special treats for car fans of all ages

MANY of us have been keeping an eye on the pennies this year, but if you’ve determined that this Christmas will be business as usual, we have the ultimate gift guide for petrolheads

There’s something for all tastes, from classics to F1, practical items and art for

the garage or office. We even have something for man’s best friend

So if you want to get behind the wheel or just celebrate your favourite marque, now’s the time to start dropping some not so subtle hints For those on a tighter budget, look out for our under £50 gift guide in a couple of weeks.

BMW M Chrono metal watch

Contact: lifestylebmwcom

Contact: machinemartcouk

Formula 1’s Unsung Pioneers

Contact: evropublishingcom

WHILE many automotive books travel a well trodden path of drivers and marques, this well researched work by Ian Wagstaff covers the little known tale of F1’s first fully sponsored team Perhaps best known for entering the car that Stirling Moss was driving in his career ending crash, BRP was a pioneering team and Wagstaff covers its relatively short time on motorsport’s front line that shook up the establishment

LOTS of neat BMW touches here for fans of the marque’s sporting M cars There’s a carbon look alongside the M logo plus the push buttons are kidney shaped. The crown has BMW engraving and the bezel features the marque’s colours The movement is a Swiss Ronda 5040 D powering a date display plus tachymeter, and the casing is good for 10 ATM water resistance, which makes it safe for swimming.

THIS is a good place to start if the car nut in your house has announced they want to do their own motoring maintenance. There are slotted inserts for sockets and spanners covering both metric and imperial sizes, which makes the set good for modern cars as well as older British classics. There are also plug sockets, hex wrenches and a range of grips and pliers all packed into the cantilever tool box, which has room to spare for any kit you need to add

Kim Adams

MCLAREN and APL got together to create the HySpeed trainer, which is described as a grand tourer for your feet As you’d expect from the supercar maker, the shoe is packed with the latest tech, including a three piece segmented midsole with FutureFoam pods front and rear. Bridging the gap is a carbon fibre plate topped with a nitrogen infused layer The shoes come in both men’s and women’s sizes and a range of colours, including McLaren papaya orange, shown here

THE ideal finishing touch for that painted workshop or ‘shoffice’ is made from metal and stands two centimeters off the wall for a silhouette effect. There’s a choice of sizes from 60x15cm (£94.21) up to 150x31cm (£281.33). We’ve gone for the truck lover’s favourite, but there’s a huge choice from single seaters to supercars via classics and circuits. They can also be mounted and displayed on a shelf.

Home Leisure

Shelby GT350 1965 pool table

Contact:homeleisuredirect.com

IF car pool means sharing regular journeys to you, think again this Christmas with the ultimate addition for the games room. It combines classic sixties Mustang styling with real parts such as bumpers and alloy wheels topped by an eight-foot slate table using 21 two and a quarter inch balls.

Finished in Wimbledon White and Guardsman Blue, the ‘bodywork’ is finished in an automotive bodyshop, where it’s wet sanded and lacquered

Bentley 6-in-1 trike

Contact: shopbentleymotorscom

THERE’S no need to have a garage littered with buggies, bikes and cars your child has outgrown with this six in one trike from Bentley, which is designed to grow with them It starts as a front or rear facing buggy, then there are footrests as they grow, and these can be removed when the child can reach the pedals Then the canopy, basket and push handle can be removed. Finally, the back support and belts can go. The only trouble is, the next step from here is an altogether pricier Bentley

Tamiya Thunder Shot

Contact: jadlamracingmodels.com

BUILDING your first Tamiya RC car can be daunting, but this re release of the Thunder Shot is good for a beginner because it removes the stress (and time) of painting the body, which has already been finished in two colours. The rear wing is also pre painted, but you can tackle the driver figure yourself.

The four wheel drive racer has independent double wishbone suspension, spike tyres and oil filled dampers, so it’s good for running just about anywhere. The ideal introduction to EV motoring.

Pashley Morgan 8

Contact: pashleycouk

CAR marques have a long history of teaming up with cycle makers and launching their own two wheelers, but few collaborations mesh as well as British engineering veterans Morgan and Pashley. The 8 tops the range and the design takes inspiration from Morgan’s race heritage with streamlined hub dynamo headlamp and Morgan styled handlebar endcaps There are eight gears, a Reynolds 631 frame and matching mud and chain guards in wood that mimic the car’s frames

Suixtil Rivadavia replica helmet

Contact: meandmycar.co.uk

PERFECT for the motorsport fan whose golden era was the fifties or who simply wants a helmet to match their classic car. This Suixtil built replica is a copy of the design Juan Manuel Fangio used in some of his greatest wins and is named after the pseudonym he used when he started racing. The shell, which comes in three sizes (57, 59 and 62cm), is made from moulded resin and fibres lined with 3mm cork with straps made from cow leather.

THIS is a must for Defender fans as Land Roveer celebrates its 75th anniverrsary in style As you’d expect t of the off road marque, this s backpack is tough, with a water resistant outer shell and a protective roll top desiggn It’s practical, too, with a protective laptop sleeve inside plus deep side pockets The e 75th anniversary motif is repeeated throughout the interior and i its compartments, as well as on n the outside

Ferrari 268 SP front end

Contact: store.ferrari.com

YOU can always rely on Ferrari to come up with something special from its archives and this front end replica has to be a contender for the ultimate workshop or office art It is a faithful full size replica in aluminium of the Ferrari 268 SP sports racer, powered by a rear mounted V8 motor. The twin nostrils repeat the styling of the successful shark nose F1 car of the period A cult piece for any fan of the Prancing Horse

Hot Wheels Action Spiral Speed Crash

Contact: smythstoyscom

THERE’S nothing car fanns of a certain age like more than a crash or two, and that’s just what this Hot Wheels set delivers Drive your car i into the motorised booster and watch it scale the 70cm plus h high track Then add in more e cars to see how many you can run before there’s a pile up in one of the three crash zones It comes with one car and six can be stored on the motor box. Just remember to stock up on D LR20 batteries

TESLA’s super successful Model 3 has achieved chart topping sales success several times in the past 12 months, and now the BMW baiting EV has moved into the top 10 of Driver Power, too Owners who took part in the latest 2022 survey reveal they love the electric car’s powertrain, and the Model 3 also takes number one spots for its running costs and acceleration But while the overall picture looks like a triumph for Tesla, there is still one area that keeps the Model 3 out of the very top places in the survey: quality The Model 3 is rated as the worst car for exterior finish and materials, and 70th for overall quality An alarming 43 6 per cent of owners report having experienced an issue with their cars.

MPVs might have fallen out of favour as car buyers have migrated to SUVs, but these most practical of cars still have a tremendous amount to offer

The popularity of people carriers exploded in the nineties and while many were developed as stand alone models, some car makers latched onto the fact that they could turn their small commercial vehicles into MPVs The Renault Kangoo is one example of this, along with the Citroen Berlingo Multispace and Peugeot Partner Tepee sister models The latter would become the Peugeot Rifter with the arrival of the third generation Berlingo in 2018. While these van based MPVs now sell in small numbers, live with one and you’ll soon see why they can be a very desirable alternative to the more obvious SUV.

History

THE Peugeot Rifter went on sale in July 2018, priced from £19,650 Buyers could choose between 1.2 PureTech (a three cylinder turbocharged petrol) and 1 5 BlueHDi diesel engines, the latter with 74bhp (this one was short lived), 109bhp or 128bhp. There was also a choice of vehicle lengths, with the Standard model having five seats and the Long version providing room for seven; there was a 350mm difference in length between them.

In February 2021 Peugeot opened orders for an electric model called the e Rifter, although the first examples didn’t arrive until the end of that year. That’s when Peugeot axed the petrol and diesel engines, leaving only the all electric e Rifter on sale, priced from £30,375 for the five seater

NEEDTOKNOW

THE 74bhp and 109bhp 1.5 BlueHDi came with a five speed manual gearbox only, while the 1 2 PureTech had a six speed manual The 1 5 BlueHDi got a six speed manual gearbox as standard; an eight speed automatic gearbo i l

BUYER’SGUIDE:Peug

Richard Dredge

eotRifter

YOURVIEW

THE Rifter’s low sales volumes mean it has never appeared in any of our Driver Power new car surveys, just like the Citroen Berlingo and Vauxhall Combo Life. Peugeot used to perform relatively poorly in our Driver Power surveys, with so so reliability and build quality, but owners are more impressed nowadays, with three 2022 survey entries all doing well: the 208 came 37th, the 2008 17th, and the 3008 13th.

CASE STUDY

BERNIE Cooper from Peterborough owns a 2019 Rifter 1 5 BlueHDi. He says: “It’s comfortable, practical, fun to drive and cheap to run; it’s easy to get 55mpg. You might think of the Rifter as utilitarian, but it’s well made and my top spec car is well equipped Long range and low price were reasons for buying my Rifter, but the e Rifter doesn’t offer those, which is why I’m aiming to keep mine for a long time.”

Expert’s verdict

Contributingeditor

WE like the Rifter here at Auto Express, and while it’s easy to sniff at van based passenger vehicles for showing their utilitarian roots, we’d rather enjoy this family and lifestyle friendly wagon for what it brings to the party

The Rifter has a few SUV style tricks to lift its image above the mundane anyway, and as long as you pick a mid ranger or above, you’ll not be short of life’s little luxuries and definitely not short of space for people or their stuff.

Common faults

THE interior can take a beating, depending on how it’s used, so check for signs of abuse. But you can buy a Rifter with real confidence, thanks to its rugged underpinnings and proven engineering

ACCESS The rear window opens separately from the large door, which is handy when you’ve parked up against a car or wall

PRACTICALITY Masses of rear head and legroom means three adults will be happy in the Standard Rifter All seats except the driver’s can be folded down for when you need to fit longer

“As long as you pick a mid-ranger, you’ll not be short of life’s little luxuries”

ChrisRosamond

INFOTAINMENT An eight inch touchscreen is fitted to Allure trim and up; it’s nice to see separate physical controls for the ventilation

THE Rifter is not an especially common car We found just 165 of them for sale (146 diesel and 19 petrol), along with a mere 13 e Rifters; all of the latter were new cars.

You’ll find the occasional 100,000 mile 1 5 BlueHDi model for around £13,000, but prices tend to start at £15,000 for a 68 plate Active with around 40,000 miles

Just over a third of diesel engined Rifters are fitted with an automatic transmission, but if you want one of these you’ll have to pay at least £18,000, which nets a 68 plate Active with less than 20,000 miles You’ll pay a similar price for the cheapest petrol engined Rifters; for this you can buy a 20,000 mile Allure on a 69 plate The e Rifter starts at £31,000;

Howmuch? Runningcosts

ALL Rifters need to be serviced every 12 months or 16,000 miles, regardless of whether they’re powered by petrol, diesel or electricity.

Every other service (first, third, fifth, etc) is an Interim, which is priced at £199 using OE parts, or £189 if ‘pattern’ items are fitted; for the e Rifter this service is priced at £70. Services two, six, 10, etc are classed as Main and these are priced at £249, or £219 using pattern parts, or £209 for the e Rifter Services four, eight, 12, etc are classed as Major, priced at £229 for an e Rifter However, for petrol engined Rifters the cost is £399 (£339 with patte parts) and for diesels it’s £369 (or £309)

The 1 5 litre diesel and 1 2 litre petrol engines a cambelt that should be replaced every 10 years 112,000 miles (we wouldn’t wait that long). Deal charge £569 or £449 if pattern parts are used

STORAGE There are two gloveboxes, large door bins, centre cubbies and even overhead lockers

PEUGEOT has recalled the Rifter four times. The first was in April 2019, because 89 Rifters made up to December 2018 were fitted with a faulty handbrake lever, rectified by fitting a replacement

The second recall involved more than 12,000 Rifters and Partners made up to November 2019, which had left the factory with problematic passenger seatbelts that had to be replaced if they were faulty

Recall number three was also issued in November 2019, because 62 Partners and Rifters produced in June and July 2019 were fitted with poorly made steering columns Once again the solution was to fit a new part

The latest recall in July 2020 involved 51 Partners and Rifters made in December 2019 and January 2020, fitted

Which one?

A DIESEL Rifter makes the most sense in terms of availability, performance and purchase and running costs While the manual gearbox is nice enough, the eight speed auto makes light work of driving Spec wise, we’d aim for a mid range Rifter, although the entry level Active comes with DAB radio, electrically adjustable door mirrors, air con, a leather trimmed steering wheel and 16 inch steel wheels. The mid range Rifter Allure brings rear parking sensors, upgraded interior trim, storage between the front seats, an eight inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 16 inch alloys and LED running lights

GT line adds climate control up front and for the second row, power folding door mirrors, tinted glass, a panoramic sunroof, sat nav and 17 inch alloys.

Alternatives

THE most obvious alternatives are other Stellantis group products: the Citroen Berlingo and Vauxhall Combo Life Although these have their own unique visual identities, they’re the same car under the skin and are similar inside. As with the

Rifter, the Berlingo and Combo Life came in electric only form from the start of 2022 Renault stopped selling the Kangoo in the UK in 2012, but Mercedes offers its own people carrying version of this called the Citan Tourer, while the Volkswagen Caddy Maxi and long wheelbase Maxi Life arrived two years ago, offering extra practicality over the similar looking Touran

Other van based alternatives include the Fiat Qubo and Ford Tourneo Connect, while more car like MPVs worth considering include the Volkswagen Sharan, Vauxhall Zafira Tourer and SEAT Alhambra, the Ford Galaxy and the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer.

Verdict

DESPITE its utilitarian roots the Rifter is not just a van with windows, because it’s more accomplished than that. Admittedly a boxy Peugeot probably won’t get the neighbours’ curtains twitching, but the Rifter appeals with its enormous cabin, low running costs and high comfort levels. Even better, there’s

Interior

AVOID entry level Rifters and you get a reasonable cabin ambience, but the Peugeot’s main attraction is the amount of interior space on offer, which is easily accessed via the sliding rear doors. Even with all five seats in use, there’s a massive 775 litre boot, which expands to 3,000 litres with the second row folded; the seven-seat model offers an even more impressive maximum luggage capacity of 4,000 litres.

The icing on the cake is ample head and legroom for five adults, although the back seats aren’t all that supportive.

the option of electric power alongside the petrol and diesel versions However, you’ll have to pay significantly more to buy the e Rifter because they’re very scant on the second hand market and you’ll have to put up with a real world range of less than 150 miles But this is a likeable car all the same, and promises to cost very little to run.

Contacts

Official www.peugeotco.uk Forums www.peugeotforums.com

DASHBOARD Peugeot’s i Cockpit layout places the instruments above the comparatively small steering wheel

MOST POPULAR CHOICE

THE concept car to reality design of the early Audi TTs still turns heads today And while the second gen coupé lost some of that Bauhaus inspired wow factor, it’s still a looker, but a bit more comfortable and refined If you like the Mk1, we found a mint low mileage (sub 50k) 1.8T quattro of 2004 vintage for just under £8k, which would be a fine thing to own and enjoy But similar money would also put you behind the wheel of a more modern (Mk2) 2011 2.0 TFSI petrol or TDI diesel with equally low miles

PRACTICAL DRIVER’S CHOICE

FOR: Morespaceintheback,responsiverear drivechassis AGAINST:Less eye catching, cabin feels mainstream

IT might not have the iconic status of the TT, but the BMW is arguably the driving purist’s favourite here, thanks to its rear drive chassis and punchy engines Its rear seats are just about usable by adults for short hops, anyway which could make all the difference. While the 1 Series came with some pretty exotic engine options, we think your £8,000 would be well spent on either a 2010/2011 2.0 petrol 120i or 1.8 diesel 18d. You can find nice examples of either with 50 70k miles in M Sport trim; a 3 0 litre 125i is an extra grand

STYLE STATEMENT CHOICE

EVEN stiff upper lipped Brits can faint at the sight of the gloriously styled Alfa Romeo Brera, which is certainly the most glamorous of this trio to look at. It’s no highly strung exotic, though, with mainstream petrol and diesel powertrains making running costs affordable although relatively mundane underpinnings deliver merely average handling

It would be hard to resist the 55k, 2008 3 2 litre V6 Brera SV Q4 we saw in luscious red for just under your budget But if you’re worried about affordability and running costs, there are 2.2 litre petrol versions available, too.

IN spite of rising used car prices, you can still have plenty of fun with an £8,000 budget, but you’ll need to be looking at potential modern classics.

The Audi TT is an obvious choice, because there are loads around at this price and you can choose the iconic original or the swoopy Mk2 If your idea of a coupé is something styled more like a two door saloon spin off, then the

BMW 1 Series Coupé (actually hatchback derived) is a great option that’s demonstrably more practical than the Audi but still great fun to drive

Our final choice is less engaging from behind the wheel, certainly, but the breathtakingly stylish Alfa Romeo Brera is surely one of the most beautifully drawn coupés of modern times For such a head turning machine, its a decently practical tourer, and is a comparatively rare sight

The

Look

ALFA sold the Brera from 2006 to 2011 and you could get four cylinder petrol and diesel versions, or the muscular 260bhp V6 with two or four-wheel drive.

car shares much of its engineering under the skin with the 159 saloon, so should be fairly robust, and we’d favour the 185bhp 2 2-litre petrol for its greater efficiency and reduced understeer, although

performance isn’t startling However the Brera makes a better grand tourer than outright sports car, and standard fit dual-zone climate control and leather trim means all models have a luxurious feel

out for low headroom, especially if you find a car with the optional panoramic sunroof, and make sure all of the electrics work before you buy

HOW OUR GUIDE WORKS

PERFORMANCE: This is the manufacturer’s claimed acceleration time for a car, and is measured from 0 60mph or 0 62mph (0 100kph), in seconds

ECONOMY/EMISSIONS/RANGE: Combined WLTP economy in miles per gallon, emissions in grams per kilometre of CO2 and maximum claimed range for EVs Figures are achieved in the latest WLTP tests, but will vary according to equipment and are unlikely to be representative of everyday efficiency

INSURANCE: Group rating as quoted by the Association of British Insurers

WARRANTY: Next to each manufacturer’s name is the basic warranty period in months and miles for the mechanicals, corrosion and paintwork EVs and hybrids will have dedicated battery cover

LIST PRICE: This is the on the road figure and includes VAT, delivery to dealer, 12 months’ road tax, number plates and first registration EVs do not include the Plug in Car Grant

WILL IT FIT? Is your garage big enough? Our measurements show the length and width of each model, but remember estate and performance variants may be bigger DRIVER POWER POSITION: Auto Express’s survey canvasses results from tens of thousands of motorists Models are rated by drivers, then ranked against others on sale in the UK The lower the number, the higher the score a model achieved

VEHICLES OVER £40,000

SPORT

Porsche confident for Formula E

● Gen3 Formula E car revealed

● Software tweaks will be key

McIlroy John McIlroy@autoviacouk @johnmcilroy

PORSCHE says it is optimistic that a compressed development programme won’t hinder the progress of its new Gen3 Formula E car, which has been revealed ahead of the first official pre season test and the start of the 2023 campaign in Mexico City on 14 January.

Like all of the new generation of electric racers, the 99X Electric Gen3 features more compact dimensions potentially useful, given the series’ focus on narrow street circuits along with a reduction in weight and significant powertrain upgrades

The overall output has increased from 335bhp to 469bhp, while the addition of a front motor allows up to 600kW of energy recovery; Porsche claims that while around 25 per cent of the energy used by the Gen2 model during a race was recuperated, this will rise to about 40 per cent with Gen3 Porsche’s Formula E boss Florian Modlinger told Auto Express that a condensed development period key common components such as the front motor were not issued to teams until a few months ago means the start of the season will be a learning period with potential gaps in performance and efficiency

“It has been a significant challenge,” Modlinger said “We have now completed over 7,000km, which is good with the cap on manufacturer test days. Everything looks positive so far, but the early focus has been on making the systems reliable So of course, we won’t know where we are in relation to everyone else until the

official pre season testing in Valencia in December. And even then, that doesn’t allow much possibility to react before Mexico City ”

Modlinger said that the mixture of common components and limited scope for physical engineering upgrades means that Porsche’s Formula E programme has a greater focus on software and digital optimisation than a traditional motorsport effort “Up to three quarters of the budget cap that is part of the Formula E series is taken up with just running the cars,” he said. “The rest is for development, and software is a big part of that; we can bring updates in code to every round, and that’s not possible on hardware ”

Porsche will run two 99X Gen3 cars in the 2023 season, for ex F1 racer Pascal Wehrlein and a team newcomer, former Formula E champ António Félix da Costa. Wehrlein says early testing has shown promise.

“At the very beginning it was about getting the car running,” he said, “but very quickly it became just as much about performance. And, of course, efficiency.”

99X GEN3 Smaller dimensions, lower weight and more power bode well for the 2023 season, which kicks off in Mexico City

Modlinger (left) is optimistic his cars will be fast for Félix da Costa (c) and Wehrlein (r)

“The start of the season will be a learning period, with potential gaps in performance”

John

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THE price of a seat in a new, five door family car? This is a simple, yet important question that buyers rarely ask But it’s an increasingly relevant one, particularly in these financially chaotic days.

My instinctive, but not entirely accurate answer is £5,000 or thereabouts per seat. But for many consumers, it’s not as simple or inexpensive as that The painful truth is that certain credible but unglamorous makers have lately started to charge nearer £10,000 for each pew, even in models clearly designed for families inevitably feeling the pinch Meanwhile, the price per seat fitted to larger, proper SUVs can be significantly and unacceptably higher

I’m not talking about money no object vehicles built in low volumes for super rich consumers acquiring prestige products from genuine luxury brands such as Aston Martin, Bentley and Rolls Royce Instead, I’m concentrating on lower league, real world firms who’ve traditionally charged reasonable prices for normal cars built for working parents, their children and the weekly shopping.

With modest, mid sized five seat hatches in mind, think £4,500 per seat in an entry level version of, say, the Kia Ceed Volkswagen Golfs or Vauxhall Astras now exceed £25,000 in bog standard guise, so their seats are just over £5,000 a pop In a basic Nissan Leaf an EV the figure isn’t much higher at £5,800

Rutherford Mike

Volvo and its Chinese owner Geely have got the EX90’s pricing plain wrong and are in danger of losing loyal customers

With higher spec, slightly larger hatchbacks such as Kia’s EV6, seat prices are at least £9,000, a max of around £12,400 Ouch! Sure, it’s a fine electric car But it’s still a mere family hatch from a humble company occupying the same non premium territory as the likes of Volkswagen, Vauxhall and most other mass makers

With its seven seater model for larger families, Dacia unapologetically sells the basic £16,645 Jogger on old fashioned value for money It’s simply unbeatable at just £2,377 per seat. This is a good, not great MPV that’s surprisingly pleasant to drive, ride aboard (preferably not in the squeezed third row) and live with Anyone who says it’s not the greatest family car bargain in the showrooms this year is telling porkies. At the opposite end of the scale, Volvo’s EX90 SUV was launched (see pages 8 11) with an inappropriately high, stupidly ambitious price of £96,255. Gulp! That’s £13,750 for each of its seven seats True, it’s electric and superior, safer, more upmarket and better built than its similarly sized petrol powered Dacia rival, which is cruder, uglier and a bit smaller But honestly, the EX90’s seats at almost £14,000 each are shamed by the Jogger’s The Swedes and their owner Geely have got the EX90’s pricing plain wrong I’ve run large Volvos as family cars for years and still own one, but the company is in danger of losing loyal customers like me if it expects us to pay anything like £13,750 for each seat Ridiculously, that’s more than the entire, all in price for a low spec, but brand new Volkswagen up! a class leading vehicle whose four seats are more like a not unreasonable £3,300 apiece. So it’s warm congrats from me to Volkswagen and Dacia for fair pricing, but a stern rebuke for Kia and Volvo, who sometimes struggle to get their prices right

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@The Rutherford

Motoring’s most outspoken and opinionated columnist sounds off