11 NOVEMBER 2015 £3.80 | AUTOCAR.CO.UK
AAAAA
18-PAGE SPECIAL
New Porsche 911 driven
Ruined by turbos? No – it’s even better
BRITAIN’S BEST
DRIVER’S CAR
This year’s best-handling cars scrap on road and track Can £64k Porsche beat £315k Lambo?
11 November 2015 | BMW 730 730Ld d
Is Ariel’s Nomad really a match for the 488 GTB?
Starring Ferrari, Lotus, Mazda, Merc and more Scoop: radical electric Jag ● £165k Rangie tested ● Used buys that’ll make money
THIS WEEK NEWS Jaguar’s all-electric SUV Due on sale in 2017
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Range Rover Evoque Convertible Soft-top SUV 14 Mercedes GLC F-Cell Hydrogen SUV coming
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Hyundai Genesis Name to become luxury brand 19
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Mazda MX-5 concepts Speedster and Spyder
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VW’s CO2 crisis Claimed figures set too low
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TESTED Porsche 911 Carrera S Outstanding sports car 26 Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupé Fast and focused 31
COVER STORY
Britain’s Best Driver’s Car: 10-car test, including the Lamborghini Aventador SV and Porsche Cayman GT4
Range Rover SDV8 SVAutobiography Opulent 33 BMW 730Ld ROAD TEST
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FEATURES Britain’s Best Driver’s Car Shootout starts here 34 RS3 vs GT S
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MX-5 vs C63 S and Evora 400
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Aventador SV vs Cayman GT4
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911 GT3 RS vs 488 GTB and Nomad
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OUR CARS Ssangyong Tivoli Korean crossover says hello 68
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First drive: new Porsche 911 Carrera S
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Range Rover Evoque Convertible revealed
‘The 7 Series’ designers have conjured a sense of integrity, usability and well-being’ Matt Saunders, p58
P74 James Ruppert Used car expert
A decent Elise S2 with service history will cost from £11,000
P76 Jimi Beckwith Deals expert
P78 Nic Cackett Data expert
BANGERNOMICS BEST BUYS READER’S CAR: MERCEDES-BENZ CLC Peter Jenks is taking the long-term approach with his 59,000-mile, 58-plate Mercedes CLC 180 SE. The logbook showed three previous owners and it has a full main dealer history. “Compared with the new A-Class, it’s a ‘proper’ Mercedes,” he says. “It cost £9750 from a main dealer and I’m funding it on a two-year PCP at £380 per month, with £2370 at the end to buy it out. There was no deposit to a £500 ‘dealer support’ contribution. I’ll keep it at the end of the PCP for at least 10 years, so depreciation will be trivial.”
SEND YOUR BANGERNOMICS TALES TO JAMES
USED BUYING GUIDE
Bargain new and used motors
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Jaguar XE Face to face with the opposition
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EVERY WEEK Matt Prior Does bad driver equal bad person? 23 Steve Cropley Enjoying a Volkswagen e-Up
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Your views A pragmatic view of the VW affair
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Subscription offer Free G3 car care kit
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Rear view mirror The birth of the Jaguar XK
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DEALS James Ruppert A look at the Lotus Elise
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Used buying guide Appreciating assets
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New cars A-Z All the latest models rated
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Road test results Autocar’s data archive
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Classifieds Cars, number plates, services
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68 Ssangyong Tivoli joins the fleet
DEALS
Audi TT Cabin niggles dealt with by a dealer
Twitter: @Bangernomics Email: james@bangernomics.com
CAUGHT MY EYE THIS WEEK: BOTTOM FEEDERS
WHAT one month’s MOT for A trader buys a Ford Mondeo with That’s the way the a tenner. Next stop the scrapyard. these days. bottom end of the car business operates
Please Elise me, let me go
USED CAR DILEMMA: VAUXHALL MONTEREY
The Lotus Elise left a lasting impression on James Ruppert. It will do the same to you, he says
T
he other day it was brought to my attention that it’s the Lotus Elise’s birthday. It’s no longer a teenager, apparently — and neither am I. Twenty years ago, before they went on sale, I drove one back to Lotus headquarters — one of the occasional perks of the job. It left something of an impression, because not only was there no radio, but the driver’s window was also stuck in the down position. In winter. The Elise was pretty much a rebooted Seven and an example of Lotus getting back to its basic driver’s car roots. In used car terms, it has been something of an object lesson in the trajectory of the appreciating modern classic. It bumped around the £6000 mark for a while, 74 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 11 NOVEMBER 2015
and that included some pretty ropey examples. From there, though, the only way was up. So should we be looking more closely at the Elise Series 2? Launched in 2001, the Elise S2, with its distinctive lizard-eye headlights, was a leap forward for Lotus. It still had MG’s 1.8 K-series engine, which many forget was re-engineered by Lotus to make it better (although it’s still worth checking for head gasket issues), and there was also the more potent 111S version. Early cars are referred to by the Loturati as ‘long roofs’ because of their pinned-back, fiddly-to-fit roof, which was replaced by the poppered ‘short roof’ in 2002. You can pay a solid £11,000-plus if there’s a wad of history, while the best cars cost from £12,000.
From 2006, all Elises had Toyota engines
The Toyota-powered 111R version arrived in 2004, but it’s important to remember that the 111S K-series was still around. From 2006, the Elise switched totally to Toyota power. Indeed, 2006 is the watershed date for the Elise, with plenty of changes taking place. Check the VIN, because a ‘6’ before the ‘H’ denotes the ‘06’ model year. This is the date when ProBax seats, LED rear lights and Yokohama ADO7 tyres were fitted,
Buyers could mix and match option packs, so a standard Elise is unlikely to exist. There’s no standard price, either
plus a load of new option packs were made available. These 111Ss are £15,000 all day long. We could get bogged down in option pack OCD here, but suffice to say that, at the very least, buyers like to see a Touring Pack. That means front foglights, luggage nets, full carpets, sound deadening, leather seat centres, door cards and an upgraded Blaupunkt stereo. I must point out that there is also a Touring Plus, a Sport Pack and a Super Sport Pack. Buyers could mix and match between different packs, so a standard Elise is unlikely to exist. As a result, there isn’t a standard price, either. So my advice is to buy the best car you can afford, since any combination of the above will leave a lasting impression.
For a while in the 1990s, you could bag yourself this: an Isuzu with a bit more personality — but only a bit. Still, the Monterey is a tough old thing with a sexy, jazz festival name. It was never an alternative to a Range Rover, though.
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74 Ruppert examines the Lotus Elise
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We drive the awesome new Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupé
Investment cars for less than £10k
11 NOVEMBER 2015 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 7
THIS WEEK
Ariel Nomad could be the David to the 911 GT3 RS’s Goliath
Issue 6176 | Volume 286 | No 6
Established 1895
AUTOCAR.CO.UK THIS WEEK’S TOP FIVE REVIEW
Ferrari F12tdf
Matt Prior’s verdict on the fastest F12 yet
Handling Day 2015: all bets are off FORMALLY, WE REFER to it as Britain’s Best Driver’s Car; informally, we bandy around the name ‘Handling Day’. Whatever you call it, our annual quest to find the most rewarding car on road and track is a high point of our year. At Handling Day, unlike our weekly road tests, scientific measurement of every facet of a car’s performance and physical attributes takes a back seat to assessing the less tangible aspects that set merely good driver’s cars apart from the great ones. This year’s contest was as compelling as ever, with the new Ferrari 488 GTB (standing in for our reigning champion, the 458 Speciale) facing competition from Ariel, Audi, Lamborghini, Lotus, Mazda and two cars each from Mercedes-AMG and Porsche. I was secretly rooting for the Nomad to pull off a giantkilling victory over more expensive cars from manufacturers with impeccable sports car pedigrees. With that kind of inbuilt bias, it’s little wonder that I was confined to the office. And did the boys from Somerset pull it off? The full top 10 ranking, as decided by Messrs Cackett, Frankel, Prior and Saunders, begins on p34.
MATT BURT EDITOR matt.burt@haymarket.com
@Matt_Burt_
NEWS
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GT-R vs superbike
LA show preview
1200bhp Litchfield GT-R What to expect at the year’s last major show vs Kawasaki ZX-10R
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Porsche Macan GTS Hilton Holloway Is this the ultimate onroad SUV? We find out
Looking back at the career of Walter de Silva
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THIS WEEK
News to share? Call 020 8267 5351/5782 email tom.webster@autocar.co.uk
Jaguar plots radical new electric SUV
Dramatically styled battery-powered 4x4 is poised to go on sale in 2017, priced at around £60,000, as Jaguar takes the lead in ushering in a new era of electric vehicles from JLR 10 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 11 NOVEMBER 2015
THIS WEEK H I LTO N H O L L OWAY
Taking a leaf out of Tesla’s book THERE’S NO SHORTAGE of opinion about the state of Tesla. Mostly, it is still the darling of both wealthy early adopters and City analysts. People who have lived through the age of Apple and Google — brands that changed the world for ever — say Tesla embodies the future of the car industry. To
them, it is that most beloved of things: a ‘disruptive’ company that forces an industry to change or die. But there are plenty of people who disagree with Tesla, and they say they have the facts on their side. While Tesla’s sales are leaping — up 49% in the second quarter of this financial year, to nearly 12,000 units — the company is also losing a lot of money. Figures from the US say Tesla lost £120m in the second quarter of this year, or around
20% of overall turnover in the same period. Of course, putting the new Model X crossover into production is expensive. Perhaps once the familyfriendly car is in showrooms, Tesla can reduce its research and development spend, gain scale and realise real profits. One thing that can be said about Tesla, whether it’s prospering in a decade’s time or not, is that it found a brand new automotive niche market. It discovered that the world’s most affluent people, especially if they are on the right side of 60, also happen to be very ‘green’. The idea of whisperquiet, zero-pollution,
high-performance prestige cars is not something Porsche or VW would have contemplated. But this automotive start-up appeared from nowhere, created the market and is selling 50,000 vehicles a year with just one model in the showroom. So it’s intriguing that Jaguar is being deployed rather than Range Rover as the brand to roll out an electric production car. What better way to take a marque that is still heavily anchored in the past and propel it into the future? If you are going to ‘disrupt’ entrenched views about Jaguar, there’s no better way of doing it.
Jaguar’s electric SUV is set to take styling cues from the C-X75
A
n all-electric Jaguar SUV will be revealed next year before going on sale in 2017 — and Autocar has learned that some of the most flamboyant styling touches of the C-X75 hypercar concept will be used on the new model as the firm seeks to ensure that it stands apart from rivals. The car’s mooted launch date puts Jaguar in direct competition with Audi, which is planning to launch the production version of its all-electric Q6 e-tron quattro concept, first revealed at this year’s Frankfurt show, early in 2018. Both vehicles are set to offer a range of around 300 miles and cost about £60,000.
However, the Tesla Model X will beat both to market, going on sale in the UK next year. Beyond the bodystyle, price and target range, few details are known about Jaguar’s first EV. Sources suggest an electric motor will be mounted inboard at each corner, retaining the use of driveshafts, although there remains the possibility of Jaguar making a technology leap with in-wheel motors. Parent firm Tata has previously pioneered the technology, and insiders say the company has made significant progress with overcoming the problem of the additional unsprung weight of in-wheel motors. Jaguar hopes to outpunch all
rivals, however, by giving the car the most distinctive styling of any EV on the market. It is understood that Tata has given the green light for Jaguar to pioneer the group’s all-electric technology and wants the brand’s first such model to deliver a distinctive statement of its intent to lead in electrification. The styling is said to be revolutionary, in the way that the BMW i brand sits separately from the firm’s mainstream models. It is reported that this fact played a key role in the decision to allow the C-X75 to be used in the latest Bond film, Spectre. The car, which was built as a concept for the 2010
Paris show, was powered by four electric motors driven by diesel-fed gas turbines and had an electric range of about 30 miles. It was announced that up to 250 production cars would be made, powered by a downsized turbocharged petrol engine. Although prototypes were made in conjunction with the Williams F1 team, the project was cancelled at
the height of the economic downturn in December 2012. Now, however, the C-X75’s enduring popularity — driven by its appearance in the Bond film — and its original role as a standard bearer for groundbreaking technology are set to be harnessed in the design of the all-electric SUV. As such, a debut at next year’s Paris show, six years after the ◊
Sources suggest that an electric motor will be mounted at each corner 11 NOVEMBER 2015 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 11
The launch of Jaguar’s first EV is a crucial step in the firm’s growth
Jaguar’s new all-electric SUV will share its largely aluminium architecture with the upcoming F-Pace
Interest in the C-X75 hypercar has been reignited since it appeared in the latest Bond film, Spectre
F-Type SVR will show what SVO can do in raw performance terms 12 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 11 NOVEMBER 2015
∆ C-X75 was first shown, is said to be a distinct possibility. It will be revealed as a concept — and our rendering is highly speculative — but the production version’s styling is said to be nearly identical to the upcoming show car, in line with Jaguar design director Ian Callum’s mantra of only showing concepts that are very close to production reality. This decision also explains why Jaguar resisted the urge to use the C-X75’s appearance in Spectre to reignite sales plans for the hypercar. The benefits and profitability of selling even 250 C-X75s at around £750,000 each are said to be marginal beyond boosting brand profile, but the launch of Jaguar’s first all-electric vehicle is a crucial step in the firm’s growth. It is understood the allelectric SUV will sit on the same aluminium architecture
as the XE and F-Pace. The platform was designed with an all-electric powertrain in mind, as well as a variety of hybrid and plug-in hybrid applications. Earlier this year JLR announced it was stepping up development of ultralow-emissions technologies by doubling the size of its engineering and design centre in Whitley, Coventry. The site is expanding from 55 to 110 acres and has been earmarked for advanced powertrain and engineering teams, plus Jaguar’s design and advanced design departments and the firm’s global headquarters. The investment is motivated by increasingly tight global emissions legislation, led by new Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) rules introduced in California and adopted by seven other US states. These laws demand that, between 2018 and 2025, the number of
THIS WEEK new ZEVs sold must rise from 5% of all new cars to 15.4%. With those standards set to be replicated in many global markets, Jaguar and Land Rover must be able to meet targets to avoid penalties. Jaguar also believes it has the ability to seize the initiative over its rivals by launching its first all-electric SUV ahead of or in line with their targets. With global demand for SUVs growing, insiders are said to believe that the timing of their launch and the bodystyle are perfectly positioned. Sources also highlight Jaguar’s global dealer network as a key asset. It has been ramped up this year for the launch of the XE and F-Pace, and officials believe the size of the network gives them an opportunity to leapfrog Tesla’s customer reach. Although Jaguar is leading JLR’s EV charge, Land Rover is expected to follow suit once its models move onto the new common architecture. While Jaguar wants to maintain the sporty performance of its cars even in all-electric spec, Land Rover is said to be willing to trade performance for opulence and refinement. It plans to take advantage of
the near-silent powertrain characteristics to set new standards in cabin ambience, as well as using the instant torque of electric motors to enhance off-road ability. Previously, JLR has applied for patents for technology related to inductive charging, suggesting it could combine the launch with wireless charging. The firm has also applied to trademark the name ‘EV-Type’, although this is no indication of a definitive name. The car is likely to be made at the Magna Steyr factory in Graz, Austria. Jaguar has confirmed that it will be moving some model lines to the facility to free up capacity in the UK. The smaller scale of the Graz facility would be well suited to the electric model. JAGUAR F-TYPE SVR While the new electric SUV will dominate Jaguar’s agenda from autumn next year, the firm will first launch the F-Pace SUV and its performance halo model, the F-Type SVR. Developed by JLR’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division, the F-Type SVR has long been mooted as a showcase of the firm’s
capabilities when it comes to raw performance. It will use some of the modifications developed for the F-Type Project 7 but is set to make that car’s performance look modest, with reports suggesting the fourwheel-drive model will produce upwards of 575bhp from its V8 engine. A price of just over £100,000 has been mooted. The timing of the car’s launch next spring is notable. SVO has already launched a range of products, including the Range Rover Sport SVR, but the division remains in its infancy. Early next year a bespoke HQ will be opened in Oxford Road, Ryton, where the dedicated team of around 150 specialists will operate. The company has identified three areas to exploit: ultimate sporting performance, ultimate luxury and ultimate off-road ability. The F-Type SVR’s launch will signal the start of a period of intensive growth for SVO, not only through the launch of specially developed models but also through ventures such as specialist merchandising around the two brands. MARK TISSHAW
The cars Jag’s new electric SUV must beat
TESLA MODEL X (2016) Tesla has already started deliveries of its Model X SUV in the US. It’s due to go on sale in right-hand-drive form next year, priced at around £65k. It sits on the same platform as the Model S, and early models will share a powertrain with the high-performance P90D version of that car. The Model X’s standout feature is its spectacular gullwing rear doors, designed to make it easier to get in and out of the rear cabin.
AUDI Q6 E-TRON QUATTRO (2018) The Jaguar’s biggest mainstream rival will come from Audi, which has already promised to launch a production version of its e-tron quattro concept by 2018. The electric Q6 should be right in the middle of the Jaguar’s price range, since Audi sources have said their car will cost the same as a well-equipped A6 — or around £60k. Expect a three-motor set-up — one front, two rear — with a total of more than 430bhp, along with a battery range of around 300 miles.
VOLVO ELECTRIC SUV (2019) Volvo is already committed to providing plug-in hybrid versions of its entire line-up, but the Swedish car maker will also launch a fully electric model by 2019. It’s almost certain to be a mid-sized SUV, slotting in below the XC90 but with a price similar to that of the Audi and Jaguar. Volvo’s electric SUV is expected to be based on the same Scalable Platform Architecture as the XC90 and use lithium ion battery tech to provide a range of around 325 miles.
11 NOVEMBER 2015 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 13
Evoque Convertible’s soft-top can open or close in 21 seconds
OFFICIAL PICTURES
Drop-top joins Evoque Range Rover Evoque Convertible will be offered with high spec and AWD only; priced from £47,500
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and Rover has unveiled a convertible version of its biggest-selling Range Rover model, the Evoque, with the new model expected to add 10% to a production volume that currently runs at 130,000 units a year. The Evoque Convertible will go on sale from next spring, with prices starting at £47,500. The new model fulfils a promise made at the 2012 Geneva show, where a convertible concept was first unveiled. “We showed the Geneva concept to test the reaction of buyers and critics,” said design boss Gerry McGovern. “We viewed the model as an obvious progression, although not everyone saw it that way. But the overall reaction of the market has been very good.” The Evoque Convertible will be offered only in higher
Dynamic and Dynamic HSE trim levels, powered by either the new 178bhp 2.0-litre TD4 Ingenium diesel or the 237bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre Si4 petrol engine. As well as extending the model range, the soft-top introduces a new level of connectivity, via a system called InControl Touch Pro. The Evoque Convertible weighs around 270kg more than its fixed-head siblings. This is due to the extra bracing needed to maintain chassis rigidity, plus the mass of the powered fabric hood mechanism (which can open or close in 21 seconds at speeds of up to 30mph) and a pop-up roll bar system that deploys if the car is in danger of inverting itself in an accident. “You can’t just cut the roof off and be done with it,” said McGovern. “It takes a lot of
14 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 11 NOVEMBER 2015
Rear seats promise enough space for two average-sized adults
THIS WEEK JLR plans £200k Bentayga rival Current flagship is the £165,000 SVAutobiography
line-up work to get the car to a good standard of stiffness while maintaining proper package space. There were some design and engineering challenges in that.” McGovern said the car’s proportions are “quite different” from those of most other drop-tops, because most convertibles’ body lines are parallel to the road, whereas the Evoque’s have a strong upward rake to the rear. Evoque programme director Danella Bagnall said the Evoque Convertible has “substantial” reinforcement to the monocoque chassis structure near the base of the A-pillars and C-pillars, plus reinforcement of the doors to compensate for the absence of a doorframe. Bagnall is especially pleased with the “generous” rear passenger space, which,
unlike most sports car-based convertibles, affords proper space for a pair of adults. The car’s high sides protect occupants against top-down buffeting and add a sense of security, she said. All Evoque Convertibles come with four-wheel drive and have a high level of offroad capability, according to Land Rover off-road capability engineer Chris Edwards. “People were nervous about how this model would fare, and you can understand why,” he said. “When the first prototypes came out, we were pretty careful with them. We did some gentle routes at Eastnor Castle, where we test all our prototypes off road, but that didn’t tell us much about how the car could perform. We had to up the ante quite a lot to find the Convertible’s limits.” STEVE CROPLEY
JAGUAR LAND ROVER bosses are actively considering a limited-run, £200,000-plus Range Rover model as part of a concerted effort to drive the brand further upmarket. The new model would put Range Rover in direct competition with the Bentley Bentayga while offering greater exclusivity thanks to production being limited to as few as 1000 units. Speaking at the launch of the new Range Rover SVAutobiography model, Paul Newsome, director of JLR’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division,
said he “could envisage” a flagship Range Rover with a base price of £200,000. “I can see something that would sit above the existing Range Rover,” he said. “It would have to have a unique style and different looks.” Newsome said he was thinking along the lines of a car that would be partially handmade. “You could imagine a car with aluminium panels which would be hand-finished and hand-matched,” he added. “Something potential buyers could watch being made.” It is understood that any flagship Range Rover
would be based on the current model and would use existing V8 and V6 hybrid powertrains. Newsome gave no indication when such a car might appear, or how far the project has progressed. However, insiders have revealed that the average transaction prices of the first wave of orders for the Bentayga are as high as £250,000, showing that the market for an ultraluxury SUV is stronger than anticipated. First drive of the SDV8 SVAutobiography p33
Q &A DANELLA BAGNALL, LAND ROVER EVOQUE PROGRAMMES DIRECTOR Danella Bagnall, director of Land Rover Evoque programmes, has worked on many key Jaguar and Land Rover models over the past 28 years. She explains what it took to make the new convertible and what makes it special. How big a job has this been? “It’s a major engineering challenge to make a convertible out of a car like the Evoque. That’s a very big roof you’re removing, together with a lot of structure. Replacing that in a way that delivers the required strength and torsional stiffness takes a lot of CAE [computer-aided engineering] and a lot of physical testing.” Is the convertible as durable as the coupé? “It wears the Range Rover badge, so it has to
be. We have high standards for our cars’ performance, both on and off road, and every new model has to achieve them. We’re calling this ‘the convertible for all seasons’. To justify a label like that, it has to work well in all conditions.” We know the convertible is heavier than other Evoques. Is it as much fun to drive? “We think the way it performs will be seen as a real surprise and delight feature. You have to drive the car to appreciate just what a special experience it is. It handles and rides really well, but it’s also much more spacious than other convertibles.”
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GLC F-Cell will site its fuel cell stack under the bonnet
THIS WEEK
Confidential RENAULT-NISSAN Alliance boss Carlos Ghosn expects the European market recovery to continue into next year, albeit at a reduced pace. “The near 8% growth this year has caught us by surprise,” he said. “Next year we are predicting a prudent 2% growth, but that is sustainable and still below where we were pre-crash. There is scope for more.”
Fuel cell GLC due in 2017
AROUND 10% OF Skoda’s latest Fabias are being sold with the Colour Concept, which allows buyers to choose a contrasting shade on the roof. The firm expects the recently launched Fabia Monte Carlo to account for a further 10% of the car’s total volumes.
Mercedes confirms it’s readying a hydrogen fuel cell version of its mid-sized SUV
M
ercedes-Benz is on track to launch its first commercially available hydrogen fuel cell model within the next two years. Thomas Weber, Mercedes’ head of research and development, told Autocar the company had finalised the engineering parameters for the new model, which is rumoured to be based around the recently introduced GLC. “We are targeting a combined range for the fuel cell and battery of up to
600km [373 miles], along with a refuelling time for the hydrogen tanks of three minutes,” Weber said. The new model is set to be called the GLC F-Cell. It is scheduled to be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in 2017 and reach showrooms the following year. It’s expected to be offered to customers in selected markets on either a monthly lease or outright purchase programme. The price is expected to be around £50,000.
Competitors for the GLC F-Cell include the recently introduced Toyota Mirai and Honda FCV Clarity. A further hydrogen-propelled rival is expected to come from BMW, which recently confirmed plans to launch its first fuel cell model by 2020. Despite basing earlier fuel cell prototypes on the B-Class, Weber said the continued high cost of the fuel stack makes a hydrogen fuel cell model commercially viable only in higher classes.
He said: “The technology has matured greatly in recent years, with improved packaging and efficiency, but it remains in its infancy and is still quite expensive by conventional driveline standards.” Among the components planned to appear in the new model is a new fuel cell stack. As in the earlier B-Class F-Cell prototype, it is planned to be mounted in the space usually dedicated to the GLC’s combustion engine. GREG KABLE
New battery boosts BMW i3’s range BMW IS SET to extend the range of its electric-powered i3 with the introduction of what sources close to the German car maker describe as an “optimised driveline” that draws on battery efficiency gains developed since its launch in 2013. The i3 will receive a new lithium ion battery with the same 22kWh (18.7kWh usable) capacity as that used today but a higher power density for a longer range. The move is claimed to extend its range to well over 124 miles in real-world use,
“PEOPLE WERE surprised when they saw the architecture,” said Jaguar vehicle line director Kevin Stride about the flexibility of the firm’s new underpinnings. “It can do a small to mid-sized saloon up to an SUV,” he said. “We’ll keep our cards close to our chest [on what models we’ll do], but it’s modular, so we can do other concepts – big, small, or wide. ” THE NEW MERCEDESAMG C63 Coupé has entirely different rear suspension from its saloon counterpart. The advanced new multilink set-up is also likely to be used in modified form for the forthcoming, four-wheeldrive-only E63, which is likely to break cover in 2017.
compared with just under 200 miles now. The i3 will also get an upgraded electronics package that features new software mapping for the battery cooling system and the electric motor. The revised battery pack will be fitted to not only the all-electric i3 but also the i3 Range Extender, which uses a small two-cylinder petrol engine to produce electricity on the run. The new battery will also be available as a retro-fit option for existing i3s.
THE NEW TOYOTA Prius is being offered in a new colour, Thermotect Lime Green, which helps to prevent overheating of the vehicle surface. The colour base includes titanium oxide to reflect infrared rays. In tests, Toyota found it was more effective than white paint.
GOODWOOD TICKETS ON SALE
CX-9 AT LA BUT NOT FOR UK
Tickets to the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed and Revival have gone on sale. The Festival of Speed takes place on 23-26 June and the Revival 9-11 September. The theme of this year’s festival will be revealed in the coming weeks.
The Mazda CX-9 will make its debut at the LA show, but the large SUV is not destined for the UK. The CX-9 will most likely be offered with a single petrol engine and is said to feature styling inspiration from the Koeru concept car.
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THIS WEEK Vision G hints at the new look for Genesis and its coupé model
Genesis to be a luxury brand Hyundai will turn Genesis into a separate luxury brand, like Lexus, with a six-model line-up planned
H
yundai has announced it will split the Genesis name away from the rest of its range to create a new luxury brand. The new Genesis luxury division will have six models on sale by 2020: a crossover, an SUV, a coupé and three saloons, one of which will be a replacement for the Genesis currently on sale in the UK. The saloons comprise a range-topping G90, which is bigger than the current Genesis, a G80 (likely to be the Genesis saloon replacement) and a smaller G70. No names have been announced for the other three models, but a hint at the coupé and the design flavour for the new marque was recently provided by the handsome
Vision G concept, which made its debut at Pebble Beach in August this year. There’s no insight yet on the size and positioning of the crossover and SUV, but they’re likely to be larger models. Luc Donckerwolke has been headhunted from Bentley as design chief for the Genesis division. The range is primarily being developed for sale in Korea, the US and China, “which will get all six models”, said Hyundai Motor UK boss Tony Whitehorn. “But the UK is more difficult because it is full of heritage. The three German brands — Audi, BMW and Mercedes — and Jaguar Land Rover dominate. It’s quite a challenge.” Lexus has had some success as a new-entry luxury brand,
he noted, but mainly in the US. Whitehorn said: “We will wait and see, and carry on with the single Genesis model. If we do right-hand-drive versions, it has to be viable worldwide.” That would mean offering the models in Japan, Australia and India, for instance, to generate sufficient sales volume to make the extra engineering worthwhile. There are no plans for a diesel engine, which is currently essential for Europe. “But if there’s a convergence towards hybrid powertrains, it gets more interesting,” he said. “The profitability is better if they’re only hybrids.” For now, “there are no plans for the UK for the Genesis division. When the next model comes out, we’ll take a view”. RICHARD BREMNER
Ex-Bentley man Luc Donckerwolke will head Genesis design
VW Group design chief de Silva poised to retire
De Silva has been with the VW Group for 17 years and has been in overall charge of design since 2007
VOLKSWAGEN GROUP design boss Walter de Silva is set to retire at the end of the month. The 64-year-old designer will leave after 17 years at the VW Group, a period that has included stints as design chief of Audi, Lamborghini and Seat. He has led the group’s overall design since 2007. A replacement for de Silva, who is also well known from a 12-year stint at Alfa Romeo in the 1980s and 1990s, has not yet been announced. However, de Silva — a close confidant of former VW Group CEO Martin Winterkorn — may
not be replaced full time as VW looks to trim costs in the aftermath of the ‘dieselgate’ emissions scandal. De Silva will retain an advisory role at the VW Group after he leaves. Highlights of de Silva’s career include the Alfa Romeo 156 and 147, the 2002 Seat Ibiza and 2005 Leon, the second-generation Audi TT, the first R8, the Mk7 Volkswagen Golf and the Up city car. Announcing de Silva’s retirement, new VW Group CEO Matthias Müller paid tribute to the design chief’s work.
11 NOVEMBER 2015 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 19
SEMA SHOW
MX-5 turns Speedster, Spyder Retro Mazda MX-5 concepts showcase weight-saving measures; Speedster comes in at just 973kg
M
azda has unveiled two MX-5 concepts at the SEMA show in Las Vegas: the Speedster and the Spyder. Both concepts feature a comprehensive list of “conceptual and aftermarket” parts, in keeping with the theme of the SEMA show. The MX-5 Speedster takes its inspiration from speedsterstyle cars from the 1950s, and the Spyder is a modern reworking of the classic look from the same era. The MX-5 Spyder’s cabin features handmade leather interior trim, and its silver paint, passenger seat cover and rear deck are bespoke. It
sits on 17in alloy wheels and has carbonfibre exterior trim. The Speedster is designed to showcase weight-saving techniques. The biggest change is the absence of a windscreen; a lighter wind deflector features in its place. The concept has also been lowered by 30mm, thanks to new adjustable suspension. The Speedster’s rear deck has roll bars that blend in to buttresses on the bootlid, and it doesn’t have a roof. Mazda has replaced the standard car’s doors and seats with new units made from carbonfibre, as well as fitting custom 16in alloy wheels. The Speedster weighs
973kg — significantly less than the 1057kg of the standard MX-5. The Spyder weighs 1043kg. Each of the concepts is powered by the 2.0-litre engine offered in the standard MX-5. Both cars follow the same lightweight approach as the previous-generation MX-5 Superlight concept, revealed in 2009. However, Mazda emphasises that these cars are “two vastly different takes on the fourth-generation MX-5”. Mazda design manager Ken Saward said: “Both MX-5 Spyder and MX-5 Speedster are uncompromising designs that highlight the core strengths of MX-5.” JIMI BECKWITH
Spyder’s silver paintwork and rear deck are unique to this concept
Optima loses roof as Kia reveals four concepts KIA HAS SHOWCASED a four-door open-top Optima as one of its four concepts at the SEMA show in Las Vegas. The A1A Optima has been inspired by the state of Florida and is named after the 300-mile highway that runs alongside the ocean. It has a sliced top and a shortened windscreen, with steel reinforcements added into the body so as not to compromise structural rigidity too much. The concept’s most striking feature is its rearhinged ‘suicide’ rear doors. A turquoise paint finish and
20in alloy wheels complete the exterior look of the A1A Optima, which is powered by a 245bhp turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The A1A Optima rides lower than the standard Optima saloon on which it is based, thanks to its Ksport-supplied coil-over sports suspension. Inside, there are cream leather seats and plenty of titanium trim. Kia’s SEMA stand also featured the PacWest Adventure Sorento, which is said to be inspired by the forests of the Pacific Northwest. It has
PERFORMANCE PACK FOR GT-R
DODGE CHALLENGER GOES 4WD
Nissan has unveiled a new N Attack performance package for the GT-R super-coupé. Developed at the Nürburgring, the N Attack package offers suspension and bodywork upgrades, a larger rear spoiler and heavily bolstered bucket seats.
Chrysler tuning arm Mopar has unveiled an all-wheel-drive Dodge Challenger. It is based on the GT version and gets a wide body kit, front splitter, rear spoiler and 20in wheeels. Its 5.7-litre Hemi V8 puts out around 440bhp and 450lb ft.
a special camouflage paint scheme and a rugged exterior look, including large all-road tyres and raised suspension. For another new concept, the Photo Safari Sedona, a Sedona MPV has been converted into a pick-up truck. It does away with the standard model’s eight seats and instead has just two, the remaining space being converted into a mobile photo editing studio. Kia’s final new SEMA model was the Forte Koup Mud Bogger, an exclusive off-road version of the Forte Koup, complete with a Dakar look.
11 NOVEMBER 2015 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 21
Volkswagen Group boss Matthias Müller: “This is a painful process”
VW rocked by CO2 revelations Beleaguered firm says CO2 and economy figures of 800,000 petrol and diesel cars were set too low
T
he Volkswagen Group has been plunged into further crisis after admitting that up to 800,000 petrol and diesel-engined cars have had their CO2 and fuel economy ratings wrongly certified. In a statement, VW said: “Under the ongoing review of all processes and workflows in connection with diesel engines, it was established that the CO2 levels and thus the fuel consumption figures for some models were set too low during the CO2 certification process. The majority of the vehicles concerned have diesel engines.” VW pledged to “immediately start a dialogue with the responsible type approval agencies regarding the consequences of these findings”. The statement also described the situation as a “not yet fully explained issue”. A spokesman has confirmed that the latest scandal affects Audi, Seat, Skoda and VW cars with what are described as “small” engines. Reports suggest that cars powered by the 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with cylinder deactivation technology are affected. Further reports
suggest that VW Bluemotion models with three and fourcylinder diesel engines are also affected. The company said it has set aside €2 billion (£1.4bn) to cover the cost of this latest revelation, although it cautioned that it would need to consult officials before fully understanding the legal and economic implications of the discovery. It has not said whether it will compensate owners of affected cars. Following the latest revelations in the emissions scandal, the price of VW shares dropped dramatically, wiping more than €4bn off the value of the company. Preference shares in Volkswagen were also down by more than 8%. Analysts have said the scandal could eventually cost VW up to €35bn, or two-thirds of its current market value. Volkswagen Group CEO Matthias Müller said: “From the very start, I have pushed hard for the relentless and comprehensive clarification of events. We will stop at nothing and nobody. This is a painful process, but it is our only alternative. For us, the only thing that counts is the
22 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 11 NOVEMBER 2015
truth. That is the basis for the fundamental realignment that Volkswagen needs. The board of management of Volkswagen AG deeply regrets this situation and wishes to underscore its determination to systematically continue along the present path of clarification and transparency.” Müller emphasised that the safety of the cars affected is in no way compromised.
Meanwhile, the supervisory board of the VW Group issued a separate statement expressing alarm at the latest discovery. It said: “The supervisory board is deeply concerned by the discovery of irregularities found when determining CO2 levels for the type approval of Volkswagen Group vehicles. The supervisory board and the special committee set up for the purpose of clarification
will meet in the near future to consult on further measures and consequences. The supervisory board will continue to ensure swift and meticulous clarification. The latest findings must be an incentive for the supervisory board and the board of management to do their utmost to resolve irregularities and rebuild trust.” JIM HOLDER
UK sales in first dip since 2012 MONTHLY NEW CAR registrations in the UK dropped for the first time in more than three and a half years last month as market growth levelled off. Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that 177,664 cars were registered in October, compared with 179,714 in October 2014 — a fall of 1.1% and the first drop following a record 43 months’ consecutive growth. The market share for diesel-fuelled cars also fell by 0.5% compared with the
same month in 2014, and has dropped by 1.7% in total for the year to date compared with the corresponding 10 months last year. Registrations of petrol cars rose by 0.2% last month, however, and are up by a full 1% for the year to date. However, there is a mixed picture for the brands within the Volkswagen Group, suggesting that brand confidence hasn’t necessarily been hit by the ongoing scandal. Volkswagen’s market
share compared with October 2014 decreased by 9.84% last month, but rivals Ford and Vauxhall also posted market share losses. Audi enjoyed a mild uplift in market share of 2.24%, but Skoda was down by 3.03% and Seat by 32.23%.
THIS WEEK SPY SHOT
Tester’s Notes
BENTLEY CONTI GT
Matt Prior Does bad driving make you a bad person? Quite possibly, yes
Bentley rolls out Conti GT on MSB A DEVELOPMENT MULE for the next Bentley Continental GT has been spied testing before the finished car arrives in showrooms in early 2017. The new Conti GT marks a big step for Bentley, as it takes the car off a relatively elderly platform and onto an all-new architecture. Called MSB, the new set of chassis components has been developed under the guidance of Porsche and will be used, in a lengthened form, on the next Panamera. That explains the curious test mule in our image: it’s clearly a shortened version of an existing Panamera bodyshell, albeit with altered ride height and a front end designed to test the Bentley’s engine
cooling configuration. MSB development has also included new V6 and V8 turbocharged petrol engines, so the Continental is likely to get a major shake-up in its engine lineup. It’s understood that the British brand will resist the idea of a V6 but that a new turbocharged V8 will replace the existing unit. Porsche is also said to have ‘package protected’ MSB to allow it to use Bentley’s W12 engine, ensuring that rangetopping Continental GTs will continue to use further developments of that powerplant. The switch to MSB also opens up the possibility of a Continental GT hybrid, since that type of powertrain will be offered on the Panamera.
SPY SHOT V O LV O XC 4 0
XC40 here in 2019 AN EARLY TEST mule for the Volvo XC40 small SUV has been spotted. Based on the current V40, the jacked-up engineering mule features larger wheels and extended wheel arches, suggesting it is testing running gear for the smallest member of Volvo’s SUV family, which is due to arrive before 2019. Speaking to Autocar earlier this year, Volvo boss Håkan Samuelsson confirmed that
development of the XC40 would take around four years and that it will be part of a Volvo line-up that, spearheaded by the XC90, will be all new within four and a half years. Plans for the XC40 were unearthed late last year, when Samuelsson said the new small SUV was a top priority for Volvo once it had finished renewing its existing ranges, although the model is not due until after that has happened.
I
have a theory. Regular readers will be unsurprised to learn this, but when you drive 60,000 miles a year and Test Match Special has a limited listening window, theories come easily. And they come about through observing how well – or rather how badly – other people drive. Mostly people drive pretty well, considering how inadequately most people are trained. They follow the right lanes, they give way, they wave to say thank you when you let them out of turnings. But, as you will know, it’s far from a given. Some people drive horribly. My theory is that these people don’t just drive badly, they do everything badly. Those who dawdle, fail to indicate, sit in the middle lane or have no sense of spatial awareness are the same ones who suddenly stop, in the middle of a supermarket aisle or pavement, without regard for those around them. Annoying, but not consciously belligerent.
Most people drive pretty well, considering how inadequately most people are trained Worse are those who try to gain a blatant advantage. Not a subtle “if I discreetly put myself in this lane now then I’ll be better off half a mile down the road” advantage, but an “I know it’s a line of moving traffic filtering past a slower one, but I’ll weave out of this lane, make up a space and pull dangerously back in to make up a few nanoseconds” advantage. I’m convinced they are the same people who push into queues elsewhere, or – my pet hate – appear on flights with hand
Celebrating this is not a valid reason to abuse the English language
matt.prior@autocar.co.uk
baggage that’s clearly too big and heavy to be hand baggage and then expect to find a space for it. In the interests of research and when time allows, I’ll follow a bad driver and note what else they do, then report back. I don’t think this constitutes stalking. But I suppose we’ll see. I should do it while I can, of course, because there will come a time when cars drive themselves, then it’ll be impossible to tell whether people are inconsiderate or not by the way they drive. It’ll be like the time the Ford Escort died and the Focus arrived: you could tell somebody didn’t care much about driving and should be steered around if they drove a late-model Escort (earlier models excepted, naturally), but the Focus was such a good car that it was also bought by people who liked driving and were good at it. All terribly confusing. For now, I think the theory stands. If you should avoid them on the road, you should probably avoid them everywhere. ● Last week we may have quoted Ford’s handling engineer, David Put, as saying he “worked his ass off” to make the forthcoming Focus RS steer from the rear as well as it does. I’d like to apologise for our use of grossly inappropriate language. We shouldn’t have used the word ‘ass’. The correct term, of course, is ‘arse’.
@matty_prior 11 NOVEMBER 2015 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 23
THIS WEEK A Week In Cars
Steve Cropley Squeaky-clean VW e-Up is enjoyable to drive and practical
MONDAY
Feeling curiously detached and rather pious on holiday this week in the Cotswolds, because I’m floating about in an all-electric Volkswagen e-Up, the one VW about which unhappy stuff is unlikely to be abruptly revealed. It’s a terrific car, and ultra-practical now we have the proper Chargemaster arrangement in our garage. However, plans to do a 190-mile round trip in it to London (Bond movie, don’t you know) hit the buffers because I don’t yet have an Ecotricity account, and these are the guys whose ‘electricity pumps’ I’d need to use in the motorway service areas. It has only just dawned on me that the 80% fast charge you can get from one of these gizmos is, at present, delivered free. Ecotricity and its green-asgrass founder, Dale Vince, say it’s their way of giving electric cars a foothold in our market. I’ve applied for a card online, and it’s supposed only to take a couple of days to arrive, so next time we speak I’ll know more.
TUESDAY
Reasons why it’s stupid to go on holiday, No 483: Autocar’s tyre smokers tested the Ford
The dealer said a recent thorough service made the Defender ‘a very sound base for any use’ Mustang V8 this week, and since I’m away, swiping the test car for an hour is out of the question. Still, I know from the report that popped into my phone earlier today that several thousand British hearts are now beating faster in anticipation of slipping behind the latest
And another thing… Reviewing my Tokyo pics, I found this one of a robot Yamaha motorcycle tester, being taught to ride as fast as Rossi to pinpoint — and subsequently simplify — the most difficult areas of riding a motorbike. If it works, they’ll be building tin car testers next.
steve.cropley@autocar.co.uk
pony car’s wheel, following Matt Saunders’ typically wellexpressed comments: “Ford’s inbound American hot rod handles British roads well enough, but leaves tyre marks across your imagination.” Better still, he pronounces the ’Stang “almost good enough to match much more expensive rivals, but the low-speed ride needs work”. Delighted with both conclusions, because I was first to drive this car in America last year, and these were my own thoughts. Knowing that the car works in the UK would put it right at the top of my £34k shopping list – if I had one.
THURSDAY
I’ve seen the Bond movie now. Great car chases, although
Positive UK reviews mean excitement is building over new Mustang I can’t help thinking the Jaguar C-X75 isn’t sufficiently celebrated. Perhaps it was in Aston’s contract. Anyway, to be sure I’m right, we’re seeing it again at the weekend. One vehicle that gives a fine account of itself – again – is the Land Rover Defender, one of the most-researched vehicles in classifieds everywhere. Within an hour of our return from the cinema, I found myself surveying a prime, 30-year-old 90 V8 (restored), now nearly double the original price at £17,500. However, I was much more attracted to a dented but healthy 20-year-old 110 County, powered by the much-praised 300 TDi and with ‘only’ 170,000 miles on the clock, at £6k. Its purveyor, a respected dealer, reckoned a recent thorough service made it “a very sound base for any use”.
Seems only corrosion can kill these amazing vehicles, and even that can now be beaten.
FRIDAY
Can’t help wondering what I’d be thinking if, like thousands of people, I had a VW Group car ‘affected’ in the emissions kerfuffle. The swirling confusion of those in this position is abundantly clear via social media. Latest trends seem to be either to want to shoot the piano player (one of my dafter Twitter followers hopes VW will remember the behaviour of sanctimonious hacks – like me – in order to punish them when it’s over) or to slip into ‘my Golf is fine as it is’ mode. Both are understandable but not right. Funnily enough, the latest revelations about too-optimistic CO2 claims for many VW petrol and diesel engines might help.
@StvCr 11 NOVEMBER 2015 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 25
FIRST DRIVES This week’s new cars
QUICK FACTS PRICE £88,245 ON SALE NOW
Porsche 911 6.11.15, Germany There’s more power, more torque and more controversy as Porsche finally fits not one but two turbochargers to the volume-selling 911 Carrera and Carrera S models
FIRST DRIVE
T
he 2016 Porsche 911 is a big break from tradition. For the first time, the mainstay of Porsche’s line-up adopts a turbocharged engine that endows the volume-selling Carrera and Carrera S with greater reserves than ever before, along with better fuel economy. For 911 aficionados, it symbolises a seismic shift in priorities. The new engine adheres to the horizontally opposed six-cylinder layout, but the new induction process and the associated changes to the cooling system are a significant departure from what has gone before. The new engine has a considerably smaller swept volume than the naturally aspirated one it replaces.
However, the inclusion of two turbochargers, which spool up incredibly quickly, means it delivers greater levels of power and torque than any naturally breathing powerplant used by the 911 Carrera models through the years. In its mildest form, running 0.9bar of boost in the 911 Carrera, the engine delivers 365bhp and 332lb ft; with a larger turbocharger and 1.2bar of boost, it provides the Carrera S driven here with 414bhp – 20bhp more than the naturally aspirated unit. With 369lb ft, it also has 45lb ft more than the old engine, and it’s developed 3900rpm earlier, at just 1700rpm. The new 911 Carrera S receives a series of subtle exterior styling ◊
A pair of turbos spools up extremely quickly to give a very linear spread of power
∆ changes, including a reprofiled front bumper with air ducts that close above 10mph and then open again at 106mph. The shape of the headlights remains the same, but revised lenses and xenon projectors give a more distinctive graphic. Further back, the door mirrors adopt an LED indicator function, the door handles and rear spoiler feature new designs and the rear bumper gets cooling ducts to extract hot air from the engine bay. Inside, a new Communication Management system features a 7.0in touchscreen with Google Earth and Google Street View-supported navigation, WLAN connectivity and Apple CarPlay compatibility. There’s also the choice between a standard 375mm-diameter and an optional 360mm-diameter steering wheel. It’s hard to believe Porsche could have made the 911 Carrera S any more exciting to drive, but it has. Okay, the new engine lacks the induction hum and hard mechanical edge that made the old unit so invigorating, but the turbocharged mill more than makes up for that with the sheer 28 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 11 NOVEMBER 2015
ease of driveability and accessibility of its performance. At start-up, the initial timbre of the exhaust note is uncannily similar to that of the old powerplant. But nudge the throttle and the turbocharged unit isn’t quite as rabid in its action as we’d become accustomed to with the naturally breathing engine. At low speeds in town, it requires fewer revs to pull taller gears. The new-found flexibility is one of the defining divergences between old and new, endowing the 911 Carrera S with a far more relaxed gait. And with the torque arriving so much earlier, there’s no pressing need to keep the engine stoked in the lower ratios to ensure solid acceleration. That’s not to say any of the enjoyment has been taken away; the impressive response of the engine and the way it propels you up the road on a wide-open throttle make every interaction memorable. A good deal of the engagement comes through the extraordinarily linear power delivery, something that shows up particularly when you call up a tall gear and rely
on the prodigious torque to haul you briskly along. The Carrera S also benefits from changes made to its optional PDK dual-clutch automatic gearbox. With a new dual-mass flywheel to help dampen vibration, revised ratios and new software, it shifts with greater urgency and smoothness, both in automatic and manual modes. The most significant development,
A good deal of the engagement comes through the extraordinarily linear power delivery
The Carrera S now comes with Porsche Active Supension Management as standard
FIRST DRIVE
New Communication Management multimedia system features Google Street View-supported sat-nav; steering wheel is available in two sizes
The 911 retains its trademark 2+2 cabin layout and token practicalities, while the addition of turbos brings a new-found flexibility to the drive though, is the change in direction of the gear selection via the lever. As with the unit used by the 911 GT3, you now pull back to select a higher gear and push forward to change down. Alternatively, you can shift via the steering wheel-mounted paddles. The improvement in shift quality is most apparent on part-throttle loads at lower speeds, but there’s also a perceptible improvement in the
The braking performance is excellent
overall speed of the shifts performed under full load at higher revs. Although the new Carrera S weighs 45kg more than the old model, at 1460kg with the optional PDK ’box, Porsche claims the car is 0.2sec faster than its predecessor from 0-62mph, with a time of just 3.9sec. Top speed is also extended by 2mph, to a new maximum of 190mph. The lift in performance is accompanied by a significant improvement in economy. Porsche claims combined consumption of 36.7mpg for the Carrera S with the PDK gearbox – a 4.2mpg boost – while CO2 emissions have fallen from an earlier 205g/km to just 174g/km. In a move that extends the 911 Carrera’s dynamic envelope, the S model now receives Porsche Active Suspension Management as standard. The car also sits 10mm lower than its predecessor, while optional sports suspension, as fitted to our test car, provides an additional 10mm lowering of ride height. The steering is superb, delivering added feel and engaging weighting.
The car is also better tied down than before, with flatter and more progressive body movements, while braking performance is tremendous. We’ll need more seat time to fully understand the new set-up, but the Carrera S is now also compliant enough to allow it to deal with most surfaces without ever feeling uncompromising. It’s still resolutely firm, but it now rides with greater aplomb, both at lower speeds in town and at speed out on the open road. Throughout its illustrious history, the 911 has adopted various changes that have made it better and more exhilarating to drive. The purists will be up in arms at the prospect of a turbocharged engine, but as with all the other changes made down through the years, it is progress, and that’s what we have with the Carrera S. This new model has taken a big step forward. It is now more rounded than ever, more powerful and more economical. Importantly, though, it is still as invigorating as ever to drive. And that is what really counts. GREG KABLE
PORSCHE 911 CARRERA S PDK As great to drive as ever and mostly enhanced, not hampered, by turbos. An outstanding sports car
AAAAA Price Engine
£88,245 6 cyls horizontally opposed, 2981cc, twin-turbo, petrol Power 414bhp at 6500rpm Torque 369lb ft at 1700rpm Kerb weight 1460kg Gearbox 7-spd dual-clutch automatic 0-62mph 3.9sec Top speed 190mph Economy 36.7mpg (combined) CO2/tax band 174g/km, 29%
11 NOVEMBER 2015 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 29
FIRST DRIVE QUICK FACTS PRICE £68,070 ON SALE NOW
Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupé 6.11.15, Spain Range-topping two-door shows what it can do with 503bhp and 516lb ft
T
he new Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupé represents a big challenge to the likes of the BMW M4, Audi RS5 and Lexus RC F. Following on from the recently introduced C63 saloon and estate, it eschews its predecessor’s naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 for a smaller and more efficient twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8. In standard C63 Coupé guise, its engine produces 469bhp and 479lb ft. For the headlining C63 S model driven here, though, the 90deg V8 receives additional boost pressure and other detail changes to generate 503bhp and 516lb ft. The reserves are fed through a seven-speed Speedshift MCT automatic gearbox, which operates in combination with a mechanical locking differential in the C63 or an even faster-reacting electronic locking diff in the C63 S. The styling of the new C63 Coupé is significantly differentiated from that of other C-Class coupés, with only the frameless doors, roof and bootlid shared between the two. A wider body houses a largely bespoke chassis featuring tracks that are
73mm wider at the front (now 1636mm) and 46mm wider at the rear (1592mm). Overall, the new car is 45mm longer, 107mm wider and 12mm taller than before. Crucially, it also rides on a wheelbase extended by 75mm over that of its predecessor, endowing it with added cabin space. The C63 S Coupé is a different proposition from its predecessor, with the big-bore brawn of the old V8 replaced by a more frenetic fervour. Mercedes says the S will cover 0-62mph in just 3.9sec, but with a big lift in torque, the new engine brings added flexibility and performance, endowing it with both greater speed out of the blocks and a more relaxed demeanour when cruising. The delivery is extraordinarily linear for a forced-induction engine, and it has a wonderfully hardcore exhaust note. Although the engine dominates, the gearbox now provides more support than ever before. In Comfort mode there’s added smoothness and a crisper action on part load when used as an auto. In Sport Plus the upshifts are wonderfully determined,
and there’s added subtlety to the shifts when you’re hauling big revs. The biggest difference, though, is the ability of the gearbox to provide more accommodating downshifts than before. It’ll now drop up to four ratios to within 1000rpm of the redline and this, along with the new dynamic engine mounts, makes the C63 Coupé more stable on entry to corners as you drop down the gears. There’s a lot to like about the dynamic characteristics, although its ultimate ability is determined by the driving mode. In Sport Plus the steering is weighty, feelsome, direct and consistent, allowing you to place the car with real conviction. Pushed hard, the C63 S Coupé is alluringly fluid, with superb balance and lots of grip. It is also extremely trustworthy and sufficiently alert to instantly communicate any breach of adhesion. Leave the stability control in its normal setting and you’re treated to a touch of understeer when grip is finally exhausted, but switch the electronic safety net off and you can enliven the tail with confidence.
Although the C63 is more controllable than ever, it’s also a good deal firmer. In Comfort, there’s sufficient compliance to soak up broken surfaces, but the ride becomes harsh in Sport Plus. It’s fine on a circuit, but the rawness can become an issue on undulating back roads. The C63 Coupé is now more exciting to drive than ever before – at least in range-topping S guise – with perceptible progress in just about every area of its dynamic ability. It also has a broader dynamic repertoire than before, making it both more amenable in town and more enjoyable on the open road. Added to this is improved accommodation and a level of perceived cabin quality to shame some rivals. If you cherish your driving, the C63 Coupé should definitely be on your shortlist.
GREG KABLE
MERCEDES-AMG C63 S COUPE Exciting, engaging and extremely fast; focused when you want it to be but with a broad dynamic ability
AAAAC
Perceived quality in the more spacious cabin is extremely high; acceleration is rapid and linear and the exhaust note is hardcore
Price Engine Power Torque Kerb weight Gearbox 0-62mph Top speed Economy CO2/tax band
£68,070 V8, 3982cc, twin-turbo, petrol 503bhp at 5500-6250rpm 516lb ft at 1750-5500rpm 1800kg 7-spd automatic 3.9sec 155mph (limited) 32.8mpg (combined) 200g/km, 35%
11 NOVEMBER 2015 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 31
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Range Rover SDV8 SVAutobiography 3.11.15, Surrey JLR’s Special Vehicle Operations division gets to work on the range-topping 4x4
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and Rover’s determination to push the Range Rover further upmarket has culminated in this new flagship model, the SVAutobiography. With an estimated production run of just 1000 units in the next year – 120 for the UK – and a list price of £165,000, the SVAutobiography is the most expensive, most luxurious version of the firm’s iconic luxury 4x4 so far. “Exclusively handcrafted” at Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) technical centre near Coventry, the SVAutobiography is available in either standard or long-wheelbase forms, the latter with a choice of three engines: an SDV6 Hybrid diesel, an SDV8 diesel and the 543bhp supercharged 5.0-litre petrol V8 from the Range Rover Sport SVR. The most obvious change compared with a standard Range Rover is the SVA’s dual rear seats and substantial centre console. The console stores a pair of fold-out aluminium tray tables and has a refrigerated locker that can take two tall glasses and a small bottle.
The specification list is long. The rear seats are electrically adjustable and heated, offer a massage function and, in the long-wheelbase version, get extendable calf supports. There’s also rear seat entertainment in the form of a pair of 10.0in screens and headphones. The main sound system is a 1700W Meridian Signature Reference unit, with speakers even embedded in the front seatbacks. A huge panoramic sunroof is standard, as are powered rear window blinds and a wood finish for the slide-out boot floor. Much of the switchgear is made from knurledfinish aluminium, while the exterior features a graphite finish on the grille and other trim parts. There’s no doubt that the longwhelebase model is the better of the two versions for being driven in, and not only because of the extra rear room and more sumptuous seats. The standard SVA is noticeably less cosseting in the back. The rear wheels crash more over sharp-edged bumps and there’s more background noise and vibration from the road
surface. The LWB model is much better, although it still suffers from occasional thumping intrusions. In truth, the Range Rover will never be as isolating for rear occupants as, say, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Body rigidity is an issue, because the British car is a hatchback and has a huge glazed roof. The only other possible criticism from the rear seats would be around the quality of some of the storage covers in the centre console, which are remarkably plasticky, when much of the rest of the rear compartment is exemplary in its construction. The larger rear TV screens might also be an issue, as they now block out part of the view forward through the windscreen for rear-seat passengers. Aside from making the rear feel more enclosed, it could also make some rear passengers feel car sick. Although the combination of the LWB body and supercharged V8 petrol engine might be the ultimate SVA specification, the 334bhp, 546lb ft SDV8 is actually better to drive. The diesel V8’s elastic torque
characteristics suit the Range Rover, especially during brisk A and B-road driving, and deliver on the effortlessness promised by the near-peerless driving position. The supercharged V8 certainly has the performance but is noticeably peakier in its responses, and the engine’s growl under acceleration seems out of place. Strictly speaking, the rear of an S-Class is more comfortable and refined, but the Benz can’t challenge the sense of light and space from the Range Rover’s elevated seats. The Range Rover also has exceptional offroad abilities – another reason why this luxury car makes a unique case for itself. It may not make financial sense on paper, but that misses the point of the SVAutobiography. HILTON HOLLOWAY
RANGE ROVER SDV8 SVAUTOBIOGRAPHY LWB Flagship SUV piles on the luxury and makes most sense in LWB form, but an S-Class cossets more
AAAAC
Wood and leather abound in the bright and airy handcrafted cabin; long-wheelbase version is better at absorbing sharper bumps
Price Engine Power Torque Gearbox Kerb weight 0-62mph Top speed Economy CO2/tax band
£165,000 V8, 4367cc, diesel 334bhp at 4000rpm 546lb ft at 1750rpm 8-spd automatic 2539kg 6.6sec 135mph 33.6mpg (combined) 219g/km, 37%
11 NOVEMBER 2015 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 33
WITH THANKS TO MOTORSPORT VISION
Britain’s Best Driver’s Car
BRITAIN’S BEST DRIVER’S CAR You’re looking at 10 of the best driver’s cars to appear in 2015 — but only one is the very best. Our 18-page annual shootout reveals which PHOTOGRAPHY STAN PAPIOR AND LUC LACEY
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Britain’s Best Driver’s Car
Nelson
Montreal Bentley Straight
Bomb Hole
Brundle
William Agostini
Hamilton Oggies
Murrays
Senna Straight
Riches
Coram
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ere we are again: it’s ‘Handling Day’ time – or our grand annual Britain’s Best Driver’s Car shootout, to give the occasion the build-up it unquestionably deserves. The protagonists change, but the format stays the same and has done for more than two decades. A field of the very best new sports cars, supercars, super-saloons, hot hatchbacks and lightweights of the year face off against last year’s winner to decide which is the best driver’s car on British roads in 2015. As ever, money is no object – and value for money is no advantage. Neither is practicality, usability or dealer availability. Brand power, material lavishness and kerbside kudos get you nowhere, and bald grip and performance are only worth their weight on the senses. This year, we are awarding no credit for outright lap time; it’s all about subjective dynamic appeal. Four judges, having driven the cars extensively on the track and surrounding roads of Snetterton circuit in Norfolk, will place the entrants into the order in which they appeal most as driver’s cars. And this year, as a twist on the usual plot, the top three will go into a final on-road test to fight it out for the outright win on the epic roads of the Yorkshire Dales. We have 10 runners overall, the Ferrari 488 GTB representing our 2014 champion, the 458 Speciale, as its indirect successor. Elsewhere in the field, you could probably pick four or five likely winners, assuming the test conditions were geared to flatter them. It’s with regret that the McLaren 675LT and the Aston Martin Vantage GT12 aren’t along for the party. Both manufacturers declined the invitation. But otherwise, roll up. Where would your bet go – and, more important, on what should you spend the winnings?
SNETTERTON CIRCUIT Montreal William
Oggies
S eentley Straight BBen Bentley Bentle Bent Hamilton N n Nelson Ne
Riches
Agostini Brundle
Senna Straight
BBomb Hole Murrays
m am Coram Cor Coram
THE CARS Ariel Nomad, Audi RS3, Ferrari 488 GTB, Lamborghini Aventador SV, Lotus Evora 400, Mazda MX-5, Mercedes-AMG C63 S, Mercedes-AMG GT S, Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Porsche Cayman GT4
THE JUDGES ANDREW FRANKEL Senior contributing writer There have been 26 annual Handling Day tests in Autocar history and this man has been at every single one of them. Experience and measured approach are second to none. Crash-related anecdotes also first class.
MATT PRIOR Head of video, features Autocar’s road test supremo turned columnist, video and drive story doyen has to pronounce on another new priceless supercar most weeks of the year. Usually in exotic surroundings, where he’s plied with better snacks than those on offer here.
MATT SAUNDERS Chief tester Took a break from his usual performance figuring and handling testing… for more of the same. Took advice from locals on this year’s road route, which bisected one of the British army’s live firing training areas. Promptly took no offence.
NIC CACKETT Deputy reviews editor Handling Day’s main purveyor of hairy cornering shots, ornate metaphors and cheery one-liners. Succeeded spectacularly in arranging lunch — and squeezing his rhinocerean neck through the welded metalwork of an Ariel Nomad.
11 NOVEMBER 2015 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 37
MERCEDES-AMG GT S Price 0-62mph Top speed Kerb weight Engine Power Torque Gearbox
£110,500 3.8sec 193mph 1645kg V8, 3982cc, twin-turbo, petrol 503bhp at 6000-6500rpm 479lb ft at 1750-5000rpm 7-spd dual-clutch auto
BRINGINGUPTHERE Audi RS3 vs Mercedes-AMG GT S
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damp circuit would have been exactly what Audi might have ordered for the start of our track judging process at Snetterton. Intermittent rain kept the surface from drying out for much of the morning, making grip levels inconsistent and confidence at the wheel hard to come by. Predictable four-wheel-drivers like the Audi RS3 should have been at a natural advantage, while life was made more difficult for highly strung, rearwheel-drive super-coupés such as the Mercedes-AMG GT S. That both cars tied for last place may be harder on the Audi than the Mercedes, therefore. Ultimately, neither car impressed the judges much. In previous years, we’ve seen cars end up at the tail end of the rankings, narrowly shaded by a field of superb driver’s cars and highly undeserving of the ignominy that, no matter how we try to wrap it, is
38 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 11 NOVEMBER 2015
inevitably associated. Not this year, though, when the gulf between the bottom two cars and any of their superiors was plain. In the case of the RS3, it was plainer on the track than on the tight, punishing B-roads of rural Norfolk. The Audi’s surefootedness won it some praise on the road. Almost idiotproof point-and-shoot handling may limit the amount of fun you can have in less restrictive circumstances, but it’s less of an imposition when you’re skirting around hedges, dodging potholes and sizing up the awkwardlooking cambers of a shaded country lane, generally at a good arm’s length from the limit of grip. Here, the allenveloping composure and stability of the RS3’s four-wheel drive chassis don’t seem so misplaced, particularly when they make it easier to enjoy a wonderful five-cylinder engine. If powertrains could win prizes here, the RS3’s might have. It sounds rich and characterful, hits hard, spins
RS3 was surefooted but short on control; GT S felt hyperactive
Britain’s Best Driver’s Car
AUDI RS3 SPORTBACK Price 0-62mph Top speed Kerb weight Engine Power Torque Gearbox
£40,795 4.3sec 155mph (limited) 1520kg 5 cyls, 2480cc, turbo, petrol 362bhp at 5550rpm 343lb ft at 1625rpm 7-spd dual-clutch auto
REAR
willingly and works well at both dawdling and dicing pace. And its breadth of talent is in no small part down to Audi’s S tronic paddle-shift gearbox, which changes superbly quickly in manual mode and with intuitive good sense in automatic. Powertrains like that make you carry big speeds without thinking about it, though – and the Audi’s sets a pace that its steering and suspension struggle to cope with. Although it is not entirely without feedback, the RS3’s steering is light and reticent and it gets lighter, if anything, as your effort levels increase. The suspension, which is good at keeping the car flat during hard cornering, doesn’t have the wheel travel or damping authority to soak up bigger crests and compressions attacked with much speed. Over the yumps of our test route, one tester remarked that the suspension “felt like so much cotton wool rather than metal, rubber and oil”. It’s cushioning, sure, but not sufficiently controlling. In both the wet and the dry, the
Audi’s on-track handling was defined by understeer – “50 shades of it,” according to another judge, who went on to say that “while the front wheels are easy to manage at corner exit, it’s much harder to get them into the corner in the first place”. Not so those of the GT S, though. If there’s a lesson for sports car makers to take away from this year’s alsorans, it’s simply that moderation and pragmatism are vital commodities – even in a £150k muscle coupé. The GT S’s ride/handling balance was easily the least realistic of the whole field, which, next to a supercharged lightweight track car and a £300k V12 Lamborghini, may surprise you. The beginning of the end of the GT S’s chances was played out on the road, where it handled well enough when the surface was smooth but never really inspired the connected, confident feel you’re looking for in a 500bhp front-engined rear-driver. Things promptly go from bad to worse in the car as the road narrows and the surface deteriorates, when
the super-firm ride springing and hyperactive steering make the GT S dart nervously left and right from bump to bump, deflecting and skittering its way onwards and staunchly refusing to yield to anything that passes under its wheels. “Doesn’t feel like it has ever seen a B-road in its life,” recorded one tester, “and wasn’t that thrilled about being introduced to one.” Darting, uncompromising agility served the GT S slightly better on the circuit, where another judge enjoyed the ever-present challenge set by the car’s razor-sharp front end: “Be smooth, be precise, or be prepared for the consequences.” But the majority found the car too nervy at the front axle and too wobbly at the rear to ultimately have much trust in it. Trustworthiness matters in a great driver’s car, as does roundedness. And failing spectacularly to produce either means falling at the first hurdle. Two down, then – and much closer competition to come.
MATT SAUNDERS
11 NOVEMBER 2015 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 39
MAZDA MX-5 2.0 SPORT Price 0-62mph Top speed Kerb weight Engine Power Torque Gearbox
£22,695 7.3sec 133mph 1122kg 4 cyls, 1998cc, petrol 158bhp at 6000rpm 148lb ft at 4600rpm 6-spd manual
Britain’s Best Driver’s Car
THE MIDDLE ORDER Lotus Evora 400 vs Mazda MX-5 2.0 Sport vs Mercedes-AMG C63 S saloon
LOTUS EVORA 400 Price 0-62mph Top speed Kerb weight Engine Power Torque Gearbox
£72,000 4.2sec 186mph 1415kg V6, 3456cc, supercharged, petrol 395bhp at 7000rpm 302lb ft at 3500rpm 6-spd manual
MERCEDES-AMG C63 S SALOON Price 0-62mph Top speed Kerb weight Engine Power Torque Gearbox
T
£66,810 4.0sec 155mph (limited) 1730kg V8, 3982cc, twin-turbo, petrol 503bhp at 5500-6250rpm 516lb ft at 1750-4500rpm 7-spd automatic
wo sports cars and a saloon, engines ahead and behind, cylinder counts from four past six to eight, induction by turbocharger, supercharger and good old atmospheric pressure and fair to not so middling positioning for them all. If it’s consensus about how to make a great driver’s car you’re after, you’ve banged on the wrong door. Even the order is counter-intuitive. Of the three, the car that performed best relative to expectations actually ended up doing worst. But such are the hazards of comparing cars that, in any other circumstances, would be incomparable.
So we’ll start with that car and the discovery that, if you read through the judges’ notes, only one of the four of us wrote anything negative about the Mercedes-AMG C63 S at all. On the road and relative to the stellar standards of this one-timeonly competition, it can perhaps be best described as good enough. A socking 1730kg kerb weight plus the requirement to deliver 516lb ft of torque to wet East Anglian roads via two overworked rear tyres gave the C-Class a task harder than most, but mostly it was up to it. The key was to delve into the Individual menu and summon the sharpest possible response
maps for the engine and gearbox but leave the damping as soft and squidgy as possible. Then, with more rearward weight transference on acceleration, the Benz found at least enough traction for its phenomenal firepower not to go entirely to waste. This way, the car also rode the bumps and yumps on the road
We liked the Evora’s grip and traction
with equanimity, save the occasional stumble from the seven-speed ’box. Even so, you might expect it to go one step further and fall flat on its face on the track, but it doesn’t. Indeed, when Snetterton was at its wettest first thing, the way it cut through the water rather than skated across it made it one of the quickest and easiest cars out there. “It has the poise to seem playful rather than terrifying,” said Nic Cackett, and Matt Prior noted its “fine engine and decent handling balance”. I thought it shone in the wet but was progressively overhauled by the others as the track dried out, but Matt Saunders found it ◊
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Britain’s Best Driver’s Car
∆ “more unfriendly than I’d expected” in difficult conditions. In the end, though, consensus was achieved, with all four judges placing it eighth, the only car in the group to be given the same score by us all. Why so low? Ultimately, what it did well, it did well by the standards of a heavy saloon. Were this a contest of similarly high and hefty family cars, doubtless it would sit at or near the top, but against opposition lighter in most cases to the tune of several hundred kilograms, it’s about the best that could be expected. Which is about the last thing that can be said of the performance of the Evora 400. Given that Lotus changed two-thirds of the Evora’s components to make, as the saying goes, the car it should have been from the start, we’d wager sixth equal with a Mazda costing a third of the money is not news that Lotus will want to hear. Then again, trying to grasp where the Evora fell short is like trying to juggle water: the evidence you need just slips through your fingers. The trite explanation is that the standard has never been higher, and although the Evora has taken a big step forward, those that beat it here have strapped on the seven-league boots and taken a giant leap. And there is much truth in that. But for the full picture, we need to take a closer look. Our comments are peppered with positives. It’s “practically stress-free”, according to Cackett, “fairly playful” in Prior’s book and “a good Lotus” in my notes. What you’ll find harder to find is rafter-raising praise of the kind we’ve heaped upon numerous Lotuses at this event in years gone by. We liked this car, we admired this car, but the truth is we didn’t love ◊
Evora now finally has the muscle to challenge its chassis
11 NOVEMBER 2015 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 43
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Britain’s Best Driver’s Car
ALL THE EVORA HAS GAINED IN PURE PACE HAS BEEN ACHIEVED AT THE PRICE OF A LITTLE ‘LOTUSNESS’
Saunders noted that the MX-5 was “a whole heap of fun”
Neither MX-5 nor C63 S needs much coercion to oversteer, especially on a damp track
∆ it. Saunders spoke for us all when he said: “I desperately wanted to rank it higher.” In the event, no one rated it better than sixth. It seems that all the Evora has gained in pure pace (thanks to its extra power, firmer suspension and, gasp, a standard limited-slip differential) has been achieved at the price of a little ‘Lotusness’. Its ride is now merely good rather than befuddling. Its steering is as sharp as a razor, but no longer a scalpel. And still it doesn’t change gear as we’d like. We welcome the noise, the traction, the grip and the fact that the Evora finally has the get up and go to challenge its chassis, but against the Porsches, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Ariel that beat it, that was enough to bring it close to the top half of the field, but not close enough. If we were awarding a moral victory in the competition, the MX-5 would win it. It came to Norfolk clutching its £30k Best Driver’s Car crown and proceeded to hit a lot of very pricey opposition over the head with it. Primarily, we liked the little Mazda for two reasons: its honesty and its accessibility. Honest insofar as when you look at the car and imagine how you’d like it to drive, that’s what you get when you drive it. Accessible because you don’t have to go in search of the handling limit with your heart in your mouth. Spend any time at all on a track, and particularly a damp one like ours, and it will find you. And when it does, it will let you play there in safety for as long as you like. Cackett expressed this very sentiment, saying that it “turns the
track into a Sunday drive”, and Prior appreciated the fact that it “doesn’t take itself too seriously”. Saunders had some reservations about the Sport chassis option fitted to the test car but still considered it a “whole heap of fun”. As for me, I concluded that therein lay “a proper sports car, not some lookalike for old dears”. On the road, it was rarely less than incredible, given its somewhat modest specification. Using its compact dimensions, phenomenal balance and progressive handling, it let drivers have far more fun than in most of the others, whose width, power and weight counted against them in such tricky conditions. It suffered a little on the track, despite its fine engine and world-class gearbox. On and over the limit, it could be caught out by sudden surface changes in a way that some of its more sophisticated rivals were not, but for a car such as this even to get among competition as serious as that arranged here is a real achievement and one of which its engineers should feel rightly proud. Ultimately, then, it’s all about expectation. And we’d expect Mercedes to be as delighted that the C63 S came eighth as it will be aghast to discover the GT S came equal last, undone as it was by the very conditions in which its saloon stablemate did so well. By contrast, it should be trebles all round at Mazda for the sixth-place performance of by far the most affordable car in the contest. And Lotus? Well, a tie with an MX-5 in a contest held in its own back yard is probably a result that it had neither hoped for nor expected. Only when you see the calibre of the cars that beat it do you realise that, even for a purpose-built sports car, to come mid-field among opposition like this is no disgrace at all. ANDREW FRANKEL
11 NOVEMBER 2015 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 45
CLOSE, BUT NO Lamborghini Aventador SV vs Porsche Cayman GT4
Britain’s Best Driver’s Car
CIGAR
PORSCHE CAYMAN GT4 Price 0-62mph Top speed Kerb weight Engine
LAMBORGHINI AVENTADOR SV
Price 0-62mph Top speed Kerb weight Engine Power Torque Gearbox
£315,078 2.8sec 218mph 1525kg V12, 6498cc, petrol 740bhp at 8400rpm 509lb ft at 5500rpm 7-spd semi-automatic
Power Torque Gearbox
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e’ve only got ourselves to blame here. The decision to whisk away the top three contenders and have them face off on the road meant that almost certainly some very senior stuff would be left behind in the paddock at Snetterton – and so it proved. Even so, the exact identity of the nearly-but-not-quite brigade came as something of a surprise. For a start, in fifth, it included the Lamborghini Aventador SV, a car universally praised for its appearance and prodigious V12 engine, and just as widely pooh-poohed for the pig-headedness of its handling.
Its lofty appearance in almost everyone’s running order (rising to second at one point) is testament to the remarkable transformation bestowed upon it by the SV overhaul. Nevertheless, it was the final fourth-place ranking of the Porsche Cayman GT4 – a five-star road test
Aventador SV felt easy at high speeds
£64,451 4.4sec 183mph 1415kg 6 cyls, 3800cc, petrol 380bhp at 7400rpm 310lb ft at 4750rpm 6-spd manual
subject, no less – that had us all reaching for the nearest calculator app. Surely, this, the finest example of Porsche’s peerless mid-engined middleweight, wouldn’t be the last car cut adrift before the medals were handed out? Alas, a steward’s enquiry confirmed it: 13 points to the Porsche 911 GT3 RS’s 11, its hopes ultimately dashed on the remarkable, myriad qualities of those above it. There is, it must be pointed out before we delve deeper, some method to this madness, but I think it only proper to dwell for a moment on just how inordinately good the GT4 makes £65k feel. After all, ◊
Britain’s Best Driver’s Car
HOW THE JUDGES RANKED THE CONTENDERS AT SNETTERTON RANK CAR 1=
Cayman GT4 didn’t show its best colours at a wet Snetterton
∆ two of the cars it lost out to cost at least twice as much and the Lamborghini below it was an even greater multiple of its price. On the road route, on day one, the Cayman was exceptional. “Consistently excellent,” Saunders called it. Or to put it another, aptly longer way: “That I keep driving it, past the usual turnaround and just onwards for a few miles more, is not because I want to learn anything more about it but because I want to enjoy it for a few more yards, a few more minutes, until all time runs out.” Well said, Prior, and firmly seconded. By virtue of everything you can hold, touch, shift and toe, the GT4 is a marvellous thing to pedal. “The best EPAS yet,” Frankel declared. Also, I’d say, the best manual gearbox, the best seats and, save for the distance between the pedals, the most satisfying driving position – one overtly primed to convey the sensory pleasure of a backseat engine and pointy front end.
Ariel Nomad
NIC CACKETT
ANDREW FRANKEL
MATT PRIOR
MATT SAUNDERS
TOTAL
1
5
1
3
10
1=
Ferrari 488 GTB
2
1
3
4
10
3
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
4
2
4
1
11
4
Porsche Cayman GT4
3
3
2
5
13
5
Lamborghini Aventador SV
5
4
7
2
18
6=
Lotus Evora 400
6
7
6
6
25
6=
Mazda MX-5
7
6
5
7
25
8
Mercedes-AMG C63 S
8
8
8
8
32
9
Audi RS3
9
10
9
10
38
9
Mercedes-AMG GT S
10
9
10
9
38
As a counterpoint to the GT4’s delicacy along the same length of B-road, the SV brooded with bad intentions. Where the Cayman slings you deliciously low, the Lamborghini’s hip point is practically that of a skateboard, and at very low speeds the stiff-backed ride isn’t dissimilar, either. But the car’s savage, simmering talent crystalises almost immediately. “Grips as hard as anything else here, communicates as vividly, blows the Ferrari into the weeds on emotional appeal,” Saunders remarked. Its tactility, through the revised steering rack, is starkly terrific and, when combined with four-wheel-drive security, helps the Aventador’s improbable size and massive speed to shrink around you, even on Norfolk’s narrow lanes. It impressed on track, too. Indelicacy with the throttle tends to induce understeer but, as Prior suggested, “it’s docile at some pretty big speeds, and I’m disinclined to find out too much what happens
beyond that”. Frankel cited its Corsa mode for making the transmission’s upshifts so violent that they can potentially upset the car between apex and exit – although there wasn’t anyone in the pit lane who didn’t prize the Lamborghini’s ability to make its naturally aspirated ferociousness seem usable. Saunders, its champion, went one better: “Turning the Aventador – any 700bhp mid-engined V12 car for that matter – into something that feels so at home on a scrappy British B-road, and still capable of liveliness and even a natch of adjustability on circuit, is little short of a miracle.” The real miracle, though, was to come. Truthfully, whether you liked the Cayman or not wasn’t ever in question – it’s plainly fabulous – but the extent of our admiration at Snetterton was initially dictated by the time of day you drove it. The weather was ghastly in the morning and Frankel called it “spikier in the wet than expected. Excellent traction
AS A COUNTERPOINT TO THE GT4’S DELICACY ALONG A B-ROAD, THE SV BROODED WITH BAD INTENTIONS
tempts you into using too much power too early and ending up with armfuls of opposite lock”. Even Prior, a confirmed devotee, agreed that the GT4 “wasn’t at its best on a damp track” and only became the “oldschool” car he remembered when it dried out a little. It was Saunders, though, who consciously stuck the knife in, with a lowly fifth-place rating: “I’ve cost a fine car a podium finish here. But I couldn’t in all good conscience rank the GT4 higher, given that I genuinely think everything above it is more rewarding. Very grippy and composed on circuit and as superbly balanced as ever. But I want a Cayman to be more playful, actually. And I don’t care if it’s quicker than a 911. I had fun – high expectations, too, I guess – but I could have had more fun.” On another day, the rest of us might have argued the GT4’s case more vociferously. But not here; not in this contest. Fun is the single-market currency of Handling Day, and to find it in comparatively short supply is reason enough to rank something else higher. The SV and GT4 were both brilliant. That they didn’t travel to Yorkshire was unfortunate – yet it only serves to highlight the compelling standard of the cars that finally did. NIC CACKETT
11 NOVEMBER 2015 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 49
BEST OF THE BEST Ariel Nomad vs Ferrari 488 GTB vs Porsche 911 GT3 RS
W
hich leaves just three. A shame, perhaps, because, as Cackett has just said, it feels pretty tragic to leave the Cayman GT4 behind, in any company. And where we’re going – to the sometimes thin and bumpy, sometimes broader and flatter roads of the Yorkshire and Lancashire Dales – I suspect it would have performed rather well. But in the end, it was the compelling nature of the Ariel Nomad (“terrific fun,” said Frankel), Porsche 911 GT3 RS (“utterly dominated on circuit,” said Saunders) and Ferrari 488 GTB (“a ruddy joy,”
said Cackett) that got them through what would be a crucial cut. These three were separated by the finest of margins at Snetterton: the Nomad and 488 GTB finished there with 10 points apiece, the GT3 RS a single point behind them. It was just too close an order for our consciences to bear without giving them some extra time, some extra miles. We really would need this two-day jaunt, away from it all, to separate them properly. We could take our experiences with us, but not the scores, and when we ran out of time, we’d agree on a winner. In other words, any of the three would be in with a shout.
They’re a compelling trio. They’re certainly not three you’d put alongside each other in a conventional group test, because they don’t do the same thing. They’d make a brilliant three-car fun garage on their own, if you were lucky enough. The GT3 RS was a point behind but in Norfolk had been doing what GT3 RSs do best: kicking everything’s backside on a race track. “It utterly dominated [at Snetterton],” said Saunders. “It does everything so well on circuit and reminds you why 911s make such fabulous track cars.” Frankel agreed. “Get it right and it’s awesome,” he said, but all of us noted
that the RS variant of the GT3 range perhaps wasn’t as forgiving as the regular GT3, which strolled off with this gong the last time we held this competition in East Anglia. “Amazing powertrain and old-school balance,” said Cackett. “Less forgiving than the non-RS, but mega.” Would that count against it on the road, rather than on track, in the Dales? It might. The Nomad also had those who’d seen both sides to its character. “The way this car takes you from zero to hero in not very long at all makes it something truly brilliant,” said Saunders of the Somerset lightweight, whose dual-rate springs
PORSCHE 911 GT3 RS Price 0-62mph Top speed Kerb weight Engine Power Torque Gearbox
£131,296 3.3sec 193mph 1495kg 6 cyls, 3996cc, petrol 493bhp at 8250rpm 339lb ft at 6250rpm 7-spd dual-clutch auto
FERRARI 488 GTB Price 0-62mph Top speed Kerb weight Engine Power Torque Gearbox
£183,964 3.0sec 205mph 1475kg V8, 3902cc, twin-turbo, petrol 661bhp at 8000rpm 561lb ft at 3000rpm 7-spd dual-clutch auto
Britain’s Best Driver’s Car Prior (on left) says you soon get used to the 488’s fast helm
– softer at the top, firmer later on – had astonished us with its ability to ride Norfolk’s roads like its bumps simply weren’t there. We loved the space and time it gives you to set it up for corners, thanks to that smoothness – and also its “perfect pedals”. Clearly, it wasn’t developed for smooth race tracks, but nonetheless, Saunders said it didn’t matter that it was “low on grip, a bit unstable under hard brakes (it’ll lock a rear first) and only moderately quick around a lap. You’re too involved to care”. Frankel wasn’t too involved to care. “Hilarious on the throttle, but traction issues aren’t limited to slow corners,” he said. “A mid-engined car this light and soft should be like a missile from a rocket launcher out of the corners. Also too keen to lock the rear brakes on entry.” But even he noted that he “loved the steering, power delivery and whole attitude”. And it’s the Nomad’s attitude, that joie de vivre, that would serve the Nomad best in the Dales, we suspected. Could I realistically sit and argue now that its suspension ◊
ARIEL NOMAD Price 0-62mph Top speed Kerb weight Engine Power Torque Gearbox
£36,000 3.1sec 125mph 690kg 4 cyls, 2345cc, supercharged, petrol 290bhp at 6500rpm 251lb ft at 3000rpm 6-spd manual
THE GT3 RS IS SUCH A COMPELLING PIECE OF KIT. IT OOZES PRECISION AND ENGINEERING FEEL IN THE PUREST WAY ∆ was as thoroughly developed for fast road and track use as a GT3 RS’s or 488 GTB’s? Not at all, but that doesn’t matter, because it’s good enough, because it has yet another purpose, and because the Nomad simply wants you to have fun. To quote not one of our testers but Jules from Pulp Fiction: “Personality goes a long way.” So it goes to the north with as strong a chance as anything. Which leaves the Ferrari, headed to the Dales with the title of favourite tucked neatly under its arm. The notes we made in East Anglia are almost entirely full of praise for Ferrari’s new mid-engined supercar. “Effervescent where both Porsches seem stern,” said Cackett. “Light in the steering, but light all over – a facet that takes nothing from its grip and utterly fluid direction changes.” Frankel agreed: “A revelation, particularly considering the conditions,” he said. “Best Ferrari 52 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 11 NOVEMBER 2015
steering in years, massive pace, excellent balance, superb brakes and stupid amounts of torque absolutely everywhere.” Indeed, what was notable about our experience of the Ferrari’s new turbocharged engine was not a single mention of lag or a flatness in the torque curve. The closest anyone came was Saunders, who found he “didn’t get the same confidence from the steering and throttle response as from the old atmo Ferarris” but who still reckoned it was “very, very fast and very exciting”. To say that the 488 was in some ways a compromise between the two others – the Nomad’s ability on bumpy roads and the RS’s ability on a circuit – would be both misleading and selling it short. Flick its dampers into ‘bumpy road’ mode and it rides extremely well, while on a circuit there were those of us – me included – who found it
A 488 will flow along a road like this with poise and fluidity
Nomad soaks up bumps that a GT3 RS won’t
B-roads suit a Nomad better than a track
Britain’s Best Driver’s Car
just as entertaining as the Porsche, because of the astonishing docility of its handling. This is a car with just two turns between steering locks and 33 more horsepower than a McLaren F1, remember, yet it could be drifted through second and thirdgear corners at Snetterton as easily as a Mazda MX-5. What Ferrari has achieved with this chassis is nothing short of astonishing. It’s a car, then, I’m quite happy to find myself in for the journey from Norfolk to Yorkshire. These things shouldn’t count for much in the overall reckoning, but where the Porsche is jittery and the Nomad shivery, a modern mid-engined Ferrari is quite a compelling companion over long distances. And, after all, if we’re talking about driver’s cars, the willingness to drive them on more than just high days and holidays should count for something. Away from busy motorways and
between Yorkshire’s villages, it’s just as special. It’s left-hand drive but not so wide as to be unwieldy, and once you get acclimatised to the speed of its steering – which doesn’t take long, to be fair – you can thread it along with great fluidity. Out here, I quite like the fact that its engine is less antisocial than before, too – I know, I know, but go with me – and that there’s torque on demand. Enjoying fast cars on great roads is a considerably more conspicuous pastime than it once was, and to find that it’s no longer necessary to have 9000rpm with you at all times can give you one less thing to worry about. Until, that is, you get into a car that wants 9000rpm at all times, which is what the Porsche appreciates. “God, I love this car,” Saunders stops to text on the way to the Dales, some time after he gets off the motorway but before his phone ◊ 11 NOVEMBER 2015 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 53
∆ reception disappears like access to super-unleaded. And when you thread the GT3 RS along these roads, you can see what he means. It is such a compelling piece of kit. It oozes precision and engineering feel in the purest way. Or, at least, the purest way a modern car is allowed to. I suspect you’d feel more alive still in a 997-generation 911 GT3 RS 4.0. And although, yes, it’s firm and low enough to ground its front splitter (sensibly, made from flexible rubber, not brittle carbonfibre), it’s not so harsh as to be overly unruly, even on the poorest roads, where the 488 would more easily cast imperfections aside. And it’s narrower, visibility is better,
throttle response is electric and its PDK dual-clutch automatic gearbox is almost as good as the Ferrari’s transmission. Drive it on these roads and the gap between them – a single point when we left Snetterton – doesn’t get any bigger at all. Then there’s the Nomad – as different as you could ask for but no less compelling and engaging for it. If it were just silly – if its outlandish looks and an ability to turn around anywhere you wanted without grounding its front and rear – were all it had going for it, it’d be easy to dismiss here. But even without the adjustable shocks that you can specify to make the Nomad’s suspension even more trick, across
In first place, it’s the 488, followed by GT3 RS and Nomad
Britain’s Best Driver’s Car challenging roads it worms its way into your affections not just through sheer force of will but because there is genuine dynamic ability beneath it. It’s just that it’s not the conventional dynamic ability that we’re used to. Yet body control is truly exceptional, the ride is sublime and it steers with true mechanical precision and feedback like no other car here. Its responses are impeccably linear, too. Its engine zings, not unattractively, although it’s the delivery rather than the sound that makes it, and the manual gearshift is as crisp as they come. Could it really come first? It could, because any of them could win it, but ultimately the nods from
our judges don’t go that way. The Ferrari is simply too astonishing to overlook. Too docile, too impeccable in its road and track manners. Its gearshift is too fast and smooth, its brakes too indefatigable, its ride too composed and its handling just too damned compelling to overlook. Every one of our four judges decided that it was The One. Two and three were harder to split. If you had a modern estate car as a daily driver and could choose either of these alongside it to drive until this contest comes around next year, to make a convincing argument that it should be a Nomad, rather than a car developed with all the might and intent of Weissach behind it,
you would really have to believe it. I do, but our other judges did not. Not quite. There’s enough doubt that the Nomad is not for everyone, and that a GT3 RS is so dominant on a circuit, the traditional realm of a driver’s car, that the Porsche gets the nod. The official order, then, goes 488 GTB in first, then 911 GT3 RS, then Nomad. The fact that I’m the person writing this last section and have deliberately wrapped up the verdict early, though, is for a reason: to tell you that if you are in the unlikely position of choosing one, and only one, of these, and you think the Nomad could be that car, do it. You won’t regret it for a nanosecond.
MATT PRIOR
ROAD TEST
No 5242
BMW 7 Series New-generation luxury saloon is a technological tour de force MODEL TESTED 730Ld ● Price £67,700 ● Power 261bhp ● Torque 457lb ft ● 0-60mph 6.4sec ● 30-70mph in fourth 6.8sec ● Fuel economy 39.6mpg ● CO2 emissions 132g/km ● 70-0mph 46.1m
PHOTOGRAPHY LUC LACEY
WE LIKE Excellent drivetrain
● BMW’s kidney grille enters another new chapter, here with visible flap control. In essence, the flaps open only when the engine needs the necessary cooling airflow.
58 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 11 NOVEMBER 2015
Outstanding infotainment technology
● Horizontal blue bars signify BMW’s Laserlight headlights, hitherto available only on the i8. They double the operating range of high beam to some 600 metres.
F
our decades is a long time for any car to linger in the shadow of its nearest rival, let alone a car so closely linked with its maker’s latest technologies and engineering efforts as the BMW 7 Series. But that, we’d argue, is what has happened. Originally launched in 1977, five years after the first limo that rival Mercedes-Benz officially called an S-Class, the 7 Series has been through five full model generations and yet has never quite managed to move out of the wake of its Stuttgart rival and leave its mark in the way of its smaller siblings. Last year Mercedes sold two
Surprisingly pleasing to drive
● Open both passenger doors and you’ll find this tribute to BMW’s hybrid carbonfibre construction method. Ironically, it looks a bit like a tacked-on afterthought.
● The 19in rims of our test car are standard fit. Air breather immediately behind helps to smooth airflow around the front arches. The chrome finisher turns it into a classy design feature.
S-Classes for every 7 Series that rolled off the production line. While Daimler’s luxury icon has become a sub-brand in its own right, BMW’s has seen its flagship status impinged upon by hybrid supercars and 600bhp M6 four-door super-coupés. Without the 7 Series, you wonder if BMW’s custodianship of Rolls-Royce would have been half as successful – and yet where’s the recognition? Right here. The car you’re looking at represents BMW’s most committed attempt yet to finally crack the tough nut that is the global luxury saloon market. Sinking big bucks into an all-new platform, new construction
The 7 Series can be traced back to 1977 principles and materials, an adaptive, fully air-sprung chassis and pioneering infotainment and convenience features, BMW has baked the best of all it knows into this car. It’s a clear attempt to return the
WE DON’T LIKE Too much tyre noise
● Chrome window frame is integrated as part of the door panel here, rather than as part of the body side. Effect is to make it look more of a piece and accentuate the Hofmeister kink.
Seven to the state-of-the-art status it enjoyed when it pioneered in-car navigation and communication features in the late 1990s. A petrol-electric plug-in hybrid version of the car, combining a 2.0-litre turbo four-pot engine with a powerful electric motor and emitting less than 50g/km of CO2, will clearly play its part in that ascendant narrative but won’t arrive until next year. Until then, UK buyers have sixcylinder turbo petrol, six-cylinder diesel and V8 turbo petrol engines to choose between, as well as two wheelbases and both rear and fourwheel drive configurations.
Adaptive suspension could be cleverer
● Instead of a diffuser, a wide stretch of brightwork neatly encircles both tailpipes, which are themselves hidden away inboard. What surrounds them looks a fair bit easier to clean.
● Chrome bar between the LED taillights is a standard trick to make the car appear wider by breaking up its vertical expanse. If you don’t like the shiny stuff, the Seven isn’t for you.
DESIGN AND ENGINEERING AAAAC Open the driver’s door and you’ll find a badge on the 7 Series’ inner B-pillar proclaiming something BMW calls a ‘carbon core’. This is nothing like a carbonfibre tub of the sort that Munich designed for the i8 or that McLaren uses for its models, but it does allow BMW to rightfully claim to be using machine-manufactured carbonfibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) as a structural ingredient. The car’s body-in-white is ◊
Bland styling
● Standard car is just under 5.1m long; long wheelbase adds 140mm between the axles. Increased turning circle that results can be cut down again by optional four-wheel steer.
11 NOVEMBER 2015 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 59
ON THE INSIDE
● Optional LCD instruments allow limited display flexibility. Select Eco Pro mode and you get this power flow meter. We’d rather stick with a tacho.
● Brushed aluminium B&W speaker grilles look good but not as ornate as those of Mercedes’ Burmester audio. Tweeters feature illumination.
● Satin silver switchgear is relatively plain but nice to operate. Massage button on door console is easily activated by mistake with your right knee.
MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM You’d expect nothing short of the kitchen sink here — but somehow the car spectacularly over-delivers. All cars get the BMW Professional Multimedia and Navigation system, operating via a larger display than other BMWs enjoy. And for the first time on a BMW, you can control it three different ways: through the familiar iDrive controller, through a touchscreen interface or, as an option, through gesture control. The system recognises up to six gestures through a 3D sensor at the base of the control display. Rotate an outstretched finger in a circular
60 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 11 NOVEMBER 2015
motion to adjust audio volume; jab at the screen and you can answer a call. The idea is that these gestures can be performed without taking your eyes off the road — and after a bit of practice, the theory holds water. BMW’s Bowers & Wilkins 1400W Diamond audio system, with its 10-channel amp and 16 speakers, sounds very good, although perhaps not as good with low frequencies as Mercedes’ ‘Frontbass’ system. In the long-wheelbase car, rear-seat passengers can use an optional 7.0in tablet computer to control the entertainment system or browse the internet.
∆ predominantly a mix of aluminium and high-strength steel. It differs from type where BMW grafts long fillets of CFRP to the skeleton, notably along the pillars, roof rails, sills and transmission tunnel. Being both light and strong under torsion and compression, CFRP allows BMW to reduce the gauge of the metalwork to which it’s bonded, all while making it more rigid. The upshot is a superstructure that’s stiffer and 40kg lighter than that of the previous model, despite being larger. Elsewhere, new near-source thermal and acoustic shielding saves a considerable amount of weight on NVH insulation. Underneath, a lightweight, aluminium-rich suspension design makes for 15% less unsprung mass, with double wishbones fitted up front and multilinks at the rear, cradling the weight via all-corner air suspension and adaptive dampers as standard. Model for model, the new 7 Series is up to 130kg lighter than its forebear. An Integral Active Steering set-up, working through a new variableratio power steering system and rear-axle steering, is an option, as is an electromechanical active anti-roll bar set-up called Executive Drive Pro. The latter operates through the
new Adaptive mode on the Drive Performance Control, armed with data from the sat-nav, a stereo camera and analysis of your driving style, to keep the 7 Series’ ride as smooth as possible on a predictive basis. Our test car came with both the Integral Active Steering and Executive Drive Pro options. It also had BMW’s entry-level engine, the 3.0-litre diesel – making 261bhp and 457lb ft – and the long-wheelbase body, stretched by 140mm compared with the standard car. In light of all that tech, BMW might have been bolder with the styling. Evidently the company decided that 7 Series buyers like a familiar face and a formal aesthetic. Perhaps the memory of Chris Bangle’s ‘flamesurfaced’ E65 7 Series, and the criticism it attracted more than a decade ago, is still too fresh for BMW to take a risk with the look of this car – but it seems a shame.
INTERIOR
● There’s plenty of space up front, while heated, ventilated and massaging seats are all available on the options list. Armrests are heated, too.
AAAAC It’s here more than anywhere that the 7 Series needs to excel. Outstanding refinement, rolling comfort and isolation are expected of any ◊
m 0m 111
m
0m
86
Kerb weight: 1795kg 3210mm
880mm
1479mm
920m m
0.24
940m m
HOW BIG IS IT?
515 litres
Typical leg room 860mm
1148mm
5238mm
VISIBILITY
HEADLIGHTS
View is good all round, made all the better when manoeuvring by BMW’s excellent surround-view cameras.
LEDs are standard, but our test car’s Laserlights had excellent range and clarity. Beams shine a light on anything with an infrared heat signature in Night Vision mode. Very handy.
WHEEL AND PEDAL ALIGNMENT Another German car with a right-sided pedal offset that may be pronounced enough to irk shorter-legged drivers. Wide brake pedal helps to mitigate it a bit.
● Occupant room beats that of an S-Class in the back, while optional tablet PC and rear entertainment screens cover all multimedia bases.
circle: 12.9m Turning 1618mm
Width 790-1380mm 60mm 190mm
Height 530mm
Length 1120mm
1646mm
1902mm
Centre
● Boot is a substantial size, with a 515-litre capacity. Drinks chiller is optional and light enough to remove easily when you need to.
11 NOVEMBER 2015 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 61
ON THE ROAD ∆ full-sized luxury saloon, and we’ll come on to those. But before dynamic factors enter the equation, the BMW cockpit has to feel like an inviting, luxurious and well-appointed place in which to travel – and in the allimportant back seats, at least, it does. The car passes hurdle number one by a nose, matching the longwheelbase S-Class precisely on rear leg room (860mm by our typical measure) and beating it on head room by a clear 30mm. The Mercedes offers its driver marginally more maximum leg room, but both cars are more than competitive on that score, while the BMW scores with the taller, longer boot. The boot of our test car was partially filled with a removable drinks chiller, which was securely mounted yet fairly easy to detach, leaving more than enough space for daily or touring use. Two options are key to maximising the richness of your passengering experience in the 7 Series: BMW’s Executive Package (£2850) and the
Rear Seat Comfort Package (£4815). Our test car had both and therefore came with heated and massaging comfort seats, multimedia screens hanging from both front seatbacks and a tablet PC with which to control just about everything you might want to control from the back seat, from the ferocity of your seat massage to changing the channel of the in-car digital television. It also doubles as a web browser and can be removed if necessary. Up front, the 7 Series’ designers have gone to impressive lengths to conjure a sense of integrity, effortless usability and well-being. The silver switchgear, though plain looking, feels solid under your fingertips, the head-up display is 75% larger than on other BMWs and the colourselectable ambient lighting is a lavish treat after dark. But the fascia layout looks too similar to those of BMW’s other saloons to feel really special, and the absence of genuinely exotic material finishes is disappointing.
AAAAC You could bank on the 7 Series scoring well with its engines. The 730d’s is in a class-leading position in all kinds of ways. Quiet, powerful, flexible and efficient, it lends the car the distinguishing air of assuredness you expect from something so large and expensive – but often fail to get in entry-level mechanical spec. BMW’s ‘near-source’ NVH control measures certainly do the trick. At idle, you’d hardly know that the straight six was even running, with engine noise registering just 40dB on our noise meter. And when the car gets under way, the engine’s relative smoothness and good manners continue to impress. There’s very little thrash or grumble in evidence at all – just a soft-edged and industrious thrum in the audible background.
TRACK NOTES
● Feels a little more untidy through faster bends such as T3 but is looked after well by its ESP.
● Flexible diesel engine revs beyond 5000rpm and surges up the steep incline to T6 with ease.
Unless he’s carrying someone very important away from someone very unscrupulous indeed, the 7 Series driver is unlikely to need to explore his car’s dynamic outer limits. Still, should he need to, he’ll find the car pleasingly accurate, balanced and manageable — both up to and beyond the point at which the tyres run out of grip. In Sport mode, the car tackles sharp bends keenly for something so big. It rolls a little but soon settles on its outside contact patches, staying true to your intended cornering line and even tolerating early applications of throttle on exit without deteriorating into understeer. At high speeds, the car’s suspension firms up and ultimately keeps laudable control of its body through testing compressions, minimising pitching after-effects better than its rivals. The BMW’s electronic stability controls are subtle but effective and can be fully disabled — although we’re not sure why you’d want to in this case.
BMW has always intended for the 7 Series to occupy a pseudo-sporting position in the limousine market, making the car faster and more interesting to drive than the luxury norm without compromising comfort levels adversely. It has enjoyed mixed success with that approach over the years, for reasons we’ll get to. But, for the owner-drivers who may care, this new version remains fleet-footed enough still to justify that billing. Our test car came with BMW’s ‘sport automatic’ transmission fitted and also, we were surprised to find, standard launch control. Subjected to extremes of throttle and braking, the 730Ld kept decent control of its mass, gripping hard and generally responding well – and shunning the extremes of squat and dive you see in other comfort-orientated saloons. The 60mph mark came up from rest in 6.4sec – almost a full second quicker than a like-for-like S-Class – while it also stopped from 70mph more quickly than the Benz.
PERFORMANCE
T2
T4 T3
T6
T1
● Tucks into tighter corners such as T2 well, with good balance and a secure hold on the road.
T7 T5
FINISH
START
ACCELERATION BMW 730Ld 16deg C, dry Standing quarter mile 15.0sec at 94.3mph, standing km 27.3sec at 121.6mph, 30-70mph 6.0sec, 30-70mph in fourth 6.8sec 30mph 40mph
50mph
60mph
70mph
2.4s 3.5s
4.9s
6.4s
8.4s
80mph
0
100mph
90mph
10.7s
110mph
17.1s
13.7s
120mph
21.4s
10s
130mph
26.4s
32.9s
20s
30s
Mercedes-Benz S350 Bluetec L (2013) 15deg C, dry Standing quarter mile 15.7sec at 91.9mph, standing km 28.3sec at 118.7mph, 30-70mph 6.8sec, 30-70mph in fourth na 30mph 40mph
50mph
60mph
70mph
80mph
90mph
100mph
110mph
120mph
130mph
2.6s
5.5s
7.3s
9.4s
12.1s
15.1s
19.0s
23.6s
29.1s
36.3s
3.9s
0
10s
20s
30s
BRAKING 60-0mph: 3.09sec 30mph-0
50mph-0
8.6m 0
70mph-0
23.7m 10m
9.1m 30mph-0
62 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 11 NOVEMBER 2015
20m
46.1m 30m
24.4m 50mph-0
40m
46.7m 70mph-0
Ride is cosseting but not as well isolated as that of an S-Class
The 730Ld has marginally more poised and precise handling than its more softly sprung rivals Of much greater import to most owners will be the car’s demeanour on more discreet, gentle throttle openings, of course. And in that mode, the powertrain serves the car just as well, always operating quietly, shifting imperceptibly, responding precisely to small pedal adjustments and proffering lots of torque to keep the car’s mass effortlessly motivated. The quantity of tyre noise produced and conducted by the suspension is the only bugbear – a minor one, but nonetheless a demerit for a luxury saloon. We recorded 63dB of road roar at a 50mph cruise, whereas an S-Class produces just 57dB. It is a result upon which BMW should seek to improve.
RIDE AND HANDLING AAAAC There’s plenty of success to celebrate here – and only one serious criticism, at which we’ve already hinted. The 730Ld’s ride isn’t quite as well isolated as you’d like it to be. The chassis can thump ever so slightly over raised ironwork and through drains at low speeds, and its bushing
doesn’t seem to protect the cabin from the intrusive rumbles of coarser surfaces as well as some. It’s a relative criticism only, and you’ll need an S-Class, a Range Rover or something else very skilled at cosseting its occupants to know much better ride comfort than the 7 Series grants. Still, cars like this must be judged by the toughest standards on refinement – and the big BMW, like its forebears, leaves a little to be desired. At higher speeds, there’s some complexity for the 730Ld’s driver to contend with in selecting the best drive mode for the road, the conditions and the prevailing speed. The softest suspension setting – Comfort Plus – allows the car’s body to waft along agreeably enough for passengers, but it permits too much vertical body movement and steering-corrupting body roll to be much use above 40mph. Sport mode exacerbates the slightly fussy ride you sometimes encounter around town and should probably also be ruled out whenever well-heeled passengers are aboard. BMW’s Adaptive mode ought to offer the perfect compromise. It works well enough, keeping closer
control of the 7 Series’ body than its rivals manage while being quite supple. However, as predictive chassis settings go, the Adaptive mode isn’t quite as effective as Mercedes’ Magic Ride Control; it doesn’t allow you to roll over sleeping policemen with the same sense of imperviousness, for example. For its driver, though, the 730Ld does have marginally more poised and precise handling than its more softly sprung rivals. Those active anti-roll bars, active steering systems and adaptive dampers do an excellent job of keeping the body level and on track and maximising grip levels as you stretch the big BMW’s legs. What’s even more pleasing to find is that they operate imperceptibly, without filtering unwanted hysteresis into the car’s steering – which is light at all times and short on feedback, but at least consistent.
BUYING AND OWNING AAAAC We’ve already mentioned some of our test car’s fitted options, which are priced at a level that would
make most of us wince. However, anyone used to spending upwards of £60,000 on a car these days will be used to being shaken down to the tune of another five figures on options and probably won’t consider it much of an imposition to splash the necessary cash to configure their car as they choose. All models get wireless phone charging, a wi-fi hotspot, Navigation Pro, DAB radio, comfort seats all round and four-zone air conditioning as standard. Those same 7 Series owners will be pleased that their cars beat their competitors on CO2 emissions by enough to fall a couple of percentage points lower on benefit-in-kind taxation – and a couple of per cent of list price on a £70k car is plenty. However, they may be less impressed by the BMW’s projected residual values, which may lag behind those of the soundest buys in the class, according to our sources, in turn unavoidably impacting upon business contract hire rates. The 7 Series hits back with very creditable real-world fuel economy, returning almost 40mpg over our road test procedure – including the usual punishing track session. ◊
11 NOVEMBER 2015 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 63
DATA LOG BMW 730LD
On-the-road price Price as tested Value after 3yrs/36k miles Contract hire pcm Cost per mile Insurance/typical quote
TECHNICAL LAYOUT £67,700 £95,250 £26,775 £845.42 £1.17 na
Straight four, straight six and V8 engines mount longways up front, driving the rear wheels — or all four, in the case of xDrive variants — via a front-mounted eight-speed automatic gearbox. Suspension is by double wishbones up front and multi-links at the rear, under air springs and adaptive dampers as standard. Active anti-roll bars and four-wheel steering are optional.
EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
78 litres
FROM £64,530 £72,060 na
TRANSMISSIONS
8-spd automatic Sport automatic transmission inc shift paddles and launch control
ECONOMY TEST
CLAIMED
Track Touring Average Urban Extra-urban Combined Tank size Test range
£235
27.7mpg 48.9mpg 39.6mpg 49.6mpg 65.7mpg 58.9mpg 78 litres 679 miles
ACCELERATION MPH 0-30 0-40 0-50 0-60 0-70 0-80 0-90 0-100 0-110 0-120 0-130 0-140 0-150 0-160
TIME (sec) 2.4 3.5 4.9 6.4 8.4 10.7 13.7 17.1 21.4 26.4 32.9 -
Made of Bore/stroke Compression ratio Valve gear Power Torque Red line Power to weight Torque to weight Specific output
Front, longitudinal, rear-wheel drive 6 cyls in line, 2993cc, diesel Aluminium block and head 84.0mm/90.0mm 16.5:1 4 per cyl 261bhp at 4000rpm 457lb ft at 2000-2500rpm 5400rpm 145bhp per tonne 255lb ft per tonne 87bhp per litre
SUSPENSION
Front Double wishbones, air springs, adaptive dampers, active anti-roll bar Rear Multi-link, air springs, adaptive dampers, active anti-roll bar
STEERING
Type Electromechanical, active variable-ratio rack and pinion with active rear-wheel steer Turns lock to lock 2.3 Turning circle 12.9m (without rear steer)
ACCELERATION IN GEAR
MPH 2nd 20-40 2.0 30-50 2.7 40-60 50-70 60-80 70-90 80-100 90-110 100-120 110-130 120-140 130-150 140-160 -
3rd 3.1 2.6 3.0 3.7 -
4th 4.5 3.1 3.2 3.7 4.4 5.7 -
5th 4.7 4.2 4.3 4.7 5.4 6.4 7.8 11.1 -
6th 6.3 5.7 5.8 6.2 6.8 7.9 9.3 -
7th 8.2 7.7 7.9 8.2 8.9 -
POWER & TORQUE
CHASSIS & BODY Construction
600
600
457lb ft at 2000-2500rpm
500 400
400
261bhp at 4000rpm
300
300
200
200
100
100
0
Weight/as tested Drag coefficient Wheels Tyres
500
Engine (rpm) 2000 4000
0
Torque (lb ft)
POWER 261bhp 322bhp 322bhp
Installation Type
RANGE AT A GLANCE ENGINES 730d 740Li 740e
ENGINE
0
6000
64 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 11 NOVEMBER 2015
Aluminium/steel/ CFRP monocoque 1795kg/na 0.24 8.5Jx19in (f), 9.5Jx19in (r) 245/45 R19 (f), 275/40 R19 (r), Pirelli P Zero Run-flats
TRANSMISSION
Type 8-spd automatic Ratios/mph per 1000rpm 1st 5.00/6.4 2nd 3.20/10.0 3rd 2.14/15.0 4th 1.72/18.7 5th 1.31/24.5 6th 1.00/32.1 7th 0.82/39.1 8th 0.64/50.2 Final drive ratio 2.563:1
BRAKES
SAFETY
CABIN NOISE
EMISSIONS & TAX
Front Ventilated discs Rear Ventilated discs Anti-lock Standard, with brake assist
DSC, ABS, DTC, CBC, DBC Euro NCAP crash rating Not tested
Idle 40db Max revs in third gear 70db 30mph 57db 50mph 63db 70mph 64db
CO2 emissions Tax at 20/40% pcm
MAX SPEEDS IN GEAR
RESIDUALS
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
35mph 5400rpm 54mph 5400rpm 81mph 5400rpm 101mph 5400rpm 132mph 5400rpm 155mph 4829rpm 155mph 3960rpm 155mph* 3090rpm * claimed
RPM in 8th at 70/80mph = 1396/1595 THE SMALL PRINT Power-to-weight and torque-to-weight figures are calculated using manufacturer’s claimed kerb weight. © 2015, Haymarket Media Group Ltd. Test results may not be reproduced without editor’s written permission. For more information on the 730Ld, contact BMW Customer Services, Summit One, Summit Ave, Farnborough GU14 0FB (0800 561 0666, bmw.co.uk). Cost-per-mile figures calculated over three years/36,000 miles, including depreciation and maintenance but not insurance; Lex Autolease (0800 389 3690). Insurance quote covers 35-year-old professional male with clean licence and full no-claims bonus living in Swindon; quote from Liverpool Victoria (0800 066 5161, lv.com). Contract hire figure based on a three-year lease/36,000-mile contract including maintenance; Wessex Fleet Solutions (01722 322888).
Spare
ROAD TEST
132g/km £271/£542
40
BMW 730Ld 30 Value (£1000s)
£1195 £2450 £1695 £2960 £4675 £2850 £4815 £2450 £1970 £450 £400 £375 £420 £685 £160
Power output (bhp)
18in alloy wheels Black Sapphire paint Ivory white/black nappa leather Professional Media/Navigation Wi-fi hotspot Comfort seats front and rear Integral Active Steering Executive Drive Pro Sky Lounge panoramic sunroof Driving Assistant Plus Bowers & Wilkins Diamond audio Executive Package Rear Seat Comfort Package BMW Laserlights headlights Seat ventilation, front and rear Ceramic finish for controls Surround-view cameras Park Assist Online Entertainment with internet Independent rear telephone BMW gesture control Options in bold fitted to test car = Standard na = not available
Mercedes-Benz S350d L
20
10
Jaguar XJ 3.0d LWB 0 New
1 year
2 years
3 years
4 years
● Disappointing. CAP says new Seven won’t retain value like older S-Class but should be a better bet than XJ.
Read all of our road tests autocar.co.uk
No 5242
ROAD TEST
BMW 730Ld
TESTERS’ NOTES
AUTOCAR VERDICT AAAAC
Outstanding in some ways but lacking the gravitas of a true luxury great
NIC CACKETT I don’t care for ambient lighting, but the extra-large pillar lights for rear occupants make it worthwhile. They give just enough light to read by, without needing a ceiling light on. MATT SAUNDERS BMW’s surroundview camera system takes another developmental leap forward. Select reverse and the view on the control display is as if taken from a 360deg periscope just above the roof. Remarkable.
SPEC ADVICE
T
he new 7 Series is a car defined by both BMW’s acknowledged strengths and its weaknesses; that it feels much like a facsimile of a BMW sports saloon blown up by 150% says everything that most will need to know. There’s much better material quality, luxury and refinement here than that simplification would suggest, of course, not to mention impressive in-car technology and outstanding performance, handling and efficiency. But most of those are traditional BMW virtues. Where the firm has tended to fall down of late is when zeroing in on dynamic qualities specific to vehicle class and in failing to venture forth with genuinely imaginative design. Predictably, then, the 7 Series is a surprisingly good driver’s car but could be a better luxury conveyance. Although it’s immutably built, the BMW doesn’t feel as rich, desirable or special as some of its rivals. Instead, the 7 Series struggles to cast off the bland, pedestrian flavour of a lesser saloon, and while it has some impressive constituent parts, it never feels greater than the sum of them.
Integral Active Steering will cut down the turning circle, so it’s worth having. Executive Package (£2850) and Rear Seat Comfort Package (£4815) are desirable, too. Opt for the Pure Excellence interior design package (£1550) if you want deep-pile carpets — because who doesn’t?
JOBS FOR THE FACELIFT ● Quieten down the ride with better bushing and wheel arch insulation. ● Be more imaginative and lavish with the cabin design. ● Keep developing the predictive ride.
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
MERCEDES-BENZ S350d L SE Line £67,995 254bhp at 3600rpm 457lb ft at 1600rpm 7.3sec 155mph 50.4mpg 1975kg 141g/km, 26%
RANGE ROVER 3.0 TDV6 Vogue £74,950 254bhp at 3500rpm 443lb ft at 2000rpm 7.9sec (claimed, to 62mph) 130mph 40.9mpg 2215kg 182g/km, 34%
TESLA Model S 90kWh £66,935 375bhp at 6000rpm 325lb ft at 0rpm circa 5.0sec 125mph circa 400wh/mile 2108kg 0g/km, 5%
BMW 730Ld £67,700 261bhp at 4000rpm 457lb ft at 2000-2500rpm 6.4sec 155mph 58.9mpg 1795kg 132g/km, 24%
JAGUAR XJ 3.0d V6 Luxury LWB £61,690 296bhp at 4000rpm 516lb ft at 2000rpm 6.2sec (claimed, to 62mph) 155mph 49.6mpg 1860kg 149g/km, 27%
Opulent, advanced, incredibly refined. The S-Class is expertly realised and utterly persuasive.
Envelops you in a lavish, invincible sense of occasion, wherever you drive it.
A standout electric car that also feels like the future of luxury motoring.
Rules on in-car tech and diesel powertrain sophistication, otherwise too bland to excel.
Rare blend of dynamism and luxury, although not as spacious or cosseting as some.
TOP 5 MAKE Model Price Power Torque 0-60mph Top speed (claimed) Fuel economy (combined) Kerb weight (claimed) CO2/tax band
Verdicts on every new car, p78
B
B
C
C
11 NOVEMBER 2015 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 65
YOUR VIEWS
Write to Autocar autocar@haymarket.com
LETTER OF THE WEEK
Emission perdition Angus MacEachran is entitled to refuse to buy VW Group models (Your Views, 28 October), even if that means accepting cars that are not his first choice. But I would not cross the car I want off my list because of the behaviour of some of the employees of the company that makes it. As Jeff Loomes (Your Views, 28 October) pointed out, no one bought these cars because of their nitrogen oxide emissions, so anyone ignoring VW is cutting off his own nose to spite his face. Urged on by the press, Joe Public is quick to join the outcry, but the cars aren’t doing anything they weren’t before; the only difference is knowing the results of some emissions tests. I shall continue to buy Audis as long as I’m happy that they are the cars I actually want. Norman E Hawkes Hessle, Yorkshire
TEST FOR WESTER Unfortunately, Harald J Wester’s vision for Alfa Romeo contains some familiar old flaws (Interview, 14 October). Alfa Romeo cannot achieve its desired market position until Fiat truly appreciates the value of the brand and gives it the investment and freedom it still seriously requires. The UK buyer has a fond appreciation of Italian products and is generally forgiving of any previous problems, but service expectations are now higher than ever and thinking that Alfa buyers will accept premium prices for claimed premium products while relying on Fiat and Chrysler dealer service is never going to work when compared with the German and Japanese rivals. Mr Wester joined Alfa in 2004, and until now we’ve seen nothing really new except a niche 4C and lots more talking. Compare this with what its target
GIULIA: MISSION POSSIBLE Great article on the essence of Alfa saloons (‘Turin Proud’, 14 October); it’s not what the cars do but how they do it. The most memorable cars impart a sense of occasion, and a good Alfa Romeo can make any journey something to be enjoyed. Unusually, the Giulia has been introduced to us all guns blazing as the Cloverleaf; I hope this approach means that what makes this model special filters down the range. The new Giulia is not a beautiful car in the mould of the 164, 156 and 159,
Mazda RX-Vision concept revealed I’m not a fan due to reliability issues, but I love the RX-8. si73 Love the subtle homages in the detail to the FD. jason_recliner
At last, a great-looking car which looks like it
Letter of the week wins a ValetPRO exterior protection and maintenance kit worth £58.95
German competitors have done in the same time line and we must conclude that while it makes for interesting reading, nothing has changed, or is changing, at Alfa Romeo. Richard Hallsworth via email
What you’re saying on autocar.co.uk
I thought rotary engines were supposed to be compact. Why the extra-long bonnet? abkq
WIN
was fun to make. Want, want, want. Pistachio Mazda and Lexus are once again setting the bar for exciting new
66 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 11 NOVEMBER 2015
design and technology. Cromagnon Just the right side of elegant with a touch of menace at the front. Marv
The XE should appeal to younger buyers but like the 75 I am sure it will be an extremely endearing sight on the road. If the new car emulates the original Giulia then Alfa really will have achieved the impossible. Michael Joannides Coventry, West Midlands
YOUNG AND XE Much praise has been heaped on the new Jaguar XE by readers, and I have seen many on the road already.
Does the Macan GTS reverse the trend for high-rise SUVs?
Having been a dealer principal of a Jaguar dealer for many years, I’m aware of the customer base and perceived image that Jaguar has, but the XE could change all that. It will appeal to new Jaguar drivers, particularly younger drivers, and that’s no bad thing. For the XE to be the success it deserves to be, the Jaguar image needs a refresh, and this car could introduce it to another audience. Another way to do this would be for Jaguar to enter the British Touring Car Championship. Andrew Jeffery Denby Dale
NSX NOT EXCEPTIONAL I am disappointed by the appearance of the new Honda NSX (First Drives, 28 October). It’s so bland, with no sense of excitement. It could be one of a couple of dozen or more similar shapes from anywhere
Not premium enough for you? You’re old and boring, says John
NEXT
WEEK Inside the magazine — on sale 18 November
SPECIAL REPORT
— and Honda wonders why its sales in Europe are so low. Your road test of the Jeep Renegade in the same issue misses the very point I make above. The Jeep has fun and style in spades and will appeal to younger people in a way your top five Jeep rivals never will; they are all cars for old drivers. Are younger drivers really concerned with the finer points of premium brand and upmarket image? No, you have to be older and somewhat boring to view and rate cars from that perspective. John McGouran Dublin
OPEL AND OUT Hilton Holloway comments that Vauxhall-Opel’s share of the European car market has halved over the past two decades (News, 28 October). GM’s decline contrasts greatly with Ford, whose Fiesta and Focus models
have regularly been at (or close to) the top of their class in Autocar reviews. If new GM models don’t get rave reviews on launch, the consequences aren’t hard to figure out, and recent efforts have not been up to scratch. In the 1970s Opel had a great range in the Manta, Ascona, Kadett C and others. I look back fondly on my Kadett C coupé, even though it had a small engine. I greatly appreciated its ride, handling, looks, stability and economy. A GT/E would have been even more desirable. Now I wouldn’t even consider a GM product, and clearly I am not alone. Andrew Bodman Bugbrooke, Northamptonshire
HOW LOW CAN YOU GO? Well, well, well. Having followed the fashion for conventional styles being disfigured by jacked-up suspension, Porsche has started the move to bring it back down to earth by lowering the latest Macan (News, 28 October). So insidious has been the growth of these eyesores that when I first saw the F-Pace I thought it looked normal. Incidentally, it has dawned on me that motorcycles went the elevated way years ago with so-called ‘adventure’ bike, ridden off road by about 0.5% of owners. (I have owned several and they’re great for tackling a farm track.) Peter Taylor via email
0-120-0 challenge Accelerating and braking challenge, with Jaguar, Radical and more
FEATURE DRIVE
Ferrari Testarossa revisited Andrew Frankel tracks down his family’s old steed after 27 years
FIRST DRIVE
Audi Q7 e-tron
Can the plug-in diesel-electric SUV match its on-paper stats?
ROAD TEST
OUTLANDISH OUTLANDER Your article on the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (First Drives, 28 October) quotes fuel economy as 156mpg when a more accurate figure is 45mpg. This makes the VW emissions fiasco look okay. You get zero road tax and company car tax is low, but people who have a company car don’t tend to do only 25 miles a day. Simon Grice Sheffield
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake Sharply styled estate fully assessed by our testers CONTENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
11 NOVEMBER 2015 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 67
OUR CARS A week in the life of Autocar’s fleet
AUDI TT
BMW
BMW
CITROEN
FIAT
FORD
FORD
JAGUAR
LAND ROVER
ACTIVE TOURER
M4
C4 CACTUS
500X
FOCUS
MONDEO
XE
DEFENDER
Stan Papior John Bradshaw
Dan Trent Lewis Kingston Michele Hall
Tim Dickson
Ssangyong Tivoli FIRST REPORT This Nissan Juke rival from South Korea provides stacks of kit for a modest outlay, but does it offer much more than that? We’ve got six months to find out
N
ow here’s a thing. You know the small SUVs that are all the rage at the moment? I can’t help feeling there’s a bit of ‘emperor’s new clothes’ about them. Sure, you get to sit a few centimetres higher than you would in a regular supermini, but the rest of the packaging is just the same — worse, in some cases. You’re paying a lot for style over substance. Then there’s the Ssangyong Tivoli, the latest arrival to the market and one that aims to take on the likes of the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Mazda CX-3 not only on price and value — traditional strong points for South Korea’s fourth-largest car manufacturer — but also on interior space. And we’ve got the next six months with one to decide if it succeeds. The Tivoli, you see, is a baby crossover that really is halfway to being a family SUV. It’s the first all-new
68 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 11 NOVEMBER 2015
offering from Ssangyong since it was taken over by Indian giant Mahindra in 2011 and (whisper it quietly) it’s not a bad effort at all. It sits on an all-new platform and gets fresh 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines, developed in house. You can have four-wheel drive, if you want, or swap the standard six-speed manual gearbox for a six-speed auto that’s the same Aisin unit used in the latest Mini. The CO2 emissions on the diesel aren’t stellar by class standards but, at 113g/km for a two-wheel-drive manual, they’re respectable enough. Starting from scratch has allowed Ssangyong to make the Tivoli relatively large for the class. Two adults can actually sit in the rear seats, behind two adults up front. The boot capacity is a commendable 423 litres, which is a little more than you get in a Skoda Yeti and quite a bit more than in a Citroën C4 Cactus or a Juke.
Brisk progress is made possible by the diesel’s torque
Luc Lacey
Darren Moss
Matt Prior
OUR CARS LEXUS
MAZDA
MAZDA
McLAREN
MERCEDES-BENZ
PORSCHE
RANGE ROVER
RENAULT
SKODA
SKODA
SSANGYONG
SUZUKI
NX300H
CX-3
MX-5
650S SPIDER
E-CLASS ESTATE
PANAMERA
SPORT
TWINGO
FABIA
OCTAVIA
TIVOLI
CELERIO
CORSA VXR
GOLF R
Mark Pearson
Mel Falconer
Matthew Burrow
Mark Tisshaw
Andrew Frankel
John McIlroy
Matthew Burrow
Tom Webster
Matt Burt
John McIlroy McIl y
Steve Cropley
Mark Tisshaw
Allan Muir
Steve Cropley
VAUXHALL VOLKSWAGEN
Contrasting roof colour is part of a £400 styling pack
Most models get a 7.0in screen; ELX has sat-nav
Our Tivoli is front drive, but all-wheel drive is an option
Rear cabin is roomy enough to house two adults
I much prefer the diesel version. The non-turbo petrol feels limp by comparison The Tivoli has the makings of a practical family car, in other words — and you can’t say that about many small crossovers. We’ll leave you to make up your own mind on the styling (it has split opinion here), but a few of the obvious small-SUV trademark touches are there: floating roof (thanks to blacked-out C-pillars), lots of daytime running lights, roof rails and just enough wheel arch cladding to hint at off-road ruggedness. Tivoli prices start at a vaguely ludicrous £12,950 for a two-wheel-drive manual petrol SE, which still brings aircon, cruise control, Bluetooth, seven airbags and 16in alloy wheels. However, we’ve gone for a reasonably high-spec diesel model, for a number of reasons.
First, going for a plusher edition gives us a chance to try out more of the toys. Second, having tried both engines, I much prefer the diesel, which spins up reasonably smoothly and has the torque to even feel brisk from time to time. The non-turbocharged petrol engine feels limp by comparison and continually needs to be worked hard. Third, diesel fits better with Ssangyong’s existing customer base. Indeed, despite Ssangyong’s desire for new conquest customers, I’d be surprised if the Tivoli still doesn’t end up with a disproportionately high percentage of diesels in its sales breakdown. Finally, even the ELX trim that
we’ve chosen doesn’t actually cost that much. The on-the-road price is £17,250 and we’ve added £900 worth of options to that figure: blue metallic paint (£500) and a styling pack (£400) that brings tasty 18in alloys and a contrasting colour on the roof and door mirrors. Sum total? Just over £18k, or about the same as a low-spec Mazda CX-3. We’re probably talking a couple of hundred quid per month on a PCP finance deal, with a sensible deposit and mileage. ELX is properly loaded, too. Most Tivolis get a crisp 7.0in touchscreen display in the centre of the fascia, but ELX adds TomTom navigation software and a reversing camera to the same system. It also brings full leather seats, heated front seats, keyless go, dualzone climate control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, automatic headlights and wipers, folding side mirrors and front and rear parking sensors. You’d
be looking at £20,000-plus for a mainstream rival with anywhere near this level of equipment. In truth, though, that sort of value proposition isn’t really anything new to Ssangyong. What we’re here to discover is whether the Tivoli really is the car that deserves to bring fresh customers for the brand, beyond its usual clientele of caravan towers, vets and farmers. This means that mere numbers alone won’t be enough over the next six months. We want a bit of surprise and delight during everyday use as well. john.mcilroy@haymarket.com
Ssangyong Tivoli 1.6 Diesel ELX Price £17,250 Price as tested £18,150 Options Metallic paint £500, Styling Pack (18in diamond-cut alloy wheels, contrasting roof and door mirror colour) £400 Economy 50.9mpg Faults None Expenses None 11 NOVEMBER 2015 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 69
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OUR CARS
Trip to the dealer was an event in itself
Audi TT Roadster Mileage | 6883 Cabin creaks and niggles result in not one but two trips to the dealer
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he TT has been in for some remedial work. Quite a lot of remedial work, in fact, although none serious. To recap: the sliding lid on the stowage tray/coin tidy in the centre console had stopped sliding, the driver’s door speaker grille kept popping out of the door card (a problem on my previous TT, too) and there was a continual creak from somewhere behind the occupants’ heads. So I booked the car in at West London Audi so that they could take a look at it. Gaining access to the dealership is an experience in itself. A door opens and you drive into a warm and dry docking bay, where you’re greeted by a host of people ready to take the car off your hands and welcome you in. It’s all very convivial; they take your details and find out what needs doing to your car.
Audi TT Roadster 2.0 TFSI S line A mystery creak was traced to the bootlid bumpstops
Land Rover Defender Mileage 19,566 You might remember that in my previous update, I mentioned that the Defender had shut down of its own volition a couple of times. Well, the cause of the problem has now been found. I was stationary in traffic on the
In this case, they told me what needed doing, too. Apparently the headlight alignment needed looking at — not a recall as such, but something they like to see to if the car is in for servicing. It was for the “coding of the headlight range control”, whatever that means. Anyway, I drove out with a technician so I could demonstrate the creak that was coming from I know not where. He knew not where either and told me that he could find it, but that it would take a while. The car wasn’t due to stay in for long enough, so we agreed that it wouldn’t get done this time. Trouble is, not much else got done, either. The headlights were recalibrated, but none of the parts was available for any of the other jobs. They were duly ordered and the car went back for a second time once they’d arrived. The stowage tray and the speaker grille were both replaced under warranty. The reason the grille was popping out of position, I was told, was that the clips holding it in had been moulded inaccurately. The creaking from the rear was narrowed down to the bootlid hinge bumpstops, which are made of rubber. The solution was to top them off with a bit of felt. I hope it sticks. stan.papior@haymarket.com
way back from holiday in Spain when it first happened. Idling in the queue for an autoroute toll booth in 30deg C-plus heat with the air conditioning blowing and the radio belting out terrible Europop, the whole caboodle just died: engine off, radio silenced, no power steering, nothing.
It was as if I’d switched off the ignition. Except I hadn’t. I was on a downhill stretch, so I rolled onto the hard shoulder and tried a variation on the standard IT method: got out, locked the car, unlocked it again and tried the ignition. Hey presto, the engine fired up and everything seemed fine. Feeling a bit sheepish, I switched off the air-con, in case something had gotten too hot under the bonnet, and tried to keep the car moving. But after a couple of hours I got over it and made a note to mention it to the dealer when the car next needed an oil service. Then, a month later, the same thing happened again about 10 seconds after firing up the Defender in the office car park. Clearly not too much heat, then. Only this time it didn’t come right. The battery seemed charged, but I’d read that some ECUs can be flaky if the voltage drops. A Defender should charge itself well enough on idle, but it was all I could think of. A spot of battery juice was no help, though. Time to put the warranty programme
Price £34,651 Price as tested £40,315 Economy 36.3mpg Faults Door speaker rattle, sticking cubbyhole cover, squeaking over speed bumps Expenses None Last seen 7.10.15
to the test — except, well, I had to go away for a couple of weeks, so Land Rover HQ said they’d come and have a look while I was absent. They diagnosed and fixed a loose connection on the ignition switch — weird, but it explains the symptoms perfectly. And all seems fine again. matt.prior@haymarket.com
Land Rover Defender 90 Station Wagon XS Price £28,170 Price as tested £33,200 Economy 26.8mpg Faults Loose ignition wire Expenses None Last seen 21.10.15
Loose wire caused total shutdown
11 NOVEMBER 2015 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 71
PRE-OWNED
WE HAVEN’T JUST MADE THE UK’S BEST SELLING PLUG-IN VEHICLE. WE’VE MADE IT AN EVEN MORE ATTRACTIVE PACKAGE.
NOW JUST £299 PER MONTH
1
REPRESENTATIVE EXAMPLE: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GX4h
Plus deposit and fnal payment.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is cutting costs across the country – and if you’re quick, you can get hold of the UK’s favourite plug-in hybrid for less than ever before. We have a limited number of pre-owned Outlander PHEVs that are available now at under 10 months old and with less than 10,000 miles under their belts. They still deliver a staggering 148 mpg2 and are still exempt from both road tax and the London Congestion Charge3. Make time for a test drive and fnd out how we can save you £1,000s. We call this Intelligent Motion.
UP TO 32 MILES ELECTRIC RANGE
4
148 MILES MPG 2
On The Road (OTR) Price Customer Deposit Monthly Payments Option to Purchase Fee (inc in fnal payment) Final Payment (GFV) Total Amount of Credit Total Amount Payable Duration of Agreement (mths) Representative APR Interest Rate (fxed)
£29,000.00 £9,125.00 £299.00 £10.00 £11,950.00 £19,875.00 £31,839.00 37 5.9% APR 3.1%
510 MILE COMBINED RANGE
4
ULTRA LOW CO2 EMISSIONS
5
Make time for a test drive | Visit mitsubishi-cars.co.uk to fnd your nearest dealer. 1. The Alternatives PCP finance plan shown above is only available to customers aged 18 and over, subject to status only through Shogun Finance Ltd T/A Finance Mitsubishi, 116 Cockfosters Rd, Barnet, EN4 0DY. Finance Mitsubishi is part of Lloyds Banking Group. Alternatives figures are based upon an annual mileage of 10,000, excess mileage will be chargeable. The Guaranteed Future Value (GFV) is subject to the vehicle being returned on time, in good condition (fair wear and tear accepted), within the permitted maximum mileage and all the required payments having been made. Final payments (GFV) and monthly repayments may vary dependent upon date of registration and mileage, examples are a guide. Full written quotations are available upon request. Offer is only applicable in the UK (excludes Channel Isles & I.O.M) and may be withdrawn at any time. Offer available at participating dealers between 29th September to 29th December 2015. 2. Official EU MPG test figure shown as a guide for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. 3. Congestion Charge application required, subject to administrative fee. 4. 32 mile EV range achieved with full battery charge. 510 miles achieved with combined full battery and petrol tank. Actual range will vary depending on driving style and road conditions. 5. CO2 Emissions: 44 g/km.
OUR CARS
THE LOG BOOK
Mercedes E-Class Estate
Mileage 19,521 Last seen 21.10.15 Why can’t car makers agree on which way dial controllers should be turned? To zoom into the nav screen on the Benz, you turn counterclockwise, but Audis turn clockwise. Which is correct? A screwdriver turns to the right to screw in and the same should be true for sat-navs. But I wouldn’t mind which way I turned if all cars were the same. AF
Jaguar XE Mileage | 4700 Our Jag gatecrashes an Audi event before turning to airport taxi duties
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week away from the office meant a chance to spend some quality time with the XE. It’s amazing how quickly you can bond with a car like this, despite the disapproving looks I’ve been receiving from two XF owners who live along my street. They look down on the smaller, cheaper XE, as if it shouldn’t be carrying the Jaguar badge. I disagree. In fact, I think the look of this baby Jaguar is more than a match for BMW’s 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and at least on a par with that of Audi’s new A4. By chance, one of my first appointments in the XE was to go and drive the new A4 in the Cotswolds. I felt slightly sheepish, turning up in one of the A4’s biggest rivals, but if anything the day proved that Audi has bested Jaguar when it comes to interior design. Now, let’s be clear here: there is little wrong with the XE’s cabin. It feels luxurious and premium, with leather in all the right places and plenty of space up front. It isn’t overtly stylish, however, and 10 minutes in the Audi will tell you that Ingolstadt has the edge here, even if the XE does have some nice touches (I don’t think I’ll ever get bored with the way the round gear selector rises up from the centre console on start-up). What the Audi can’t match, however, is the XE’s sense of occasion. I took the
Renault Twingo
The cabin feels premium and is roomy up front, but rear passenger space is limited
scenic route back home and jumped at the chance to put both the XE’s driving mode selector and the eight-speed automatic transmission into their respective Sport modes. Immediately, the transmission kicked down a gear and I opted to use the wheel-mounted shift paddles. In this mode, the XE really does show its potential as a sports saloon. It isn’t sports-car fast, but the 317lb ft torque peak makes itself known at around 2000rpm, propelling the speedo needle swiftly around its dial. Using the paddle shifters is also a joy — they provide quick changes both up and down — while Jaguar’s sports steering feel is intact in this XE. Sadly, the engine note doesn’t enhance the experience. We’ve already said the 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel has a gruff tone next to that of its rivals, and that remains true when under load. It isn’t unpleasant, Boot swallowed a couple of holiday suitcases with ease but it is noticeable.
Next up was a trip to Heathrow to collect my parents after their holiday. With a capacity of 455 litres, the XE’s boot swallowed two big suitcases quite easily. Both passengers opted for the rear bench — a tight fit with a taller driver like me up front. The C-Class and 3 Series both have more shoulder room for rear passengers. When I tried the rear seats myself, I could see where complaints might arise. These are small issues, though, because the XE has already proved itself to be a comfortable commuter. We’re averaging just under 48mpg, through a mix of mostly urban driving with the occasional motorway stint thrown in. That’s less than the 67.3mpg Jaguar claims the XE can return on the combined cycle, but we suspect ours is a figure that will only improve with time. darren.moss@haymarket.com
Jaguar XE R-Sport 2.0 i4 180PS Price £34,775 Price as tested £38,210 Economy 47.8mpg Faults None Expenses None Last seen 14.10.15
Mileage 3318 Last seen 14.10.15 In a rear-engined city car, where does the spare tyre or repair kit live? That question left me reaching for the handbook after a nail punctured a tyre. It turns out the repair kit is hidden behind the front passenger footwell. The kit worked well and got the Twingo back on the road, but it means a new tyre is needed, because once filled with the chemical, the old one can’t be repaired. MB
Skoda Octavia Estate
Mileage 16,284 Last seen 21.10.15 Recently went on a Hebridean road trip. Drove halfway there in the Octavia before meeting friends for the onward journey in a Land Rover Discovery. The Disco was ideal in all ways but one: comfort for rear passengers. Back in the Skoda on our return, my two passengers both commented on the generous leg room and comfortable seats. MB
11 NOVEMBER 2015 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 73
DEALS
Bargain new and used motors
Please Elise me, let me go The Lotus Elise left a lasting impression on James Ruppert. It will do the same to you, he says
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he other day it was brought to my attention that it’s the Lotus Elise’s birthday. It’s no longer a teenager, apparently — and neither am I. Twenty years ago, before they went on sale, I drove one back to Lotus headquarters — one of the occasional perks of the job. It left something of an impression, because not only was there no radio, but the driver’s window was also stuck in the down position. In winter. The Elise was pretty much a rebooted Seven and an example of Lotus getting back to its basic driver’s car roots. In used car terms, it has been something of an object lesson in the trajectory of the appreciating modern classic. It bumped around the £6000 mark for a while, 74 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 11 NOVEMBER 2015
and that included some pretty ropey examples. From there, though, the only way was up. So should we be looking more closely at the Elise Series 2? Launched in 2001, the Elise S2, with its distinctive lizard-eye headlights, was a leap forward for Lotus. It still had MG’s 1.8 K-series engine, which many forget was re-engineered by Lotus to make it better (although it’s still worth checking for head gasket issues), and there was also the more potent 111S version. Early cars are referred to by the Loturati as ‘long roofs’ because of their pinned-back, fiddly-to-fit roof, which was replaced by the poppered ‘short roof’ in 2002. You can pay a solid £11,000-plus if there’s a wad of history, while the best cars cost from £12,000.
From 2006, all Elises had Toyota engines
The Toyota-powered 111R version arrived in 2004, but it’s important to remember that the 111S K-series was still around. From 2006, the Elise switched totally to Toyota power. Indeed, 2006 is the watershed date for the Elise, with plenty of changes taking place. Check the VIN, because a ‘6’ before the ‘H’ denotes the ‘06’ model year. This is the date when ProBax seats, LED rear lights and Yokohama ADO7 tyres were fitted,
Buyers could mix and match option packs, so a standard Elise is unlikely to exist. There’s no standard price, either
Used car expert
A decent Elise S2 with service history will cost from £11,000
P76
Jimi Beckwith Deals expert
P78
Nic Cackett Data expert
BANGERNOMICS BEST BUYS READER’S CAR: MERCEDES-BENZ CLC Peter Jenks is taking the long-term approach with his 59,000-mile, 58-plate Mercedes CLC 180 SE. The logbook showed three previous owners and it has a full main dealer history. “Compared with the new A-Class, it’s a ‘proper’ Mercedes,” he says. “It cost £9750 from a main dealer and I’m funding it on a two-year PCP at £380 per month, with £2370 at the end to buy it out. There was no deposit to a £500 ‘dealer support’ contribution. I’ll keep it at the end of the PCP for at least 10 years, so depreciation will be trivial.”
SEND YOUR BANGERNOMICS TALES TO JAMES Twitter: @Bangernomics Email: james@bangernomics.com
BOTTOM FEEDERS WHAT CAUGHT MY EYE THIS WEEK:one month’s MOT for
A trader buys a Ford Mondeo with That’s the way the a tenner. Next stop the scrapyard. ates these days. oper ness busi car the of end bottom
USED CAR DILEMMA: VAUXHALL MONTEREY For a while in the 1990s, you could bag yourself this: an Isuzu with a bit more personality — but only a bit. Still, the Monterey is a tough old thing with a sexy, jazz festival name. It was never an alternative to a Range Rover, though. plus a load of new option packs were made available. These 111Ss are £15,000 all day long. We could get bogged down in option pack OCD here, but suffice to say that, at the very least, buyers like to see a Touring Pack. That means front foglights, luggage nets, full carpets, sound deadening, leather seat centres, door cards and an upgraded Blaupunkt stereo. I must point out that there is also a Touring Plus, a Sport Pack and a Super Sport Pack. Buyers could mix and match between different packs, so a standard Elise is unlikely to exist. As a result, there isn’t a standard price, either. So my advice is to buy the best car you can afford, since any combination of the above will leave a lasting impression. 11 NOVEMBER 2015 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 75
USED BUYING GUIDE
P74
James Ruppert
Investment cars for less than £10k Appreciating assets needn’t be the preserve of the super-rich. Jimi Beckwith brings the investment car budget down a peg or two
1 Honda S2000 (1999-2009) Cars such as the Honda S2000 are few and far between. Its formidable combination of looking, feeling and, most important, actually being fast meant the S2000 garnered its fair share of fans throughout its 10-year production run. Honda’s ‘will they, won’t they?’ approach to replacing it means the used market for S2000s is currently
on fire. Prospective buyers will need to get in quick to grab a decent one, as prices are already on the rise. Avoid souped-up S2000s no matter what, as unmolested examples are where the real value lies. Early models can be found for between £7000 and £9000, but aim for the higher figure and go for a car with service history.
Saab 900 (1978-1993)
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The car industry is a lesser place without Saab, and enthusiasts still celebrate the Swedish manufacturer while lamenting its demise. One legacy is the 900, whose shape marks it out as one of the more distinctive cars of a decidedly boxy era. Saab’s steadfast collection of fans means the few 900s left are often
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Smart Roadster Coupé (2003-2007) Unlike the Honda S2000, Smart’s dinky Roadster faced a lukewarm public reception. But time has been kind to the charming Roadster Coupé, and values are starting to climb. Early water leak issues crippled the Smart, so ensure these have been resolved to avoid a £4500 replacement CPU. Taking a gamble on a Roadster Coupé without 76 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 11 NOVEMBER 2015
a full history is likely to end in tears. Models fitted with the paddle-shift transmission are naturally more sought after than the lacklustre automatic ’box, while there’s around a £2000 premium on racier Brabus examples. Aim for a £4500 Coupé with the glass hatch rather than its slightly gawky (and less sought after) Roadster-only sister.
well cared for, although low-mileage examples are rare and expensive. Turbo models are hard on gearboxes (particularly autos) but are more sought after than their non-turbo stablemates. Convertibles carry a premium, as do turbocharged 900s, but these are the ones to go for if you can, at £3k-£5k.
FOR MORE USED CAR ADVICE VISIT autocar.co.uk
Toyota MR2 (1984-1989)
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The 1980s are back, which means it’s once again hip to be square. The Mk1 Toyota MR2 is a near-forgotten 31-yearold hero that’s bound to appreciate as demand grows and the dwindling supply shrinks. As a Toyota, reliability comes as standard, even on a car of this age, although owners report warped brake
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Jaguar XK (1996-2006) Ever since the demise of the E-Type, Jaguar has been desperate to recapture the magic of its iconic hero car, with varying results. The XK was one such example of this, but it wasn’t deemed to have succeeded in rekindling the E-Type’s spark. Nevertheless, the XK is another car to which the passage of time has been surprisingly kind, and it stands
only to appreciate as time goes on. The XK’s daily drive appeal means low-priced, high-mileage examples are numerous and tempting, but don’t be fooled. Reliability issues and the likelihood of it gaining value mean that investing in a cared-for, low-mileage example for £8k-£9k is advisable and meticulous research is essential.
discs on older models. Rust is also an increasingly common issue. A keen eye is essential when shopping for a Mk1 MR2. There are currently only around 4000 remaining in the UK, so the few unmolested examples that arrive on the used market seldom stay there for long. Aim to spend between £3k and £4k.
USED BUYING GUIDE
DEALS
5 SERIES TOURING 5dr estate Great overall package. 520d the best AAAAC 518d M Sport £35865 141 127 31 530d Luxury £46470 241 144 43 535d Luxury £51120 308 149 45 535i Luxury £46945 302 179 42 535i M Sport £46945 302 179 42 520i SE £35365 181 157 36 520i Luxury £38165 181 162 37 520i M Sport £38165 181 162 37 528i SE £38895 242 149 40 528i Luxury £41730 242 154 41 528i M Sport £41730 242 154 41 518d SE £33065 141 122 30 518d Luxury £35865 141 127 31 520d SE £34565 181 122 33 520d Luxury £37365 181 127 34 520d M Sport £37365 181 127 34 525d SE £39310 215 136 39 525d Luxury £42125 215 141 40 525d M Sport £42125 215 141 40 530d SE £43655 241 139 43 530d M Sport £46470 241 144 43 535d M Sport £51120 308 149 45 5 SERIES GT 5dr hatch Fine cabin, but only seats four. Poor ride and steering AAABC 530d SE £46965 241 157 43 535i Luxury £49465 302 192 44 535i M Sport £50265 302 192 44 550i Luxury £59515 402 214 46 550i M Sport £60465 402 214 46 520d SE £38045 181 148 33 520d Luxury £40845 181 144 34 520d M Sport £40845 181 144 34 530d Luxury £48965 241 153 44 530d M Sport £49765 241 153 44 535d Luxury £51885 295 154 46 535d M Sport £52685 295 154 46 7 SERIES 4dr saloon Refined and spacious, but bland. 760 gets sublime V12 AAAAC ActiveHybrid 7 M Sport £71475 459 158 48 740i SE £61680 316 184 46 740Li SE £64680 316 184 46 740i M Sport £66955 316 184 46 740Li M Sport £69955 316 184 47 750i SE £71520 443 199 48 750i M Sport £76795 443 199 49 760Li SE £102025 537 314 50 760Li M Sport £104270 537 314 50 730d SE £58275 255 148 45 730Ld SE £61375 255 148 46 730d M Sport £63550 255 148 46 730Ld M Sport £66650 255 148 46 740d SE £65465 309 149 47 740d M Sport £70740 309 149 48 ActiveHybrid 7 SE £66200 459 158 47 ActiveHybrid 7L SE £69300 459 158 48 ActiveHybrid 7L M Sport £74575 459 158 48 X1 5dr 4x4 Odd SUV best as rear-wheel drive. Good drive, poor cabin finish AAAAC xDrive 25d xLine £32540 215 154 26 xDrive 20i SE £27285 181 176 28 xDrive 20i Sport £28285 181 176 28 xDrive 20i xLine £29285 181 179 28 xDrive 20i M Sport £30285 181 179 28 sDrive 16d SE £24230 114 128 18 sDrive 18d SE £25330 141 128 22 sDrive 18d Sport £26330 141 128 22 sDrive 18d M Sport £28330 141 128 22 xDrive 18d SE £26830 141 144 22 xDrive 18d Sport £27830 141 144 22 xDrive 18d xLine £28830 141 144 22 xDrive 18d M Sport £29830 141 144 22 sDrive 20d Efficient Dynamics £26760 161 119 24 sDrive 20d Eff. Dyn. Business £28160 181 119 24 sDrive 20d SE £26760 181 129 24 sDrive 20d Sport £27760 181 129 25 sDrive 20d M Sport £29760 181 129 25 xDrive 20d SE £28260 181 145 24 xDrive 20d Sport £29260 181 145 25 xDrive 20d xLine £30260 181 145 25 xDrive 20d M Sport £31260 181 145 25 xDrive 25d M Sport £33540 215 154 27 X3 5dr 4x4 New X3 has an appealingly organic drive and practical body AAAAC sDrive 18d SE £31295 141 131 26 xDrive20d SE £33295 181 142 30 xDrive20d M Sport £36295 181 142 31 xDrive20d xLine £34795 181 142 30 xDrive30d SE £40095 255 156 39 xDrive30d M Sport £43095 255 156 40 xDrive30d xLine £41595 255 156 40
CADILLAC CTS-V 2dr coupé A genuine rival to Europe’s finest supercars AAAAC 6.2 V8 £68957 556 365 50 CTS 4dr saloon Sharp-looking big saloon needs a diesel. CTS-V is excellent AACCC 3.0 V6 E’gnce auto £40897 272 229 44 3.6 V6 AWD Sp. Luxury £46977 307 247 44 3.6 V6 Sp. Luxury £45241 307 241 44 6.2 V8 V £65766 557 365 50 CATERHAM SEVEN 2dr open Pound for pound, still the most compelling way to spend five figures AAAAB 0.7 160 £14995 80 114 1.6 270 £19995 140 2.0 360 £23995 175 2.0 420 £26995 210 2.0 620R £50000 311 -
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CHRYSLER GRAND VOYAGER 5dr mpv Spacious and well equipped. Not good to drive AAABC 2.8 CRD SR £30310 161 207 32 2.8 CRD Ltd £36310 161 207 34 CITROEN C-ZERO 5dr hatch Well-engineered electric city car. Too expensive AAACC 49kW £26216 66 0 28 C1 3dr hatch The cheapest of the Aygo triplets. Cute, but noisy and basic AAACC 1.0 VTi 68 Touch £8345 67 95 6 1.0 VTi 68 Feel £9595 67 95 6 1.0 VTi 68 Flair £10285 67 95 7 1.0 VTi 68 Airscape Feel £10595 67 95 7 1.0 VTi 68 Flair S-S £10535 67 88 7 1.0 VTi 68 Airscape Flair S-S £11535 67 88 7 1.2 PureTech 82 Flair £10635 81 99 11 C1 5dr hatch The cheapest of the Aygo triplets. Cute, but noisy and basic AAACC 1.0 VTi 68 Feel £9995 67 95 6 1.0 VTi 68 Flair £10685 67 95 7 1.0 VTi 68 Airscape Feel £10995 67 95 7 1.0 VTi 68 Flair S-S £10935 67 88 7 1.0 VTi 68 Airscape Flair S-S £11935 67 88 7 1.2 PureTech 82 Flair £11035 81 99 11 C3 5dr hatch Comfortable and well-priced but not much fun AAACC 1.2 PureTech 82 Selection £13865 81 107 12 1.6 e-HDi 90 Selection £15740 89 95 18 1.0 PureTech 68 VT £11075 67 99 8 1.0 PureTech 68 VTR+ £12495 67 102 9 1.2 PureTech 82 VTR+ £13515 81 107 12 1.6 VTi 120 Excl. Au £16250 118 150 19 1.4 HDi 70 VT £13230 67 99 10 1.4 HDi 70 VTR+ £14590 67 101 10 1.4 e-HDi 70 VTR+ ETG £15210 67 87 10 1.6 e-HDi 90 VTR+ £15390 89 95 18 1.6 e-HDi 90 Excl. £16240 89 95 18 C3 PICASSO 5dr mpv Quirky small MPV. Cheap and useful. AAAAC 1.4 VTi 95 VT £13080 94 145 10 1.6 HDi 90 Excl. £17330 91 107 12 1.6 HDi 90 VTR+ £16230 91 107 12 1.6 VTi 120 Excl. £17095 118 149 13 1.6 VTi 120 Excl. ETG6 £17815 118 137 13 1.6 VTi 120 VTR+ ETG6 £16715 118 137 13 1.4 VTi 95 VTR+ £15145 94 145 10 1.6 HDi 115 Excl. £18050 107 119 15 C4 5dr hatch Good looking, but lacks the polish of the latest rivals AAABC 1.6 e-HDi 115 Excl. ETG6 £20965 110 101 18 1.6 e-HDi 115 VTR+ ETG6 £19565 110 95 18 1.4 VTi 95 VTR £14240 94 140 12 1.6 VTi 120 VTR+ £17395 118 143 16 1.6 THP 155 Excl. ETG6 £20195 154 148 22 1.6 HDi 90 VTR £16355 91 104 15 1.6 HDi 90 VTR+ £18105 91 104 16 1.6 e-HDi 115 VTR+ £18965 110 97 18 1.6 e-HDi 115 Excl. £20365 110 100 18 2.0 HDi 150 Excl. £21185 148 130 23 C4 CACTUS 5dr hatch Interesting and novel, but typically flawed to drive AAACC 1.2 PureTech 75 Touch £12990 74 105 9 1.2 PureTech 82 Touch £13490 81 105 9 1.2 PureTech 82 Feel £14690 81 105 9 1.2 PureTech 82 Flair £16090 81 107 10 1.2 PureTech 110 Feel S-S £15890 109 107 15 1.2 PureTech 110 Flair S-S £17290 109 107 16 1.6 BlueHDi 100 Touch £15490 99 87 18 1.6 BlueHDi 100 Feel £16690 99 87 18 1.6 BlueHDi 100 Flair £18090 99 89 18 1.6 e-HDi 92 Feel ETG6 £16890 89 92 16 1.6 e-HDi 92 Flair ETG6 £18290 89 94 16 C5 4dr saloon Spacious and comfy. An effective and interesting Mondeo rival AAACC 1.6 HDi 115 VTR £21670 107 125 20 1.6 e-HDi 115 ETG6 VTR+ £23370 109 117 22 2.0 HDi 160 VTR+ £24070 161 129 28 2.0 HDi 160 Excl. £25670 161 129 25 C5 5dr estate Spacious and comfy. An effective and interesting Mondeo rival AAABC 1.6 HDi 115 VTR £22770 113 125 20 1.6 e-HDi 115 ETG6 VTR+ £24470 107 117 22
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CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2dr coupé Left-hand drive heavy hitter. Serious engine for the money AAAAC 6.2 V8 £69810 460 279 50 6.2 V8 Convertible £74410 460 283 50
Make and Model
CO2 g/km
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Price
Insurance group
xDrive35d M Sport £45695 308 157 43 X4 5dr 4x4 A downsized X6. Respectable enough, but the cheaper X3 is a better option AAABC xDrive20d SE £36895 187 142 31 xDrive20d xLine £38395 187 142 31 xDrive20d M Sport £39895 187 142 31 xDrive30d xLine £45195 255 156 40 xDrive30d M Sport £46695 255 156 40 xDrive35d M Sport £49295 308 157 43 X5 5dr 4x4 Very comfortable and capable . Although the bling M50d should be avoided AAAAC xDrive50i SE £60670 402 224 49 xDrive50i M Sport £64800 402 226 49 X5M £90180 567 258 50 sDrive25d SE £43745 215 149 41 sDrive25d M Sport £47680 215 151 42 xDrive25d SE £46050 215 154 42 xDrive25d M Sport £50750 215 156 42 xDrive30d SE £48850 241 156 44 xDrive30d M Sport £53550 241 158 45 xDrive40d SE £51510 302 157 46 xDrive40d M Sport £56210 302 159 47 M50d £64525 381 173 49 X6 5dr 4x4 The world’s first off-road coupé, but appearance makes it difficult to love AAABC xDrive50i SE £63320 443 225 49 xDrive50i M Sport £67450 443 227 50 X6M £93080 567 258 50 xDrive30d SE £51400 258 157 45 xDrive30d M Sport £56100 258 159 45 xDrive40d SE £54060 313 163 46 xDrive40d M Sport £58760 313 165 47 M50d £67175 381 174 50 Z4 ROADSTER 2dr open Classy roadster. More cruiser than sports car AAABC 2.0 sDrive18i £27740 154 159 33 2.0 sDrive18i M Sport £31625 154 159 34 2.0 sDrive20i £29840 181 159 34 2.0 sDrive20i M Sport £33005 181 159 35 2.0 sDrive28i M Sport £37390 242 159 40 3.0 sDrive35i M Sport £43010 302 219 42 3.0 sDrive35iS DCT £45955 335 211 43 6 SERIES GRAN COUPE 4dr saloon Back door proves a brilliant visual coup AAAAC 640i SE £59430 315 178 47 640i M Sport £63030 315 182 48 650i M Sport £72390 444 206 50 M6 £94750 552 231 50 640d SE £62295 309 147 48 640d M Sport £65930 309 152 49 6 SERIES 2dr coupé Great engines and interior. More GT than sports car AAAAC 640i SE £59430 315 176 47 640i M Sport £63030 315 180 47 650i M Sport £72390 402 206 49 M6 £92350 552 231 50 640d SE £62295 309 143 48 640d M Sport £65895 309 147 48 6 SERIES CONVERTIBLE 2dr open Great engines and interior. More GT than sports car AAAAC 650i M Sport £77990 402 213 50 640i SE £65330 315 179 50 640i M Sport £68630 315 184 50 M6 £97300 552 239 50 640d SE £68195 309 149 50 640d M Sport £71530 309 153 50 I8 2dr coupé The world’s first off-road coupé, but appearance makes it difficult to love AAABC 1.5 £104540 357 49 50
Make and Model
CO2 g/km
Bhp
Price
Make and Model
Insurance group
CO2 g/km
Bhp
Price
Insurance group
430d xDrive M Sport £42460 255 142 40 435d xDrive Luxury £45245 308 147 41 435d xDrive M Sport £45745 308 147 41 4 SERIES 2dr open A quality product to be sure, but some of the verve has gone with the roof AAABC 420d Luxury £39880 181 137 31 420d M Sport £40380 181 137 31 420d SE £37380 181 133 30 420d Sport £38880 181 137 30 428i Luxury £40220 242 163 36 428i M Sport £40720 242 163 37 428i SE £37720 242 159 36 428i Sport £39220 242 163 36 430d M Sport £45700 255 144 41 435i Luxury £45685 302 194 39 435i M Sport £46185 302 194 39 M4 £61150 425 213 45 420i SE £34910 181 154 30 420i Sport £36410 181 158 31 420i Luxury £37410 181 158 31 420i M Sport £37910 181 158 31 425d SE £39240 218 138 34 425d Sport £40755 218 143 34 425d Luxury £41755 218 143 34 425d M Sport £42255 218 143 35 430d Luxury £45200 255 144 40 435d xDrive Luxury £49100 308 155 42 435d xDrive M Sport £49600 308 155 42 4 SERIES GRAN COUPE 4dr saloon A prettier 3 Series. Very good, but not better. AAAAC 420d M Sport £35495 181 119 30 420d xDrive SE £33995 181 121 29 420i SE £30125 181 149 29 420i Sport £31660 181 153 29 420i Luxury £32660 181 153 29 420i M Sport £33160 181 153 30 420i xDrive SE £31660 181 161 30 420i xDrive Sport £33160 181 164 30 420i xDrive Luxury £34160 181 164 30 420i xDrive M Sport £34660 181 164 31 428i SE £33520 245 154 33 428i Sport £35020 245 156 34 428i Luxury £36020 245 156 34 428i M Sport £36520 245 156 34 435i Luxury £41870 306 193 36 435i M Sport £42370 306 193 36 418d SE £31695 141 122 23 418d Sport £33195 141 127 24 418d Luxury £34195 141 127 24 418d M Sport £34695 141 127 24 420d SE £32495 181 111 29 420d Sport £33995 181 119 29 420d Luxury £34995 181 119 30 420d xDrive Sport £35495 181 129 30 420d xDrive Luxury £36495 181 129 30 420d xDrive M Sport £36995 181 129 30 430d Luxury £40445 255 139 39 430d M Sport £40945 255 139 40 430d xDrive Luxury £41960 255 145 39 430d xDrive M Sport £42460 255 145 39 435d xDrive Luxury £45245 308 150 41 435d xDrive M Sport £45745 308 150 41 5 SERIES 4dr saloon No longer a handling benchmark. Superb interior AAAAC 530d Luxury £44255 241 139 43 535i M Sport £44745 302 179 42 520i SE £33130 181 149 36 520i Luxury £35965 181 154 37 520i M Sport £35965 181 159 37 528i SE £36695 242 142 40 528i Luxury £39495 242 147 41 528i M Sport £39530 242 152 41 535i Luxury £44690 302 174 42 550i Luxury £57615 402 199 46 550i M Sport £57915 402 206 46 ActiveHybrid 5 SE £47790 335 149 44 ActiveHybrid 5 Luxury £48825 335 159 44 ActiveHybrid 5 M Sport £50625 335 163 44 4.4 V8 M5 £73970 552 232 48 518d SE £30865 141 114 30 518d Luxury £33665 141 119 31 518d M Sport £33665 141 124 31 520d SE £32365 181 114 33 520d Luxury £35165 181 119 34 520d M Sport £35165 181 124 34 525d SE £36980 215 129 39 525d Luxury £39910 215 134 40 525d M Sport £39910 215 139 40 530d SE £41455 241 134 43 530d M Sport £44270 241 144 43 535d Luxury £48920 308 143 45 535d M Sport £48920 308 148 45
Make and Model
CO2 g/km
Bhp
Price
Insurance group
320i M Sport £30905 181 153 31 328i Luxury £34305 242 162 36 328i M Sport £34105 242 162 36 316d ES £27575 114 116 20 316d SE £28425 114 116 20 316d Sport £28725 114 116 20 318d SE £29675 141 124 24 318d Sport £29975 141 124 24 318d Luxury £32175 141 127 25 318d M Sport £31975 141 127 25 320d SE £30775 181 125 31 320d Luxury £33275 181 128 32 320d M Sport £33075 181 128 32 320d xDrive Sport £32705 181 133 30 320d xDrive Luxury £34905 181 133 31 320d xDrive M Sport £34705 181 133 31 330d SE £36105 255 135 38 330d Luxury £38605 255 138 38 330d M Sport £38405 255 138 38 330d xDrive Luxury £40120 255 145 41 330d xDrive M Sport £39920 255 145 41 3 SERIES GT 5dr hatch Hatchback practicality meets 3-Series talent. Duller but decent AAAAC 318d M Sport £33525 141 122 25 318d SE £31275 141 122 24 320i M Sport £32155 181 155 31 320i SE £29905 181 155 31 320i xDrive Luxury £33405 181 165 31 320i xDrive M Sport £33655 181 165 31 320i xDrive SE £31405 181 165 31 320i xDrive Sport £32405 181 165 31 328i SE £33105 242 157 35 330d xDrive M Sport £41470 258 144 41 320i Sport £30905 181 155 31 320i Luxury £31905 181 155 31 328i Sport £34105 242 157 36 328i Luxury £35105 242 157 36 328i M Sport £35355 242 157 36 335i Luxury £40565 302 189 38 335i M Sport £40815 302 189 38 318d Sport £32275 141 122 24 318d Luxury £33275 141 122 24 320d SE £32375 181 130 30 320d Sport £33375 181 130 30 320d Luxury £34375 181 130 30 320d M Sport £34625 181 130 30 325d SE £34305 215 136 34 325d Luxury £36305 215 136 34 325d M Sport £36555 215 136 34 330d SE £37705 258 137 40 330d Luxury £39705 258 137 40 330d M Sport £39955 258 137 41 330d xDrive SE £39220 258 144 40 330d xDrive Luxury £41220 258 144 40 335d xDrive Luxury £44120 313 149 42 335d xDrive M Sport £44370 313 149 42 I3 5dr hatch Superb really, but pricey and not free from the usual electric car practicality issuesAAAAC i3 EV £30980 168 0 21 i3 EV Range Extender £34130 168 13 21 4 SERIES 2dr coupé More talented GT than brilliant B-road steer. Very comely though AAAAC 430d M Sport £40945 255 134 40 420i SE £30125 181 144 30 420i Sport £31625 181 146 30 420i Luxury £32625 181 146 30 420i M Sport £33125 181 146 30 420i xDrive SE £31660 181 159 30 420i xDrive Sport £33160 181 163 30 420i xDrive Luxury £34160 181 163 31 420i xDrive M Sport £34660 181 163 31 428i SE £33520 242 154 33 428i Sport £35020 242 156 33 428i Luxury £36020 242 156 34 428i M Sport £36520 242 156 34 435i Luxury £41870 302 188 36 435i M Sport £42370 302 188 36 M4 £57055 425 204 42 420d SE £32495 181 111 29 420d Sport £33995 181 119 30 420d Luxury £34995 181 119 30 420d M Sport £35495 181 119 30 420d xDrive SE £33995 181 117 29 420d xDrive Sport £35495 181 125 29 420d xDrive Luxury £36495 181 125 29 420d xDrive M Sport £36995 181 125 29 425d SE £35430 215 131 33 425d Sport £36930 215 136 34 425d Luxury £37930 215 136 34 425d M Sport £38430 215 136 34 430d Luxury £40445 255 134 40 430d xDrive Luxury £41960 255 142 40
Make and Model
CO2 g/km
Bhp
Price
Make and Model
NEW CARS A-Z 2.0 HDi 160 VTR+ £25180 161 133 28 2.0 HDi 160 Excl. £26780 161 133 25 DS3 3dr hatch Jack of all trades, master of none. Nice styling AAABC 1.2 PureTech 82 DSign £13295 81 104 9 1.2 PureTech 82 DSign Ice £14720 81 107 11 1.2 PureTech 110 DStyle S-S £15995 109 107 19 1.2 PureTech 110 DStyle Ice S- £17220 109 107 17 1.6 VTi 120 DStyle auto £16630 118 150 16 1.6 THP 165 DStyle Ice S-S £17790 161 129 26 1.6 THP 165 DSire S-S £18100 161 129 24 1.6 THP 165 DSport S-S £19095 161 129 26 1.6 THP 165 Ultra Prestige £20795 161 129 27 1.6 e-HDi 90 Air’ DStyle £15820 91 95 16 1.6 e-HDi 90 DStyle Ice £17410 91 95 19 1.6 BlueHDi 120 DSire £18220 118 94 25 1.6 BlueHDi 120 DSport £19295 118 94 24 1.6 BlueHDi 120 Ultra Prestige £20995 118 94 24 DS3 CABRIOLET 2dr open Refined soft topper. Retains its cuteness AAABC 1.2 PureTech 110 DStyle S-S £17995 109 107 20 1.2 PureTech 82 DSign £15295 81 112 12 1.6 BlueHDi 120 DSport £21295 118 94 26 1.6 THP 165 DSire S-S £20145 161 129 27 1.6 THP 165 DSport S-S £21095 161 129 29 1.6 VTi 120 DStyle auto £18845 118 154 18 1.6 e-HDi 90 DStyle £17935 113 95 20 DS4 5dr hatch Jack of all trades, master of none. Nice styling AAABC 1.6 e-HDi 115 DSign £19425 113 113 18 1.6 VTi 120 DSign £17855 118 144 14 1.6 VTi 120 DStyle £19905 118 144 15 1.6 THP 160 DStyle Au £21765 161 178 21 1.6 THP 200 DSport £23840 197 149 31 1.6 e-HDi 115 DStyle £21475 113 113 18 1.6 e-HDi 115 DStyle ETG6 £21975 113 114 17 2.0 HDi 135 DStyle £21900 134 130 21 2.0 HDi 160 DStyle £22700 161 130 23 2.0 HDi 160 DSport £23700 161 130 24 DS5 5dr hatch Design marvel. Shame it doesn’t function so well AAABC 1.6 THP 200 DSport £28920 197 155 27 1.6 e-HDi 115 DStyle ETG6 £25890 113 114 18 1.6 BlueHDi 120 DSign £23260 113 102 21 1.6 BlueHDi 120 DStyle £25890 113 105 22 2.0 HDi 160 DStyle £26895 161 128 24 2.0 HDi 160 DSport £28955 161 128 24 2.0 BlueHDi 180 DSport £31580 178 118 30 2.0 Hybrid4 200 DSport £33700 200 102 28 2.0 Hybrid4 200 DStyle £31600 200 102 27 BERLINGO MULTISPACE 5dr mpv Likeable, practical van-based MPV AAABC 1.6 VTi 95 VT £13285 97 155 5 1.6 HDi 75 VTR £14655 74 135 4 1.6 HDi 90 Plus Sp. Ed £15805 89 135 8 1.6 HDi 90 VTR £15105 89 135 7 1.6 e-HDi 90 VTR ETG6 £15875 89 120 9 1.6 HDi 90 XTR £17155 89 135 8 1.6 e-HDi 90 XTR ETG6 £17525 89 120 9 1.6 HDi 115 XTR £17905 107 134 10 C4 PICASSO 5dr mpv Plushness and an improved dynamic make for a better car AAAAC 1.6 VTi 120 VTR £17760 118 145 14 1.6 VTi 120 VTR+ £19020 118 145 15 1.6 THP 155 Excl. £21320 154 139 22 1.6 THP 155 Excl.+ £23720 154 142 22 1.6 HDi 90 VTR £18450 91 110 15 1.6 HDi 90 VTR+ £19710 91 110 15 1.6 e-HDi 90 VTR+ ETG6 £20410 91 98 15 1.6 e-HDi 115 VTR+ £20510 113 105 18 1.6 e-HDi 115 VTR+ ETG6 £21010 113 104 18 1.6 e-HDi 115 Excl. £21810 113 105 17 1.6 e-HDi 115 Excl.+ £24210 113 105 18 2.0 Blue HDi 150 Excl. £23050 148 102 24 2.0 Blue HDi 150 Excl. + £25410 148 105 24 GRAND C4 PICASSO 5dr mpv Plushness and an improved dynamic make for a better carAAAAC 1.6 VTi 120 VTR £19460 118 145 13 1.6 VTi 120 VTR+ £20720 118 145 13 1.6 THP 155 Excl. £23020 154 139 21 1.6 THP 155 Excl.+ £25420 154 142 22 1.6 e-HDi 90 ETG6 VTR £20850 91 98 15 1.6 e-HDi 90 ETG6 VTR+ £22110 91 98 15 1.6 e-HDi 115 VTR+ £22210 113 105 19 1.6 e-HDi 115 Excl. £23510 113 105 18 1.6 e-HDi 115 Excl.+ £25910 113 105 19 2.0 Blue HDi 150 Excl. £24750 148 102 24 2.0 Blue HDi 150 Excl.+ £27110 148 105 25
FERRARI F12 2dr coupé Proper V12 Ferrari with serious exclusivity and appeal AAAAA 6.3 V12 £239352 730 350 50 FF 2dr coupé Four-seat Ferrari estate has appeal but lacks classic DNA AAAAC 6.3 V12 £227077 651 360 50 CALIFORNIA 2dr open Sleek, comfortable and fast. Now with turbocharger AAAAC 4.3 V8 £152086 483 270 50 3.9 V8 T £154490 552 250 50 458 2dr coupé The complete supercar. Calm ride, explosive performance AAAAA 4.5 V8 Italia £178461 570 307 50 4.5 V8 Speciale £208090 597 275 50 458 SPIDER 2dr open The complete supercar. Minus roof. A world-class head turner AAAAA 4.5 V8 £198906 570 275 50 FIAT PANDA 5dr hatch Cheap, practical and very nearly spot on AAAAC 0.9 TwinAir 85 4x4 Antarctica £14995 84 105 6 0.9 Twinair 85 Trekking £13075 84 105 6 1.3 MultiJet 75 4x4 Antarctica £15995 74 125 7 0.9 Twinair 85 Easy £11375 84 99 7 0.9 Twinair 85 Lounge £11875 84 99 7 0.9 Twinair 85 4x4 £14575 84 114 7 1.2 Pop £9375 68 120 3 1.2 Easy £10175 68 120 4 1.2 Lounge £10675 68 120 3 1.3 MultiJet 75 Pop £11575 74 104 7 1.3 Multijet 75 Easy £12375 74 104 7 1.3 Multijet 75 Lounge £12875 74 104 7 1.3 Multijet 75 Trekking £14075 74 109 7 1.3 Multijet 75 4x4 £15575 74 125 7 500 3dr hatch Super desirable, cute city car. Pleasant, if not involving, to drive AAABC 0.9 TwinAir 105 GQ £15550 103 92 10 0.9 TwinAir 105 Lounge £14220 103 92 10 0.9 TwinAir 105 S £14370 103 92 10 0.9 TwinAir 85 GQ £15070 84 99 10 1.2 Colour Therapy £11220 68 113 9 1.2 GQ £13670 68 113 9 1.3 MultiJet GQ £16070 94 97 14 0.9 TwinAir 85 Lounge £13740 84 92 10 0.9 TwinAir 85 S £13890 84 92 12 0.9 TwinAir 85 Colour Therapy £12420 84 99 10 0.9 TwinAir Cult £14890 84 99 10 0.9 TwinAir 105 Cult £15370 103 92 10 1.2 Pop £10690 68 113 5 1.2 Lounge £12440 68 113 6 1.2 S £12590 68 113 9 1.2 Cult £13590 68 113 9 1.4 T-Jet Abarth £14255 133 155 26 1.3 MultiJet Lounge £14840 94 97 15 1.3 MultiJet S £14990 94 97 14 1.3 MultiJet Cult £15990 94 97 14
Insurance group
CO2 g/km
Bhp
Price
Insurance group
1.2 Studio £8995 68 115 3 1.2 Edge £9945 68 115 3 1.2 Zetec £10695 68 115 3 1.2 Titanium £11995 68 115 3 1.2 Metal £11445 68 115 5 B-MAX 5dr mpv Fiesta dynamics and sliding door access make the B-Max a cut above AAAAC 1.0T EcoBoost 100 Zetec £15495 99 119 9 1.0T EcoBoost 100 Titanium £16695 99 119 10 1.0T EcoBoost 125 Zetec S-S £16095 118 99 13 1.0T EcoBoost 125 Titanium S-S £17295 118 99 13 1.0T EcoBoost 125 Titanium X £18495 118 99 13 1.4 90 Studio £13095 89 139 7 1.4 90 Zetec £14895 89 139 8 1.6 105 Zetec Powershift £16595 103 149 10 1.6 105 Titanium Powershift £17795 103 149 11 1.5 TDCi 75 Zetec £16295 74 109 8 1.6 TDCi 95 Zetec £16795 94 104 10 1.6 TDCi 95 Titanium £17995 94 104 11 FIESTA 3dr hatch Stylish and wonderfully engaging. The best supermini AAAAC 1.6 105 Zetec Powershift £15045 103 138 12 1.0 80 Zetec S-S £13695 79 99 6 1.0 80 Titanium S-S £14695 79 99 7 1.0T 100 Ecoboost Zetec S-S £14195 99 99 11 1.0T 100 Ecoboost Titanium S-S £15195 99 99 11 1.0T 100 E’boost TitaniumX S-S £16445 99 99 11 1.0T 125 Ecoboost Titanium S-S £15695 123 99 15 1.0T 125 E’boost TitaniumX S-S £16945 123 99 16 1.0T 125 Ecoboost Zetec S S-S £15945 123 99 15 1.25 60 Studio £10145 59 120 3 1.25 60 Style £11895 59 120 4 1.25 82 Style £12395 80 120 7 1.25 82 Zetec £13195 80 120 7 1.6 105 Titanium Powershift £16045 103 138 12 1.6T 180 Ecoboost ST £17545 180 138 30 1.6T 180 Ecoboost ST2 £18545 180 138 30 1.6T 180 Ecoboost ST3 £19545 180 138 30 1.5 TDCi 75 Style £13995 74 98 8 1.5 TDCi 75 Zetec £14795 74 98 9 1.5 TDCi 75 Titanium £15795 74 98 9 1.6 TDCi 95 Style ECOnetic S-S £14945 94 87 11 1.6 TDCi 95 Zetec ECOnetic S-S £15495 94 87 12 1.6 TDCi 95 Zetec S £16145 94 95 12 1.6 TDCi 95 Titanium ECOnetic £16495 94 87 12 1.6 TDCi 95 Titanium X £17295 94 95 13 FIESTA 5dr hatch Stylish and wonderfully engaging. The best supermini AAAAC 1.25 82 Style £12995 80 120 7 1.6 105 Titanium Powershift £16645 103 138 12 1.6 105 Zetec Powershift £15645 103 138 12 1.0 80 Zetec S-S £14295 79 99 6 1.0 80 Titanium S-S £15295 79 99 7 1.0T 100 Ecoboost Zetec S-S £14795 99 99 11 1.0T 100 Ecoboost Titanium S-S £15795 99 99 11 1.0T 100 E’boost TitaniumX S-S £17045 99 99 11 1.0T 125 Ecoboost Titanium S-S £16295 123 99 15 1.0T 125 E’boost TitaniumX S-S £17545 123 99 16 1.25 60 Style £12495 59 120 4 1.25 82 Zetec £13795 80 120 7 1.5 TDCi 75 Style £14595 74 98 8 1.5 TDCi 75 Zetec £15395 74 98 9 1.5 TDCi 75 Titanium £16395 74 98 9 1.6 TDCi 95 Style ECOnetic S-S £15545 94 87 11 1.6 TDCi 95 Zetec ECOnetic S-S £16095 94 87 12 1.6 TDCi 95 Titanium ECOnetic £17095 94 87 12 1.6 TDCi 95 Titanium X £17895 94 95 13 ECOSPORT 5dr hatch Pumped up Fiesta okay, but developing world origins show through AAACC 1.0T Ecoboost 125 Titanium £15995 123 125 11 1.0T Ecoboost 125 Titanium X £16995 123 125 11 1.5 112 Titanium £14995 90 149 10 1.5 112 Titanium X £15995 90 149 10 1.5 TDCi 91 Titanium £16495 90 120 10 1.5 TDCi 91 Titanium X £17495 90 120 10 FOCUS 5dr hatch Still very good to drive, and made more appealing by new cabin AAAAC 1.6 125 Zetec S £21095 123 146 14 1.0T 100 Ecoboost Style £17595 99 105 10 1.0T 100 Ecoboost Zetec £18595 99 105 10 1.0T 100 Ecoboost Titanium £20095 99 105 10 1.0T 100 Ecoboost Titanium X £22095 99 105 10 1.0T 125 Ecoboost Zetec £19095 123 108 14 1.0T 125 Ecoboost Zetec S £20345 123 108 14 1.0T 125 Ecoboost Titanium £20595 123 108 14 1.0T 125 Ecoboost Titanium X £22595 123 108 14 1.5T 150 Ecoboost Zetec S £20845 148 137 14 FORD 1.5T 150 Ecoboost Titanium £21095 148 137 14 KA 3dr hatch An agile drive and energetic petrol engine. 1.5T 182 Ecoboost Titanium X £23820 180 137 14 1.6 85 Studio £13995 84 136 7 Wooden ride AAABC £17095 103 136 11 1.2 Grand Prix lll £11445 68 115 5 1.6 105 Style £18845 123 146 14 1.2 Studio Connect £9445 68 115 3 1.6 125 Style auto
Make and Model
CO2 g/km
Bhp
Price
Insurance group
Make and Model
CO2 g/km
Bhp
Price
500 CONVERTIBLE 2dr open Super desirable, cute city car. Cab a better drive than hatch AAAAC 0.9 TwinAir 105 GQ £18170 103 92 15 0.9 TwinAir 105 Lounge S-S £16870 103 92 15 0.9 TwinAir 105 S £17020 84 92 15 0.9 TwinAir 85 Colour Therapy £14970 84 92 15 0.9 TwinAir 85 GQ £17690 84 92 15 0.9 TwinAir 85 S £16540 84 92 15 1.2 Colour Therapy £13770 68 113 10 1.2 GQ £16490 68 113 10 1.2 S £15240 68 113 10 1.3 MultiJet GQ £18890 94 97 18 1.3 MultiJet S £17640 94 97 18 1.4 16v Turbo T-Jet Abarth £16005 133 155 27 0.9 TwinAir 85 Lounge S-S £16390 84 92 15 0.9 TwinAir 85 Cult £17540 84 92 15 0.9 TwinAir 105 Cult £18020 103 92 15 1.2 Pop S-S £13690 68 113 9 1.2 Lounge S-S £15090 68 113 10 1.2 Cult £16240 68 113 10 1.3 MultiJet Lounge £17490 94 97 18 1.3 MultiJet Cult £18640 94 97 18 500L 5dr mpv A costly option, but has the style to fill out some of its missing substance AAABC 1.4 95 Pop £13390 94 145 10 0.9 Twinair Pop Star £16690 103 112 11 0.9 TwinAir Lounge £18090 103 112 11 0.9 TwinAir Trekking £18790 103 119 11 1.4 95 Pop Star £15550 94 145 10 1.4 95 Lounge £16950 94 145 10 1.4 95 Trekking £17650 94 149 8 1.4 120 Pop Star £17195 118 159 10 1.4 120 Lounge £18595 118 159 10 1.4 120 Trekking £19295 118 159 10 1.3 Multijet 85 Pop Star £17040 83 110 8 1.3 Multijet 85 Lounge £18440 83 110 9 1.3 Multijet 85 Trekking £19140 83 114 7 1.6 Multijet 105 Pop Star £18040 103 117 17 1.6 Multijet 105 Lounge £19440 103 117 18 1.6 Multijet 105 Trekking £20140 103 122 15 1.6 Multijet 120 Pop Star £18540 118 120 17 1.6 Multijet 120 Lounge £19940 118 120 17 1.6 Multijet 120 Trekking £20640 118 120 17 500L MPW 5dr mpv As above but with seven seat flexibility in its more expensive format AAABC 1.6 MultiJet 120 Lounge 7st £21380 118 117 17 1.6 MultiJet 120 Pop Star 7st £19880 118 117 17 0.9 TwinAir 105 Pop Star 7st £17330 103 112 11 0.9 TwinAir 105 Lounge 7st £18830 103 112 11 1.4 95 Pop Star 5st £15840 94 145 9 1.4 95 Lounge 5st £17340 94 145 9 1.3 MultiJet 85 Pop Star 7st £18380 83 110 8 1.3 MultiJet 85 Lounge 7st £19880 83 110 9 1.6 MultiJet 105 Pop Star 7st £19380 103 117 17 1.6 MultiJet 105 Lounge 7st £20880 103 117 17 500X 5dr hatch Familiar styling works rather well as a crossover. Drives okay, too AAABC 1.4 MultiAir 140 Pop Star £17595 138 139 1.4 MultiAir 140 Lounge £19345 138 - 1.4 MultiAir 140 Cross £18595 138 - 1.4 MultiAir 140 Cross Plus £20345 138 - 1.3 MultiJet 95 Pop Star £18095 94 109 1.6 MultiJet 120 Pop Star £19095 118 - 1.6 MultiJet 120 Lounge £20845 118 - 1.6 MultiJet 120 Cross £20095 118 - 1.6 MultiJet 120 Cross Plus £21845 118 - 2.0 MultiJet 140 Cross AWD £24095 118 147 2.0 MltiJet 140 Cross Plus AWD £25845 118 147 PUNTO 3dr hatch MultiAir tech improves appeal and economy. Still heavily dated though AAACC 1.2 8v Easy £11275 68 126 6 1.2 8v GBT £11775 68 126 6 1.2 8v Pop £10175 68 126 6 1.3 85 Multijet Easy £13775 85 90 13 1.4 8v Easy £11685 76 132 8 1.4 8v GBT £12185 76 132 8 1.3 85 Multijet GBT £14275 85 90 13 PUNTO 5dr hatch MultiAir tech improves appeal and economy. Still heavily dated though AAACC 1.2 8v Easy £11875 68 126 6 1.2 8v GBT £12375 68 126 6 1.2 8v Pop £10775 68 126 6 1.4 8v Easy £12285 76 132 8 1.4 8v GBT £12785 76 132 8 1.3 85 Multijet Easy £14375 85 90 13 1.3 85 Multijet GBT £14875 85 90 13
AUTOCAR TOP FIVES Hardcore sports
1.6 125 Zetec £19845 123 146 14 1.6 125 Titanium auto £21345 123 146 14 2.0T 250 Ecoboost ST £22495 247 159 34 2.0T 250 Ecoboost ST-2 £23995 247 159 35 2.0T 250 Ecoboost ST-3 £26295 247 159 36 1.5 TDCi 95 Style £18295 94 98 11 1.5 TDCi 120 Zetec £19795 118 98 11 1.5 TDCi 120 Zetec S £21045 118 98 11 1.5 TDCi 120 Titanium £21295 118 98 11 1.5 TDCi 120 Titanium X £23295 118 98 11 1.6 TDCi 95 Style £18195 94 109 11 1.6 TDCi 115 Zetec £19695 114 109 16 1.6 TDCi 115 Zetec S £20945 114 109 16 1.6 TDCi 115 Titanium £21195 114 109 16 2.0 TDCi 150 Titanium £22635 148 109 16 2.0 TDCi 150 Titanium X £24635 148 109 2.0 TDCi 185 ST £22495 178 110 34 2.0 TDCi 185 ST-2 £23995 178 110 35 2.0 TDCi 185 ST-3 £26295 178 110 36 FOCUS 5dr estate Well-mannered and comfortable. An Octavia carries more AAABC 1.0T 100 Ecoboost Style £18695 99 109 10 1.0T 100 Ecoboost Titanium £21195 99 109 10 1.0T 100 Ecoboost Titanium X £23195 99 109 10 1.0T 100 Ecoboost Zetec £19695 99 109 10 1.0T 125 Ecoboost Titanium £21695 123 110 14 1.0T 125 Ecoboost Titanium X £23695 123 110 14 1.0T 125 Ecoboost Zetec £20195 123 110 14 1.0T 125 Ecoboost Zetec S £21445 123 110 14 1.5 TDCi 120 Titanium £22395 118 98 11 1.5 TDCi 120 Titanium X £24395 118 98 11 1.5 TDCi 120 Zetec £20895 118 98 11 1.5 TDCi 120 Zetec S £22145 118 98 11 1.5 TDCi 95 Style £19395 94 98 11 1.5T 150 Ecoboost Titanium £22195 148 128 14 1.5T 150 Ecoboost Zetec S £21945 148 128 14 1.5T 182 Ecoboost Titanium X £24920 180 128 14 1.6 105 Style £18180 103 139 11 1.6 125 Style auto £19945 123 146 14 1.6 125 Titanium auto £22445 123 146 14 1.6 125 Zetec £20945 123 146 14 1.6 TDCi 115 Titanium £22295 114 109 16 1.6 TDCi 115 Zetec £20795 114 109 16 1.6 TDCi 115 Zetec S £22045 114 109 16 1.6 TDCi 95 Style £19295 94 109 11 2.0 TDCi 150 Titanium £23735 148 109 16 2.0 TDCi 185 ST £23595 178 110 34 2.0 TDCi 185 ST-2 £25095 178 110 34 2.0 TDCi 185 ST-3 £27395 178 110 36 2.0T 250 Ecoboost ST £23595 247 159 34 2.0T 250 Ecoboost ST-2 £25095 247 159 35 2.0T 250 Ecoboost ST-3 £27395 247 159 36 2.0 TDCi 150 Titanium X £25735 148 109 16 MONDEO 5dr hatch Still the best big saloon. Practical, comfortable, rewarding AAAAC 1.5T EcoBoost 160 Zetec £21345 158 134 23 1.5T EcoBoost 160 Titanium £22545 158 134 23 2.0T EcoBoost 240 Titanium £26045 237 169 1.6 TDCi 115 Style £21095 113 94 17 1.6 TDCi 115 Zetec £22095 113 94 17 1.6 TDCi 115 Titanium £23295 113 94 17 2.0 TDCi 150 Style £21845 148 107 23 2.0 TDCi 150 Zetec £22845 148 107 23 2.0 TDCi 150 Titanium £23795 148 115 23 2.0 TDCi 150 Titanium Econetic £24045 148 107 23 2.0 TDCi 180 Titanium £24545 178 115 27 MONDEO 5dr estate A vast and enjoyable estate. Reasonably priced. AAAAC 1.5T Ecoboost 160 Titanium £23780 158 134 23 1.5T Ecoboost 160 Zetec £22580 158 134 23 1.6 TDCi 115 Style £22345 113 94 17 1.6 TDCi 115 Titanium £24545 113 94 17 1.6 TDCi 115 Zetec £23345 113 94 17 2.0 TDCi 150 Style £23095 148 107 23 2.0 TDCi 150 Titanium £25045 148 115 23 2.0 TDCi 150 Titanium Econetic £25295 148 107 23 2.0 TDCi 150 Zetec £24095 148 107 23 2.0 TDCi 180 Titanium £25795 178 115 27 2.0T Ecoboost 240 Titanium £27295 237 169 KUGA 5dr 4x4 Bigger Kuga has taken a stylistic step backwards, but the strengths remain AAAAC 2.0 TDCi 180 Titanium X Sport £32045 177 135 22 1.5T 150 Ecoboost Zetec 2WD £21000 148 143 20 1.5T 150 Ecoboost Titanium £22645 148 143 20 1.5T 150 Ecoboost Titanium X £25395 148 143 20 1.5T 150 Titanium X Sport £28345 148 143 20 1.5T 182 Ecoboost Zetec AWD £25160 180 171 21 1.5T 182 Ecoboost Titanium AWD £26795 180 171 21 1.5T 182 Ecoboost Titanium X A £29545 180 171 21 1.5T 182 Ebst Titanium X Sport £32495 180 171 21 2.0 TDCi 150 Zetec 2WD £22695 148 122 20 2.0 TDCi 150 Titanium 2WD £24345 148 122 20
1
Porsche 911 GT3
2
Ferrari 458 Speciale
3
Aston Martin V12 Vantage S
4
Lotus Exige S
5
Nissan GT-R Nismo
From £100,000 A singular achievement. The 911 hard-fired to a near-flawless finish. Too perfect? You’ll struggle to care. AAAAA
From £208,000 Huge premium means it can’t overcome the GT3, but that doesn’t stand between it and greatness. Fabulous. AAAAA
From £138,000 The best Aston in a decade. All the bruiser’s edges have been smartly smoothed away. What’s left is plain magic. AAAAB
From £53,000 Only fantasy machines of a rare and expensive calibre are capable of seeing off the Lotus. It’s that good. AAAAB
From £125,000 Nismo version takes the GT-R boldly into new realms of fantasy. Has to be driven to be believed. Still short on soul. AAAAC
ROAD TEST RESULTS
DACIA SANDERO 5dr hatch A clever budget prospect. But its limitations are unavoidable AAABC 0.9 TCe Ambiance £7595 89 116 6 0.9 TCe Laureate £8795 89 116 7 1.2 Access £5995 74 135 2 1.2 Ambiance £6795 74 135 2 1.2 Laureate £7995 74 135 2 1.5 dCi Ambiance £8595 89 99 8 1.5 dCi Laureate £9795 89 99 10 SANDERO STEPWAY 5dr hatch More expensive - but still limited AAABC 0.9 TCe Ambiance £8395 89 125 0.9 TCe Laureate £9995 89 125 1.5 dCi Ambiance £9395 89 105 1.5 dCi Laureate £10995 89 105 LOGAN MCV 5dr estate Lacks its stablemates charm. Certainly retains the cheap AAACC 0.9 Ambiance £8595 89 116 9 0.9 Laureate £9795 89 116 11 1.2 Access £6995 74 135 4 1.2 Ambiance £7795 74 135 4 1.2 Laureate £8995 74 135 5 1.5 dCi Ambiance £9595 84 99 11 1.5 dCi Laureate £10795 84 99 12 DUSTER 5dr 4x4 Cheap, but cheerfully robust. Surprisingly convincing presence AAAAC 1.6 16v 105 Access 2WD £9495 103 165 6 1.6 16v 105 Access 4WD £11495 103 185 5 1.5 dCi 110 Ambiance 2WD £11995 106 130 10 1.5 dCi 110 Ambiance 4WD £13995 107 135 10 1.5 dCi 110 Laureate 2WD £13495 106 130 11 1.5 dCi 110 Laureate 4WD £15495 107 135 10
Make and Model
Insurance group
CO2 g/km
Bhp
Price
Make and Model
Facts, figures, from the best road tests
AAAAC
INFINITI Q50 4dr saloon Credible compact saloon competitor with some novel touches AAABC 3.5 S Hybrid Sport AWD £42340 359 144 42 2.0t Premium £32455 208 146 40 2.0t Premium Tech £38955 208 146 40 2.0t Sport £34825 208 146 40 2.0t Sport Tech £39725 208 146 40 3.5 S Hybrid Sport £40695 359 144 42 3.5 S Hybrid Sport Tech £45595 359 144 42 3.5 S Hybrid Sport Tech AWD £47240 359 159 42 2.2d SE £28650 168 114 29 2.2d Premium £31050 168 114 30 2.2d Premium Tech £37550 168 114 30 2.2d Sport £33420 168 118 30 2.2d Sport Tech £38320 168 118 30 Q60 2dr coupé High-class coupe. Refined, potent and entertaining AAAAC 3.7 V6 Q60 GT £36790 315 246 45 3.7 V6 Q60 S £38680 315 246 45 3.7 V6 Q60 S Premium £41870 315 246 45 Q60 COUPE CABRIOLET 2dr open Desirable, enjoyable coupe-cabriolet. Poor residualsAAACC 3.7 V6 Q60 GT Premium auto £45740 315 264 48 Q70 4dr saloon Pleasant, well-equipped big saloon
AAABC
Insurance group
CO2 g/km
Bhp
Price
Insurance group
1.4 Class £12515 89 140 7 1.4 Active £13665 89 140 8 1.4 Style £14615 89 140 8 1.6 Active Au £15010 123 154 10 1.6 Style Au £15960 123 154 10 1.4 CRDi 90 Class £13835 89 119 9 IX35 5dr 4x4 Classy, roomy cabin, predictable handling. Very competitive AAABC 1.6 GDi S 2WD £17150 133 158 14 1.6 GDi S B’Drive 2WD ISG £17330 133 149 14 1.6 GDi SE 2WD £18750 133 158 14 1.6 GDi SE B’Drive 2WD ISG £18930 133 149 14 1.6 GDi SE Nav 2WD £19800 133 158 14 1.6 GDi SE Nav B’Drive 2WD ISG £19980 133 149 14 1.7 CRDi SE Nav 2WD £21300 114 139 14 1.7 CRDi Premium 2WD £23000 114 139 14 1.7 CRDi Prem’Panorama 2WD £23800 114 139 14 1.7 CRDi S 2WD £18650 114 139 14 1.7 CRDi SE 2WD £20250 114 139 14 2.0 CRDi Premium 136 4WD £25900 134 149 18 2.0 CRDi Prem’ Panorama 4WD £26700 134 149 18 2.0 CRDi SE 136 4WD £23150 134 149 18 2.0 CRDi SE Nav 136 4WD £24200 134 149 18 SANTA FE 5dr 4x4 An injection of class has enhanced the Santa Fe’s easygoing appeal AAAAC 2.2 CRDi SE 4WD 5st £27995 194 159 19 2.2 CRDi SE 4WD 7st £29145 194 159 19 2.2 CRDi Premium 4WD 5st £30595 194 159 19 2.2 CRDi Premium 4WD 7st £31900 194 159 19 2.2 CRDi Premium SE 4WD 7st £35395 194 159 20
Make and Model
CO2 g/km
Bhp
Price
Insurance group
£18695 99 117 10 £19195 123 117 13 £20195 99 117 10 £20695 123 117 13 £22695 123 117 14 £17655 103 149 11 £20855 148 144 19 £23605 180 144 22 £19150 114 117 16 £20650 114 117 16 £22650 114 117 16 2.0 TDCi 140 Titanium £21725 138 129 20 2.0 TDCi 163 Titanium X £24225 161 129 22 GRAND C-MAX 5dr mpv Fun and practical small seven seater AAAAB 1.0T 100 Ecoboost Zetec S-S £20295 99 119 10 1.0T 125 Ecoboost Zetec S-S £20795 123 119 13 1.0T 100 Ecoboost Titanium S-S £21795 99 119 10 1.0T 125 Ecoboost Titanium S-S £22295 123 119 13 1.0T 125 E’boost Titanium X SS £24295 99 119 14 1.6T 150 Ecoboost Titanium S-S £22250 148 149 19 1.6T 182 E’boost Titanium X SS £24950 180 149 22 1.6 TDCi 115 Zetec £20745 114 124 16 1.6 TDCi 115 Titanium £22045 114 124 16 1.6 TDCi 115 Titanium X £24045 114 124 16 2.0 TDCi 140 Titanium £23250 138 134 20 2.0 TDCi 163 Titanium X £25750 161 134 22 S-MAX 5dr mpv Proof that MPV’s need not be boring or ungainly. Still the benchmark AAAAC 1.6T 160 Ecoboost Zetec S-S £23310 158 159 18 1.6 160 Eco T’nium S-S £25060 158 159 19 2.0 203 Ecoboost Titanium auto £26735 200 189 22 2.0 240 Tit. X Sp. Au £31485 237 194 27 1.6 TDCi 115 Zetec S-S £24110 114 139 16 1.6 TDCi 115 Eco T’ium S-S £25860 114 139 17 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec £24295 138 139 17 2.0 TDCi 140 Titanium £26045 138 139 18 2.0 TDCi 163 Titanium £26645 161 139 19 2.0 TDCi 163 Tit. X Sp. £30395 161 139 21 2.2 TDCi 200 Titanium £27870 197 174 26 2.2 TDCi 200 Tit. X Sp. £31620 197 174 26 GALAXY 5dr mpv Huge seven-seat MPV. Easy to place on the road. Not cheap AAAAC 2.2 TDCi 200 Titanium X £32875 197 179 27 1.6 160 Ecoboost Zetec S-S £25670 158 167 18 1.6 160 Eco T’ium S-S £27570 158 167 18 1.6 160 Eco T’niumX S-S £30070 158 167 18 2.0 203 Ecoboost Titanium auto £29235 200 189 24 2.0 203 Ecoboost Titan X auto £31735 200 189 25 1.6 TDCi 115 Zetec S-S £26460 114 139 16 1.6 TDCi 115 Eco T’nium S-S £28360 114 139 17 1.6 TDCi 115 Eco Tit. X S-S £30860 114 139 18 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec £26645 138 139 20 2.0 TDCi 140 Titanium £28545 138 139 20 2.0 TDCi 140 Titanium X £31045 138 139 21 2.0 TDCi 163 Titanium £29145 161 139 22 2.0 TDCi 163 Titanium X £31645 161 139 23 2.2 TDCi 200 Titanium £30375 197 179 26 HYUNDAI I10 5dr hatch Second gen i10 still close to the best. GINETTA Mature drive, spacious cabin, low price AAAAC G40 2dr coupé Road-legal race car with stripped-out 1.0 S £8705 65 108 1 1.0 S Air £9370 65 108 1 charm to spare AAAAC £9770 65 108 1 R £29950 175 181 - 1.0 SE 1.0 SE Blue Drive £10020 65 98 1 HONDA 1.0 Premium £10470 65 108 1 £10270 86 114 4 JAZZ 5dr hatch Great packaging makes this a versa- 1.2 SE 1.2 Premium £10970 86 114 4 tile, if not thrilling supermini AAABC 1.2 i-VTEC SE £13395 89 123 14 I20 5dr hatch Very good value hatch. Fun a 1.2 i-VTEC SE-T £14390 89 123 14 by-product; practicality mostly spot on AAAAC 1.4 i-VTEC ES Plus £14895 99 129 19 1.2 75 S £10695 76 112 5 1.4 i-VTEC ES Plus-T £15890 99 129 19 1.2 75 S Air £11445 76 112 5 1.4 i-VTEC Si-T £15990 99 129 16 1.2 84 SE £12725 84 119 6 1.2 i-VTEC S £11695 89 123 13 1.2 84 Premium £13725 84 119 6 1.2 i-VTEC S A-C £12545 89 123 13 1.2 84 Premium SE £14725 84 119 6 1.2 i-VTEC S-T £12690 89 123 13 1.4 100 SE £13325 98 127 10 1.2 i-VTEC S-T A-C £13540 89 123 13 1.4 100 Premium £14325 98 127 10 1.3 IMA Hybrid HE £17150 97 104 16 1.4 100 Premium SE £15325 98 127 10 1.3 IMA Hybrid HE-T £18145 97 104 16 1.1 CRDi 75 S Blue £12445 74 84 6 1.3 IMA Hybrid HS £17650 97 104 16 1.1 CRDi 75 SE £14225 74 103 6 1.3 IMA Hybrid HS-T £18645 97 104 16 1.4 CRDi 90 SE £14725 89 106 11 1.3 IMA Hybrid HX £19250 97 104 16 1.4 CRDi 90 Premium £15725 89 106 12 1.3 IMA Hybrid HX-T £20245 97 104 17 1.4 CRDi 90 Premium SE £16725 89 106 12 1.4 i-VTEC EX £15995 99 129 16 I30 5dr hatch As good as we’ve come to expect, but not 1.4 i-VTEC EXL £17195 99 129 16 one inch better AAABC 1.4 i-VTEC EX-T £16990 99 129 16 1.4 100 S £15195 98 138 7 1.4 i-VTEC EXL-T £18190 99 129 16 1.4 100 SE £16495 98 138 7 1.4 i-VTEC Si £14995 99 129 16 1.6 120 SE auto £17895 118 158 9 CIVIC 5dr hatch A real contender, but the lack of rear 1.6 120 Premium £20295 118 145 9 1.6 CRDi 110 Blue Drive S £17195 109 94 11 legroom is a hinderance AAABC £18495 109 94 11 1.4 i-VTEC S £15975 99 129 5 1.6 CRDi 110 Blue Drive SE 1.4 i-VTEC S-Nav £16815 99 129 5 1.6 CRDi 136 Blue Drive Premiu £22295 134 102 11 1.6 i-DTEC EX Plus £25140 118 98 16 I30 TOURER 5dr estate As good as we’ve come 1.6 i-DTEC S £18755 118 94 15 to expect, but not one inch better AAABC 1.6 i-DTEC SE Plus £20570 118 94 15 1.6 120 S £16895 118 145 9 1.6 i-DTEC SE Plus-Nav £21180 118 94 15 1.6 120 SE £18195 118 145 9 1.6 i-DTEC S-Nav £19365 118 94 15 1.6 CRDi 110 Blue Drive S £18295 109 94 11 1.6 i-DTEC SR £23140 118 94 16 1.6 CRDi 136 Blue Drive SE £19595 134 102 11 1.8 i-VTEC EX Plus £23935 99 145 15 I40 4dr saloon Useful, inoffensive and well-priced. No 1.8 i-VTEC S £17635 140 137 13 fireworks here AAABC 1.8 i-VTEC SE Plus £19565 99 145 14 1.7 CRDi 115 B’Drive Premium £23485 114 113 13 1.8 i-VTEC SE Plus-Nav £20175 99 145 14 1.7 CRDi 115 B’Drive Style £21205 114 113 13 1.8 i-VTEC S-Nav £18245 140 137 14 1.7 CRDi 115 B’Drive Active £19105 114 113 12 1.8 i-VTEC SR £22135 99 145 14 1.7 CRDi 136 B’Drive Active £19905 134 119 16 1.8 i-VTEC Sport £19615 99 145 14 1.7 CRDi 136 B’Drive Style £22005 134 119 16 1.8 i-VTEC Sport-Nav £20225 99 145 14 1.7 CRDi 136 B’Drive Premium £24405 134 119 17 1.6 i-DTEC Sport £20820 118 98 15 I40 TOURER 5dr estate Useful, inoffensive and 1.6 i-DTEC Sport-Nav £21430 118 98 15 well-priced. No fireworks here AAABC CIVIC TOURER 5dr estate Versatile, comfortable 1.7 CRDi 115 B’Drive Style £22455 114 113 13 and frugal, only price marks its scorecard AAAAC 1.7 CRDi 115 Blue Active £20355 114 113 12 1.6 i-DTEC EX Plus £26140 118 103 16 1.7 CRDi 136 B’Drive Active £21155 134 119 16 1.6 i-DTEC S £19755 118 99 15 1.7 CRDi 136 Blue Style £23255 134 119 16 1.6 i-DTEC SE Plus £21570 118 99 15 1.7 CRDi 136 B’Drive Premium £25655 134 119 17 1.6 i-DTEC SE Plus-Nav £22180 118 99 15 IX20 5dr hatch Usable high-roofed hatch, but short on 1.6 i-DTEC S-Nav £20365 118 99 15 flair AAABC 1.6 i-DTEC SR £24340 118 103 16 1.6 CRDi 115 Active Blue Drive £15385 114 117 13 1.8 i-VTEC EX Plus £24935 140 149 15 1.6 CRDi 115 Style Blue Drive £16335 114 117 13 1.0T 100 Ecoboost Zetec S-S 1.0T 125 Ecoboost Zetec S-S 1.0T 100 Ecoboost Titanium S-S 1.0T 125 Ecoboost Titanium S-S 1.0T 125 E’boost Titanium X SS 1.6 105 Zetec 1.6T 150 Ecoboost Titanium S-S 1.6T 182 E’boost Titanium X SS 1.6 TDCi 115 Zetec 1.6 TDCi 115 Titanium 1.6 TDCi 115 Titanium X
Make and Model
CO2 g/km
Bhp
Price
1.8 i-VTEC S £18650 140 146 13 1.8 i-VTEC SE Plus £20565 140 149 14 1.8 i-VTEC SE Plus-Nav £21175 140 149 14 1.8 i-VTEC S-Nav £19260 140 146 14 1.8 i-VTEC SR £23135 140 149 14 ACCORD 4dr saloon Comfortable interior. Fiddly dash and forgettable drive AAABC 2.0 i-VTEC ES £23200 154 159 23 2.0 i-VTEC ES GT £24120 154 159 24 2.0 i-VTEC ES GT Nav £25320 154 159 24 2.0 i-VTEC EX £26580 154 162 24 2.4 i-VTEC EX £27890 198 199 26 2.4 i-VTEC EX ADAS £30290 198 199 27 2.2 i-DTEC 150 ES £25400 148 138 24 2.2 i-DTEC 150 ES GT £26320 148 138 24 2.2 i-DTEC 150 ES GT Nav £27520 148 138 24 2.2 i-DTEC 150 EX £28795 148 141 25 2.2 i-DTEC 150 EX ADAS £31195 148 141 26 2.2 i-DTEC 180 Type S £31435 177 147 28 2.2 i-DTEC 180 Type S ADAS £33685 177 147 29 ACCORD TOURER 5dr estate As above but more desirable and useful AAABC 2.0 i-VTEC ES £24680 154 163 23 2.0 i-VTEC ES GT £25655 154 163 24 2.0 i-VTEC ES GT Nav £26855 154 163 24 2.4 i-VTEC EX £29550 198 201 26 2.4 i-VTEC EX ADAS £31950 198 201 27 2.2 i-DTEC 150 ES £26895 148 143 24 2.2 i-DTEC 150 ES GT £27870 148 143 24 2.2 i-DTEC 150 ES GT Nav £29070 148 143 24 2.2 i-DTEC 150 EX £30330 148 146 25 2.2 i-DTEC 150 EX ADAS £32730 148 146 26 2.2 i-DTEC 180 Type S £32925 177 150 28 2.2 i-DTEC 180 Type S ADAS £35175 177 150 29 HR-V 5dr hatch Cleverly packaged and comfortable crossover. Bland performance though AAABC 1.5 i-VTEC EX £23195 128 - 1.5 i-VTEC S £17995 128 - 1.5 i-VTEC SE £19745 128 - 1.5 i-VTEC SE Navi £20355 128 - 1.6 i-DTEC S £19745 118 - 1.6 i-DTEC SE £21495 118 - 1.6 i-DTEC SE Navi £22105 118 - 1.6 i-DTEC EX £24945 118 - CR-V 5dr 4x4 The CR-V soldiers on. But it’s hemmed in by cleverer competition AAABC 1.6 i-DTEC 120 SE-Nav 2WD £26740 118 115 22 1.6 i-DTEC 120 S-Nav 2WD £24300 118 115 23 1.6 i-DTEC 120 SR 2WD £28495 118 119 23 2.0 i-VTEC S 2WD £22345 154 168 22 2.0 i-VTEC S-Nav 2WD £23245 154 168 22 2.0 i-VTEC SE 2WD £24515 154 168 22 2.0 i-VTEC SE-Nav 2WD £25685 154 168 22 2.0 i-VTEC SE £25615 154 173 22 2.0 i-VTEC SE-Nav £26785 154 173 22 2.0 i-VTEC SR £28595 154 177 23 2.0 i-VTEC EX £30440 154 177 23 1.6 i-DTEC 120 S 2WD £23400 118 115 22 1.6 i-DTEC 120 SE 2WD £25570 118 115 22 1.6 i-DTEC 160 SE £27570 158 129 26 1.6 i-DTEC 160 SE-Nav £28740 158 129 26 1.6 i-DTEC 160 SR £30625 158 133 27 1.6 i-DTEC 160 EX £32470 158 133 27
AUTOCAR TOP FIVES Compact crossovers
XJ 4dr saloon Modern looks finally match modern dynamics AAAAC 3.0 V6 S-C Premium Luxury £65995 336 224 3.0 V6 S-C Premium Luxury LWB £69150 336 224 3.0 V6 S-C Portfolio £73450 336 224 3.0 V6 S-C Portfolio LWB £76450 336 224 5.0 V8 S-C Supersport LWB £95895 503 270 50 5.0 V8 S-C 550 XJR £92395 542 270 50 3.0D V6 Luxury £56870 271 159 48 3.0D V6 Luxury LWB £59980 271 167 48 3.0D V6 Premium Luxury £60670 271 159 48 3.0D V6 Premium Luxury LWB £63780 271 167 48 3.0D V6 Portfolio £67870 271 159 49 3.0D V6 Portfolio LWB £70980 271 167 49 F-TYPE 2dr coupé Cheaper than the roadster. Gains in rigidity mean it’s better too AAAAB 3.0 V6 £53050 336 199 50 3.0 V6 S £60250 375 213 50 5.0 V8 R £85000 542 259 50 F-TYPE 2dr open Serious money. But it buys a serious car with a likeable wild side AAAAC 3.0 V6 £58535 336 209 50 3.0 V6 S £67535 375 213 50 5.0 V8 S £79995 488 259 50 JEEP RENEGADE 5dr 4x4 Middling compact crossover with chunky looks but no obvious charm AAACC 1.4 Multiair Longitude £19795 138 - 1.4 Multiair Ltd £22395 138 - 1.4 Multiair Opening Edition £22695 138 - 1.6 E-torQ Sport £16995 108 - 1.6 E-torQ Longitude £18595 108 - 1.6 E-torQ Ltd £21195 108 - 1.6 Multijet Sport £18695 118 - 1.6 Multijet Longitude £20295 118 - 1.6 Multijet Ltd £22895 118 - 1.6 Multijet Opening Edition £23195 118 - 2.0 Multijet Longitude £22795 138 - 2.0 Multijet Ltd £27195 138 - 2.0 Multijet Opening Edition £25695 138 - 2.0 Multijet Trailhawk £27995 168 - WRANGLER 3dr 4x4 Heavy-duty off roader lacks on-road manners AABCC 3.6 V6 Sahara £30240 276 263 3.6 V6 Overland £32390 276 263 3.6 V6 Rubicon £31140 276 270 2.8 CRD Overland £32375 197 213 25 2.8 CRD Sahara £30225 197 213 24 WRANGLER 5dr 4x4 Heavy-duty off roader lacks on-road manners AABCC 3.6 V6 Sahara £31910 276 273 3.6 V6 Overland £34060 276 273 3.6 V6 Rubicon £32810 276 273 22 2.8 CRD Overland £34045 197 217 25 2.8 CRD Overland Axle+ £33445 197 230 25 2.8 CRD Sahara £31895 197 217 24 2.8 CRD Sahara Axle+ £31295 197 230 24 CHEROKEE 5dr 4x4 Hamstrung by poor UK spec. Uninspiring, but roomy and practical AAABC 2.0 Longitude 140 FWD £26110 138 139 27 2.0 Ltd 140 FWD £31810 138 139 2.0 Longitude 140 £28110 138 147 2.0 Ltd 140 £33810 138 147 2.0 Longitude 170 Au £30610 168 - 29 2.0 Ltd 170 Au £37810 168 - 28 2.0 Longitude Plus 140 FWD £28310 138 139 2.0 Longitude Plus 140 £30310 138 147 2.0 Longitude Plus 170 Au £32810 168 - 29 GRAND CHEROKEE 5dr 4x4 The best Jeep. Comfortable and well-equipped AAABC 6.4 V8 SRT £63995 470 327 50 3.0 V6 190 CRD Laredo £38895 188 198 36 3.0 V6 CRD Ltd £41495 247 198 40 3.0 V6 CRD Ltd Plus £44495 247 198 41 3.0 V6 CRD Overland £48195 247 198 41 3.0 V6 CRD Summit £51995 247 198 43
3.5 Hybrid Premium £43250 235 145 45 3.5 Hybrid Premium Tech £47350 235 145 45 3.7 Sport Tech £44850 315 145 45 2.2d Premium £33400 168 129 46 2.2d Premium Tech £37500 168 129 46 2.2d Sport £36600 168 129 46 2.2d Sport Tech £38950 168 129 46 QX50 5dr 4x4 Focused on-road SUV. Drives well, very little interior space AAACC 3.7 V6 QX GT £38980 315 265 44 3.7 V6 QX GT Premium £42580 315 265 45 3.0d £34490 235 224 43 3.0d GT £38445 235 224 44 3.0d GT Premium £42045 235 224 44 QX70 5dr 4x4 Big, powerful SUV. None of the finesse of the X5 or Range Rover AAACC 3.7 V6 GT £43250 315 282 49 3.7 V6 GT Premium £47700 315 282 49 3.7 V6 S £45350 315 282 49 3.7 V6 S Premium £49800 315 282 49 5.0 V8 S Premium £54750 385 307 49 3.0d GT £43100 235 225 49 KIA 3.0d GT Premium £47550 235 225 49 PICANTO 3dr hatch Nice drive and cabin, but over3.0d S £45200 235 225 49 shawdowed now by rivals AAABC 3.0d S Premium £49650 235 225 49 1.0 VR7 £9645 68 99 6 1.0 1 £8145 68 99 3 JAGUAR 1.25 White ISG £11845 84 106 11 XE 4dr saloon A long time coming, but worth the wait. 1.25 White Au £12445 84 130 11 1.25 Quantum ISG £11995 84 106 12 Drives better than a 3 Series. Nuff saidAAAAB 2.0i 200 SE £26995 197 179 - PICANTO 5dr hatch Nice drive and cabin, but over2.0i 200 Prestige £27995 197 179 - shawdowed now by rivals AAABC 2.0i 200 R-Sport £29745 197 179 - 1.0 VR7 £9845 68 99 6 2.0i 240 R-Sport £33095 237 179 - 1.0 1 £8345 68 99 3 2.0i 240 Portfolio £33745 237 179 - 1.0 1 Air £8945 68 99 4 3.0i S-C 340 S £44870 335 194 - 1.0 2 £9945 68 99 4 2.0d 163 SE £29775 161 99 - 1.25 2 ISG £10545 84 100 7 2.0d 163 Prestige £30775 161 99 - 1.25 3 £11545 84 109 10 2.0d 163 R-Sport £32325 161 99 - 1.25 4 ISG £12095 84 106 12 2.0d 163 Portfolio £32975 161 99 - RIO 3dr hatch Looks great, but it’s well off the European 2.0d 180 SE £30275 178 109 - saloon pace AAABC 2.0d 180 Prestige £31275 178 109 - 1.25 1 £10345 83 115 2 2.0d 180 R-Sport £33025 178 109 - 1.25 SR7 £11845 83 115 3 2.0d 180 Portfolio £33675 178 109 - 1.25 2 £12245 83 115 3 XF 4dr saloon Sublime Brit exec. Great interior and 1.4 2 ISG £13045 107 114 7 1.4 3 ISG £14445 107 114 7 dynamics. XFR a five-star car AAAAB £15545 89 98 6 2.2D 163 Portfolio £37195 161 129 33 1.4 CRDi 3 ISG 2.2D 163 R-Sport £34695 161 129 33 CEED 5dr hatch Another looker from Schreyer, but 2.2D 200 R-Sport £36250 197 139 38 dynamically forgettable AAACC 5.0 V8 SC XFR £65440 503 270 46 1.4 98 VR7 £15400 99 143 8 5.0 V8 SC XFR-S £79995 542 270 50 1.4 CRDi 89 VR7 £16690 89 114 6 2.2D 163 Luxury £33445 161 129 33 1.4 98 1 £14805 99 139 7 2.2D 200 Luxury £34550 197 139 38 1.4 98 2 £16805 99 143 8 2.2D 200 Portfolio £38700 197 139 40 1.6 GDi 133 2 ISG £17595 128 124 12 3.0D V6 S Premium Luxury £46615 271 159 44 1.6 GDi 133 3 ISG £19395 128 124 12 3.0D V6 S Portfolio £49515 271 159 44 1.6 GDi 133 4 ISG £20600 128 137 13 XF 5dr sportbrake Handsome estate wins hearts, if not 1.6 GDi 133 4 Tech ISG £22500 128 137 15 1.6 T-GDi 201 GT £20705 201 171 29 heads AAAAC £23405 201 171 29 2.2D 163 Portfolio £39695 161 129 33 1.6 T-GDi 201 GT Tech £16095 89 109 6 2.2D 163 R-Sport £37195 161 129 33 1.4 CRDi 89 1 £16695 126 97 12 2.2D 200 R-Sport £38750 197 139 33 1.6 CRDi 126 1 ISG £18695 126 100 13 3.0D V6 275 S Portfolio £51995 271 163 33 1.6 CRDi 126 2 ISG £20495 126 100 13 5.0 V8 SC XFR-S £82495 542 297 50 1.6 CRDi 126 3 ISG £22095 126 112 14 2.2D 163 Luxury £35945 161 129 33 1.6 CRDi 126 4 ISG £23995 126 112 15 2.2D 200 Luxury £37050 197 139 33 1.6 CRDi 126 4 Tech ISG 2.2D 200 Portfolio £41200 197 139 33
1
Skoda Yeti
2
Renault Captur
3
Nissan Juke
4
Suzuki SX4 S-Cross
5
Dacia Duster
From £16,000 Almost a blueprint for crossover appeal: chunky looks, hatchback handling and compact MPV practicality. AAABC
From £14,000 The best of the B-segment crossovers, the Captur combines style, freshness and value in a versatile package. AAABC
From £14,000 The Qashqai taught Nissan the value of being different; the Juke is its equally bold (if not quite as brilliant) follow-up. AAABC
From £14,000 Capable in most respects — being decent to look at, drive and sit in — with exceptional fuel economy as the kicker. AAABC
From £10,000 Outstanding capability for the money. Better with all-wheel drive. Basic, yes — but in a very good way. AAABC Visit autocar.co.uk for all of our Top Fives
11 NOVEMBER 2015 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 83
ROAD TEST RESULTS
2.0 TDCi 150 Titanium X 2WD £27095 148 122 20 2.0 TDCi 150 Titanium X Sport £30045 148 122 20 2.0 TDCi 150 Zetec AWD £24195 148 135 20 2.0 TDCi 180 Titanium AWD £26345 177 135 22 2.0 TDCi 180 Titanium X AWD £29095 177 135 22 C-MAX 5dr mpv As fun to drive as it is easy to live with
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Simply the Best in the Business
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84 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 11 NOVEMBER 2015 68_1143_adrienflux_ADVURN48480.pgs 21.08.2015 16:59
FMG-Advent
B200 CDI SE B200 CDI Sport B200 CDI AMG Line B220 CDI Sport
MAZDA 2 5dr hatch Much more grown-up now. Handsome and comfortable - if slightly less fun AAAAC 1.5 75 SE £11995 74 110 1.5 75 SE-L £12995 74 110 1.5 90 SE-L £13995 90 105 1.5 90 SE-L Nav £14395 90 105 1.5 90 Sport £14995 90 105 1.5 90 Sport Nav £15395 90 105 1.5 115 Sport Nav £15995 113 117 1.5D 105 SE-L £15995 104 89 1.5D 105 SE-L Nav £16395 104 89 1.5D 105 Sport £16995 104 89 1.5D 105 Sport Nav £17395 104 89 3 5dr hatch Refined, well-priced family choice. Dynamically satisfying, too AAAAC 1.5 100 SE £16995 99 119 13 1.5 100 SE Nav £17595 99 119 13 2.0 120 SE £17295 118 119 17 2.0 120 SE Nav £17895 118 119 17 2.0 120 SE-L £18795 118 119 18 2.0 120 SE-L Nav £19395 118 119 18 2.0 120 Sport Nav £20195 118 119 18 2.0 165 Sport Nav £21920 162 135 22 2.2D 150 SE £19645 148 107 23 2.2D 150 SE Nav £20245 148 107 24 2.2D 150 SE-L £21145 148 107 24 2.2D 150 SE-L Nav £21745 148 107 24 2.2D 150 Sport Nav £22545 148 107 24 6 4dr saloon A compelling mix of size, economy and performance. Interior a let down AAAAC 2.0 145 SE £19795 143 129 18 2.0 145 SE Nav £20495 143 129 18 2.0 145 SE-L £20795 143 129 16 2.0 145 SE-L Nav £21495 143 129 16 2.0 165 Sport Nav £24595 162 135 19 2.2D 150 SE £22295 148 108 21 2.2D 150 SE Nav £22995 148 108 21 2.2D 150 SE-L £23295 148 108 19 2.2D 150 SE-L Nav £23995 148 108 19 2.2D 150 Sport Nav £26395 148 108 21 2.2D 175 Sport Nav £26795 173 119 23 6 5dr tourer A compelling mix of size, economy and performance. Interior a let down AAAAC 2.0 145 SE-L Nav £22425 143 129 16 2.0 165 Sport Nav £25395 162 135 19 2.2D 150 SE Nav £23795 148 116 21 2.2D 175 Sport Nav £27595 173 119 23 2.0 145 SE-L £21725 143 131 16 2.2D 150 SE £23095 148 116 21 2.2D 150 SE-L £24095 148 116 19 2.2D 150 SE-L Nav £24795 148 116 19 2.2D 150 Sport Nav £27195 148 116 21 CX-5 5dr 4x4 Superb diesel engine mated to above average package AAABC 2.0 Skyactiv-G 165 SE-L Nav £22995 162 139 15 2.0 Skyactiv-G 165 Sport Nav £25395 162 139 16 2.2D Skyactiv-D 150 SE-L Nav £24795 148 119 18 2.2D Sky-D 150 SE-L Lux Nav £26395 148 119 20 2.2D Skyactiv-D 150 Sport Nav £27195 148 119 19 2.2D Sky-D 150 SE-L Nav AWD £26695 148 136 17 2.2D Sky-D 175 Sport Nav AWD £29395 173 136 21 5 5dr mpv Functional seven-seater, but not unpleasant to drive. Lots of kit AAABC 2.0 150 Sport Venture £20495 148 159 16 1.6D 115 Sport Venture £21895 114 138 16 MX-5 2dr open The old recipe - but done better. Lean, low-cost and pretty. As it should be AAAAB 1.5i Sport Nav £22445 129 139 1.5i SE £18495 129 139 1.5i SE-L £19245 129 139 1.5i SE-L Nav £19845 129 139 1.5i Sport £21845 129 139 2.0i SE-L £20095 153 - 2.0i SE-L Nav £20695 153 - 2.0i Sport £22695 153 - 2.0i Sport Nav £23295 153 - -
CLA 4dr saloon Attractive from some angles, unappealing from others. Dynamics to match AAACC CLA 200 CDI AMG Sport £29125 134 117 27 CLA 200 CDI Sport £26925 134 117 27 CLA 250 AMG Sport 4Matic £33405 208 154 24 CLA180 Sport £24775 121 130 23 CLA180 AMG Sport £26975 121 130 24 CLA45 AMG £42270 354 161 45 CLA220 CDI Sport £29775 168 117 27 CLA220 CDI AMG Sport £31975 168 117 28 C-CLASS 2dr coupé Nice balance of style, usability and driver reward AAABC C63 AMG Edition 507 £68495 451 280 44 C180 AMG Sport Edition £29965 154 149 35 C220 CDI Exec SE £31130 168 109 34 C220 CDI AMG Sport Edition £32460 168 133 38 C250 CDI AMG Sport Edition £33515 201 143 41 C-CLASS 4dr saloon Stellar cabin and polished drive increase appeal; engines not so good AAAAC C200 SE £27270 181 123 31 C200 Sport £29265 181 124 31 C200 AMG Line £30890 181 128 31 C63 AMG £59800 469 192 C63 AMG S £66550 503 192 C200 Bluetec SE £28985 134 102 25 C200 Bluetec Sport £30980 134 102 25 C200 Bluetec AMG Line £32475 134 102 25 C220 Bluetec SE £29780 168 103 31 C220 Bluetec Sport £31775 168 104 31 C220 Bluetec AMG Line £33270 168 104 31 C250 Bluetec SE £32435 201 117 35 C250 Bluetec Sport £34430 201 117 35 C250 Bluetec AMG Line £35925 201 117 35 C300 Bluetec Hybrid SE £35045 201 94 C300 Bluetec Hybrid Sport £37040 201 94 C300 Bluetec Hybrid AMG Line £38535 201 94 C-CLASS 5dr estate Decent practicality and fantastic interior - but only okay to driveAAAAC C200 Bluetec AMG Line £33675 134 102 25 C200 Bluetec SE £30185 134 102 25 C200 Bluetec Sport £32180 134 102 25 C200 SE £28470 181 128 31 C220 Bluetec SE £30980 168 108 31 C250 Bluetec SE £33635 201 117 35 C63 AMG £61000 469 196 47 C63 AMG S £67750 503 196 47 C200 Sport £30465 181 128 31 C200 AMG Line £32090 181 128 31 C220 Bluetec Sport £32975 168 108 31 C220 Bluetec AMG Line £34470 168 108 31 C250 Bluetec Sport £35630 201 117 35 C250 Bluetec AMG Line £37125 201 117 35 E-CLASS 4dr saloon A return to the old Merc qualities. Refined and relaxing AAAAC E300 Bluetec Hybrid AMG Sport £42375 204 109 43 E63 AMG S £84110 549 232 47 E200 SE £34340 181 138 36 E200 AMG Line £36850 181 142 37 E250 SE £35470 208 138 38 E250 AMG Line £37980 208 142 39 E63 AMG £74115 549 230 47 E300 Bluetec Hybrid SE £39880 204 109 43 E220 Bluetec SE £34270 168 120 34 E220 Bluetec AMG Line £36765 168 129 35 E250 CDI SE £36820 201 129 39 E250 CDI AMG Line £39445 201 134 40 E350 Bluetec AMG Line £41210 248 154 44 E-CLASS 5dr estate A return to the old Merc qualities. Refined and relaxing AAAAC E220 Bluetec AMG Line £38555 168 135 35 E220 Bluetec SE £36060 168 133 34 E250 AMG Line £39770 208 147 39 E250 CDI AMG Line £41250 201 145 40 E250 CDI SE £38755 201 143 39 E250 SE £37275 208 144 38 E300 BlueTEC Hybrid AMG Line £44165 201 119 44 E300 BlueTEC Hybrid SE £41670 201 119 44 E350 Bluetec AMG Line £43015 248 159 44 E63 AMG £75905 549 234 47 E63 AMG S £85900 582 234 47 E-CLASS 2dr coupé A return to the old Merc qualities. Refined and relaxing AAAAC E200 AMG Line £38635 181 140 39 E400 AMG Line Plus £46425 329 176 45 E220 Bluetec SE £36615 168 123 38 E220 Bluetec AMG Line £39310 168 126 39 E250 CDI Bluetec AMG Line £40930 201 129 43 E350 Bluetec AMG Line £42625 228 149 46 E-CLASS CABRIOLET 2dr open Nice cabin, but ride isn’t great. Six-pot engines best AAACC E200 AMG Line £42005 181 146 42 E400 AMG Line Plus £49795 329 185 48 E220 Bluetec SE £39985 168 127 41 E220 Bluetec AMG Line £42810 168 134 42 E250 CDI AMG Line £44300 201 128 45 E350 Bluetec AMG Line £46010 228 154 48 S-CLASS 2dr coupé Heavyweight contender. Continent smothering luxury AAAAC S500 £96195 449 207 50 S63 AMG £125605 577 237 50 S65 AMG £183075 621 279 50 S-CLASS 4dr saloon Still the best luxury car in the real world. Calm, advanced, rewarding AAAAA S500 Plug-in Hybrid £82965 436 65 50 S500 L AMG Line £88400 449 207 50 S400 Hybrid L SE Line £70935 328 147 49 S400 Hybrid L AMG Line £74930 328 153 49 S600 L AMG Line £140615 523 259 50 S63 AMG L £119845 577 237 50 S65 AMG L £179995 621 279 50 Maybach S600 £165700 501 274 50 S300 Bluetec Hybrid L AMG Line £72260 204 120 49 S350 Bluetec AMG Line £67940 254 151 50 S350 Bluetec L SE Line £66910 254 148 50 S350 Bluetec L AMG Line £70940 254 154 50 CLS 4dr saloon Saloon-like practicality, coupe-like rewards AAAAC 400 AMG Line £55855 328 170 50
LEXUS CT 5dr hatch Makes sense only as a company car. Not fun AAACC 200h S £21245 134 82 19 200h SE £22745 134 94 19 200h Advance £24245 134 94 19 200h Luxury £24745 134 94 20 200h F Sport £26995 134 94 20 200h Premier £29745 134 94 21 IS 4dr saloon Sleek junior exec, well made and interesting. Needs a better diesel AAACC 250 SE £26495 204 199 32 250 Luxury £27995 204 199 33 250 F Sport £30495 204 213 33 250 Premier £35495 204 213 34 300h SE £28995 217 99 31 300h Luxury £30995 217 103 32 300h F Sport £32495 217 109 32 300h Premier £36750 217 109 33 GS 4dr saloon Refreshingly different, but lacks a diesel engine AAABC 300h SE £31495 179 109 31 300h Luxury £37495 179 113 32 300h F Sport £41745 179 115 33 300h Premier £43745 179 113 33 450h Luxury £45495 338 141 42 450h F Sport £51495 338 145 42 450h Premier £51495 338 141 42 LS 4dr saloon Uninspiring luxury barge with a huge kit list attached AAABC 460 Luxury £71995 382 249 48 460 F-Sport £74495 382 249 49 600h L Premier £99995 439 199 50 600h L Premier Night View £101510 439 199 50 NX 5dr hatch Some good ideas, but dramatically off the pace to drive AAACC 2.0 200t F Sport £38095 235 183 300h S 2WD £29495 195 116 29 300h SE £31495 195 121 31 300h Luxury £34495 195 121 31 300h F Sport £36995 195 121 32 300h Premier £42995 195 121 33 RX 5dr 4x4 Low flexibility, but hybrid function makes a degree of economic sense AAABC 450h SE £44495 245 145 40 450h Luxury £48495 245 145 41 450h F Sport £51995 245 145 42 KTM 450h Premier £55495 245 145 41 X-BOW 0dr unknown Eccentric looks, sharp handling. RC-F 2dr coupé An also-ran in the segment, although MCLAREN Expensive naturally-aspirated V8 is easy to like AAABC AAAAC 2.0 Street £49980 237 185 - 5.0 V8 £59995 471 251 48 650S 2dr coupé Extraordinary pace and handling. The 2.0 Clubsport £59755 237 185 - 5.0 V8 Carbon £67995 471 251 50 car the 12C should have been AAAAB 2.0 Superlight £79305 237 185 3.8 V8 £195250 641 - 50 2.0 ABT Sp.line 300 £59755 296 189 - LOTUS 650S SPIDER 2dr open More of the same ELISE 2dr open Pure sports car. Great chassis and although noisier — and better for it AAAAB LAMBORGHINI steering, low running costs 3.8 V8 £215250 641 - 50 AAAAC HURACAN 2dr coupé A supercar to its bones, but the 1.6 Club Racer £28580 134 149 43 P1 2dr coupé Other-worldly. As worthy of a place in flaws are just as obvious AAAAC 1.6 £29050 134 149 43 hypercar history as the F1 AAAAA 5.2 V10 LP 610-4 £180720 601 - - 1.6 Sport £866000 903 194 50 £30650 134 149 43 3.8 V8 AVENTADOR 2dr coupé Big, bullish and ballistic. But 1.8 S £37205 217 175 43 MERCEDES-BENZ EXIGE 2dr coupé Sharp, uncompromising track car. not perfect AAAAC A-CLASS 5dr hatch Desirability on message; ride 6.5 LP700-4 £242280 690 398 - Unforgiving on road AAAAC 3.5 V6 S £54610 345 236 47 quality seriously off-piste AAABC LAND ROVER EVORA 2dr coupé Sublime combination of pliant ride A180 CDI SE ECO £21965 107 92 16 DEFENDER 3dr 4x4 An institution. Unbeatable off A250 Engi’red by AMG 4MATIC £30910 208 154 34 and sweet handling AAAAC £20715 121 128 18 road, crude on it 3.5 V6 £53080 276 217 50 A180 SE AAACC £21840 121 133 18 90 2.2D Hard Top £23100 120 266 - 3.5 V6 +2 £54980 276 217 50 A180 Sport £23365 154 134 23 90 2.2D S’Wagon £25265 120 269 25 3.5 V6 Sp. Racer £58850 276 217 50 A200 Sport £24615 154 136 24 90 2.2D County £27305 120 269 25 3.5 V6 S £62290 345 229 50 A200 AMG Sport 90 2.2D XS S’Wagon £30505 120 269 26 3.5 V6 S +2 £64190 345 229 50 A250 Engineered by AMG Sport £29375 208 140 34 £38195 354 161 43 DEFENDER 5dr 4x4 An institution. Unbeatable off 3.5 V6 S Sp. Racer £66850 345 229 50 A45 AMG 4MATIC A180 CDI SE auto £23240 107 98 16 road, crude on it AAACC A180 CDI Sport £22785 107 102 16 110 2.2D Hard Top £25010 120 295 26 MASERATI A180 CDI AMG Sport £24035 107 105 16 110 2.2D County Utility Wagon £29550 120 295 - GHIBLI 4dr saloon Classy and entertaining but less A200 CDI Sport £23860 134 118 20 110 2.2D Utility Wagon £27620 120 295 - polished than a 5-Series AAAAC £25110 134 121 21 110 2.2D S’Wagon £27620 120 295 27 3.0 V6 £53575 325 223 50 A200 CDI AMG Sport £27760 168 115 25 110 2.2D County £29550 120 295 28 3.0 V6 S £64720 404 242 50 A220 CDI AMG Sport 110 2.2D XS S’Wagon £33405 120 295 28 3.0D V6 £49160 271 158 50 B-CLASS 5dr hatch A slightly odd prospect, but 110 2.2D XS Utility Wagon £32405 120 295 - QUATTROPORTE 4dr saloon Not quite as sophisti- practical and classy AAABC DISCOVERY 5dr 4x4 The best compromise between cated as it might have been. B180 SE £21500 120 129 16 AAABC £22225 120 129 16 off and on-road ability 3.0 V6 S £81555 404 242 50 B180 Sport AAAAC £23520 120 129 16 £109625 523 274 50 B180 AMG Line 3.0 SDV6 255 GS £40005 252 213 39 3.8 V8 GTS £22575 154 130 16 £69235 271 164 50 B200 SE 3.0 SDV6 255 XS £46865 252 213 40 3.0D V6 B200 Sport £23300 154 130 16 3.0 SDV6 255 HSE £54495 252 213 41 GRANTURISMO 2dr coupé Fantastic looks and B200 AMG Line £24595 154 130 16 DISCOVERY SPORT 5dr 4x4 Hugely alluring soundtrack, average chassis AAAAC £22575 108 94 15 compact seven-seater AAAAC 4.2 V8 £82280 400 330 50 B180 CDI SE ECO £22575 108 108 15 2.2 SD4 190 SE £32395 188 162 28 4.7 V8 Sport £90810 453 331 50 B180 CDI SE £23170 108 108 15 2.2 SD4 190 SE Tech £33895 188 162 28 4.7 V8 MC Stradale £110135 453 360 50 B180 CDI Sport B180 CDI AMG Line £24465 108 108 15 2.2 SD4 190 HSE £37595 188 162 31
£23650 £24245 £25540 £27125
134 134 134 168
p
p
el
111 20 111 20 111 20 107 25
Mini Convertible Spring 2016 The third generation of Mini’s open-top hatchback is set to arrive in UK showrooms next March. It receives fresh exterior styling and is significantly larger than the model it replaces. Its soft-top folding roof can open or close in 18 seconds at speeds of up to 19mph. A choice of three engines will be available at launch. Price £18,475 AUTUMN/WINTER 2015 Alpina D3 Biturbo, Audi A4, RS6/RS7 Performance, Alfa Romeo Giulia, BMW X1, DS 4 facelift, Ford Ecosport, Hyundai Santa Fe facelift, Tucson, Jaguar XF, F-Type SVR, Jeep Grand Cherokee facelift, Kahn Vengeance, Flying Huntsman Pick-Up, Kia Optima, Cee’d facelift, Koenigsegg Regera, Agera RS, Lexus GS F, RX, Mercedes-Benz A-Class facelift, C-Class Coupé, G500 4x4, GLC, Mini Clubman, Nissan Murano, Pulsar Nismo, Peugeot 308 GTi, Porsche 911 facelift, Renault Mégane RS 275, Seat Ibiza facelift, Skoda Superb, Smart Forfour Brabus, Fortwo Cabriolet, Subaru Levorg, Vauxhall Astra, Volkswagen Golf GTE, Transporter, Touran, Tiguan, Vuhl 05 SPRING 2016 Alpina B7, Audi S8 Plus, S4, Q2, R8 Spyder, Bentley Bentayga, BMW M2, M4 GTS, Cadillac CT6, Chevrolet Camaro, Elemental RP1, Ferrari 488 Spider, Fiat Tipo, Ford Focus RS, Edge, Infiniti Q30, Honda NSX, Hyundai i20 Active, i20 1.0, Jaguar F-Pace, Kia sportage, Kahn Speed 7, Lamborghini Aventador SV roadster, Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible, Lotus 3-Eleven, Maserati Levante, Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupé, Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet, GLS, Mini Countryman, Convertible, Porsche Boxster facelift, 911 Carrera 4/4S, Macan GTS, Toyota Prius, C-HR, RAV4 facelift, Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer, Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport, Volvo S90 SUMMER 2016 Alfa Romeo Mito facelift, Alpine A120, Aston Martin DB11, Audi RS4, BMW 1 Series saloon, Borgward BX7, Ferrari F12 Speciale, Fiat 124 Spider, Ford Ka, Infiniti QX30, Mercedes-AMG SL63, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, SLC, CLA facelift, CLA Shooting Brake facelift, Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Pullman, MG GS, Mitsubishi Outlander facelift, Renault Mégane, Seat Leon SUV, Skoda Roomster, Tesla Model X AUTUMN/WINTER 2016 Audi Q5, Ford GT, Hyundai Hybrid, Lexus LF-LC, Mercedes-AMG GT3, E63, Morgan EV3, Nissan Juke, Renault Scenic, Subaru Impreza, Vauxhall Insignia Stay up to date with all the latest new car launches with Autocar’s new cars calendar. Head to Autocar.co.uk
BMW M4 GTS Spring 2016 BMW has already said it has had more expressions of interest in the 493bhp M4 GTS than it has available cars, despite the hardcore coupé’s £121,770 price tag. Power comes from the same twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine as used by the regular M4, but it now includes a water injection system. The 0-62mph sprint is reduced to 3.8sec — notably faster than the standard M4’s time of 4.4sec. Price £121,770 11 NOVEMBER 2015 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 85
ROAD TEST RESULTS
GRANCABRIO 2dr open Fantastic looks and soundtrack, average chassis AAAAC 4.7 V8 £98340 433 337 50 4.7 V8 Sport £103935 453 337 50
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2.2 SD4 190 HSE Luxury £41195 188 162 31 RANGE ROVER EVOQUE 3dr 4x4 A new class of desirability for the SUV AAAAC 2.2 eD4 150 Pure Tech 2WD £31205 148 129 29 2.2 SD4 190 Pure Tech 4WD £33505 188 149 33 2.2 SD4 190 Dynamic 4WD £39305 188 149 34 RANGE ROVER EVOQUE 5dr 4x4 A new class of desirability for the SUV AAAAC 2.0 Si4 240 Dynamic Lux 4WD £46210 237 181 39 2.2 eD4 150 Pure 2WD £29205 148 133 28 2.2 eD4 150 Pure Tech 2WD £31205 148 133 29 2.2 SD4 190 Pure 4WD £31505 188 149 32 2.2 SD4 190 Pure Tech 4WD £33505 188 149 33 2.2 SD4 190 Dynamic 4WD £39305 188 149 34 RANGE ROVER 5dr 4x4 Arguably the best luxury car in the world. Easily the best SUV AAAAB 5.0 V8 S Aubiography £102450 503 299 50 5.0 V8 S Aubiography LWB £110150 503 299 50 3.0 TDV6 Vogue £74950 254 182 45 3.0 TDV6 Vogue SE £81850 254 182 50 3.0 TDV6 Aubiography £91550 254 182 50 3.0 SDV6 Hybrid Aubiography £102450 335 164 50 4.4 SDV8 Vogue £81950 308 219 50 4.4 SDV8 Vogue SE £88850 308 219 50 4.4 SDV8 Aubiography £98550 308 219 50 4.4 SDV8 Aubiography LWB £106250 308 219 50 RANGE ROVER SPORT 5dr 4x4 Just the right kind of dynamic twist. Brilliant AAAAB 5.0 V8 S Aubiography Dynamic £84350 503 298 49 3.0 SDV6 HSE £61950 288 185 43 3.0 SDV6 HSE Dynamic £67150 288 185 43 3.0 SDV6 Aubiography Dynamic £77850 288 185 45 4.4 SDV8 Aubiography Dynamic £84350 334 219 47
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CEED 5dr estate Another slightly bigger looker from Schreyer, but also forgettable AAACC 1.4 98 VR7 £16400 99 148 8 1.4 CRDi 89 1 ISG £17295 89 109 6 1.6 CRDi 126 1 ISG £18095 126 116 12 1.6 CRDi 126 2 ISG £19695 126 116 13 1.6 CRDi 126 3 ISG £21495 126 116 13 1.6 CRDi 126 4 ISG £23295 126 116 14 1.6 CRDi 126 4 Tech ISG £25195 126 116 15 PROCEED 3dr hatch Another slightly smaller looker from Schreyer. Still not memorable AAACC 1.4 98 VR7 £14900 133 143 10 1.6 GDi 133 S ISG £17895 133 124 14 1.6 GDi 133 SE £19905 133 137 15 1.6 GDi 133 SE DCT auto £21205 133 140 14 1.6 T-GDi 201 GT £20205 201 171 29 1.6 T-GDi 201 GT Tech £22905 201 171 30 1.6 CRDi 126 S ISG £18995 126 100 13 1.6 CRDi 126 SE ISG £20995 126 112 13 1.6 CRDi 126 SE Tech £23095 126 112 13 SOUL 5dr hatch Looks divide opinion. Better value now, but still hardly the best option AAACC EV 81kW £29995 107 - 19 1.6 GDi Start £12800 130 158 9 1.6 GDi Connect £15000 130 158 10 1.6 GDi Connect Plus £16100 130 158 10 1.6 GDi Mixx £18355 130 170 11 1.6 GDi Maxx £20155 130 170 11 1.6 CRDi Connect £16600 126 132 9 1.6 CRDi Connect Plus £17700 126 132 10 1.6 CRDi Mixx £19950 126 132 10 1.6 CRDi Maxx £21750 126 132 11 OPTIMA 4dr saloon Looks the part, but is well off the European saloon pace AAACC 1.7 CRDi 2 ISG £22895 134 128 17 1.7 CRDi 1 ISG £19995 134 128 17 1.7 CRDi 3 ISG £25795 134 128 20 VENGA 5dr mpv Versatile interior, but firm ride and high price disappoint AAAAC 1.4 89 1 ISG £11995 89 130 8 1.4 89 1 Air ISG £12795 89 130 8 1.4 89 SR7 ISG £13595 89 130 9 1.4 89 2 ISG £13895 89 130 9 1.6 123 3 ISG £16190 123 139 13 1.6 123 2 auto £15810 123 154 11 1.6 123 3 auto £17290 123 154 11 1.4 CRDi 89 2 £15195 89 119 10 1.4 CRDi 89 SR7 £14895 89 119 10 1.6 CRDi 114 3 ISG £17475 114 117 14 1.6 CRDi 114 4 ISG £18570 114 117 14 CARENS 5dr mpv NIcely up to scratch now, but no class leader AAABC 1.7 CRDi 3 Sat Nav ISG £25250 136 132 16 1.6 GDi 1 ISG £18195 133 149 13 1.6 GDi 2 ISG £19600 133 149 13 1.7 CRDi 114 1 ISG £19590 114 124 12 1.7 CRDi 114 2 ISG £20995 114 124 12 1.7 CRDi 134 2 Au £22400 136 159 16 1.7 CRDi 134 3 ISG £24300 136 132 16 SPORTAGE 5dr 4x4 Good ride, handling and usability. Looks decent too AAABC 1.7 CRDi 4 2WD ISG £25000 114 143 14 2.0 CRDi KX-1 4WD £21500 134 149 16 1.6 GDi 1 2WD £17500 133 158 14 1.6 GDi 2 2WD ISG £19800 133 149 15 1.7 CRDi 1 2WD ISG £19100 114 135 12 1.7 CRDi 2 2WD ISG £21200 114 135 13 1.7 CRDi 3 2WD ISG £23100 114 143 13 1.7 CRDi 3 SatNav 2WD ISG £23900 114 143 13 2.0 CRDi KX-2 4WD £23600 134 149 17 2.0 CRDi KX-3 4WD £25500 134 156 17 2.0 CRDi KX-3 4WD nav £26300 134 156 17 2.0 CRDi KX3 4WD sn au £27610 134 183 17 2.0 CRDi 181 KX-4 4WD £28200 134 158 19 SORENTO 5dr 4x4 Route one solution to the problem, but you know where you stand with it AAAAC 2.2 CRDi KX-1 £28795 197 149 24 2.2 CRDi KX-2 £31995 197 161 25 2.2 CRDi KX-3 £35845 197 161 26 2.2 CRDi KX-4 £41000 197 177 28
WHAT’S COMING WHEN
MG MG3 5dr hatch Neatly tuned and nicely styled supermini. Flaws covered up by price AAACC 1.5 3Time £8399 105 136 4 1.5 3Form £9299 105 136 4 1.5 3Form Sport £9549 105 136 4 1.5 3Style £9999 105 136 4 MG6 5dr hatch Good dynamics and space. Poor finish and running costs AAACC 1.9 DTi Diesel S £13995 148 119 1.9 DTi Diesel TS £16155 148 119 1.9 DTi Diesel TL £17995 148 119 MINI HATCH 3dr hatch Has matured very satisfyingly into its larger footprint . A real contender AAAAB 1.2 One £13955 102 108 12 1.5 Cooper £15505 134 105 18 2.0 S Cooper £18840 189 133 26 1.5 D One £15075 114 89 11 1.5 D Cooper £16635 114 92 15 2.0 SD Cooper £19655 168 106 23 HATCH 5dr hatch Additional door hardly adds charm. Bottom line embellished nevertheless AAABC 1.2 One £14565 102 112 12 1.5 Cooper £16105 134 109 18 2.0 S Cooper £19440 189 136 26 1.5 D One £15675 94 92 11 1.5 D Cooper £17235 114 95 15 2.0 SD Cooper £20255 168 109 23 PACEMAN 3dr coupé Two-door Countryman a Mini too far for us. Tough to like AAABC 1.6 Cooper £19115 121 137 16 1.6T Cooper S £22485 181 139 30 1.6T Cooper S ALL4 £23720 181 148 29 1.6T John Cooper Works £29575 208 165 34 1.6D Cooper D ALL4 £21645 110 123 14 1.6D Cooper D £20375 110 111 15 2.0D Cooper SD £23235 141 119 20 2.0D Cooper SD ALL4 £24535 141 126 19 COUNTRYMAN 5dr 4x4 Big, but still more funky than useful AAABC 1.6 One 2WD £17105 97 134 12 1.6 Cooper 2WD £18625 120 137 16 1.6T Cooper S 2WD £22005 181 139 30 1.6T Cooper S ALL4 4WD £23240 181 148 28 1.6T JCW £28985 215 165 33 1.6D One 2WD £18135 89 111 13 1.6D Cooper 2WD £19885 110 111 18 1.6D Cooper ALL4 4WD £21165 110 123 16 2.0D Cooper SD £22755 141 119 20 2.0D Cooper SD ALL4 4WD £24055 141 126 20
MORGAN 3 WHEELER 0dr open Eccentric, uniquely English and not a little special AAAAA 1.9 115 Sport £31140 115 215 1.9 115 Bespoke £34000 115 - 1.9 115 Superdry £34995 115 - AERO SUPERSPORTS 2dr open Has pace and kerbside status, but pricey AABCC 4.8 V8 £126900 390 269 4-4 2dr open Has its appeal, but not so rewarding to drive AACCC 1.6 £31500 110 - PLUS 4 2dr open Has its appeal. Needs more chassis finesse, but still charming AACCC 2.0 2 Seater £35400 145 172 2.0 4 Seater £40200 145 172 ROADSTER 2dr open More advanced, but pricey and needs better brakes AACCC 3.7 V6 4 Seater £51000 280 - 3.7 V6 £45900 280 - PLUS EIGHT 2dr open Olde V8 charm lives on, but requires oodles of cash AAACC 4.8 V8 £85200 367 - NISSAN MICRA 5dr hatch Low running costs but below average overall AABCC 1.2 Visia £10295 79 115 6 1.2 Acenta £11945 79 115 7 1.2 Tekna £13345 79 115 7 1.2 DIG-S Visia £12045 97 95 10 1.2 DIG-S Acenta £13045 97 99 10 1.2 DIG-S Tekna £14445 97 99 11 JUKE 5dr hatch High-riding, funky hatch is a compelling package. High CO2 AAABC 1.2 DIG-T Acenta £15320 114 129 12 1.2 DIG-T Acenta Premium £16720 114 129 12 1.2 DIG-T Tekna £17770 114 129 12 1.6 Visia £13620 93 138 12 1.6 DIG-T 190 Acenta Premium £18150 188 159 21 1.6 DIG-T 190 Tekna £19200 188 159 21 1.6 DIG-T 200 Nismo £21650 197 159 21 1.5 dCi Visia £15520 109 104 13 1.5 dCi Acenta £16715 109 104 13 1.5 dCi Acenta Premium £18115 109 104 13 1.5 dCi Tekna £19165 109 104 13 NOTE 5dr hatch It lacks a bit of verve, but objectively the Note is entirely fit for purpose AAAAC 1.2 Visia £12130 78 109 6 1.2 Acenta £13525 78 109 6 1.2 Acenta Premium £14465 78 109 6 1.2 DIG-S Acenta £14625 97 99 10 1.2 DIG-S Acenta Premium £15565 97 99 10 1.2 DIG-S Tekna £16470 97 99 10 1.5 dCi Visia £14130 89 92 8 1.5 dCi Acenta £15525 89 92 8 1.5 dCi Acenta Premium £16465 89 92 9 1.5 dCi Tekna £17370 89 92 9 LEAF 5dr hatch Comfortable electric car with 100-mile range AAACC 80kw Tekna £30590 107 0 24 80kw Visia £26490 107 0 23 80kw Visia + £27590 107 0 23 80kw Acenta £28590 107 0 23 PULSAR 5dr hatch Undeniably fit for purpose, but its appeal goes no deeper than that AAABC 1.2 DIG-T 115 Visia £15995 114 117 10 1.2 DIG-T 115 Acenta £17645 114 117 10 1.2 DIG-T 115 n-tec £18995 114 117 10 1.2 DIG-T 115 Tekna £20345 114 117 10 1.5 dCi 110 Visia £17595 109 94 11 1.5 dCi 110 Acenta £19245 109 94 11 1.5 dCi 110 n-tec £20595 109 94 11 1.5 dCi 110 Tekna £21945 109 94 11 QASHQAI 5dr hatch Second generation a masterly update of the first. The crossover to beat AAAAB 1.6 dCi 130 Tekna 4WD £28500 128 115 19 1.2 DIG-T 115 Visia £18265 113 129 17 1.2 DIG-T 115 Acenta £19850 113 129 14 1.2 DIG-T 115 N-tec £21700 113 129 14 1.2 DIG-T 115 N-tec + £22250 113 129 14 1.2 DIG-T 115 Tekna £23800 113 129 14 1.6 DIG-T 163 N-tec £23200 161 138 14 1.6 DIG-T 163 N-tec + £23750 161 138 14 1.6 DIG-T 163 Tekna £25300 161 138 14 1.5 dCi 110 Visia £20015 109 99 17 1.5 dCi 110 Acenta £21600 109 99 17 1.5 dCi 110 N-tec £23450 109 99 14 1.5 dCi 110 N-tec + £24000 109 99 14
86 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 11 NOVEMBER 2015
1.5 dCi 110 Tekna £25550 109 99 15 1.6 dCi 130 Tekna £26800 128 115 19 X-TRAIL 5dr 4x4 Sleek, Qashqai-based crossover is an easy win if you require seven seats AAABC 1.6 dCi Visia 2WD £23195 128 129 19 1.6 dCi Acenta 2WD £24995 128 129 19 1.6 dCi Acenta 4WD £26695 128 139 20 1.6 dCi n-tec 2WD £27645 128 129 19 1.6 dCi n-tec 4WD £29345 128 139 20 1.6 dCi Tekna 2WD £29645 128 129 19 1.6 dCi Tekna 4WD £31345 128 139 20 370Z 2dr coupé Great engine and poised handling. Lots of road noise AAABC 3.7 V6 Nismo £37585 345 248 46 3.7 V6 £27445 323 248 46 3.7 V6 GT £32525 323 248 46 GT-R 2dr coupé A benchmark. Great drive, brutal power, sensational value AAAAC 3.8 V6 2014 MY £78030 523 275 50 3.8 V6 Nismo £125000 523 275 50 NOBLE M600 2dr coupé A new era for the Brit maker. Outrageous pace and handling AAAAB 4.4 V8 £200000 650 -
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PEUGEOT ION 5dr hatch Good electric powertrain, comically expensive AABCC 63 £26216 63 0 28 66 UK drive £26216 63 0 28 108 3dr hatch Sister car to the Aygo. And distant second to most city car rivals AAACC 1.0 Access £8345 68 95 6 1.0 Active £9595 68 95 6 1.0 Active Top £10595 68 95 7 1.0 Active S-S £9845 68 88 6 1.0 Active S-S Top £10845 68 88 7 1.2 VTi Allure £11095 81 99 11 1.2 VTi Allure Top £12095 81 99 11 1.2 VTi Feline £11945 81 99 11 108 5dr hatch Sister car to the Aygo. And distant second to most city car rivals AAACC 1.0 Active £9995 68 95 6 1.0 Active Top £10995 68 95 7 1.0 Active S-S £10245 68 88 6 1.0 Active S-S Top £11245 68 88 7 1.2 VTi Allure £11495 81 99 11 1.2 VTi Allure Top £12495 81 99 11 1.2 VTi Feline £12345 81 99 11 208 3dr hatch Big improvement for Peugeot, if not the supermini class AAABC 1.0 VTi Access £10195 67 99 5 1.0 VTi Access + £11445 67 99 6 1.0 VTi Active £12395 67 99 6 1.2 VTi Access + £11945 81 104 8 1.2 VTi Active £12895 81 104 8 1.2 VTi Allure £14295 81 104 8 1.2 VTi Style £13645 81 104 11 1.6 THP 156 XY £18150 154 135 26 1.6 THP 200 GTi £19100 197 139 30 1.4 HDi Access+ £13245 67 98 11 1.4 HDi Active £14195 67 98 11 1.4 HDi Style £14945 67 98 10 1.6 e-HDi 92 Style £15595 91 95 17 1.6 e-HDi 92 Allure £16245 91 95 17 1.6 e-HDi 92 XY £17895 91 95 16 1.6 e-HDi 115 XY £18545 113 99 20 208 5dr hatch Big improvement for Peugeot, if not the supermini class AAABC 1.0 VTi Access £10795 67 99 5 1.0 VTi Access + £12045 67 99 6 1.0 VTi Active £12995 67 99 6 1.2 VTi Active £13495 81 104 8 1.2 VTi Access + £12545 81 104 8 1.2 VTi Allure £14695 81 104 8 1.2 VTi Style £14245 81 104 11 1.6 VTi Allure auto £16850 118 149 14 1.6 VTi Feline £17245 118 129 14 1.4 HDi Access+ £13845 67 98 11 1.4 HDi Active £14795 67 98 11 1.4 HDi Style £15545 67 98 10 1.4 e-HDi Active EGC £15495 67 87 11 1.6 e-HDi 92 Style £16195 91 95 17 1.6 e-HDi 92 Allure £16645 91 95 17 1.6 e-HDi 115 Feline £18695 113 99 19 308 5dr hatch Thoughtfully developed and very well appointed but still no class leader AAAAC 1.2 PureTech 82 Access £14995 81 117 9 1.2 PureTech 110 Active £17945 108 105 13 1.2 PureTech 110 Allure £19145 81 107 13 1.2 PureTech 110 Sportium £17445 108 105 11 1.2 PureTech 130 Active £18695 128 107 14 1.2 PureTech 130 Allure £19895 128 110 15 1.2 PureTech 130 GT Line £21445 128 110 16 1.6 THP 205 GT £24095 202 130 26 1.6 HDi 92 Access £16945 91 93 15 1.6 HDi 92 Active £18645 91 93 15 1.6 Blue HDi 120 Active £19845 118 82 22 1.6 Blue HDi 120 Allure £21045 118 84 24 1.6 HDi 115 Active £19445 113 95 18 1.6 HDi 115 Allure £20645 113 100 18 1.6 HDi 115 GT Line £22195 113 100 18 2.0 Blue HDi 150 Allure £21945 148 97 25 2.0 Blue HDi 150 GT Line £23495 148 97 26 2.0 Blue HDi 180 GT £25945 178 103 29 308 SW 5dr estate Thoughtfully developed and very well appointed but still no class leader AAAAC 1.2 PureTech 110 Access £17145 108 109 13 1.2 PureTech 110 Active £18845 108 109 13 1.2 PureTech 110 Allure £20045 81 111 13 1.2 PureTech 130 Active £19595 128 109 14 1.2 PureTech 130 Allure £20795 128 115 15 1.6 BlueHDi 120 Active £20745 118 85 20 1.6 BlueHDi 120 Allure £21945 118 88 21 1.6 HDi 115 Active £20345 113 95 18 1.6 HDi 115 Allure £21545 113 100 18 1.6 HDi 92 Access £17845 91 99 15 1.6 HDi 92 Active £19545 91 99 15 1.2 PureTech 130 GT Line £22345 128 115 16 1.6 HDi 115 GT Line £23095 113 100 18 2.0 BlueHDi 150 Allure £22845 148 105 24
PORSCHE BOXSTER 2dr open Honed, toned and cosmetically enhanced. Scarily brilliant AAAAB 2.7 £40098 261 195 40 3.4 S £48553 311 211 43 3.4 GTS £54567 326 211 44 CAYMAN 2dr coupé Roof seals the deal. A five-star car by any measure AAAAA 2.7 £40239 271 195 37 3.4 S £49478 320 211 41 3.4 GTS £56092 335 211 43 911 2dr coupé The best just got better. Still more than worthy of its iconic status AAAAB 3.4 Carrera £74204 345 211 46 3.4 Carrera 4 £79060 345 218 46 3.8 Carrera S £84240 395 223 47 3.8 Carrera 4S £89325 395 233 48 3.8 Turbo £121523 514 227 48 3.8 Turbo S £143045 552 227 48 3.8 GT3 £101695 468 289 48 911 CABRIOLET 2dr open The best just got better. Still more than worthy of its iconic statusAAAAB 3.4 Carrera £82864 345 216 49 3.8 Carrera S £93129 395 228 50 3.4 Carrera 4 £87720 345 223 49 3.4 Targa 4 £87720 345 223 49 3.8 Carrera 4S £97985 395 235 50 3.8 Targa 4S £97985 395 237 50 3.8 Turbo £130148 513 231 50 3.8 Turbo S £151782 552 231 50 918 SPYDER 2dr open Porsche’s hybrid hypercar. A rare and hugely fast new five-star modelAAAAA 4.6 V8 £657400 875 70 50 MACAN 5dr 4x4 Spookily good handling. A sports utility vehicle in the purest sense AAAAB 2.0 £41928 234 175 3.0 V6 S £45345 336 212 40 3.6 V6 Turbo £61689 395 216 44 3.0 V6 S Diesel £44871 254 164 39 PANAMERA 5dr hatch Technically brilliant and with a great cabin. Soulless though AAAAC 3.0 V6 S £83134 414 207 46
PROTON SAVVY 5dr hatch Compromise in quality isn’t worth the saving AACCC 1.2 Style £7995 75 134 8 SATRIA NEO 3dr hatch Best Proton ever, but still unjustifiable AACCC 1.6 GSX £8495 111 157 19 1.6 Sport £9495 111 157 19 GEN-2 4dr saloon Hugely disappointing despite price
ACCCC 1.6 Persona ecoLogic £11195 110 157 16 GEN-2 5dr hatch Hugely disappointing despite price
ACCCC 1.3 GLS 1.6 GSX ecoLogic
£9195 74 164 10 £11195 110 170 16
RADICAL SR3 2dr coupé Spectacular on the track; not so good on the way home AAAAC SL £69850 245 - RENAULT TWIZY 2dr hatch Zany solution to personal mobility. Suitably irreverent and impractical AAABC EV 13kW Urban £6895 17 0 10 EV 13kW Technic £7595 17 0 11 ZOE 5dr hatch Far more practical zero emission solution. Attractive price AAABC Expr. £18443 87 0 15 Dyn’que Zen £20043 87 0 16 Dyn’que Intens £20043 87 0 16 TWINGO 5dr hatch Rear-engined city car is cleverly packaged - but not the class leader AAABC 0.9 TCe 90 Dyn’que Energy £11695 89 99 8 1.0 SCe 70 Expr. £9495 69 105 2 1.0 SCe 70 Play £9995 69 105 3 1.0 SCe 70 Dyn’que S-S £10995 69 95 3 CAPTUR 5dr hatch On message compact crossover. Better looking than most AAABC 0.9 TCe Expr.+ £14295 89 115 9 0.9 TCe 90 Dyn’que Media Nav £15395 89 115 9 0.9 TCe 90 Dyn’que S Media N £16795 89 115 10 1.2 TCe 120 Dyn’que Media N £17695 118 125 14 1.2 TCe 120 Dyn’que S MediaN £19195 118 125 15 1.5 dCi 90 Expr.+ £15995 89 95 11 1.5 dCi 90 Dyn’que Media Nav £16995 89 95 12 1.5 dCi 90 Dyn’que S Media N £18495 89 95 12 CLIO 5dr hatch Attractive, nice to drive and practical. Only the Fiesta does it better AAAAC 1.2 TCe 120 GT-Line EDC £17725 118 120 14 1.6 Renaultsport 200 Lux £20295 197 144 29 1.2 75 Expr. £11145 75 127 7 1.2 75 Expr. + £12675 75 127 8 1.2 75 Dyn’que Media Nav £13675 75 127 8 0.9 TCe 90 Expr. + £13675 89 104 9 0.9 TCe 90 Eco Expr. + £13925 89 99 9 0.9 TCe 90 Dyn’que Media Nav £14675 89 104 9 0.9 TCe Eco Dyn’que Media Nav £14925 89 99 9 0.9 TCe 90 Dyn’que S Media Nav £15675 89 105 10 1.6 Renaultsport 200 £19145 197 144 29 1.5 dCi 90 Expr. + £14975 89 90 13 1.5 dCi 90 Eco Expr. + £15225 89 83 13 1.5 dCi 90 Dyn’que Media Nav £15975 89 90 13 1.5 dCi 90 Eco Dyn’q Media Nav £16225 89 83 13 1.5 dCi 90 Dyn’q S Media Nav £16975 89 90 13 MEGANE 5dr hatch Stylish and refined but bland. Nothing exceptional AAACC 1.2 TCe 130 GT Line TomTom EDC £21470 113 119 15 1.2 TCe 115 Expr.+ S-S £17570 113 119 14 1.2 TCe 115 Dyn’ TomTom S-S £18570 113 119 14 1.2 TCe 115 GT Line S-S £20070 113 119 15 1.6 110 Expr.+ £16750 109 159 14 1.6 110 Dyn’que TomTom £17750 109 159 15 1.5 dCi 110 Expr.+ S-S £18245 109 90 16 1.5 dCi 110 Dyn’ TomTom S-S £19245 109 90 17 1.5 dCi 110 GT Line TomTom S-S £20745 109 90 18 1.6 dCi 130 Dyn’ TomTom S-S £19745 128 104 20 1.6 dCi 130 GT Line TomTom S-S £21245 128 104 20 MEGANE SPORT TOURER 5dr estate Stylish and refined but bland. Nothing exceptional AAACC 1.2 TCe 115 Expr.+ S-S £18570 113 119 14 1.2 TCe 130 GT Line TomTom EDC £22470 113 119 15 1.2 TCe 115 Dyn’que TomTom S-S £19570 113 119 14 1.2 TCe 115 GT Line TomTom S-S £21070 113 119 15 1.6 VVT 110 Expr.+ £17750 109 159 14 1.6 VVT 110 Dyn’que TomTom £18750 109 159 15 1.5 dCi 110 Expr.+ S-S £19245 109 90 16 1.5 dCi 110 Dyn’que TomTom S-S £20245 109 90 17 1.5 dCi 110 GT Line TomTom S-S £21745 109 90 18 1.6 dCi 130 Dyn’que TomTom S-S £20745 128 104 20 1.6 dCi 130 GT Line TomTom S-S £22245 128 104 20 MEGANE 3dr coupé Stylish but average in normal guise. R’sport excellent AAACC 1.2 TCe 130 GT Line TomTom EDC £22245 113 119 15 1.2 TCe 115 Dyn’ TomTom S-S £19345 113 119 15 1.2 TCe 115 GT Line TomTom S-S £20845 113 119 15 1.6 VVT 110 Dyn’que TomTom £18250 109 159 15 2.0T Renaultsport 265 £25935 261 174 36 2.0T Renaultsport 275 Trophy £28930 271 174 36 1.5 dCi 110 Dyn’ TomTom S-S £20945 109 90 17 1.5 dCi 110 GT Line TomTom S-S £22445 109 90 18 1.6 dCi 130 Dyn’ TomTom S-S £21445 129 104 20 1.6 dCi 130 GT Line TomTom S-S £22945 129 104 20
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Insurance group
£86775 414 211 46 £84456 410 71 50 £64458 306 199 46 £68169 306 206 47 £94316 424 239 50 4.8 V8 Turbo PDK £108931 493 242 50 4.8 V8 Turbo S PDK £132077 562 242 50 3.0D V6 £65639 247 169 46 CAYENNE 5dr 4x4 Classy interior and mostly good fun. Hybrid not entertaining AAAAC 3.0 V6 S E-Hybrid £62154 410 79 49 3.6 V6 £50271 296 215 3.6 V6 S £61770 414 229 48 3.6 V6 GTS £73448 414 234 4.8 V8 Turbo £94729 513 267 50 3.0 V6 Diesel £50846 258 179 45 4.2 V8 S Diesel £62794 380 209 50 3.0 V6 4S 3.0 V6 S E-hybrid 3.6 V6 PDK 3.6 V6 4 PDK 4.8 V8 GTS PDK
Make and Model
CO2 g/km
Bhp
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Insurance group
2.0 BlueHDi 150 GT Line £24395 148 105 26 2.0 BlueHDi 180 GT £26845 178 107 29 508 4dr saloon Competent and likeable package, although lacks any real spark AAABC 2.2 HDi 200 GT £30645 201 140 37 1.6 e-HDi 115 Active Nav £22195 113 109 24 1.6 e-HDi 115 Allure Nav £24295 113 111 25 2.0 HDi 140 Active Nav £22595 140 115 27 2.0 HDi 140 Allure Nav £24695 140 119 28 2.0 BlueHDi 150 Allure Nav £25795 148 101 30 2.0 HDi 163 Allure Nav auto £26595 161 140 30 2.0 HDi Hybrid4 Allure Nav £31995 200 91 36 508 SW 5dr estate As good as saloon, only better looking AAAAC 1.6 e-HDi 115 Active Nav £23395 113 110 24 1.6 e-HDi 115 Allure Nav £25695 113 112 25 2.0 BlueHDi 150 Allure Nav £27195 148 102 30 2.0 HDi 140 Active Nav £23795 140 120 27 2.0 HDi 140 Allure Nav £26095 140 125 28 2.0 HDi 163 Allure Nav auto £27995 161 144 30 2.2 HDi 200 GT £32045 201 144 37 2008 5dr hatch Efficient and well-mannered but short on space and style AAABC 1.2 VTi 82 Access + £13195 81 114 10 1.2 VTi 82 Active £14295 81 114 11 1.2 VTi 82 Allure £15595 81 114 11 1.6 VTi 120 Allure £16750 118 135 20 1.6 VTi 120 Feline Calima £18150 118 135 19 1.6 VTi 120 Feline Mistral S-S £18450 118 135 19 1.4 HDi 70 Access + £14495 67 104 10 1.4 HDi 70 Active £15595 67 104 10 1.6 e-HDi 92 Active S-S £16245 91 103 17 1.6 e-HDi 92 Active EGC S-S £16845 91 98 17 1.6 e-HDi 92 Allure S-S £17745 91 103 18 1.6 e-HDi 92 Feline Calima £19145 91 103 17 1.6 e-HDi 92 Feline Mistral £19445 91 103 17 1.6 e-HDi 115 Allure S-S £18345 113 105 20 1.6 e-HDi 115 Feline Calima SS £19745 113 105 20 1.6 e-HDi 115 Feline Mistral S £20045 113 105 20 3008 5dr mpv Good handling and flexible cabin. Split tailgate a useful touch AAAAC 2.0 HDi 163 Allure Au £25050 161 145 23 1.6 VTi 120 Access £17550 118 155 17 1.6 VTi 120 Active £19250 118 155 17 1.6 VTi 120 Allure £21200 118 155 17 1.6 THP 156 Allure £22050 154 154 23 1.6 HDi 115 Access £19345 113 125 18 1.6 HDi 115 Active £20795 113 125 18 1.6 HDi 115 Allure £22745 113 127 18 1.6 e-HDI 115 Access EGC £20195 113 110 18 1.6 e-HDI 115 Active EGC £21645 113 110 18 1.6 e-HDI 115 Allure EGC £23595 113 112 17 2.0 HDi FAP 150 Active £21900 148 139 24 2.0 HDi FAP 150 Allure £23850 148 139 22 2.0 HDi Hybrid 4 Active £27245 197 85 30 2.0 HDi Hybrid 4 Allure £28245 197 99 31 5008 5dr mpv Well resolved ride and handling with a useful 7-seat interior AAAAC 1.6 VTi 120 Access £19350 118 159 13 1.6 VTi 120 Active £21100 118 159 15 1.6 THP 156 Allure £23750 154 163 19 1.6 e-HDi 115 Access EGC £21895 113 113 16 1.6 e-HDi 115 Active EGC £23495 113 123 17 1.6 e-HDi 115 Allure EGC £25295 113 126 16 1.6 HDi 115 Access £21045 113 124 16 1.6 HDi 115 Active £22745 113 128 17 1.6 HDi 115 Allure £24550 113 135 16 2.0 HDi 150 Active £23750 148 138 20 2.0 HDi 163 Active auto £24950 161 149 20 2.0 HDi 150 Allure £25550 148 140 20 2.0 HDi 163 Allure auto £26750 161 149 19 RCZ 2dr coupé Classy, interesting, fun coupe. Peugeot’s got its mojo back AAAAC 1.6 THP 156 Sport £22350 154 149 27 1.6 THP 156 GT £24750 154 149 28 1.6 THP 200 GT £27150 197 155 34 1.6 THP 270 R £32250 266 145 42 2.0 HDi 163 Sport £24200 161 130 29 2.0 HDi 163 GT £26600 161 130 30
Make and Model
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Make and Model
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MITSUBISHI I 5dr hatch Electric city transport. Fun, quirky but ludicrously expensive AAABC MiEV Keiko £28554 63 0 27 MIRAGE 5dr hatch Straightforward hatchback. Not for the likes of us AAACC 1.0 70 MIVEC 1 £9054 70 96 15 1.2 79 MIVEC 2 £11054 79 96 18 1.2 79 MIVEC 3 £12054 79 100 18 ASX 5dr hatch Engine sets a new standard, but otherwise unexceptional AAABC 1.6 2 2WD £15184 115 137 13 1.6 3 2WD £17435 115 137 13 1.8 DiD 3 2WD £19435 114 136 19 1.8 DiD 4 4WD £23434 114 136 19 2.2 DiD 4 4WD auto £24884 148 153 19 SHOGUN 5dr 4x4 Has its appeal. Needs more chassis finesse, but still charming AACCC 3.2 Di-DC SG2 £29544 197 213 32 3.2 Di-DC SG3 auto £34744 197 224 34 3.2 Di-DC SG4 auto £37744 197 224 34 OUTLANDER 5dr 4x4 Practical and efficient, although very ordinary inside AAABC 2.0 PHEV GX3h £33304 200 44 26 2.0 PHEV GX4h £37954 200 44 27 2.0 PHEV GX4hs £40054 200 44 24 2.0 PHEV GX5h £42954 200 44 28 2.0 PHEV GX5hs £45054 200 44 24 2.2 DI-D GX2 4WD £23984 148 138 22 2.2 DI-D GX3 4WD £26784 148 140 23 2.2 DI-D GX4 4WD £30684 148 140 24 2.2 Di-D GX4s 4WD Au £34234 148 153 22
Make and Model
CO2 g/km
Bhp
Price
Insurance group
63 AMG S £86510 577 231 50 220 BlueTec AMG Line £46500 175 129 44 350 BlueTec AMG Line £49950 254 - 46 CLS 5dr shooting brake Saloon-like practicality, coupé-like rewards AAAAC 63 AMG S £87010 577 231 50 220 BlueTec AMG Line £48080 175 129 44 350 BlueTec AMG Line £51400 254 162 47 GLA 5dr 4x4 Not the most practical crossover, but good looking and very decent to drive AAAAC GLA250 AMG Line 4Matic £31295 208 154 34 GLA45 AMG 4MATIC £44600 354 175 GLA200 CDI Sport £26265 134 119 25 GLA200 CDI Sport 4Matic £29215 134 119 25 GLA200 CDI AMG Line £27210 134 119 25 GLA200 CDI 4Matic AMG Line £30215 134 119 25 GLA220 CDI Sport 4Matic £30645 168 129 28 GLA220 CDI AMG Line 4Matic £31645 168 129 29 G-CLASS 5dr 4x4 Massively expensive and compromised, but with character to spare AAABC G350 BlueTEC £86445 208 295 G63 AMG £129665 537 322 GL-CLASS 5dr 4x4 Decent on road and off despite its size. Nice cabin, too AAABC GL350 BlueTEC AMG Sport £60755 261 209 49 GL63 AMG £93360 549 288 50 SLK 2dr open Enthusiastic, neat handling and brisk all-weather roadster AAAAC 200 CGI BlueEff Sport £34750 181 158 41 250 CGI BlueEff Sport £38710 201 169 44 350 CGI BlueEff Sport £44610 302 167 45 SLK55 AMG £55350 416 195 47 SLK250 CDI £33150 201 132 42 SLK250 CDI AMG Sport £37150 201 132 43 SL 2dr open Big, luxurious and classier than a royal stud farm. Merc at its best. AAAAB SL400 AMG Sport £72505 329 178 50 SL500 AMG Sport £81920 429 212 50 SL63 AMG £112520 557 231 50 SL65 AMG £170825 621 270 50 AMG GT 2dr coupé Clever and handsome replacement for the SLS. Different, but very good AAAAC 4.0 V8 £97200 456 216 50 4.0 V8 S £110500 503 219 50 CL 2dr coupé Comfortable big coupe. More GT than sports car AAAAC CL500 £95545 429 227 50 CL63 AMG £118885 536 244 50 CL65 AMG £164840 621 334 50 M-CLASS 5dr 4x4 Roomy, quiet and well-appointed. A proper Merc SUV AAAAC ML350 BlueTEC SE Exec £51340 254 189 43 ML63 AMG £87005 536 276 50 ML250 BlueTEC SE Exec £48190 201 165 38 ML250 BlueTEC AMG Line £50850 201 165 38 ML350 BlueTEC AMG Line £54000 254 189 43 V-CLASS 5dr mpv Expensively appointed mini bus. With matching price tag AAABC V220 SE £41845 161 149 V220 Sport £44340 161 149 V220 Extra Long SE £43380 161 149 V220 Extra Long Sport £45875 161 149 V250 SE £43520 161 157 V250 Sport £46015 161 157 V250 Extra Long SE £45055 161 157 V250 Extra Long Sport £47550 161 157 -
Make and Model
CO2 g/km
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Make and Model
NEW CARS A-Z
MEGANE CC2dr cc Not much fun to drive. Nice cabin, 1.4 TCe short on pace AABCC 1.2 TCe 130 Dyn’que TomTom £23800 118 169 19 1.2 TCe 130 GT Line TomTom £25300 118 169 19 1.5 dCi 110 Dyn’que TomTom £24545 109 124 17 1.6 dCi 130 Dyn’que TomTom £25045 109 124 17 1.6 dCi 130 GT Line TomTom £26545 109 124 17 SCENIC 5dr mpv Still a class act. Well priced and equipped AAABC 1.2 TCe 130 Dyn. TomTom XMOD £22405 113 140 18 1.2 TCe 130 Dyn’que TomTom S £20905 113 140 18 1.6 VVT 110 Expr.+ XMOD £18165 109 178 19 1.6 VVT 110 Dyn’que TomTom £19365 109 174 19 1.6 VVT 110 Dyn TomTom XMOD £19370 109 178 19 1.2 TCe 115 Dyn. TomTom S-S £20555 113 135 18 1.2 TCe 115 Dyn TomTom XMOD £20455 113 140 18 1.5 dCi 110 Dyn. TomTom S-S £21395 109 105 19 1.5 dCi 110 Expr.+ XMOD £19945 109 128 19 1.5 dCi 110 Dyn TomTom XMOD £21395 109 105 19 1.6 dCi 130 Dyn. TomTom S-S £22495 128 114 23 1.6 dCi 130 Dyn TomTom XMOD £22495 128 114 24 GRAND SCENIC 5dr mpv As above, but with seven seats. Nice cabin and ride AAABC 1.2 TCe 130 Dyn. TomTom S-S £22125 113 140 19 1.2 TCe 115 Dyn. TomTom S-S £21775 113 140 19 1.6 VVT 110 Dyn’que TomTom £20590 109 178 19 1.5 dCi 110 Dyn. TomTom S-S £22615 109 105 19 1.6 dCi 130 Dyn. TomTom S-S £23715 128 114 24 KADJAR 5dr mpv A Qashqai in Renault clothes. Lower prices make it a fine alternative AAAAC 1.2 TCe 130 Expr. + £17995 118 - 1.2 TCe 130 Dyn’que Nav £19695 118 - 1.2 TCe 130 Dyn’que S Nav £20495 118 - 1.2 TCe 130 Signature Nav £21695 118 - 1.5 dCi 110 Expr. + £19895 108 - 1.5 dCi 110 Dyn’que Nav £21595 108 - 1.5 dCi 110 Dyn’que S Nav £22395 108 - 1.5 dCi 110 Signature Nav £23595 108 - 1.6 dCi 130 Dyn’que Nav £22795 128 - 1.6 dCi 130 Dyn’que Nav 4WD £24295 128 - 1.6 dCi 130 Dyn’que S Nav £23595 128 - 1.6 dCi 130 Dyn’ S Nav 4WD £25095 128 - 1.6 dCi 130 Signature Nav £24795 128 - 1.6 dCi 130 Signature Nav 4WD £26295 128 - ROLLS-ROYCE GHOST 4dr saloon The best driver’s car in the stable. Fabulously indulgent AAAAC 6.6 V12 £200500 563 317 6.6 V12 EWB £230000 563 317 PHANTOM 4dr saloon Opulence befitting the price tag. Benchmark ride quality AAAAC 6.8 V12 £285200 453 347 6.8 V12 EWB £336700 453 380 PHANTOM 2dr coupé Opulence befitting the price tag. Benchmark ride quality AAAAC 6.8 V12 £313200 453 377 PHANTOM 2dr open Opulence befitting the price tag. Benchmark ride quality AAAAC 6.8 V12 Drophead £332400 453 377 WRAITH 2dr coupé 6.6 V12 £230320 642 327 50 SEAT MII 3dr hatch Predictably not quite as good as the VW Up. Cheaper, though AAABC 1.0 60 S £8195 59 105 1 1.0 60 S AC £8705 59 105 1 1.0 60 SE £9630 59 105 1 1.0 60 Toca £9995 59 105 1 1.0 60 Ecomotive £9530 59 96 1 1.0 75 SE auto £10760 74 105 2 1.0 75 Sport £10380 74 108 2 MII 5dr hatch Predictably not quite as good as the VW Up. Cheaper, though AAABC 1.0 60 S £8545 59 105 1 1.0 60 S AC £9055 59 105 1 1.0 60 SE £9980 59 105 1 1.0 60 Toca £10345 59 105 1 1.0 60 Ecomotive £9880 59 96 1 1.0 75 SE auto £11110 74 105 2 1.0 75 Sport £10730 74 108 2 IBIZA 3dr hatch Sharp looks and handling. Cupra needs a manual AAABC 1.2 12v 70 S A-C £11410 69 125 5 1.4 85 SE £12545 84 139 9 1.4 85 Toca £12870 84 139 11 1.2 TSI 105 SE DSG £14185 104 124 12 1.2 TSI 105 FR £14190 104 119 12 1.2 TSI 105 FR DSG £15285 104 124 12 1.4 TSI 140 ACT FR £15495 138 109 21 1.4 TSI 140 ACT FR Edition £16110 138 109 22 1.4 TSI 180 Cupra DSG £18980 178 139 27 1.2 TDI 75 S A-C £13305 74 102 7 1.2 TDI 75 S A-C Ecomotive £13830 74 92 7 1.2 TDI 75 SE Ecomotive £14360 74 92 7 1.6 TDI 105 SE £14910 104 112 14 1.6 TDI 105 FR £15910 104 112 14 2.0 TDI 143 FR £17085 141 123 22 IBIZA 5dr hatch Sharp looks and handling. Cupra needs a manual AAABC 1.2 12v 70 S A-C £11960 69 125 5 1.4 85 SE £13095 84 139 9 1.4 85 Toca £13420 84 139 11 1.2 TSI 105 SE DSG £14735 104 124 12 1.2 TSI 105 FR £14740 104 119 12 1.2 TSI 105 FR DSG £15835 104 124 12 1.4 TSI 140 ACT FR £16045 138 109 21 1.4 TSI 140 ACT FR Edition £16660 138 109 22 1.2 TDI 75 S A-C £13855 74 102 7 1.2 TDI 75 S A-C Ecomotive £14380 74 92 7 1.2 TDI 75 SE Ecomotive £14910 74 92 7 1.6 TDI 105 SE £15460 104 112 14 1.6 TDI 105 FR £16460 104 112 14 2.0 TDI 143 FR £17635 141 123 22 IBIZA 5dr estate Rivals are more practical but Ibiza is fun AAACC 1.2 70 S A-C £12660 69 128 5 1.4 85 SE £13795 84 139 9 1.4 85 Toca £14120 84 139 11 1.2 TSI 105 SE DSG £15435 103 124 12 1.2 TSI 105 FR £15440 103 119 12
SKODA CITIGO 3dr hatch The VW Up in entry-level Skoda format AAABC 1.0 60 S £8275 59 105 1 1.0 60 SE £9135 59 105 1 1.0 60 Monte Carlo £10670 59 105 2 1.0 60 Greentech SE £9495 59 95 1 1.0 60 Greentech Eleg. £10010 59 95 1 1.0 75 Greentech Eleg. £10400 74 98 2 CITIGO 5dr hatch The VW Up in entry-level Skoda format AAABC 1.0 60 S £8625 59 105 1 1.0 60 SE £9485 59 105 1 1.0 60 Monte Carlo £11020 59 105 2 1.0 60 Greentech SE £9845 59 95 1 1.0 60 Greentech Eleg. £10360 59 95 1 1.0 75 Greentech Eleg. £10750 74 98 2 FABIA 5dr hatch Straight-laced for a supermini, but as likeable an all-rounder as you’ll find AAAAC 1.0 60 S £10600 59 106 2 1.0 75 S £11460 74 108 4 1.0 75 SE £12820 74 108 3 1.0 75 SE L £13610 74 108 3 1.2 TSI 90 SE £13450 89 107 8 1.2 TSI 90 SE L £14240 89 107 8 1.2 TSI 110 S DSG £13740 108 109 13 1.2 TSI 110 SE £14100 108 110 12 1.2 TSI 110 SE L £14890 108 110 12 1.4 TDI 90 S £14090 89 93 12 1.4 TDI 90 SE £15450 89 93 10 1.4 TDI 90 SE L £16240 89 93 11 1.4 TDI 105 SE L £16840 104 95 12 FABIA 5dr estate 1.0 75 S £12460 74 109 4 1.0 75 SE £13965 74 109 3 1.0 75 SE L £14755 74 109 3 1.2 TSI 110 S DSG £14740 108 109 13 1.2 TSI 110 SE £15245 108 110 12 1.2 TSI 110 SE L £16035 108 110 12 1.2 TSI 90 SE £14595 89 107 8 1.2 TSI 90 SE L £15385 89 107 8 1.4 TDI 105 SE L £17985 104 97 12 1.4 TDI 90 S £15090 89 94 10 1.4 TDI 90 SE £16595 89 94 10 1.4 TDI 90 SE L £17385 89 94 11 RAPID 5dr hatch 1.6 TDI 105 E £17145 103 114 16 1.6 TDI 90 Eleg. £17715 103 114 13
1.6 TDI 105 S GreenLine II 1.6 TDI 105 Outdoor S GreenLin 1.6 TDI 105 SE GreenLine II 1.6 TDI 105 Outdoor SE GreenLi 1.6 TDI 105 Eleg. GreenLine 1.6 TDI 105 Outdoor Eleg. 2.0 TDI 110 S 2.0 TDI 110 Outdoor S 2.0 TDI 110 Outdoor S 4WD 2.0 TDI 110 SE 2.0 TDI 110 Outdoor SE 2.0 TDI 110 Eleg. 2.0 TDI 110 Outdoor Eleg. 2.0 TDI 140 Outdoor SE 4WD 2.0 TDI 140 Outdoor Eleg. 4WD 2.0 TDI 140 Outdoor L&K 4WD 2.0 TDI 170 Outdoor Eleg. 4WD 2.0 TDI 170 Outdoor L&K 4WD
£18405 £18405 £19915 £19915 £21675 £21675 £18255 £18255 £19895 £19765 £19765 £21590 £21590 £22230 £24165 £27495 £24840 £27070
103 103 103 103 103 103 109 109 109 109 109 109 109 138 138 138 168 168
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119 14 119 14 119 14 119 14 119 14 119 14 134 14 134 14 154 14 134 14 134 14 134 14 134 14 152 18 152 19 164 19 149 22 149 22
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Bhp
Price
1.6 TDI 90 GreenLine £17975 103 99 13 1.6 TDI 90 GreenTech Eleg. £17965 103 104 13 1.6 TDI 90 GreenTech SE £17215 103 104 13 1.6 TDI 90 S £16015 103 114 13 1.6 TDI 90 SE £16965 103 114 13 1.2 75 S £13350 74 137 7 1.2 TSI 86 S £14140 84 119 10 1.2 TSI 86 SE £15090 84 119 10 1.2 TSI 86 GreenTech S £14390 84 114 10 1.2 TSI 86 GreenTech SE £15340 84 114 10 1.2 TSI 105 SE £15790 104 125 13 1.2 TSI 105 Eleg. £16540 104 125 13 1.2 TSI 105 GreenTech SE £16040 104 118 13 1.2 TSI 105 GreenTech Eleg. £16790 104 118 13 1.2 TSI 105 Sport £15840 104 125 15 1.4 TSI 122 SE DSG £17585 120 134 16 1.4 TSI 122 Eleg. DSG £18335 120 134 16 1.4 TSI 122 GreenTech SE DSG £17705 120 127 18 1.4 TSI 122 GreenTech Eleg. £18455 120 127 18 1.6 TDI 105 S £16590 103 114 16 1.6 TDI 105 SE £17540 103 114 15 1.6 TDI 105 Eleg. £18290 103 114 15 1.6 TDI 105 GreenTech SE £17790 103 106 15 1.6 TDI 105 GreenTech Eleg. £18540 103 106 15 RAPID SPACEBACK 5dr estate Estate shape makes most sense of Rapid’s skinny bodyAAABC 1.2 TSI 105 Eleg. £16640 104 125 14 1.2 TSI 105 Greentech Eleg. £16890 104 118 14 1.2 TSI 105 Greentech SE £16430 104 118 15 1.2 TSI 105 SE £16180 104 125 14 1.2 TSI 86 Greentech S £14750 84 114 12 1.2 TSI 86 Greentech SE £15730 84 114 12 1.2 TSI 86 S £14500 84 119 11 1.2 TSI 86 SE £15480 84 119 12 1.4 TSI 122 Eleg. DSG £18445 120 134 18 1.4 TSI 122 Greentech SE DSG £18105 120 127 18 1.4 TSI 122 G’tech Eleg. DS £18565 120 127 18 1.4 TSI 122 SE DSG £17985 120 134 17 1.6 TDI 105 Eleg. £18390 103 114 16 1.6 TDI 105 Greentech Eleg. £18640 103 106 16 1.6 TDI 105 Greentech SE £18180 103 106 16 1.6 TDI 105 S £16950 103 114 15 1.6 TDI 105 SE £17930 103 114 16 1.6 TDI 90 GreenLine £17355 89 99 14 1.6 TDI 90 GreenTech Eleg. £17990 89 106 14 1.6 TDI 90 GreenTech SE £17530 89 106 14 1.6 TDI 90 S £16300 89 114 13 1.6 TDI 90 SE £17280 89 114 14 1.6 TDI 90 Eleg. £17740 89 114 14 OCTAVIA 5dr hatch Extended wheelbase makes the Octavia an even more practical choice AAABC 1.6 TDI 105 SE Business £19775 104 99 14 1.2 TSI 105 S £16525 104 114 13 1.2 TSI 105 SE £17875 104 114 13 1.4 TSI 140 SE £19075 138 121 18 1.4 TSI 140 Eleg. £20775 138 121 19 1.8 TSI 180 Laurin & Klement £26630 178 135 25 2.0 TSI 220 vRS £23830 217 142 29 1.6 TDI 105 S £18575 104 99 13 1.6 TDI 105 SE £19925 104 99 13 1.6 TDI 105 Eleg. £21625 104 99 14 1.6 TDI 110 Greenline £20225 108 90 15 1.6 TDI 110 SE Business Greenl £20225 108 90 19 2.0 TDI 150 SE £20535 148 106 19 2.0 TDI 150 SE Business £20535 148 106 20 2.0 TDI 150 Eleg. £22525 148 106 20 2.0 TDI 150 Laurin & Klement £26465 148 107 22 2.0 TDI 184 vRS £24075 181 115 26 OCTAVIA 5dr estate Extended wheelbase makes the Octavia an even more practical choice AAABC 1.6 TDI 105 Eleg. 4x4 £23880 104 119 14 1.6 TDI 105 SE 4x4 £22180 104 119 13 1.6 TDI 105 SE Business £20580 104 99 13 1.6 TDI 110 GreenLine £21425 108 90 15 1.6 TDI 110 SE Business G’line £21425 108 90 19 2.0 TDI 150 Eleg. 4x4 £24780 148 124 20 2.0 TDI 150 SE 4x4 £23185 148 120 19 2.0 TDI 150 SE Business £21735 148 106 19 1.2 TSI 105 S £17330 104 117 13 1.2 TSI 105 SE £18680 104 117 13 1.4 TSI 140 SE £19880 138 121 18 1.4 TSI 140 Eleg. £21580 138 121 19 1.8 TSI 180 Laurin & Klement £27830 178 136 25 2.0 TSI 220 vRS £25030 217 142 29 1.6 TDI 105 S £19380 104 99 13 1.6 TDI 105 SE £20730 104 99 13 1.6 TDI 105 Eleg. £22430 104 99 14 2.0 TDI 150 SE £21735 148 106 19 2.0 TDI 150 Scout 4x4 £25405 148 125 2.0 TDI 150 Eleg. £23330 148 110 20 2.0 TDI 150 Laurin & Klement £27665 148 107 22 2.0 TDI 150 Laurin Klement 4x4 £29115 148 122 21 2.0 TDI 184 Scout 4x4 £28200 181 129 2.0 TDI 184 vRS £25275 181 117 26 ROOMSTER 5dr mpv Quirky looks, talented package, awkward image AAABC 1.2 S £12105 69 143 5 1.2 SE £13575 69 143 6 1.2 TSI 85 S £12750 84 134 9 1.2 TSI 85 SE £14135 84 134 9 1.2 TSI 85 Scout £14685 84 134 9 1.2 TSI 105 S auto £14185 104 134 12 1.2 TSI 105 SE £14800 104 134 12 1.2 TSI 105 Scout £15350 104 134 12 1.2 TDI 75 Greenline II £16325 74 109 9 1.6 TDI CR 90 SE £15415 89 124 11 1.6 TDI CR 90 Scout £15965 89 124 11 1.6 TDI CR 105 SE £15640 104 124 13 1.6 TDI CR 105 Scout £16190 104 124 13 YETI 5dr 4x4 Useful, versatile cabin. Good handling and engines AAAAC 1.6 TDI 105 Outdoor SE B’nes G £19915 103 119 14 2.0 TDI 110 Outdoor SE 4WD £21405 109 154 14 2.0 TDI 140 Outdoor SE Bness 4 £22230 138 152 18 1.2 TSI 105 S £16915 103 142 13 1.2 TSI 105 Outdoor S £16915 103 142 13 1.2 TSI 105 SE £18425 103 142 13 1.2 TSI 105 Outdoor SE £18425 103 142 13 1.2 TSI 105 Eleg. £20250 103 142 14 1.2 TSI 105 Outdoor Eleg. £20250 103 142 14 1.8 TSI 160 Outdoor L&K 4WD £25940 158 184 22
AUTOCAR TOP FIVES Large SUVs
1.6 DDiS SZ3 £16999 118 110 20 1.6 DDiS SZ4 £17999 118 110 20 1.6 DDiS SZ-T £19499 118 110 20 1.6 DDiS SZ-T Allgrip £21299 118 114 18 1.6 DDiS SZ5 £21749 118 110 19 1.6 DDiS SZ5 Allgrip £23549 118 114 19 VITARA 5dr 4x4 Utterly worthy addition to the class. Drives better than most AAABC 1.6 SZ5 AllGrip £19799 118 123 1.6 SZ4 £13999 118 123 1.6 SZ-T £15499 118 123 1.6 SZ5 £17999 118 123 1.6 DDiS SZ-T £16999 118 106 1.6 DDiS SZ5 £19499 118 106 1.6 DDiS SZ5 AllGrip £21299 118 106 -
TESLA MODEL S 5dr hatch Brings luxury, range and, critically, credibility to electric offerings AAAAB SMART 60kWh £52680 245 - FORTWO 3dr hatch A better Fortwo than ever, but 85kWh £58680 416 - 85kWh Dual Motor £62780 416 - there’s no new reason to buy it AAABC £79080 416 - 0.9 90 Passion £11720 89 97 - 85kWh Performance 0.9 90 Prime £12415 89 97 0.9 90 Proxy £12415 89 97 - TOYOTA 1.0 70 Passion £11125 70 93 - AYGO 3dr hatch Probably the best of its ilk, but we’d 1.0 70 Prime £11820 70 93 - still pay the premium for a VW Up AAABC 1.0 70 Proxy £11820 70 93 - 1.0 x £8695 68 95 6 FORFOUR 5dr hatch Four doors makes the smart 1.0 x-play £9895 68 95 7 £11095 68 95 7 more mainstream. Still expensive, though AAABC 1.0 x-pression £11295 68 95 7 1.0 70 Passion £11620 70 97 - 1.0 x-cite £11395 68 95 7 1.0 70 Prime £12315 70 97 - 1.0 x-clusiv 1.0 70 Proxy £12315 70 97 - AYGO 5dr hatch Probably the best of its ilk, but we’d 1.0 70 Edition 1 £13365 70 97 - still pay the premium for a VW Up AAABC 0.9 90 Passion £12215 89 99 - 1.0 x £9095 68 95 6 0.9 90 Prime £12910 89 99 - 1.0 x-play £10295 68 95 7 0.9 90 Proxy £12910 89 99 - 1.0 x-pression £11495 68 95 7 0.9 90 Edition 1 £14315 89 99 - 1.0 x-cite £11695 68 95 7 1.0 x-clusiv £11795 68 95 7 SSANGYONG YARIS 3dr hatch Good space and value, but not a class KORANDO 5dr hatch Good for a Ssangyong, poor by leader AAABC class standards 1.0 VVT-i Active £10995 68 99 4 AACCC £12745 68 99 5 2.0d SE 2WD £14995 147 147 19 1.0 VVT-i Icon 2.0d SE4 4WD £16495 147 157 19 YARIS 5dr hatch Good space and value, but not a class 2.0d ELX4 4WD £19995 173 157 19 leader AAABC TIVOLI 5dr hatch Trails the Duster as the best-value 1.0 VVT-i Active £11595 68 99 4 1.0 VVT-i Icon £13345 68 99 5 small crossover - but not by much AAACC £14095 98 114 10 1.6 D EX 4WD £17100 113 113 - 1.33 VVT-i Icon £14995 98 119 10 1.6 SE £12950 126 149 - 1.33 VVT-i Sport £15695 98 119 10 1.6 EX £15600 126 149 - 1.33 VVT-i Excel £16195 98 75 10 1.6 ELX £16000 126 149 - 1.5 VVT-i Hybrid Icon £17695 98 82 11 1.6 D SE £14200 113 113 - 1.5 VVT-i Hybrid Excel £15595 89 99 11 1.6 D EX £15850 113 113 - 1.4 D-4D Icon 1.6 D ELX £17250 113 113 - AURIS 5dr hatch Disappointingly average. There are 1.6 D ELX 4WD £19500 113 113 - many better rivals AABCC REXTON W 5dr 4x4 Rugged seven-seater makes short 1.33 VVT-i Active £14945 99 128 7 1.33 VVT-i Icon £17645 99 128 8 work of mud. Tarmac more tricky AABC £18445 99 128 10 2.0 SX £21995 155 196 - 1.33 VVT-i Icon plus £17995 130 138 14 2.0 EX £24495 155 196 - 1.6 V-matic Icon £18995 130 134 14 TURISMO 5dr mpv Incredibly ungainly but offers huge 1.6 V-matic Icon CVT 1.6 V-matic Icon plus £18795 130 138 16 real estate for the money AAACC £20250 130 140 14 2.0D S £17995 155 199 27 1.6 V-matic Excel £20645 134 84 12 2.0D ES £19995 155 199 27 1.8 VVT-i Icon Hybrid £21545 134 86 14 2.0D EX £23995 155 212 29 1.8 VVT-i Icon plus Hybrid 1.8 VVT-i Excel Hybrid £22890 134 91 12 SUBARU 1.4 D-4D Active £16295 89 99 10 1.4 D-4D Icon £18995 89 103 10 FORESTER 5dr 4x4 Solid, spacious and willfully 1.4 D-4D Icon plus £19795 89 103 10 unsexy AAACC £21495 89 107 10 2.0i XE £25495 147 160 23 1.4 D-4D Excel 2.0i XE Premium £27495 147 160 23 AURIS 5dr estate Nothing wrong, but nothing excep2.0i XT Turbo CVT £30995 237 197 34 tional. Good spec AAACC 2.0d X £24995 145 150 24 1.33 VVT-i Active £16045 99 130 7 2.0d XC £26995 145 156 25 1.33 VVT-i Icon £18745 99 130 8 2.0d XC Premium £29495 145 156 25 1.4 D-4D Active £17395 89 109 10 XV 5dr 4x4 No nonsense crossover doesn’t quite make 1.4 D-4D Excel £22595 89 112 10 1.4 D-4D Icon £20095 89 109 10 enough sense AAACC £19095 130 140 14 2.0i SE £21995 148 160 21 1.6 V-matic Icon £21745 134 85 12 2.0i SE Premium £23995 148 160 22 1.8 VVT-i Icon Hybrid £21350 130 143 14 2.0D SE £23995 144 146 26 1.6 V-matic Excel £23990 134 92 12 2.0D SE Premium £25995 144 146 27 1.8 VVT-i Excel Hybrid OUTBACK ESTATE 5dr 4x4 Acceptable in isolation PRIUS 5dr hatch Clever and appealing in its own right, but no benchmark not just as a hybrid AABCC AAAAC 2.5i SE Lineartronic £28495 163 161 19 1.8 VVT-i T3 £21995 134 89 15 2.5i SE Premium Lineartronic £31495 163 161 20 1.8 VVT-i T4 £23745 134 92 15 2.0D SE £27995 148 145 22 1.8 VVT-i T Spirit £25295 134 92 15 2.0D SE Premium £30995 148 145 23 1.8 VVT-i Plug-In £33395 134 49 16 WRX STI 4dr saloon Appealingly old fashioned and PRIUS+ 5dr mpv Expensive and ugly. Bigger though behind the times all at once AAABC AAABC 2.5 STI £28995 296 242 40 1.8 VVT-i Icon £26995 178 96 15 BRZ 2dr coupé The GT-86’s half brother looks just as 1.8 VVT-i Excel £29245 178 101 15 1.8 VVT-i Excel Plus £31245 178 101 16 good in Subaru blue. Cheaper, too AAAAA 2.0i SE £22495 197 181 30 RAV4 5dr 4x4 A solid option, but ultimately outgunned 2.0i SE Lux £23995 197 181 31 by Korean competition AAABC 2.0 V-matic CVT Icon 4WD £26305 150 167 29 SUZUKI 2.0 D-4D Active 2WD £22795 124 127 26 CELERIO 5dr hatch Roomy, decent to drive and a 2.0 D-4D Icon 2WD £25295 124 127 26 2.0 D-4D Icon 4WD £26300 124 137 26 bargain price AAABC £27245 124 127 27 1.0 AGS SZ4 £9799 68 99 - 2.0 D-4D Invincible 2WD £28250 124 137 26 1.0 Dualjet SZ3 £8499 68 84 - 2.0 D-4D Invincible 4WD £27100 148 149 29 1.0 SZ2 £6999 68 99 - 2.2 D-4D Icon 4WD £29050 148 149 29 1.0 SZ3 £7999 68 99 - 2.2 D-4D Invincible 4WD 1.0 SZ4 £8999 68 99 - AVENSIS 4dr saloon Nothing wrong, but nothing SWIFT 3dr hatch Cute looks and rewarding handling. exceptional. Good spec AAACC Sport is excellent fun 1.8 V-matic Active £17700 145 152 17 AAABC £20300 145 152 18 1.2 SZ2 £8999 93 116 11 1.8 V-matic Icon £23250 145 152 18 1.2 SZ3 £10599 93 116 11 1.8 V-matic Icon+ £18695 124 119 22 1.2 SZ4 £11699 93 116 11 2.0 D-4D Active £21295 124 119 22 1.6 Sport £13999 134 147 19 2.0 D-4D Icon £24245 124 119 23 SWIFT 5dr hatch Cute looks and rewarding handling. 2.0 D-4D Icon+ 2.0 D-4D Excel £24495 124 119 23 Sport is excellent fun AAABC £23450 148 143 25 1.2 SZ3 4x4 £12099 93 116 11 2.2 D-4D 150 Icon £25250 148 143 25 1.2 SZ4 4x4 £13699 93 116 11 2.2 D-4D 150 Icon+ £25500 148 145 26 1.2 SZ2 £9499 93 116 11 2.2 D-4D 150 Excel £23400 148 165 25 1.2 SZ3 £11099 93 116 11 2.2 D-CAT 150 Icon £26350 148 165 25 1.2 SZ4 £12199 93 116 11 2.2 D-CAT 150 Icon+ £26600 148 167 26 1.6 Sport £14499 134 147 19 2.2 D-CAT 150 Excel SX4 S-CROSS 5dr hatch Not class-leading, but a AVENSIS TOURER 5dr estate Nothing wrong, but very worthy crossover also-ran AAABC nothing exceptional. Good spec AAACC 1.6 SZ3 £13999 118 127 13 1.8 V-matic Active £18750 145 153 17 1.6 SZ-T £17999 118 127 13 1.8 V-matic Icon £21350 145 153 18 1.6 SZ5 £20249 118 127 14 1.8 V-matic Icon+ £24300 145 153 18 1.6 SZ5 Allgrip £22049 118 135 14 2.0 D-4D Active £19745 124 120 22
1
Range Rover Sport
2
Porsche Cayenne
3
BMW X5
4
Land Rover Discovery
5
Volkswagen Touareg
From £60,000 Now bigger and better. A cut-price Range Rover rather than a jumped-up Discovery — and the best here by a mile. AAAAB
From £50,000 The current Cayenne is more agile, more stylish and more sporty-feeling than before. A great interior, too. AAAAC
From £43,000 Remains an accomplished and luxurious product. Trumped by others in the driving department now, though. AAAAC
From £40,000 Looks like an outmoded hulk in this list, but it can still do everything you’d ever want it to. Seven seats, too. AAAAC
From £42,000 VW’s biggest SUV is a well-balanced blend of solid dynamics, good price and usable, comfortable interior. AAAAC Visit autocar.co.uk for all of our Top Fives
11 NOVEMBER 2015 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 87
ROAD TEST RESULTS
1.4 TSI 140 ACT FR £16745 138 109 21 1.2 TDI 75 S A-C £14555 74 105 7 1.2 TDI 75 S A-C Ecomotive £15080 74 92 7 1.2 TDI 75 SE Ecomotive £15610 74 92 7 1.6 TDI 105 SE £16160 104 112 14 1.6 TDI 105 FR £17160 104 112 14 TOLEDO 5dr hatch Makes practical sense, but leaves no other lasting impression AAACC 1.2 TSI 85 S £14265 84 119 10 1.2 TSI 105 S £15295 104 116 13 1.2 TSI 105 SE £16515 104 118 14 1.4 TSI 122 SE DSG £17965 120 134 17 1.6 TDI 105 CR S Ecomotive £17150 104 104 15 1.6 TDI 105 CR SE Ecomotive £18370 104 106 15 LEON 3dr hatch Sharp looks and handling. Back from the Golf’s quality, but good value AAAAC 1.6 TDI 110 SE Ecomotive £19625 108 87 14 1.2 TSI 110 S £15815 108 114 13 1.2 TSI 110 SE £16935 108 114 13 1.4 TSI 125 SE £17535 123 120 16 1.4 TSI 150 FR £19700 148 109 20 1.8 TSI 180 FR £20740 178 137 25 2.0 TSI 265 Cupra £25960 261 154 32 2.0 TSI 280 Cupra £27210 276 154 33 1.6 TDI CR 105 S £17515 104 99 13 1.6 TDI CR 105 SE £18635 104 99 13 2.0 TDI CR 150 SE £19985 148 106 19 2.0 TDI CR 150 FR £21530 148 106 20 2.0 TDI CR 184 FR £22520 181 109 26 LEON 5dr hatch Sharp looks and handling. Back from the Golf’s quality, but good value AAAAC 1.6 TDI 110 SE Ecomotive £19925 108 87 14 1.2 TSI 110 S £16115 108 114 13 1.2 TSI 110 SE £17235 108 114 13 1.4 TSI 125 SE £17835 123 120 16 1.4 TSI 150 FR £20000 148 109 20 1.8 TSI 180 FR £21040 178 137 25 2.0 TDI CR 184 FR £22820 181 109 26 2.0 TSI 280 Cupra £27510 276 154 33 1.6 TDI CR 105 S £17815 104 99 13 1.6 TDI CR 105 SE £18935 104 99 13 2.0 TDI CR 150 SE £20285 148 106 19 2.0 TDI CR 150 FR £21830 148 106 20 LEON 5dr estate Sharp looks and handling. Back from the Golf’s quality, but good value AAAAC 1.2 TSI 105 S £16675 104 114 12 1.2 TSI 105 SE £17795 104 114 13 1.4 TSI 140 FR £20390 138 122 18 1.4 TSI 140 SE £18845 138 122 17 1.6 TDI 110 SE Ecomotive £20920 108 87 14 1.6 TDI CR 105 S £18810 104 99 13 1.6 TDI CR 105 SE £19930 104 99 13 1.8 TSI 180 FR £22035 178 137 25 2.0 TDI CR 150 FR £22825 148 106 20 2.0 TDI CR 150 SE £21280 148 106 19 2.0 TDI CR 184 FR £23815 181 112 26 2.0 TDI 150 SE X-Perience £24385 148 129 19 2.0 TDI 150 SE Tech X-Perience £26370 148 129 20 2.0 TDI 184 SE Tech X-Perience £28870 181 129 23 ALTEA 5dr hatch Short on interior flexibility and visibility. Well-judged drive AAACC 1.6 TDI 105 i-Tech Ecomotive £15445 103 119 14 2.0 TDI 140 i-Tech £16245 138 129 19 XL 1.6 TDI 105 i-Tech Ecomotiv £16165 103 119 13 XL 2.0 TDI 140 i-Tech £16965 138 129 19 ALHAMBRA 5dr mpv Practical, refined and good value. Not exciting AAAAC 2.0 TDI 140 Ecomotive S £25630 138 146 18 2.0 TDI 140 Ecomotive SE £27510 138 146 18 2.0 TDI 140 Ecomotive I-TECH £28630 138 146 18 2.0 TDI 140 Eco’ SE Lux £30900 138 146 18 2.0 TDI 177 SE £28750 138 158 22 2.0 TDI 177 SE Lux £32420 138 158 22
Make and Model
Insurance group
CO2 g/km
Bhp
Price
Make and Model
Facts, figures, from the best road tests
VAUXHALL VIVA 5dr hatch Comfortable and spacious, although class leaders are sweeter to drive AAABC 1.0 Ecoflex SE A-C £8665 73 99 1.0 SE A-C £8490 73 104 1.0 SE £7995 73 104 1.0 Ecoflex SE £8170 73 99 1.0 SL £9495 73 104 ADAM 3dr hatch Certainly looks the part, but there are better superminis ahead of it AAABC 1.0 S-S Jam £13630 113 114 3 1.0 S-S Glam £15000 113 114 3 1.0 S-S Slam £15500 113 114 3 1.0 S-S Rocks Air £16995 113 119 3 1.2 Jam £11630 69 124 3 1.2 Jam S-S £11925 69 118 3 1.2 Glam £13000 69 124 3 1.2 Glam S-S £13295 69 118 3 1.2 Slam £13500 69 124 3 1.2 Slam S-S £13795 69 118 3 1.4 87 Jam £11955 86 129 6 1.4 87 Glam £13325 86 129 6 1.4 87 Slam £13825 86 129 6 1.4 100 Jam £12480 99 129 9 1.4 100 Jam S-S £12775 99 119 9 1.4 100 Glam £13850 99 129 9 1.4 100 Glam S-S £14145 99 119 9 1.4 100 Slam £14350 99 129 9 1.4 100 Slam S-S £14645 99 119 9 1.4T 150 Grand Slam £16995 148 139 14 CORSA 3dr hatch Very refined, stylish and practical. Engines not so good AAABC 1.0i 90 S-S Design £12910 89 102 9 1.0i 90 S-S SRi £13605 89 102 9 1.0i 90 S-S SE £14250 89 102 9 1.0i 115 S-S Sting £10825 113 - 12 1.0i 115 S-S Sting R £11175 113 - 12 1.0i 115 S-S SRi VX-Line £14640 113 - 12 1.2i 70 Life £11080 69 126 2 1.2i 70 Sting £9175 69 126 2 1.2i 70 Design £11080 69 126 2 1.2i 70 SRi £11775 69 126 2 1.2i 70 SRi VX-Line £12810 69 126 2 1.2i 70 SE £12420 69 126 2 1.4i 90 Life £11425 89 121 6 1.4i 90 Sting £9520 89 121 1.4i 90 Design £11425 89 121 1.4i 90 Easytronic Design £12080 89 119 1.4i 90 SRi £12120 89 121 1.4i 90 SRi VX-Line £13155 89 121 1.4i 90 SE £12765 89 121 1.4i 100 Turbo SRi £12775 99 119 10
2.0 CDTi 165 SRi S-S £23840 162 124 21 2.0 CDTi 195 BiTurbo S-S £25220 192 134 21 ASTRA GTC 3dr coupé Good looking three-door hatch with the dynamics to match AAAAC 1.4T 16v 140 Sport auto £21570 118 159 16 1.4T 16v 140 SRi auto £22795 118 159 16 1.6T 200 Sport S-S £21595 202 168 25 1.6T 200 SRi S-S £22820 202 168 25 2.0 CDTi 165 Sport auto £23780 163 149 20 2.0 CDTi 165 SRi auto £25005 163 149 20 1.4T 16v 120 Sport S-S £19355 118 139 13 1.4T 16v 140 Sport S-S £20245 138 139 16 1.4T 16v 120 SRi S-S £21070 118 139 14 1.4T 16v 140 SRi S-S £21470 138 139 16 2.0T 280 VXR £27620 276 189 35 2.0 CDTi GTC Sp. 165 £22300 163 127 20 2.0 CDTi GTC SRi 165 £23525 163 127 20 2.0 CDTi 195 BiTurbo S-S £24520 192 129 CASCADA 2dr open Comfortable and credible alternative to the usual ragtops AAAAC 1.6T 200 200 Elite £29510 202 168 24 1.6T 200 SE £26615 202 168 24 1.4T 140 SE S-S £24500 138 148 20 1.4T 140 Elite S-S £27875 138 148 21 1.6T SIDI 170 SE Au £27600 168 168 24 1.6T SIDI 170 Elite Au £30495 168 168 24 2.0 CDTi 165 SE S-S £26480 163 138 23 2.0 CDTi 165 Elite S-S £28580 163 138 23 2.0 CDTi 195 BiTurbo Elite S-S £30065 192 138 27 INSIGNIA 5dr hatch Nearly as good as a Mondeo. Inert steering AAAAC 1.4T 140 SRi Nav £20394 138 123 15 1.6T 170 Elite Nav £24229 168 139 20 1.8i VVT Design Nav £17679 138 164 14 1.8i VVT SRi Nav £19479 138 164 14 2.0 CDTi 120 Design Nav £19934 118 99 15 2.0 CDTi 120 Elite Nav £24114 118 99 16 2.0 CDTi 120 SRi Nav £21734 118 99 15 2.0 CDTi 120 SRi VX-Line Nav £22954 118 99 16 2.0 CDTi 130 Design £18244 128 112 16 2.0 CDTi 130 Design Nav £19094 128 112 16 2.0 CDTi 130 Energy £21614 128 112 16 2.0 CDTi 130 SE £20044 128 112 16 2.0 CDTi 130 SRi £20044 128 112 16 2.0 CDTi 130 SRi Nav £20894 128 112 16 2.0 CDTi 130 SRi VX-Line £21264 128 112 16 2.0 CDTi 130 SRi VX-Line Nav £22114 128 112 16 2.0 CDTi 140 Design Nav £20184 138 99 18 2.0 CDTi 140 Elite Nav £24364 138 99 19 2.0 CDTi 140 SRi Nav £21984 138 99 19 2.0 CDTi 140 SRi VX-Line Nav £23204 138 99 19 2.0 CDTi 170 SRi Nav £22134 168 114 20 2.0 CDTi 195 Biturbo SRi Nav £25804 192 125 24 2.0 CDTi 195BiTurbEliteNav aut £28359 192 149 24 2.0 CDTi 195BiTurbSRi VX-LnNav £27024 192 125 24 2.0T 250 Elite Nav £24814 247 169 26 2.0T 250 SRi VX-Line Nav £23654 247 169 26 2.8T VXR Supersport £30129 321 249 37 1.4T 140 Design £17744 138 123 15 1.4T 140 Design Nav £18594 138 123 15 1.4T 140 Energy £21199 138 123 15 1.4T 140 SRi £19544 138 123 15 1.4T 140 SE £19544 138 123 15 1.4T 140 Tech Line £20394 138 123 15 1.6T 170 Elite £23379 168 139 20 1.8i VVT Design £16829 138 164 14 1.8 VVT Energy £20284 138 164 15 1.8 VVT SRi £18629 138 164 14 2.0T 250 SRi VX-Line £22804 247 169 26 2.0T 250 Elite £23964 247 169 26 2.0 CDTi 120 Design £19084 118 99 15 2.0 CDTi 120 Energy £22454 118 99 16 2.0 CDTi 120 SRi £20884 118 99 15 2.0 CDTi 120 SRi VX-Line £22104 118 99 16 2.0 CDTi 120 SE £20884 118 99 15 2.0 CDTi 120 Elite £23264 118 99 16 2.0 CDTi 140 Design £19334 138 99 18 2.0 CDTi 140 Energy £22704 138 99 19 2.0 CDTi 140 SRi £21134 138 99 19 2.0 CDTi 140 SRi VX-Line £22354 138 99 19 2.0 CDTi 140 SE £21134 138 99 19 2.0 CDTi 140 Tech Line £21984 138 99 19 2.0 CDTi 140 Elite £23514 138 99 19 2.0 CDTi 170 Design £20334 168 114 20 2.0 CDTi 170 Design Nav £21184 168 114 20 2.0 CDTi 170 Energy £23704 168 114 20 2.0 CDTi 170 SRi £22134 168 114 20 2.0 CDTi 170 SRi VX-Line £23354 168 114 2.0 CDTi 170 SRi VX-Line Nav £24204 168 114 -
VOLKSWAGEN UP 3dr hatch Hardly revolutionary, just quantifiably better AAAAC 1.0 75 Groove Up £12125 74 108 4 1.0 75 Rock Up £13580 74 108 4 1.0 60 Take Up £8870 59 105 1 1.0 60 Move Up £9925 59 105 1 1.0 60 BMT Move Up £10285 59 95 1 1.0 75 High Up £11500 74 108 2 1.0 75 BMT High Up £11860 74 98 2 UP 5dr hatch Hardly revolutionary, just quantifiably better AAAAC 1.0 75 Groove Up £12500 74 108 4 e-up 82 BEV £24795 - 0 10 1.0 60 Take Up £9245 59 105 1 1.0 60 Move Up £10300 59 105 1 1.0 60 BMT Move Up £10660 59 95 1 1.0 75 High Up £11875 74 108 2 1.0 75 BMT High Up £12235 74 98 2 POLO 3dr hatch A mini Golf. Sweet handling, solid interior and good value AAAAC 1.4 TSI 150 ACT BlueGT £17910 148 110 24 1.0 60 S £11300 59 106 7 1.0 60 S AC £12020 59 106 7 1.0 60 SE £12635 59 106 8 1.0 60 SE Design £13735 59 106 8 1.0 75 SE £13160 74 108 10 1.0 75 SE Design £14260 74 108 11 1.2 TSI 90 SE £13780 89 107 15 1.2 TSI 90 SE Design £14880 89 107 15 1.2 TSI 110 SEL £16310 108 110 19 1.8 TSI 192 GTI £18900 189 139 24 1.4 TDI 75 SE £14845 74 93 13 1.4 TDI 75 SE Design £15945 74 93 14 1.4 TDI 90 SEL £16820 79 93 16 POLO 5dr hatch A mini Golf. Sweet handling, solid interior and good value AAAAC 1.0 60 S £11930 59 106 7 1.0 60 S AC £12650 59 106 7 1.0 60 SE £13265 59 106 8 1.0 60 SE Design £14365 59 106 8 1.0 75 SE £13790 74 108 10 1.0 75 SE Design £14890 74 108 11 1.2 TSI 90 SE £14410 89 107 15 1.2 TSI 90 SE Design £15510 89 107 15 1.2 TSI 110 SEL £16940 108 110 19 1.4 TSI 150 ACT BlueGT £18540 148 110 24 1.8 TSI 192 GTI £19530 189 139 24 1.4 TDI 75 SE £15475 74 93 13 1.4 TDI 75 SE Design £16575 74 93 14 1.4 TDI 90 SEL £17450 79 93 16 GOLF CABRIOLET 2dr open Composed but uninspiring four-seat soft-top AAABC 1.2 TSI 105 S £22070 103 139 15 1.4 TSI 122 S £22765 121 149 19
Insurance group
CO2 g/km
Bhp
Price
Insurance group
2.0 CDTi 170 Tech Line £23890 168 129 19 2.0 CDTi 170 SRi £27530 168 129 19 2.0 CDTi 170 SE £27500 168 129 19 2.0 CDTi 170 Elite £29045 168 129 19 MOKKA 5dr hatch Compact and competent, but short on persuasive quality AAABC 1.6i 115 Tech Line S-S £16474 114 153 5 1.6i 115 Exclusiv S-S £18539 114 153 6 1.6i 115 SE S-S £21039 114 153 7 1.4T 140 Tech Line 2WD S-S £17214 138 139 11 1.4T 140 Tech Line 4x4 S-S £18774 138 149 11 1.4T 140 Exclusiv 2WD S-S £19214 138 139 12 1.4T 140 Exclusiv 4x4 S-S £20934 138 149 12 1.4T 140 SE 2WD S-S £21714 138 139 13 1.4T 140 SE 4x4 S-S £23434 138 149 13 1.7 CDTi 130 Tech Line S-S £18224 129 120 12 1.7 CDTi 130 Exclusiv S-S £20224 129 120 13 1.7 CDTi 130 SE S-S £22724 129 120 14 1.7 CDTi 130 Tech Line 4x4 S-S £19924 129 129 12 1.7 CDTi 130 Exclusiv 4x4 S-S £21924 129 129 13 1.7 CDTi 130 SE 4x4 S-S £24424 129 129 14 ANTARA 5dr 4x4 Stylish interior blunts usability. Poor residuals AAACC 2.4i 16v 167 Exclusiv £20170 161 206 20 2.2 CDTi 163 Exclusiv S-S £21400 161 167 25 2.2 CDTi 163 Exclusiv 4x4 S-S £23820 161 177 25 2.2 CDTi 163 SE Nav 4x4 S-S £26660 161 177 25 2.2 CDTi 163 Diamond S-S £22200 161 167 25 2.2 CDTi 163 Diamond 4x4 S-S £24620 161 177 25 2.2 CDTi 184 SE Nav 4x4 S-S £27720 184 177 28 VXR8 4dr saloon Still has old-school appeal. No longer cheap AAABC 6.2 GTS £54509 576 389 50
Make and Model
CO2 g/km
Bhp
Price
Insurance group
2.0 CDTi 170 SE £22134 168 114 2.0 CDTi 170 Tech Line £22984 168 114 2.0 CDTi 170 Elite £24514 168 114 2.0 CDTi 170 Elite Nav £25364 168 114 2.0 CDTi 195 Biturbo SRi £24954 192 125 24 2.0 CDTi 195 BiturbSRi VX-Line £26174 192 125 24 2.0 CDTi 195 BiturboElite auto £27519 192 149 24 INSIGNIA SPORTS TOURER 5dr estate Nearly as good as a Mondeo. Inert steering AAAAC 1.4T 140 Design Nav £20029 138 131 15 1.4T 140 Design S-S £19179 138 131 15 1.4T 140 Energy S-S £22634 138 131 15 1.6T 170 Elite Nav £25564 168 146 20 1.6T 170 Elite S-S £24714 168 146 20 2.0 CDTi 120 Design £20384 118 104 15 2.0 CDTi 120 Design Nav £21234 118 104 15 2.0 CDTi 120 Elite £24564 118 104 16 2.0 CDTi 120 Elite Nav £25414 118 104 16 2.0 CDTi 120 SRi Nav £23034 118 104 15 2.0 CDTi 120 Tech Line £23034 118 104 16 2.0 CDTi 130 Design £19544 129 104 16 2.0 CDTi 130 Design Nav £20394 129 104 16 2.0 CDTi 130 Energy £22914 129 104 16 2.0 CDTi 140 Design £20634 138 104 19 2.0 CDTi 140 Design Nav £21484 138 104 19 2.0 CDTi 140 Elite £24814 138 104 19 2.0 CDTi 140 Elite Nav £25664 138 104 19 2.0 CDTi 140 Energy £24004 138 104 19 2.0 CDTi 140 SE £22434 138 104 19 2.0 CDTi 140 SRi £22434 138 104 19 2.0 CDTi 140 SRi Nav £23284 138 104 19 2.0 CDTi 140 SRi VX-Line £23654 138 104 19 2.0 CDTi 140 SRi VX-Line Nav £24504 138 104 19 2.0 CDTi 140 Tech Line £23284 138 104 19 2.0 CDTi 163 Country Nav 4x4 £28304 161 147 20 2.0 CDTi 195 BiTurbo Elite aut £28819 192 159 24 2.0 CDTi 195 BiTurbo SRi £26254 192 129 24 2.0 CDTi 195 BiTurbo SRi VX-L £27474 192 129 24 2.0 CDTi 195BiTboCo’tryNav4x4 £31009 192 174 24 2.0 CDTi 195BiTurbSRiVX-Ln Nav £28324 192 129 24 2.0 CDTi195BiTurbEliteNav auto £29669 192 159 24 2.0T 250 SRi VX-Line Nav £24954 247 174 26 2.0T 250 SRi VX-Line S-S £24104 247 174 26 2.8T VXR SuperSport £31429 321 249 37 2.0 CDTi 163 Country 4x4 £27154 161 147 20 2.0 CDTi 195 BiTbo Country 4x4 £29854 192 174 24 MERIVA 5dr mpv Clever flexdoors make sense for young families. Nice to drive AAAAC 1.6 CDTi 110 S-S Exclusiv £20715 108 99 7 1.6 CDTi 136 Exclusiv AC S-S £20875 134 116 7 1.6 CDTi 136 SE AC S-S £21730 134 116 7 1.6 CDTi 136 Tech Line £17175 134 116 7 1.7 CDTi 110 Excl. AC Au £21515 109 160 12 1.7 CDTi 110 S AC Au £20850 109 160 12 1.7 CDTi 110 S auto £20995 109 160 12 1.7 CDTi 110 SE AC Au £22505 109 160 12 1.4i VVT 100 Energy AC £17865 99 140 7 1.4i VVT 100 Tech Line AC £13999 99 140 7 1.4i VVT 100 SE £18710 99 140 8 1.4T 120 Exclusiv AC £18595 118 139 14 1.4T 120 SE £19440 118 139 14 1.4T 140 Exclusiv AC £19425 138 149 14 1.4T 140 SE £20270 138 149 14 1.3 CDTi 75 Energy AC £19225 74 124 5 1.3 CDTi 75 Tech Line AC £15740 74 124 5 1.6 CDTi 95 S-S Exclusiv £20405 94 105 7 1.6 CDTi 110 S-S SE £21570 108 99 ZAFIRA TOURER 5dr mpv Super-stylish, but lacks sliding rear doors AAABC 1.6 CDTi 136 Elite S-S £28780 134 109 16 1.6 CDTi 136 SRi S-S £27300 134 109 16 1.4T 140 Tech Line £20875 138 154 16 1.4T 140 Exclusiv £23100 138 154 16 1.4T 140 SRi £24450 138 154 15 1.4T 140 SE £24485 138 154 15 1.4T 140 Elite £25965 138 154 16 1.8i 140 ES £21760 138 169 14 1.8i 140 Tech Line £20575 138 169 14 1.8i 140 Exclusiv £22800 138 169 14 1.6 CDTi 136 Tech Line £23690 134 109 16 1.6 CDTi 136 Exclusiv £25915 134 109 16 1.6 CDTi 136 SE £27300 134 109 16 2.0 CDTi 130 ES £23460 129 137 15 2.0 CDTi 130 Tech Line £22275 129 137 15 2.0 CDTi 130 Exclusiv £24500 129 137 15 2.0 CDTi 130 SRi £25850 129 137 15 2.0 CDTi 130 SE £25885 129 137 15 2.0 CDTi 130 Elite £27365 129 137 15 2.0 CDTi 170 Exclusiv £26115 168 129 19
Make and Model
CO2 g/km
Bhp
Price
Make and Model
Insurance group
CO2 g/km
Bhp
Price
Insurance group
1.4i 100 Turbo SRi VX-Line £13810 99 119 10 1.4i 100 Turbo SE £13420 99 119 10 1.3 CDTi 75 S-S Life £13330 74 99 6 1.3 CDTi 75 S-S Design £13330 74 99 1.3 CDTi 75 S-S SRi £14025 74 99 1.3 CDTi 75 S-S SRi VX-Line £15060 74 99 1.3 CDTi 75 S-S SE £14670 74 99 1.3 CDTi 95 S-S SRi £14525 94 85 9 1.3 CDTi 95 S-S SRi VX-Line £15560 94 85 1.3 CDTi 95 S-S SE £15170 94 85 CORSA 5dr hatch Very refined, stylish and practical. Engines not so good AAABC 1.0i 90 S-S Design £13510 89 102 9 1.0i 90 S-S SRi £14205 89 102 9 1.0i 90 S-S SE £14850 89 102 9 1.0i 115 S-S Sting £11425 113 - 12 1.0i 115 S-S SRi VX-Line £15240 113 - 12 1.2i 70 Life £11680 69 126 2 1.2i 70 Sting £9775 69 126 2 1.2i 70 Design £12745 69 126 2 1.2i 70 SRi £12375 69 126 2 1.2i 70 SRi VX-Line £13410 69 126 2 1.2i 70 SE £13020 69 126 2 1.4i 90 Life £12025 89 121 1.4i 90 Sting £10120 89 121 1.4i 90 Design £12025 89 121 1.4i 90 Easytronic Design £12680 89 119 1.4i 90 SRi £12720 89 121 1.4i 90 SRi VX-Line £13755 89 121 1.4i 90 SE £13365 89 121 1.4i 100 Turbo SRi £13375 99 119 10 1.4i 100 Turbo SRi VX-Line £14410 99 119 10 1.4i 100 Turbo SE £14020 99 119 10 1.3 CDTi 75 S-S Life £13930 74 99 1.3 CDTi 75 S-S Design £13930 74 99 1.3 CDTi 75 S-S SRi £14625 74 99 1.3 CDTi 75 S-S SRi VX-Line £15660 74 99 1.3 CDTi 75 S-S SE £15270 74 99 1.3 CDTi 95 S-S SRi £15125 94 85 1.3 CDTi 95 S-S SRi VX-Line £16160 94 85 1.3 CDTi 95 S-S SE £15770 94 85 ASTRA 5dr hatch Good handling, nice engines but over-geared. Focus is better AAAAC 1.3 CDTi 95 ecoFLEX Design £16835 94 104 9 1.4i VVT 100 Design £15445 99 129 9 1.4i VVT 100 Excite £17920 99 129 9 1.4i VVT 100 Tech Line £16770 99 129 9 1.6 CDTi 110 ecoFLEX Design S- £17735 108 97 9 1.6 CDTi 110 ecoFLEX Elite S-S £23175 108 97 9 1.6 CDTi 110 ecoFLEX SRi S-S £21740 108 97 9 1.6 CDTi 110 e’FLEX Tec Ln S-S £18910 108 97 9 1.6 CDTi 136 ecoFLEX Elite S-S £23770 134 104 9 1.6 CDTi 136 ecoFLEX SRi S-S £22335 134 104 9 1.6 CDTi 136 e’FLEX Design S-S £18330 134 104 9 1.6 CDTi 136 e’FLEX Tec Ln S-S £19505 134 104 9 1.6CDTi 110e’FLEX Tec LnGT S-S £19770 108 97 9 1.6CDTi 136e’FLEX Tec LnGT S-S £20365 134 104 9 1.6i VVT 115 Design £16160 114 147 12 1.6i VVT 115 Excite £18635 114 147 12 1.6i VVT 115 Tech Line GT £17610 114 147 12 1.6i VVT Tech Line £17485 114 147 12 2.0 CDTi 165 e’FLEX Tech L S-S £19995 158 119 20 2.0 CDTi 165 Tech Line GT S-S £20855 158 119 21 1.4i VVT 100 SRi £18865 99 129 9 1.4T SRi £20220 138 138 17 1.6i VVT Elite £21275 114 147 12 1.6i VVT SRi £19580 114 147 12 2.0 CDTi 165 ecoFLEX Elite S-S £24260 158 119 21 2.0 CDTi 165 ecoFLEX SRi S-S £22825 158 119 21 2.0 CDTi 195 Biturbo S-S £24205 192 134 21 ASTRA 5dr estate More composed than the hatch. A very decent small estate AAAAC 1.3 CDTi 95 ecoFLEX Design S-S £18200 94 109 9 1.4i VVT 100 Design £16480 99 137 9 1.4i VVT 100 Tech Line £17805 99 137 9 1.6 CDTi 110 ecoFLEX Elite S-S £24190 108 97 14 1.6 CDTi 110 e’FLEX Design S-S £18755 108 97 14 1.6 CDTi 110 eFLEX SRi S-S £22755 108 97 14 1.6 CDTi 110 eFLEX Tech Ln S-S £19930 108 97 14 1.6 CDTi 136 ecoFLEX Elite S-S £24785 134 104 14 1.6 CDTi 136 e’FLEX Design S-S £19350 134 104 14 1.6 CDTi 136 eFLEX SRi S-S £23350 134 104 14 1.6 CDTi 136 eFLEX Tech Ln S-S £20525 134 104 14 1.6i VVT 115 Design £17145 114 149 12 1.6i VVT 115 Elite £22295 114 149 12 1.6i VVT Tech Line £18505 114 149 12 2.0 CDTi 165 Elite S-S £25275 162 124 20 2.0 CDTi 165 Tech Line S-S £21015 162 124 20 1.6i VVT SRi £20600 114 149 12
Make and Model
CO2 g/km
Bhp
Price
Insurance group
2.0 D-4D Icon £22345 124 120 22 2.0 D-4D Icon+ £25295 124 120 23 2.0 D-4D Excel £26145 124 119 23 2.2 D-4D 150 Icon £24500 148 147 25 2.2 D-4D 150 Icon+ £26300 148 147 25 2.2 D-4D 150 Excel £27150 148 149 26 2.2 D-CAT 150 Icon £24450 148 170 25 2.2 D-CAT 150 Icon+ £27405 148 170 25 2.2 D-CAT 150 Excel £28250 148 173 26 VERSO 5dr mpv Ride is firm and boot space limited with all seats in use AAACC 1.6 V-matic Active 5st £17770 130 157 13 1.6 V-matic Active 7st £18300 130 157 13 1.6 V-matic Icon 7st £20300 130 157 14 1.8 V-matic Icon M’Drive 7st £21800 145 153 15 1.8 V-matic Excel M’Drive 7st £24300 145 150 15 1.6 D-4D Active £19990 122 119 13 1.6 D-4D Icon £21995 122 119 14 LAND CRUISER V8 5dr 4x4 A dinosaur, but likeable. Pricey to buy and run AAACC 4.5 D-4D £65725 286 250 48 LAND CRUISER 3dr 4x4 A real go-anywhere vehicle. Spongey on road AAACC 3.0 D-4D 188 LC3 £32765 185 214 31 LAND CRUISER 5dr 4x4 A real go-anywhere vehicle. Spongey on road AAACC 3.0 D-4D 190 LC3 £37015 187 213 31 3.0 D-4D 190 LC4 £47465 187 213 34 3.0 D-4D 190 LC5 £52915 187 213 38 GT86 2dr coupé A tail-out tribute to all our favourite things. Splendid. Cheaper now, too AAAAA 2.0 Primo £23000 197 180 33 2.0 GT86 £25000 197 180 33 2.0 Aero £27500 197 192 33 2.0 Giallo £27500 197 180 34 2.0 GT86 auto £25995 197 164 33
Make and Model
CO2 g/km
Bhp
Price
Make and Model
NEW CARS A-Z £23815 121 149 19 £26715 158 150 29 £30505 208 177 35 £33650 261 190 39 £23540 103 117 17 1.6 TDI 105 Bluemotion Tech SE £24590 103 117 17 2.0 TDI 140 Bluemotion Tech SE £25990 138 119 23 2.0 TDI 140 Bluemotion Tech GT £27180 138 119 23 GOLF 3dr hatch The complete package. Reassuringly expensive AAAAB 1.6 TDI 110 BlueMotion £21435 103 89 15 1.6 TDI 90 S £18995 89 98 10 2.0 TSI 300 R £30820 296 165 34 1.2 TSI 85 S £17595 84 113 7 1.2 TSI 105 S £18185 104 114 11 1.4 TSI 122 S £18945 121 120 14 1.4 TSI 122 Match £19880 121 120 15 1.4 TSI 150 GT ACT £23615 148 112 15 2.0 TSI 220 GTI £27500 217 139 29 1.6 TDI 105 S £19800 103 99 12 1.6 TDI 105 Match £20735 103 99 13 2.0 TDI 150 Match £22670 148 106 18 2.0 TDI 150 GT £24120 148 109 17 2.0 TDI 184 GTD £26935 181 112 26 GOLF 5dr hatch The complete package. Reassuringly expensive AAAAB 1.6 TDI 90 S £19650 89 98 10 2.0 TSI 300 R £31475 296 165 34 e-Golf 115 BEV £31325 114 0 15 1.2 TSI 85 S £18250 84 113 7 1.2 TSI 105 S £18840 104 114 11 1.4 TSI 122 S £19600 121 123 14 1.4 TSI 122 Match £20535 121 123 15 1.4 TSI 150 GT ACT £24270 148 112 15 1.4 TSI 150 GT ACT DSG £25685 148 113 15 1.4 TSI 204 PHEV GTE £33755 148 39 26 2.0 TSI 220 GTI £28155 217 139 29 1.6 TDI 105 S £20455 103 99 12 1.6 TDI 105 Match £21390 103 99 13 1.6 TDI 110 BlueMotion £22090 103 89 15 2.0 TDI 150 Match £23325 148 106 18 2.0 TDI 150 GT £24775 148 109 17 2.0 TDI 184 GTD £27590 181 112 26 GOLF 5dr estate The complete package. Reassuringly expensive AAAAB 1.2 TSI 105 S £19535 104 117 11 1.2 TSI 85 S £18945 84 115 7 1.4 TSI 122 S £20295 121 124 14 1.4 TSI 122 SE £21230 121 124 13 1.4 TSI 140 GT £24545 138 121 15 1.6 TDI 105 S £21150 103 102 12 1.6 TDI 105 SE £22085 103 102 11 1.6 TDI 110 BlueMotion £22785 110 92 15 1.6 TDI 90 S £20765 89 102 10 2.0 TDI 150 GT £25470 148 110 17 2.0 TDI 150 SE £24020 148 108 17 GOLF SV 5dr mpv MQB platform gives the Golf proper MPV proportions. Still no C-Max though AAABC 1.2 TSI 85 S £19205 84 114 9 1.2 TSI 110 S £20215 108 117 14 1.4 TSI 125 S £20975 121 125 16 1.4 TSI 125 SE £21910 121 125 14 1.4 TSI 150 GT £25370 148 130 18 1.6 TDI 90 S £21025 89 101 11 1.6 TDI 110 S £21980 110 101 13 1.6 TDI 110 BlueMotion £23285 110 98 13 1.6 TDI 110 SE £22915 110 101 11 2.0 TDI 150 SE £24280 148 112 17 2.0 TDI 150 GT £25875 148 115 17 JETTA 4dr saloon Big boot, pleasant dynamics and good pricing. A bit dull AAABC 1.4 TSI 125 S £18895 123 125 18 1.4 TSI 125 SE £20225 123 125 18 1.4 TSI 150 SE £20930 148 123 21 1.4 TSI 150 GT £21795 148 123 21 2.0 TDI 110 S £20175 109 105 14 2.0 TDI 110 SE £21505 109 105 15 2.0 TDI 110 GT £22370 109 105 15 2.0 TDI 150 SE £22505 148 109 22 2.0 TDI 150 GT £23370 148 109 22 BEETLE 3dr hatch Huge improvement, but the Golf underneath is superior AAACC 1.2 TSI 105 £16275 104 128 13 1.2 TSI 105 Design £18670 104 128 14 1.4 TSI 150 Design £20705 148 134 20 1.4 TSI 150 Sport £22525 148 134 20 2.0 TSI 220 Sport £23755 217 150 27 2.0 TDI 110 £18100 108 112 13 2.0 TDI 110 Design £20475 108 112 13 1.4 TSI 122 SE 1.4 TSI 160 GT 2.0 TSI 210 GTI 2.0 TSI 265 R 1.6 TDI 105 Bluemotion Tech S
SAVE £££s WHEN YOU SUBSCRIBE TO AUTOCAR Order securely online at themagazineshop.com 88 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 11 NOVEMBER 2015
Insurance group
CO2 g/km
Bhp
Price
Insurance group
2.0 D3 150 R-Design Nav £25345 148 114 22 2.0 D3 150 R-Design Lux Nav £27020 148 114 23 2.0 D3 150 C-Country SE £24870 148 117 21 2.0 D3 150 C-Country SE Nav £25670 148 117 21 2.0 D3 150 C-Country Lux Nav £27670 148 117 22 2.0 D4 190 SE £24970 187 99 26 2.0 D4 190 SE Nav £25770 187 99 26 2.0 D4 190 SE Lux Nav £27770 187 99 27 2.0 D4 190 R-Design £25745 187 99 25 2.0 D4 190 R-Design Nav £26545 187 99 25 2.0 D4 190 R-Design Lux Nav £28220 187 99 26 2.0 D4 190 C-Country SE Nav £26870 187 112 24 2.0 D4 190 C-Country Lux Nav £28770 187 112 24 S60 4dr saloon T6 is rapid, all-weather sports car, if a niche choice AAABC 1.6 D2 R-Design Lux Nav S-S £31745 113 103 20 1.6 D2 R-Design Lux S-S £30745 113 103 20 1.6 D2 R-Design Nav S-S £29245 113 103 19 1.6 D2 R-Design S-S £28245 113 103 18 1.6 D2 SE Lux Nav S-S £30045 113 103 19 1.6 D2 SE Lux S-S £29045 113 103 19 1.6 D2 SE Nav S-S £27745 113 103 18 1.6 D2 SE S-S £26745 113 103 18 1.6 T3 R-Design Nav S-S £28305 148 135 23 1.6 T3 SE Nav S-S £26805 148 135 23 2.0 D3 R-Design Lux Nav S-S £32595 134 114 25 2.0 D3 R-Design Lux S-S £31795 134 114 25 2.0 D3 R-Design Nav S-S £30095 134 114 24 2.0 D3 SE Lux Nav S-S £30895 134 114 24 2.0 D3 SE Nav S-S £28595 134 114 23 2.0 D4 R-Design Lux Nav S-S £33845 178 99 29 2.0 D4 R-Design Lux S-S £32645 178 99 29 2.0 D4 R-Design Nav S-S £31345 178 99 28 2.0 D4 R-Design S-S £30145 178 99 28 2.0 D4 SE Lux Nav S-S £32145 178 99 29 2.0 D4 SE Lux S-S £30945 178 99 29 2.0 D4 SE Nav S-S £29845 178 99 28 2.0 D4 SE S-S £28645 178 99 27 2.4 D5 R-Design Lux Nav S-S £35395 212 119 31 2.4 D5 R-Design Nav S-S £32895 212 119 30 2.4 D5 SE Lux Nav S-S £33695 212 119 30 1.6 T3 Business Edition S-S £21005 148 135 21 1.6 T3 SE S-S £26005 148 135 22 1.6 T3 R-Design S-S £27505 148 135 23 1.6 D2 Business Edition S-S £21745 113 103 17 2.0 D3 Business Edition S-S £22395 134 114 22 2.0 D3 SE S-S £27795 134 114 23 2.0 D3 SE Lux S-S £30095 134 114 24 2.0 D3 R-Design S-S £29295 134 114 23 2.0 D4 Business Edition S-S £24045 178 99 26 V60 5dr estate Appealing cabin, nice looks and smooth drive. Too small AAABC 1.6 D2 R-Design Lux Nav S-S £33045 113 108 20 1.6 D2 R-Design Lux S-S £32045 113 108 19 1.6 D2 R-Design Nav S-S £30445 113 108 18 1.6 D2 R-Design S-S £29445 113 108 18 1.6 D2 SE Lux Nav S-S £31345 113 108 19 1.6 D2 SE Lux S-S £30345 113 108 19 1.6 D2 SE Nav S-S £28945 113 108 18 1.6 D2 SE S-S £27945 113 108 17 1.6 T3 R-Design Nav S-S £29505 148 139 23 1.6 T3 SE Nav S-S £28005 148 139 22 2.0 D3 R-Design Lux Nav S-S £33895 134 119 25 2.0 D3 R-Design Lux S-S £33095 134 119 25 2.0 D3 R-Design Nav S-S £31295 134 119 24 2.0 D3 SE Lux Nav S-S £32195 134 119 25 2.0 D3 SE Nav S-S £29795 134 119 23 2.0 D4 R-Design Lux Nav S-S £35145 178 103 29 2.0 D4 R-Design Lux S-S £33945 178 103 29 2.0 D4 R-Design Nav S-S £32545 178 103 28 2.0 D4 R-Design S-S £31345 178 103 28 2.0 D4 SE Lux Nav S-S £33445 178 99 29 2.0 D4 SE Lux S-S £32245 178 99 29 2.0 D4 SE Nav S-S £31045 178 99 28 2.0 D4 SE S-S £29845 178 99 27 2.4 D5 R-Design Lux Nav S-S £36695 212 120 31 2.4 D5 R-Design Nav S-S £34095 212 120 29 2.4 D5 SE Lux Nav S-S £34995 212 120 30 1.6 T3 Business Edition S-S £22205 148 139 21 1.6 T3 SE S-S £27205 148 139 22 1.6 T3 R-Design S-S £28705 148 139 23 3.0 T6 Polestar £49785 346 237 38 1.6 D2 Business Edition S-S £22945 113 108 17 2.0 D3 Business Edition S-S £23995 134 119 22 2.0 D3 SE S-S £28995 134 119 23 2.0 D3 R-Design S-S £30495 134 119 24 2.0 D4 Business Edition S-S £25245 178 99 26 2.4 D6 AWD Plug-in Hybrid £50175 275 48 2.4 D6 AWD Plug-in H R-Dsgn LN £51875 275 48 -
Make and Model
CO2 g/km
Bhp
Price
Insurance group
VOLVO V40 5dr hatch New hatchback adds Swedish flavour to stock Ford platform AAAAC 1.6 T2 120 ES £19195 118 124 19 1.6 T2 120 ES Nav £19995 118 124 19 1.6 T2 120 SE £20720 118 124 19 1.6 T2 120 SE Nav £21520 118 124 19 1.6 T2 120 SE Lux Nav £23520 118 124 20 1.6 T2 120 R-Design £21495 118 124 19 1.6 T2 120 R-Design Nav £22295 118 124 19 1.6 T2 120 R-Design Lux Nav £23970 118 124 21 1.6 T3 150 ES £20945 148 124 20 1.6 T3 150 ES Nav £21945 148 124 21 1.6 T3 150 SE £22670 148 124 21 1.6 T3 150 SE Nav £23470 148 124 21 1.6 T3 150 SE Lux Nav £25470 148 124 22 1.6 T3 150 R-Design £23445 148 124 20 1.6 T3 150 R-Design Nav £24245 148 124 21 1.6 T3 150 R-Design Lux Nav £25920 148 124 22 1.6 T4 180 SE Lux Nav £26970 177 129 26 1.6 T4 180 R-Design Lux Nav £27420 177 129 26 1.6 T4 180 C-Country Lux Nav £27970 177 129 24 2.5 T5 254 R-Design Lux Nav £31700 251 189 35 2.5 T5 254 C-Ctry Lux Nav AWD £34100 251 194 30 1.6 D2 115 ES £21195 113 88 17 1.6 D2 115 ES Nav £21995 113 88 17 1.6 D2 115 SE £22720 113 88 17 1.6 D2 115 SE Nav £23520 113 88 17 1.6 D2 115 SE Lux £24520 113 88 18 1.6 D2 115 SE Lux Nav £25520 113 88 18 1.6 D2 115 R-Design £23295 113 88 17 1.6 D2 115 R-Design Nav £24295 113 88 17 1.6 D2 115 R-Design Lux £24970 113 88 18 1.6 D2 115 R-Design Lux Nav £25970 113 88 18 1.6 D2 115 C-Country SE £23520 113 99 16 1.6 D2 115 C-Country SE Nav £24520 113 99 16 1.6 D2 115 C-Country Lux £25520 113 99 17 1.6 D2 115 C-Country Lux Nav £26520 113 99 17 2.0 D3 150 SE £23770 148 114 22 2.0 D3 150 SE Nav £24570 148 114 22 2.0 D3 150 SE Lux Nav £26570 148 114 23 2.0 D3 150 R-Design £24545 148 114 21
Make and Model
CO2 g/km
Bhp
Price
1.4 TSI 150 SE £27810 148 167 16 2.0 TSI 200 SEL DSG £33955 197 198 25 2.0 TDI 115 S £26065 113 146 14 2.0 TDI 140 S £26815 138 146 18 2.0 TDI 140 SE £29125 138 146 18 2.0 TDI 140 SEL £32025 138 146 18 2.0 TDI 140 Exec £32275 138 146 18 TIGUAN 5dr 4x4 Dull but capable soft roader. Pricey, but good ride and handling AAABC 1.4 TSI 160 BMT Match 2WD £23955 158 156 21 1.4 TSI 160 Match 4WD £25645 158 178 21 2.0 TDI 140 BMT Match 2WD £25150 138 138 18 2.0 TDI 140 BMT Match 4WD £26920 138 150 19 2.0 TDI 177 BMT Match 4WD £27925 175 151 23 2.0 TSI 180 Match 4WD £26485 178 198 24 1.4 TSI 160 Blue Tech S £21960 158 156 18 1.4 TSI 160 S 4WD £23650 158 178 18 2.0 TSI 210 R-line 4WD £29180 208 199 22 2.0 TDI 110 BMT S 2WD £22605 109 138 14 2.0 TDI 140 BMT S 2WD £23155 138 138 17 2.0 TDI 140 BMT S 4WD £24925 138 150 17 2.0 TDI 140 BMT Escape 4WD £27610 138 150 18 2.0 TDI 140 BMT R-line 4WD £28750 138 150 18 2.0 TDI 177 BMT R-line 4WD £29755 175 151 23 TOUAREG 5dr 4x4 Good value, and a great blend of comfort and deftness AAAAC 3.0 V6 TDI 204 SE £43605 204 173 39 3.0 V6 TDI 204 R-line £46605 204 173 40 3.0 V6 TDI 262 SE £45405 258 174 42 3.0 V6 TDI 262 R-line £48405 258 174 42 3.0 V6 TDI 262 Escape £45605 258 180 42 CARAVELLE 5dr mpv Rugged workhorse to carry people AAACC 2.0 TDI 140 SE SWB £36006 138 189 25 2.0 TDI 140 SE 4Mot. SWB £38484 138 206 26 2.0 TDI 140 SE LWB £38190 138 189 23 2.0 TDI 140 Exec SWB £38856 138 189 25 2.0 TDI 140 Exec. 4Mot. SWB £41304 138 206 26 2.0 BiTDI 180 SE SWB £38070 177 192 29 2.0 BiTDi 180 SE 4M SWB £40926 177 208 31 2.0 BiTDI 180 SE LWB £40254 177 192 30 2.0 BiTDI 180 Exec SWB £40920 177 192 30 2.0 BiTDI 180 Exec DSG £42840 177 199 30 2.0 BiTDI 180 Business SWB DSG £68622 177 214 38 2.0BiTDI180 Bus. 4Mot.SWBDSG £71553 177 232 39 2.0 BiTDi 180 Ex. 4M SWB £43776 177 208 31
AUTOCAR TOP FIVES City cars
V70 5dr estate Spacious, but suffers from vague steering and old engines AAABC 1.6 D2 SE Lux S-S auto £33220 113 111 21 1.6 D2 SE Nav S-S auto £31620 113 111 19 2.0 D3 SE Nav S-S £31620 161 119 25 2.0 D4 SE Lux S-S £34720 178 113 30 2.0 D4 SE Nav S-S £33120 178 113 29 2.4 D5 SE Nav S-S £34570 212 126 30 1.6 D2 Business Editn S-S auto £25695 113 111 18 2.0 D3 Business Edition S-S £25695 161 119 24 2.0 D3 SE Lux S-S £33220 161 119 26 2.0 D4 Business Edition S-S £27195 178 113 28 2.0 D5 Business Edition S-S £28645 161 126 29 2.4 D5 SE Lux S-S £36170 212 126 32 S80 4dr saloon Refined, high-quality exec saloon. Poor ride and residuals AAACC 1.6 D2 SE Lux S-S auto £32220 113 109 21 1.6 D2 SE Nav S-S auto £30720 113 109 20 2.0 D4 SE Lux S-S £33720 178 104 29 2.0 D4 SE Nav S-S £32220 178 104 28 2.4 D5 SE Lux S-S £36835 212 120 31 XC60 5dr 4x4 Lovely, usable and attractive interior. A worthy Freelander rival AAAAC 3.0 T6 R-Design Lux Nav AWD £43720 300 249 37 2.0 D4 SE S-S £31660 178 117 28 2.0 D4 SE Nav S-S £32460 178 117 28 2.0 D4 SE Lux S-S £34360 178 117 29 2.0 D4 SE Lux Nav S-S £35160 178 117 29 2.0 D4 R-Design S-S £32935 178 117 28 2.0 D4 R-Design Nav S-S £33735 178 117 28 2.0 D4 R-Design Lux S-S £35560 178 117 29 2.0 D4 R-Design Lux Nav S-S £36360 178 117 30 2.4 D4 SE AWD S-S £33190 178 139 28 2.4 D4 SE Nav AWD S-S £33990 178 139 29 2.4 D4 SE Lux AWD S-S £35890 178 139 30 2.4 D4 SE Lux Nav AWD S-S £36690 178 139 30 2.4 D4 R-Design AWD S-S £34465 178 139 29 2.4 D4 R-Design Nav AWD S-S £35265 178 139 29 2.4 D4 R-Design Lux AWD S-S £37090 178 139 30 2.4 D4 R-Design Lux Nav AWD S- £37890 178 139 30 2.4 D5 SE Nav AWD S-S £35990 178 139 30 2.4 D5 SE Lux Nav AWD S-S £38690 178 139 31 2.4 D5 R-Design Nav AWD S-S £37265 178 139 30 2.4 D5 R-Design Lux Nav AWD S- £39890 178 139 31 XC70 5dr estate Dull and unexceptional, but built to last AAACC 2.0 D4 SE Nav S-S £34470 178 117 28 2.4 D4 SE Lux 4WD S-S £38350 161 139 30 2.4 D5 SE Nav 4WD S-S £39285 212 139 30 3.0 T6 SE Lux 4WD £43180 300 248 37 2.4 D4 SE Nav £36400 161 139 30 2.4 D5 SE Lux 4WD S-S £41235 212 139 31 XC90 5dr 4x4 Volvo takes the fight to Land Rover - with seriously impressive results AAAAB 2.0 T6 320 Momentum £49205 316 179 2.0 T6 320 R-Design £52845 316 179 2.0 T6 320 Inscription £53745 316 179 2.0 T8 Hybrid Momentum £59955 395 59 2.0 T8 Hybrid R-Design £62855 395 59 2.0 T8 Hybrid Inscription £63705 395 59 2.0 D5 225 Momentum £45750 222 149 2.0 D5 225 R-Design £49285 222 152 2.0 D5 225 Inscription £50185 222 152 WESTFIELD SPORT 2dr open Entry-level Westfield. Sport Turbo very quick and fun AAABC 1.6 135 Sigma £18999 135 171 1.6 155 Sigma £19999 155 - 1600 Sport Turbo £24999 192 171 2.0 200 Duratec £23499 200 - Turbo UK225 £25649 225 185 1.6 Sport Turbo 3 UK200 £26500 201 178 XTR2 2dr open Mad bike-engined mini Le Mans racer. Not cheap but fast AAABC 1.3 £27950 178 - XTR4 2dr open As above, but even more so. Hard to justify over obvious rivals AAABC 1.8 £29995 192 - -
1
Volkswagen Up
2
Hyundai i10
3
Suzuki Celerio
4
Fiat Panda
5
Vauxhall Viva
From £8000 VW’s city car is no revolution — just a trademarked effort to beat its rivals on finish, refinement and economy. AAAAC
From £8000 The latest i10 prioritises maturity over its former liveliness, but the refined result is still a first-rate city car. AAAAC
From £9000 Pleasing to drive, cheap to buy and decent to sit in, the Celerio is a no-nonsense option — and very likeable for it. AAABC
ZENOS E10 2dr open A Lotus and Caterham love child. Fun and affordable in near perfect measure AAAAB 2.0 £24995 200 - 2.0 S £29995 250 - -
From £9000 While the Panda may not have quite kept pace with its rivals, it still sells robust, practical charm better than any. AAABC
From £8000 A derivative and charisma-free take on the modern city car, but not devoid of usability or space. Cabin decent, too. AAABC Visit autocar.co.uk for all of our Top Fives
11 NOVEMBER 2015 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 89
ROAD TEST RESULTS
2.0 TDI 150 Design £21175 148 119 20 2.0 TDI 150 Sport £22995 148 119 21 BEETLE 2dr open Huge improvement, but Golf underneath is superior AAACC 1.2 TSI 105 £19230 104 129 15 1.2 TSI 105 Design £21625 104 129 16 1.4 TSI 150 Design £23515 148 138 22 1.4 TSI 150 Sport £25115 148 138 22 2.0 TDI 110 £21040 108 115 15 2.0 TDI 110 Design £23415 108 115 16 2.0 TDI 150 Design £24245 148 120 23 2.0 TDI 150 Sport £25845 148 120 23 2.0 TSI 220 Sport £26345 217 154 29 CC 4dr saloon Loses a name and adds some flair, but never compels AAAAC 1.4 TSI 160 BMT £25050 158 144 27 2.0 TDI 177 BMT GT £29820 177 120 27 2.0 TSI 210 GT £29285 208 169 29 2.0 TSI 210 R-Line £29935 208 169 32 2.0 TDI 140 BMT £26115 138 119 23 2.0 TDI 140 BMT GT £27695 138 119 24 2.0 TDI 177 BMT R-Line £30470 177 120 28 EOS 2dr cc Pleasant and predictable drive. Feeling old now AAABC 1.4 TSI 160 Sport £27610 158 157 24 2.0 TSI 210 Sport £29610 208 165 30 2.0 TDI Blue Tech Sp. £28185 138 125 23 2.0 TDI Blue Tech Exec. £31325 138 125 23 SCIROCCO 3dr coupé A complete coupe. Entertaining, practical and stylish AAAAB 1.4 TSI 125 £20735 123 125 22 1.4 TSI 125 GT £22585 123 125 23 2.0 TSI 180 £22790 178 142 31 2.0 TSI 220 GT £26125 217 142 37 2.0 TSI 220 R-line £28195 217 139 37 2.0 TSI 280 R £32580 276 187 42 2.0 TDI 150 £23455 148 109 27 2.0 TDI 150 GT £25305 148 109 28 2.0 TDI 150 R-line £27375 148 109 28 2.0 TDI 184 GT £26305 181 115 31 2.0 TDI 184 R-line £28375 181 115 31 PASSAT 4dr saloon Supremely well-executed family-sized prospect AAAAC 1.6 TDI 120 S £22320 118 105 15 1.6 TDI 120 SE £23460 118 105 12 1.6 TDI 120 SE Business £24115 118 105 12 1.6 TDI 120 GT £25420 118 109 13 2.0 TDI 150 S £23445 148 106 21 2.0 TDI 150 SE £24585 148 106 19 2.0 TDI 150 SE Business £25240 148 106 19 2.0 TDI 150 GT £26545 148 109 19 2.0 TDI 150 R-line £27540 148 109 19 2.0 TDI SCR 190 GT £27895 187 107 22 2.0 TDI SCR 190 R-line £28890 187 107 23 2.0 TDI 240 BiTDI SCR GT £34625 237 139 28 2.0 TDI 240 BiTDI SCR R-line £35620 237 139 28 PASSAT 5dr estate Supremely well-executed family-sized prospect AAAAC 1.6 TDI 120 GT £26970 118 110 13 1.6 TDI 120 S £23870 118 107 15 1.6 TDI 120 SE £25010 118 107 12 1.6 TDI 120 SE Business £25665 118 107 12 2.0 TDI 150 GT £28095 148 110 19 2.0 TDI 150 R-line £29090 148 110 19 2.0 TDI 150 S £24995 148 107 21 2.0 TDI 150 SE £26135 148 107 19 2.0 TDI 150 SE Business £26790 148 107 19 2.0 TDI 190 SCR GT £29445 187 110 22 2.0 TDI 190 SCR R-line £30440 187 110 23 2.0 TDI 240 BiTDI SCR GT £36175 237 140 28 2.0 TDI 240 BiTDI SCR R-line £37170 237 140 28 PHAETON 4dr saloon Big VW feels old now, and struggles to justify its price AACCC 3.0 V6 TDI 240 SWB £55550 236 224 45 3.0 V6 TDI 240 LWB £58110 236 224 45 TOURAN 5dr mpv Good chassis but little inspiration. Bland appearance AAAAC 2.0 TDI 177 Sport £28500 177 150 24 1.2 TSI 105 S £19940 104 149 12 1.4 TSI 140 SE £23750 138 159 18 1.6 TDI 105 Blue Tech S £21750 104 121 14 1.6 TDI 105 BlueTech SE £23855 104 121 14 2.0 TDI 140 Blue Tech SE £25620 138 127 19 2.0 TDI 140 BlueTech Sp. £27080 138 127 19 SHARAN 5dr mpv Refined, flexible big MPV. Seat version is cheaper AAABC 2.0 TDI 177 SE £30730 177 152 23 2.0 TDI 177 SEL £33630 177 152 23 1.4 TSI 150 S £25500 148 167 16
Make and Model
Insurance group
CO2 g/km
Bhp
Price
Make and Model
Facts, figures, from the best road tests
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90 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 11 NOVEMBER 2015 68_1011_Alloy_Gator_ADVURN40463.pgs 07.05.2015 17:07
FMG-Advent
398 280 332 502
48.1 38.7 40.4 38.2
36/46 38/42 27/33 19/28
1830 1810 1925 1975
464 42.1 33/45 1840 442 38.5 22/29 2085
ECOSPORT 5dr off-roader AABCC 18.9.13 1.5 TDCi 99 14.3 — 15.2 9.7.14 KUGA 5dr off-roader AAAAC 2.0 TDCi 122 10.9 44.2 11.8 31.3.10 RANGER 5dr pick-up AAABC 6.10.10 3.2 TDCi 109 10.8 35.7 10.7 23.5.12 29.12.11 GINETTA G40R 2dr coupé AAAAC 2.11.11 2.0 140 6.3 17.2 6.1 6.4.11
416 43.7 34/45 1895 546 40.5 28/34 2265 553 42.3 21/26 2350 428 34.0 26/31 2275
1106 40.6 12/18 1995
200 22.8 24/26 570
TEST DATE
Weight (kg)
Mpg test/touring
Mph/1000rpm
Torque (lb/ft)
Power (bhp)
50-70mph
Braking 60-0mph
14.4 2.7 89
151 28 39/48 1384
3.9.14
7.4 2.6 161
251 31.6 34/39 1707
13.3.13
9.8 3.2 197 347 32.4 28/35 2265 10.10.12
8.3 3.6 175 140 22.6 28/- 880
5.10.11
HONDA
457 50.2 40/49 1795 11.11.15 JAZZ 5dr hatch AAAAC 1.4 ES 113 10.7 35.2 184 — 294wh/m 1390 22.1.14 CIVIC 5dr hatch AAABC 2.2 i-DTEC EX 135 8.3 24 420 33.3 50/40 1560 17.9.14 Type R GT 167 5.5 13.4 HR-V 5dr hatch AAABC 295 29.0 26/34 1615 10.6.09 1.6 i-DTEC SE 119 10.5 34.9 CR-V 5dr off-roader AAABC 295 35.1 43/49 1625 14.10.15 2.2 i-DTEC EX 118 9.7 31.3 280 33.5 37/43 1825
30-70mph
0-100mph
0-60mph
Top speed
Make and Model
TEST DATE
Weight (kg)
Mpg test/touring
Mph/1000rpm
295 28.2 28/37 1585 406 34.0 29/36 1585
12.1.11
10.7 14.3 3.2 99
94 20.5 35/43 1075 29.10.08
7.9 12.2 — 148 258 38.7 38/55 1480 5.0 6.7 2.7 306 295 27 32/37 1378
11.1.12 5.8.15
10.4 11.2 —
16.9.15
118
221 34.4 56/57 1324
9.9 5.9 2.5 148 258 32.4 36/45 1806 24.10.12
HYUNDAI
i10 5dr hatch AAABC 27.8.14 1.0 SE 96 14.7 — 16.2 i20 5dr hatch AAAAC 13.11.13 1.4 SE 114 12.2 42.4 12.1 13.5.15 i30 5dr hatch AAABC 1.6 CRDi Active 115 11.7 38.3 11.5 11.6.08 i40 5dr estate AAABC 1.7 CRDi 118 12.2 41.4 12.5 iX35 5dr SUV AAABC 2.0 Premium 112 10.9 40.9 11.1 2.3.11 SANTA FE 5dr SUV AAAAC 2.2 CRDi 118 9.0 27.6 9.2 VELOSTER 4dr coupé AAABC 1.6 GDI 125 9.6 28.4 9.6 11.10.05
19.9 2.9 65
70 20.0 44/51 925
29.1.14
17.3 3.0 99
99 21.8 43/54 1060
7.1.14
14.8 2.8 109 192 22.5 49/60 1360 14.3.12 12.3 2.9 114
192 29.4 44/51 1555
7.9.11
9.2 2.9 134 236 29.1 36/44 1695
17.3.10
*5.5 2.7 194
311 37.5 36/43 1940
19.9.12
16.9 2.6 138 123 24.9 35/42 1230
18.1.12
INFINITI
79 16.7 39/45 490 20.11.13 Q50 5dr saloon AABCC 2.2 Premium 143 8.7 25.0 8.7 5.1* 3.0 168 295 42.5 49/59 1750 Q70 4dr saloon AABCC 2.2 Prm’m Tech137 9.6 28.6 9.6 15.8 3.2 168 295 40.8 39/45 1896 419 43.3 23/29 1175 20.6.12
5.2.14 25.2.15
JAGUAR
8.10.14 F-TYPE 2dr convertible/3 dr coupé AAAAB V8 S cabrio 186 4.0 9.4 3.4 8.0 2.8 V6 S coupé 171 4.9 12.1 4.2 12.7 2.7 XF 4dr saloon/estate AAAAB 399 38.8 30/34 2040 29.8.12 2.2 D 140 7.6 22.9 8.0 *4.8 2.9 3.0 Sportbrake 155 7.1 18.4 6.6 8.5 2.9 XFR 5.0 V8 155 4.7 10.2 3.8 *2.1 2.6 XE 4dr saloon AAAAB 100 20.9 39/48 — 9.12.09 R-Sport 2.0 147 7.6 19.0 6.9 13.3 2.7 XJ 4dr saloon AAAAC 177 29.8 36/45 1200 3.3.10 3.0D LWB 155 6.3 16.5 6.6 *3.6 2.7 203 30.4 33/40 1215 16.3.11 465 48.4 22/33 1539
488 460 46.8 19/29 1655 12.6.13 375 339 36.2 24/33 1594 11.6.14 197 332 46.3 39/46 1840 21.7.11 271 442 49.7 32/46 1875 31.10.12 503 461 36.3 20/25 1990 27.5.09 197 206 33.8 30/49 1530
1.7.15
271 443 43.5 28/36 1960
9.6.10
JEEP
5.1.11 RENEGADE 5dr 4x4 AAABC 2.0 M’jet 4x4 L’d 113 10.8 37.6 11.2 10.0 3.5 138 258 34.0 41/53 1502 28.10.15 187 36.1 47/62 1225 16.7.14 CHEROKEE 5dr 4x4 AABCC 2.0 140 4x4 Ltd 117 12.3 43.4 13.0 13.8 2.7 138 258 34.7 39/43 1846 24.6.14 273 34.7 44/52 1430 27.11.13 251 34.2 43/49 1470
273 34.5 38/44 1951 251 40.1 42/55 1660 159 26.6 38/47 1580
79 20.3 32/38 941
398 — 398 —
17/20 1535 17/na 1395
509 29.7 13/18 1630 357 25.9 15/24 1785
75 22.2 39/49 1020 107 20.8 37/44 1050 170 23.9 34/39 1035 107 22.9 35/39 1070
80 22.1 41/53 1020 147 23.6 35/41 1345 94 21.9 34/41 1090 177 26.5 32/41 1163 199 33.1 59/63 1343 236 35.6 37/48 1705 258 39.5 44/46 1725 236 26.7 40/45 1785 258 38 53/56 1597
KIA
9.4.08 PICANT0 5dr hatch AAAAC 1.0 ‘1’ 95 13.8 — 18.4.12 CARENS 5dr MPV AAABC 1.7 CRDi ‘2’ 112 12.9 51.2 8.10.08 CEE’D 3/5dr hatch AAAAC 1.6 CRDi LS 117 10.6 34.1 RIO 5dr hatch AAABC 1.4i ‘2’ 114 11.4 39.1 27.2.13 OPTIMA 4dr saloon AAACC 2 1.7 CRDi 125 10.5 35.4 SPORTAGE 5dr 4x4 AAABC 2.0 CRDi F.E. 112 10.5 41.8 18.8.10 SORENTO 5dr 4x4 AAABC 20.8.14 2.2 CRDi KX-4 128 9.3 28.6 6.11.13
14.9 24.4 3.2 68
70 21.3 33/54 950
3.8.11
13.9 15.2 2.8 114
192 31.7 47/56 1581
29.5.13
10.3 9.6 2.5 113
188 28.6 39/49 1370
20.2.08
11.5 19.1 3.0 107
101 23.3 40/50 1155
14.9.11
10.4 10.6 3.2 134 239 31.9 41/46 1535
8.2.12
11.3 12.2 3.0 134 236 33.6 35/39 1635 11.8.10 9.4 *5.7 —
197 325 35.2 35/39 1953
8.4.15
121 265 26.2 19/28 1889
11.4.07
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER 3/5dr 4x4 AAAAC 22.7.09 90 XS 2.4D 83 15.1 — 17.0 15.5 3.5 DISCOVERY SPORT 5dr 4x4 AAAAC HSE Luxury 117 8.9 27.6 9.0 11.8 2.4 DISCOVERY 5dr 4x4 AAAAB 25.4.12 TDV6 HSE 109 12.2 42.8 13.0 7.9 3.4 17.4.13 RANGE ROVER 5dr 4x4 AAAAB 4.4 SDV8 135 7.0 19.0 6.7 *3.8 2.9 26.2.14 RANGE ROVER EVOQUE 5dr 4x4 AAAAC 24.11.10 2.2 DS4 121 8.4 30.8 9.5 *5.7 3.1 RANGE ROVER SPORT 5dr 4x4 AAAAB 3.0 TDV6 130 7.8 22.5 7.5 12.2 3.1 SVR 162 4.4 10.3 3.8 12.6 2.6 25.2.09
188 310 47.2 34/37 1863 18.3.15 193 328 36.6 17/24 2718 16.11.04 334 516 41.8 25/35 2625 12.12.12 187 310 37.3 30/36 1815
13.7.11
255 442 43.1 33/42 2115 2.10.13 542 502 41.8 22/19 2335 15.4.15
LEXUS
02.1.13 IS 4dr saloon AAABC IS300h 143 8.1 20.2 15.10.08 CT200H 5dr hatch AAACC 15.5.13 SE-L 112 11.1 37.2 GS 4dr saloon AAABC 28.1.15 GS250 144 9.2 26.0 NX 5dr 4x4 AAACC 17.11.10 300h 112 9.7 30.4 RC F 2dr coupé AAACC 26.8.15 RC F 168 4.8 10.7 6.8.14
7.3 *4.3 2.7 220 163 — 39/48 1720
21.8.13
11.4 *7.0 2.7 134 105/153 — 46/52 1450
23.3.11
9.0 16.2 2.9 207 187 34.4 26/32 1695 9.1 *5.6 2.7 194
na
1.8.12
— 32/38 1905
1.10.14
3.9 12.9 2.9 471 391 39 24/28 1765
18.2.15
LOTUS
ELISE 2dr roadster AAABC 14.1.15 1.6 127 6.7 21.1 7.1 14.3 2.9 134
118 24.7 39/42 900
26.5.10
11 NOVEMBER 2015 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 91
ROAD TEST RESULTS
4 SERIES 3dr coupé AAAAC 435i M Sport 155 5.5 13.2 5.2 6.3 2.7 302 M4 155 4.1 8.8 3.2 6.1 2.4 425 5 SERIES 4dr saloon/5dr GT/5dr estate AAAAC 530d SE 155 6.4 16.1 5.4 *3.3 3.0 241 520d SE Touring138 8.1 23.0 8.3 *5.0 2.6 181 ActiveHybrid5 155 5.6 13.5 5.0 10.5 2.6 335 M5 155 4.3 9.0 3.6 6.4 2.8 552 6 SERIES 2dr coupé/2dr open AAAAC 640d M Sport 155 5.3 13.1 4.6 *2.7 2.6 309 650i cabrio 155 5.6 12.4 4.5 7.8 2.6 402 7 SERIES 4dr saloon AAAAC 730Ld 153 6.4 17.1 6.0 8.2 3.1 261 i3 5dr hatch AAAAC 1.3 Range Extd 93 8.1 — 7.6 *4.9 3.4 168 30-70mph Indicates overtaking ability through the gears i8 2dr coupé AAAAB 50-70mph Recorded in top gear (*kickdown with an automatic) i8 155 4.5 10.6 3.7 3.3 2.8 357 Z4 2dr convertible AAABC and demonstrates flexibility sDrive35i 155 5.1 12.3 4.2 *2.5 2.8 302 Fuel economy Prior to 7.1.15, figures are touring, recorded over X1 5dr 4x4 AAAAC a set road route, and test average. From 7.1.15 on, figures are xDrive20d xLine136 8.2 24.2 8.0 11.8 2.8 187 average and extra-urban, to the What Car?/True MPG standard X3 5dr 4x4 AAAAC Braking 60-0mph Recorded on a high-grip surface at a test track xDrive20d SE 130 8.4 27.4 8.7 10.7 3.15 181 X4 5dr 4x4 AAABC Mph/1000rpm Figure is the speed achieved in top gear xDrive30d 145 5.9 16.9 5.8 11.1 2.6 255 X5 5dr 4x4 AAAAC xDrive M50d 155 5.7 15.3 5.2 9.5 2.9 376 ALFA ROMEO M 155 4.2 9.8 3.5 10.2 2.8 567 MITO 3dr hatch AAABC X6 5dr 4x4 AAAAC 1.4 Cloverleaf 136 7.9 21.1 6.9 7.3 2.7 168 184 23.2 36/42 1265 7.4.10 xDrive35d 147 7.3 21.2 7.1 *4.1 2.6 282 GIULIETTA 5dr hatch AAABC 2.0 JTDm 135 8.4 22.3 7.7 7.9 2.7 168 258 34.8 40/57 1475 13.10.10 BUGATTI VEYRON 2dr coupé AAAAB ALPINA Super Sport 268 2.6 5.0 1.7 5.9 2.6 1183 B3 BITURBO 4dr saloon AAAAB B3 Biturbo 155 4.7 10.3 3.8 6.8 2.9 404 443 41.5 27/35 1610 29.8.13 CATERHAM CSR 2dr roadster AAAAC ARIEL CSR 260 143 4.1 9.8 3.1 4.4 3.3 260 ATOM 0dr open AAAAB SEVEN 2dr roadster AAAAC V8 170 3.0 5.7 1.9 3.7 2.55 475 268 16.4 21/37 650 10.8.11 Seven 160 100 8.4 — 8.7 7.6 4.8 80 NOMAD 0dr open AAAAA Nomad 125 4.5 12.7 3.9 7.7 3.10 235 221 26.7 na/na 735 24.6.15 CHEVROLET CAMARO 2dr coupé AAAAC 6.2 V8 155 5.6 12.4 4.5 12.2 2.7 426 ASTON MARTIN CORVETTE 2dr coupé AAAAC V8 Vantage 2dr coupé AAAAC 181 4.4 9.4 3.3 11.7 2.3 460 V8 Roadster 175 5.2 12.0 3.6 7.9 2.7 380 302 26.0 17/22 1713 25.4.07 Stingray RAPIDE 4dr coupé AAAAC Rapide S 190 5.3 11.3 4.3 8.3 3.03 550 457 33.6 19/23 1990 20.3.13 CHRYSLER 300C 4dr saloon AAACC AUDI 3.0 Executive 144 7.3 21.1 7.5 *4.5 2.6 236 A1 3dr hatch AAAAC 1.4 TFSI Sport 126 8.4 22.4 8.9 12.8 2.2 120 148 30.2 34/43 1165 10.11.10 CITROEN S1 155 5.9 14.4 5.2 5.4 2.6 228 273 25.6 30/39 1390 28.5.14 C3 5dr hatch AAABC A3 3dr/5dr hatch AAAAC 1.4 VTR+ 114 10.8 41.9 11.0 14.4 2.9 94 2.0 TDI Sport 134 8.9 25.9 11.4 10.8 2.7 148 236 30 48/59 1355 26.9.12 DS3 5dr hatch AAABC S’back e-tron 138 7.9 20.9 6.6 8.5 3.0 201 258 30.7 45/49 1540 31.12.14 1.6 THP 150 133 7.6 41.9 7.1 10.0 2.7 154 RS3 S’Back 155 4.1 10.3 3.7 7.7 2.8 362 343 34.2 26/37 1595 10.6.15 Racing 146 7.2 18.1 6.5 8.9 3.1 204 A4 4dr saloon/5dr estate AAABC C4 5dr hatch AAACC RS4 174 4.4 10.3 3.9 7.7 2.9 444 317 28.9 20/32 1795 17.10.12 2.0 HDi Excl. 129 8.5 25.2 7.9 9.2 3.15 148 NEW A4 4dr saloon AAAAC C4 CACTUS 5dr hatch AAACC 2.0 TDI S line 147 8.4 22.2 7.3 11.2 3.1 187 295 37.1 45/50 1940 4.11.15 1.6 BlueHDi 100 114 11.8 41.2 11.7 7.2 2.9 99 A5 2dr coupé/cabriolet AAAAC C4 GRAND PICASSO 5dr MPV AAAAC 3.0 TDI quattro 155 6.4 16.6 5.9 8.0 2.7 237 368 35.7 32/43 1755 25.7.07 2.0 BlueHDi 130 10.1 30.1 9.6 12.5 2.9 148 3.0 TDI cabrio 153 7.1 20.2 6.6 *4.0 2.9 237 368 32.4 34/38 2035 12.9.09 C5 4dr saloon AAABC RS5 4.2 V8 155 4.6 10.7 4.0 8.9 2.7 444 317 29.0 22/30 1855 27.10.10 2.2 HDi 136 8.7 25.3 8.8 9.1 2.9 171 A6 4dr saloon/5dr estate AAAAC DS5 5dr hatch AAABC 134 9.1 26.5 8.7 11.0 2.9 161 2.0 TDI SE 141 8.9 24.1 7.7 9.3 2.8 175 280 34.4 44/55 1675 4.5.11 2.0 HDi 160 3.0 TDI SE 155 7.2 20.3 6.4 3.9 2.9 201 295 39.9 34/46 1805 19.10.11 BERLINGO 5dr MPV AAABC 99 14.7 - 16.7 14.0 2.9 90 RS6 Avant 155 3.7 8.7 3.1 12.8 2.4 552 516 40.0 20/28 2010 3.7.13 1.6 HDi 90 A7 Sportback 4dr saloon AAAAC 3.0 V6 TDI 155 6.7 18.7 6.5 *4.0 2.8 241 369 42.9 31/40 1940 9.2.11 DACIA SANDERO 5dr hatchback AAACC A8 4dr saloon AAAAC 4.2 V8 TDI 155 5.0 13.0 5.4 *3.4 2.5 346 590 53.1 28/35 2130 16.6.10 1.2 75 Access 97 15.3 — 17.6 23.0 3.0 74 TT 2dr AAAAC 2.0 TFSI S-line 155 6.6 14.5 5.0 6.5 2.5 227 273 30.1 29/35 1305 26.11.14 FERRARI 458 2dr coupé AAAAA Q3 5dr 4x4 AAABC 202 3.3 7.0 2.4 5.7 2.3 562 2.0 TDI SE 132 8.3 25.5 8.1 *11.5 2.7 175 280 35.8 33/46 1710 16.11.11 458 Italia RS 155 5.0 12.6 4.5 8.3 2.8 306 310 32.4 32.4 1655 1.1.14 458 Speciale 202 3.2 6.8 2.3 5.4 2.5 597 F12 2dr coupé AAAAB Q5 5dr 4x4 AAAAC 2.0 TDI SE 125 9.9 34.2 10.2 9.9 2.8 168 258 29.8 29/37 1880 14.1.09 F12 Berlinetta 211 3.0 6.5 2.3 5.4 2.2 731 CALIFORNIA 2dr convertible AAAAC Q7 5dr 4x4 AAAAC 3.0 TDI S line 145 6.2 17.6 6.2 *3.8 — 268 443 47.6 32/36 2245 12.8.15 California 193 3.9 9.2 3.2 6.6 2.5 453 R8 2dr coupé AAAAB 4.2 V8 187 4.4 10.5 4.2 6.7 2.7 414 317 24.0 16/22 1560 23.5.07 FIAT 5.2 V10 Spyder 195 4.1 8.9 3.2 5.5 2.4 518 391 24.3 17/25 1720 24.3.10 PANDA 5dr hatch AAAAB 1.2 Easy 102 14.6 — 15.3 19.9 3.0 68 BENTLEY 4x4 TwinAir 103 14.6 — 15.8 16.0 3.0 84 CONTINENTAL 2dr coupé AAAAC 500 3dr hatch AAAAC GTC V8 187 4.5 10.8 3.9 *2.7 2.8 500 487 27.4 18/27 2470 4.4.12 Abarth 595 130 7.5 20.1 6.4 7.0 2.8 158 GT 198 4.6 10.9 4.2 *2.4 2.5 567 516 34.9 7/15 2375 1.6.11 500 Twinair 108 11.7 — 13 15.3 3.3 84 GT3-R 170 3.7 8.2 3.1 8.7 3.0 572 518 37.6 —/18 2195 8.7.15 FLYING SPUR 4dr saloon AAABC FORD W12 200 4.5 10.4 3.6 8.4 3.0 616 590 44.5 18/26 2475 7.8.13 KA 3dr hatch AAACC MULSANNE 4dr saloon AAAAC 1.2 Style+ 99 13.6 — 23.2 10.4 2.9 67 6.75 V8 184 5.7 13.7 4.8 *2.8 2.6 505 752 44.8 18/21 2745 21.9.11 B-MAX 5dr MPV AAAAB 1.0T Ecoboost 117 11.6 39.0 11.1 11.0 2.8 118 BMW FIESTA 3/5dr hatch AAAAC 1 SERIES 3dr/5dr hatch AAABC 1.4 Zetec 109 11.9 43.4 11.9 21.8 2.7 95 116d ED Plus 124 10.2 30.0 10.0 17.3 — 114 199 37.7 54/60 1395 27.5.15 ST-2 137 7.0 17.0 6.0 7.1 2.6 180 M135i 155 4.6 11.4 4.0 6.8 2.6 315 322 35.9 30/41 1545 14.11.12 FOCUS 5dr hatch AAAAC 1.5 TDCi Zetec 121 10.9 36.3 10.9 10.3 3.35 118 2 SERIES 3dr coupé/convertible AAAAB 220d SE 143 7.8 20.9 7.3 8.8 2.9 181 280 39.6 46/62 1450 19.3.14 GRAND C-MAX 5dr MPV AAAAB 220d C’vble 140 8.5 24.7 8.4 9.0 2.1 187 295 34.5 50/53 1610 1.4.15 2.0 TDCi T’ium 124 9.2 28.6 8.8 11.1 2.8 138 M235i 155 6.3 14.7 5.7 5.4 2.7 322 332 28.1 26/35 1530 23.4.14 S-MAX 5dr MPV AAAAC 2.0 TDCi T’im 123 10.5 32.0 10.4 13.9 2.5 148 2 SERIES ACTIVE TOURER 5dr MPV AAAAC 218d Luxury 129 8.9 26.5 8.7 12.1 3.0 148 243 40.4 42/56 1450 24.12.14 GRAND TOURNEO CONNECT 5dr MPV AAAAC 3 SERIES 4dr saloon/5dr estate/5dr hatchAAAAB 1.6 TDCi T’ium 103 13.2 — 13.9 19.1 2.9 114 320d Sport 146 7.7 20.9 7.6 9.7 2.6 181 280 36.2 41/57 1535 22.2.12 MONDEO 4dr saloon/5dr/estate AAAAC 330d Touring 155 5.5 14.2 5.1 8.8 2.6 255 413 45.2 43/54 1735 21.11.12 2.0 TDCi 130 10.0 28.8 9.4 12.7 3.1 148 318d Sport GT 130 9.5 28.6 9.5 12.4 2.7 141 236 36.5 50/57 1615 17.7.13
Torque (lb/ft)
Power (bhp)
50-70mph
Braking 60-0mph
30-70mph
0-100mph
0-60mph
No one produces as thorough a judgement on a new car as Autocar. As well as acceleration, braking, fuel economy and noise tests, we carry out benchmark limit-handling tests, setting lap times if appropriate. But we don’t just drive at the track, essential as it is for finding the limits of performance; we also drive on a wide range of roads. We aim to produce the most complete, objective verdict in the business, so you can be sure how good a car is. Where we have tested more than one model in a range, the rating is for the range overall; where a model within the range meets our coveted five-star standard, it is highlighted in yellow.
Top speed
ROAD TEST RESULTS
Make and Model
Facts, figures, from the best road tests
EVORA 2dr coupé AAAAC NOTE 5dr hatch AAAAC Evora 2+2 162 5.4 13.0 4.7 8.2 2.3 276 258 27.8 24/33 1382 26.8.09 1.2 Acenta Prm 106 12.6 — Evora S 2+0 172 4.5 11.3 4.0 6.8 2.4 345 295 34.8 21/26 1430 30.3.11 PULSAR 5dr hatch AAACC EXIGE S 2dr coupé AAAAB 1.5 dCi n-tec 118 10.9 35.5 Exige S 170 4.1 9.6 3.7 5.5 2.5 345 295 27 21/30 1176 3.4.13 JUKE 5dr hatch AAABC Acenta 1.6 111 10.3 41.6 MASERATI Nismo 1.6 134 6.9 17.2 GRANTURISMO 2dr coupé AAABC Nismo RS 137 7.5 18.7 4.2 GT 177 5.6 13.0 4.9 *2.8 2.8 400 339 32.1 18/27 1975 2.2.08 LEAF 5dr hatch AAABC GRANCABRIO 2dr open AAABC Leaf 91 10.9 — 4.7 V8 175 5.1 11.9 4.5 11.2 2.4 433 362 32.1 17/22 2085 14.7.10 QASHQAI 5dr hatch AAAAB GHIBLI 4dr saloon AAABC 1.5 dCi 2WD 113 10.8 39.2 Diesel 155 6.5 17.2 6.0 5.1 2.7 271 443 43.3 31/40 1835 12.3.14 X-TRAIL 5dr hatch AAABC 1.6 dCi 2WD 117 11.2 39.7 MAZDA 370Z 2dr coupé AAAAC 2 5dr hatch AAAAC 370Z 155 5.4 12.8 1.5 Sky’v-G SE 114 10.4 38.0 7.0 20.2 3.1 89 109 27.9 51/55 1050 22.4.15 GT-R 2dr coupé AAAAB 3 5dr hatch AAAAC Black Edition 193 3.8 8.5 2.2 SE-L 130 9.0 26.6 9.1 9.9 3.0 148 280 29.7 46/60 1470 4.12.13 5 5dr MPV AAACC NOBLE 1.6D Sport 111 12.5 — 13.4 11.1 2.9 113 199 31.3 35/40 1555 16.2.11 M600 2dr coupé AAAAB 6 4dr saloon/5dr estate AAAAC M600 225 3.5 6.8 2.2 Sport Nav 139 7.9 21.2 7.1 7.9 2.7 173 309 35 44/56 1480 23.1.13 MX-5 2dr open AAAAB PEUGEOT 1.5 SE-L Nav 127 8.4 24.8 7.9 14.7 3.3 129 111 24.5 46/49 1050 2.9.15 208 3/5dr hatch AAACC CX-3 5dr hatch AAABC 1.2 VTI Active 109 14.2 — 1.5D SE-L Nav 110 10.3 34.7 10.3 10.3 — 104 199 34.8 59/60 1275 22.7.15 GTi 30th 143 6.5 16.1 CX-5 5dr hatch AAABC 308 3/5dr hatch AAAAC 2.2 Sport Nav 126 9.4 28.0 9.1 9.7 2.3 148 280 34.9 24/55 1575 13.6.12 1.6 e-HDI 115 118 10.1 32.6 508 SW estate AAAAC MCLAREN 2.0 HDi 163 138 9.6 28.6 650S 2dr coupé/roadster AAAAB 2008 Mini SUV AAABC 3.8 V8 Spider 204 3.2 6.3 2.2 5.9 2.5 641 500 35.4 18/24 1468 30.7.13 1.6 e-HDi 117 10.7 37.8 P1 2dr coupé AAAAA 3008 5dr hatch AAABC P1 217 2.8 5.2 2.2 6.0 2.3 903 664 36.0 19.6/— — 7.5.14 Sport HDi 150 121 9.4 29.1 Hybrid4 118 9.0 31.6 MERCEDES-AMG 5008 5dr MPV AAAAC C63 4dr saloon AAAAB 1.6 HDi 110 114 13.0 22.0 C63 155 4.4 9.7 3.4 7.5 2.7 469 479 38.1 19/25 1715 3.6.15 RCZ 3dr coupé AAAAC GT 2dr coupé AAAAC R THP 270 155 6.8 15.3 S 193 3.6 7.8 2.8 5.5 2.5 503 479 34.7 20/29 1715 29.7.15
MERCEDES-BENZ
37.1 48/58 1475 7.11.12 38.1 27/37 1555 14.8.13 37.8 20/52 1495
29.2.12
37.2 15/25 1775
5.9.12
42.4 41/51 1700
23.7.14
37.3 44/54 1525
26.6.13
31.3 30/41 1485
27.7.11
34.8 36/42 1780 24.6.09 38.9 29/36 1995 17.2.10 30.0 26/36 1745 14.4.10 37.6 29/38 1775 39.6 36/43 1980
MICRA 5dr hatch AABCC 1.2 Tekna 105 11.6 — 12.3 18.7 3.0 79
Weight (kg)
Mpg test/touring
Mph/1000rpm
Torque (lb/ft)
Power (bhp)
50-70mph
Braking 60-0mph
30-70mph
0-100mph
0-60mph
Top speed
Make and Model
TEST DATE
Weight (kg)
Mpg test/touring
Mph/1000rpm
Torque (lb/ft)
Power (bhp)
50-70mph
TEST DATE 7.10.09
SUBARU
11.1 12.9 2.9 109 192 35.0 49/56 1365 19.2.14 SUZUKI SWIFT 3/5dr hatch AAABC 11.7 11.2 3.0 128 236 32.8 42/48 1550 13.8.14 1.2 SZ4 103 11.6 37.2 11.1 CELERIO 5dr hatch AAABC 4.7 9.9 2.4 326 270 30.5 26/34 1508 29.7.09 1.0 SZ4 96 12.9 — 14.3 SX4 S-CROSS 5dr hatch AAABC 3.6 5.3 2.5 478 434 28.1 19/28 1775 6.5.09 1.6 DDiS SZ4 111 10.0 32.6 10.1 VITARA 5dr hatch AAABC 1.6 SZ5 112 9.5 29.8 9.5 2.5 4.7 2.45 650 604 29.9 18/25 1305 14.10.09
18.7 3.0 93
87 21.5 43/47 1010
15.9.10
25.0 3.0 67
66 22.4 54/57 835
25.3.15
8.9 2.57 118 236 35.1 57/67 1290 30.10.13 15.5 —
BOXSTER 2dr convertible AAAAB S 3.4 172 4.7 11.4 4.2 CAYMAN 3dr coupé AAAAA 2.7 165 5.9 13.6 5.1 GT4 183 4.6 10.0 3.5 911 2dr coupé AAAAB Carrera 180 4.8 10.8 3.8 Targa 182 4.3 9.8 3.6 Turbo S 197 3.0 7.1 2.6 GT3 RS 193 3.4 7.8 2.8 918 SPYDER 2dr coupé AAAAA 4.6 V8 214 2.6 5.3 1.9 PANAMERA 5dr hatch AAABC 4.8 Turbo 188 4.0 9.2 3.4 MACAN 5dr 4x4 AAAAB Turbo 165 4.7 11.8 4.3
118
115 24.3 49/47 1075
29.4.15
MODEL S 5dr hatch AAAAB Performance 130 4.7 11.7 3.7 2.2 2.7 416 443 8.7 411Wh/m 2108
11.9.13
TESLA
14.5 9.1 2.9 81 87 21.2 41/45 1080 18.7.12 TOYOTA 5.8 6.7 2.9 205 221 25.6 41/42 1160 11.2.15 AYGO 5dr hatchback AAABC 1.0 VVTi 99 13.9 — 15.2 24.1 10.4 13.9 3.0 114 199 38.5 48/59 1395 15.1.14 YARIS 5dr hatchback AAABC 1.33 TR 114 11.5 43.6 10.9 19.6 9.7 5.8 2.57 161 255 32.3 32/46 1680 25.5.11 VERSO-S 5dr hatchback AAACC 1.3 T Spirit 106 12.1 38.5 11.7 19.2 11.5 11.8 3.2 114 199 32.7 49/59 1180 19.6.13 GT86 3dr coupé AAAAA 2.0 manual 140 7.4 18.8 6.8 10.6 9.1 9.5 2.1 148 251 32.2 44/50 1580 11.11.09 AURIS 3/5dr hatch AAACC 8.9 8.6 2.6 161+36221+14832.7 41/49 1790 25.1.12 1.6 T Spirit 117 9.9 30.7 9.4 13.4 PRIUS 5dr hatch AAAAC 13.2 9.8 3.1 107 192 28.1 20/48 1547 27.1.10 T Spirit 112 10.9 35.0 10.9 *6.6 LAND CRUISER V8 5dr 4x4 AAAAC 5.5 5.8 3.0 266 243 24.2 36/44 1355 12.2.14 4.5 D-4D 130 8.6 27.5 9.1 *5.4
3.0 68
70 22.5 49/63 900
2.7.14
2.9 98
92 23.7 42/51 1065
28.9.11 9.3.11
2.9 98
92 21.7 39/48 1125
2.6 197
151 23.5 30/45 1235
4.7.12
2.7 122
116 20.0 30/37 1275
17.1.07
2.9 98+80 105+153 — 48/56 1415
8.7.09
3.0 282 479 40.3 18/20 2880 30.1.08
VAUXHALL
14.2 2.9 311 266 40.3 25/32 1420 8.2 2.7 271 214 23.9 29/34 1385 6.0 2.5 380 310 25.5 28/— 1340 11.7 15.0 6.8 6.9
2.3 2.4 2.6 2.4
345 394 552 493
288 325 553 339
32.8 37.9 37.9 24.2
21/35 21/29 20/31 20/28
1445 1578 1605 1495
2.2 2.3 874 944 41.2 28/44 1740 13.5 2.5 493 567 45.0 20/28 2045 7.9 2.4 394 406 35.7 22/31 2000
RADICAL
SR3 SL 2dr AAAAC 13.4.11 SR3 SL 161 3.4 8.4 3.7 4.8 2.7 245 265 24.9 14/- 765 9.1.13
RENAULT
29.4 2.9 69 9.1 2.9 87 19.1 2.8 89 9.1 2.8 197 6.6 2.7 247 6.4 3.1 271 9.2 2.3 129 17.2 2.3 108
*3.0 2.7 453 *3.4 2.9 453
ADAM 5dr hatch AAACC 27.6.12 1.2 Jam ecoFLEX 103 14.3 — 15.3 20.8 VIVA 5dr hatch AAABC 24.4.13 1.0 SE A/C 106 13.0 — 14.1 19.0 23.9.15 CORSA 3/ 5dr AAABC 1.4T SRi VX-Line 115 11.7 45.1 12.1 15.3 7.3.12 VXR 143 7.2 18.3 6.4 7.8 18.6.14 MERIVA 5dr MPV AAABC 8.1.14 1.4T 140 SE 122 9.4 28.3 8.7 13.1 19.8.15 ASTRA 5dr hatch AAAAC 1.6 CDTi 136 SRi 127 8.8 25.7 8.8 8.6 22.10.14 INSIGNIA 5dr hatch/estate AAAAC 2.0 CDTi 160 135 9.1 25.3 8.4 10.3 20.9.09 ZAFIRA TOURER 5dr AAABC 2.0 CDTi 165 129 10.4 36.8 10.2 14.3 4.6.14 MOKKA Mini SUV AAABC 1.4T 118 10.0 30.6 9.4 13.7 VXR8 4dr saloon AAAAB GTS 155 4.8 10.2 3.7 7.4 30.11.11
2.8 68
85 21.8 39/45 1086
6.2.13
—
70 20.3 49/55 938
15.7.15
74
2.9 99 148 34.8 37/42 1176 19.11.14 2.4 202 181 23.8 29/34 1280 6.5.15 2.6 138 148 25.5 31/37 1465
2.6.10
2.6 134 236 33.4 55/58 1350
30.9.15
2.7 158 258 36.1 19/44 1655 19.11.08 3.2 163 258 37.7 38/46 1805 15.2.12 3.0 138 148 26.1 32/40 1350 28.11.12 2.5 577 546 34.9 18/25 1882
30.4.14
VOLKSWAGEN
UP 3dr hatch AAAAC 1.0 High Up 106 13.8 — 14.7 18.6 67 20.8 42/52 865 29.10.14 POLO 3/5dr hatch AAAAC 1.2 70PS SE 103 14.2 — 15.4 23 162 7.8 250Wh/m 1468 31.7.13 1.4 TSI BlueGT 130 7.5 22.2 7.1 8.0 GOLF 3/5dr hatch AAAAB 100 23.8 38/47 1009 6.3.13 GTI Perf. DSG 155 6.5 16.4 5.9 8.9 177 20.8 32/37 1204 23.10.13 2.0 TDI 134 9.6 27.6 8.6 11.7 R 155 4.8 12.0 4.3 6.5 251 28.4 28/34 1320 13.1.10 e-Golf 87 10.5 — 11.0 7.0 266 27 26/33 1297 5.11.14 GTE 138 7.7 18.2 6.1 7.7 SCIROCCO 2dr coupé AAAAB 140 22.1 28/36 1457 16.9.09 2.0 TSI GT 144 6.7 17.0 6.1 7.9 2.0 TSI R 155 6.5 13.7 4.9 5.9 192 35.0 52/69 1380 21.10.15 PASSAT 4dr saloon/5dr estate AAAAC 2.0 TDI 190 GT 144 8.7 23.6 8.1 13.1 TIGUAN 5dr 4x4 AAABC 2.0 TDI Sport 115 10.3 37.5 10.9 9.9 531 38.7 8/17 2485 2.4.03 TOUAREG 5dr 4x4 AAAAC 531 38.7 7/18 2495 27.8.08 3.0 V6 TDI SE 135 6.9 19.8 6.8 *3.9
7.7.10 VOLVO V40 4dr hatch AAABC *2.1 2.9 624 590 45.9 15/27 2435 21.5.14 D3 SE Lux 130 8.9 26.6 S60 4dr saloon AAAAC D4 SE Nav 143 7.6 20.4 V60 5dr estate AAABC *3.6 2.4 178 184 21.3 31/40 1172 21.10.09 D5 SE Lux 143 8.1 21.0 Plug-in Hybrid 134 6.1 17.2 9.6 2.9 181 280 35.6 47/54 1350 4.9.13 Polestar 155 5.3 13.1 7.1 2.7 276 258 27.2 28/36 1441 26.3.14 V70 5dr estate AAABC 2.4 D5 138 8.9 24.1 *7.0 3.0 168 258 30.5 35/40 1935 1.12.10 XC60 5dr 4x4 AAAAC D5 SE Lux 118 9.5 30.5 XC90 5dr 4x4 AAAAC D5 Momentum 137 8.3 23.9 12.3 3.2 89 97 22.3 —/— 880 4.3.15
2.8 74
70 20.5 44/59 945
7.12.11
2.9 69 83 22.8 41/51 1075 2.9 138 184 28.1 40/49 1212
23.9.09 13.2.13
2.8 2.9 2.9 2.7 2.5
34.4 32/38 1402 37.4 44/56 1390 27.1 34/29 1495 7.6 244Wh/m1585 7.6 44/45 1599
10.7.13 16.1.13 9.4.14 10.9.14 20.5.15
2.7 197 207 20.6 29/39 1390 2.7 261 258 26.3 28/34 1400
10.9.08 24.2.10
3.2 187 295 37.9 45/52 1614
4.2.15
227 148 296 113 201
258 236 280 199 258
2.9 138 236 30.0 31/39 1755 28.11.07 2.7 236 406 38.5 32/37 2155
1.9.10
*2.3 2.6 563 575 46.0 18/23 2450
8.7 10.2 2.8 148 258 36.5 46/52 1545 15.8.12 6.9 9.2 3.0 179 295 39.4 46/59 1580
5.3.14
7.1 8.2 2.7 202 310 39.2 32/48 1700 8.12.10 5.5 3.2 2.6 279 382 34.3 44/49 1955 1.5.13 4.6 9.0 2.6 345 369 34.8 26/32 1834 15.10.14 8.2 9.8 2.8 182 295 35.6 32/39 1835
22.8.07
9.5 *5.8 2.9 182 295 33.6 17/36 1930 26.11.08 8.3 *5.0 — 222 347 33.6 37/39 2009 17`.6.15
WESTFIELD
SKODA
FABIA 5dr hatch AAAAC 22.8.12 1.2 TSI 90 SE-L 113 12.6 46 12.5 15.0 OCTAVIA 4dr saloon/5dr estate AAAAC 6.6.12 1.6 TDI SE 121 11.6 43.0 12.5 13.6 RAPID 4dr saloon AAABC 1.2 TSI 114 11.3 45.5 11.5 14.2 SUPERB 5dr hatch/estate AAAAB 81 22.6 45/53 1002 19.1.11 2.0 TDI SE 135 8.8 24.9 8.2 11.2
92 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 11 NOVEMBER 2015
YETI 5dr SUV AAABC 9.10.13 2.0 TDI 140 119 10.7 39.1 11.2 12.3 2.7 138 236 34.5 36/46 1545
XV 5dr hatch AAACC 9.9 12.7 3.0 115 117 19.5 36/46 1230 3.11.10 2.0D SE 120 8.9 29.1 9.5 10.1 2.7 145 258 34.7 39/51 1465 21.3.12 6.0 7.2 2.5 197 184 23.8 31/39 1295 22.5.13 FORESTER 3/5dr hatch AAACC 6.0 9.0 3.2 215 207 23.9 34/35 1341 11.3.15 2.0d XC 118 9.9 36.5 10.5 11.0 2.9 145 258 33.0 41/49 1540 5.6.13 WRX 4dr saloon AAACC 11.4 7.3 2.8 107 207 8.76 320Wh/m 1545 27.4.11 STi Type UK 159 5.4 13.3 5.1 9.4 2.8 296 300 27.6 23/31 1534 25.6.14
45.6 34/44 1975 16.10.13 TWINGO 5dr hatch AAABC 42.8 22/25 2070 3.12.14 Dynamique 94 17.6 — 19.1 ZOE 5dr hatch AAABC 36.4 40/48 1535 14.5.14 Dynamique 84 12.3 — 13.9 CLIO 5dr hatch AAAAC 36.2 38/41 2310 2.5.12 0.9 TCE 113 13.4 — 13.9 RS 200 Turbo 143 7.4 20.9 6.9 37.7 28/33 2455 24.7.13 MEGANE 3/5dr hatch AAACC 250 Cup 156 6.0 13.7 4.9 39.6 10/24 1815 8.8.12 275 Trophy-R 158 6.4 14.0 5.0 34.3 17/21 2000 7.5.08 SCENIC 5dr MPV AAAAC 37.4 16/22 1880 8.4.09 Grand 1.4 TCe 121 11.0 34.8 10.4 KADJAR 5dr hatch AAAAC 1.5dCi D’qe S Nv 113 14.5 — 14.6
PLUS 8 2dr convertible AAACC 4.8 V8 — 4.9 11.1 4.0 8.3 3.2 390 370 36.0 24/32 1230 3 WHEELER 2dr convertible AAAAA 3 Wheeler 115 8.0 29.9 7.7 5.1 3.56 80 103 21.3 30/- 520
NISSAN
81 21.8 42/54 1036
10.8 13.1 2.9 108 192 35.7 50/57 1307 12.11.14
3 5dr hatch AAABC 1.5 3Form Spt 108 11.4 41.5 11.6 19.6 2.8 105 101 22.2 37/41 1150 25.12.13 ROLLS-ROYCE 6 5dr hatch AACCC PHANTOM 4dr saloon AAAAC 1.8 T 120 8.8 25.8 9.2 11 2.8 158 159 28 29/37 1525 11.5.11 Phantom 149 6.0 14.7 5.3 2dr Coupé 155 6.1 15.5 5.9 MINI GHOST 4dr saloon AAAAC MINI 3dr hatch AAAAB Ghost 155 4.9 10.6 3.9 Cooper S 146 6.9 17.1 5.9 6.7 2.5 189 221 26.4 35/54 1235 2.4.14 WRAITH 2dr coupé AAAAB JCW GP 150 6.6 14.9 5.2 5.6 2.4 215 192 23.6 34/45 1160 20.2.13 Wraith 155 4.6 10.0 4.5 COUNTRYMAN 5dr hatch AAABC Cooper D All4 115 11.1 - 11.5 16.1 2.6 110 199 34.8 39/43 1475 29.9.10 SEAT COUPE 2dr coupé AAABC IBIZA 3/5dr hatch AAAAC JCW 149 7.2 17.0 6.0 6.0 2.8 208 207 23.9 33/46 1230 26.10.11 Cupra 1.4 TSI 140 7.0 19.6 6.3 ROADSTER 2dr convertible AAABC LEON 3/5dr hatch AAAAC Cooper S 141 8.1 19.9 7.3 8.0 2.5 182 177 23.7 33/45 1260 9.5.12 SC 2.0 TDI FR 142 8.0 22.1 7.5 Cupra SC 280 155 5.9 13.6 4.4 MITSUBISHI ALHAMBRA 5dr MPV AAAAC ASX 5dr hatch AAABC 2.0 TDI 170 DSG127 10.5 38.3 11.2 1.8 DiD 3 124 10.0 28.8 10.1 8.6 2.8 148 221 29.6 49/57 1490 21.7.10 OUTLANDER 5dr 4x4 AAABC SMART 2.2 DiD GX5 118 10.2 32.9 10.1 11.1 3.07 147 265 34.7 38/45 1675 27.3.13 FORTWO 3dr hatch AAACC PHEV GX4hs 106 10.0 30.5 9.5 6.2 3.0 200 245 — 44/38 1810 16.4.14 Prime 96 11.2 — 11.4
MORGAN
Braking 60-0mph
13.4 20.3 2.9 79
PORSCHE
A-CLASS 5dr hatch AAABC A200 CDI Sport 130 8.9 28.3 9.0 10.1 2.5 134 221 A45AMG 168 4.2 11.5 4.3 4.5 2.8 355 322 B-CLASS 5dr MPV AAABC B200 CDI Sport130 9.4 28.8 9.6 11.9 2.7 134 221 C-CLASS 4dr AAAAC C63 AMG Black 186 4.0 9.2 3.3 7.5 2.66 510 457 NEW C-CLASS 4dr AAAAC C220 Bluetec 145 8.1 22.9 8.1 11.7 2.8 168 295 CLA 4dr coupé AAACC 220 CDI Sport 143 8.3 23.1 8.0 4.8 2.9 168 258 SLK 2dr cc AAACC SLK 200 149 7.5 18.9 7.0 9.9 2.8 181 184 E-CLASS 4dr saloon/5dr estate/2dr convertible AAAAC E250 CDI auto 149 7.7 20.3 7.4 *4.4 2.9 201 367 E350 CDI estate149 6.9 19.2 6.9 *4.0 2.9 228 398 E250 CGI cab 155 7.4 19.6 7.5 4.5 2.4 201 229 CLS 4dr coupé/5dr estate AAAAC 350 BlueEff. 155 6.5 16.0 5.7 *3.3 2.5 302 273 350CDI S’Brake 155 7.0 18.5 6.4 *3.8 2.9 261 457 S-CLASS 4dr saloon/2dr coupé AAAAA S350 Bluetec 155 7.3 19.0 6.8 *3.9 2.7 255 457 S63 AMG coupé 155 4.5 9.6 3.4 6.8 2.7 577 664 GLA 5dr 4x4 AAABC 220 CDI SE 134 8.1 23.8 7.8 4.7 2.65 168 258 M-CLASS 5dr 4x4 AAAAC ML250 130 8.8 28.4 9.3 11.0 2.9 201 368 GL 5dr 4x4 AAAAC GL350 AMG Spt 137 8.3 24.8 8.2 5.0* 2.6 255 457 SL 2dr convertible AAAAC SL500 155 4.3 9.9 3.6 6.5 2.7 429 516 SL63 AMG 155 4.6 10.4 3.8 8.7 2.5 518 465 SL65 Black 200 4.2 8.5 3.0 6.0 2.5 661 737
MG
30-70mph
0-100mph
0-60mph
Top speed
Make and Model
TEST DATE
Weight (kg)
Mpg test/touring
Mph/1000rpm
Torque (lb/ft)
Power (bhp)
50-70mph
Braking 60-0mph
30-70mph
0-100mph
0-60mph
Top speed
Make and Model
ROAD TEST RESULTS
ROAD TEST RESULTS
3.4 89
118 26.1 45/49 1109
2.7 104 184 32.3 46/56 1230 2.9 84
118 26.1 40/47 1175
2.8 148 251 37.2 47/54 1505
21.1.15
SPORT TURBO 3dr hatch AAABC ST3 UK200 142 4.6 12.6 6.9 4.7 3.1 201 185 22.7 25/– 650
10.4.13 E10 0dr open AAAAB S 140 4.3 11.2 4.1 5.3 2.9 250 295 33.9 21/23 725 5.12.12 9.9.15
3.10.12
ZENOS
7.10.15
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11 NOVEMBER 2015 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 93 Skyway Autocar advert 280x101.indd 1
04/11/2015 12:07
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TRINITY ENGINEERING www.trinityaston.co.uk Contact: Tim Butcher Tel: 01932 862 040 Fax: 01932 868 747 Email: tim@trinityaston.co.uk Address: Bramley Hedge Farm, Redhill Rd, Cobham, Surrey, KTII IEQ
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94 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 11 NOVEMBER 2015 68_1238_Intervac_ADVURN52807.pgs 26.10.2015 09:36
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F47 GUY Fat Guy
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G236 ORY Gregory
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488 OTT ABI2 AMS AAD 3L ADE 3IE AKE 2S ALD 3N ALD 23D ALE 6C ALF 23D AII5 ELL ARG 7IIE ARL 3IIE ASK 3Y BAS 50N AVE 2Y I3 ACK BAL I4D BAII MER B4I2 KER B42 TER BAI2 TLE B4 TEY BAT II4M BAT I3Y BAY IIIS BEA 2R B345 LEY BEE 6H B33 TON BEG 6S B3II BOW BEN II3T B3II SON BES 55IE BEW I6K BEY II0N BHA 47IA BII4 NCA BI6 MGB BI ANE 8I END BLY 70N BOL IT BOII NEY 8 OON BRI3 EZE BI20 OME BRY 74N BUN 6E BUI2 DON BU55 ELL BUT 77IE BYA 77T BYF I3ID BYI2 NES CAII LAN CAII LOW CAII DLE CAII HAM CAR 2D CAR 33Y CAR 6IIL CAR I35S CAR II3Y C42 RON CAR 732R 8 ACN I AEF 5 AEG 7 AEJ AFA 9 I AFD 6 AFG I AFL AFP 6 AFT I AGM I 5 AH 9 AHD I AHE I AHV AMD I I AMF I AOC 6 AVR AWC I 6 AWG AWV I BBF I 5 BCP I BFF I BFH 3 BHC 6 BHM 8 BJN I BKN 94 BL I BLF BLS 4 6 BMO 2 BN 6 BPR 90 BT BTP I I BTR I BV I BVM 5 BWM CCF I
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I CCK 7 CDK I CEK I CFF 2 CFP I CFT 7 CGL 6 CHD CJK I I CJV I CKK 3 CLD 7 CLE I CMF 83 CN I CNE I CNK 8 CRJ 6 CRN CRV I CSJ 9 I CT I CTC CTK I I CUR I CVR 80 CY DAO I DBG I DCF I DCN I I DCR 5 DDH I DDW 2 DEJ I DFA I DFP 6 DGR DHG I 7 DHJ 3 DME I DMV 5 DNB
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3 DPN 6 DRD DSE I 5 DSF 6 DSN I DTE DVS 7 6 DWE I EAA I EAG 4 EAL 8 EAP 4 EAS EBM I I EBR I EBW I ECN I EDR 2 EDW 90 EE I EEB I EED 8 EG I EGE I EHB I EHF I EHG I EHH I EHR 45 EJ 9 EJD 3 EJG I EJO 8 EJR I EJY EL 4 ELW I 3 EM I ENC I ENF 67 EP I EPM I EPN
ERJ 4 ESW 5 I ETH I ETS I ETY I EVH I EVR I EWK I EWR I EYC 639 F I FAW I FBG I FBK I FBL I FBT I FBW FCH 8 I FCJ 5 FCS FD 5 I FDD FDG I I FDP 3I FE I FEX I FFL I FHG I FHS 70 FJ I FJK I FJT FKC I I FKK I FKP 5 FLS 9 FLW 3 FMW I FMY I FNC I FND I FNT FOR I
46 FP FPB I 5 FS I FSW I FTP I FUD I FVG I FVR GAA 3 5 GAK I GAP GBW 7 2 GCA 6 GCP 3 GDD 2 GDF I GDK I GDO 6 GDR I GEX I GEY GFE I GFN I GFT I 5 GHP 96 GJ 5 GJD 3 GJE 86 GK 6 GLJ GN I I GNA I GNC I GNF I GNJ GNM I I GNT I GPV 8 GRG I GRU I GRV GSA I 6 GSJ
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8 GSK I GUJ I GWD HAS I I HBP I HCE I HCF I HCK I HCO HCT I 90 HD I HDD I HEE HEJ I I HEK I HFD I HFE I HFG I HFO 3 HGM I HGP HGS I HH I I HHG I HJA I HJE 6 HJG 6 HJL HJP I I HJW HMO I 8 HMR HN 4 I HNS HPP I HPS 2 I HPW HR I 4 HRG I HRT I HSO I HW I HWA
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4 NMR 8 NMS 6 NPM I NRD NRM I I NRN 5 NSA 9 NSD I NSE NSH 7 I NSN I NSP NTB I NU I 30 NV I NVH I NWA I NWF I NXN I NYK OEK I I OMT OY I 5 PAK PBK I 8 PCA 4 PCC 9 PCR 6 PDK PDN I 5 PEJ I PEM 3 PFC I PFJ PFT I I PFW 9 PGM I PGN 6 PGT I PGV I PHF PKA I 5 PKD
4 PKM PKP 9 2 PLJ 5 PMO PMT I I PNJ I PNP 4 PNS PPC I I PPF PPT I PPW 3 PR 7 9 PRT 6 PSA PTD I PTL I PVG I I PWP PYD I R9 I RAA RBV I I RCC I RCO I RDF I RDK RDO I 6 RDR I RDY I RFA RFF I 5 RGA 3 RGG I RGM I RGO I RHE I RHV I RJD I RJO RJT 8 RJU I RK I
Newcar Nowell Nurton Nutter Oates Od Ohara Olga Olwyn Orient Padley Pamela Paresh Parris Parson Parton Pask Passey Paxton Pearse Peet Penalty Penney Perch Pereira Plank Pollitt Porter Potter Potty Pullen Puni Randle Ranger Read Reebok Regan Relf Renate Renton Rep Roast Rosetta Route Rox Rumble Salmon Saloon Salter Sanger Sea Searle Seaton Sect Seston Shaggy Shea Sherrie Shirts Shogun Shone Shore Shovel Shute Sleigh Sonya 4 RKC 5 RLA I RLK 4 RLM I RLO 3 RN I RNC I RNJ I RRC I RRT RS 2 RTM I 7 RTP I RVD I RVG I RWH I RWV RY 9 5 SBA I SBF I SDP I SEK I SES SFE I I SFN 4 SGJ I SGR SGT I SHD 6 SHG I I SJU I SKP I SMU 2 SNH I SNJ I SNL I SOE I SOY I SRK 9 STM SU 5 I SVD I SVH
SPO 773R Spotter SPR 46G Spragg SPI2 ATT Spratt SPI2 UCE Spruce STA 6K Stack STA I2T Start STE 4R Stear S7I LES Stiles S7 OKE Stoke STO 23Y Storey SI7 ORK Stork STO 22IE Storrie S724 KER Straker STI2 ANG Strang STI2 UTT Strutt STU 427T Stuart SII6 DEN Sugden SUJ 4N Sujan SUT 3R Suter 5 WAM Swam TAII EST Tallest TAM 42A Tamara TAII SEY Tansey TAR 2A Tara T45 TER Taster TEE 5S Tees T324 NCE Terance TER 335A Teresa T37 LEY Tetley TIII CKY Thick THO 2I3Y Thorley THO I2N Thorn 7 OFT Toft TI00 MBS Tombs TON 6E Tonge TOP II4M Topham TOT 77IE Tottle TRA 6IIE Tracie TUL I06H Tulloch TUN IIE Tune TWE 3D Tweed URE 3N Uren V44 GUE Vague VAL IIIE Vale VAL 32IE Valerie VAR I37Y Variety VER 50S Verso VII6 TOR Victor VII0 LET Violet W49 NER Wagner WAII GUY Wall WAII LET Wallett WAN I35S Wanless WAI2 NES Warnes WAS 3IL Wassell WAT 770N Watton W444 YNE Wayne WEB 8I3Y Webley W3II NER Weiner W3 LDY Weld WEI2 NER Werner WES 50N Wesson WHA II3Y Whalley WI35 LAW Wieslaw WOR 7I3Y Wortley YEM I Yemi
SWJ I I SWR T 97 TAD I I TBC TBS 7 I TCF 5 TCG 4 TDG 3 TDW I TFE I TFT I TGG I THK THW I TJJ I I TKA I TKF TKH I TKN I TKS 3 I TLJ 9 TMJ TN 63 I TNA I TOL TP I I TPN I TPO TPS I TRD 4 I TSF I TSO I TTA I TTM TWD 8 4 TWG I TWM I UY I VAD 2 VAG I VAW VBH I
VBS I I VCM I VCR I VCS I VDP I VEB I VED I VEM VEP I VFC I VG 2 VGM I VGR I I VJC VJD 6 I VJE VJF 8 VJK I VJL I I VJT I VKF I VLL I VMJ 9 VN VNC I VP I VPL I I VRB I VRG VRH I I VSG I VTB VU I I VVC I WAF 8 WAG I WBE WCC 5 I WCE I WCJ WDA I WDC 3 I WDD
I WDF I WDG I WEC WFD I WFT I I WGL I WHM I WJA WKP I 37 WL I WLE WLG I I WNH WNS I WOJ I WPK I I WRJ I WSJ I WSK WSS I WUY 5 WVA I I WWB I WWH I WWT I YAH I YAW YBA I I YBF YBG I YCA I YE I YEF I YEG I YGR I I YJC I YJL YJS I I YL YLY I I YMV YRL I I YW
Quality registrations all newly available LS I R9 RK I AMD I
I GAP 5 AH KO 2 AGM I
SU 5 LPS I I RRC I REP
A Perfect Pair 1 LPW LPW 1 LPW I was originally issued in Norfolk in 1950 and is available - together with its partner, I LPW - from Regtransfers
Registration Transfers Limited, 139 High Street South, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 3SS • All transfers are subject to a DVLA fee • Some prices and/or DVLA fees are subject to VAT • Calls may be recorded • E&OE
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£1750
01675 481 791 WWW.MOTOREG.CO.UK PERSONALISED REGISTRATION NUMBERS B8 AET L3 ALM Y90 AMC AF04 AMY T12 BEG H16 BTC M77 BRU A10 BWS V2 CAE A17 CBY 2 CDF CDF 347 CDF 305 CDF 80Y L3 CWT T1 DCF V77 DEK
£699 £675 £499 £880 £449 £499 £500 £499 £599 £499 £4999 £1495 £1795 £999 £499 £999 £699
H5 DEN S888 DJC W20 EMF J2 EMT R1 FWB B5 FWS H9 GBR T1 GCD A9 GGB Y81 GGS S1 GHD B10 GLB K5 GOS K9 GLF W2 GSF X6 HAB L12 HAK
£2500 £550 £399 £499 £499 £699 £699 £749 £895 £799 £749 £499 £800 £599 £850 £599 £545
WE WILL NOT BE BEATEN ON PRICE F11 HUT B13 JEB S28 JGB J40 JKS S11 JLW P2 JPJ S55 JRG F17 JRP H13 KES M100 MPD NJZ 1860 R33 ODS D10 OPS B7 PEK PHS 63 A4 PLP T100 PMR
£499 £649 £675 £690 £699 £730 £549 £499 £599 £650 £299 £500 £750 £459 £3680 £750 £499
Private Sale T: 07795 651 468 david@thewraithfamily.co.uk
L1 PNM £680 P11 PNW £499 B7 RMO £725 T7 RPE £870 68_1230_DAVID_WRAITH_ADVURN52166 pgs D1 RRV £990 L2 SBO £459 SDF 1 £32000 K7 SOM £499 F14 SPD £1300 TAZ 9886 £520 TCY 40H £500 T6 TEU £650 B1 VMS £799 AU10 WAY £699 14 WRA £1999 R3 WRK £580 J999 YOU £499
14 10 2015 16:58
FMG-Advent
T4RTS
35 DJW
ARTER_ADVURN50673 pgs 23 09 2015 13:34
16 DJW
Contact Hannah Mathew on 0208 267 5733 or hannah.mathew@haymarket.com
Private Sale On Retention Best Offer T: 07831 875 805
FMG-Advent
XXB 1
FRY 1 On Retention £35,000 T: 07810 127413 pbmcliff@gmail.com
£25,000
07708 001000
Prices correct at time of going into press. All prices include transfer to vehicle
SIMILAR PLATES REQUIRED | CUSTOMERS WAITING | FREE VALUATION
68_1230_PETER_CLIFF_ADVURN52182.pgs 15.10.2015 10:35
FMG-Advent
61E Seamoor Road, Westbourne, Bournemouth BH4 9AE
No. 1’s BHT 1 1 BMG 1 BVT 1 CEO 1 CGU 1 CLR 1 CTE CTG 1 1 DR 1 DT EVJ 1 1 EVY 1 EWV F1 FCU 1 FSO 1 1 FUG 1 GBW 1 GJO GWN 1 1 HJY 1 HKV 1 HWX 1 HYP 1 JUL KE 1 1 MFN 1 MPD MWT 1 1 NFU NRH 1
NST 1 OCN 1 OWK 1 1 OXX PCY 1 1 PHL 1 RAT 1 RCH 1 REY 1 RH 1 RHL 1 RYL SHJ 1 1 SUU THN 1 1 TMJ 1 TNK TNR 1 1 TOC 1 TTJ TTJ 1 1 UA 1 USH VSN 1 1 XAJ 1 XB 1 XD 1 YH 1 YOR 1 YUC Prestige AAS 8
6 AH 4 AK AK 6 AK 7 AML 77 10 BCC BF 7 BF 11 BJ 3 BK 4 BN 6 BR 6 7 BUD 7 BX 82 C C 144 4 CAT 381 D DB 171 2 DOG 5 DOS D1 SHY DT 6 E 33 6 EP 8 EP EMA 2 FC 6 4 FFF 2 FMW 3333 G 5 GA
111 GJ 7 GS GS 146 17 H H 97 HAJ 1G HB 7 4 HER 5 HER 4 JAK 4 JEY JH 54 3333 J JJ 2 JJ 3 333 JJJ JON 1N JOY 1S JS 535 JW 260 JW 8 7 JX 4K 88 K 839 KWL JD 666 K4 AHN K1 RRK KS 5 KS 6 6 LL 53 LOE
L 43 LJ 2 LJ 3 LJ 4 LJ 6 7 LX M 36 M 55 M 63 MBG 795 MT 5 MT 15 333 MW 47 N 67 N 69 N NAS1R 7 NJ 4 NJU NO 4 18 O OI 3 5 OOT 1111 P 21 P 999 PH PCO 875 POR 5H PR 8 PS 4 10 R RGR 6
4 RON 5 RY 8S 2 SLK 5 SPY 1111 T 58 T 94 T TES5S 911 PGX 911 SDV P911 ANT 911 GFM 911 EC 911 UFO 911 OO 2x2s AA 82 43 AB 82 AT 16 AY 65 AN 10 BA 25 BF 30 BV 42 BL 90 BL 92 BL 86 BL 56 BN 67 BN 23 BO
56 BR 32 CA 54 CB 93 CB CB 26 88 CN 43 CS 49 CS 13 CT 19 CT CK 20 47 CW 33 DL 73 DN 73 DS DL 95 97 DT 64 ED 20 EF 33 EJ EL 22 12 EP 45 EP EE 11 33 FD 27 FK 34 FM FM 19 48 FP FV 10 43 FW 56 GE
56 GF 58 GH 37 GS 58 GT 19 HE HM 33 56 HM 10 HY 56 JA JB 39 39 JD 16 JH JH 54 53 JB JB 72 41 JN JP 11 68 JS 87 JW 39 KF 81 KK 17 KL 45 KR KS 17 36 KS KW 48 19 LD 11 LE 30 LE 42 LE 78 LF 92 LJ
47 LW 92 LW 15 MC 11 MG MG 65 75 MJ 22 MU 56 ND 33 NF 29 NL 84 NT 11 OU 80 OL OO 77 77 OO 11 PF 69 PN 50 PE 69 PE 16 PR 98 PR 60 PS 15 PY 15 PU 68 RD 92 RD 34 RE 27 RM RG 65 RG 67 RG 69 39 RN
RP 11 59 RS 44 SB 89 SB 32 SM 86 SN SN 13 86 TK 65 TU 24 TN 75 TN 15 TT 61 TH 73 TL TK 25 57 UD 70 WN 41 WR 21 WL 55 WL 51 XX Names AD11 DAS ALE 376 ALF 6Y AMY 6 AMY 62 AS11 LEY AND 1P ASH 4 707 BOB 777 BUT
99 BOB B11 RDE D4 VEA 48 DEB DEV 130Y D4 PHN D10 NNE D14 ANE E16EEN EM11 LYC EM11 LYE EM11 LYM E13ONY EVE 1L F1 TTA FAT 1E GW11 SON 193 HOT 555 HRH JEZ 7228 J4 HNY 41 JAG KH15 HAN LOS 9 LL10 YDS N4 SXY MJ04 STU MAX 960 91 MC M4 SLK 13 ROB 66 ROB
REP 705 RUG 6Y S4 YAD SH11 LMA S45 KEY 27 SU 45 SU 46 SUE 82 SUE SAM 924N SAN 124S SAY 111D SAZ 595 SAZ 616 ST07 BBS ST08 BBS SKY 7V SOR 1N T1 SET T44 LKS T11 RES T11 YRS TY11 RES T111 YRE T111 YRS TAD4M TAK 1N 27 TOM 505 TOM TO07 ONY W6 RAY YE54 SFX
11 NOVEMBER 2015 WWW.AUTOCAR.CO.UK 97
CHERISHED NUMBERS
The original car magazine, published since 1895 ‘in the interests of the mechanically propelled road carriage’ EDITORIAL Tel +44 (0)20 8267 5630 Email autocar@haymarket.com Editor Matt Burt Editorial director, Automotive Jim Holder Editor-in-chief Steve Cropley Digital editor John McIlroy Deputy editor Mark Tisshaw Head of video, features Matt Prior Managing editor Allan Muir Production editor Melanie Falconer Reviews editor Will Nightingale Chief tester Matt Saunders New cars editor Rory White Deputy reviews editors Nic Cackett, Vicky Parrott Senior reviewer Lewis Kingston Reviewer John Howell Senior digital reviews editor Mark Pearson Digital reviews editor Hemal Mistry News editor Tom Webster Content editors Matthew Burrow, Darren Moss Chief sub-editor Tim Dickson Group art editor Stephen Hopkins Deputy art editors Michele Hall, Paul Harvey Chief photographers John Bradshaw, Stan Papior Photographers Luc Lacey, Will Williams Videographer James Holloway Picture editor Ben Summerell-Youde Editorial assistant Doug Revolta Office manager Charlene Harry
M A R K T I S S H AW
Rear View Mirror: tales from our archive
Green light for Jag’s new E-Type 11 November 1992 T
he 37 years between the demise of the E-Type in 1975 and the launch of the F-Type in 2012 were packed with ‘what if’ and ‘nearly’ moments as Jaguar explored how to replace the most famous and beautiful car of all time. The XJS may have immediately followed the E-Type out of Browns Lane, remaining in production until 1996, but, fine as it was, it would never be seen as a true successor. Nor was it trying to be. The ‘F-Type’ nearly arrived in the mid-1980s, with the XJ-41 convertible and XJ-42 coupé designed to replace the XJS with a model much more akin to the E-Type, until new owner Ford arrived and killed a project that, in truth, had spent too long in development by that point and had gotten too heavy anyway. Then came the X100 in 1996, a car we know now as the XK, but in Autocar’s scoop story of 11 November 1992, all signs pointed to the fact that the E-Type’s true successor, the F-Type, was coming. An intrepid news reporter by the name of Steve Cropley got the scoop. “At last, Ford and Jaguar bosses have given their backing to a spiritual successor to the E-Type,” Cropley reported. “This stunning sports car, an XJS replacement codenamed X100, is due on sale in 1996.” Cropley continued: “The X100 will use a modified version of the present XJS floorpan and suspension, but far from being a straightforward XJS
‘Some of the UK’s finest suspension engineers will make the X100 the sports car the XJS never was. This will be a car to be driven’ replacement, it is expected to be lighter, smaller and much more nimble.” The X100 was to be “superbly styled” and be powered by a new four-cam, 32-valve, 4.0-litre AJ26 V8 from a modular family of engines to come from Ford’s Bridgend factory. Performance was tipped to match the 5.3-litre V12-powered XJS of the day, with a 140mph top speed and a 0-60mph time of less than seven seconds. As for the handling, Cropley reported that “the efforts of some of the UK’s finest suspension engineers will make the X100 the sports car the XJS never was. This will be a car to be driven”. Cropley’s sources had told him that the car was signed off in October 1992 at a meeting in Coventry between Ford and Jaguar bosses, a decision that “sent an unprecedented wave of optimism and excitement through
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS European editor Greg Kable Used car editor James Ruppert Senior contributing writer Andrew Frankel Senior contributing editor Richard Bremner Special correspondents Mauro Calo, Jesse Crosse,
Hilton Holloway, Peter Liddiard, Julian Rendell, Richard Webber
MEDIA ENQUIRIES Tel +44 (0)20 8541 3434 Contact Greg Cartwright (greg@performancecomms.com) SUBSCRIPTIONS Tel 0844 848 8816 Overseas +44 (0)1795 592 972 Email autocar@servicehelpline.co.uk SYNDICATION ENQUIRIES Tel +44 (0)1962 867705 Contact Simon Fox (syndication@autocar.co.uk) LICENSING ENQUIRIES Tel +44 (0)20 8267 5024 Contact Isla Friend (isla.friend@haymarket.com) BACK ISSUES Tel 0844 8488816 Email autocar@servicehelpline.co.uk
Jaguar’s Browns Lane headquarters”. Indeed, so enthused were Jaguar’s 14 bosses with the car that “every one of them has claimed he’d spend his own money to buy one”. On those looks, the X100 was the work of Jaguar’s in-house design team, headed by Geoff Lawson and Keith Helfet. The design saw off challenges from Ford HQ’s design studio in Dearborn and the Ghia studio in Turin, something Cropley noted as significant, with Lawson and Helfet being able to “preserve the traditional Jaguar look”. Before the X100 could be launched four years after Cropley’s scoop, Jaguar had to overcome sagging sales in its key US and UK markets and also get the X300 into production as a replacement for the XJ6. The XJS also had to be kept fresh in the intervening years. “Lingering problems or not,” Cropley started his sign-off, “this is a great moment in Jaguar’s history. Concrete plans are now afoot for the beleaguered company to produce its most keenly awaited car, its most radical design in 30 years and a probable lifesaver.” The X100 did go on sale in 1996, but by then it was called the XK. Still more GT than sports car, the XK stayed in production until last year, by which time the E-Type had been replaced in Jaguar’s line-up once and for all with a proper sports car. Called F-Type, of course.
Got an opinion? Email us at autocar@haymarket.com 98 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 11 NOVEMBER 2015
ADVERTISING Classified +44 (0)20 8267 5817 Display +44 (0)20 8267 5574 Production +44 (0)20 8267 5814 Fax +44 (0)20 8267 5312 Sales director Julia Dear Agency group head Richard Potton Agency account managers Adrianna Haynes, Dan Hodgson Semi-display executive Kammy Karginaite Retail executive Hannah Mathew PRODUCTION Tel +44 (0)20 8267 5219 Production manager Anthony Davis Production controller Ben Harris MARKETING Marketing manager Darren Pitt Direct marketing manager Kadie Chanter Newstrade marketing manager Nick Lyon Head of events Wendy Stonebridge MANAGEMENT Group director Patrick Fuller Brand director Rachael Prasher Publisher Chris Lowe © 2015, Haymarket Media Group Ltd. Autocar, Motor, Autocar & Motor are registered trademarks. Circulation enquiries: Frontline Ltd, Midgate House, Midgate, Peterborough PE1 1TN (01733 555161). Repro by Haymarket Pre-Press. Printed by Wyndeham Peterborough. Registered as a newspaper with the Royal Mail. Member of the ABC. ISSN 1355-8293. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form except by permission. The publisher makes every effort to ensure contents are correct but cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions. Unsolicited material is submitted to Autocar entirely at the owner’s risk; the publisher accepts no responsibility for loss or damage. With regret, competitions and promotional offers, unless otherwise stated, are not available to readers outside the UK and Eire. North America: Autocar, ISSN number 135589X, is published weekly by Haymarket Media Group, Teddington Studios, Broom Road, Teddington TW11 9BE, United Kingdom. Airfreight and mailing in the USA by agent named Air Business Ltd, c/o Worldnet Shipping Inc., 156-15, 146th Avenue, 2nd Autocar is a Floor, Jamaica, NY 11434, USA. Periodicals postage paid at Jamaica member of the organising NY 11431. Subscription records are maintained at Haymarket committee of Media Group, Teddington Studios, Broom Road, Teddington TW11 Car Of The Year 9BE. Air Business Ltd is acting as our mailing agent. caroftheyear.org
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