Table of contents for 1489 in Auto Express

Martin_Saarinen@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer EIGHT more manufacturers in the UK have launched various versions of a scrappage scheme to help clear the oldest and most polluting vehicles from the roads, as well as boost their end-of-the-year sales figures. Most companies are offering at least £2,000 towards a new car, while some suggest that with additional incentives the savings on the latest models could be as high as £10,000. We’ve listed how each of the various scrappage schemes from the latest eight manufacturers differ, and what the savings are like. VW offers discounts of up to £10,000 on its vehicles, including the e-Golf Audi AUDI’S scheme differs in that the scrappage offer replaces any and all other purchase incentives. Owners trading in their old Euro 1 to Euro 4 diesels that were registered…

BMW has inadvertently revealed its next-generation X4, because this shot shows an undisguised model being transported from the factory in Spartanburg, US. Unsurprisingly, the new X4’s front end has been taken directly from the recently launched X3, with larger kidney grilles and a more aggressive bumper. A minor reprofiling of the car’s flanks lead towards a heavily revised rear end, featuring a new tailgate and thinner LED tail-lights. Under the skin, the new X4 will sit on the same lightweight platform as the X3, while the current range of 2.0 and 3.0-litre diesel and petrol engines will be carried over to the latest version.…

THE first day of September was important to the car industry for many reasons: not only did the new 67-plate come in, but so did a new set of emissions and fuel economy tests. The new Worldwide harmonised Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) has now started to replace the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) that has its roots in the seventies. From 1 September, any maker bringing out a new model, such as Volkswagen with its T-Roc SUV, will have to pass stricter and more accurate fuel economy and CO2 tests. The 30-minute WLTP assessment now accounts for the weight added by options, requires cars to accelerate and decelerate more quickly, and run at higher speeds than before, among other things. To test for nitrogen oxide emissions, new models will…

Martin_Saarinen@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer MANUFACTURERS are constantly searching for lighter, cheaper and more durable materials. The past 20 years have seen steel slowly replaced by aluminium in vehicle chassis, while carbon fibre has also started to trickle down from race cars to mainstream production lines. Now a team of students from the Netherlands is saying car makers should start using more sustainable materials, such as plant fibres, to cut down on waste and pollution. And to show exactly how it can be done, the group of Dutch academics from Eindhoven University of Technology has built the world’s first plant-based vehicle. “To show how a car can be made from sustainable materials, Dutch students built world’s first plant-based vehicle” Auto Express visited the TU/ecomotive team at the Dutch embassy in London to find…

James_Brodie@dennis.co.uk @jimmybrods DACIA’S Stepway range is one of the budget brand’s biggest success stories. Around 60 per cent of Sandero sales are accounted for by the more rugged, taller version of the firm’s supermini – and now, in line with facelifts across the entire Dacia line-up, it’s had a bit of a revamp. The styling changes include revised headlights and tail-lights, a new front grille and a different front bumper. Inside, smarter materials, chrome-effect trim and a new steering wheel freshen things up. The Stepway has a slightly raised ride height over the Sandero, along with black plastic cladding, fake aluminium skid plates, and roof rails. Under the skin, it’s still a front-wheel-drive supermini. The Stepway isn’t available in the Sandero’s entry-level Access trim, so you’ll have to plump for…

BMW 320i M Sport Auto PRICE: £32,940 ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 181bhp THE 3 Series is as engaging to drive as the XE and Giulia, with adaptive dampers and sweet steering providing thrills on the road, plus good comfort and refinement, helped by the turbo engine. The 480-litre boot rivals the best, so it’s down to personal choice. Mercedes C 200 AMG Line Auto PRICE: £34,165 ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 181bhp MERCEDES’ C 200 petrol is even pricier in AMG Line trim. However, the nine-speed auto is smooth and refined, while the 480-litre boot, spacious cabin and decent infotainment – if you go for the COMAND Online system – make this an alternative to consider.…

products@autoexpress.co.uk @AE_Consumer Got a query? THIS WEEK’S HOT KIT Celectro car care line-up Price: From £9 Contact: www.celectro.com IF you want to keep your car and motorcycle clean, Celectro’s new interchangeable range could be ideal. Most of the car-focused products are supplied in 500ml aluminium bottles, with the exception being liquid Esprit Polish (£13, 250ml), which claims ‘long-lasting protection’ and shine. The rest of the range comprises Sabre Wheel Cleaner (£9), plus Interceptor Shampoo (£10) that’s designed not to affect protective coatings. There’s also a pre-wash Scimitar Snow Foam (£10), a Tuscan Tyre Dressing (£10) trigger spray that is packed with silicone oils for a durable finish, and Vitesse Quick Detailer (£9) to add shine to hard exterior surfaces. All but the polish can be bought in a car detailing…

Got any car queries? Martin_Saarinen@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer 61st PLACE 2017 Results Civic Factfile Years: 2012 to 2017 CO2: 94g/km Fuel economy: 78mpg (1.6 i-DTEC) Best options: Sat-nav, reversing camera, lane departure, AEB, keyless entry and start, auto lights Prices: From £5,595 87.99% OVERALL SCORE Bars show where model finished out of 75 cars in our 2017 survey. The longer the bar the better GOOD “A VERY responsive car to steer; it handles well and the brakes are nicely weighted.” “The 1.6 i-DTEC is good on fuel and comes with decent power and torque.” “I love the Honda Magic Seats. They make the Civic so much more practical.” “I like the additional kit on board – reversing cameras, collision warning and lane-departure alerts.” “Servicing and insurance have been cheap so far.” “The…

Sam_Naylor@dennis.co.uk @SamNaylor_AE THE new Volkswagen Polo arrives in a year saturated with brand new superminis; we’ve already been impressed by the Citroen C3, Ford Fiesta, SEAT Ibiza and Suzuki Swift in 2017. The VW Polo is one of the most recognisable names of the lot, and this latest Mk6 car brings more space, more kit and an updated design. It’s hardly a revolution, but the Polo has a sportier stance thanks to a lower roofline, plus bumpers and lights that emphasise the car’s width. It’s still one of the more restrained superminis, but that was always one of its strengths: it appeals to those not wishing to shout about their vehicle. Thanks to the MQB platform on which it’s based, the Polo is now lighter, longer and lower than the…

Curvy Kia shooting brake ‘hints at Cee’d’ KIA has teased a new concept car (above) that will take to the stage at next week’s Frankfurt Motor Show. It will preview the brand’s new design language, which will appear first on the next-generation Cee’d hatchback in 2018. The concept also hints at a new shooting brake version of Kia’s Ford Focus rival. It presents a “bold vision for a potential member of the next-generation Cee’d family”, says Kia. News MERCEDES-AMG has confirmed its upcoming hypercar, which is known as Project One, will be capable of more than 217mph and develop in excess of 1,000bhp. Ahead of its official debut at next week’s Frankfurt show, Mercedes has teased its low-slung two-seater with a new front end image. The McLaren P1 rival will use…

Cosmetic tweaks for Nissan coupé NISSAN has revealed an updated version of its 370Z coupé (above), with most changes focusing on cosmetic tweaks. Black door handles and a black rear bumper have been added, while tinted head and rear lamps are now standard. New 19-inch alloy wheels have also been fitted, along with a new red exterior finish on the options list. Under the bonnet, the usual 324bhp 3.7-litre V6 engine powers the rear wheels. Prices start from £29,185. DS 3 Chic has key to contactless payment DS has launched the UK’s first car key fitted with contactless payment tech. The key, which is only available on the DS 3 Connected Chic model, is fitted with Radio-Frequency IDentification (RFID) technology allowing the owner to use it like a contactless bank…

James_Batchelor@dennis.co.uk @JRRBatchelor Walkaround video on Porsche Cayenne THERE’S a new Porsche Cayenne in town – no really, there is. While the new model looks just like the SUV it replaces, the same-again styling shrouds all-new underpinnings. The new Cayenne is all-new inside, and features the type of technology and design we’ve already seen in the latest Panamera (driven on Page 30). Join us on an exclusive walkaround tour. New Continental GT is up and running ELSEWHERE in the VW Group, Bentley has revealed its new Continental GT. This third-generation car takes key design cues from the EXP 10 Speed 6 sports car concept, and the lower profile and prominent haunches hint at a sportier Conti than before. See the car in action in our video. You can watch any of…

Richard_Ingram@dennis.co.uk @rsp_ingram IN just 12 months, Jaguar’s SUV range has expanded from zero models to three – with the F-Pace selling well, the E-Pace on the way and the all-electric I-Pace SUV already causing quite a stir. However, despite claiming they’d never build another estate car, the brand’s engineers, designers and marketeers have generated a business case for this: the second-generation XF Sportbrake. It’s based on the existing XF saloon, and costs an average of £2,400 more across the range. The Sportbrake is designed to offer a practical and versatile alternative to those not sold on an F-Pace. From the front it looks like any XF, with a sharp nose and prominent grille. In fact, the cars are identical until you reach the B-pillar; where the saloon’s roofline tails off,…

James_Brodie@dennis.co.uk @jimmybrods WHILE we’re waiting for Mercedes to launch its all-electric ‘EQ’ sub-brand, the firm’s Smart division is getting on with the job by launching brand new, electrified versions of its ForTwo and ForFour city cars. This is the first time we’ve tried the second of those models on UK roads. It’s in showrooms now, starting from £16,915 after the Government plug-in grant. That sticker price means the ForFour Electric Drive is a more expensive option than basic versions of the Renault ZOE and Nissan Leaf. It still looks steep on a monthly PCP deal, too; the representative quote of £269 per month puts it way beyond the ZOE. However, the level of standard kit here is strong. You get halogen LED headlights with LED daytime running lamps, electric mirrors,…

JAGUAR XE score 3.9 Touch Pro Nav £1,610 option Key features: Sat-nav, Meridian stereo OUR test car was fitted with Jaguar’s £1,610 optional Touch Pro Nav system, which upgrades the screen from eight to 10.2 inches and also includes a 12.3-inch digital dial display. It’s crisp and clear, but not quite as versatile as Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital instruments unit. The upgraded infotainment package also adds a 380W Meridian stereo, which delivered a punchy sound. This XE was specced with Jaguar’s £625 dual-view touchscreen, too; this allows the driver and passenger to view different images on the whole of the screen simultaneously. The digital TV tuner makes the most of this set-up, but at £890 it’s an expensive option. Although Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren’t offered, Jag’s InControl Apps…

Pete_Gibson@dennis.co.uk PEUGEOT’s all-new 3008 has already impressed us, to the extent that we named it Best Mid-Size SUV at our New Car Awards 2017. The brand’s virtual realitybased adverts hint at one of the reasons why we already love the 3008, and that’s the tech on board – although sadly you can’t quite drive it using a VR headset just yet. The two cars I’ve most recently run on the Auto Express fleet were the 3008’s key rivals: the Renault Kadjar and SEAT Ateca. That puts me in a great position to see whether the slick new Peugeot can cope with real life. Unlike the awkwardly styled previous model, the 3008 now looks like a proper SUV, with a chunky design and sharp details. We’ve gone for GT Line trim,…

NEW PRODUCT VW Connect OBD plug and app Price: Free Contact: www.volkswagen.co.uk CONNECTED on-board diagnostic (OBD) plugs and dongles are becoming more popular, allowing drivers to have data about their car sent to their phone via Bluetooth. Now Volkswagen has become the first maker to get in on the act, producing the VW Connect Dataplug, plus an iOS and Android app called Volkswagen Connect. The plugs can be picked up free from any VW dealer, and slot directly into the car’s OBD port. Using Bluetooth, they connect to the smartphone. VW Connect records each trip, measuring miles driven and fuel consumption. This is then available for download, allowing business users to track their mileage. The Driving Style section allows the app to rate the way the car has been driven,…

Ford GT: Then and Now Adrian Streather (Veloce Publishing, veloce.co.uk) Price: £45 Rating: THE title of this book is a misnomer because as a ‘classic reprint’, it doesn’t actually cover ‘now’; the new Ford GT isn’t included. Pass over that and what you’re left with is a detailed and informative guide to the original GT40, and the 2004 GT, that’s packed with great photos. It’s just a shame we couldn’t have had an updated edition rather than this out-of-date reprint. Silver Dream Racer Network Distributing (www.networkair.com) Price: £14.99 (Bluray); £9.99 (DVD) Rating: DESPITE originally being released in the eighties, this film (starring David Essex) doesn’t feel too out of date, although it’s a bit cheesy. Sure to appeal to bike and car fans alike, it’s a tale of British success…

Stephen_Errity@dennis.co.uk THE troubled relationship between McLaren and engine supplier Honda could finish at the end of this year. Senior figures in the Woking team are said to be losing patience with the Japanese firm after almost three seasons of continued underperformance and poor reliability. The squad’s lead driver, Fernando Alonso, told the media that he has offers on the table from several teams (with Williams a strongly rumoured possibility) and it’s believed the Spaniard is unwilling to stay with McLaren unless it finds a new engine. Speaking before last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, Honda’s Yusuke Hasegawa said: “It’s clear that currently he [Alonso] doesn’t want to stay with Honda. He agreed that [once] he has some hope or expectation that Honda can improve, maybe he [will] change his mind. “It…

Motoring’smost outspoken and opinionated columnist sounds off The comparatively tiny lone wolf that is Suzuki is doing nicely with a small workforce, but a profit of $1.5billion EVER thought about how much richer the world’s top vehicle makers became last year at the expense of their humble customers? In view of the fact that Apple revelled in heinously high annual profits of $45.7billion (£35.5billion), while the greedy Industrial & Commercial Bank of China wasn’t too far behind on $41.9bn (£32.5bn), Toyota, the highest-ranked car maker, was a comparative pauper with profits of $16.9bn (£13.1bn). It’s a tad surprising that the modest and at times frosty Renault-Nissan ‘partnership’ was the motor industry’s runner-up last year with a $9.8bn (£7.6bn) profit. Even more shocking is that the Daimler (i.e. Mercedes) empire and General…

Sean_Carson@dennis.co.uk @Sean_Carson_ THIS is the all-new, second-generation Nissan Leaf and it will “make drivers feel more confident, excited and connected”, according to the Japanese brand. It has a tough act to follow, because the Mk1 was the first mass-market EV, shifting more than 283,000 units in seven years. The latest all-electric family hatch has a wealth of advanced new tech, grouped under the banner of “Nissan Intelligent Mobility”. Auto Express went behind the scenes to find out more. “Nissan is planning to add multi-lane motorway autonomous capability to the new Leaf by next year” Three pillars underpin this, the first of which is called Intelligent Driving. By far the biggest advance for the Leaf comes in the form of Nissan’s e-Pedal. This switchable system increases the regenerative braking when you…

John_McIlroy@dennis.co.uk @johnmcilroy SEAT has released the first details and pictures of its hottest hatchback yet: the Leon Cupra R. But the model will be a limited edition and it’s still unclear how many will be offered in right-hand drive to British customers. Revealed by SEAT management in a Web conference on Monday, ahead of a public debut at next week’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the Leon Cupra R gets a retuned version of the regular Cupra’s 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, with 306bhp. That’s enough to make it the most powerful production model in the Spanish manufacturer’s history. It will be front-wheel drive only, and use a six-speed manual gearbox. “R gets a retuned version of regular Cupra’s 2.0-litre turbo, with 306bhp, making it the most powerful production SEAT” SEAT has yet…

Glimpse of Chinese SUV ahead of show CHINESE car maker Chery has revealed a teaser image for its all-new SUV ahead of a Frankfurt Motor Show unveiling. The car (above) remains unnamed for now, but will wear the firm’s badge when it goes on sale in Europe within the next few years. Little is known about the new model so far, but it’s likely to offer a value alternative to cars such as the BMW X3. The company plans to bring only electric or hybrid variants over to Europe, too. Samsung green light for self-driving test SAMSUNG has been granted permission to test self-driving cars in California. The Korean tech giant joins companies such as Apple, Ford and Volkswagen with a permit to allow autonomous prototypes to operate in public…

John_McIlroy@dennis.co.uk @johnmcilroy SKODA will launch a small crossover in the second half of 2019 – and it’s aiming to trump big-sellers like the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur on practicality. Skoda’s R&D boss Christian Strube told us last year that he was working on a smaller model. It was expected that this would be a jacked-up version of the nextgeneration Fabia – but Strube suggested that Skoda would use flexibility in the VW Group’s line-up of platforms to deliver on its key brand strength of clever practicality. We now understand that this process has led to the car being based not on the Fabia, but on the next version of the Rapid Spaceback, as revealed in our exclusive images. The two models are scheduled to switch to the VW Group’s…

Contact Lawrence Allan mail@autoexpress.co.uk @AutoExpress Write to: Watchdog/Letters, Auto Express, Dennis Publishing, 31-32 Alfred Place, London WC1E 7DP FROM: Hadi Sidaoui CLAIMED power is 592bhp – this is a number supercar manufacturers such as Ferrari aimed at a decade ago. And to those who say the Audi RS6 or Mercedes-AMG E 63 S is the better car, I say don’t rush to your conclusions too early. FROM: Rob Turner I USED to appreciate BMW, but these new cars are just boring rehashes of previous designs. The X series models are the same; unless you put new and old side by side you wouldn’t notice a difference. The i8 and i3 are the only BMWs that stand out. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk ▪ “No manual? No naturally aspirated V8? No…

Richard_Ingram@dennis.co.uk @rsp_ingram AS the Government slowly implements its push to clear the streets of diesel cars, many drivers are turning to hybrid and electric vehicles to save on tax. But while lots will look at small EVs, crossovers and 4x4s, Porsche insists there’s a healthy appetite for electrified versions of its not-so-cheap Panamera. The German brand now offers two plugin versions of the revised model – presenting all the leather-lined luxury and space you could want, matched to strong performance and low running costs. We tried the latest plug-in Panamera at the start of the year (Issue 1,457) and the belting Turbo S E-Hybrid last month (Issue 1,484), but now we’re driving the entry-level variant in the UK to see whether the formula suits busy British B-roads and congested city…

Richard_Ingram@dennis.co.uk @rsp_ingram CHANGAN is the biggest global car manufacturer you’ve never heard of. The brand is more than 100 years old, in fact, and in 2016 alone produced nearly three million vehicles – including cars, vans and SUVs. Most of these are sold in its home market of China, but with more than 6,000 service facilities across 60 countries worldwide, Changan also has a big presence in South America, the Middle East and Russia. With new research and development centres in Italy, the US and even Britain, the company is ready to take its next step. Brand bosses suggest a European launch is still up to a decade away, but to see if Changan is ready to conquer established brands like Citroen, Hyundai, Kia and Renault, we took a trip…

JAGUAR 1st WHILE the new Ingenium engine doesn’t offer the performance of the Alfa, it’s smooth and refined. The chassis’s involvement and desire to change direction makes up for this shortfall, but it combines this with the most compliant ride here. The XE is the cheapest car on test, will lose the least value and will be relatively affordable to run, even if diesel variants of this trio make more financial sense. ALFA ROMEO 2nd WITH its punchy petrol turbo, fast steering and agile chassis, the Alfa is the driver’s choice. As a petrol car the Giulia very nearly beats the Jag; it’s practical, offers great performance and looks lovely. It’s even relatively efficient, so will be a cost-effective company buy. Poor infotainment and some quality issues hold it back,…

WE loved the Citroen C4 Cactus’s funky styling and unique design ethos when it arrived in 2014, and it’s still the most distinctive car in its class to this day. Where other models, including even the facelifted Captur, are more conventional, the Cactus was a risk that really paid off for Citroen. The interior in particular is a high point for the little SUV. While the C4 Cactus doesn’t have a very high-quality finish, using some hard plastics throughout, it’s no worse than the Captur. However, it feels much more logical and simple inside. The low dash gives a sense of space, plus the design cues are modern, but not at the expense of functionality – with the exception perhaps of the driving position, which could be better. On the…

Carbon 911 wheels set to cost you £10k PORSCHE’S 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series features a world first in wheel technology: braided carbon fibre. The company claims the wheels (above) are around 20 per cent lighter than standard alloys, and also 20 per cent stronger, reducing unsprung weight and better resisting damage. The new 20-inch wheels are made from 11.18 miles of carbon fibre and 86 sq ft of carbon-fibre fabric. They’ll be available as a £10,000- plus option on the 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series from next year. Haynes releases manual for C-Class HAYNES’ latest manual covers the workings of the 2007-2014 W204 generation of the Mercedes C-Class, in its various diesel iterations. Popular with private and company buyers, this compact exec was fitted with Mercedes’ 2.1-litre diesel, in…