Table of contents for 1623 in Auto Express

James_Brodie@dennis.co.uk @jimmybrods ● New four-door model revealed ● Joins 5dr Sportback in line-up AUDI has launched the new A3 Saloon, a second body style for its latest compact executive model that is designed to take on the Mercedes A-Class saloon and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé. Compared with the last A3 Saloon, the four-door model has grown in length by 40mm to 4,500mm, while it’s 20mm wider and 10mm taller. The wheelbase remains the same, though, so while Audi claims that there’s more head and shoulder room inside, legroom should remain unchanged. Boot space continues to be 425 litres with the rear seats in place, too. This is slightly more than the 380 litres on offer in the A3 Sportback, but it’s a different shape. Inside, the driver and front…

Steve_Fowler@dennis.co.uk @stevefowler ● Sister model to Zoe supermini due in the next 18 months ● Design boss wants to make a statement with newcomer RENAULT’S electric charge will continue with the arrival of a big brother to the Zoe hatchback within the next 18 months, Auto Express can reveal. The fully electric SUV is one of two all-new EVs in the pipeline from the French firm, and it will take on competition such as the upcoming Volkswagen ID.4 and Vauxhall Mokka-e. The as-yet-unnamed SUV will be heavily based on the Morphoz concept car, and will use the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s new CMF-EV electric-car platform, which was first displayed on the showcar. Asked about the design of Renault’s next EV, Groupe Renault head of design Laurens van den Acker told us: “I…

mail@autoexpress.co.uk @AutoExpress Write to: Letters, Auto Express, Dennis Publishing Ltd, 31-32 Alfred Place, London WC1E 7DP HOT TOPIC Hyundai i20 N FROM: Brendan Leonard I HAVE a Mk7 Ford Fiesta ST that I’ll be looking to replace in the next couple of years – an i20 N might just hit the spot. Ford has been king when it comes to great handling for a while, but Hyundai is getting there in my opinion. FROM: Yancho Yanchev HYUNDAI has been making really good progress with its car designs over the last three or four years. But this seems to have been a serious backward step, as the last i20 was one of the best-looking superminis on the market. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk ■ “I love the styling and hope it…

John_McIlroy@dennis.co.uk @johnmcilroy Volkswagen up! WE love concept cars that really push the boundaries of conventional thinking – pure flights of fancy released to grab headlines and little more. Yet over the years, Auto Express has seen dozens of show cars that have morphed into models that have been bought in their thousands. In this new series, we look at some significant concept cars and chart how they were transformed into production realities. In some cases, the show car was a thinly disguised taster for what lay ahead. In others, the manufacturer had to make significant changes before it had a car ready to sell to the public. OUR first pick falls into the second of those categories, because while the eventual product retained lots of the concept’s appeal, the fundamentals…

sean_carson@dennis.co.uk @sean_carson_ THE recipe is not a hard one to comprehend. Bentley has delivered coupé and convertible versions of its range-topping W12 Continental GT, but so far we’ve only sampled the hard-top version of its V8 version in the UK – and loved it. Now, though, it’s time for the Continental GT Convertible with the brand’s V8. The results of this recipe are easy to understand, too, because the Bentley Continental GT Convertible V8 is sublime – and for many reasons. We’ll start with how it drives, which is as good a place as any for the most sporting Bentley drop-top on offer. In Comfort mode the ride is gloriously cushioned by the standard three-chamber air-suspension set-up. Only the really worst potholes send the structure shuddering, and given how big…

Expert insight Sean_Carson@dennis.co.uk FAMILY cars come in all shapes and sizes, catering for new families up to larger ones that need plenty of space for children and the clutter that can sometimes come with them. We’re majoring on family-focused practicality here, with a range of top picks that include the humble compact family hatchback – of which there are a few new and improved examples on the market – to the cover-all solution that a seven-seat MPV or, increasingly, a large SUV provides. We have petrol, diesel, hybrid and pure-electric power, depending on what you’re looking for, as well as cars that’ll keep keen drivers engaged. One thing they all have in common is they deliver the kind of versatility and usability that families need. This wide breadth of models…

MAZDA revamped the 2 supermini recently, but the updates were relatively minor. Changes to the suspension and steering are the most notable when it comes to the driving experience, but these haven’t altered where the Mazda sits in relation to its rivals: it’s still one of the best superminis to drive, if you don’t mind the less gutsy, non-turbo engine. The steering is numb, as in nearly all modern cars, but is well weighted and direct, and the chassis is agile and grippy. The 2 is not quite as playful as the Fiesta, so the Ford has more of a sense of fun about the way it drives, but the Mazda is almost as satisfying. Details such as the slick gearshift and great driving position mean that the 2 is…

Steve_Walker@dennis.co.uk Running costs 36.2mpg (on test) £71 fill-up/£455 or 15% tax Practicality Boot capacity 390 litres IT’S easy to fall into the trap of thinking about the Volvo S60 T8 purely in terms of its plug-in hybrid powertrain. Thanks to its turbocharged and supercharged petrol engine turning the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox while a battery-fed electric motor drives the rear axle, I’m constantly aware that there’s a lot going on under the skin of this car. Even the impact that I can have on the S60’s performance and fuel economy just by remembering to plug it in underlines how central Volvo’s clever hybrid tech is to the car. However, it’s time to pop on the sunglasses to shield our eyes from all that dazzling tech, and examine…

Got a query? products@autoexpress.co.uk Q Is AdBlue a minus point? I’M considering buying a brand-new diesel car but all the cars I have seen require the AdBlue additive. How often will I need to top up? Michael Hodgetts, E-mail A THE frequency with which you will need more AdBlue depends on the car you buy and your mileage. For average drivers, many models’ AdBlue will only need topping up at the annual service. If you do have to top it up yourself, buy online or from an accessory store rather than a dealership, and be aware smaller bottles tend to offer far less value for money than larger packs. Q Under pressure for MoT test I WAS looking over my car before I took it for its MoT, and my…

CARPLAN parent company Tetrosyl launched the Car Gods 54 brand to appeal to enthusiast detailers, and we assessed some of the range in our annual car care tests (Issue 1,620) with impressive results. But has the firm taken the same upmarket approach with the accessories? To find out we compared the wash mitt from the line-up (which also includes drying and microfibre cloths) against multiple test winner Kent’s 2in1 Mitt. We checked how much water each could absorb after being soaked and drained for 30 seconds, then rated user-friendliness and fit. We also looked for the ability to be machine washed, and took price into account. Kent wins again, but it’s close, with the newcomer easy to use and light on the pocket. “Has Car Gods 54 taken the same…

• Electronics One of the most common gripes from S-Cross owners is a problem with the hill start assist system, which can fail to hold. • Key If you’re buying a car with keyless entry, make sure it works properly, because the S-Cross has been known to fail to recognise such keys on occasion. • Bodywork The paintwork can get chipped all too easily, especially on the bonnet, so look carefully for evidence of rust spots before you commit to buy. • Connectivity Although Apple CarPlay and standard Bluetooth both tend to work fine, streaming music from a smartphone can be erratic.…

HOW OUR GUIDE WORKS PERFORMANCE: This is the manufacturer’s claimed acceleration time for a car, and is measured from 0-60mph or 0-62mph (0-100kph), in seconds. ECONOMY AND EMISSIONS: The combined economy figure in miles per gallon and its emissions in grams per kilometre of CO2. Figures are the best achieved in the latest WLTP tests, but will vary according to equipment and are unlikely to be representative of everyday efficiency. INSURANCE: Group rating as quoted by the Association of British Insurers. WARRANTY: Next to each manufacturer’s name is the basic warranty period in months and miles for the mechanicals, corrosion and paintwork. EVs and hybrids will have dedicated battery cover. LIST PRICE: This is the on-the-road figure and includes VAT, delivery to dealer, 12 months’ road tax, number plates and…

Motoring’s most outspoken and opinionated columnist sounds off “Stirling Moss was the maestro of axing the commute–by running his motorsport, media and property empire from his house” NO excuses; in recent weeks we’ve all had time to reminisce, reflect, reassess. As we should. Seize the opportunity, I say. Positive distractions help in times of crisis and tragedy – believe me, I know. So recall those gloriously carefree childhood days when you were happily perched – ghastly, sugary, fizzy drink in hand – on the rear seat of the family car. Enjoy reliving the moment you got your first car; remind yourself of the greatest drives of your life and the friends and loved ones you drove them with. Dig out those faded photos – and frame them. Looking forward, what…

John_McIlroy@dennis.co.uk @johnmcilroy ● Plug-in versions of Evoque and Disco Sport on sale now LAND Rover has been accused of being behind the curve on electrification, but it’s about to take a big step towards addressing that issue with the arrival of plug-in hybrid versions of two of its most popular models, the Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque. Officially announced this week, the two new models mark a significant development in Land Rover’s model range. They also represent a sizeable investment in the company’s Premium Transverse Architecture (PTA), the platform that underpins its smaller vehicles. Designed from the outset to accommodate electrified powertrains, PTA means that Land Rover is able to claim a strong pure-electric range for both of its two new arrivals, as well as promising that they will…

Volkswagen Golf R VW is gearing up to launch its most powerful Golf ever, the new R hatchback. Spied undergoing the final stages of its development testing at the Nürburgring, it’s one of three new R models waiting in the wings from VW’s performance arm. This Golf R test mule spied is completely undisguised, giving us a clear view of how the Civic Type R rival will look when it’s officially launched later this year. It’s obvious the new R will stick with an understated look like the current model; slightly more aggressive front and rear bumper, quad exhausts, and performance brakes are the only real visual identifiers. Under the skin, we know the next Golf R will stick with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine used in the current car;…

CAR finance lenders should provide a three-month payment freeze to motorists experiencing difficulties meeting their monthly PCP and leasing repayments due to coronavirus-related issues, the UK’s financial watchdog has said. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) warned that automotive finance houses “should not take steps to end the agreement or repossess the vehicle” if customers are having difficulties making repayments due to reduced incomes, unemployment, or health issues brought about by coronavirus. The FCA also warns finance firms against changing contracts “in a way that is unfair”, such as readjusting monthly repayments for PCP (personal contract purchase) deals based on falling car values. And with dealerships across the country closed, drivers nearing the end of their PCP deal are advised to contact their lender and discuss the options available. The FCA added, “Due…

Legal AA: 0345 850 1130 (m) RAC: 0330 159 1446 (m) Which?: 01992 878329 Citizens Advice Consumer helpline: 03454 040506 Local Trading Standards Local Citizens Advice Bureau Used car inspections AA: 0800 056 8040 RAC: 0330 159 0720 Technical advice AA: 0370 142 0002 (m) Driving licences DVLA: 0300 790 6801 Car registration/history HPI: 01722 422422 AA: 0800 316 3564 DVLA: 0300 790 6802 RAC: 0330 159 0364 Traffic information AA: 0906 888 4322 RAC: 09003 444999 (p) Problems with dealers The Motor Ombudsman: 0345 241 3008 Consumer Ombudsman: www.consumer-ombudsman.org RMIF: 0845 305 4230 Scottish Motor Trade Assoc. 0131 331 5510 Problems with makers The Motor Ombudsman: 0345 241 3008 Financial problems Financial Ombudsman: 0800 023 4567 Safety concerns/recalls DVSA: 0300 123 9000…

Hugo_Griffiths@dennis.co.uk @hugo_griffiths TO reflect the constantly developing nature of all things car-related, Driver Power has changed, too. Here, for the first time ever, we bring you a rundown of the best public chargepoints available for electric cars. Even if you’re not an EV owner yet, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on which chargepoints are the best, and which could do with more work. That’s because the ability to make long trips in an electric car remains a sticking point for many potential EV buyers, so knowing which company gives the best service is an indication of which chargers you should seek out in the future. And, if you’re already driving around using Volts and Watts rather than petrol or diesel, the information laid out here is immediately…

FERRARI PORTOFINO Price from: £164,425 WHILE Ferrari is synonymous with track-focused sports cars, the Portofino is a luxury GT with plenty of punch. Likely to be the choice of many first-time Ferrari owners, the Portofino is powered by a 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 developing 591bhp that sends all of its power to the rear wheels. It’s a thoroughly competent all-rounder, but with an eye firmly on performance. Pricey options can see the price skyrocket, too. ASTONDB11VOLANTE Price from:£165,850 THE DB11 was the first model to emerge from a reborn Aston Martin under the stewardship of Andy Palmer. A truly striking car, roof up or down, its looks are matched with a beautifully balanced chassis and thunderous 503bhp 4.0-litre V8. However, the weak point with the DB11 was the quality inside; early…

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The Porsche Art Book: Christophorus Edition Edwin Baaske (Delius Klasing, www.delius-klasing.de) Price: 128 Euros (£112) THIS gorgeous coffee table book contains a selection of artwork inspired by and featuring the Porsche 911. There are 120 large-format pictures in all, from more than 100 artists. It’s a pricey book, but it will delight the hardcore Porsche fan – or art buffs who happen to be petrolheads. Trains, Planes, Ships and Cars: 1900-1941 James Hamilton-Paterson (Apollo, www.headofzeus.com) Price: £6.99 (eBook) THE turn of the century was a time of great change for transport, and this book has lots of material on the rise of the car and its role in changing how we get around. It’s also got plenty to interest on a more general level – as the title suggests. It’s…

Got any car queries? Tristan_Shale-Hester@dennis.co.uk Q Does MoT extension apply to my motorhome? PLEASE could you advise whether my motorhome is covered by the six-month exemption for vehicles with MoTs due from 30 March onwards? I can’t find any information on vehicles of this kind. Stephen Young, E-mail A IF your motorhome weighs less than 3.5 tonnes and was due an MoT after 30 March, it qualifies for the same six-month extension as cars. If your vehicle weighs more than this, it’s exempt from its annual test for only three months. Do bear in mind that the exemption for heavier vehicles applies to ones that were due a test from 21 March, rather than the 30 March rule that lighter vehicles are subject to. Q Addressing warranty work while dealership…

THE Suzuki S-Cross is a bit-part player on the SUV stage, but you should still give it due consideration. It’s larger than a supermini SUV yet smaller than a compact crossover, so it could be a Goldilocks car if you’re torn between the two segments. The styling isn’t its strongest suit, and you’ll probably have to explain to people what it is, but if you’re after an economical and characterful SUV, the S-Cross is worth a spot on your shortlist. Common faults OWNER reviews often heap praise on the S-Cross for the value for money it offers, but complaints about electrical and bodywork issues do rear their heads. “If you’re looking for an economical and characterful SUV, then the SX4 S-Cross is one to consider”…

VOLVO XC40 Recharge T5 Price from: £40,905 EV range: 28 miles VOLVO has made plenty of headlines with its electrification push, and the recently launched XC40 Recharge T5 is at the sharp end of delivering on the firm’s promises. The baby SUV has a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol motor, a single electric motor and a 10.7kWh battery – some way off the capacity of the new Land Rovers. Total system power is rated at 258bhp and 425Nm, but the car is front-wheel drive only. It can still crack 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds, but the pure-electric range is a modest 28 miles. Boot space is unaffected by the powertrain, so it has a useful 460-litre capacity. TOYOTARAV4 PHEV Price from: £35,000 (est) EV range: 38 miles HYBRID power has long been at…

Now BMW preps the X8 for an M makeover EVIDENCE that BMW is planning a range-topping X8 SUV has emerged in the form of a fresh trademark application. While BMW claimed the X8 name in 2016, it has now applied for the rights to the X8 M badge, hinting that a hot M Division version is also under consideration. The X8 model would be aimed at the US and Chinese markets as a coupé-style SUV based on the X7. VW teases mildly revised Tiguan SUV THIS is our first official look at the updated Volkswagen Tiguan (below). The design sketch shows the SUV will get a modest exterior makeover with a reworked front end and new LED lights. There’ll also be changes beneath the skin; a plug-in hybrid has been…

Hugo_Griffiths@dennis.co.uk @hugo_griffiths WERE it not for the coronavirus lockdown, the prospect of empty roads and low fuel prices would be a petrolhead’s dream. But some drivers are breaching rules designed to slow the spread of the disease, taking advantage of traffic levels that have fallen to fifties’ rates. A number of police forces across the country have caught motorists at “extreme” speeds, while officers are reporting proportional increases in speeding at almost every level. Surrey’s Roads Policing Unit caught one driver at 130mph on the M25, who told officers: “I thought the faster I went, the less chance I could catch coronavirus.” London’s Metropolitan Police, meanwhile, apprehended a number of drivers at “outrageous” speeds, including one who reached 134mph in a 40mph zone. It’s not just these headline-grabbing speeds that…

mail@autoexpress.co.uk @The_Rutherford “I found myself hopelessly star-struck by the living legend sitting across the aisle from me. Honestly, I felt I was in the presence of a genuine icon” Roll of honour A life in motorsport SIR Stirling Moss’ racing career was about more than sheer numbers. Unlike Michael Schumacher or Lewis Hamilton, he wasn’t in a position to rack up wins in a superior car for an extended period. Instead, his reputation rests on his ability to wring remarkable performances out of cars that weren’t superior – or even equal – to competitors’; the prime example was his stint driving for Rob Walker’s private team against the might of the factory Cooper, Lotus and Ferrari efforts. His time at the top was short, stretching from Juan Manuel Fangio’s retirement…

James_Brodie@dennis.co.uk @jimmybrods Running costs 40.9 mpg (official) £50 fill-up Performance 0-62mph/top speed 6.5 seconds/136mph ONCE again, Mazda has given the fourth-generation MX-5 a tweak for the summer, with a new-look UK line-up. Basic versions of the MX-5 are still powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine developing 130bhp, but this engine is only available in two trim levels – SE and Sport. Faster 2.0-litre cars, like the one driven here, are offered exclusively in more lavish Sport Tech and GT Sport Tech trims – the latter a range-topping model with all but one option box ticked, Nappa leather seats and neat-looking 17-inch black BBS wheels. Go for a 2.0-litre car, and there’s 181bhp and 205Nm of torque on offer, while the manual model gets a front strut brace for additional rigidity,…

Skoda Kodiaq IF you need seven seats, the Skoda Kodiaq is worth a look. With all the same benefits as the five-seat Karoq, the Kodiaq adds a pair of seats in the very back. This set-up compromises boot capacity a little, but there are few more cost-effective ways to carry seven people. The ride is comfortable, while the engines are efficient. Volvo XC40 VOLVO relaunched itself as an SUV brand with the all-new XC90. The XC60 is a scaled-down version of that car, but the cool compact XC40 SUV has more personality. It’s smaller, but feels more fun as a result and if you’ve got a new family then it could be the model for you – especially if you’re after a more ‘lifestyle’ vehicle. Peugeot 5008 THE Peugeot 5008…

THE Ford Fiesta is Britain’s best-selling car, and a previous Auto Express Award winner. There’s good reason for both, because it has all the right ingredients to be a great supermini. It’s fun to drive, well equipped, economical and has plenty of space inside – and all of those features are present and correct in this base-spec Trend model. Both cars in this test are enjoyable to drive, and in fact, they’re just about the most fun you can have in a new car on a limited budget. The Fiesta has lots of grip and an agile chassis, while its steering is quick and well weighted, so it’s a good fun car on a B-road. In comparison, the Mazda 2 is more reserved, and you have to work the engine…

John_McIlroy@dennis.co.uk @johnmcilroy Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 575/1,576 litres Performance 0-62mph/top speed 5.8 seconds/155mph TIME is nearly up for our Ford Focus ST Estate – and it’s no overstatement to say that we already know it’s going to be badly missed when it goes. We chose to run this car because we wanted to see if it could successfully marry the abilities of a large family car with those of a hot hatchback – and it has delivered in spades, on both counts. As a celebration of that mix of speed and practicality, and because it sounded like huge fun, we decided to introduce the ST to a much older fast Ford ‘load-lugger’ (in the spiritual sense, at least). And that’s how we ended up at a windswept airfield near Peterborough,…

NEW PRODUCT Jaguar Land Rover limited edition artwork Prices: from £100 Contact: shop.jaguar.com JAGUAR and Range Rover fans will have to move fast to secure part of the marque’s new artwork range, because the top pieces are limited to just 100 copies. For Big Cat enthusiasts, Jaguar is reviving its competition heritage with a set of three silhouettes of the C, D and E-Type, printed on aluminium. The artwork was created by Jaguar Land Rover designers, and each measures 300x594mm with a matte finish. The three plates come in custom tissue paper along with a self-adhesive fitting kit, and a paper ruler to make hanging simple. The set costs £500 and is restricted to just 100 individually numbered copies. The E-Type is also celebrated in the second piece of Jaguar artwork,…

Get your hands on two new Haynes manuals HAYNES Publishing has released its two latest workshop manuals, for the Nissan Qashqai (2014-present) and the previous Mercedes A-Class (2012-2018), both covering petrol and diesel models. If you plan to make the most of self-isolation by working (safely) on your car, these new manuals could help. They cost £22.99 each and are available from haynes.com. Virtual copies are also available. Brighten up your life with Ami accessories CITROEN has launched a fresh range of accessories to complement its new Ami electric city car. While the car itself is not available in the UK, the accessories are, and can be found on the Citroen web store at lifestyle.citroen.co.uk. You’ll find apparel bearing the Ami name, including T-shirts, sweatshirts and shoes, along with accessories such as…

In association with CO2 /tax 125-127g/km £125 Running costs 51mpg (1.6) £53 fill-up Performance 0-62mph/top speed 11.0 seconds/111mph SUZUKI has a long history of producing four-wheel-drive utility cars – it started making them many years before SUVs reached the popularity that they enjoy today. The original Jimny arrived in 1970, while the Vitara was one of the first compact SUVs when it was launched in 1988. These models put an emphasis on utility, but what Suzuki needed was a product with more of a focus on comfort. It teamed up with Fiat to create the road-biased SX4 (and Fiat Sedici), which was originally launched in 2006. That car was replaced in 2013 by an all-new model with zero involvement from Fiat – although Suzuki did borrow the company’s diesel engine. Despite…

Stephen_Errity@dennis.co.uk ONE of the oldest motorsport events in the world, Colorado’s Pikes Peak International Hillclimb first took place back in 1916. A torturous, twisty and highly dangerous course of nearly 12.5 miles climbing to an altitude of just over 14,000 feet above sea level, it’s perhaps the most extreme test in the world of hillclimbing. Appropriately, it has attracted some extreme vehicles over the years. Many enthusiasts first became aware of the event through the crazy Suzuki Escudo Pikes Peak Special in the Sony PlayStation Gran Turismo games. In real life, this was piloted by Japanese driver Nobuhiro ‘Monster’ Tajima, who won the event overall for the first time in 1995 and went on a six-year winning streak in various Suzukis from 2006 to 2011, setting new course records twice…