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IT’S commonly accepted that we are living through one of the most exciting periods the car industry is likely to see. As Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn said recently, there will be more change in the next 10 years than we’ve witnessed in the past 50. While the technology and powertrains develop at a ferocious pace, it’s fair to say there has been little evidence that how we buy cars will evolve quite so dramatically. But it appears that finally the retail experience is beginning to catch up. In the past week alone, we’ve learned of two new ideas that provide an interesting glimpse of the future. Firstly, Hyundai told us that it would build on the success of its two Rockar operations in shopping malls (above) by building smaller ‘Tesco…

■ Design and technology updates due this spring up James_brodie@dennis.co.uk @JimmyBrods BMW has revealed a range of updates across its 4 Series range, with the Coupé, Gran Coupé and Convertible all benefiting from a mild facelift, new interior tech, plus M Performance styling packs. Design tweaks are modest, but the new models usher in revised hexagonal LED headlamps inspired by the units found on the new 5 Series. They form part of a slightly refreshed nose, with a new front apron on Sport and Luxury Line models. LED foglamps are now fitted as standard, while full LED tail-lights also feature, with a new horizontal lighting signature. Four new 18-inch and 19-inch alloy wheel designs are now available, as are two new paint options: a turquoise Snapper Rocks Blue, plus Sunset…

TAXATION is one of the few certainties in life, but what and how much you pay can be ambiguous. For motorists, unfortunately, tax is all too common with fuel duty, insurance premium tax and vehicle excise duty (VED) all hitting wallets. From April, though, things will get a little more confusing, with new VED rates coming in as the Government seeks to claw back cash on lower polluting vehicles. Months before the switch, the finer details of the new system are already causing problems. David Lightfoot, from Wirral, Merseyside, got in touch while trying to purchase a new £33,000 Land Rover Discovery Sport. Under the new legislation, he was told he’d have to pay the £310, five-year supplement for cars with a list price above £40,000. He said: “With accessories,…

BMW 3 SERIES IT’S more than 40 years since the 3 Series made its first appearance. And the latest Mk6 retains obvious design cues from that model – namely the BMW kidney grille. With MacPherson front struts and disc brakes, the original E21 earned a reputation for great handling, and this has carried on to the current F30. Of course, they’re very different inside. The E21 had a big centre console, with rounded-off edges for safety. Today, safety kit includes blind spot warnings and lane assist. 1975: BMW 316 (E21) Length: 4,355mm Width: 1,610mm Height: 1,380mm Weight: 1,010kg Power: 89bhp (1.6-litre) 0-60mph: 13.8 seconds Top speed: 99mph Price today: From around £7,250 BMW 316d Sport (F30) Length: 4,633mm Width: 1,811mm Height: 1,441mm Weight: 1,495kg Power: 114bhp 0-62mph: 10.7 seconds Top…

Kyle Fortune PERFORMANCE and economy: that’s the promise with Porsche’s new Panamera 4 E-Hybrid. The luxury saloon blends a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 with electric power to achieve its seemingly conflicting goals. Using tech from the 918 Spyder, the hybrid powertrain delivers a combined output of 456bhp and 700Nm. That allows 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds and a 172mph top speed. The other numbers that matter relate to efficiency. The 4 E-Hybrid claims 112.9mpg, while its CO2 emissions stand at 56g/km. This Porsche is as sensible as any luxury car you can buy. It claims an EV range of up to 31 miles, and will start in E-Power mode as default. A dial on the steering wheel lets you toggle the drive modes, from EV-only through Hybrid Auto, Sport and Sport Plus.…

TOYOTA C-HR Toyota Touch 2 with Go £750 option Key features: Internet radio, apps score 3.3 ALL C-HR models including the entry-level Icon get Toyota’s Touch 2 infotainment system. This features an eight-inch touchscreen mounted high up on the dash in your eyeline, making it easy to see and use on the move. However, our test car was fitted with the optional Touch 2 with Go sat-nav system, costing £750. DAB and Bluetooth are standard, while the Go unit adds navigation and access to Toyota’s connected services. Pay for an online subscription and you also get real-time traffic info and Google Street View, plus certain apps can be downloaded, including Internet radio and social media programmes. However, smartphone connectivity options are limited compared with rival systems, while the graphics aren’t…

MERCEDES’ warm ‘AMG Sport’ performance variants were rebadged as full-on Mercedes-AMG models at the start of 2016, opening the floodgates for the arrival of a new tier of official AMG machines. As a result, a glut of sub-rangetopping performance cars using the ‘43’ badge has hit the market. It’s a familiar nameplate on this bodystyle, though, because the brand applied the ‘43’ tag to its supersaloons in the late nineties. It brought the badge back last year on a car sitting beneath the top-of-the-range C 63, offering an appealing balance of usability, performance, practicality and prestige. The £45,785 price tag certainly reflects this, but there’s plenty of muscle for your money, because the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 outguns the S4. With a fatter 520Nm of torque, compared with the Audi’s 500Nm,…

Got a query? products@autoexpress.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q Which type of polisher? I’M thinking of buying a machine polisher, because the paint on the two old cars I run is becoming very tired. Should I go for a rotating or an oscillating machine? Roy Ashby, E-mail A PROFESSIONAL detailers tend to use rotating polishers, because these are generally faster. But they’re less forgiving for beginners; you could damage the paint. We’d go for a dualaction polisher if you’re not too confident, and our pick of these tools is the GMC 600W (above, www.gmctools.com). Expect to pay around £90. Q Combating a musty cabin MY classic car is stored in a garage over the winter months, but when I checked it recently I found the interior is starting to smell a bit damp.…

AS the most popular new car class in Europe, the small family hatch market is big business. With the stakes so high, it’s in every manufacturer’s interests to come up with brilliant products, but that’s something that Vauxhall has often struggled with. The General Motors subsidiary has long focused on affordable family vehicles, but has often failed to inspire due to pennypinching engineering and lacklustre design. But when the sixth-generation Astra was revealed in 2009, it’s fair to say that expectations were pretty much universally exceeded by a car that was stylish, refined, well built and good (if not brilliant) to drive. With the Astra Mk6 now obsolete, how does it stack up as a used buy? History THE Astra Mk6 arrived in December 2009, with 1.4 or 1.6-litre petrol…

BMW M4 21.1mpg (on test) £71 fill-up BMW M4 DCT Years: 2014 to date Engine: 3.0-litre 6cyl, 425bhp Ins grp: 42 Official econ/CO2: 34mpg/194g/km Why? The M4 offers a thrilling drive with a great mix of pace, performance and even some practicality. Prices from: £35,000 THE BMW M4 is fast, engaging and hugely desirable, even offering a dose of practicality for those people who occasionally need to carry luggage or rear passengers. For many purists, the turbocharged V6 in the M4 can’t match the naturally aspirated V8 in the old M3 Coupé it replaced for drama and character. Yet look past the artificial soundtrack and you’ll discover a truly great set-up. It offers the sort of pace that will have supercar owners looking nervously in their rear-view mirror, yet is…

AHEAD of Ford launching its hybrid Mustang in 2020, a facelifted version of the current model has been introduced, with more power and a new look. It will arrive in UK dealerships next year. The tweaks are minor, but certainly noticeable: they’re headed by a reshaped front end, sporting an angular new bumper and headlamps. At the back, there’s a new spoiler, plus a more aggressive rear diffuser housing quad exhausts. Ford will continue to offer the Mustang with two power units in the UK – the 5.0-litre V8 in the GT and the 2.3-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost in the entry-level car. However, the V8 has been reworked to produce more power – although Ford has yet to reveal by how much. A new 10-speed auto will replace the current six-speed…

OFFICIAL Joe Finnerty Joe_Finnerty@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer THE dramatic post-Brexit fall in the value of the pound against foreign currencies has brought a deluge of supercar buyers from overseas, according to independent luxury car specialist Romans International. The Surrey-based dealer said it has seen overseas enquiries rise by more than 20 per cent since the Brexit vote. The sharp increase came as the pound plummeted to a 31-year low against the dollar last week, meaning foreign buyers now get more for their money. This has seen some of Romans’ most exclusive stock – including a Porsche 918 Spyder, McLaren P1 and Bugatti Veyron – all end up overseas. Demand is especially strong for left-hand-drive hypercars, as VAT-qualifying models can be sold outside the EU tax free. “Buyers of cars like this tend…

THE man responsible for the design of the latest Golf – and its future evolution – spells out his vision for keeping the top seller fresh. Q What are some of the key design updates and why were they made? A “The Golf is a truly unique automotive icon. The new LED headlights are integrated much more smartly. Also, the cooling openings in the lower part of the bumper have been redesigned to accentuate the width of the car even more. The back of the car is more charismatic: from now on, all versions of the Golf will come with full LED tail-lights.” Q The Golf is a crucial car for the brand. Will this subtly updated model influence future VWs? A “As with every Volkswagen, the Golf has a…

Richard Ingram Richard_Ingram@dennis.co.uk @rsp_ingram IT seems a week can’t go by without Tesla CEO Elon Musk announcing yet another power and performance upgrade for his unique range of all-electric cars. Earlier this month, Musk revealed an ‘Easter Egg’, whereby over-the-air software would inject the Model S with an additional 33bhp, slashing the 0-60mph time to 2.4 seconds. It’s called Ludicrous Plus mode, and is operated via the huge touchscreen. It’s the pre-Egg P100D we’re driving here for the first time, however, meaning the benchmark sprint takes 2.5 seconds. Hardly lethargic, we’re sure you’ll agree. The Model S P100D replaces the P90D and feels quite unlike anything else on the road. Even a Porsche 911 Turbo S with its trick launch control system seems sluggish compared with the instant torque of…

mail@autoexpress.co.uk IF the idea of spending £149,995 on a Nissan seems a touch far-fetched in cash-tight, post-Brexit 2017, just consider what you are getting with the GT-R Nismo. There’s more power, more torque and more grip – not to mention the fact it’s lighter and more agile. And all this from a car not lacking in its standard form. The Nismo will be one of the most exclusive high-performance cars money can buy. Nissan says there will be more than 20, but less than 30, examples produced for the European market. This means you are 10 times more likely to see a McLaren P1 rumble past than you are a GT-R Nismo. Power from the 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 is up by 30bhp to 592bhp, and torque also rises a fraction…

STYLING is a big factor in the world of performance cars, but there are no big wings or gaping air vents here. The new S4’s chrome twin-bar grille, satin-finished silver mirrors, understated boot-lip spoiler and quad exhaust pipes are the only hints at the performance potential on offer, because Audi has focused on a more reserved design for this model. However, there’s nothing understated about the performance. Audi’s Drive Select system lets you tailor the car’s settings to your tastes or chosen mood, so in the sportiest Dynamic mode the S4 is sharper and tauter to drive. In this setting, throttle response is better, but there’s still a little turbo lag as the engine fights against the gearing and the S4’s 1,630kg kerbweight. This is also partly due to the…

Volvo V40 THE latest addition to our fleet did what many competitors couldn’t when it went on sale in 2012, holding its own against the likes of the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series. But the market has moved on since then, so Volvo has treated its V40 premium hatch to some mid-life tweaks. To see if these additions can keep it competitive, we’ve added a V40 D2 R-Design (Volvo’s best seller) to our fleet. Its frugal 2.0-litre diesel engine makes it one of the most efficient company cars on sale, with a claimed 78.5mpg and 94g/km CO2 emissions. Reviews editor Richard Ingram will be covering lots of miles in his V40, so he’ll be keen to see how close it can come to those figures out on the road…

Stephen_Errity@dennis.co.uk SPORTSCAR racing in North America begins a new chapter this weekend as the latest generation of prototypes for the US compete for the first time in the season-opening Daytona 24 Hours. The Daytona Prototype International (DPi) cars are based on the LMP2 formula used for Le Mans-style racing in Europe, but allow modified bodywork and different engines to encourage more manufacturer involvement. Cadillac, Mazda and Nissan have so far developed cars for the class’s first season, with more expected to join from 2018. Scot Ryan Dalziel is among the six drivers in the two ESM-run Nissans, along with WEC stars Brendon Hartley and Bruno Senna. There’s also British interest in the Whelen Engineering Cadillac (pictured above), with British GT’s Seb Morris getting a dream drive after winning the 2016…

THE Mercedes Formula One team confirmed the worst-kept secret in the paddock last week by announcing Finn Valtteri Bottas as Nico Rosberg’s replacement for 2017. Bottas, 27, moves to Mercedes after four years at Williams, where Felipe Massa has come out of retirement to fill his seat. “It’s very exciting times for me,” said Bottas. “It’s definitely another dream come true, to race in another team with such great history – especially in the recent years, which have been so impressive.” Bottas got the seat ahead of Mercedes junior driver Pascal Wehrlein, who has instead signed for Sauber. That leaves two potential seats at Manor, which may not make the grid for 2017, as the only possible vacancies left for the season.…

James_Disdale@dennis.co.uk EXCLUSIVE IMAGE A Avarvarii MITSUBISHI is on a roll. The incredible success of the Outlander PHEV SUV has seen it emerge as the fastest-growing brand in the UK for the past three years. Yet its overall sales still trail mainstream rivals’ by some way. So Mitsubishi is turning to the booming crossover class with an allnew SEAT Ateca and Nissan Qashqai rival. The car is still a year away – and it’s likely to be called the Eclipse when it arrives – but Auto Express got exclusive access to a development prototype to find out how it’s shaping up. Despite the heavy disguise, it’s clear the high-riding machine will have looks on its side. Mitsubishi claims the car’s styling is closely based on the stunning XR concept that wowed…

THE MINI Countryman is the latest model to receive the John Cooper Works treatment, with the 228bhp crossover due to debut at the Shanghai Motor Show in April. As with its JCW stablemates, the MINI hatch and Clubman, there’s a host of racy styling additions – such as the new front bumper with chunky cooling inlets, a model-specific bodykit, and new roof spoiler. A wealth of JCW badging and 18 or 19-inch unique alloys also feature. Like all JCW models, the Countryman uses the 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbo fourcylinder petrol engine delivering 228bhp – a 13bhp increase over the outgoing model. This also produces 350Nm of torque between 1,450rpm and 4,500rpm, and can take the crossover from 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds – but MINI hasn’t said if that’s with the standard…

ALFA Romeo has revealed a limited-edition version of its new Stelvio SUV, giving us our first official look at the 4x4 without its flagship Quadrifoglio jewellery. The Stelvio First Edition is packed with equipment and distinctive styling touches, but this particular example isn’t bound for the UK. Standard right-handdrive models will begin to arrive this autumn. It’s powered exclusively by a new 276bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. Paired with an eight-speed automatic box and four-wheel drive, this is said by Alfa to give 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds. The Q4 all-wheel-drive system sends 100 per cent of the car’s torque to the rear axle in normal driving conditions, but an active transfer case and front differential allow up to 50 per cent of the power to be fed to the…

CONVICTIONS for failing to disclose the identity of a driver have increased by 46 per cent in the past five years, ranking as the second most common motoring offence behind speeding. From 2011 to 2015, more than a quarter of a million drivers failed to supply the necessary information after being stopped by police. In 2015, 73,321 drivers in England and Wales were convicted for failing to supply the ID according to Churchill Car Insurance analysis. When a driver is stopped, they can be asked to provide on-thespot ID such as a driving licence or insurance or MoT certificate. If they can’t, they must supply correct information at a police station within a week, or risk a court summons and driving conviction. Failing to identify a driver can result in…

Essentials PRACTICALITY The folding roof doesn’t impact on boot space, but the 130-litre storage area is still only big enough for two overnight bags. Cabin is short on storage compartments, too EQUIPMENT Top-spec Sport Nav models are kitted out with a seveninch colour display with navigation. A limited-slip diff, 17-inch alloys and rear parking sensors also come as standard Jonathan Burn Jonathan_Burn@dennis.co.uk @Jonathan_Burn SINCE day one, the MX-5 has been a two-seat soft-top roadster. But that hasn’t stopped Mazda playing around with different bodystyles, concepts and special editions. For the first time in 10 years, however, the Japanese manufacturer has launched a brand-new coupé derivative, called the MX-5 RF. The RF refers to ‘Retractable Fastback’ – essentially an electric folding hard-top. It’s an idea that’s been in the plan right…

Sam_Naylor@dennis.co.uk @SamNaylor_AE IF you’re in the market for a compact executive saloon, there are three established models to consider: the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4. All excellent choices, but even their biggest advocates will admit that they don’t feel especially exclusive these days – especially when compared with the refreshed Lexus IS. The IS sits alongside the likes of the Jaguar XE and Alfa Romeo Giulia by offering something a bit different in the class. This mid-life facelift brings new bumper, grille and light designs – successfully lifting the IS, especially in racy F Sport trim. The car we tested was a Luxury-spec model, and while it does without the sportier bumpers and bodykit, it’s still a distinctive car. There’s a smart-suited cabin design, but the high-quality…

TOYOTA claims it invented the compact SUV back in 1994 with its original RAV4. However, nearly a quarter of a century later the market has moved on, while despite numerous updates the RAV4 has stood still. Buyers are looking for sleeker, more stylish crossovers that combine sharp design with the high-riding practicality of an SUV. Toyota has some catching up to do, then, but its new C-HR is just the car to trouble talented rivals such as our current favourite choice in the crossover class, the SEAT Ateca, as well as the everpresent force that is the Nissan Qashqai. Diesel power is popular in this sector, but here we test three downsized, efficient, turbocharged petrol models in relatively modest trim levels that promise to maximise value for money while still…

IN the past, if you wanted a fast saloon car that slipped under the radar, the original Audi S4 would have been top of your list. Over time, the brand’s S models have been endowed with more bling and aggressive road presence, but now this latest S4 has gone back to its more understated beginnings. Mercedes-AMG has also developed a sporty saloon to sit underneath the ballistically quick, range-topping C 63. Called the C 43, it matches the Audi’s V6 turbo engine, auto box and four-wheel-drive system. Both are priced around £45,000, but with stats as close as these, where do the differences lie and which comes out on top? AUDI S4 Audi has reined in the bling with its latest S4, returning to the restrained approach of old. But…

James_Batchelor@dennis.co.uk Second opinion “The XF’s ride is serenely smooth from behind the wheel, which also means rear-seat passengers are treated to plenty of comfort on the move. The XF’s longer wheelbase compared to the XE that James ran previously gives much more legroom in the back, too. Our car’s relatively conservative 18-inch standard wheels mean there’s plenty of fluidity over bumps.” James Disdale Chief reviewer EVERYONE knows Jaguar has had its fair share of image problems over the years. And for the past decade or so it has been loudly reinventing itself – and I’ve just gone and undone all Jag’s hard work. Why? Well I’ve realised that our Jaguar XF is the modern-day Inspector Morse Jag – an image the brand has tried to move away from. While John…

NEW PRODUCT Rockingham tours Price: £15 Contact: www.rockingham.co.uk VISITS to race circuits are usually to take part in or watch track action. However, Rockingham Speedway in Northamptonshire hopes to lure in fans when the venue is quiet with a series of new-for-2017 tours. The access-all-areas walking tour aims to give visitors an insight into the operation of the venue – the UK’s first purpose-built circuit since Brooklands in 1907 – by covering areas normally reserved for officials, press, teams and drivers. It includes visits to the pedestrian tunnel, as well as to the track’s Race Control nerve centre with its panoramic view of the unique oval and multiple road layouts. Visitors will also be guided through the circuit’s chequered history, from one man’s dream to bring US-style IndyCar oval racing…

Green Flag Alert Me Price: £35 a year Contact: 0345 246 2766, www.greenflag.com VEHICLE telematics are no longer reserved exclusively for insurers, because breakdown providers are starting to see the benefits of real-time vehicle analysis. Green Flag has launched a new telematics unit called Alert Me. The matchbox-sized plug-in set-up costs £35 a year, and monitors the car’s battery and engine-management systems. It’s capable of translating more than 1,000 fault codes into 16 notifications of varying levels of severity. If a problem emerges, it will message the driver’s phone, informing them whether or not it’s safe to continue to drive.…

YOU TELL US... SUV is good to drive, but can be costly to own 45th PLACE 2016 Results Kuga Factfile Years: 2013 to present CO2: 139g/km Fuel economy: 53mpg (2.0 TDCi Zetec) Best options: Park assist, sat-nav, Bluetooth, heated seats, electric sunroof, hill assist Prices: From £9,250 GOOD “A VERY pleasant car to drive. The PowerShift gearbox is super smooth.” “Despite its size, the Ford Kuga handles well. Its speed is deceptive.” “The extra ride height makes the Kuga comfortable.” “An excellent car for all uses; from driving around town to longer jaunts on the motorway.” “The 2.0-litre diesel has plenty of torque for overtaking.” “The Kuga is a good family car, with plenty of boot and interior space.” “It’s good value for money.” Have your say: What is your…