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Steve_Fowler@dennis.co.uk @stevefowler CITROEN stole the show at the recent Shanghai Motor Show with its first proper SUV, the C5 Aircross. It’s a car the company claims will “kick-start the next generation of SUVs”. Borrowing cues from the C4 Cactus and C3 supermini, the new SUV isn’t due to arrive in the UK until the end of 2018. However, Citroen’s design director Alexandre Malval gave Auto Express an exclusive tour of the car in Shanghai. “This car gives us a new positioning in terms of design and product,” said Malval. “The main thing we wanted to show is the potential we have to make premium cars and global cars. The Aircross concept [revealed at the Shanghai show in 2015] was the first of this new generation of vehicles – it showed…

Tesla teases its new electric truck CEO Elon Musk has treated us to our first glimpse of Tesla’s upcoming HGV. The teaser shot (above) gives little away, but shows a curvier design than most HGVs of this size, likely to be aimed at boosting aerodynamic efficiency. It’s expected that the Tesla truck will launch in September – and it will be the first EV to propel the company into the lucrative commercial vehicle market. Insurance bills to rise by up to £360 CAR insurance premiums could rise by as much as 20 per cent by January next year according to analysis by specialist cover provider ERS. The predicted increase means that average premiums for drivers could rise by up to £360 per year as a result of higher taxes on…

James_Brodie@dennis.co.uk @jimmybrods PEUGEOT has revealed a round of updates for its popular 308 hatchback. Subtle styling tweaks, new technology and new powertrain options are the headline changes, while sales begin in September. Visual tweaks are very light, but have been applied across the entire 308 line-up, including the hatch, estate and GTi. A new upright grille incorporating a Peugeot badge, repositioned from the bonnet, is the most noticeable change at the front end. Integrated daytime running lights also create a new lighting signature, while a more aggressive front bumper with three larger lower inlets has been added. In the cabin, a new 3D sat-nav system with voice-activated controls appears for the first time, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. Peugeot has also updated the driver assist systems…

Director of Research at Thatcham Research (www.thatcham.org/car-safety) THERE are certain options which are seen as essential to many new car buyers. Upgraded infotainment systems, larger alloys and leather trim are usually high on the list. But what of optional safety systems? They’re in the same ballpark cost-wise, and many offer convenient features like speed sign reminders. Optional safety systems are now included in the Euro NCAP five-star rating system, too, improving the car’s rating and its resale value. The tech could save your life, with a nice sum off your insurance premium, too. However, take-up of optional safety systems remains incredibly low – at just 3.5 per cent. A study commissioned by Thatcham found that nearly half of buyers think safety features should be fitted as standard, and that motorists…

MODEL TESTED: Toyota Yaris 1.5 VVT-i Icon PRICE: £15,295 ENGINE: 1.5-litre 4cyl, 109bhp UNDERNEATH the revised skin of this facelifted Toyota Yaris is a new 1.5-litre petrol engine, which is the unit we’re testing here in £15,295 Icon spec. However, its lack of a turbo might put it at a disadvantage versus its rivals. DESIGN & ENGINEERING score 2.9 COMPARED with some modern superminis, the Yaris’ 1.5-litre engine might seem a little large, but that’s because, unlike with its rivals here, there’s no turbocharger. The engine nestles in the front of Toyota’s B platform – the same technology that underpins its predecessor – but while the Yaris has the longest wheelbase here, it feels the least spacious inside. Apart from the addition of the 1.5 engine to the line-up, the…

FIAT hasn’t been shy when it comes to using other manufacturer’s resources to help expand its range. It’s part of the FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) Group, so it shares technology with sister brands Alfa Romeo, Jeep and Chrysler. Beyond that, the 124 Spider is a Mazda MX-5 with a Fiat engine and different styling, while the firm’s panel vans share parts with PSA Peugeot-Citroen, Vauxhall/Opel and Renault models, depending on which size van you’re looking at. So it should come as no surprise that Fiat turned to another manufacturer when it wanted to add a pick-up to its Fiat Professional commercial vehicle range. And what better choice than the Mitsubishi L200? While some of Fiat’s collaborations are a bit more involved than a simple rebadge and spec change, the Fullback…

NEW PRODUCT Renovo interior car care Price: From £12.95 Contact: 01444 443277, www.renovointernational.com SOFT-top specialist Renovo has applied its cleaning, water protection and reviving expertise to car interiors. New to the brand’s line-up are two revivers which restore the colour to leather and carpet. Both are designed to work on the most common interior colour – black. Carpet Reviver goes on to freshly vacuumed fabric and needs to be left to dry before the car is driven. The leather version works in a similar way; regular use of both is recommended to maintain the deep colour. The 400ml Carpet Reviver spray is £14.95 and the 200ml Leather Reviver gel £12.95. Renovo has also introduced new Carpet, Plastic and Leather Proofers. All clean the surface, then protect it with the same…

Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Martin Bennett (Dalton Watson Fine Books, daltonwatson.com) Price: £95 Rating: EARLY post-war Rolls-Royces ooze class, and the cars are immortalised in this fine book. It’s packed with photos and technical info, well written and logically put together. Plus, it’s bursting with content – we don’t see many books with chapters dedicated to the different handbooks on offer, least of all enjoy reading about them. Great for fans of this iconic marque. To Boldly Go Graham Hull (Veloce Publishing, www.veloce.co.uk) Price: £25 Rating: WHILE this book of groundbreaking car designs includes all the usual suspects – Austin 7, Fiat 500 and Willys Jeep – there are also less obvious choices such as the Alfa Romeo SZ, Bond Minicar and Panhard 24CT. It’s a good read; each entry is…

Got any car queries? Martin_Saarinen@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q Hill hold fault problems I’M worried that the hill hold assist in my Volkswagen Golf is faulty. Whenever it turns on, it takes ages before the car is released again, and even if I press the accelerator hard, the only thing that’s noticeable is a nasty brake smell. Any advice? John Roberts, E-mail A ACCORDING to VW, the hill hold operates for approximately two seconds before releasing the brakes. If the delay is any longer, have the car inspected by your local dealer. For now, avoid pressing the accelerator hard when setting off. This will preserve the brakes. Q Can I claim compensation? THE mileage in my mother’s car was incorrectly reported by an MoT garage, and when I sold the car, the…

BILLIONAIRES are still rare, but breeding faster. Eight years ago, there were fewer than 800, collectively worth around $2trillion. Today, more than 2,000 exist, worth a total of almost $8trillion. There are plenty in the energy, financial, property, pharmaceutical, tech and other ‘traditional’ fields. Then there are others who make their billions from quirkier products such as soy sauce, cashmere, pig-breeding or nappies. Honest. Surprisingly, though, comparatively few car guys achieve billionaire status. Continental’s Georg Schaeffler (worth almost $21bn) is the finest example, along with fellow Germans Susanne Klatten ($20bn) and Stefan Quandt ($18bn), of BMW. Arguably, these are the three wealthiest people on planet automobile, but Elon Musk ($14bn) of Tesla is America’s most minted, while the same is true of Geely/Volvo’s Li Shufu ($7bn) in China and Hyundai’s…

▪ New supermini could be built alongside next Peugeot 208 ▪ Larger platform designed to accommodate future EV powertrain Jonathan_Burn@dennis.co.uk @Jonathan_burn VAUXHALL will completely overhaul its next generation of Corsa, which is being developed in partnership with new owners PSA Peugeot Citroen and the nextgeneration Peugeot 208. The finishing touches are being applied to the all-new model ahead of its debut late next year, before it goes on sale in early 2019. The current Corsa was launched in 2014, but despite being labelled as a brand-new model, it was, in essence, a reskinned version of the previous supermini. It was based on the same chassis, boasted almost identical dimensions and even looked largely the same as the model it replaced. However, that is all about to change with the fifth-generation…

LONDON will play host to a new supercar event this summer showcasing some of the most iconic models on the planet. City Concours will be held at the Honourable Artillery Company headquarters in London, and chart six decades of supercar evolution by displaying a variety of “iconic, extreme and beautiful” cars when it opens its doors from 8 June. One of the headline attractions will be a fifties Mercedes 300SL Gullwing, which had a record top speed for the time of 161mph. Other iconic models on display will include the Ferrari 288 GTO, Jaguar XKSS, Bugatti EB 110 and the Jaguar D-Type. Tickets for the show are on sale now and available at www.cityconcours.co.uk. Use code CITYVIP to get two for one on tickets. Prize guy Alex gets keys to…

OVER the past 12 months, insurance premiums have crept up by 16 per cent, with motorists now paying £110 more than they were in May 2016. That’s despite motor accidents falling by seven per cent. Simple maths would suggest that if accidents go down, premiums should fall, too. But sadly, that’s not been the reality. Insurers point to the doubledigit rise in Insurance Premium Tax landed on them by the Government over the past two years, and the higher cost of repairing vehicles (up 32 per cent in the last three years). Whatever the reason, it’s unacceptably high, and makes owning and maintaining a car prohibitively expensive, especially if you’re under the age of 25 and take into account vehicle excise duty, servicing and fuel costs, too. Insurance premiums for…

What do you think? Contact Lawrence Allan HOT TOPIC Planned MoT changes FROM: Robbie I READ the Government’s consultation document on extending the MoT and my only conclusion is that staff at the Department of Transport must have too much time on their hands. If ever there was a case for saying “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix”, this is it. FROM: George500 THE MoT should stay the same. I work in a main dealer and am also the MoT station manager, so we see vans that have done over 200,000 miles in less than three years. Most drivers can’t check their oil level or tyres; letting them go four years without an MoT is madness. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk ▪ “The MoT should be done on mileage, not…

PRACTICALITY The rear bench is slightly raised to accommodate the electric motor, while boot space is reduced by 45 litres to 405 litres. The optional folding picnic bench remains CHARGING Plug goes into a socket on the nearside front wing. The 7.6kWh battery can be fully charged in just over two hours from a wallbox, or three hours from a standard household socket NEED TO KNOW Electric range is quoted at up to 25 miles, but a more realistic figure is between 15-18 miles Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk @LobAllan JUST because a car maker relies on retro design to sell its products, it doesn’t mean it can pass off old parts and dated technology underneath the skin. The new MINI Countryman S E is anything but old. You might not guess it from…

Performance 0-62mph/top speed 5.0 seconds/155mph Running costs 34.9mpg (official) £74 fill-up Richard_Ingram@dennis.co.uk @rsp_ingram TWO decades ago, a small saloon with 380bhp would have represented the pinnacle of automotive firepower. Today, this Jaguar XE S is merely a stepping stone to a forthcoming SVR model with 500bhp. While that car is still a little way off, JLR is maintaining interest in the current XE flagship with a power boost and extra kit. As a result, the supercharged V6 S model now develops an Audi S4-beating 375bhp from its uprated 3.0-litre V6. The revised engine is from the F-Type S, and it helps to shave a tenth of a second off the XE’s 0-62mph time, as it now completes the benchmark sprint in five seconds flat. The less powerful Mercedes-AMG C 43…

MODEL TESTED: Skoda Fabia 1.2 TSI 90 SE L PRICE: £14,935 ENGINE: 1.2-litre 4cyl, 89bhp THE Skoda Fabia is one of our favourite superminis, earning a coveted commendation at the 2016 Auto Express New Car Awards. So if the Swift wants to become one of the best cars in the sector, it’ll have to overcome the Fabia’s blend of practicality and performance. It’s the £14,935 1.2 TSI 90 SE L that we test here, although our pictures show a Colour Edition. DESIGN & ENGINEERING score 3.8 SKODA is owned by the VW Group, but while sister brand SEAT has recently released its new Ibiza supermini on the Group’s modular MQB chassis, and with a Volkswagen Polo using similar tech scheduled to arrive later this year, the Fabia only uses “elements”…

Tom_Barnard@dennis.co.uk @TomBarnardPR IT’S the time of year when most of us are waking up in daylight and getting back home before the sun has set. It’s blissful. And yet, I’m a little sad, as I’m not getting to use my favourite gadget on our new Mercedes E-Class Estate. The big wagon is packed with technology, but it’s the clever headlamps which have really dazzled us. There’s no need to munch on carrots to be able to see in the dark when you’re driving the Mercedes, as they can almost turn the night into day. The lamps use 84 LEDs, each controlled by a camera and sat-nav data to make sure the maximum amount of light is spread around and that it’s not dazzling to other road users. It’s – quite…

Win a Fiat 500 for Mopar anniversary MOPAR, the aftersales brand for Abarth, Fiat, Chrysler and Jeep, is this year celebrating its 80th anniversary. To add some more fun to the proceedings, the company is giving anybody who services or repairs their vehicle at an authorised dealer the chance to win a new Fiat 500 1.2. To enter, tap the invoice number for the work you’ve had done and details into winacarwithmopar.co.uk. The competition is open until 31 August. New course teaches classic repair skills IT’S all too easy to buy a slightly broken classic car with no real idea of how to restore it. Help is at hand, though, with a new classic car maintenance course at Banbury and Bicester College in Oxon. The course is available as a…

PRODUCT GROUP TEST 10 | 5 | 2017 Every week, we extensively test all the latest car kit from tyres to trim cleaners. Log on to www.autoexpress.co.uk to look through our huge online test archive. THE park and ride of choice for many drivers doesn’t necessarily involve using a bus, but instead means jumping on a folding bike. The idea is to park where it’s free or cheap, then complete your journey on two wheels. There’s no messing about with racks, and your bike is safely kept out of sight in the boot when not in use. Folding bikes are also a cost-effective and practical way of making short journeys easier, particularly in town or city centres, saving money on fuel and parking. You can also skip jams and keep…

Jonathan_Burn@dennis.co.uk @Jonathan_burn SKODA bosses have confirmed for the first time that the Czech brand is looking to develop an all-electric sports car. It will be one of five EVs due on sale by 2025, Auto Express can exclusively reveal. Speaking about the history of the brand and some of its most iconic models, Christian Strube, Skoda’s boss for technical development, told us: “The story that Skoda is all about function, it is not true. Skoda has 120 years of history, it’s full of emotion.” Strube referenced the rear-engined, rearwheel- drive 110 R Coupé (see panel) from the seventies as the sort of variety and excitement previously seen in the manufacturer’s range. Asked if Skoda would ever make a car like the 110 R – which he owns an example of…

Martin_Saarinen@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer EXPERTS HAVE THEIR SAY ON WHET WHETHER SCRAPPAGE IS A GOOD IDEA DRIVERS of older, higher-polluting diesel cars and vans could be paid to scrap their vehicles, or retrofit them with new, clean tech, as well as face charges to enter town centres in the future, under new proposals set out by the Government. To improve local air quality across the UK, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has launched a consultation into reducing nationwide diesel vehicle emissions, which it identified as a key source of local and urban air pollution. However, the consultation has left the responsibility of reducing emissions mostly on the shoulders of local councils. The consultation said councils should consider a “targeted” diesel scrappage scheme where owners of the most polluting…

£31k starting price for new Civic Type R HONDA’S new 316bhp Civic Type R (above) will be priced from £30,995, the Japanese manufacturer has announced. A more luxurious GT spec asks a further £2,000, but adds dual-zone climate control and Garmin navigation. Honda is also promising PCP deals starting from £299 per month. The model is once again the fastest front-wheel-drive hatch on the market, following a recordbreaking lap at Germany’s Nürburgring, Coasting tech for VW’s latest eco Golf VOLKSWAGEN has confirmed that an efficient new BlueMotion variant of the Golf will be joining the line-up. The eco model makes use of the new 1.5 TSI turbocharged petrol engine, but is detuned to 129bhp. It also features a new engine-off function, which cuts engine power while coasting at speeds up…

WE drive the McLaren 720S at youtube.com/Autoexpress this week, plus we walk you round Vauxhall’s Crossland X. James_Batchelor@dennis.co.uk @JRRBatchelor First drive of wild new McLaren 720S MEET the new mid-range McLaren. The 720S launched at March’s Geneva Motor Show as the replacement for the 650S and a rival for Ferrari’s 488. And as Steve Sutcliffe reports in our first drive video, it’s an extraordinary new model from a brand that has been building cars for such a short period of time. Watch Steve thrash the 720S around the Vallelunga circuit in Italy. Check out Vauxhall’s new Crossland X VAUXHALL has ditched the Meriva from its range and turned its back on the small MPV market. Its replacement is the new Crossland X – a little crossover that aims to take…

Tackling motoring issue that matter Martin_Saarinen@dennis.co.uk AE_Consumer WITH strapped budgets and falling staff levels over recent years, police forces across the UK have appealed to a number of civilian groups, from driving instructors to community watch groups, to help report crime. Now the thousands of dash cam users on the road could be added to the list, as North Wales Police recently became the first force in the country to adopt a new system that makes it possible to penalise dangerous drivers recorded by other motorists using the cams in just minutes. The project is called Operation Snap, and North Wales Police says dash cam footage will “undoubtedly” form a part of the future of roads policing in the UK. With the ability to fine reckless drivers being made easier…

MODEL TESTED: Suzuki Swift 1.0 Boosterjet SHVS SZ5 PRICE: £14,499 ENGINE: 1.0-litre 3cyl, 109bhp THE new Suzuki Swift’s styling is an evolution of its predecessor’s, but under the skin, there are some more major changes, including a new chassis and three-cylinder turbo petrol. It’s this engine we test here in range-topping £14,499 SHVS SZ5 spec. DESIGN & ENGINEERING score 3.5 THE Swift looks like a reskinned version of its predecessor, with similar overall proportions behind the evolutionary approach to design. But the latest supermini is based on the same platform as the Baleno. While the Baleno caters more for the value and practicality end of the sector, the Swift offers something a little more fun to drive. It’s actually 10mm shorter than the third-generation model, but the wheelbase is 20mm…

SUZUKI SWIFT score 3.8 Smartphone link display Standard Key features: Sat-nav, CarPlay, Android Auto SZ5 models get a seven-inch colour touchscreen, which includes DAB radio, Bluetooth and a rearview camera. Our top-spec car also features sat-nav as standard, unlike either of its rivals here. The home screen is split into four sections, making it easy to select the function you want. The graphics aren’t that sharp, however, and other features such as the touch-sensitive volume controls are fiddly on the move. The Swift offers a decent level of connectivity, though, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included, allowing users to stream music from their smartphone as well as access text messages and E-mails where appropriate. There’s plenty of functionality on offer for a supermini, although the unit does have its…

THIS version of the Mitsubishi L200 is called the Series 5, but it’s only the third generation of the pick-up that has been a hit with UK buyers. The Series 3 was the first L200 to go the full off-roader route, with a combination of rugged looks, a useful pick-up bed and genuine 4x4 ability that meant it was a popular choice with buyers. The Series 4 featured curves inspired by Mitsubishi’s Dakar Rally-winning Pajero, and the current car is an evolution of that. Most pick-ups look fairly utilitarian, but the L200 carries a bit of style. The curvy body is dominated by the big chrome grille up front, while blistered wheelarches and a small window area give it a chunky look. Unlike the Fullback, the L200 comes in a…

Martin_Saarinen@dennis.co.uk AE_Consumer THE stack of notepads you see me holding are all from features that our Peugeot 2008 has whisked me to and from during its six-month stay at Auto Express. The crossover’s been all around the UK, from far away Welsh towns to the city centres of London, Leicester and Birmingham, and each trip has helped me get to know the car better. So as my time with the 2008 comes to an end, it’s time to reflect on how the Peugeot works as a jack-of-all-trades. First up is comfort. Long motorway stints have given me plenty of time to gauge how relaxing the 2008 is, and I’m still impressed with how good the seats are. The side bolsters hug you nicely so you don’t slip on the leather…

Got a query? products@autoexpress.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q Protection from muddy bike I SPEND a lot of weekends riding a mountain bike off-road. I carry the bike in the back of my Ford Mondeo Estate but the trim often gets covered in mud. Is there a way to protect it? George Tomkins, E-mail A THE best way is to buy a boot protector that can be extended to cover the whole load bay when the seats are down. Our test favourite is from Boot Buddy (above, www.boot-buddy.com). This has rigid plastic sides, so it protects trim well from pedals and the like, plus an extension is available for when the seats are down. Q All-season tyres for Mazda MY Mazda MX-5 Mk3 is used all year round, and I now need to…

FORMER Auto Express pressure washer test winner Hozelock has returned to this competitive market with a dramatically different approach to power cleaning – the diminutive Pico. The new package is very small with a lance doubling as a handle to wheel it about. It’s a world away from the firm’s Heavy Duty 150, Best Buy in a number of tests, but can it still cut it? To find out, we rated the Pico against Kärcher’s similarly compact new K2 Premium Full Control. We compared hose and lead lengths, accessories and storage, and assessed pumping power on a filthy bumper before factoring in makers’ prices. The well equipped and versatile Kärcher just has the edge here, but it was close. The punchy Pico is worth considering if storage is limited and…

79th PLACE 2016 Results X3 Factfile Years: 2011 to present CO2: 142g/km Fuel economy: 52mpg (xDrive 20d) Best options: Sat-nav, heated seats, parking camera, heads up display, xenon lights Prices: From £13,000 OVERALL SCORE 88.75% Bars show where model finished out of 150 cars in our 2016 survey. The lower the rating the better GOOD “I LIVE on an unmarked road, and the X3 has never struggled, even through snow and ice storms.” “Very impressed with the fuel economy and low running costs from such a big car.” “The 2.0-litre diesel is a perfect match for the car. It’s fuel efficient, but quick enough when needed.” “Comfortable seats combined with cruise control make for an excellent motorway companion.” “There’s plenty of boot space and room.” “The automatic gearbox is well timed…

Dear Lawrence, I’m looking for a large seven-seater as a family bus. It needs to be comfortable for long trips and diesel powered. What will £6,000 get me? Debbie Foxhill, Lancashire Contact: Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk THE POPULAR CHOICE Ford Galaxy FOR: Plenty of space, good to drive, popular AGAINST: Loads of ex-taxis, common image FOR many, the Ford Galaxy is the epitome of the MPV. It’s not the most groundbreaking, but is one of the most popular, and it’s easy to see why. The Mk3 was more refined, comfortable, spacious and well equipped than its predecessor, and is better to drive than you might expect. Only the less-thanglamorous image and sheer number of tired ex-taxi fleets on the used market dent its appeal. We found a 2007 2.0 TDCI Ghia with 72,000…