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• Exclusive images preview plug-in hybrid family star James_Brodie@dennis.co.uk @jimmybrods EXCLUSIVE IMAGE VOLKSWAGEN is preparing a mid-life refresh for the Passat, which will see the firm’s large family car and adversary for the Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport and Mazda 6 subtly restyled and featuring fresh plug-in hybrid tech. The plug-in hybrid Passat GTE has been a success story for the firm, although it always occupies the upper rung of the model’s line-up from a price point of view. To make the petrol-electric version more accessible in terms of cost, the plugin hybrid powertrain could be offered across the Passat range as an engine option rather than a top-spec trim alone. Skoda, which is poised to reveal a facelifted Superb next year featuring a plug-in hybrid, will take a…

• Reaction times almost 20 per cent slower the morning after a heavy night out Hugo_Griffiths@dennis.co.uk @hugo_griffiths HANGOVERS have a significantly negative impact on our ability to drive – even when no alcohol remains in the body – according to new research. Scientists from the University of Bath conducted a meta-analysis of 11 existing hangover studies, determining that “sustained attention and driving abilities were impaired during hangover”. One study indicated reaction times are almost 20 per cent slower in hungover subjects, while another revealed “the ability to control a vehicle, as measured by deviation from a set course, was impaired” following a night of “heavy drinking”. Lead author Dr Sally Adams told Auto Express hangovers affect two key elements for driving: our capacity to concentrate on one activity for a…

Pre-1920s Filling up car from a can PRIOR to the petrol pump revolution, motorists typically filled up with fuel bought in two-gallon cans from garages and hardware shops. The cans would be filled by staff from a bigger drum, and because the cans were a standard size there was no need to measure deliveries at the pump. 1920s to 1960s Attended filling stations THE first UK filling station was opened by the Automobile Association in 1919, and promoted British benzole – made from coal – so drivers wouldn’t have to rely on imported Russian fuel that indirectly supported the Bolshevik revolution. By 1923 the country had a network of 7,000 pumps, many on garage forecourts and outside shops, as well as at village forges. Attendant service was the norm right…

Richard_Ingram@dennis.co.uk @rsp_ingram We spend a day with experts from the Caravan and Motorhome Club learning how to drive safely when hitched “It’s always best to place weightier equipment in the tow car’s boot, rather than load it in the trailer”KEITH ROGERS C&MC instructor WITH more people favouring the ‘staycation’ – that is, choosing to remain in the UK rather than taking their holidays abroad – caravanning is growing in popularity. Even as many schools start a new term, lots of sites will still be busy as caravanners without children enjoy the balmy late summer weather. But there’s more to pulling your home from home than simply hitching it to a tow hook and setting the sat-nav. To find out just how complex it is, we joined the newly-rebranded Caravan and…

James_Batchelor@dennis.co.uk @JRRBatchelor THERE have been just four generations of the Mazda MX-5 in the roadster’s near-30-year life. And apart from a tiny camera stuck on the rear bumper, the revised 2019 model looks exactly how it did when the Mk4 was launched in 2015. Apart from a few minor tweaks, most of the modifications are beneath the bodywork. The flimsy cup-holders are now stronger, there’s that reversing camera to help with parking (it’s standard on a new range-topping trim level called GT Sport Nav+), while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now available, albeit as a £350 dealer-fit option. Plus, at last, there’s a steering column that can now be adjusted for both rake and reach. The changes are mostly unsuccessful, though. The tougher cup-holders seem as delicate as before,…

Big hand for tuning firm’s 35th birthday AFTERMARKET specialist Milltek Sport has partnered with leading German watch manufacturer BRM to celebrate its 35th birthday with a limited-edition ‘exhaust watch’. Only 35 examples of the new Milltek x BRM Chrono (above) – based on BRM’S V6-HB model – will be produced. Prices have yet to be revealed, but keep an eye out at www.millteksport.com. Rental scheme puts Audis on demand AUDI has launched a new ‘premium mobility service’ – essentially posh car hire – allowing customers to rent the brand’s models for periods from just one hour up to 28 days. The fee covers unlimited mileage, fully comprehensive insurance and roadside assistance. Customers can pick up the car at their nearest Audi centre, or have it delivered to any address within…

• Brand new Tesla rival revealed ahead of Paris show debut • Tech-packed 402bhp SUV heads new pure-electric range Steve_Fowler@dennis.co.uk @stevefowler OFFICIAL THIS is the all-new Mercedes EQC, the German manufacturer’s first purely electric model and a rival for the Tesla Model X and Jaguar I-Pace, as well as the forthcoming Audi e-tron. Revealed ahead of a public debut at next month’s Paris Motor Show, the EQC is a 4.7-metre-long, five-seat SUV. It’s slightly lengthier than the I-Pace, but its wheelbase is around 11cm shorter than the Jag’s, at 2,873mm. As with most of its rivals, the EQC is based on a bespoke pure-electric, scalable platform that will ultimately support a family of models. The looks of the EQC are arguably more conventional than those of the Model X and…

• Sketches reveal Vision RS that’s set to be revealed in Paris Jonathan_Burn@dennis.co.uk @Jonathan_burn OFFICIAL SKODA’S replacement for the Rapid Spaceback and more direct rival for the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus has been teased in official sketches prior to its reveal at next month’s Paris Motor Show. The drawings show the Vision RS concept, which previews the new model. The company is being tight-lipped on technical details, but said the show car points towards the next design phase of its new vRS models, hence the name. More significantly, the manufacturer has confirmed the concept hints at a future compact vehicle from Skoda. The dimensions of the concept – 4,356mm long, 1,810mm wide and 1,431mm tall – put the car firmly into the same space as models such as the…

OFFICIAL FIAT has launched an updated 500X, bringing a new look, engines and tech to its crossover. Visual changes are limited to a new set of LED headlamps and tail-lights, while inside the instrument cluster has been redesigned. A seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now features as standard across the range. The biggest changes come under the bonnet, as the 500X adopts FCA’s new 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, developing 118bhp and 190Nm of torque. This sends drive to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. Joining it is a new 1.3-litre four-cylinder with 148bhp and 270Nm of torque, hooked up to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. In terms of tech, traffic sign recognition and lane keep assist are now included as standard on every…

James_Batchelor@dennis.co.uk @JRRBatchelor New Mazda MX-5 first drive report ONCE you’ve read my first drive of the 2019 Mazda MX-5 on Page 30, head to our YouTube channel to see me at the wheel of the new roadster. Mazda does things differently, so the styling is untouched and most of the tweaks focus on the mechanicals. See what I think in my video report. Walkaround video on Aston DB11 AMR THERE hasn’t been so much buzz surrounding Aston Martin since the sixties. It’s on a march to launch new cars and to kick rivals into touch, and one of the latest is the DB11 AMR. Tweaked by the company’s new AMR sporting division, the DB11 AMR is the new V12 version of the GT. Join me on a video tour. You…

mail@autoexpress.co.uk @AutoExpress Write to: Watchdog/Letters, Auto Express, Dennis Publishing Ltd, 31-32 Alfred Place, London WC1E 7DP FROM: Simon Hutchins IF you can get past an MG badge sitting on a small hatch, this is a decent car. The sole engine may be disappointing, but the facelift is so successful I see this as a precursor to MG releasing some really impressive future models. FROM: Robert Smith THE new MG3 looks leaps and bounds better than the old one, and the interior seems good enough, too. It’s just a shame the engine lets the side down so much. A little 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit would be perfect for this car. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk ▪ “This new car looks like a cross between a Mazda 3 and a Suzuki Swift.” Jonathan…

Richard_Ingram@dennis.co.uk @rsp_ingram WE first drove the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe on European roads back in July (Issue 1,532). Our verdict was positive, but the high list price was a sticking point. Now that we’ve got the SUV back in the UK, complete with early finance rates, can the firm’s flagship topple the all-conquering Skoda Kodiaq? The first thing that strikes you is how vast the Santa Fe feels inside; the space up front is generous, with loads of adjustment in the seats and steering wheel. The middle row is equally roomy, and the flat floor makes it easy to fit three across the back. Things only really come undone as you clamber into the third row, which is tight. Hyundai says the boot is bigger, however, with enough space for…

Mazda 6 Mazda Multimedia Standard Key features: Nav, DAB, Bluetooth YOU would be forgiven for thinking that the eight-inch display in the Mazda 6 was just a normal infotainment screen, because it’s designed to be controlled using a rotary dial on the centre console. However, it’s actually also a touchscreen. This means it has the best of both worlds in terms of the interface; the touchscreens in its rivals can be annoying to use on the move because you struggle to select an option while driving on a bumpy road. Unfortunately, the rest of the system is looking a bit dated now. It’s functional and easy to understand, but the graphics aren’t as modern as those in the Skoda, and it doesn’t come with smartphone connectivity. A dealer can fit…

MINI Cooper SENIOR staff writer James Brodie’s new MINI Cooper 5-Door has been put to good use up and down the M1 a few times, albeit with some slightly disappointing fuel economy returns. The latest update for the newest model on our fleet comes from a bit closer to home, however. Our MINI has met its new neighbour: a classic mid-nineties Rover Mini Cooper. This aubergine-coloured example lives in the same spot as our bright orange five-door, and it’s one of several classic Minis occupying the same patch as ours. It’s clear that in our man’s part of London, the original is still a popular urban commuter. A total of 5.4 million examples of the original model were built from 1959 until the end of production in 2000. Since 2001,…

Got a query? products@autoexpress.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q Smart charger for hybrid MY sister has a 2017 Toyota Yaris Hybrid. Unfortunately she is ill and won’t be using it for a few months. Can I connect a smart battery charger as with a normal car, so the car will be ready to use when she is well again? Mike Turner, E-mail A WE consulted CTEK, maker of our test-winning battery charger, and it said you can treat the Yaris like a conventional car and hook up a smart charger (above) with a maintenance mode to keep the battery topped up. There should be no problems leaving it connected. Q Leather seat protection I’VE just bought a 2018 BMW M140i five-door with leather seats. Where can I get a set of waterproof covers,…

A LITHIUM jump start pack is the easy way to give your battery a boost and get your car started. MSC has launched the Overland, which we pitched against three-time test winner, Sealey’s SL65S. On our 1.6-litre petrol test car with a battery showing 10.5V, we turned the engine over for five seconds, five times, with a two-minute break between each attempt. Both were rated for final state of charge, performance, cable length, case, accessories and sockets, safety, weight and the quality of instructions. Although the Sealey SL65S again produced impressive results, the cheaper Overland performed equally well, plus it had a better final charge and was supplied with more extras. “We turned the engine over for five seconds, five times” Mini test TEST WINNER MSC Overland Waterproof Car Jumper…

Stephen_Errity@dennis.co.uk FORMULA One’s driver market is set for a busy few weeks, with a total of 12 seats yet to be confirmed for 2019 ahead of last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza. Daniel Ricciardo’s shock move from Red Bull to Renault and the purchase of Force India by Lance Stroll’s father Lawrence have set off a chain reaction, upsetting the plans of several drivers. Force India’s Esteban Ocon has long-term links with Renault and had been expected to move to the French brand’s team for 2019, but with current driver Nico Hulkenberg already locked in, Ricciardo’s arrival blocked his path. Ocon’s current seat at Force India is also under threat, with Stroll expected to move over from Williams either in 2019 or before the end of this season, and…

Motoring’s most outspoken and opinionated columnist sounds off “Uber will soon take delivery of Toyota’s autonomous cars-cum-taxis, and professional drivers should be very afraid” FIRST my foreign mother, then later, my non-Brit wife warned me to be cautious of strange persons in mysterious, faraway lands. I ignored their advice, of course, and when a group of white-coated scientists from Toyota’s secret development team requested my presence at the foot of Mount Fuji early one Sunday in 1989, I accepted the invitation immediately. “Get in car now, it’s ready to go,” the techiest car blokes I’ve ever met ordered me on my arrival. On private roads and tracks their self-driving Toyota went, steered, stopped and parked itself faultlessly. Even back then. My immediate question as I stepped out after several surreal…

Audi e-tron On sale: 2019 THE first Audi EV will be revealed in the coming weeks. It’s likely to crack 0-62mph in less than six seconds and do about 250 miles per charge. Skoda Vision E On sale: 2021 VW Group brands are pushing ahead with an all-new pure-electric platform, MEB, that’ll support a host of vehicles. Skoda will use it to launch an SUV flagship. BMW iX3 On sale: 2020 IN contrast to many rivals, BMW believes it can score a hit by offering an existing car in pure-electric form. Expect X3-based EV to give a range of 250 miles or so. Tesla Model X On sale: now THE original pure-electric SUV, the Model X has had quality issues, but found plenty of homes; more than 80,000 have been…

ASTON Martin has confirmed plans to float on the London Stock Exchange this year. Existing investors will sell shares in the offering, placing around 25 per cent of the company’s stock on the London Stock Exchange. A value of around £5billion is expected in the initial offering. The announcement followed record profits at the company; first-half revenue in 2018 rose eight per cent to £445million. Underlying profits increased by 14 per cent to £106m. Aston’s chief executive Andy Palmer (left) said: “The announcement represents a key milestone in the history of the company, which is reporting strong financial results and increased global demand for its sports cars.” Throughout its 105-year history, Aston Martin has been bankrupt seven times.…

Lexus teases new face of RC coupé LEXUS has revealed an updated version of the RC coupé (above) ahead of its debut at the Paris Motor Show next month. Visual changes amount to a reprofiled front bumper, a new mesh grille and updated LED headlamps with a new lighting signature. New aluminium detailing has been added inside. The firm also claims ride quality and handling have been improved thanks to a new suspension set-up and more responsive steering. Bosch app unlocks keyless car future BOSCH has developed a new smartphone-based app that can replace physical car keys. It’s called Perfectly Keyless, and each digital key is unique to a user’s phone and connects wirelessly via on-board sensors. Bosch says the app reduces the risk of key theft and cloning, while…

• Spies catch electrified SUV and Sportback charging up James_Brodie@dennis.co.uk @jimmybrods SPIED TWO new electrified Audis have been caught red handed at the charging point: the upcoming Q5 and A7 Sportback e-tron models. The cars will help kick-start a new electrified era for the brand, and look ready to be revealed. With Audi set to show its all-electric e-tron SUV at a special event in San Francisco on 17 September, and pulling out of the Paris Motor Show next month, it’s likely that these two new plug-ins will be revealed as supporting acts for the company’s forthcoming Tesla Model X and Jaguar I-Pace rival. The Q5 and A7 e-tron are expected to borrow the powertrain found in the soon-to-be-launched plug-in A8 limo. This is a turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol V6 with…

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.consumerombudsman.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…

Richard_Ingram@dennis.co.uk @rsp_ingram IT’S not uncommon for car makers to launch special editions as a model reaches the end of production. Late last year, SEAT presented the Leon Cupra R – a kit-laden, tuned version of the standard hot hatch. Now it’s the turn of the ST estate, driven here for the first time in Carbon Edition trim. The tweaks are less extensive than those on the R, but exclusivity is on par. SEAT won’t divulge exactly how many are reserved for British buyers, although we’re told “fewer than 50” will make it. Each costs £2,400 more than the standard car. For your extra cash you get plenty of carbon trinkets. Available only in grey, the Cupra 300 Carbon Edition has carbon-fibre side blades, plus carbon-fibre front and rear diffusers. There’s…

Alfa Romeo Giulia Issue 1,534 Audi A7 Sportback Issues 1,529, 1,536, 1,539 Citroen C3 Aircross Issues 1,526, 1,532, 1,537 Kia Stinger Issues 1,533, 1,537 Mazda CX-5 Issues 1,503, 1,512, 1,521, 1,530, 1,538 MINI Cooper 5-door Issue 1,538 Nissan Leaf Issue 1,533 Peugeot 5008 Issues 1,523, 1,531, 1,539 Renault Koleos Issue 1,530 SEAT Arona Issues 1,524, 1,531, 1,535 Skoda Karoq Issue 1,536 Suzuki Swift Sport Issue 1,532 Toyota C-HR Issues 1,527, 1,535 Vauxhall Grandland X Issue 1,536 Volkswagen Arteon Issues 1,520, 1,530, 1,536 Volvo XC60 Issues 1,523, 1,527, 1,534, 1,538…

Building a MINI Chris Randall (Haynes Publishing, www.haynes.co.uk) Price: £22.99 SHADES of Haynes’ manuals work well in this ‘Operations’ version; it’s a fairly concise look behind the production lines at MINI’s Oxford plant. Those wanting a classic Mini restoration guide will be disappointed, but they’ll enjoy an interesting read in Haynes’ trademark style. Donald Healey’s 8C Triumph Dolomite Jonathan Wood (donaldhealeys8cdolomitebook.co.uk) Price: £75 IT’S always an impressive feat of research when an obscure car can fill a large book like this. The 8C Dolomite was a near-copy of the Alfa Romeo 8C 2300, and this volume charts it from conception to present day. Specialist subject matter aside, it’s well presented and engaging. Drive Ahead Available for: iOS, Android Price: Free DRIVE Ahead is a sort of micro demolition derby; the…

Got any car queries? Hugo_Griffiths@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q ‘Skimming’ brake discs MY garage informed me I need a new set of front brake discs. I asked the mechanic if he could ‘skim’ the discs, but he told me nobody does that any more. Why is this? Alan Parks, E-mail A IT used to be fairly common to skim brake discs on a lathe in order to leave a smooth, rust-free surface. While this can prolong their life, getting a perfect result is tricky, plus thinner discs heat up more easily and can be less effective. Replacing the discs is usually easier, safer and not much more expensive. Q Why is car pulling to left? AFTER noticing my car had started pulling to the left, I checked my tyre pressures and had…

Dear Alex, My wife and I are after a coupé, but she would prefer something that’s comfy and relaxing. What can we buy for £25,000? Geoff Simpson, E-mail Contact: Alex_Ingram@dennis.co.uk THE STYLISH CHOICE Audi TT FOR: Gorgeous inside and out, newest car here AGAINST: Tiny rear seats, least powerful choice EVERY car in our trio is stunning to look at, but the Audi’s sharp, compact shape is the most modern here. Being the smallest makes it the most agile to drive, too, yet find a model with the optional adaptive dampers and it’s smooth and refined. The TT’s load space is accessed through a hatch opening. Considering that the rear seats are next to useless, it’s best to fold them flat and enjoy the car as a two-seater with a…