Table of contents for 1829 in Auto Express

Ellis_Hyde@autovia.co.uk @EllisDrives Formentor and Leon updates More power, plus PHEV boost THE Cupra Formentor arrived just three years ago as the brand’s first bespoke model, and is already the company’s best seller in Europe. But to keep the sporty SUV on trend, it has been given a new look, interior tweaks and upgraded powertrains, while the Cupra Leon has also benefitted from a similar nip and tuck. Both cars have received significant styling changes to incorporate Cupra’s latest design language, first seen on its forthcoming flagship, the Tavascan coupé-SUV. The facelifted Formentor and Leon feature a new “shark-nose” front end as well as a three-triangle light signature, which is also replicated at the rear. The front bumpers on both cars have also been redesigned, while the Formentor gets a thin…

John_McIlroy@autovia.co.uk @johnmcilroy BYD will bring its value Seagull supermini to Europe and the UK, Auto Express can reveal, after the Chinese brand’s executive VP, Stella Li, confirmed the plan in Beijing. Introducing its most affordable electric car to Europe is seen as a key step by BYD, which has ambitious plans to achieve at least 10 per cent market share in the region by 2030. It will give the company a rival for the next wave of affordable EVs, led by the Dacia Spring, but also including the Citroen e-C3 and Volkswagen ID.2. Li said, “Yes, we plan to bring the Seagull to Europe next year. But it’s not the Chinese Seagull, it will be a European-market Seagull, a new Seagull. You haven’t seen it yet; even myself, I have…

Chris_rosamond@autovia.co.uk @AutoExpress YOUR VIEWS This week’s letters The Germans have the ‘light’ answer FROM: Joe A’Lee THE coverage (Issue 1,826) of dazzling headlights is duly recognised. Something that could help is what the Germans do every Autumn: a free National Licht (Light) Test. Garages and petrol stations can register for it and then check your lights for faults, for free. I can’t see appeal of small car windows FROM: Michael Corbyn WHY are car makers so obsessed with making car windows so small? Am I the only one hating this design trend? While the three upcoming Nissan models (Issue 1,825) show windows getting smaller, I prefer to see out rather than rely on technology all the time. Warning lights got me feeling Ad-Blue FROM: Robin Furness WE had so many…

Jordan_Katsianis@autovia.co.uk VOLKSWAGEN’S new Passat so nearly didn’t happen, largely because saloon and estate cars have progressively fallen victim to our voracious appetite for premium brands and higher-riding SUVs. Yet the Passat was once a staple of VW’s range – and for good reason. Its ability to transport people and their things in a smooth, comfortable and efficient manner was a winning formula. This is what this all-new generation is tasked with living up to. It’ll be launched in the UK exclusively as an estate, the range kicking off with two mild-hybrid petrols and a diesel, before eventually a plug-in is added later this year. We’ve already driven a few of these, but here we’re trying it in the UK in R-Line trim, fitted with the base petrol engine. It’s a…

Ellis_Hyde@autovia.co.uk @EllisDrives IF there’s one model that encapsulates everything Jeep fans love, it’s the Wrangler 4x4. The fifth generation of the off-road icon arrived in 2018, was given some improvements three years later, and has now received another round of upgrades for 2024, to keep things fresh. The Wrangler has never struggled in the looks department, so the styling changes are minimal. The signature seven-slot grille has new textured black patterns, while a ‘stealth’ antenna is integrated into the windscreen so it won’t break off on the trail. There are four new wheel designs, from 17 to 20 inches in diameter. The most noticeable change is inside, where the Wrangler has a new 12.3-inch touchscreen that dominates the dashboard. Significantly bigger than the 8.4-inch display fitted before, it’s an improvement…

MODEL TESTED: 1.5 eTSI DSG Elegance PRICE: £39,290 POWERTRAIN: 1.5-litre 4cyl petrol mild hybrid, 148bhp 148bhp Powertrain 1.5 litre 4cyl 55 litres Fuel tank £82 fill up 9.1 secs Performance 130mph 652 litres Seats up/down N/A litres VOLKSWAGEN has sold more than 7.6 million Tiguans since the first generation was launched in 2007, making it one of the firm’s most popular cars. This Mk3 model will target similar success, with a range starting from £34,075. Our test car comes in high-ranking Elegance trim, which costs £39,290 before options. Tech highlights WHILE the Tiguan looks different from its predecessor – it ditches the Mk2’s sharp creases and sporty touches for a softer appearance – under the skin it’s riding on a heavily revised version of the same MQB platform. The updates…

WINNER Hyundai Tucson 1st THE Hyundai Tucson wins this contest and remains our class favourite. It gets so many things right while offering buyers something unique and desirable. Even facing off against a car as capable as the Tiguan, the Tucson still has enough talent to win – although its new rival has revealed one or two minor flaws. Given that a mid-life refresh for the car is arriving in showrooms, rivals should be worried that Hyundai could move the Tucson even further out of reach. INTERESTED? Scan the code for further information • Solid driving feel• Performance• Build quality• Value for money • Lethargic handling• Rough engine note• Tiguan more spacious• Infotainment feels old RUNNER-UP Volkswagen Tiguan 2nd THE new Tiguan is the next in a line of new…

SAME CLASS Audi Q5 IF the Tiguan doesn’t feel quite posh enough for you, then you can step a little further up the VW Group ladder to an Audi Q5. For similar cash to the cars tested here, you can get a 2021 example with fewer than 10,000 miles. That’s powered by the 45 TFSI petrol engine, which produces a healthy 242bhp from its 2.0-litre capacity. Ride comfort, interior finish and space are all fabulous. There’s even a plug-in hybrid option, too. • Ride comfort• Premium badge • Fuel consumption• Tiguan is sharper to drive SAME MONEY Volvo V90 DRIVERS hunting for a practical car needn’t stop their search at an SUV – estate cars also make excellent family load-luggers. The Volvo V90 is one of the best; handsome, roomy…

Pete_Gibson@autovia.co.uk Running costs 42.2mpg (on test) £73 fill-up Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 351/1,026 litres WE’VE been through some highs and lows with our Mazda 3 – the latter through no fault of the car itself – but now is the time we have to say goodbye to this great-looking hatchback. And it’s a car that’s back to looking as good as new, because while it’s been the victim of a few car park scrapes and dings, we’ve had all of the damage repaired ahead of its departure. The Machine Grey paint helps emphasise the car’s curves, and I think the 3 is still one of the most distinctive-looking hatchbacks available today. Not that I get much time to admire the exterior, because usually I’m either behind the wheel or being…

NEW PRODUCT VP car care Price: from £6.95 Contact: vp-uk.co.uk THERE’S a new option for valeting enthusiasts on a budget following the arrival of VP, which aims to put a stop to amateur detailers being priced out of the premium car-care market. VP says that because it develops all its products in-house, it doesn’t need to pass on the same costs as its rivals. The result, it says, is professional-grade products that don’t break the bank, and that are also easy to apply for a DIY detailer. There are 19 products in the initial range, alongside a selection of accessories including brushes, towels and cloths. Bodywork washing is covered by the 500ml Smother-It snow foam (£7.95) and Wash-It shampoo (£8.95), and rims are cleaned by Wheel-It (£8.25). There’s also Remove-It pre-wash…

Apollo’s Vredestein buy marked by tulip APOLLO Tyres has branched out by commissioning an all-new variety of tulip to mark the 15th anniversary of its acquisition of tyre manufacturer Vredestein. The Dutch brand recently celebrated its 115th anniversary, and because the tulip is closely associated with the Netherlands, the flower was specially bred for the occasion. It’s named the Kanwar Tulip as a tribute to the Kanwar family, which founded and owns Apollo Tyres, and is notable for its distinctive purple petals. The first batch was grown at Den Helder, north of Amsterdam. Home-office market hit for six by Bentley BENTLEY has entered the home-office market for the first time, unveiling a new collection of office furniture at Milan Design Week 2024. The company says the Wilton Desk, designed by…

BOSSES at manufacturing firms in the UK have lately been getting on with what they do best: designing and building cars that proudly wear ‘made in Britain’ badges. So busy are they at producing and selling the goods that production is up in the first quarter of 2024 (over the same period last year). These companies have therefore had little time or inclination to publicly plead for pure-EV subsidies. The likes of MINI and JLR are well aware of what they have to do for themselves. Besides, isn’t it a waste of time asking the current Government for help, understanding and subsidies when it’s likely to be booted out of office within a few weeks or months? Conversely, foreign firms with zero car-making facilities in the UK, last week continued…

Alex_Ingram@autovia.co.uk @AxleIngram Hybrid powertrain develops 192bhp Range prices start from just £18,495 REACH adjustment for the steering wheel is absent, reverse parking manoeuvres are a bit jerky, and the sliding tray under the front centre armrest feels comically flimsy. We’re telling you these flaws straight off the bat, because that’s the level of nit-picking we needed to get to in order to find anything at all to complain about – the new MG3 really is that good. This is the second generation of the MG3, although implying that only one generation separates it from the old model vastly undersells just what a vast leap forward this car has taken over its very underwhelming predecessor. This is a car that can now compete with – and in many areas, beat –…

Richard_Ingram@autovia.co.uk @rsp_ingram Chunky concept previews new model due for release this year Smart’s largest car will take firm into new part of the market THE Beijing Motor Show kicked off last week, with the world’s biggest brands battling for floor space at what’s becoming one of the biggest dates in the automotive calendar. Smart was among them, teasing a brand new model due later this year. Smart is calling the #5 concept its “most spacious and versatile vehicle to date”. It looks like a cross between a Mercedes GLB and a shrunken Land Rover Defender, albeit with some of the smooth, curved edges seen on Smart’s existing #1 SUV. The maker has delved deep into its theoretical off-road accessories brochure, fitting the concept with knobbly tyres, protective cladding and even…

Jordan_Katsianis@autovia.co.uk Updated Urus packs 788bhp of hybrid-assisted V8 power Subtle revisions to front and rear, plus revamped dashboard LAMBORGHINI has just revealed the substantially updated Urus, featuring a new plug-in hybrid V8 powertrain and a raft of other changes inside and out. The Urus has been a big success for its maker, selling more units in its lifetime than all of Lamborghini’s supercars put together. But with pressure from rivals and increasingly stringent emissions regulations coming into force, the new SE model has turned to hybrid assistance to reach some lofty new heights. The crux of those changes is under the bonnet, because the new Urus features a 788bhp hybrid powertrain that pairs a familiar 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor and battery pack. Combined, they make 131bhp more…

Alastair_Crooks@autovia.co.uk @AllieCrooks Car features more power and chassis upgrades On sale now, priced from £59,990 TESLA has just revealed its new flagship Model 3 Performance – a quicker, more powerful version of the brand’s all-electric executive saloon car – and has put it straight on sale in the UK, with prices from £59,990. The Tesla Model 3 really solidified Tesla’s popularity in the UK, becoming the country’s second-best-selling car in 2021. It received a substantial mid-life facelift in 2023 – bringing more range, a fresh look and new technology – and now it’s time for the hot Performance range-topper. The Model 3 Performance costs £10,000 more than the mid-spec ‘Long Range’ and £20,000 more than the entry-level, rear-wheel-drive Model 3. It gains the same exterior tweaks as the rest of…

Revised Kia Picanto starts from £15,595 PRICES have been announced for the heavily facelifted Kia Picanto. The dinky city car costs £15,595 in 2 trim, with 3, GT-Line and GT-Line S also offered. Base cars get automatic headlights, 14-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning and a reversing camera. An eight-inch touchscreen is also standard. GT-Line S cars come equipped with a sunroof, 16-inch wheels, heated seats and extra safety kit for £18,445. All cars feature a 62bhp 1.0-litre petrol engine. Toyota reveals prices for new Land Cruiser TOYOTA’S all-new Land Cruiser 4x4 has taken a step upmarket, and newly released prices confirm that fact. Available in Invincible and First Edition specs, even the cheapest model costs £74,995. Every car comes with seven seats, Toyota’s Smart Connect+ infotainment system, a head-up display,…

Tom_Jervis@autovia.co.uk @thomaswjervis THE UK’s smart motorway network is plagued with technological faults that are not fixed for days at a time, leaving drivers at risk, according to the latest edition of the BBC’s Panorama programme. The programme also highlights figures that Auto Express reported last year, which showed that drivers are three times more likely to be killed or seriously injured when breaking down on a smart motorway, compared to one with a hard shoulder. The statistics have been linked to malfunctions with the smart motorway network’s detection and digital gantry system. A Freedom of Information request by the BBC found that, between June 2022 and February 2024, there have been almost 400 power outages on smart motorways. In the six months leading up to February, there were 174 outages…

THE following provide help with motoring problems. Some are free, others charge a fee or operate on premium-rate lines (p), while some offer advice for members only (m) Legal AA: 0345 850 1130 (m) RAC: 0330 159 1446 (m) 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: 0113 222 2010 AA: 0800 316 3564 DVLA: 0300 790 6802 RAC: 0808 164 1923 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…

Jordan_Katsianis@autovia.co.uk ONE of China’s more eccentric brands is about to land its second model here in the UK, with GWM Ora’s new four-door 07 almost ready to hit the road. But before it comes to us, we’ve had an early drive inside the brand’s vast proving grounds a few hours outside of Beijing. It’s worth noting that despite being in China, the cars we were driving are to European spec, and feature their own unique chassis tune. What you need to know about this curious-looking mid-size electric saloon is that it’ll arrive in the late summer and rival cars like the BYD Seal, Volkswagen ID.7 and even the Tesla Model 3. It’ll launch with two battery sizes and single or dual-motor options, but here we’re driving the fully laden 402bhp…

ROLLS-ROYCE has often indicated, whether subtly or explicitly, that it believes its cars to be in a class of their own. Consider the marketing for the Phantom, for example, which included a short film with the tagline: “Unique has no rival”. Enough said. The reality is that the luxury manufacturers most commonly considered as competitors to Rolls sell in far greater volume at lower prices. When it comes to uber-opulence, no one really comes close to the Goodwood-based brand. But that’s not to say there haven’t been some interesting vehicles presented as alternatives to Rolls-Royces over the years. In the unlikely event that you have hundreds of thousands of pounds burning a hole in your pocket and feel a Roller is too passé, here’s a look at the kind of…

MODEL TESTED: Tucson N Line 1.6T Hybrid PRICE: £38,385 POWERTRAIN: 1.6-litre 4cyl petrol hybrid, 226bhp 226bhp Powertrain 1.6 litre 4cyl 52 litres Fuel tank £78 fill up 8.0 seconds Performance 120mph 616 litres Seats up/down 1,795 litres THE Tiguan has been a common sight on UK roads for a while, but it’s arguable that the Tucson had become even more popular than the previous-generation VW. Last year it was one of the best-selling cars in the UK, with almost 35,000 finding homes, compared with 25,000 second-generation Tiguans. Look at the prices and there’s a hint as to why. For less than the cost of the 1.5 eTSI Elegance, it’s possible to get your hands on a Tucson with a full-hybrid powertrain. In the N Line trim that we’re testing here,…

SAME CLASS Kia Sportage THERE’S more than one brand in the Hyundai empire, and the Tucson’s counterpart from Kia is just as appealing. The Sportage comes with an equally striking look inside and out, and shares much of its mechanical make-up with its sibling, including its hybrid powertrains. Both are refined and decent to drive, if not especially fun. The finance deals aren’t quite as competitive as they are for the Tucson (Kia buyers are offered a £1,500 deposit contribution, half as much as the Hyundai deal) so as it stands, the Tucson is still the car we’d give the nod to. • Interior space• Comfort• Equipment levels • Underwhelming handling• Engine refinement• Looks not to everyone’s tastes SAME MONEY Toyota RAV4 IF a frugal hybrid powertrain is a must-have…

IT is certainly annoying if you are forced to mix brands through no fault of your own, especially if your other tyres are nearly new. Before you give up on the make you currently have fitted, try searching online to see whether you can find a retailer that has some old stock. Websites such as Blackcircles.com and Openeo.co.uk will search all their outlets and courier the tyre to you, or a local garage, to be fitted. If you are forced to mix, there is nothing legally to prevent you from fitting another brand or a different tyre from the brand that’s already on your car, if it is the same size and has the minimum load index and speed rating specified by the manufacturer. We wouldn’t recommend mixing summer and…

WHILE we all love our cars, there are times when it makes sense to swap to two wheels to steer clear of traffic and dodge the high cost of parking. A folding bike is the ideal choice, and to avoid arriving in a sweat, the modern generation of e-bikes will give you a hand, especially climbing hills. Now, there is a new kid on the block, which we’ve tried against two of our top performers. Our test-winning electric folder is the MiRiDER One, thanks to its keen pricing and small dimensions when folded. The GB3 version tested here will appeal to riders who need to go further or tackle slopes, because it has three gears. We also recommend the futuristic, supercar-inspired GoCycle G4. The newest arrival is the Lite, a…

mail@autoexpress.co.uk THE Countryman shares its platform with the BMW 1 Series (which came 72nd), but owners rate the MINI lower for ride and handling. They are happier with the shared engines, although a fifth of respondents have the plug-in hybrid, which was originally unique to MINI. Driving pleasure is ranked 54th, which is also only a whisker behind the BMW. However the MINI ekes out a small lead thanks to a strong ninth place for interior style, and 14th for seating flexibility, as well as top-20 rankings for entertainment and controls. Perhaps surprisingly, the MINI does barely any better than the BMW for exterior styling, while a 71st place for exterior quality and finish may be equally unexpected. WE SAID “The Countryman is spacious and practical, while interior quality is…

Paul_Barker@autovia.co.uk THE MG3 hatchback kicks off a big year for MG, with at least four other new models arriving in the next 12 months. And that’s on top of the all-new small electric MG2 hatchback that’s likely to come by the end of 2025. Prices have been announced for the Cyberster electric roadster (top). MG’s most powerful production car ever will cost from £54,995, with the top-spec dual-motor GT coming in at a fiver under £60k. That car will arrive in the coming months, quickly followed by a new HS mid-size SUV. Initially available as a petrol or plug-in hybrid ahead of a regular hybrid coming early next year, the PHEV in particular is being tipped for big things. “We’re going to disrupt the market with that car,” MG UK’s…

Richard_Ingram@autovia.co.uk @rsp_ingram Land Rover reveals images of electric Range Rover Brand promises car will have exceptional low-grip abilities “Land Rover says the all-surface ability of the Range Rover will remain unparalleled” WE are used to seeing spy pictures of the latest cars undergoing testing, but Land Rover is looking to frustrate the snappers by releasing its own images of the new zero-emissions Range Rover Electric, driving across a frozen lake deep within in the Arctic Circle. The various images (above) show the forthcoming range flagship in “all black” guise. They reveal a car that looks strikingly similar to the existing petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid Range Rover; the only discernible difference at this stage – aside from a green flash on the number plate – is the aero-optimised grille design.…

Chris_rosamond@autovia.co.uk THIRTY years ago this month Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and French President François Mitterrand arrived together in Calais on brand-new Eurostar passenger service trains, for a joint red-white-and-blue ribbon-cutting ceremony to inaugurate the cross-channel tunnel link. The two heads of state later jumped into the royal Rolls-Royce Phantom and were chauffeured onto LeShuttle for the return crossing to Folkestone, a 32-minute train ride that made them the first official passengers on the new car and freight service that was set to revolutionise transport between England and France. The rest may be history, as they say, but it’s been a chequered and challenging one. The privately financed hole under the sea cost a whopping £10 billion to build, twice the initial estimate, and that put a big hole in…

Alastair_Crooks@autovia.co.uk @AllieCrooks LAMBORGHINI’S origins are well documented – an Italian entrepreneur got upset with an Italian car maker, and decided to build an entire car company out of spite. This firm went on to make some of the most coveted objects of the 20th century. There was even a 2022 film depicting Ferruccio Lamborghini’s initial struggles and success as a car maker – funnily enough coming out a year before the film Ferrari. We all know Lamborghini’s back catalogue of halo cars over the decades, the most recent being last year’s Revuelto. However, it was the 350 GT that presented Lamborghini to the world, followed by the car we’re driving here, the 400 GT. Both provided a stunningly gorgeous foundation on which to build a car brand. After the handsome…

Running costs 29.4mpg (official) £97 fill-up Performance 0-62mph/top speed 4.2 seconds/155mph UNLIKE the regular Mercedes CLE, the AMG version replaces one car rather than two: the previous-generation AMG C 63 Coupé. Despite being the masters at filling every niche, Mercedes didn’t think there was enough of market for an E 63 Coupé. A peculiar decision considering it was happy to apply the full AMG treatment to various SUVs – and even the S-Class limousine. The CLE 53 4MATIC+ might have had some detailed attention from those based in AMG’s Affaltabach HQ, but the core AMG fans will question the new car’s provenance and credentials. As, for that matter, do we. It certainly looks like a full-blooded AMG model. Its wider front and rear arches are there for both aesthetic and…

DIVE into the into the PCP finance rates, and what seems like a small financial benefit in the Hyundai’s favour grows even wider. The Tiguan is currently available with a £750 deposit contribution and an interest rate of 6.9 per cent APR. However, the Tucson comes with not only a significantly larger deposit incentive (£3,000), but also a lower 3.9 per cent rate of interest. Those two factors add up to a significant saving; place a £5,000 deposit on a three-year PCP agreement with a 10,000-mile annual limit, and the Tiguan will set you back £538 per month, but on matching terms the Tucson undercuts that by £122 every month. Other costs are more closely matched between the pair. The VW is a little cheaper to service over three years,…

FAMILY SUVs These two are great cars, but there are numerous very strong alternatives, both new and used “WHILE the Korean brands hold the high ground in this class at the moment, there are a number of Chinese newcomers looking to steal their thunder. At the bargain end of the segment is the Omoda 5, which will offer similar size and space but start from just £24,000.” “THE Tucson is a big seller, but it’s the Nissan Qashqai that’s the most popular model in this class. With 43,321 sold in 2023, only the Ford Puma was above it in the sales charts, and a dramatic mid-life facelift could make the Qashqai climb even closer to that top spot later this year.” “WE’RE very keen to get our hands on the…

Chris_rosamond@autovia.co.uk Running costs 39.1mpg (on test) £85 fill-up Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 579/1,634 litres Performance 0-62mph/Max speed 9.5 seconds/116mph IF I were a paying customer, I’d be on our local Honda dealer’s Xmas card list by now, having just graduated to my third Honda SUV fleet car in succession. They’ve all been getting bigger too, with our new CR-V standing 53mm taller, 26mm wider, and 138mm longer than its ZR-V predecessor There are more obvious differences, of course, including the fact that our handsome new CR-V 2.0i-MMD Advance hybrid finished in lustrous Crystal Red Metallic (£995) has a boxier profile than its swoopier-looking ZR-V stablemate. This, combined with those extra inches all around, means it can load 579 ‘computer-simulated one-litre blocks’ in the boot even with the seats up. With…

Speed Queens Rachel Harris-Gardiner (Pen & Sword Books, pen-and-sword.co.uk) Price: £22 Rating: A GREAT history of female racing drivers – and not just the big names. Each chapter focuses on a different era or type of motorsport, giving an at times difficult look at the sexism and chauvinism faced by women in motorsport, and often coming back to the tricky question of funding. Volvo Cars 1945-1995 Trevor Aider (Veloce Publishing, veloce.co.uk) Price: £19.99 Rating: THIS is a useful reference title, if not a particularly thrilling read for Volvo fans. Each model is presented with a brief history, technical specifications and a photo. The book covers the main models, sport derivatives, limited editions and the all-too-rare Volvo coupé. Truck Star Available for: iOS, Android Price: Free Rating: ANOTHER so-called restoration game…