Table of contents for 1904 in Auto Express

I WAS both amused and encouraged this week to see Ferrari product development boss Gianmaria Fulgenzi dismissing the power arms race among new electric car brands. He described 2,000bhp EVs as “not difficult” and “elephants” due to the size and weight of the battery and powertrain needed to provide their power. And his point is valid, not only for the brands (primarily from China) that see big numbers as a way to grab attention, but also for those from closer to home. A 400bhp family SUV sounded farcical just a few years ago, but that’s what we’ve got, and it’s entirely unnecessary. I’m picking on Volvo because it was among the first to make one, but I could easily be talking about many other makers’ ‘normal’ models with the pace…

“THE FCA’S COMPENSATION SCHEME WILL SEE LENDERS FORCED TO CONTACT THOSE AFFECTED WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF ITS START” THE Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced an official redress scheme for the UK’s car finance scandal, with 14 million people each in line for hundreds of pounds in compensation. Confirmed following a consultation that began in August, the redress scheme is set to cost the industry £8.2billion. The FCA’s chairman, Nikhil Rathi, said: “Many motor finance lenders did not comply with the law or the rules. Now we have legal clarity, it’s time their customers get fair compensation. Our scheme aims to be simple for people to use and lenders to implement.” The FCA’s compensation scheme will see lenders forced to contact those affected within six months of its start date.…

ELSEWHERE, Lamborghini has revealed its Manifesto design study. It’s less a preview of a specific supercar, more an exercise in design language, plus it marks Lamborghini Centro Stile’s 20th anniversary. You won’t see a production Manifesto on the road in 2027, but cars to come from Lamborghini will wear design traits first explored on the concept. Centro Stile director Mitja Borkert described the car as ‘pure sculpture’ and a ‘design manifesto’. In contrast to the recently revealed Fenomeno hypercar or the Revuelto, Manifesto is more about evolving lines, and is a change of visual pace for the company.…

THIS is the Mercedes Vision Iconic – a concept car that’s apparently inspired by “the brand’s rich heritage” but “designed for its future”. Featuring a similarly bold, illuminated grille to that on the new all-electric GLC, it attempts to blend styling cues from Merc’s latest cars with models from its past. Combining old and new is a challenge Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius and his team have been battling for some time. In a recent interview, he asked Auto Express: “How do you keep your identity – this unmistakable Mercedes-ness – into the next generation?” With the Vision Iconic, chief design officer Gorden Wagener has created a long bonnet similar to the firm’s Art Deco-inspired models of the thirties, while to the rear he’s incorporated elements of the 1954 Mercedes 300…

THE Cupra Formentor is one of our favourite small SUVs, and among its attributes is a wide range of engines. Now there’s even more choice, because the firm has added the five-cylinder unit from the Audi RS 3 to the VZ5 edition. While the Formentor VZ5 has been offered in left-hand-drive markets for several years, Cupra has just announced it’ll now bring the hottest variant to the UK. The 2.5-litre turbo engine produces 384bhp and 480Nm of torque – a significant jump over the 328bhp and 420Nm offered by the current VZ3’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder motor. The VZ5’s straight-line performance is much stronger as a result. A 0-62mph time of 4.2 seconds is more than half a second faster than the VZ3, and the VZ5 tops out at 155mph. Just…

SUBARU and Toyota are no strangers to working together, and the Toyota bZ4X was an ideal starting point for Subaru’s first EV, resulting in the Solterra. Now comes the follow-up, another midsized SUV, the Uncharted, which is a successor of sorts to the Subaru Crosstrek. It uses the same platform, batteries and motors as the Toyota C-HR+ (left), but there are more visual differences here than on previous collaborations. While using the same underpinnings as the Solterra, the Uncharted has a more coupé-like silhouette, a shorter rear overhang and a wheelbase that’s 100mm shorter. The entry-grade 54kWh, single-motor, front-wheel-drive Uncharted gets 18-inch wheels, while the top-spec 72kWh dualmotor AWD model gets 20-inch rims. Charging speeds are average for the segment, at 150kW, with a 10 to 80 per cent recharge…

IT’S nice to see that with so much change in our daily lives, there’s one constant. Porsche still offers a 911 GT3 with a naturally aspirated flatsix engine, rear-wheel drive and no turbos, hybrid systems or active suspension. It’s even still available with a six-speed manual transmission, along with the seven-speed PDK we’re driving here. But don’t consider this as laziness. While the GT3 may ‘only’ have 507bhp and 450Nm of torque, it still sings to a tune that over the years has been honed to within an inch of perfection. So what has changed for this new 922.2-generation? We’ll start with Porsche’s new optional bucket seat, which features a folding backrest and a removable head restraint for when you’re wearing a helmet. These are not just practical evolutions; the…

THE Model Y line-up is topped by the Performance, a car which delivers supercar-baiting straight-line pace with lots of space and comfort for five people and plenty of their stuff. While its asking price makes it a little hard to justify beside lesser Model Ys which already deliver so much, it’s still a very impressive technical achievement. Performance models are set apart from the rest of the range by a few key design details; a more muscular front bumper sits beneath that Cybertruck-style full-width lightbar, while there’s an extended carbon-fibre rear lip spoiler. Compared with the previousgeneration Model Y Performance, the new car reduces aerodynamic drag (helping to boost range) and lift (improving high-speed stability and cornering grip). ENGINES & PERFORMANCE TESLA has long topped the EV game when it…

Price: £7.99 Rating: Contact: mymotorworld.com NORMALLY, getting slime inside your car would be a reason to get upset, but CarPlan’s new Demon Slime Super Cleaning Gel is designed to improve the interior. Open the jar and you’ll find a 160g blob of red gloop, which has a slight smell of cherry. The instructions tell you to pour it out of the tub and knead the goo gently in your hands before using it to pick up dirt, dust and crumbs from around your car’s dashboard, switches and other hard surfaces. However, it’s not suitable for use on fabrics. Once the gel is covered with dirt, you knead it again to reveal a clean face of the slime and can carry on using it before returning it to the jar to ensure…

WHAT does being British mean? With all that’s going on in the news, it’s a question many of us are asking ourselves. It’s worth asking of the UK car industry, too. While British cars once dominated the sales charts, our roads are now much more multinational. Brands and models from the likes of Europe, Japan, Korea and now even China are making their way to our shores. But with global conglomerates having their fingers in the pies of almost every single automotive company, and foreign car makers shifting production around the world, if you want to buy British, where should your money go? The answer is complicated, because nailing down what is a ‘British’ car isn’t easy. Take Jaguar Land Rover, for example; the firm may originate from the UK…

THE latest Tesla Model Y Performance offers supercar levels of speed and space for all the family. But we still don’t think the £62k SUV is that fun to drive. You could assemble a very impressive three-car garage for that sum, which is what we did by searching through the Auto Express used-car classifieds. 1 HYUND AI IONIQ 5 - £19,057 THE Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a hugely spacious and comfortable family model that was the Auto Express Car of the Year in 2021 and is now a fantastic used purchase. This two-year-old, mid-range Premium model has 32,000 miles on the clock, so it’s still covered by Hyundai’s fiveyear warranty. Yet it costs about half what it did brand new and has the larger of the 5’s two battery packs, which…

BMW is in the midst of a huge product revolution brought on by its ‘Neue Klasse’ design and technology philosophy, and soon we’ll see a comprehensively updated iX1 get in on the act. The brand’s plan to launch 40 new models incorporating Neue Klasse tech will be realised by the end of 2027. The current iX1 was introduced in 2022 as an all-electric alternative to BMW’s smallest SUV, the X1. Yet despite it only being three years old, we expect to see an all-new iX1 launch within two years, aligning with comments made by BMW’s head of Neue Klasse, Mike Reichelt, who previously said the brand aims to roll out Neue Klasse tech “to the entire BMW portfolio by the end of 2027 – regardless of the drive type”. That…

Thomas.Jervis@autoexpress.co.uk HALLOWEEN is almost upon us and although the prospect of payouts has certainly given lenders a fright, it seems like Christmas has come early for millions of consumers. Yet, while few would turn their nose up at a cheque for £700 coming in the post, there is some debate as to whether the average payout figure quoted by the FCA appropriately compensates consumers. However, at Auto Express we feel the FCA has struck the right balance between compensating the consumer and protecting the industry. While an expected £8.2billion hit to lenders is nothing to sniff at, it’s far less than the amount originally touted, and a substantially smaller bill than if the Supreme Court had ruled that all undisclosed commission was illegal; experts said this could have resulted in…

TESLA has revealed new, more affordable ‘Standard’ versions of its Model 3 and Model Y EVs in the US, promising impressive efficiency and lower prices – but there’s a question mark over their arrival in the UK. Leading the charge is the Model Y Standard, called the “most efficient” version of the SUV to date. It claims a 321-mile range on the US EPA cycle, which could translate to around 347 miles on the WLTP test used here. This is apparently achieved by a smaller battery and aero tweaks, including unique 18-inch ‘Aperture’ wheels and revised bumpers. At $39,990 (approx. £30,000), it’s $5,000 less than the next model up, but performance takes a hit, with the 0-60mph dash taking 6.8 seconds. Joining it is a Model 3 Standard. To hit…

SIXTY years ago, the most popular car in the UK was the Austin/Morris 1100: a small family model that measured roughly 3.7 metres long, 1.6 metres wide and weighed around 830kg. Today, the UK’s best-seller is the Ford Puma SUV: once again a small family car, but measuring 4.2 metres long, 1.8 metres wide and weighing in at a comparatively portly 1,300kg – and even more in fully electric Gen-E guise. The recent expansion of cars’ size and weight – often referred to as ‘carspreading’ – has become a contentious topic in recent years, with many questioning whether we’ve prioritised kerb appeal above the likes of safety and the environment. As a case study study of how much cars have grown over the past six decades, we brought together a…

THE mid-size electric SUV segment is one of the most overpopulated areas of the newcar market. Almost every mainstream maker has put a flag in the ground, with many now seeing strong conversion from their equivalent petrol, diesel or hybrid alternatives. But Kia has taken longer than most to stake its claim, and is only now launching its hotly anticipated EV5. It’s a rival to cars such as the Skoda Enyaq and Tesla Model Y, but is it too little, too late? To get a taste of what customers can expect when deliveries start later this year, we went to Korea to drive a top-spec, front-wheel-drive model – largely comparable to the plush GT-Line S. In 2026, this single-motor car will be joined by an allwheel-drive model, plus a 302bhp…

The range-topping MG IM6 and Tesla Model Y both promise much with Performance badging, but which is our favourite? OVER the past year or so, the idea of getting behind the wheel of a Tesla has left me wanting to wear a paper bag over my head. The views of the company’s CEO Elon Musk have left a bitter taste for many people, me included; it’s why there’s been a lucrative market for “I bought this before Elon went mad” bumper stickers, as owners try to distance themselves from his political leanings. Yet here I am, pounding along a soaking M25 in a Model Y Performance (minus a paper bag), sampling the updated flagship model for the first time. And you know what? It’s a shame that Tesla is so…

THE Polestar 4 joined our test fleet with a substantial weight on its shoulders. Its manufacturer is going through some major challenges and a tough period financially. If it wants to survive, its cars need to do the talking. And if you’ll forgive me cutting to the chase, the good news is that, despite my initial reservations about its shape and sheer size, the Polestar 4 has alleviated any fears about its maker’s long-term health, and then some. Over the course of the past six months, I’ve relished every moment with the car, because it offers a collection of elements that perfectly complement my busy and fast-paced weekly schedule. One of the real highlights of this car is its cabin. I never grew tired of the design, displays or interfaces,…

WITH the nights drawing in, many of us will be driving more in the dark. And any headlamp defect will mean a poorer light output and possibly irritated flashes from other motorists. One of the most common faults is faded plastic lenses, and there are many DIY ways to polish them back to their former glory, some involving a lot of elbow grease or power tools. Previously, we’ve been impressed by the simplicity of Armor All’s Headlight Restorer Wipes. Here they face the Ultimate Headlight Restoration Kit from Meguiar’s. We were also curious to try one of the new vapour kits, so tested Temu’s BESPER package. It looks good value but is tricky to use and has no lacquer to protect the plastic. The Meguiar’s kit worked well but is…

TWO and a bit years ago, the only Chinese firm that mattered to UK buyers was MG. It was selling around 6,000 cars a month here and, at the same time, newcomers BYD, GWM and Maxus were well-nigh irrelevant as each struggled to sell just one car per day. And, er, that was about it. A complacent industry ‘expert’ working for a leading European manufacturer advised me not to get too excited about the ability of the Chinese to appeal to what he described as the “sophisticated tastes” of western buyers. The consensus at his slightly snobby firm seemed to be that the majority of cars from most of China’s brands were unknown, undesirable and unsaleable – at least to demanding, badge-obsessed, image-conscious UK buyers. “ACCORDING TO SEPTEMBER’S SALES FIGURES,…

ALFA Romeo has revealed an updated version of its slowselling Tonale SUV in the hope of re-energising the model in the face of fresher competition. By introducing a refreshed interior and a more assertive new look, Alfa is hoping to tap into a bit of the magic that has its smaller Junior flying out of showrooms. Full details of the new Tonale range have yet to be revealed, but it will be available in a three-tier line-up with a choice of three powertrains when it arrives in this country next year. The key changes outside focus on a new front end. This includes a subtly reshaped ‘Scudetto’ grille and four new vents around it, with a more aggressive lower bumper. The grille is inspired by the brand’s 33 Stradale supercar,…

WEEKS after we caught the car testing on the Nürburgring in Germany, Skoda has taken the wraps off its hot new Fabia 130 – a spicy hatchback that serves as a birthday present for the Czech company’s 130th anniversary. Priced at £29,995 with orders opening on 30 October, the Skoda Fabia 130 is based on the current £24,290 Monte Carlo model – but comes with a host of performancefocused upgrades to help transform it into a rival for the likes of the MINI Cooper S and Volkswagen Polo GTI. Given that no vRS hot-hatch version of the current Fabia is offered, the 130 is positioned as the rangetopper of the supermini’s line-up and splits these two above rivals on price, although the Polo does offer 199bhp and the MINI 201bhp.…

KIA has begun the first public trials of cell-level battery passports, which could revolutionise the used EV market. The trial uses battery cell-monitoring technology, which can collate data from a car’s battery pack down to individual cell level. This can be accessed either by mechanics to diagnose a problem, or prospective buyers wanting to get a picture of the battery’s overall condition. It’s hoped this will improve battery repairability because mechanics will be able to identify and replace faulty cells. It should also boost consumer confidence in used electric cars and residual values. Kia says that it hopes to bring this tech to market by February 2027 for its hybrid and electric-car line-ups.…

“We saw around 3.7 miles per kWh on our briskly driven test route, so well over 4.0mi/kWh will be easily achievable in regular driving” THE circa-£37,000 point at the top of the Government’s Electric Car Grant has become something of a hotbed of talented electric family cars in the past year or so, and Toyota is the latest to jump into the arena. The likes of Skoda’s Elroq – our 2025 Car of the Year – and the Kia EV4 are new to a segment that already boasted established rivals such as the Ford Explorer, Volkswagen ID.4 and Renault Scenic among plenty of others. Despite the name, the C-HR+ doesn’t share much with the regular hybrid or plug-in C-HR that’s been on sale for a couple of years in Mk2…

A COUPLE of weeks ago (Issue 1,902), we were mightily impressed when we tested Citroen’s C5 Aircross as a plug-in hybrid, but now it’s time to try the all-electric model. The two look identical; all that’s changed is the powertrain. Citroen might be onto something here, though. Thanks to the UK Government’s Electric Car Grant, the e-C5 Aircross could be the affordable family EV that customers have been waiting for. Starting at just over £34,000 before the grant in its entry-level You! trim, it’ll hit the market at a sensationally low price, considering its size and standard equipment. If you want more kit, the Plus and Max editions rise to around £36,500 and just over £39,000. Crucially, all models fall below £40,000, which means they’ll slip under the VED threshold…

LAUNCHING the MG IM6 marks a new chapter in the Chinese firm’s story. It foregoes the value-driven philosophy of cars such as the ZS and MG4 and aims directly at the heart of the premium electric SUV market. The IM6 has a long list of standard kit, while the battery and electric motor set-up looks promising in terms of range, power and charging. We’re testing the top-spec Performance model here, although the car in our pictures is in Launch Edition trim, the main difference being the addition of adaptive dampers and air suspension. MOTORS & PERFORMANCE TWO powertrain options are available in the IM6 from launch, both of which are based around a 100kWh battery. The IM6 Long Range comes with a single electric motor that drives the rear wheels…

CAR safety is one of those things we tend to take for granted. In fact, a recent poll conducted here at Auto Express asking people to list their priorities when buying a new car had safety listed second from last. However, how many of us would actually admit that safety isn’t important? I ask this question because it’s become a hot topic in the Baiden household. My wife was travelling back from the school run and preparing to turn into our driveway, when a motorcyclist failed to notice until it was too late. He desperately tried to avoid a collision, but ended up ploughing into the Skoda Elroq we’re running on our fleet, causing extensive damage. Thankfully nobody was injured and everybody was able to walk away, but my wife…

GETTING behind the wheel after drinking even a small amount of alcohol is always a bad idea and something we would never condone. But drinks affect people differently and it is not easy to judge if you are safe and legal to drive after consuming alcohol in moderate amounts or hours before. It could be the morning after a party, for example, or if your teenager calls to say that they’ve missed the last train home when you’ve had a glass of wine with your dinner. In these situations, you can use a breathalyser to check if you are safe and legal to drive. These will either give you peace of mind or make it clear that you should be calling a taxi. For this test, we looked at reusable electronic…