Table of contents for 1496 in Auto Express

Jonathan_Burn@dennis.co.uk @Jonathan_burn NISSAN has signalled its intention to launch a fully electric SUV by unveiling the IMx concept at the Tokyo Motor Show. Revealed alongside the Leaf Nismo concept, the IMx is said to offer a glimpse into the future of Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility; that means how it sees cars integrating with society in the years ahead. The IMx sits on the same EV platform as the new Leaf, but Nissan says it features a re-engineered high-capacity battery for a claimed range of up to 373 miles. Two electric motors, one mounted on each axle to offer four-wheel drive, generate 429bhp and 700Nm of torque. No other performance figures have been issued. The IMx also features a look at the future of Nissan’s ProPILOT driver assistance system, which allows it…

THIS is the Toyota Fine-Comfort Ride, a hydrogen-powered concept car that made its debut at this week’s Tokyo Motor Show. The quirky hatchback is 4,830mm long, which is 300mm greater than a Prius, and can seat up to six people inside. The cabin also makes extensive use of touchscreens. These odd proportions are made possible by the powertrain – a further development of Toyota’s hydrogen fuel-cell tech. This power source, and in-wheel electric motors, allow the wheels to be placed right at the corners of the vehicle. Toyota claims it can do 620 miles on a single tank, but has no immediate plans to put the car into production. “The hatchback is 300mm longer than a Prius and is claimed to do 620 miles on a single tank”…

Chief Ombudsman and MD, The Motor Ombudsman, www.themotorombudsman.org THE Motor Ombudsman will turn one year old in November. And so far this year, we have received more than 27,500 contacts from motorists relating to one or more of our Codes of Practice. Encouragingly, only a small percentage actually resulted in the creation of a case (typically around five per cent). The most common issues we’ve had reported to us relate to a discrepancy on an invoice, or where motorists feel that they have been mistreated by a garage. These problems, as with anything, can prove frustrating and cause emotions to run high. This often results in motorists avoiding communication with the garage in favour of discussions with a third party or on social media in order to try to get…

John_McIlroy@dennis.co.uk @johnmcilroy THE onslaught of new small SUVs in British car dealerships shows little sign of abating. After the SEAT Arona and Citroen C3 Aircross, the Hyundai Kona is ready to follow its sister vehicle, the Kia Stonic (Page 35), into UK showrooms in the coming weeks. ‘Sister vehicle’ is actually a bit strong, though, because the Kona and Stonic actually sit on different platforms; Hyundai’s offering get its own, all-new chassis, while the Kia shares lots with the Rio and i20. The Kona’s engine line-up comprises just two T-GDi petrol units for now. There’s a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder motor with 118bhp and 175Nm of torque, and a 1.6 four-cylinder with 175bhp and 265Nm. A 113bhp diesel is due next summer, and soon after it, there’ll be an all-electric version…

Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk @LobAllan CITROEN’S line-up became a little more crowded with the C3 Aircross. Sitting next to the C4 Cactus at roughly the same price point, the C3 Picasso successor is more practical and funky to look at. But until the more car-like Cactus arrives this year, buyers face a tricky decision at the dealer. Still, if you’re going to offer two cars in a single segment, it’s best to make it an SUV. Crossovers are continuing their march up the sales charts, with new arrivals such as the Kia Stonic, SEAT Arona and Hyundai Kona all launching in the next few months. We first drove the C3 Aircross last month (Issue 1,492), but now we’ve got the car in the UK in its more popular petrol guise. Alongside some of…

BACK in 2012 the Skoda Citigo shook up the city car market, proving that buying a compact hatch for use in town meant you didn’t have to compromise. Since then it’s picked up five Best City Car crowns at Auto Express’s annual New Car Awards, and it’s no surprise that it’s doubled up with yet another Used Car trophy. The Citigo is a triumph of packaging, and in fivedoor form offers plenty of room for four adults as well as a reasonable level of luggage space thanks to the 251-litre boot, which is bigger than many of its rivals’. However, it’s the way the Citigo works as a package that makes it so appealing as a used buy. There’s a choice of 59bhp or 74bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder engines that deliver…

AWARDING the Skoda Superb our Best Used Estate Car award for 2017 was a no brainer. We loved the previous-generation car, and the latest version is even better, mixing all the best bits of the standard Superb hatch with a bigger boot and even more practicality. Boasting a huge 660-litre load bay with the back seats in place, the Superb is one of the most practical estate cars on the market; fold them down and that figure almost triples to 1,950 litres. But while space is key, this sizeable second-hand Skoda offers more than outright versatility at a very good price. Even a used model feels like new, given how well the Superb wears; its grown-up driving experience, well built interior and comfortable ride make it a great all-rounder, and…

FAMILY SUVs are hot property, so what if you could get one of the best around just a few years after it drove out of the showroom for £10,000 less than its new price? With the Renault Kadjar, you can. The Kadjar picked up our Best Crossover award in 2015 thanks to its versatility, with plenty of space, a decent-quality cabin and, in the Dynamique Nav trim we’ve picked here, a list of equipment that includes sat-nav, Bluetooth, cruise control and keyless go. In conjunction with Renault’s 1.5-litre dCi engine, it’s the one to go for. Years of development mean the 109bhp unit offers enough performance, and with 99g/km CO2 emissions and claimed economy of 74.3mpg on 17-inch alloys, it’s one of the most frugal family models available. Having run…

IT’S overdue replacement and has started to fall behind the executive class leaders as a new buy, but as a second-hand purchase the fourth-generation Audi A6 makes a very strong case for itself. The company’s evolutionary styling means that even a five-year-old example doesn’t look particularly dated, with a classy image and solid build quality even at this age. There’s a real premium air to the interior, too, with plush materials, a decent level of kit and an excellent driving position. The tech is easy to use as well; Audi’s ergonomic excellence shines through and (mostly) belies the A6’s years, particularly when it comes to the intuitive MMI infotainment set-up, even if the screen size and graphics could do with a boost. SE models come with all the essentials for…

THE original Audi TT was a design icon, and the latest model is packed with hi-tech kit, so it’s easy to gloss over the second-generation TT. But we reckon it’s well worth some attention if you’re after a used coupé. It still looks great, with a sporty roofline and shapely body you’d expect from a compact two-door, while the punchy 208bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine provides the performance to match its looks. There’s even a diesel if you prefer something more frugal, but we’d stick with the more responsive petrol to add some fun to the driving experience. With prices from a little above £11,000 for a used 2.0 TT with just over 60,000 miles, the extra fuel costs over the TDI shouldn’t sting too much. Adaptive dampers are a top…

WHILE BMW’s i8 hybrid sports car is dramatic and exciting, the most impressive product to come from the company’s forward-thinking ‘i’ sub-brand is the i3. And with prices of second-hand examples of the more appealing i3 Range Extender now around the £17,500 mark, it’s possible to buy one of the most advanced hybrids around for a relatively small sum. The distinctive and futuristic styling helps the hybrid hatchback stand out, yet it’s under the skin where its real appeal lies. BMW’s innovative use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic means an impressively lightweight structure, improving performance, handling and range. The 168bhp electric motor is packaged away neatly at the back of the car and offers pleasingly swift, silent performance. In this REx model a 34bhp petrol generator boosts total range from 81…

NEW: MINI Countryman Cooper S E ALL4 PRICE: £31,575 ENGINE: 1.5-litre hybrid, 221bhp IT’S a little pricier than the Ioniq, but MINI’s plug-in hybrid Countryman offers more performance, respectable efficiency and good practicality thanks to its 405-litre boot. However, the SUV bodystyle means it’ll be more appealing to many. USED: BMW i3 Rex PRICE: £27,495 ENGINE: 647cc hybrid, 168bhp THE i3 is one of the best plug-in hybrids on the market, and this budget will buy you a lightly used updated 2017 model, boasting great acceleration and even more range thanks to a bigger battery. The 647cc petrol boosts range, too.…

RULING and opposition politicians make unlikely bedfellows. But collectively they operate a highly effective ‘cartel’ tasked with expunging motorists. They do their bit to ban most (ie diesel and petrol) cars, plus drivers, usually the poorer ones who can’t afford the newest combustion, 100 per cent electric or hydrogen engines. Hefty tolls/fines to use some cities, tunnels, bridges and roads, plus extortionate on-street parking charges, are the icing on the cake as they chip away at us. Ruling and opposition parties are doing their bit to ban most diesel and petrol cars, plus drivers – usually the poorest ones For much of this month and purely in the name of real-world research, I tried public transport. I missed a rush-hour train that left three minutes earlier than scheduled, demonstrating woeful…

John_McIlroy@dennis.co.uk ▪ Cool new X2 shares mechanicals with X1, but has lower roofline ▪ Full UK prices yet to be revealed; range starts at £33,980 for 20d SE @johnmcilroy BMW is aiming to fill yet another niche within the ever-growing ranks of premium SUVs with its latest creation: the X2. It has now been revealed in full – ahead of its launch next month. The X2 is designed to slot in between the entry-level front-drive-based X1 and the larger X3, as a model that focuses more on style than outright practicality. It shares many of its mechanicals with the X1, as well as the MINI Countryman. That means it uses BMW’s UKL2 platform – a chassis that restricts the car to four-cylinder engines but that offers the possibility of four-wheel…

ELSEWHERE on Toyota’s Tokyo stand, the brand revealed the Concept-i RIDE. The small, fully electric ‘mobility vehicle’ uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to learn the habits and preferences of the driver. A little larger than a Renault Twizy, the RIDE features gullwing doors to aid access. Inside, the steering wheel and pedals have been replaced by a joystick located on the arms of the front seat, while a large digital readout also displays vehicle information and data. Toyota says the car has an electric range of up to 93 miles.…

James_Brodie@dennis.co.uk @jimmybrods MAZDA has issued us a glimpse of its future at this week’s Tokyo Motor Show with the introduction of the KAI – a new hatchback concept making use of the firm’s next-generation vehicle architecture and latest SkyActiv-X compression ignition petrol engine technology. It gives us an early look at the next-generation 3, which is expected to make its debut in 2019. The big news is the unveiling of Mazda’s latest design language – a fresh iteration of the Kodo principles that have guided the company’s designers since 2010. The overall shape of the concept presents the body and cabin as a single solid lump, resulting in a smoother, sleeker look. Amplifying the car’s imposing stance are wide and flat wheelarches, which house 20-inch alloys. A host of other…

New special-edition Lotus up for the Cup LOTUS has launched another specialedition Elise – called the Cup 260. Building on the recently introduced Cup 250, the ultra-exclusive trackday car costs £59,500 and only 30 will be built. It uses the same supercharged 1.8- litre Toyota engine producing 250bhp. It’s 22kg lighter than the 250 and covers 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds. It also gets adjustable dampers and special gold paint to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Lotus. Inside, you’ll find carbon fibre racing seats with gold stitching. £10 T-charge for big polluters in London LONDON’S controversial ‘T-Charge’ came into force this week. As of 23 October, drivers of pre-Euro 4 petrol and diesel cars will be subject to the city’s £10 toxicity charge – on top of the existing central London…

Jonathan_Burn@dennis.co.uk @Jonathan_burn PORSCHE has added flagship GTS models to the 718 Cayman and Boxster line-ups. The driver-focused variants make use of a tuned 361bhp version of Porsche’s 2.5-litre turbocharged flat-four engine, and are the most powerful models in the ranges. Both sit above the 718 S, and the 15bhp power upgrade from the 2.5-litre flat-four is down to the use of a new air intake system and a tweaked turbo. Despite the smaller unit, the new versions have a 35bhp advantage over the previous-generation Cayman and Boxster GTS, both of which featured a larger six-cylinder engine. A sixspeed manual gearbox comes as standard, but Porsche does offer a PDK dual-clutch auto as an option on both 718 GTS models. When paired with the PDK, the GTS variants claim 0-62mph in…

HAVE you ever had autonomous emergency braking (AEB) kick in? If the answer is yes, you’ll probably say it was because you weren’t paying enough attention to the road or something happened to which you couldn’t react quickly enough. But the end result is the same: during those crucial milliseconds the car took over the driving and ensured you avoided an accident that could have put you and others in danger. Technology such as AEB, lane assist and autonomous cruise control is very much part of a future where accidents are fewer in number and less severe. Manufacturers are busy bringing this tech on, but legislators are starting to think it should no longer be offered as options on higher-spec models. The European Commission is currently researching whether car makers…

Contact Lawrence Allan mail@autoexpress.co.uk @AutoExpress Write to: Watchdog/Letters, Auto Express, Dennis Publishing, 31-32 Alfred Place, London WC1E 7DP HOT TOPIC Volkswagen T-Roc SUV FROM: DasAuto TO me the T-Roc looks better than the Audi Q2, but it’s not easy picking these cars apart. The T-Roc has younger-looking styling and the rear looks great. I’m sure the interior quality is typical VW. A decent choice for those wanting a Golf with a raised ride height. FROM: SmithsandWessons VOLKSWAGEN may be trying to bring more ‘emotion’ to its cars, but the only emotion I have is disbelief that it could be asking close to £40,000 for a fully specced T-Roc. For that price I could be buying a BMW X3 or even an Audi Q3. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk ▪ “I…

mail@autoexpress.co.uk THERE is something curiously magnificent about a two-tonne Jaguar XJR capable of 186mph and 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds, even if it is somewhat out of kilter with what’s going on in the rest of the car world in 2017. It costs £93,170, and under the long and rather lovely bonnet of this new XJR 575, you’ll find a 567bhp (575PS in metric horsepower) supercharged V8. It’s based on the outgoing 542bhp XJR, but the differences are few and far between. Jaguar’s engineers have squeezed another 25bhp from the maker’s ubiquitous 5.0-litre engine. There’s also a series of small-butsignificant styling changes, both inside and out. These include LED headlights as standard, and unique new double ‘J-Blade’ daytime running lights, as well as special badging and gloss black details. Plus there’s…

Sean_Carson@dennis.co.uk @Sean_Carson_ WHILE the V6 Stinger might be grabbing the headlines for Kia, it’s this 2.2-litre diesel that’ll take a bigger chunk of sales – accounting for 40 per cent of the 1,800 units Kia hopes to shift each year in the UK. The diesel comes in two trim levels: GT-Line and GT-Line S, like our test car, with all UK models featuring an eight-speed auto gearbox sending drive to the rear wheels. With 197bhp and 440Nm of torque, acceleration is smooth and progressive, even if the familiar engine is a little grumbly under load at higher revs. Still, the 0-60mph sprint takes just 7.3 seconds, but it’s the in-gear go that gives this car its flexibility. Performance is on par with most of its rivals (Kia is targeting the…

Sam_Naylor@dennis.co.uk @SamNaylor_AE THE latest BMW M4 is one of the best performance coupés around, but there’s no denying that it’s a bit outlandish. While the muscular body and lowered ride give it a sporty stance, for many that’s too much. That’s where the Alpina B4 S comes in. It costs around the same as an M4 and has a little more power. But it’s more focused on understated luxury and fast cruising than the BMW. This latest version benefits from the 4 Series’ facelift, but is still distinguished by its special wheels and unique front bumper, as well as the plush interior spec. Alpina has tweaked the 3.0-litre straightsix to produce 434bhp – 24bhp up on before and 9bhp over the M4. Torque rises by 60Nm. That means performance is…

FORD might have released its new Fiesta this year, but that doesn’t stop the previous sixth-generation model from remaining one of the best used buys around. For the best part of a decade the Fiesta has been Britain’s top-selling car, which means there’s plenty of choice on the used market. We’d go for a Zetec model, as this offers the most practicality without sacrificing the Fiesta’s trademark sporty dynamics and style, while there’s a respectable level of kit on board. It’s enhanced by Ford’s award-winning 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost engine, added after a facelift in 2013. This is definitely the pick of the bunch as in 99bhp trim it balances enough flexibility and performance with solid real-world economy. The Fiesta’s steering and suspension control make it great fun, but it’s…

IT’S two in a row for the Vauxhall Insignia, because this spacious five-door hatch has taken our Best Used Family Car award for the second year on the trot. And it’s easy to see why, because few cars in this class of the market offer such striking value for money. The Insignia was affordable to begin with, and with an incredible array of cars to choose from – many of which have taken the biggest hit from their depreciation curve – it represents a great used buy thanks to its roomy interior and economical engines. Residual values have never been that strong, so it’s definitely a buyers’ market. This means you can pick up a nearly-new model for almost half price. The fact the version you see here has now…

VALUE for money has always been at the core of what Kia stands for, but while some models have started to challenge that ethos, the Korean brand’s Sorento large SUV still represents a lot of car for a reasonable amount of cash – particularly as a used buy. For the price of a new small crossover you can buy a two-year-old, mid-spec Sorento which still has another five years of warranty left thanks to Kia’s generous standard seven-year package of cover. The seven-seat Sorento’s design is stylish, while the interior is full of soft-touch plastics and smart, solid-feeling switchgear – a world away from previous generations – and this should still be true of a used car, so check for wear and tear from daily family life. Kit levels are…

THE demand for SUVs isn’t just limited to the new car market. With the trend for 4x4s showing no sign of slowing up, buyers’ interest in off-roaders extends to used cars, which is why luxury models like the Range Rover are now so appealing. While customers in this area of the market don’t mind paying a little more, a used luxury car still has to deliver the right image, comfort and tech, and for the price of a new compact executive saloon you could pick up a well specced version of this British icon. The 255bhp 3.0-litre TD V6 engine is all you need, and Vogue SE trim brings plenty of bells and whistles, as you’d expect from the world’s best luxury SUV. But it’s not just a great high-end…

A USED example of Mazda’s MX-5 offers nearly as much as a new version does. Although there have been refinements to the recipe over the years, the roadster’s core remains: it’s a fun, two-seat, naturally aspirated driver’s car – and it’s a great used buy. When the latest Mk4 model was released a few years ago, it meant values of the older Mk3 version became more accessible, so you can bag a bargain on what is still a brilliant cabriolet. Early models are very cheap these days, with some Mk3 MX-5s as low as £3,250, but we’d go for something a bit newer than that. We found a postfacelift 2012 car with 34,000 miles on the clock for less than £10,000, which looks like a top buy thanks to its…

ELECTRIC cars are the next big thing in the car industry. In a few years there will be more choice in showrooms, but for now, there are some great deals to be had on the first mainstream EV success story, the Nissan Leaf. With prices below £6,000 even for cars as new as 2014 models, it’s very affordable; and because many owners only use their Leafs for short trips around town, lots have very few miles on the clock, meaning the condition of most used examples is good. Don’t fret about running a second-hand EV, because the original Leaf was ranked the 33rd best car to live with in our Driver Power 2017 survey, and with fewer moving parts to go wrong, reliability should be strong. We found second-hand cars…

Steve_Fowler@dennis.co.uk @stevefowler RARELY has a car on the Auto Express fleet caused such mixed emotions. I’m truly gutted that my time with GT10 MCL has come to an end – I don’t think there are many cars on sale today that are better to drive and there’s nothing better looking. But as regular readers and other McLaren owners will know, living with one can have its ups and downs… One of the best bits is knowing that your car is truly bespoke. I enlisted the help of McLaren’s senior manager of global product strategy and planning, Donna Falconer, to spec my car tastefully. Together (well, mostly Donna), we came up with a stunning spec true to the 570GT’s ever-so-slightly softer positioning in McLaren’s Sports Series. Then ensued a wait of…

NEW PRODUCTS All-season tyres Prices: From £70.20 (plus fitting) DRIVERS’ desire for better performance in all weather conditions has seen the introduction of no less than four new all-season tyres in time for winter. And if evidence was needed to prove the rise of the all-season tyre, then Continental’s entrance into the market is proof because the company has always been a strong advocate for different tyres for the seasons. Despite believing this is still the ultimate solution, the company has developed the AllSeasonContact. Continental claims it has reduced the winter and wet weather weaknesses of existing designs. It also says it has the best economy in the premium sector, in part thanks to an initial tread depth midway between winter and summer tyres. It’s available in 33 sizes for…

FROM being a niche product before hosepipe bans hit the UK, waterless cleaners are now a must for any car care range – and two new products from specialists Celectro and Auto Curators are no exception. Both cleaners work without water, and the latter doubles as a detailer spray. Each is pitched at the premium end of the market, but how do they perform? We put them up against our reigning Best Buy, Meguiar’s Wash & Wax Anywhere, which has long been an Auto Express favourite. We tried each on several dirty panels, looking for easy grime lifting and a fine spray. We also checked water beading and what you get for your money using makers’ prices. Meguiar’s just holds on to its crown, but it was close with Auto…

YOU only have to look at the latest aftermarket head units hitting the market to see how important connectivity with smartphones is in the car these days. Not only can these connected units relay hands-free calls through the sound system to help you stay on the right side of the law when you’re behind the wheel, but they are also a source of music both direct from the handset and via apps such as Spotify, whether you’re streaming from your mobile or using a wired link. In addition, many drivers use their smartphones as sat-navs thanks to the accurate and cost-effective traffic alerts on the latest navigation apps. So good compatibility with phones is essential for head units, and it is often one of the reasons drivers opt to upgrade…

Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk ▪ Evolutionary looks, raft of new tech and 48V mild hybrid power ▪ New model goes on sale next year, but UK prices not revealed yet @LobAllan AUDI has finally taken the covers off the new A7 Sportback. Set to go on sale early next year, the Mercedes CLS rival has an evolved exterior look, a raft of new tech inside and mild hybrid powertrains. The latest A7 Sportback follows on from the new A8 by adopting Audi’s MLB Evo platform. At 4,969mm it’s actually slightly shorter than the outgoing model, but it’s nearly identical in terms of width and height. The wheelbase is 10mm longer in a bid to deliver more cabin space. The design is a familiar evolution of the previous version, but a number of detail…

Martin_Saarinen@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer TRAFFIC jams on the UK’s motorways and A-roads cost the economy £9billion a year in lost productivity, according to a new study. Research by traffic analyst Inrix shows drivers encountered 1.35 million jams in the UK in the past 12 months, accounting for more than 3,700 every day. This was estimated to cost the economy billions in lost productivity, wasted fuel and pollution. Although Highways England says 85 per cent of jams are cleared within an hour, some take several hours to fix. The worst traffic jam occurred on 4 August on the M5 in Somerset after two lorries collided. The 36-mile tailback took workers 15 hours to clear and was estimated to cost £2.36million. Other major incidents included three separate accidents on the M6 between December last…

Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk @LobAllan AFTER a short teaser campaign, Mitsubishi has pulled the covers off a new SUV concept at the Tokyo Motor Show. The e-Evolution is a fully electric preview of the brand’s adventurous future strategy, but it also promises performance to live up to the ‘Evolution’ name, which was last used on Mitsubishi’s rally-inspired supersaloon, dropped back in 2016. The e-Evolution introduces a coupé- SUV shape, with a new take on the brand’s ‘dynamic shield’ front end. It gets stretchedback headlamps and a blanked, gloss black front grille, hinting at its electric powertrain and lack of engine. The glasshouse wraps around to the C-pillars, while the windscreen is steeply raked and curved. “Stretched-back headlamps and blanked, gloss black grille hint at lack of an engine” blanked engine d, e” Mitsubishi…

Dan_Smith@dennis.co.uk ASTON Martin’s ambitious model rollout shows no sign of letting up as new spy shots reveal the brand is well under way with development of the all-new Vanquish. It will launch in 2019 and follow the new V8 Vantage into showrooms as part of the British marque’s plans to launch one allnew car every year up to 2023. Our pictures show that the Vanquish shares a similar shape to the current DB11. Notable differences in the matt black test mule are found at the front of the car, with larger headlights, more prominent bonnet vents and a wider front grille that resembles the one on the ultra-rare One-77. Towards the rear, the Vanquish test mule retains its quad exhaust system from the current model, which differentiates it from the…

James_Batchelor@dennis.co.uk @JRRBatchelor Videowatch WE have a walkaround video of the new Polestar 1 this week at youtube.com/Autoexpress, plus we drive the SEAT Arona. Walkaround video on cool Polestar 1 VOLVO has brought back the P1800 Coupé. Kind of. Its latest car may look like a two-door S90, but doesn’t wear Volvo badges; this is the Polestar 1. The performance division has broken away from the mothership, and the 1 is Polestar’s first car. The 592bhp hybrid will be the first in a whole range of models from the brand. Editor-in-chief Steve Fowler is your guide in this walkaround video. First drive report on new SEAT Arona THE onslaught of small SUVs continues with the new SEAT Arona. Using the Ibiza supermini as a base, the Arona tackles the Nissan Juke…

THE UK’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure is set to grow after fuel giant Shell opened its first charging points in the country. Electric car drivers can now recharge their batteries at sites in London, Surrey and Derby. The energy giant said that, by the end of the year, it’s planning to have a total of 10 Shell Recharge points in operation, equipped with rapid chargers capable of recharging EVs to 80 per cent in half an hour. The additional stations will open in Kent, Surrey, Hertfordshire, Berkshire and London. Earlier this month, Shell announced it had acquired NewMotion, one of Europe’s largest EV charging providers. The Dutch charging company has more than 30,000 private and business EV charging points across the Netherlands, France, Germany and the UK. It also operates…

James_Batchelor@dennis.co.uk @JRRBatchelor MASERATI launched its first ever SUV last year, with the type of splendour normally reserved for a new Pope. Since then it has shifted 25,000 Levantes around the world – making it the best-selling Maserati for some time. But its appeal was always hamstrung by its confusing trim packages, so-so handling, limited safety equipment and single engine option. However, for 2018, the Italians have given their SUV a fine going over, and the results should make the upmarket offroader a little more tempting to buyers. You’ll struggle to tell the revised car apart from its predecessor because Maserati hasn’t carried out any styling tweaks. The only real clue is a small chrome badge on the lower half of the front wing: it reads either ‘GranLusso’ or ‘GranSport’ depending…

Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk @LobAllan WHILE sports cars like the Stinger (left) will draw people to the Kia brand, small SUVs are flavour of the day. We drove the new Stonic for the first time last month (Issue 1,492), but does the turbo petrol make more sense than the diesel in the UK? Although we rated that car’s engaging driving position and fun handling, it fell short when differentiating itself over the Rio supermini on which it’s based. Still, this 118bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol will be a better buy for most people. It’s smooth, reasonably quiet and, while needing more revs to get the best out of it than some three-cylinder rivals, it offers a decent turn of pace. It also claims decent fuel economy of 56.5mpg. Like the diesel, the driving…

Sean_Carson@dennis.co.uk @Sean_Carson_ 20 PAGE SPECIAL In association with BUYING used is a brilliant way to cut down the cost of your motoring, and if you spend wisely, you won’t have to drive around in a clapped-out old car. Quite the opposite, in fact. Our guide to the Best Used Cars of 2017 will help you find a perfect second-hand pick. The winners in our 17 categories are the best used cars around and show that you can pick up a relatively new model for thousands less than list price. There’s something for all budgets, and in every class we’ve highlighted the ideal spec and what you should pay, plus provided some expert insight to help you buy with confidence.…

DETAILS AS a new car, the latest Vauxhall Astra continues to mix it with the front-runners in the class, and it won the Best Compact Family Car crown at our New Car Awards in 2016. The British-built hatchback also makes an excellent second-hand buy, thanks to a ready supply that keeps prices at a temptingly low level. But low prices aren’t the only reason why we’d recommend the Astra over rivals such as the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. The Vauxhall’s breadth of ability is wide, as it manages to be comfortable, a quiet cruiser and an enjoyable car to drive. The composed chassis complements a set of strong and frugal petrol and diesel engines. There’s something for everyone, but the 134bhp 1.6 CDTi diesel is our choice thanks to…

THE Citroen C4 Cactus was crowned our favourite small SUV at the 2017 Auto Express New Car Awards, and it takes another gong in our second-hand showdown. As prices tumble, the French crossover represents exceptional value for money – with individual looks, a spacious interior and a range of fun and frugal engines. It’s instantly recognisable thanks to its innovative plastic Airbumps that were designed to prevent door dings in car parks (still keep an eye out for cars that have suffered impacts here, though). The C4 Cactus is an urban-friendly small SUV that is compact enough to navigate busy streets easily, yet it doesn’t feel out of its depth on the motorway. Unlike many rivals, it has been unashamedly optimised for comfort, making it an excellent companion on Britain’s…

THE Jaguar XE shot straight to the top of its class when it launched in 2015, and that’s exactly where it has remained, winning the Best Compact Executive Car crown at our New Car Awards in 2016 and 2017, too. So the fact that you can buy one for around £16,000 on the used market is great news if you want to save some money, but still feel like you’ve treated yourself to something special. Even better, you can get into the most well rounded used model in the range, a 178bhp 2.0-litre diesel Prestige with less than 25,000 miles, for just under £18,000, which is a great buy. The XE is a compact but premium family saloon that drives sweetly, looks superb and in this guise claims 67.3mpg, with…

MPV sales are dwindling as buyers are increasingly drawn towards seven-seat SUVs, but that means there are plenty of bargains in the classifieds. And following its success at the Auto Express New Car Awards in the summer, our second-hand pick is the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso. A facelift last year cemented its position as our favourite MPV, but because it only brought minor tweaks to the styling and infotainment, a used example offers the same level of flexibility, space and efficiency at a more affordable price. You can pick from petrol and punchy diesel models; we’d steer clear of the former because the older units aren’t up to the standard of the latest PureTech turbos and go for Citroen’s 113bhp 1.6 e-HDi diesel; it’s economical, refined and delivers enough performance.…

MORE than 40 years ago the original Volkswagen Golf GTI set the template for the hot hatchback class, and its appeal is clearly enduring, because it’s our Best Used Performance Car for 2017. Launched in 2013, the Mk7 GTI is a thoroughly modern family hatch and uses the VW Group’s latest MQB underpinnings. If you can do without the subtly tweaked styling and glossy-screened infotainment system of the recently facelifted Mk7.5 model, a used GTI offers a blend of stunning performance, plenty of refinement, all the practicality you’d expect from a Golf and an image that fits every occasion. We’ve picked out the Performance Pack variant in particular, because this featured a power boost to 227bhp from its 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine, but more importantly, upgraded brakes and a clever…

THE used car landscape is changing, and following the demand for new SUVs a whole host of nearly new crossovers are now available on the second-hand market and represent incredible value for money. Renault’s Kadjar is the most appealing of these; it’s hard to ignore the combination of value, efficiency, practicality and style it offers, which is why this French 4x4 is our Used Car of the Year for 2017. The 2016 example we picked out as our Best Used SUV will still have a few years of Renault’s 4+ four-year warranty and roadside assistance package remaining, so there’s plenty of peace of mind on offer. However, it’s the sheer allround ability that means the Kadjar delivers so much to buyers for relatively little money. The car came at just…

Form vs function CLEVER blanked-off ducts and unusual aerodynamics give this pair of cars their distinctive look. However, it’s function dictating form, because the Ioniq and Prius boast super-low drag coefficients of 0.24 and 0.25 respectively to maximise efficiency. Charging PLUGGING a hybrid in is necessary to achieve the best economy possible, or you’ll be carrying around a heavy, empty battery without any benefit. Depending on your tariff, both vehicles will cost around £7 to charge. Warranty THERE’S no need to be worried about the reliability of the hybrid systems here. The electric motors in these cars only have one moving part, while both makers provide a five-year warranty, so there’s plenty of peace of mind for buyers.…

products@autoexpress.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q Charging into battery tech MY son intends to take his car to university with him when he next comes home. But he doesn’t know much about maintenance. I’ve put together a few essentials like oil and coolant, and want to add a battery charger. Any suggestions? Peter Wilson, E-mail A EVEN experienced DIY mechanics can be mystified by chargers due to their different modes and stages. One of the simplest on sale is CTEK’s CT5 (above, £104.95, www.ctek.com), which does away with fancy graphics and just tells you when it’s safe to try to start the car. Q Garage vac for small space I’M looking for a vacuum cleaner to use in my car and around my garage. Ideally it will live in the garage, but storage…

Hi-tech rigs at new crash test facility CHILD seat specialist Britax Römer has unveiled a 5million Euro (£4.4m) crash test centre at its new manufacturing site in Leipheim, Germany. At the heart of the facility, which works alongside the test centre in Andover, Hants, are two crash rigs. One is a state-of-the-art, 300-Bar hydraulic set-up (above), simulating the forces involved in a crash. It’s set on a four-metre-tall, 1,200-tonne concrete block using crash dummies costing up to 140,000 Euros. Ford-styled electric scooters on the way FORD is branching out into other modes of transport. Its latest venture is a collaboration with OjO electric to make a line of “Commuter Scooters”. Ford says the scooters will have styling inspired by the company’s passenger car range, both current and historic, and feature…

Ford Escort RS1600 Ed Heuvink with John Davenport (McKlein Publishing, mcklein.de) Price: £74.99 Rating: ASK any fan to name the world’s most famous rally cars, and the Ford Escort RS1600 will soon crop up. This book is a detailed account of Ford’s rally history, leading up to 1972’s Safari Rally and followed by a comprehensive account of the event. It’s beautifully photographed and let down only by a slightly stilted feel to the text at times, plus it’s also wonderfully boxed and presented. Jaguar C-type Chas Parker and Philip Porter (Porter Press, porterpress.co.uk) Price: £60 Rating: AS with every entry to date in the Porter Press Great Cars series, loads of research has gone into this book, with incredible period photographs throughout. The Car in Detail section at the end…

Stephen_Errity@dennis.co.uk SEBASTIEN Oger is aiming to wrap up the 2017 World Rally Championship title at Rally GB this weekend. The M-Sport Ford driver says he’s keen to put the result beyond doubt in the Welsh forests, rather than see the battle go down to the wire at the season-ending Rally Australia. Retirement for Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville in Spain elevated Ogier’s fellow Fiesta WRC driver Ott Tanak to second in the standings, albeit 37 points behind the Frenchman. “I don’t want to go to the last rally in Australia and still be fighting for the championship,” Ogier said last week. “The road cleaning is really bad on that rally and to go there and fight in those conditions, having to drive at the front on the first day, it wouldn’t be…