Table of contents for November 2016 in What Car?

‘There are numerous issues to resolve’ They have long been a dream of science fiction writers, but cars that can drive themselves are now becoming a reality. The reasons are simple, even if the technology is anything but; autonomous cars have the potential to reduce pollution, ease traffic and improve safety. That makes them hugely appealing to governments and lawmakers, despite the numerous issues to resolve. For example, who will be responsible for an accident? Will you have to keep your eyes on the road? If self-driving cars are proved to be much safer, will insurance become prohibitively expensive for those who’d rather retain control? From page 38 we look at what’s planned, so you can be ready for the revolution. @swhuntingford…

‘Honda’s “magic seats” that split and fold to maximise space aren’t offered on the Civic’ THE CURRENT HONDA Civic has faced an uphill battle to stay competitive in the small family car market. That’s not because it’s a bad car – it’s not – it’s just that rivals, such as the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and Volkswagen Golf, have all improved. Seriously improved. It’s high time, then, for the Civic to be treated to a serious upgrade. We’ve already had a preview of the styling of this new, 10th-generation Civic, thanks to a conceptual version that was revealed earlier this year. We knew at the time that the concept was only a thinly disguised version of the production car and, as expected, very little has changed. The new Civic is…

WHEN A MANUFACTURER turns a glitzy motor show concept into a production model, the end result is usually disappointing, with the changes needed to make it road legal taking away much of the original visual impact. However, Land Rover proved this doesn’t have to be the case when it launched the Range Rover Evoque, and now it’s attempted to repeat the trick. At the 2014 New York motor show, it unveiled a striking concept called the Discovery Vision, and we understand that the replacement for today’s production Discovery will closely resemble that show car, only losing details, such as the tiny door mirrors and massive wheels. The latest spy shots and a teaser image from Land Rover ahead of the Discovery’s official debut at the Paris motor show on 29…

Makeover ushers in changes aimed at improving dynamic ability, refinement and interior ambience Verdict A better car than its predecessor for no increase in price, but still not a class leader ‘Motorway journeys are a pleasant experience all round’ MAZDA IS AT it again. It facelifted the 6 just last year and has now given it another makeover. The exterior look and dimensions are unchanged, but there’s new driving technology, engine refinements, an uprated interior and more standard equipment on its higher trim levels. The aim is to help the 6 stay relevant next to rivals, such as the Ford Mondeo and Skoda Superb. The most notable change is the addition of G-Vectoring Control or GVC. It’s designed to make cornering easier and more stable by easing off the engine…

Volkswagen Passat-rivalling saloon is transformed into a large estate Verdict Practical, but poor to drive and just short of well-established rivals ESTATES HAVE A simple brief to fill: provide plenty of space and practicality. Kia already does a good job on this front with the Cee’d Sportswagon, which is a surprisingly roomy and affordable choice. However, this Optima Sportswagon is even bigger. It’s a shame that it comes with just one engine choice – a 1.7-litre diesel – especially because key rivals such as the Skoda Superb Estate and Ford Mondeo Estate are available with a multitude of engines. The Sportswagon is, however, available in three trims: 2, 3, and GT-Line S. Entry-level 2 cars get a six-speed manual gearbox, while 3 models can also be had with a seven-speed…

LESS THAN £16,000 Vauxhall Astra Our pick 1.0T 105 Design List price £16,145 Target Price £15,376 MPG 65.7 CO2 99g/km For Good to drive and well equipped, with a comfortable, roomy cabin. Against The steering assistance is too light and lumbar adjustment costs extra. What Car? says Nissan Pulsar Our pick 1.2 DIG-T Visia List price £13,995 Target Price £12,809 MPG 56.5 CO2 117g/km For There’s plenty of room for occupants and their luggage, and there’s lot of equipment. Against Several rivals have stronger resale values and lower running costs. What Car? says Seat Leon Our pick 1.2 TSI 110 SE List price £17,700 Target Price £14,671 MPG 57.6 CO2 114g/km For The engine is refined, running costs are low and S trim has a decent amount of equipment. Against…

LESS THAN £15,000 Suzuki Vitara Our pick 1.6 SZ4 List price £14,499 Target Price £13,696 MPG 49.4 CO2 123g/km For The Vitara is good to drive, has a practical interior and SZ4 trim brings lots of equipment. Against CO2 emissions are comparatively high and the steering weight is too light. What Car? says Renault Captur Our pick 0.9 TCe 90 Dynamique Media Nav List price £15,675 Target Price £14,036 MPG 56.5 CO2 115g/km For It’s refined, well equipped and roomy for four adults. The sliding rear bench is practical. Against The interior plastics feel hard and cheap, while the engine is underpowered. What Car? says Kia Soul Our pick 1.6 CRDi 134 Connect List price £16,600 Target Price £14,842 MPG 58.8 CO2 128g/km For The interior is spacious, Connect trim…

LESS THAN £15,000 Suzuki Swift Our pick 1.6 Sport 3dr List price £14,149 Target Price £13,643 MPG 44.1 CO2 147g/km For Loves to be thrashed, thanks to a rev-hungry engine and snappy gearchange. Against The cabin is plain, so there’s none of the ‘wow’ factor that hot hatch buyers crave. What Car? says Seat Ibiza SC FR Our pick 1.4 TSI 150 List price £16,245 Target Price £13,671 MPG 60.1 CO2 109g/km For Gutsy engine, low running costs, plenty of equipment and a spacious interior. Against Some rivals are more fun to drive and the cabin plastics feel cheap. What Car? says Fiat 500 Abarth Our pick 595 List price £14,610 Target Price £14,610 MPG 47.1 CO2 139g/km For Small hot hatches don’t get any more stylish and the Abarth…

A BROKER CLAIMS HE CAN SUPPLY ME WITH A NEW BMW X5 SOONER THAN MY LOCAL DEALER CAN. Is this possible? It could be that the broker pre-ordered a new X5 on the basis that he’d be able to find a buyer for it, or he may have a cancelled order. In either case, it is possible that you could beat the dealer waiting list, but quiz him about the basis for his claim. If it’s one of the two cases above, ask to see the proof, make sure the car has the same engine and trim that you want, and remember that you won’t be able to choose the spec if the car has been ordered. Get the delivery date in writing, too. I’VE SEEN A BROKER WHO IS…

Next-generation model of South Korea’s rival for the Ford Focus Verdict Rough-edged but already an improvement over the current car ‘The 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine has decent punch from low revs’ THE CURRENT HYUNDAI i30 has proved a perfectly worthy competitor to the likes of the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf, but that’s where the praise ends. While a long warranty, practical interior and decent amount of equipment work in its favour, it’s not great to drive, it fails to give you a warm, fuzzy feeling when you climb inside and it has an engine range that is off the pace for both emissions and performance. Thankfully, the third-generation i30 goes on sale in the first quarter of 2017 and we’ve been given an early drive. Even better, we’ve sampled…

This new large executive car is of one of the most hotly anticipated models of 2017. We’ve driven a prototype Verdict Too early to say definitively, but BMW looks to be on to a winner THE CURRENT BMW 5 Series might have been around since 2010, but it’s still a very impressive thing, winning the Large Executive Car award at the 2016 What Car? Car of the Year Awards. Six years is a long time in the car world, though, and BMW is about to put it out to pasture. Its replacement, which is due next February, needs to be nothing short of spectacular if it’s to pick up the current car’s mantle. The new car will be around £1500 more expensive than the current model, but this is as…

The original version of this luxury super-saloon had its shortcomings, but now Porsche has tried to rectify them Verdict Better than the original overall, especially in terms of practicality, looks and performance ‘The way the Panamera gets down most roads is impressive’ THINK OF THE Porsche Panamera, and you’ll probably remember a hunchbacked five-door that tried – but ultimately failed – to look a bit like a 911. It had a plush interior, great handling and (mostly) punchy engines, but its looks, high running costs and so-so practicality stopped it from being anything but a bit-part player in the luxury saloon market. Despite appearances, Porsche started with a clean sheet for this second-generation Panamera. The looks might be an evolution of the dumpy original, but mechanically there’s a new chassis,…

THE ORIGINAL 5008 was Peugeot’s first compact MPV. Offering the practicality of seven seats and a comfortable driving style, it was a great family car that enabled owners to traverse long distances on their holidays. The trouble is, the MPV market is now shrinking across the globe. So, like many car makers, Peugeot is taking the opportunity to morph its traditional MPVs into something more muscular, in the hope of catching a slice of the booming and profitable SUV market. That’s why this new 5008 looks nothing like the current car. It’s due to go on sale in February, and in its new form will compete with mass-market seven-seat SUVs such as the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe and our Large SUV of the Year, the Land Rover Discovery Sport.…

New car, service, repair and warranty issues www.motorcodes.co.uk Citizens’ Advice Bureau www.citizensadvice.org.uk Check a car has a valid MoT test certificate www.motinfo.gov.uk Check if a car has outstanding finance www.whatcar.com/historycheck Trading Standards www.tradingstandards.gov.uk Financial Conduct Authority www.fca.org.uk Check if a vehicle has been recalled www.gov.uk/check-if-a-vehicle-has-been-recalled Check car crash safety ratings www.euroncap.com Your car loan questions answered www.whatcar.com/car-news/carloanfaqs…

Before autonomous cars go on sale a host of technical and legislative challenges must be overcome. However, What Car?’s research suggests one of the biggest barriers could be gaining public trust. We asked 4000 drivers if they would feel safe in a self-driving car. Some 27% said they would feel unsafe and 24% said they would feel very unsafe. Less than a quarter would feel safe or very safe. So, is there an appetite for autonomous technology? Less than a fifth (19.5%) of those surveyed found the prospect appealing or very appealing. Almost half (45%) find the idea very unappealing, and nearly a quarter (23%) found it unappealing.…

LESS THAN £10,000 Skoda Citigo Our pick 1.0 60 SE 5dr List price £9485 Target Price £8950 MPG 62.8 CO2 105g/km For It’s economical, reasonably practical, solidly built and feels grown-up to drive. Against It’s not as classy as the Volkswagen Up and the 59bhp engine can struggle at speed. What Car? says Seat Mii Our pick 1.0 SE Technology 3dr List price £10,210 Target Price £8258 MPG 62.8 CO2 105g/km For The Mii feels remarkably grown-up to drive, and is cheaper than the near-identical VW Up. Against It’s not as well finished inside as the Up and this version can feel slow on faster roads. What Car? says Suzuki Celerio Our pick 1.0 Dualjet SZ3 List price £8499 Target Price £8040 MPG 78.4 CO2 84g/km For It has a…

LESS THAN £25,000 Skoda Superb Our pick 2.0 TDI 150 SE List price £22,555 Target Price £20,961 MPG 68.9 CO2 108g/km For Masses of standard kit, a huge amount of rear leg room and boot space, and good to drive. Against Other executive cars are more fun to drive and have stronger resale values. What Car? says Volkswagen Passat Our pick 2.0 TDI 150 SE Business List price £25,045 Target Price £21,387 MPG 67.3 CO2 106g/km For Drives very well, with a good ride and refined diesel engine. The interior is top notch. Against Some rivals are more practical, while the dashboard design is a bit dull. What Car? says Audi A3 Saloon Our pick 2.0 TDI 150 Sport List price £25,685 Target Price £23,498 MPG 68.9 CO2 107g/km For…

LESS THAN £18,000 Skoda Fabia Estate Our pick 1.2 TSI 90 SE List price £14,765 Target Price £13,345 MPG 60.1 CO2 107g/km For It’s one of the roomiest small estate cars around and SE trim brings air-con and a touchscreen. Against The ride is unsettled over poorer surfaces and the dashboard looks a little dull. What Car? says Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Our pick 1.0i 105 Turbo Design List price £17,435 Target Price £15,976 MPG 65.7 CO2 100g/km For There’s plenty of room, equipment is generous and the engine is a willing performer. Against The boot isn’t that flexible and some rivals are better to drive. What Car? says Kia Cee’d Sportswagon Our pick 1.4 CRDi 89 1 ISG List price £17,395 Target Price £15,893 MPG 67.3 CO2 109g/km For…

LESS THAN £25,000 Mazda CX-5 Our pick 2.2d 150 SE-L Nav 2WD List price £24,995 Target Price £23,187 MPG 61.4 CO2 119g/km For Lots of space and kit for a good price, while CO2 emissions and economy are impressive. Against Firm low-speed ride, and wind and road noise can intrude at speed. What Car? says Nissan X-Trail Our pick 1.6 dCi Acenta 2WD 7-seat List price £26,545 Target Price £24,426 MPG 57.6 CO2 129g/km For It’s comfortable, has a spacious and classy interior, a large boot and lots of equipment. Against Body control is sloppy and the diesel engine is noisy. What Car? says Honda CR-V Our pick 1.6 i-DTEC 120 SE List price £26,060 Target Price £23,525 MPG 64.2 CO2 115g/km For The engine is economical and powerful, while…

LESS THAN £25,000 Seat Leon SC Our pick 1.4 EcoTSI 150 FR List price £20,225 Target Price £17,120 MPG 57.6 CO2 114g/km For It’s quick, agile, economical and excellent value. There’s good space for people and bags. Against A few bits of cabin trim feel low-rent and there’s too much wind noise at speed. What Car? says BMW 2 Series Our pick 218d SE List price £25,100 Target Price £23,215 MPG 62.8 CO2 119g/km For It rides and handles well, and the diesel engine is punchy and economical. Against The rear seats are cramped for adults and the engine is noisy. What Car? says Volkswagen Scirocco Our pick 2.0 TDI 150 GT List price £25,610 Target Price £23,239 MPG 67.3 CO2 109g/km For Good to drive, with quick steering and…

Our service – how it all works “ At UK New Cars, we believe in the core values of Pricing, Process and Quality throughout every stage of your order ” Sam Shah – Managing Director Pricing We have fantastic relationships with the dealer panel we work with — and because we place hundreds of orders with them each year, we are able to attain very large corporate levels of discounts which we can then pass on to individual retail customers. There are several different factors which can influence what represents a competitive price, including: dealer margin discount, registration support and finance deposit contributions — it is therefore very difficult to ascertain whether the package offered by a local dealer represents good value or not. Using our expertise, we can…

Voluminous load lugger gets impressive 2.0-litre engine and curvier styling Verdict Blend of luxury and practicality creates a great family wagon THE LATEST E-CLASS, introduced last year, brought a new level of luxury to the big Mercedes saloon. One year on, the German car maker has given the estate model the same treatment. That’s why we’re in Germany trying the all-new Mercedes E-Class Estate and, from what we know of the latest E-Class saloon, we have high hopes that it’ll take the fight to rivals. It’s in a strong position to dominate; Audi’s A6 Avant and the BMW 5 Series Touring are getting on a bit, and Jaguar has yet to confirm the launch of the new XF estate. This E 220 d is the entry-level diesel and is expected…

Baby SUV gets refreshed looks and improved in-car tech Verdict Better, but still outclassed by rivals ‘There have been big advances inside the Mokka X. The dash is based on the Astra’s’ THE VAUXHALL MOKKA has had a facelift with tweaks inside and out to freshen it up and address some of the disappointments of the original. Rivals such as the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Skoda Yeti trumped the first Mokka in almost every department. It was noisy, had a stiff ride and an outdated infotainment system. So, for the Mokka X, the dashboard has been completely reworked, and the styling of the front and rear of the Mokka has been tweaked too. It’s gained a new 1.4-litre petrol engine, and will be offered in four trim levels: Active,…

All-new large estate eyes up the Audi A6 Avant and BMW 5 Series Touring Verdict Stylish, practical car that puts comfort before driving thrills ‘Bentley’s previous head of interiors worked on the V90 and it shows’ THE VOLVO V90 is an estate on a mission. It aims to banish once and for all the image that a Volvo estate is a square-set, function-led box on wheels in the mould of the 240, first released in 1974. Instead, the V90 employs sophisticated design and clever technology to take the fight to its stylish and dynamically capable German opposition. Underneath, the all-new V90 is closely related to the Swedish firm’s latest XC90 SUV and S90 saloon. It features an innovative steel and aluminium structure and the same economical engines as the S90:…

Theory is all well and good, but what’s it actually like to sit in a car at 70mph while it drives itself? Well, the closest I’ve come is in a Tesla Model S, where you simply have to pull twice on the cruise control stalk to enter tomorrow’s world, today. Interestingly, while engaging Autopilot is accompanied by a warning to keep your hands on the steering wheel, the system doesn’t complain or switch off if you ignore that instruction. The Model S will stick to the centre of a motorway lane instead of pong-ing between the two white lines in the way cars with more basic lane-keeping assistance systems do. If you indicate, it will even change lanes for you. The most surprising thing overall is how quickly you feel…

LESS THAN £12,000 Dacia Sandero Our pick 1.2 Ambiance List price £6795 Target Price £6734 MPG 48.7 CO2 130g/km For Lots of space for the money, plus a proven four-cylinder petrol engine from Renault. Against The interior and equipment list are basic, while the low-speed ride is lumpy. What Car? says Suzuki Swift Our pick 1.2 SZ3 3dr List price £10,749 Target Price £10,186 MPG 56.5 CO2 116g/km For Lots of equipment as standard and a smart cabin. It’s also fun to drive. Against The engine is noisy and a little gutless at motorway speeds. What Car? says Seat Ibiza Our pick 1.0 EcoTSI 95 SE 5dr List price £14,055 Target Price £11,525 MPG 67.3 CO2 98g/km For Rides and handles well and it has a generous standard kit list…

LESS THAN £20,000 Citroën C3 Picasso Our pick 1.2 Puretech Edition List price £16,575 Target Price £12,297 MPG 56.5 CO2 115g/km For The interior is spacious and the boot is big. Ride comfort and refinement impress. Against Some rivals are cheaper and the engine feels a bit weedy on faster roads. What Car? says Renault Grand Scénic Our pick 1.2 TCe 130 Dynamique Nav List price £22,695 Target Price £16,271 MPG 43.5 CO2 145g/km For It’s good to drive, well equipped, there’s room for seven and dealer discounts are huge. Against Interior quality could be better and the middle row of seats is heavy to lift out. What Car? says Ford B-Max Our pick 1.4 90 Zetec List price £15,095 Target Price £12,569 MPG 47.1 CO2 139g/km For The engine…

What’s the difference between contract hire and leasing? ‘Leasing’ is a catch-all term that includes finance lease and lease purchase, as well as contract hire, which is a form of leasing. Should I go for contract hire or a PCP arrangement? Although monthly payments are often similar, at the end of the deal a PCP gives you the flexibility to own the car for an extra lump sum, or put a deposit down on another deal. If you have to terminate the deal early, contract hire often carries a penalty of 50% of the outstanding rental; the penalties on a PCP are much smaller. With contract hire, VAT-registered users can reclaim VAT on some of the finance and maintenance costs. Does it make sense to take out a ‘with maintenance’…