Table of contents for February 2017 in What Car?

‘We’re already pitting new 2017 cars against key rivals’ If knowledge is power, then this issue of What Car? is potentially the most important of the year, because we’re sharing everything we’ve learned about the new cars going on sale in every class in 2017. Armed with this information, you’ll know whether it’s worth waiting a few months before buying your next car or, alternatively, you can use it to push the salesperson for a much bigger discount on a model that you now know is about to be replaced. From page 50, we’re even pitting some of these new cars against key rivals, so you can find out right now whether Skoda’s first ever seven-seat SUV is worth considering, if Alfa Romeo has finally built a car that’s a…

‘The 3.0-litre engine is amazingly refined, and offers effortless performance’ THE 5 SERIES has been a regular at the top of the executive saloon class for some time. In fact, it’s our 2016 Large Executive Car of the Year. Its combination of pace, driving fun and practicality, along with the appeal of its premium badge, means the 5 Series is the go-to company car for many thousands of business people in the UK. However, after six years on sale, and with its main rivals, the Audi A6, Jaguar XF and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, all having recently been refreshed or soon to be replaced, it’s time for a new model. The all-new 5 Series gets BMW’s latest tech, including semi-autonomous driving, and it’s around 100kg lighter than today’s car, so it’s more…

AFTER YEARS OF underachievement, Seat is on a bit of a roll, with its Ateca SUV the latest model to receive plenty of praise. However, it was the current Leon that kicked off the brand’s revival, and this stylish alternative to the likes of the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra has now been given a refresh. The entry-level 1.6-litre TDI diesel engine has been tweaked to get more power and a 1.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol has been added to the range. Outside, there are restyled lights and bumpers, a new front grille and some new paint colours. The big news is inside, though; the updated infotainment system gets a new 8.0in touchscreen, and there’s now an electric handbrake, wireless phone charging and new safety kit. Welcome additions Seat hasn’t changed…

Check if a vehicle has been recalled www.gov.uk/check-if-a-vehicle-has-been-recalled New car, service, repair and warranty issues www.themotorombudsman.org 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 car crash safety ratings www.euroncap.com Your car loan questions answered www.whatcar.com/car-news/carloanfaqs…

Sold from 2007-2013 Riding high Elevated driving position provides great visibility of the road ahead Running costs Expect the 1.5-litre dCi engine to average around 48mpg Best trim level Visia gets air-con, a CD player, and electric windows all-round Budget from £2500 By 2007, SUVs had grown popular enough to be nudging up against traditional hatchbacks as the family transport of choice in the sales charts. The problem was, while some buyers loved the rough and tough looks of their SUVs, they didn’t like their poor fuel economy or that they were so unwieldy in town, due to their large size. Nissan had the answer with the Qashqai, a car with the deftness and efficiency of a family hatchback, but the styling and raised driving position of an SUV. No…

LESS THAN £25,000 Skoda Superb Our pick 2.0 TDI 150 SE List price £22,555 Target Price £20,851 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 £23,623 MPG 68.9 CO2 107g/km For…

LESS THAN £15,000 Suzuki Vitara Our pick 1.6 SZ4 List price £14,749 Target Price £14,145 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 £16,185 Target Price £14,780 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 £13,941 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 £14,399 Target Price £13,987 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 £13,793 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…

Are you thinking of buying a new car, but worried something even better may be about to go on sale? Then you need to read this guide to the cars coming in 2017. Over the next few pages you can find out about all of the upcoming models that have the potential to be class leaders, from frugal city cars and hybrids to stylish coupés and SUVs. Plus, we’ve got details on when they will appear in showrooms and, in many cases, how much they will cost. Also, keep an eye on whatcar.com, where we’ll continue to update the information every week.…

‘The Civic now handles much more precisely without compromising ride comfort’ FOR THE PAST three years, Honda has been busying itself with the biggest model replacement project in its history. Three times as many designers and engineers have worked on it than normally would on a new hatchback, saloon or SUV. You’d be forgiven for thinking that project was the recently launched NSX hybrid supercar, but you’d be wrong. It was actually this 10th-generation Civic hatchback. Why is it such a big deal? Well, the British-built model is now exported globally, and is built on a new mechanical base shared with the American-built saloon and coupé. It has also been majorly reinvented, becoming bigger and, Honda says, classier inside, more frugal, better- performing and sharper-handling. These changes are all aimed…

‘Big-name German brands dominate the top 25, taking 13 places’ Depreciation is the single biggest cost of running a new car. The value cars lose in their first few years on the road will almost always outstrip the expense of fuel, insurance or servicing. It might be an invisible cost in the sense that you don’t shell out on depreciation in the way you regularly fill up your car, but ignore resale values at your peril. We’ve looked at the 25 slowest and 25 fastest depreciating new cars on sale in the UK with Cap HPI, which provides What Car?’s used car valuations. The results show how big the variations are – and just how expensive depreciation can be if you make a rash choice. So, how do you keep…

LESS THAN £10,000 Skoda Citigo Our pick 1.0 60 SE 5dr List price £9535 Target Price £8930 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 5dr List price £9825 Target Price £8025 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 £8649 Target Price £8527 MPG 78.4 CO2 84g/km For It has a spacious,…

LESS THAN £18,000 Skoda Fabia Estate Our pick 1.2 TSI 90 SE List price £14,765 Target Price £13,381 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 £17,905 Target Price £16,447 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 £17,595 Target Price £16,214 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 £23,810 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 Visia 2WD 7-seat List price £25,145 Target Price £23,514 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, the diesel engine is noisy and equipment is a bit basic. What Car? says Honda CR-V Our pick 1.6 i-DTEC 120 SE List price £26,310 Target Price £24,518 MPG 64.2 CO2 115g/km For The engine…

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 £23,094 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 £23,614 MPG 67.3 CO2 109g/km For Good to drive, with quick steering and…

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’…

“ 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 Our service – how it all works 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 ensure…

‘The Ignis certainly doesn’t want for more power, even in the heavier Allgrip model’ IT SEEMS LIKE every manufacturer is throwing its hat into the small SUV ring at the moment, but few are more experienced at engineering and building them than Suzuki. This time around it’s taken the ‘small’ part to the extreme with the all-new Ignis. At just 3.7m long and 1.7m wide, Suzuki will have its Ignis rivalling city cars such as the Fiat 500 and Volkswagen Up. But given its flared arches, bluff nose and jacked-up stance, you’d be forgiven for calling it a small SUV. One engine for all Just one engine option is available: Suzuki’s 1.2-litre 89bhp petrol. 89bhp might sound modest, but the Ignis certainly doesn’t want for more power, even in our…

‘Watch out that the charge from an online trader isn’t more than the car maker’s fee’ AS WINTER KICKS in across the UK and temperatures drop, there will be a surge in car batteries failing. This is when many second-hand car owners find out for the first time that their car’s stereo has a security code to protect it from theft. What is a radio code? Around 20 years ago car stereo theft was big business for petty criminals, so to help owners keep their radios safe, car makers began to use systems with security codes. A wide range of older stereos made by all the big brands, including Blaupunkt, Bosch and Clarion, have security codes, and these are fitted in older car models from most brands. If the stereo…

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 SZ2 5dr List price £9749 Target Price £9195 MPG 56.5 CO2 116g/km For Good 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 £11,630 MPG 67.3 CO2 98g/km For Rides and handles well and it has a generous standard kit list and…

LESS THAN £16,000 Skoda Octavia Our pick 1.0 TSI 115 S List price £16,660 Target Price £15,171 MPG 62.8 CO2 104g/km For There’s plenty of room for occupants and their luggage, and the interior is classy. Against Standard equipment is a bit stingy and the suspension can be noisy over rougher surfaces. What Car? says Vauxhall Astra Our pick 1.0T 105 Design List price £16,615 Target Price £15,267 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 Seat Leon Our pick 1.2 TSI 110 SE List price £17,700 Target Price £15,171 MPG 57.6 CO2 114g/km For The engine is refined, running costs are low and S trim has…

LESS THAN £20,000 Citroën C3 Picasso Our pick 1.2 Puretech Edition List price £16,575 Target Price £12,138 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 Volkswagen Golf SV Our pick 1.4 TSI SE List price £22,190 Target Price £18,524 MPG 51.4 CO2 127g/km For It’s good to drive, well equipped, the engine is smooth and there are quality materials inside. Against The rear seats aren’t as clever as those in rivals and it’s comparatively pricey to buy. What Car? says Ford B-Max Our pick 1.4 90 Zetec List price £15,345 Target Price £13,550 MPG 47.1 CO2 139g/km For The engine is…