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Q4 Sportback concept revealed First Audi to use MEB platform James Brodie James_Brodie@dennis.co.uk @jimmybrods THIS is the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron concept, a thinly veiled glimpse at an upcoming all-electric, baby coupé-SUV due in showrooms next summer. As per the brand’s naming conventions the concept is a coupé-SUV variant of the regular Q4 e-tron, which was first revealed at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. Both the regular Q4 e-tron and Sportback version will launch together and become Audi’s first model based on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform for electric vehicles. Audi claims that the concept is 90 per cent the finished article; a few detailed surface tweaks and the addition of door handles will be the only notable changes between this and the showroom model. Biggest alterations for the Sportback…

VOLVO is recalling 2.2 million cars globally and 169,481 in the UK due to a seatbelt fault. The issue concerns a cable that can wear and suffer fatigue, weakening the action of the belts. Examples of the S60, S60 Cross Country, V60, V60 Cross Country, XC60 (above), V70, XC70 and S80 made from 2006 to 2018 are included in the recall, but it doesn’t affect any currentgeneration cars. Volvo apologised for the recall, adding the fault is “extremely rare,” and that no injuries or accidents had been linked to it.…

Plug-in power joins new Santa Fe range THE heavily updated Hyundai Santa Fe (above) is now available as a plug-in hybrid. It comprises a 1.6-litre fourcylinder turbo petrol engine, electric motor and 13.9kWh lithium-ion battery. This set-up offers a combined maximum output of 261bhp and 350Nm of torque. However, it’s not due to reach the UK market until early 2021. Regular petrol hybrid and diesel powertrains are also offered in the new Skoda Kodiaq rival. Centrepiece motor show on hold for 2021 ONE of the motoring calendar’s most important events, the Geneva Motor Show, has been cancelled for 2021. Financial difficulties suffered by the show’s organisers because of the cancellation of this year’s event mean the show in 2021 is unable to go ahead. A further setback was the unwillingness…

THE Government has officially ruled out a scrappage scheme that would encourage people to trade in their old cars for new models, telling Auto Express there are “no current plans to change the existing incentives or to introduce a scrappage scheme”. The statement ends weeks of speculation over whether a scheme would be introduced, and will be a blow to industry leaders who had called for a programme to stimulate the new-car market, and encourage people to buy cleaner new cars. However, incentives remain in place for drivers buying a new electric car, with the plug-in car grant giving buyers a £3,000 Government-funded discount on the cost of a new EV.…

We want to hear your views. Send your questions or opinions to the E-mail address below Contact Tristan Shale-Hester mail@autoexpress.co.uk HOT TOPIC New Vauxhall Mokka FROM: Nicholas Brown THIS is brilliant. I’m not a fan of the SUV craze and the generic look many of them have, but this is different. I particularly like how it looks smaller and lighter. Groupe PSA is on a roll, and is the best thing to happen to Vauxhall for years. FROM: CJ Parker-Hinder ONE of the main reasons for buying an SUV is surely luggage capacity? Coupéstyle SUVs are therefore a pointless trend – the only benefit they offer is increased ride height. In my opinion, the new Mokka won’t match its rivals. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk “I love the radical styling.…

HYUNDAI KONAELECTRIC Price from: £29,900 HYUNDAI has really impressed with the Kona Electric, offering a smart, small SUV with an electric powertrain at an affordable price. The entry-level version just undercuts the Corsa, but has a 39kWh battery pack and an official range of 180 miles on a single charge. The Kona Electric is more impressive in 64kWh guise, unlocking a Tesla Model 3-rivalling range of 278 miles. Prices for this version start from £35,900, edging it closer to the cheapest Tesla Model 3. PEUGEOTE-208 Price from: £26,025 THE e-208 uses the same chassis, battery, charging and electric motor tech as the Corsa-e, wrapped up in a more premium-looking package inside and out. It’s totally personal preference as to which one you prefer the look of, but the Peugeot’s cabin…

RICHARD INGRAM Editor, DrivingElectric Our sister title is the best place to find expert advice on every aspect of electric cars FEW areas of automotive development have progressed as quickly as the move to electrification. Hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and fully electric vehicles no longer represent an interesting niche; they’re now firmly part of the motoring landscape. It’s not hard to see why, either. With a wide range of models, and a number of different powertrains, switching to electrified transport has never been easier. Increasing numbers of motorists agree, too: almost 38,000 fully electric new cars took to the roads in 2019 – an increase of 144 per cent on 2018. These figures will continue to grow. The government’s goal is to ban the sale of new non-hybrid petrol and…

Type 1 THIS is a singlephase plug with a maximum charge of 7.4kW. It’s found mostly on mainland Europe, but some cars have a Type 1 connector. Some home and public chargers have Type 1 connectors, too, but no public charging station only serves Type 1 cables: if you have a public charging cable, you should be able to charge anywhere. Type 2 IN 2014, the European Commission ruled that all public charging stations must feature a Type 2 connector or connecting capability. This is why new electric vehicles and plug-in vehicles sold in the UK feature Type 2 sockets and often come with a Type 2 cable included. Most of the home chargers that you can buy today also feature a Type 2 connector. Commando THIS style isn’t very…

THIS year’s Driver Power survey included public chargepoint providers for the first time. It revealed the best and worst, with Tesla’s Supercharger network topping the 10 providers (Issue 1,623). In fact, it was a clean sweep for Tesla, because its chargers gained top spot for costs, charging speed, ease of use and reliability. Fear not if you don’t own a Tesla – there are still plenty of highly rated public charging providers. InstaVolt finished second. The network, which accepts any car with a CCS or CHAdeMO port, operates a pay-as-you-go system, with no account or set-up fees. It seems users are prepared to pay more for a service that rewards with its speed, ease of use and reliability, because InstaVolt finished second from bottom in the costs category. ChargePlace Scotland,…

Stuart_Milne@dennis.co.uk @stuartjmilne THE coming years will deliver an embarrassment of riches for the electric and plug-in hybrid car buyer. With hundreds of electrified models arriving in the next five years, consumers will be spoilt for choice. Here we preview 10 new electric and plug-in hybrid cars that will be hitting a dealer’s forecourt near you in the coming 12 months. GET ALL THE LATEST EV NEWS VISIT our sister website drivingelectric.com for news, reviews and advice on buying electrified vehicles BMW i4 ON SALE: 2021 WHILE the car seen here is a concept, the BMW i4 will enter production largely unchanged. The final specs are still to be confirmed, but the Concept i4 (above) has a 523bhp electric motor, which BMW says is good for 0-62mph in four seconds and…

MODELTESTED: Porsche 911 Turbo S PRICE: £158,200 ENGINE: 3.7-litre flat-six turbo, 641bhp THE 911 Turbo S has always been the Porsche that mixed supercar pace and grand touring capability. This new 992 model costs £158,200 and has lots more of the former, but with a greater focus on performance has it lost some usability? Design & engineering BOTH the Turbo and S variants used to feature a wider 911 bodyshell, but now all models of Porsche’s rear-engined sports car have this wider body, there are only a few visual clues to differentiate the Turbo S from other 911s. These include the gaping air intakes on the car’s rear wheelarches (the engine also now breathes through the engine cover, too), as well as a fresh active front and rear spoiler combination.…

Porsche 911 Turbo S PCM Standard Key features: Three-screen set-up, Apple CarPlay THE Turbo S’s 10.9-inch touchscreen is worlds apart from the McLaren’s. The graphics are better, its layout makes it easier to use given the system also controls the climate control and other functions (which de-clutters the dash), plus it’s more responsive. There’s a good level of functionality, with sat-nav and Apple CarPlay both standard. Android Auto isn’t supported. The 911’s dash also gets lots of digitisation. Porsche’s trademark central analogue rev counter is flanked by two seven-inch screens that are both customisable. The right-hand display shows more info and can be set up to show the sat-nav map in full. It’s a nice tech solution, but the steering wheel’s arc does obstruct part of both screens. It’s only…

Micro But Many: An Unofficial Micro Machines Collection Tim Smith (Bitmap Books, www.bitmapbooks.co.uk) Price: £29.99 Rating: THIS book drills down into the history of these models, and adds lots of studio photography to show them off in amazing detail. It’s engaging, interesting, and may rekindle the urge to start collecting again. Hemi Muscle 70 Years Darwin Holmstrom (Motorbooks, www.quartoknows.com) Price: £24.99 Rating: IN muscle cars, Hemi is as iconic a word as ‘Mustang’ or ‘V8’, and refers to the Chrysler hemispherical-head engine. This book covers its use and development up to today, including in drag racing. There’s plenty of photography as well as period imagery, while high production values make this a very attractive coffee table read. Bus Simulator: Ultimate Available for: iOS, Android Price: Free Rating: DO you prefer…

Richard Dredge CITROEN celebrated its centenary last year, and from the day it was founded, the French company hasn’t been afraid to push boundaries with its car designs. Indeed, Citroen is one of the most innovative car makers, with models such as its 2CV, Traction Avant and CX – along with the seminal DS that arrived in 1955. This futuristic saloon (and estate) still looks incredible 65 years after its launch, and it was this cutting-edge family car that was the inspiration behind the prestige DS subbrand. It was launched by Citroen in 2010 with the DS 3, and later came the DS 4 and DS 5, while DS became a standalone brand – set to rival the likes of Audi – in 2015. The slow-selling DS 5 is a…

Visit carbuyer.co.uk for all the latest data plus indepth car reviews and videos HOW OUR GUIDE WORKS PERFORMANCE: This is the manufacturer’s claimed acceleration time for a car, and is measured from 0-60mph or 0-62mph (0-100kph), in seconds. ECONOMY AND EMISSIONS: The combined economy figure in miles per gallon and its emissions in grams per kilometre of CO2. Figures are the best achieved in the latest WLTP tests, but will vary according to equipment and are unlikely to be representative of everyday efficiency. INSURANCE: Group rating as quoted by the Association of British Insurers. WARRANTY: Next to each manufacturer’s name is the basic warranty period in months and miles for the mechanicals, corrosion and paintwork. EVs and hybrids will have dedicated battery cover. LIST PRICE: This is the on-the-road figure…

GOODBYE and good riddance to the hellish first half of 2020. For many it was by far the worst and most worrying six-month chunk of their lives. But despite all the obvious tragedy, pain and injustice, several intriguing, significant, sad or amusing developments emerged in the final week of June. The maddest story I stumbled across concerned Hollywood superstar Mark Wahlberg. Too much sex and drugs and rock and roll? Hardly. The dear chap simply liked his Buick so much that he bought a franchised dealership to accompany it. That’s in addition to the Chevrolet franchise he bought to go with his Chevy. And if hardman Marky gets bored with them, he’s also got his Airstream business to occupy his time. Would you buy a new or used car or…

Visit autoexpress.co.uk for your daily news updates All-new Peugeot crossovers expected in 2022 with fresh style 3008 may morph into coupé-SUV, 5008 to focus on practicality John McIlroy John_McIlroy@dennis.co.uk @johnmcilroy PEUGEOT is planning a major overhaul of its 3008 and 5008 models for their next generations – due in 2022 – making the brand’s smaller crossover more of a coupé-SUV and refocusing the larger one on practicality and family-friendly usability, Auto Express can exclusively reveal. The two models were revamped completely back in 2016 and 2017, when they switched from being unfashionable pseudo-MPVs into more style-focused SUVs. They’re expected to be facelifted within the next six months, gaining fresh in-car tech and some more efficient powertrains on top of subtle revisions to their exteriors. But thinking further ahead, Peugeot’s chief…

Pivotal subscription service for JLR cars BRITISH car maker Jaguar Land Rover has launched a new car subscription service called Pivotal. It’s designed to give customers more flexibility when buying. A fixed monthly fee – ranging from £750 to £1,600 – covers all costs including tax, insurance and servicing. Customers are also able to change vehicles as regularly as every six months, or pause the subscription for a period of time at no extra cost. Vehicles initially available include the Land Rover Discovery Sport, Jaguar I-Pace and F-Pace, as well as the full Range Rover line-up. Connected tech added to Skoda’s line-up SKODA has updated its Superb, Karoq and Kodiaq model ranges with a new-generation infotainment system that features a new voice-activated assistant and online services. The set-up gets a…

PORSCHE has expanded its electric Taycan range by introducing a new entry-level, rear-wheel-drive variant. The model, initially launched in China but expected to make it to the UK, is powered by a single electric motor on the rear axle. It has a maximum output of 469bhp using Porsche’s overboost function, so is capable of a 0-62mph time of 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 143mph. As standard, the entry-level Taycan comes with a 79.2kWh battery for a 257- mile range (NEDC), although buyers can upgrade to a larger 93.4kWh pack, which increases range to 304 miles (NEDC).…

Year-long study evaluates viability and safety of electric scooters Hugo Griffiths Hugo_Griffiths@dennis.co.uk @hugo_griffiths NATIONWIDE trials of e-scooters have begun in the UK, with riders allowed to use the machines on roads and cycle paths. The electric scooters, which must have no seat and are used standing up, will be limited to 15.5mph. Riding on pavements remains banned in the interests of pedestrian safety, however, while the scooters must be rented from companies. Private e-scooters are still outlawed from use on public thoroughfares as the Department for Transport attempts “to avoid a flood of poor-quality scooters”. The trials are partly a response to the difficulties posed by social-distancing rules on trains and buses, as the Government looks at alternative transport solutions without encouraging more car use. Councils can run the trials…

Tackling the motoring issues that matter Hugo Griffiths Hugo_Griffiths@dennis.co.uk @hugo_griffiths LOOK at the graphic below, and take a moment to digest the figures displayed there: from 1965 to 2018, the number of vehicles in the country had more than trebled; yet during the same period, the number of road deaths reduced by over three quarters. That’s an astonishing achievement. While a number of factors – including changing attitudes to drink driving and improved medical treatments – have contributed to the fall in deaths, improvements in car safety have played an enormous role. To celebrate this, we’ve charted the most significant safety systems and developments to have come about since the early days of the motor car, with expert insight from one of the most prominent voices in the automotive safety…

Stuart_Miline@dennis.co.uk @stuartjmilne ACCORDING to the Government’s Go Ultra Low campaign, up to 90 per cent of electric vehicles are charged at home. But it can take a long time to top up your batteries when using a standard domestic plug. So, to speed up the process, many owners invest in a charging unit known as a wallbox. These discreet wall-mounted (as the name suggests) boxes (again, it’s in the name) can be connected to your existing home electricity supply without too much trouble. You’ll need some form of off-street parking, but within reason, your new wallbox can be placed exactly where you want it. Better still, there are dozens of units to choose from. Pick one of the latest ‘smart’ wallboxes and you could be eligible for a government grant…

Richard_Ingram@dennis.co.uk @rsp_ingram PURE-electric cars are the future. The Government is pushing us towards zeroemission vehicles with a wide selection of incentives and tax breaks – meaning you could save thousands of pounds over a typical two or three-year finance deal. With some models managing almost 400 miles on a charge, there has never been a better time to make the switch to electric. These cars come in all shapes and sizes, too, from city cars to SUVs, plus everything in between. It doesn’t matter how much you’ve got to spend, either; there’s an EV to suit nearly every budget. So if you think an electric car might be right for you, take a look at our list of every EV currently on sale in the UK. We’ve reviewed and rated…

@tristan_shale ELECTRIC-vehicle technology has accelerated at an exponential rate in recent years. The UK is banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars – including hybrids – in the medium term, and other countries are developing similar policies. This means manufacturers have been forced to get a move on with developing fully electric cars that are affordable, practical and desirable. Battery technology is one specific field that has seen huge strides, but numerous other areas have advanced, too. As these trends continue, here’s a rundown of what the future of the electric car might look like. Better batteries THE battery is the most important part of an electric car, and also where some of the biggest innovations are being made. In recent years, range has risen while charging times…

MODELTESTED: McLaren GT PRICE: £165,230 ENGINE: 4.0-litre V8 turbo, 612bhp THE GT aims to bring a softer side and add even more tech to the McLaren range, but is this new £165,230 model worth it compared with the 911? Design & engineering LIKE the 911 range, McLaren’s cars have been criticised for sometimes being too similar or too close to each other, which is why the brand has done something a little different with this GT. Also like the Porsche, this McLaren shuns the traditional front-engine, rear-drive Grand Tourer recipe in favour of something different, even if it aims to offer the same levels of luxury, refinement and performance as the best models in this class. As with the Turbo S, there’s still a particular focus on the latter. The…

Dear Tristan, can you recommend a sporty, well equipped car that’s not too thirsty for my 30-mile commute? My budget is £25,000. Ben Starkey, E-mail Contact: Tristan_Shale-Hester@dennis.co.uk THE FUN CHOICE Hyundai i30 N F’bck FOR: Sharp handling, quick, pre-reg cars within budget AGAINST: Relatively small, less kudos than others HYUNDAI’S N Division hit the ground running in 2018, when it launched the i30 N to critical acclaim. The Fastback version offers the same potent performance, pin-sharp handling and raspy exhaust note as the hatch, along with sleeker looks. It may lack some of the refinement of the Jaguar and Alfa, but it’s still a relatively civilised car, as well as being practical and reasonably economical. Plus, £25,000 buys a 69-plate car with delivery miles, and Hyundai’s five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty. ALTHOUGH…

New mid-size SUV joins Suzuki range with plug-in power RAV4-based model is first product of joint venture with Toyota Luke Wilkinson Luke_Wilkinson@dennis.co.uk @LT_Wilkinson SUZUKI has revealed an all-new SUV called the Across, which is the first model from the Japanese brand to get a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It will go on sale in the UK towards the end of year, priced from almost £40,000. If you think the Across looks familiar, you’d be right; the Suzuki is a restyled and rebadged version of the Toyota RAV4. The two brands recently confirmed a partnership to work together on electrified vehicles, and the Across is the first result of that venture. Later in the year, Suzuki will also launch a new hatchback based on the Toyota Corolla. Visually, the Across differs from…

THE following provide help with motoring problems. Some services are free, others charge a fee or operate on premium-rate lines (p), while some offer advice for members only (m) Legal AA: 0345 850 1130 (m) RAC: 0330 159 1446 (m) Which?: 01992 878329 Citizens Advice Consumer helpline: 03454 040506 Local Trading Standards Local Citizens Advice Bureau Used car inspections AA: 0800 056 8040 RAC: 0330 159 0720 Technical advice AA: 0370 142 0002 (m) Driving licences DVLA: 0300 790 6801 Car registration/history HPI: 01722 422422 AA: 0800 316 3564 DVLA: 0300 790 6802 RAC: 0330 159 0364 Traffic information AA: 0906 888 4322 RAC: 09003 444999 (p) Problems with dealers The Motor Ombudsman: 0345 241 3008 Consumer Ombudsman: RMIF: 0845 305 4230 Scottish Motor Trade Assoc. 0131 331 5510 Problems…

Q What is a mild hybrid and how does it work? A NOT long ago, a hybrid car meant one thing: a car with two different power sources, usually a petrol or diesel internalcombustion engine working alongside an electric motor. However, now, the ‘mild hybrid’ has arrived. The big distinction is that, while the electric motor in a conventional hybrid can drive the car, the motor in a mild hybrid can’t – it just assists the engine. How does a mild hybrid work? Mild hybrids come in several configurations, but most commonly feature a small battery pack that works with the regular 12V battery found in all combustion-engined cars. Often, this is a 48V system with an integrated starter-generator, which acts as both a starter motor and a power bank…

NEW EVs costing less than £50,000 are eligible for the government’s £3,000 plug-in car grant (Page 32). Yet whether you buy new or used, plug-in hybrid or fully electric, you can also apply for a government subsidy towards the cost of a home wallbox. There are a few criteria you must meet, but if you tick the boxes, it could make charging your low-emissions model quicker, cheaper and more convenient. The Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) oversees the grant, which will cover 75 per cent (up to the value of £350) of the cost of buying and installing a ‘smart’ wallbox charger. These cost from around £300, and let you take advantage of cheaper off-peak electricity tariffs. To apply for the grant, you must own, or have on order,…

Richard_Ingram@dennis.co.uk @rsp_ingram NO matter what type of new car you’re after, the amount of choice on offer can be daunting. But if you’re looking to make your first tentative steps into electric-car ownership, then a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) could be just the ticket. These cars offer a short pure-electric range, while most can be charged from a household plug socket in only a few hours. Depending on your daily commute and driving style, a PHEV has the ability to fit seamlessly into your life, while also saving you thousands on annual fuel bills. From entry-level models such as the Kia XCeed, to high-end premium SUVs like the Bentley Bentayga, there will be a plug-in hybrid to suit almost every budget. Over the next 11 pages, we’ve reviewed and…

Visit autoexpress.co.uk for the latest new cars and drives WHILE the traditional GT car still exists as we know it today – Aston and Bentley produce some of the best 12-cylinder front-engined cruisers around, for example – there are different ways to tackle the engineering approach when it comes to making a Grand Tourer sports car. Porsche and McLaren don’t necessarily subscribe to the traditional train of thought, because the former’s new 911 Turbo S marries a 2+2 cabin with an engine at the rear and four-wheel drive, while the latter uses a V8 mounted in the middle of its carbon-fibre chassis sending drive to the rear. Yet both aim for a similar target market, each boasting more than 600bhp for huge performance, along with chassis that would embarrass track…

Dean Gibson Dean_Gibson@dennis.co.uk @DeanGbsn Running costs 30.7-34.9mpg (off icial) £78 fill-up, £265 road tax Practicality Cargo volume/payload 5.8m3/836kg “SO, what did you do during lockdown?” That’s something a lot of people are going to ask once everybody starts meeting up again. Me? Well, rather than learn to play a musical instrument or restore my old radio-controlled cars, I did a spot of juggling. Not with balls, but with motors. That’s because I had two vehicles when lockdown hit, so as well as a Nissan Navara pick-up (Issue 1,630), I was also looking after this Volkswagen Transporter. The juggling I did was to ensure neither vehicle spent too long stood still, so their batteries didn’t go flat. And I’m glad to say that I was successful. I’m not about to ask…

Dave Pollard KEEPING a car’s upholstery and carpets clean has never been easier than with a cordless vac. They’re not only convenient, they’re also safer because there’s no trailing cable. The new Vax Blade 4 is the latest version of our previous test-winning Blade 2, and we put it up against its nearest rivals from the last evaluation. We ground our usual mix of salt, rice and fine, damp grit into various carpet types, looking for quick and efficient cleaning, and for each unit to manage at least 15 minutes’ work on a single charge. We also checked practicality in the car’s cramped confines and gave points for versatility, domestic capability and supplied accessories. We’ve listed quoted run times, but these depend on usage and power modes. Finally, we took…