Auto Express 1590

THE motoring public’s love of SUVs shows no signs of abating. And makers are meeting demand with models spanning all classes, from jacked-up superminis to plush, all-electric soft-roaders (tested on Page 36). In this week’s issue, we drive the new Skoda Kamiq for the first time. It’s the Czech firm’s take on the market-defining Nissan Juke, a car that basically created the small SUV class when it was launched – opinion-splitting looks and all – almost a decade ago. In a way, Skoda has been here before, of course – with the Yeti, a car that proved very popular with British customers, although it struggled to gain as many fans in continental Europe. But the Kamiq is a very different creation, and it’s clear that Skoda’s engineers, designers and marketeers have thought…

● First verdict on 600bhp-plus battery-powered saloon – on road and track ● Delivers zero-emissions driving combined with traditional Porsche performance WE’RE sliding around Porsche’s Weissach test track as if it’s better to look out of the passenger window than the windscreen. The cornering forces are so strong that we’re wondering whether we’re about to be reacquainted with our breakfast. But we’re not in a twin-turbocharged 911; instead, this is Auto Express’s introduction to the all-electric Porsche Taycan. Engineer Christian Wolfsried gives us a rude awakening by demonstrating the Taycan’s launch control. He starts with both feet on the pedals, but as he lifts his left foot he says, “Careful!”. Barely three seconds later, the speedo hits 100kph (62mph). A few years ago, the idea of a pure-electric Porsche, with no engine noise, would…

Jonathan_Burn@dennis.co.uk @Jonathan_burn ● New models and old favourites to be all-electric ● Range will start with e-tron compact hatchback AUDI is fast-tracking an electric vehicle programme that will see the German firm launch 20 fully electric cars by the middle of the next decade. A range of never-before-seen EVs is in the pipeline, but some of the brand’s best-known models will also make the switch to electric power. While Audi’s focus will initially be on launching EVs at the upper end of its product range, where greater profits can be made, one of the most significant models to arrive will be a compact hatchback that will be priced from around £30,000. A rival for the forthcoming Volkswagen ID.3, as well as the Tesla Model 3, it will act as Audi’s entry point into EV ownership.…

THE motoring public’s love of SUVs shows no signs of abating. And makers are meeting demand with models spanning all classes, from jacked-up superminis to plush, all-electric soft-roaders (tested on Page 36). In this week’s issue, we drive the new Skoda Kamiq for the first time. It’s the Czech firm’s take on the market-defining Nissan Juke, a car that basically created the small SUV class when it was launched – opinion-splitting looks and all – almost a decade ago. In a way, Skoda has been here before, of course – with the Yeti, a car that proved very popular with British customers, although it struggled to gain as many fans in continental Europe. But the Kamiq is a very different creation, and it’s clear that Skoda’s engineers, designers and marketeers…

● First verdict on 600bhp-plus battery-powered saloon – on road and track ● Delivers zero-emissions driving combined with traditional Porsche performance WE’RE sliding around Porsche’s Weissach test track as if it’s better to look out of the passenger window than the windscreen. The cornering forces are so strong that we’re wondering whether we’re about to be reacquainted with our breakfast. But we’re not in a twin-turbocharged 911; instead, this is Auto Express’s introduction to the all-electric Porsche Taycan. Engineer Christian Wolfsried gives us a rude awakening by demonstrating the Taycan’s launch control. He starts with both feet on the pedals, but as he lifts his left foot he says, “Careful!”. Barely three seconds later, the speedo hits 100kph (62mph). A few years ago, the idea of a pure-electric Porsche, with…

THE Hyundai Kona N has been given the green light for production, Auto Express understands – and it should make its public debut before the end of next year. In May 2018, we revealed that Hyundai’s head of R&D, Albert Biermann, had told engineers to build a prototype fast Kona to give management a chance to evaluate it for production. Senior figures have now told Auto Express that the project, previewed by our image (right), has been granted approval – and the Kona N has been bumped above a mooted Tucson N in the model pipeline. Assuming the vehicle stays on schedule for a reveal before the end of 2020, it could tally with the mid-life facelift for the Kona range, which first appeared in 2017. It’s likely that the Kona N will…