Carbuyer magazine Issue 7

IT’S an exciting time to be buying a new car, with seemingly greater choice than ever as manufacturers strive to offer something for everyone. Extensive personalisation options, numerous new SUVs and crossovers and innovative, fuel-efficient hybrid and electric drivetrains are the biggest talking points for 2018, so there’s no shortage of options to consider. At Carbuyer, we constantly monitor what UK car buyers are searching for online in order to offer the best and most relevant car reviews and buying advice. In this issue of the magazine, we take a close look at the 125 most searched-for models of the moment, as well as bringing you an in-depth profile looking at the brand-new, hi-tech Mercedes A-Class hatchback, which is expected to be one of the year’s biggest sellers. steve_fowler@dennis.co.uk…

ESTABLISHED in 2010, Carbuyer.co.uk is like no other motoring website out there – it makes choosing your next new car easy. We look at everything from the buyers’ perspective to provide the clearest real-world verdicts on the cars that matter to UK motorists. We’ve filmed, photographed and rated many hundreds of new cars, with our testers driving thousands of miles to bring you a comprehensive picture of the market. From boot space to parking sensors and from folding seats to road noise, our tests are all based on real-life, everyday criteria. ● You can watch more than 700 informative video reviews designed to help you decide which new car suits you best. ● You’ll find details on every make and model, with images, prices and specs for all cars on sale in the…

CARBUYER’S crystal-clear road tests are like no other. We put ourselves in your shoes to deliver easy-to-understand verdicts on cars that matter. Our reviews are divided into sections on engines, running costs, interior, practicality, safety and reliability, so you can look beyond the headline overall score to see where a certain model’s strengths and weaknesses really lie. Our scores are weighted appropriately – so family cars aren’t penalised for being outperformed by supercars! We’ve also conducted huge customer satisfaction surveys, compared warranty periods and service intervals, and searched for safety-related recalls. Finally, we analyse a car’s pricing, equipment and running costs to judge value.…

“The latest A-Class debuts new technology not yet seen in any other Mercedes” MERCEDES’ A-Class – a key rival to cars like the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series – has been a very strong seller for the prestigious German brand, winnng it many new customers who might previously have bought from rivals. The latest model is expected to build on this success by debuting new technology that has yet to appear on any other Mercedes model. The new A-Class is underpinned by a range of fuel-efficient engines, with four-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox available across the range. Hi-tech infotainment is a highlight, adding a futuristic twist inside. Styling A QUICK look isn’t enough to appreciate just how far the A-Class has evolved – the old and the new have very…

Audi A3 POSSIBLY the A-Class’ closest rival, the A3 aims for a similar blend of style, practicality and comfort as the Mercedes. However, the current A3 went on sale backin 2012; it’s no longer cutting-edge. BMW 1 Series BMW’S 1 Series is the clear class leader when it comes to driving enjoyment, thanks to its sporty rear-wheel-drive layout. The trade-off is that it’s not as luxurious or comfortable as the A-Class. Infiniti Q30 SHARING mechanical parts with the outgoing A-Class, the Q30 is something of a left-field choice, offering a distinctly Japanese and American-influenced take on compact luxury. Lexus CT ALTHOUGH it has been around since 2011, the CT still finds favour as a cost-effective company and private car choice, thanks to its efficient hybrid drivetrain. It’s not very engaging to drive, however. Volkswagen Golf IT’S not technically a…

“At a steady motorway cruise, the A200 is quiet, stable and composed – it feels like a true Mercedes” WHILE the A180 diesel model’s engine is developed from a 1.5-litre Renault-sourced engine, the A200 petrol uses a new 1.33-litre four-cylinder turbo. On paper, it offers a decent blend of performance and running costs but to drive it feels underpowered; the claimed eight-second 0-62mph time appears ambitious, and it can’t match the useful in-gear shove of the less powerful diesel model. And while the A-Class can hold its own in corners, it’s clear that Mercedes has prioritised comfort over sporty appeal. The steering is well weighted but not all that communicative, and despite minimal body roll, it doesn’t feel like it’d take much to break the limits of the car’s grip. The slick…