Содержание выпуска: November 2015 — What Car?

Declaring the new Jaguar F Pace SUV the most eagerly anticipated car of 2016 when we are barely into autumn may seem bold, but I’ll be surprised if we are forced to revise our opinion. Jaguar is on a roll at the moment. With its sports car credentials underpinned by the F Type, and its mainstream aspirations powered by the new XE and XF, heading into new territory with an SUV is an intelligent move. It will help them to boost sales and profits, and become a truly global car maker to rival the likes of Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. Jaguar faces a long and tough journey to get close to those rivals, but the F Pace demonstrates the kind of free-thinking and forward planning that is required. Success…

First drive Kia’s popular hatchback gets an update, with new interior trim and a three-cylinder engine option Verdict All the traditional Cee’d virtues, plus added quality and refinement THE CEE’D HAS always been a hugely important model for Kia - since its launch in 2006 it’s sold more than one million of them. It’s not surprising, then, to see Kia introducing some updates to keep it fresh. The changes include styling tweaks and upgraded materials. Ride comfort, handling and refinement have all been focused on, too, making the new Cee’d smoother and sharper to drive. All the Cee’d’s engines are now Euro 6 rated, and there’s a new turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. It comes in two power outputs, 99bhp and 118bhp, and we’ve tried the higher-powered version here in…

First drive All-new luxury saloon courts cost-conscious company drivers with efficient diesel power Verdict A keen price and a great diesel engine nudge new 7 Series closer to its Mercedes rival THIS IS THE sixth generation of the BMW 7 Series. Larger, lighter, more efficient and loaded with the very latest technology, the new model has its sights set on the sector-leading Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It’s available with four-wheel drive and comes in standard and long wheelbase forms. Power comes from a choice of six-cylinder petrol or diesel engines, in 740Li and 730d variants respectively. A hybrid format will follow. Quick and supremely refined Despite their extra size and weight, BMW tried to make previous generations of the 7 Series handle with something like the prowess of the brand’s smaller models.…

First drive Diesel Superbs are the economy kings but company buyers can’t afford to overlook the petrols – for now Verdict Mid-range petrol is smoother and cheaper than the diesel, and reasonably economical, too IN A RECENT group test with the Ford Mondeo and Volvo S60, the new Skoda Superb’s combination of impressive refinement, space and fuel economy so impressed us that it secured a well-deserved win. The diesel model was the version being considered then, but Skoda also offers a range of petrol engines, with power outputs from 123bhp to 276bhp. The mid-range 148bhp 1.4-litre engine is likely to be the most popular, and we’ve tested it in SE L Executive trim. Top quality and lots of space If you’re tall and often find that cars haven’t enough leg-…

First drive New entry-level E-Capability has the most efficient diesel engine, five seats and a keen price Verdict Well-priced premium SUV, but it’s worth paying the extra for the better-equipped versions THIS NEW E-CAPABILITY model is the cheapest and most efficient Land Rover Discovery Sport in the range, with a 148bhp version of the new 2.0-litre diesel engine. The Ingenium unit replaces the Discovery Sport’s original 2.2-litre diesel. There are two versions: this 148bhp one, which comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, or a 178bhp version that offers the option of a nine-speed automatic. You have to go for the higher-powered motor if you want seven seats because this entry-level E-Capability model has just five. However, in the latter’s favour are its lower CO2 emissions (129g/km compared with 139g/km in…

Citizens’ Advice Bureau www.citizensadvice.org.uk Service and repair standards  www.motorcodes.co.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 a car’s crash safety rating www.euroncap.com Your car loan questions answered www.whatcar.com/ car-news/carloanfaqs Get all the advice you need at whatcar.com/car-advice…

Nissan Pulsar run by Barnaby JonesMileage 2305List price £19,295 Target Price £17,996Price as tested £19,845My rating Nissan X Trail run by James HollowayMileage 3290List price £29,345 Target Price £26,989Price as tested £30,695My rating THINK NISSAN FAMILY car and, chances are, the Qashqai will pop into your head. Rightly so, to be honest – it’s an excellent choice and a former What Car? Car of the Year Award winner. It’s not right for everyone, though; it’s not the cheapest car around and it doesn’t offer the option of seven seats. Step forward our two latest long-term test cars: the Nissan Pulsar and X-Trail. The Pulsar majors on space, equipment and value, while the X-Trail is a large SUV that offers seating for up to seven. In other words, they’re designed to…

Mileage 6381 List price £33,750 Target Price £32,480 Average mpg 32.8My rating I’M NOW TWO months and 6000 miles into my time with the Sorento and, unfortunately, it’s been plagued by technical gremlins. It began when the fuel gauge would only show full or empty. On one journey I completed 380 miles and it was still showing a full tank. I had to improvise a system of keeping track of how much range it had left by writing the mileage it was brimmed at on a bit of paper and sticking it underneath the trip computer. Sometimes the gauge would kick back into action, but only for two or three days at a time. The touchscreen infotainment system then also started playing up. The screen would freeze completely, causing issues…

Mileage 6041 List price £29,005 Target Price £27,139 Average mpg 43.1 My rating WE’VE MOVED BEYOND 6000 miles with our 220d Active Tourer, so it’s time to gauge how it’s standing up to half the average annual mileage. The cabin has got to this point without any particularly annoying squeaks or rattles, and the switches all still feel pretty solid. A quick wipe down by the local valet seems to sort out any smudges on the leather seats, too. The glossy centre console is another matter; it picks up fingerprints like nobody’s business. A real test of an MPV is practicality, though, and the Active Tourer does the basics pretty well here. The front-wheel-drive layout means there’s no noticeable step in the middle of the rear floor, for starters, but…

LESS THAN £16,000 Nissan Pulsar Our pick 1.2 DIGT VisiaList price £15,995 Target Price £14,941MPG 56.5 CO2 117g/kmFor There’s plenty of room for occupants and theirluggage, and there’s lot of equipment.Against Several rivals have stronger resale valuesand lower running costs. What Car? says Seat Leon Our pick 1.2 TSI 110 SList price £16,115 Target Price £14,857MPG 57.6 CO2 114g/kmFor The engine is refined, running costs are lowand S trim has a decent amount of equipment.Against Some of the cabin plastics feel cheap andit could be more refined on the motorway. What Car? says Hyundai i30 Our pick 1.4 100 SEList price £16,495 Target Price £13,995MPG 47.1 CO2 138g/kmFor Roomy, well-made cabin. The i30 rides welland the engine is flexible.Against The steering is lifeless and somedrivers may want more power. What…

LESS THAN £19,000 Kia Cee’d Sportswagon Our pick 1.4 CRDi 89 1 ISGList price £17,295 Target Price £16,062MPG 67.3 CO2 109g/kmFor Lots of space, a high-quality cabin and plentyof equipment for a low price.Against It’s not as good to drive as many rivals androad noise is an issue on coarse surfaces. What Car? says Skoda Octavia Estate Our pick 1.4 TSI 140 SEList price £19,880 Target Price £18,462MPG 53.3 CO2 121g/kmFor Offers loads of boot and cabin space andequipment for a competitive price.Against The ride is unsettled and you need towork the engine hard with a full load on board. What Car? says Peugeot 308 SW Our pick 1.2 110 ActiveList price £18,845 Target Price £17,070MPG 60.1 CO2 109g/kmFor A smooth, willing engine and a smart interiorwith a decent amount…

LESS THAN £25,000 Mazda CX-5 Our pick 2.2 Skyactiv-D 150 SEL Nav 2WDList price £24,795 Target Price £23,160MPG 61.4 CO2 119g/kmFor Lots of space and kit for a good price, whileCO2 emissions and economy are impressive.Against Firm low-speed ride, and wind and roadnoise can intrude at speed. What Car? says Nissan X Trail Our pick 1.6 dCi Acenta 2WDList price £24,995 Target Price £22,980MPG 57.6 CO2 129g/kmFor It’s comfortable, has a spacious and classyinterior, a large boot and lots of equipment.Against Body control is sloppy and the dieselengine is noisy. What Car? says Honda CR-V Our pick 1.6 i-DTEC 120 SEList price £25,570 Target Price £23,744MPG 64.2 CO2 115g/kmFor The engine is economical and powerful, whilethere’s plenty of space in the cabin and boot.Against Performance is flat at low revs…

LESS THAN £25,000 Seat Leon SC Our pick 1.4 TSI ACT 150 FRList price £19,700 Target Price £18,161MPG 60.1 CO2 109g/kmFor 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 andthere’s too much wind noise at speed. What Car? says BMW 2 Series Our pick 218d SEList price £24,415 Target Price £22,795MPG 62.8 CO2 119g/kmFor It rides and handles well, and the diesel engineis punchy and economical.Against The rear seats are cramped for adults andthe engine is noisy. What Car? says Mini Coupé Our pick 1.6 Cooper SList price £20,025 Target Price £18,936MPG 48.7 CO2 136g/kmFor More entertaining to drive than many rivals.This Cooper S model is far cheaper than the JCW.Against Rear visibility is hopeless, the ride…

THIS IS THE long-awaited Jaguar F-Pace, the first SUV to come from the famous British marque after more than 70 years of building executive saloons and sports cars. The F-Pace SUV continues a busy year of launches for the revitalised Jaguar, following the well-received XE and XF saloons into showrooms. The F-Pace is sized between these two in length, and shares similar technology and engines, as well as the acclaimed driving dynamics, according to Jaguar. Offering an SUV, however controversial, is something Jaguar can no longer ignore as it seeks to significantly increase its sales. SUV sales in this country increased 63% between 2004 and 2014, and the rise shows no signs of slowing down. Just look at the success of sister brand Land Rover: it recorded a 25% year-on-year…

First drive Mid-life facelift brings new diesel engine, revised suspension, tweaked styling and more equipment Verdict Smooth and powerful engine ticks popular SUV’s most important box JAGUAR LAND ROVER has been busy rolling out its new four-cylinder Ingenium diesel engine. We’ve tried it in the Jaguar XE and Land Rover Discovery Sport. Now it’s in the Range Rover Evoque. The unit replaces the model’s old 2.2-litre diesel and is available in two states of tune: 148bhp and 177bhp, the version we’re driving here. It’s mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, a transmission that will account only for around 10% of Evoque sales, most buyers preferring the nine-speed auto. The new diesel engine is part of a 2016 facelift. There have been minor changes to the Evoque’s exterior and interior. It…

First look New Mégane gains space, technology and improved quality in a bid to outgun established rivals On sale Summer 2016 Price from £17,000 THE NEW RENAULT Mégane has the quality, space and technology to beat the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus when it goes on sale in summer 2016, claims its maker. The car’s grown-up looks contrast with the cheeky character of the Renault Clio, Captur and Kadjar because the model is designed to appeal to more serious buyers. “This segment is the most competitive in the world,” Laurens van den Acker, Renault’s design chief, told What Car?. “We’re going up against the very best. We know we must up our game.” Prices for the new Mégane are expected to start from around £17,000, and be in line with…

First drive All-new replacement for Kia’s stylish and popular crossover Verdict The prototype we drove was a work in progress, but the signs are good MORE THAN ONE in four of Kia’s sales are of the current Sportage, a stylish crossover that has done much to cement the marque’s reputation for producing attractive, reliable and good value cars. This current model looks likely to achieve its biggest annual sales in the UK in its final year on sale, despite the fact that we consider its practicality, refinement, ride comfort and handling to be somewhat mediocre. Roomier, better finished interior The new Sportage, which goes on sale in February next year, has a challenging brief. Not only must it retain its good looks, it will also need to show solid improvements…

Mileage 7392 List price £13,325 Target Price £12,486 Average mpg 39.6My rating AS PREDICTED IN my first i20 report, I’ve been racking up the miles in the Hyundai. It was delivered to our office in March with 962 miles on the clock and it’s now almost at the 7400-mile mark. The majority of those miles have been on motorways, trundling between Twickenham and Bristol, and attending car launches all over the country. The i20 is a decent long-distance cruiser helped by its super-slick gearshift action, comfortable seats and quiet engine note. However, one fly in the ointment is how hard you have to work the engine when joining motorways. Being normally aspirated, the i20 has a peaky power delivery and doesn’t properly pick up its skirt until high up in…

Mileage 13,122 List price £38,555 Target Price £32,952 Average mpg 43.1My rating IT IS SAID that rubbish expands to fill the space provided for it and it’s a theory that life with the E-Class Estate appears to support. Having hitherto survived perfectly well without the largest estate on sale in my life, now we seem to find endless excuses to fill its vast boot with all manner of different things. There have been two car boot sales where a daughter wishing to raise money for an overseas adventure has used the car as a mobile shop for all the rubbish – I mean, treasured childhood possessions – she has accumulated over the years. The other daughter inveigled me to take her and her mates to our nearest decent beach (well…

LESS THAN £10,000 Skoda Citigo Our pick 1.0 60 SE 5drList price £9485 Target Price £9070MPG 62.8 CO2 105g/kmFor It’s economical, solidly built and feelsgrown-up to drive. It’s cheaper than the VW Up.Against It’s not as classy as the Up and the 59bhpengine can struggle at speed. What Car? says Seat Mii Our pick 1.0 Ecomotive SE 3drList price £9530 Target Price £9205MPG 68.9 CO2 95g/kmFor 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 Upand this version can feel slow on faster roads. What Car? says Suzuki Celerio Our pick 1.0 Dualjet SZ3List price £8499 Target Price £8245MPG 78.4 CO2 84g/kmFor It has a spacious, practical interior, real-worldeconomy impresses and standard kit is good.Against The engine…

LESS THAN £25,000 Volkswagen Passat Our pick 2.0 TDI 150 SEList price £24,585 Target Price £22,473MPG 67.3 CO2 106g/kmFor Drives very well, with a good ride and refineddiesel engine. The interior is top notch.Against Some rivals are more practical, while thedashboard design is a bit dull. What Car? says Audi A3 Saloon Our pick 2.0 TDI 150 SportList price £24,785 Target Price £23,038MPG 68.9 CO2 107g/kmFor It handles well, the engine is strongand the cabin is beautifully built.Against It costs more than the A3 Sportback,despite having a less practical boot. What Car? says Volvo S60 Our pick 2.0 D4 Business EditionList price £23,195 Target Price £23,195MPG 74.3 CO2 99g/kmFor It’s tax-efficient, comfortable, classy inside,and has lots of convenience and safety kit.Against The steering and gearchange are vague,and most rivals have…

LESS THAN £17,000 Citroën C3 Picasso Our pick 1.4 VTi 95 VTR+List price £15,145 Target Price £11,861MPG 44.8 CO2 145g/kmFor The interior is spacious and the boot is big.Ride comfort and refinement impress.Against Some rivals are cheaper and the enginefeels a bit weedy on faster roads. What Car? says Ford B Max Our pick 1.4 90 ZetecList price £14,895 Target Price £13,245MPG 47.1 CO2 139g/kmFor The engine is eager, Zetec trim bringsplenty of kit and rear-seat access is easy.Against There are only five forward gears,so motorway driving can be tiresome. What Car? says Peugeot Partner Tepee Our pick 1.6 BlueHDi 100 Active 7stList price £17,180 Target Price £16,148MPG 68.9 CO2 109g/kmFor Good value for a seven-seat MPV and thereare plenty of storage cubbies.Against You don’t get much equipment, the ridequality…

LESS THAN £20,000 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet Our pick 1.2 TSI 105List price £19,230 Target Price £17,044MPG 50.4 CO2 129g/kmFor It looks like nothing else and will holdits value well. The engine is smooth.Against There’s not much space in the rearseats and the ride is unsettled. What Car? says Citroën DS3 Cabriolet Our pick 1.2 Puretech 110 DStyleList price £17,995 Target Price £16,896MPG 60.1 CO2 107g/kmFor The interior is chic, classy and well equippedand the engine is strong and flexible.Against The roof pillars stay in place, so it’snot a full open-top. Rear visibility is awful. What Car? says Fiat 500C Our pick 1.2 Lounge S/SList price £15,090 Target Price £14,522MPG 58.9 CO2 113g/kmFor It’s cheap to run, decent to drive and this trimbrings a few extras such as parking sensors.Against Performance…

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’…

First drive We try Hyundai’s new SUV with its more efficient entry-level diesel engine Verdict Smooth and refined, and an interesting alternative to the Qashqai IF YOU’RE IN the market for a small SUV, the Nissan Qashqai seems to have become the default choice. Many rival SUVs have tried to out-perform it, and the new Hyundai Tucson is the latest. It’s a replacement for the firm’s ix35, and is offered with a selection of engines, two- or four-wheel drive, automatic or manual transmissions and a wide range of equipment. Prices for the new Tucson start at £18,695 but the version reviewed here – a mid-spec SE Nav with the entry-level 1.7-litre diesel engine – costs £22,795. Good to drive and efficient too The 1.7-litre diesel in the Tucson isn’t particularly…

First look Porsche’s updated sports car has a new turbocharged flat-six engine, fresh styling and more equipment On sale December Price from £76,412 PORSCHE KNOWS IT doesn’t need to change much to maintain the 911’s enduring popularity with sports car enthusiasts. For years now, the model has been the benchmark by which all others are judged in this sector. However, against more advanced and powerful competition, in the form of the Mercedes-AMG GT and Jaguar F-Type Coupé, Porsche has been forced to raise its game. Enter the upgraded Porsche 911. Externally, it has new front and rear bumpers, new light clusters, a new air vent at the rear and new daytime running lights. The real changes, however, are under the bonnet. All 911 engines now turbocharged Excluding the top-end GT3…

First drive The diesel-engined version of Ssangyong’s spacious SUV offers better economy Verdict More efficient and more refined than the petrol Tivoli SSANGYONG IS PINNING its hopes on the Tivoli to increase the firm’s presence in Europe. With petrol and diesel options on offer, and some aggressive pricing, it is looking to double its UK sales this year. When we tried the petrol version it proved to be a little coarse, a problem made worse by the fact that it needed to be worked hard to make swift progress. This is our first go in the diesel version, which commands a £1200 premium over the equivalent petrol model. Flexible performance On the road the diesel engine gives the Tivoli more low-end shove than the petrol version, with its peak power…

First drive We try Jaguar’s revised premium executive saloon with its most powerful diesel engine Verdict Fast, comfortable and good to drive, but unlikely to be a big seller WITH THE NEW XE now Jaguar’s entry-level car, the firm has taken the opportunity to reshape the larger XF into an even more advanced and polished premium executive saloon. Underneath, it’s based on the same lightweight aluminium underpinnings as the XE, and it weighs up to 190kg less than the old XF. It’s also marginally smaller, although it has even more space inside. Styling differences over the old car are minimal, but include changes to the car’s front grille, while at the rear end its new lights have been inspired by the F-Type. We’ve already driven the car with the new…

Nissan just out of warranty Our Nissan Navara arrived in March 2011. Since then, it has covered just 32,000 miles. We leased the car and then paid the final payment to purchase the vehicle in March 2014. We also paid extra for a one-year extended warranty which expired in March this year. Just one month after the extended warranty expired, my husband was driving along when there was a loud bang. He braked but the Navara kept accelerating. He turned off the ignition and jumped out once it had come to a stop because there was smoke coming from the engine bay. The Navara was recovered, inspected and we were told that the cylinder head of the engine had been damaged. What would solve the problem? A whole new engine.…

Run by Stan Papior Mileage 8857 List price £35,410 Target Price £34,374 Price as tested £46,185My rating LIKE A NIGHTCLUB bouncer on a busy Friday night, I appear to be operating a strict one-in, one-out policy when it comes to Audi TTs. The 2.0-litre turbo petrol Coupé I’ve been running for six months has left the building, to be replaced by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol Roadster – more on which another time. On the face of it, a TT is a TT, but there’s such a variation in the range that one model, even though the mechanical specification looks similar, can have a very different character to another. The dearly departing Coupé sits towards the sporting end of the TT range. Its 2.0-litre engine makes a healthy 228bhp which, via…

Mileage 12,550 List price £19,595 Target Price £17,746 Average mpg 44.1My rating ARE YOU LOOKING for a car or a brand of car? I ask this question because it is one that the Peugeot 308 SW has put sharply into focus. To recap, it is a supremely capable car. The small, turbocharged engine is a peach; powerful enough to pull the car along the motorway even when fully loaded, yet frugal enough to really startle at the pumps. It’s spacious, too, rides and handles well enough and is nicely refined. Only the infotainment system really disappoints. Yet time and again people interrupt me mid-eulogy with the line, ‘but it’s a Peugeot’. At which point, we change the subject. No matter how hard I argue, they simply won’t buy a Peugeot.…

Mileage 6597 List price £24,545 Target Price £22,509 Average mpg 40.1 My rating OUR DECISION TO opt for the Mondeo hatchback over the Estate might seem unconventional for a photographer with a huge pile of camera bags and equipment, but to be honest the ‘regular’ model is ideal. That’s because, with the rear seats up, the boot capacity beats the Estate’s by about 40 litres. My car has the 178bhp 2.0-litre Duratorq engine, which delivers 64.2mpg economy officially and 8.3sec 0-62mph acceleration. With 295lb ft of torque, it’s plenty fast enough in general use, and the 60-litre tank means I’m not spending too much time in petrol stations. I really like the way this car looks, which I never thought I’d be saying about a humble Mondeo. Its sleek, masculine…

LESS THAN £12,000 Dacia Sandero Our pick 1.2 AmbianceList price £6795 Target Price £6795MPG 48.7 CO2 135g/kmFor Lots of space for the money, plus a provenfour-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 3drList price £10,599 Target Price £10,105MPG 56.5 CO2 116g/kmFor Lots of equipment as standard anda smart cabin. It’s also fun to drive.Against The engine is noisy and a little gutlessat motorway speeds. What Car? says Seat Ibiza Our pick 1.4 85 SE 5drList price £13,095 Target Price £11,405MPG 47.9 CO2 139g/kmFor Rides and handles well, and comes witha generous standard kit list.Against Running costs could be lower andinterior quality is merely average. What Car? says £12,000£14,000 Skoda Fabia The…

LESS THAN £16,000 Suzuki Vitara Our pick 1.6 SZT 2WDList price £15,499 Target Price £14,913MPG 53.3 CO2 123g/kmFor The Vitara is good to drive, has a practicalinterior and comes with lots of equipment.Against CO2 emissions are comparatively highand the steering weight is too light. What Car? says Renault Captur Our pick 0.9 TCe 90 Dynamique Media NavList price £15,395 Target Price £14,128MPG 56.5 CO2 115g/kmFor It’s refined, well equipped and roomy for fouradults. The sliding rear bench is practical.Against The interior plastics feel hard and cheap,while the engine is underpowered. What Car? says Citroën C4 Cactus Our pick 1.2 110 Feel S/SList price £15,890 Target Price £14,999MPG 60.1 CO2 107g/kmFor It’s remarkably cheap to run, looks striking,and the engine is strong and smooth.Against The ride can be crashy on scarred…

LESS THAN £15,000 Suzuki Swift Sport Our pick 3drList price £13,999 Target Price £13,542MPG 44.1 CO2 147g/kmFor Loves to be thrashed, thanks to a rev-hungryengine and snappy gearchange.Against The cabin is plain, so there’s none ofthe ‘wow’ factor that hot hatch buyers crave. What Car? says Seat Ibiza SC FR Our pick 1.4 TSI 140List price £15,495 Target Price £13,768MPG 60.1 CO2 109g/kmFor Gutsy engine, low running costs, plentyof equipment and a spacious interior.Against Some rivals are more fun to driveand the cabin plastics feel cheap. What Car? says Fiat 500 Abarth Our pick 1.4 T JetList price £14,255 Target Price £14,255MPG 43.5 CO2 155g/kmFor Small hot hatches don’t get any morestylish and the Abarth is certainly rapid.Against The ride is harsh and the powerdelivery is uneven. What Car? says…

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…