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IT’S fair to say that Ford has lost its way a little over the past few years – models like the latest Mondeo don’t have the sparkle of cars of old, while the ‘One Ford’ programme means we’ve had to suffer global cars like the EcoSport SUV. But if there’s one thing we Brits have always had a passion for, it’s fast Fords – and 2016 is going to be a cracker on that score. In a few weeks, we’ll be bringing you our verdict on the long-awaited new Focus RS. Before then, we’ve driven a car no less important to Ford – the first-ever right-hand-drive Mustang to be sold in the UK. Yes, this is one of those global Fords, but this time we can celebrate a car that’s…

BIG Brother is watching – or more specifically automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems are. Over 350 images of motorists are captured every second by around 8,300 ANPR cameras, and roughly 25 to 35 million readings are relayed to the National ANPR Data Centre (NADC) each day. It’s a startling figure and with CCTV cameras in towns, cities and car parks and in-car dash cams or mobile phones picking up footage elsewhere, should we be alarmed our movements are being continually tracked? The argument is, if you’ve done nothing wrong, you’ve got nothing to hide. ANPR has helped catch car thieves, too. Eight vehicles worth £150,000 were recovered in one London borough through its use alone. However, there are reasons to be worried, claims England and Wales’ Surveillance Camera Commissioner…

AT last the government has scrapped the Vehicle Identity Check (VIC) scheme, as it’s caused considerable confusion among motorists since its 2003 launch. It was originally introduced to prevent the illegal practice of vehicle cloning and, without question, was implemented with very good intentions. In reality, the VIC was more of a hindrance than help and cost motorists almost £10million a year. That’s particularly concerning, given we now know it wasn’t especially effective at stopping cloning from written off cars. Department for Transport data shows that during the past 12 years around a million VICs have been conducted, but just a handful of fraudulent cases identified. There was a common misconception the VIC provided confirmation a vehicle that had been categorised as an insurance write-off had been legitimately repaired and…

JAGUAR’S legendary high-performance large executive turns 20 in 2016. For two decades, the XJR super-saloon has sat atop the XJ range, offering menacing looks and scintillating performance. However, the car’s glory days were way back in the nineties. In recent times, the current XJR hasn’t enjoyed quite the same attention. Jaguar hopes this 20th anniversary refresh will increase its appeal. As with the standard XJ (which we tested in Issue 1,396), the XJR has been given a slight facelift. At the front there’s a larger and more upright grille, while the feline-like, swept-back headlamps now have two J-blade daytime-running lights. There are also new rear lamps with – yes, you guessed it – J-blade LED graphics, and there’s a fresh black exterior pack, costing £850. Our test car’s white paintwork…

EVER since the old Land Cruiser V8 was axed back in August, the standard Land Cruiser with its four-cylinder diesel has carried Toyota’s big 4x4 flag. And to ensure the model is fighting fit, the company has fitted a new engine and improved the spec. Toyota has ditched the previous car’s 3.0-litre diesel in favour of a smaller 2.8-litre. As a result, CO2 emissions have dropped from an alarming 214g/km to a still hefty 194g/km (cutting the annual road tax bill by £25), while official fuel economy rises from 34.9 to 38.2mpg. The bad news is that the 200cc drop in capacity and 11bhp cut in power have also extended the 0-62mph time by 1.7 seconds (to 12.7 seconds). While some would say that’s not important for a car like…

THE original Audi R8 first appeared in showrooms back in 2006, when it was powered by a 4.2-litre V8. But it was soon followed by the first V10-engined models. The drop-top Spyder arrived in 2010, while faster Plus versions of the V10 added more power and sharper handling. Finally, Audi released a limited-edition GT car, which featured a lower kerbweight and 552bhp. Only 35 examples came to UK shores, though. However, the R8 is a relative newcomer compared to the 911 Turbo, which can trace its roots all the way back to the original Porsche 930 Turbo of 1975. Featuring a 255bhp 3.0-litre flat-six, it was famed for its monstrous turbo lag, as well as its fearsome acceleration and knife-edge handling. Each subsequent generation of the 911 featured a Turbo…

1st VAUXHALL IT’S another victory for our class favourite, the Vauxhall Astra. The 1.0 turbo isn’t the fastest engine around, but it’s quick enough, and the lack of a six-speed gearbox isn’t a hindrance to its performance. The Astra handles tidily, is well equipped and is comfortable, too, while Vauxhall’s new pricing strategy pushes the newcomer to the top of the class. 2nd KIA KIA’S first small-capacity turbo engine is a good effort, and its rev-happy nature suits the sporty character of this GT-Line model well. This version looks smart, is well equipped and is enjoyable to drive in most situations. However, Kia needs to do a bit more to reduce the car’s emissions and engine noise to put this three-cylinder model at the front of the compact hatch pack.…

“Twingo is only coming up to the 10,000-mile mark, yet it’s already displaying signs of fatigue” A UNANIMOUS opinion in the Auto Express office is rare, but anyone who has driven the Renault Twingo on our fleet agrees that it seems to be suffering from diminishing performance. The car is only coming up to the 10,000-mile mark, yet it’s displaying a few worrying signs of fatigue. A full service will sort out certain issues, such as the spongy brakes – which don’t have as much bite as when they were new – although there are still growing niggles. The transmission has never really been crisp, but changes now feel more laboured and clunky. This makes nippy city driving less comfortable, and with an explosion of roadwork projects on London roads…

Got a query? Cat_Dow@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q Dash cam Windows support IS the Transcend DrivePro 200 dash cam compatible with Windows 10? Online advice suggests that it’s only supported up to Windows 8. Can you tell me what’s right? Amanda Murrell, E-mail A THE DrivePro 200 has long been one of our favourite dash cams, and it’s supported by Windows 10 via USB and an app. But it’s well worth considering the company’s newer DrivePro 220, which won our Issue 1,398 mini test. At £129.99, it’s only £20 more expensive than the DrivePro 200 model. Q Washing without water I HAVE to wash my car by taking buckets of water up and down the lift in my apartment block. Is there an alternative I can use that’ll still do a good…

Get close to action with race calendars IT’S bad luck to put up your 2016 calendar before the New Year, but if you weren’t lucky enough to get one for Christmas, check out McKlein Publishing’s latest offerings. Car fans will love the Motorsport Classic calendar, with its high-quality pictures of legendary race cars, as much as they like The Wider View, which features wide-angle shots of rally cars taking to the air (above). There’s a choice of two images every month. Each £29.99 calendar is available from www.amazon.co.uk . Car care giant’s new Web shop goes live MULTIPLE Auto Express test winner Bilt Hamber has launched a new website to make it easier to buy its products online. Optimised for use on tablets and smartphones,…

Kim Adams Auto Express product test editor looks back at the key moments in his pioneering testing programme AS 2015 draws to a close, it’s amazing to reflect that it’s a remarkable 20 years since our product test editor Kim Adams started his testing programme for Auto Express. In that time he’s established himself as the UK’s leading voice on car care products and gadgets. Here Kim takes a look at some of the most significant milestones over two decades of setting the standard for others to follow. HOW IT ALL STARTED “1995 saw the low-key start of product testing in Auto Express. In our Service section, we’d focus on an aspect of the aftermarket covering the options, issues and how to buy. Tacked on the end of a feature…

THE Ford Mustang is one of the most famous cars of all-time; it’s arguably up there with the Volkswagen Beetle, Citroen 2CV and Porsche 911. However, Ford’s best known sports car has never been officially sold in the UK, and even grey imports that made it here have all been left-hand drive. But the brand is making amends with the all-new 2016 model, and Auto Express has got its hands on one of the first UK-spec cars. However, there’s a lot more to the latest Mustang than simply engineering it as a right-hooker, as it’s the first of its kind to get fully independent suspension front and rear, while Ford’s engineers have worked hard to ensure that the car delivers the kind of handling and performance that European customers and…

JAPANESE and Korean cars are more dependable than their European or US rivals, according to exclusive data provided to Auto Express by leading warranty provider Warrantywise. And we can reveal which brands have the highest – and cheapest – repair bills. Each make was ranked by a dependability factor, based on the number of reported faults or breakdowns, with a score of 75 representing the average. Any rating above that is considered good; below 60 signifies a high incidence of repair work is required. Average costs, age and model were also considered. To be included in the data, each brand was required to have at least 100 active Warrantywise policies, and in our tables analysing the cost of repairs (right), we’ve listed the models with the most policies. Toyota was…

Updated Outlander PHEV gets kitted out THE Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (above) has been updated with two new top-spec trims, GX5h and GX5hs. Available now and starting from £38,399 and £40,499 (including the £5k Government grant), both trims get a high-end audio system, heated rear seats and LED lighting. There’s also DAB radio, climate control, a heated steering wheel, a 360-degree parking camera, sat-nav and Bluetooth connectivity. The GX5hs adds front and rear parking sensors and adaptive cruise control. ‘Brain power’ next for driverless tech RESEARCHERS in China have developed a car that can be driven on brain power alone. Using brain signal-reading equipment, the car is able to go forwards and backwards and can stop without the driver moving a muscle. It’s thought that the technology could be used to…

Full video report on Renault Mégane RENAULT claims it’s got its va-vavoom back with the new Mégane, and our first drive report in Issue 1,401 revealed that the more practical, more stylish and more economical family hatchback promises to be a much tougher rival to the Volkswagen Golf. To get the full story, though, you’ll have to watch our video. Porsche 911 GT3 RS vs Cayman GT4 THE 911 GT3 RS and Cayman GT4 have sold out. But any Porsche fan will still be keen to see which car comes out on top in this track battle. The GT3 RS is designed as the most focused roadgoing Porsche. But how close can its baby brother get round the brand’s test track at Silverstone? You can watch any of our videos…

GRITTERS are meant to make the roads safer at this time of year. So imagine the horror of one Auto Express reader who saw one crash into her parked car and drive off. The motorist, from Sarratt, Herts said she was standing close to her car at the time: “I heard a crunching sound and looked up to see the gritter struggling to squeeze past my car. By the time I ran over to check the damage, the gritter was disappearing into the distance.” Her Audi RS3, meanwhile, was left with deep scratches and dents along all four nearside panels. Thankfully, she’d taken a note of the number plate and had witnesses, so called the police to report the crash and the gritter’s failure to stop, which is a criminal…

HOT TOPIC Fiat’s new 124 Spider FROM: Phil I MUST admit, the 124 Spider is growing on me. A nice dark metallic green with chocolate leather seats might do it for me. I think the MX-5’s flowing lines would be better suited to an Alfa Romeo. Shame a hybrid between the two doesn’t exist. FROM: Ian Nicol I HAVE experienced Fiats of all sorts since the nineties and I can categorically say that I find them more comfortable, reliable, easier and cheaper to service, and remarkably more corrosion-free, than any other car I have owned. You get great value for your money. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk • “The 124 Spider looks the part. To my eyes, it’s far nicer than the MX-5. I hope people can look…

IN recent years, the VW Touran’s become the forgotten car of the compact MPV class. Launched in 2003, the original mixed practicality, quality and low running costs. However, its sober styling and straight-laced character meant it was soon overtaken by more distinctive rivals such as the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso and Renault Grand Scenic. Now, though, there’s an all-new model that aims to give the sensible seven-seater a welcome injection of desirability. Based on the brand’s clever MQB underpinnings, the newcomer also boasts more space, a lower kerbweight and improved efficiency. So has VW done enough to lift the Touran from obscurity and into the spotlight? Well, there’s no denying that the MPV looks sharper than before, even if the designers haven’t strayed too far from the old car’s ‘box…

Engines OUR duo have very different engines. The Audi’s 602bhp 5.2-litre V10 (below) is proudly displayed under a glass tailgate, sounds great, revs to 8,500rpm and has razor-sharp responses. The 911’s 3.8-litre flat-six is hidden from view and sounds muted in comparison, but the addition of twin turbos yields 552bhp and a thumping 750Nm. Aerodynamics WHILE R8 Plus models get a fixed carbon-fibre rear spoiler, the 911 goes more hi-tech. Both front and rear spoilers can be extended by up to 25mm and 75mm respectively. There are Normal, Speed and Performance settings, and at 186mph the S generates 132kg of downforce. On the road GIVEN the performance potential of these cars, it’s no surprise both are offered with advanced driving tuition. These one-to-one courses take place at the brands’ respective…

SEAT Leon 1.2 TSI SE Technology Pack PRICE: £18,785 ENGINE: 1.2-litre 4cyl, 108bhp SEAT’S Leon is still a class favourite, thanks to its sharp looks, practicality and handling. Its 1.2 four-cylinder is smoother than its rivals here, while the Tech Pack adds LED headlights and sat-nav for £1,200 less than the Astra. Ford Focus 1.0T EcoBoost (100) Titanium PRICE: £20,095 ENGINE: 1.0-litre 3cyl, 98bhp THE lower-powered EcoBoost engine makes do with a five-speed gearbox, but emissions of 105g/km mean the Focus is a better company car choice than the Cee’d. Titanium spec adds lots of kit, and it’s more fun to drive than the Kia.…

NEW PRODUCT Power Maxed polishing range Price: From £8.99 Contact: 0871 288 7125, www.powermaxed.com RACING sponsor Power Maxed has launched a new polishing range. Its Deep Clean Polish and Ultra Finishing Polish can be used to lift light swirls and boost protection on your bodywork, before you seal in the shine with a wax. Power Maxed claims the unique formula will remove grime and grit that washing misses. Plus, it offers a “performance guarantee”, so if you find a similar product that does the job better, you’ll get your money back. The micro-abrasive Deep Clean Polish buffs fine marks out of the clearcoat. It can be applied by hand or with a machine polisher as a first step in your detailing regime. It can also be used on its own…

TESTER Cat Dow Products writer Classic car owner Cat put latest tyre pressure monitor through its paces in her sixties Wolseley “It doesn’t let you forget that the tyres need air, but there’s no irritating alarm” LONG-TERM TEST Tyre Pilot STP116 by Snooper Best price: £179.98 Contact: www.snooper.co.uk BACK in August (Issue 1,383), Snooper’s Tyre Pilot tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) impressed in an Auto Express first test. But how does it perform every day? To find out, we’ve been using it on the road in our 1967 Wolseley Hornet ever since. The classic is driven at least once a week – we’ve done about 100 miles with the kit fitted – and given its age, the wheels can be damaged, making leaks from tyres more likely. Since April…

Dear Lawrence, My BMW 7 Series is at the end of its life. I’ve got £18,000 to spend on a luxury saloon that’s good to drive and look at. What should I get? Saad Hussain, Birmingham Contact: Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk CARS THE PRESTIGE CHOICE Mercedes CLS FOR: Styling, interior design, refinement AGAINST: Air-suspension is a necessity THE first-generation CLS stunned the public with its bold four-door coupé design. The latest car isn’t quite as dramatic, but has improved in most areas. It’s a very desirable and refined luxury saloon featuring a sumptuous cabin that’s loaded with tech. Performance is also strong, although the ride is a bit firm if you don’t opt for adaptive air-suspension. Our search through the classifieds unearthed a 2011 CLS 350 CDI with 62,000 miles for £16,850.…

“Two or three days take place 4,500m above sea level. There are no notes or reconaissance runs” ONE of the most daunting challenges in motorsport, the 2016 Dakar rally runs for nearly 9,000km in Bolivia and Argentina over 15 days. It starts on 2 January in the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires, then heads north towards Bolivia, with a rest day in the city of Salta on 10 January before the finish line in Rosario on the 16th. Among the 354 entries in the event is X-Raid MINI rally driver Harry Hunt. The 27-year-old Londoner is a previous winner of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge 2WD category, but has now switched his focus away from the stages to the more gruelling world of long-distance off-road rallying. “Dakar was always the pinnacle of…

THE all-new Tiguan, which is set to hit showrooms this summer, will form the basis of a new SUV family from Volkswagen before 2020. Other new arrivals will include a seven-seat Tiguan XL, and a smaller Polo-sized supermini SUV – allowing VW to meet growing global demand. But the Mk2 Tiguan is the big news, so we’ve got the tape measure out, analysed the spec sheet and put it up against its closest rivals (opposite) to see how it fares. Revealed at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the newcomer has a sharp look that’s influenced by the latest Passat, plus more space and greener engines. We were given the chance to have a poke around the car in a studio in Wolfsburg, guided by product marketer for compact cars, Thomas Treptow.…

THE future is looking bright for Alfa Romeo. The racy Giulia saloon is set for launch next year alongside a new SUV – and now a senior source has revealed the 2017 Giulietta hatch, seen above in our exclusive image, will be rear-wheel drive. At a recent FCA (Fiat-Chrysler Automobile) event, the Group’s head of passenger vehicle design Alberto Dillilo said the next Giulietta will be based on a “shortened version of the Giulia’s platform”. When quizzed whether this would mean the family hatch would also be rear-wheel drive, Dillilo said: “It’s possible, technically.” FCA has previously confirmed plans to make its vehicle architecture as cost-effective as possible by spinning multiple bodystyles off a single platform. Fiat-Chrysler bosses will be hoping to spread the cost of the new Giulia by…

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: 0906 010 1300 (p) RAC: 0870 5533 533 (m) Which?: 01992 822 800 Consumer Direct: 0845 404 0506 Local Trading Standards Local Citizens Advice Bureau Used car inspections AA: 0800 085 3007 RAC: 0800 085 2529 Technical advice AA: 0870 606 1619 (m) Driving licences DVLA: 0300 790 6801 Car registration/history HPI: 01722 422422 AA: 0800 316 3564 DVLA: 0300 790 6802 RAC: 0800 975 5867 Traffic information AA: 09003 401100 (p) RAC: 09003 444999 (p) Problems with dealers Motor Codes: 0800 692 0825 Consumer Ombudsman: www.consumer-ombudsman.org RMIF: 0845 839 9205 (m) Scottish Motor Trade Association: 0131 331 5510…

TWO cars speared by a forklift truck, a Ford Mondeo on its roof and two trapped passengers – it’s a nightmare scenario. What makes it worse is that we’re one of the passengers, moments away from passing out, and buckled into the seat of a car precariously balanced on two wheels. Don’t worry, though, this isn’t a tale of one of our road tests gone terribly wrong, but part of the extraordinary training the UK’s finest fire crews go through to stay on top of their game – and to prepare for international competition. Auto Express was invited to be part of one of these live sessions at Ford’s Dunton Technical Centre in Essex, ahead of the World Rescue Organisation Challenge in Portugal. Essex County Fire and Rescue was one…

WE’VE already driven high-power petrol and volume-selling diesel versions of the latest A-Class in the UK, but how does the flagship Mercedes-AMG A 45 fare? This super hatch has been considered fast but a little underwhelming up to now. While the four-wheel-drive system provided plenty of grip, some cheaper, slower, front-driven rivals, such as the SEAT Leon Cupra, offered more smiles per mile. Clearly perturbed by the introduction of the new 362bhp Audi RS3, Mercedes’ engineers have tweaked the 2.0-litre turbo, which now gives an impressive 376bhp (up from 355bhp). This confirms the new A 45’s place at the top of the performance tables and makes it the fastest accelerating hot hatch you can currently buy. But there’s more to a car than headline-grabbing stats, and while the AMG boasts…

1st AUDI AUDI has managed to make the already exciting R8 even more thrilling. Lighter and faster than ever, this mid-engined missile turns every journey into an event. At the heart of its appeal is the 5.2-litre V10, which delivers incredible performance and a thrilling soundtrack. Factor in the involving handling, supple ride and beautiful cabin, and this is a supercar you can live with every day. 2nd PORSCHE THE Porsche loses out by a whisker in this encounter. Mind-scrambling performance, engaging driving dynamics and unrivalled all-weather security are highlights, as is the surprising practicality. Yet the 911 lacks the visual and aural drama of the R8, plus it costs more to buy. Still, a new 911 Turbo S is just around the corner, so round two is on the…

Assistance VAUXHALL’S OnStar system puts you in touch with a call centre to assist you. It can unlock your car if you manage to trap your keys inside, and can automatically call the emergency services if you’re involved in an accident. Citroen’s SOS system adds an emergency button that you can press to send your car’s location to the emergency services. Wipers BOTH the Astra and C4 have clapperboard-style wipers that sweep from the base of the windscreen and up to either side. But the Citroen’s leave a large strip of the screen unswept on the driver’s side, which limits visibility. It’s a small niggle, but can be frustrating on wet days. Emissions THE Cee’d emits 115g/km, compared to 107g/km for the C4 and 102g/km for the Astra. Emissions only…

THANKS to my role presenting videos for Auto Express and our sister site, Carbuyer, the Lexus NX 300h from our fleet has often been used as a film support car. It has carried our cameras and kit across the country to shoot various reviews, plus it’s acted as a tracking car, with a videographer shooting out the back. The best part of all of this, however, its that it’s taken everything I’ve thrown at it in its stride. But it wasn’t until the car’s on-board computer flashed up a service warning as the odometer tripped over 10,000 miles that the NX ended up being in front of the camera, rather than behind the scenes. The Lexus wasn’t the star of one of our videos, though; instead, it took centre stage…

NEW PRODUCT Hyndsight Journey 1 reversing camera Price: £402 Contact: 07909 101174, www.hyndsightvision.com REVERSING while towing can be tricky, but Hyndsight claims to have come up with a solution in the shape of its new Journey 1. This new wireless rear view camera is said to be ideal for caravanners, as well as those with a trailer or horsebox to tow. Included in the package is a wireless wide-angle camera, plus a wireless monitor, with mounts for positioning both on your vehicle and on your car’s dashboard, as well as antennae and two chargers. The system has a range of 100 yards, allowing it be fitted to longer vehicles and trailers. You can even add extra cameras to an established system, running them via a single monitor to give a…

Fatal Weekend Tom Rubython (MyrtlePress, www.themyrtlepress.com) Price: £20 (hardback) Rating: FATAL Weekend studies the four days across one of Formula One’s darkest race meetings back in 1995, when Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna were tragically killed. It focuses on Senna, and gives enormous personal and professional detail to the background of the event. Rubython’s engaging writing style fictionalises the story in places, making the book easy to read. Shelby & AC Cobra Brian Laban (CrowoodPress, www.crowood.co.uk) Price: £17.97 (hardback) Rating: THE words AC Cobra and Shelby have become synonymous, and this book details the famous partnership. It’s a story as much about the man as it is the machine, taking in Carroll Shelby’s early years, including his racing endeavours and interests in aviation, before jumping to the juicy bits of…

Got any car queries? Martin_ Saarinen@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q Clutch woes on Qashqai MY garage has just confirmed that the clutch on my 37,000-mile 2013 Nissan Qashqai is slipping. I think the car is faulty, but I am having trouble convincing Nissan. Do you have any suggestions what I can do next? Norman Newbiggin, E-mail A CLUTCHES are considered a wear and tear item as their lifespan depends on how the car is driven. If you think the slipping has been caused by a mechanical fault, ask your garage to see if the transmission shaft seals have leaked oil on the clutch linings. Q Fears over Zafira fires I OWN a Vauxhall Zafira Mk2 on finance, and given the recent news about it catching fire, what are my options on rejecting…

A THIRD of a century ago, Spain was considered a bit naff and unproductive. Barcelona wasn’t the cool place it is today. SEAT was an unloved and skint orphan abandoned by its parents, Italy and Fiat. Yet despite all this, the Spanish invaded Britain in the early eighties with little more than a one-car range. That model – the superbly designed Ibiza – had an intriguing ‘System Porsche’ engine but build quality that was more Eastern Bloc than West European. When I did one of the first and longest original Ibiza road tests, the ‘factory fresh’ car I plucked from SEAT’s Barcelona production line needed a full service en route to the UK. What a difference three and a bit decades make. Spain is now Europe’s second largest car maker.…