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James_Brodie@dennis.co.uk @jimmybrods ● World’s most powerful hatch ● 0-62mph in 3.9 secs, 168mph MERCEDES-AMG has thrown down the gauntlet to Audi Sport in the battle for the world’s fastest hatchback with this, the all-new A 45 S. With up to 415bhp under the bonnet, this second-generation A 45 is the world’s most powerful hot hatch. The engine is key to this new flagship A-Class. While the A 45 sticks with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol unit, what you’ll find under the bonnet is a totally new motor, and the world’s most powerful four-cylinder production engine. For the first time, Mercedes-AMG has developed two versions of the A 45. The base model develops 382bhp, while the more powerful S version gets that headline power output, as well as 500Nm of torque.…

Five-star NCAP result for tech-laden Model 3 THE Tesla Model 3 (above) has set a “new benchmark” for safety-assistance technology in its Euro NCAP tests. It scored 94 per cent in this area on the way to a five-star overall rating. Testers praised the Model 3’s “first-class” collision-avoidance, while its autonomous emergency braking and forward-collision systems delivered “high levels of performance”. The 3’s safety assist score is the highest awarded by NCAP since it toughened up this area of the test in 2018. German giants join forces for autonomy BMW and Mercedes have announced they will work together to develop self-driving technology. They are aiming to offer such systems to buyers by 2024. The firms will focus on Level 4 tech, which will allow drivers to take their eyes off…

James_Brodie@dennis.co.uk @jimmybrods Porsche Cayman GT4 on course WHILE 1.16 miles of Goodwood’s driveway lies ahead, what’s far more important in the new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 sits right behind the driver and passenger. It’s a new 4.0-litre, naturally aspirated flat-six developing 414bhp and 420Nm of torque. Porsche claims 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 189mph, but for the enthusiasts, there’s a screaming redline of 8,000rpm, and drive is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. We’ll have to wait a little longer for our first taste from behind the wheel, but from the passenger seat, a blast up the hillclimb course does more than hint that this is a Porsche that enthusiasts will love. First things first – that engine. It revs freely and…

Hugo_Griffiths@dennis.co.uk @hugo_griffiths 15, 863 – cloned cars reported to DVLA over last five years 41, 385 – tickets issued by police for dodgy plates £25 – price of a set of convincing fake plates online THE UK’s number plate system is wide open to abuse because of the easy availability of fake plates online, while the number of traffic stops for missing or dodgy plates reached a five-year high in 2018, Auto Express can exclusively reveal. In two linked investigations, we asked police how many number plate offences they had issued tickets for between 2014 and 2018; separately, then we ordered three sets of number plates from online suppliers, all of which were delivered no questions asked, and would be illegal to display on the road. Five-year high Official data…

Richard_Ingram@dennis.co.uk @rsp_ingram “The ride, as before, doesn’t feel as well damped as in the Prius” THE Hyundai Ioniq has lived in the shadow of the pioneering Toyota Prius since it was launched in 2016. But the Korean maker thinks some mid-life updates, focused largely on tech and infotainment, will help its hybrid to rise to the top. It still comes in three different flavours: Hybrid, Plug-in and Electric. Historically, the conventional hybrid has accounted for around 85 per cent of sales, and it should retain the lion’s share going forward. Save for a few external tweaks, the new Ioniq looks much like the car it replaces. The Hybrid gets a fresh ‘cascading’ grille with active air slips, which open and close to improve efficiency. There are new lights and new…

Richard_Ingram@dennis.co.uk @rsp_ingram Running costs 26.9mpg (official) £85 fill-up JEEPS are made for off-roading. With the possible exception of Land Rover, the American brand’s rough-and-ready image is unrivalled in the car industry. Accordingly, we spent more than a week and 1,000 miles testing the latest Jeep Wrangler in two-door Sahara trim. It’s the cheapest of three specs, and comes with a choice of two engines. The 197bhp 2.2-litre diesel version costs from £44,920, but for £15 less you can have this turbo petrol model – with a frankly ridiculous 268bhp. This new Wrangler two-door will crack 0-62mph in just 7.3 seconds, but you won’t want to do so, because the utterly lifeless and alarmingly slow steering makes it a challenge to drive at low speeds. Things improve as you pick up…

WHY IT WINS NOT much has changed in the city car class, so last year’s winner retains its crown in 2019: the best city car you can buy is still the Volkswagen up!. There is a fairly wide range of engines for a city car, and whichever one you go for, you can be sure it’s a good choice. The entry-level 59bhp model is perfectly adequate for a compact hatch and fun to use. If you want more power and better motorway manners, the 74bhp version of this naturally aspirated unit might be worth a look, while there’s an 89bhp 1.0-litre turbocharged model, too. Then there’s the 113bhp up! GTI, which is brilliant fun to drive and surprisingly quick for such a small model. It’s as much fun as you…

WHY IT WINS WHEN it comes to factors that compact family car buyers prioritise, price and practicality are near the top of the list. The Skoda Scala is fresh on the market, with right-hand-drive cars having just hit the UK, and when it comes to balancing space, usability and running costs, it’s the new king of this class. The range is currently compact, with two engine choices, but prices start from £18,585 for the entry-level 1.0 TSI 115 in SE trim – incidentally, the model we’d go for – so it’s incredibly affordable. Factor in a 467-litre boot that dwarfs most rivals’ in the class and it’s a formidable package. That big load bay doesn’t come at the expense of passenger room, either, because even though the Scala is based…

WHY IT WINS THE previous BMW 3 Series was still a contender in the compact-executive segment, even at the end of its life. Yet this new version builds on what made it great, while also adding even more tech to help propel it to the top of the class. As ever, key to the 3 Series’ appeal is still the way it drives. BMW has improved the car yet again in this area, and with its agile chassis, composed ride and brilliant driving position, it’s a delight from behind the wheel. Few models in this sector are as much fun, and yet the 3 Series is also the most comfortable car in its class. New suspension tech means the dampers control the body superbly, and filter out all but the…

WHY IT WINS SKODA is known for cars that are great value for money and very practical, and the Karoq fits that description perfectly. It’s not just those qualities that handed it the win in this category, though – it’s also because it’s an amazing all-rounder. The Karoq is more grown-up than the Yeti that came before it, with a high-quality cabin, good refinement and plenty of hi-tech kit. The infotainment system is modern-looking and easy to use, but also packed with features, including smartphone connectivity. There’s a wide choice of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines that are familiar from elsewhere in the VW Group range, including the solid 1.5 TSI, which mixes efficiency and performance very well. Choose the six-speed manual if you want to save some money and…

WHY IT WINS LIKE so many of our award winners, the BMW X3 is a consummate all-rounder, which is why it’s taken the mid-size premium SUV crown for the second year in a row. This third-generation X3 is based on BMW’s latest CLAR platform, which it shares with the excellent 5 Series saloon, another award winner (page 50). That car offers superb comfort, handling, practicality and efficiency, and BMW has distilled these talents into its upmarket family 4x4. Refinement in the X3 is superb, because its engines are hushed, while wind and road noise are minimal. Plus the ride is controlled and comfortable – the suspension copes well with potholes and bumps, yet body roll is also kept to a minimum. The X3 handles as you would expect any BMW…

WHY IT WINS IT’S status quo in the luxury car sector. Despite facelifts for some of its rivals, the Mercedes S-Class is still the king of this class. Its case has only been strengthened by the addition of a petrol hybrid, but the diesels are still great and fit the character of the car well. It’s supremely relaxed to travel in, and many will spend less time behind the wheel than in the rear, where they’re extremely well catered for. With business-class reclining seat options that feature massaging functions, plus rear-seat entertainment that will keep captains of industry connected when on the move, it’s incredibly well appointed and spacious, and comfortable enough that passengers will arrive at their destination fully refreshed. The S-Class is every bit as appealing from behind…

WHY IT WINS WHETHER you choose the standard roadster or the ‘Retractable Fastback’ RF version, you simply can’t go wrong with the brilliant Mazda MX-5. It has all the ingredients you’d want from a car designed for fun, and yet it’s not so compromised that you couldn’t drive it every day. In fact, many owners use theirs all the time – and why not, if you’re having so much fun? That’s partly because Mazda avoided turbocharging and stuck with its naturally aspirated 1.5 and 2.0-litre petrol engines for the MX-5, so efficiency is good, but more importantly, they’re fun to rev and performance is strong: 0-62mph takes just 6.5 seconds with the 181bhp 2.0-litre unit. Another highlight of the car is the sweet six-speed manual gearbox; it’s so good that…

WHY IT WINS THERE’S no denying that Tesla makes headlines across the globe – some due to its boss’s divisive social media content, but mostly due to the speed at which this disruptive tech company has succeeded in the electric-car sector. It beat the big makes to be first to market with a premium EV, the Model S, and following the Model X SUV, the US brand’s third car to make production after the original Roadster is the Model 3. It has refined the Tesla concept and improved it in many areas where the previous models were arguably a little deficient. The electrical architecture and hardware were never among them, but the Model 3 still improves on them. The car’s line-up has been rationalised since initial specs were released, with…

WHY IT WINS THE pick-up truck sector is a hugely competitive one, but it’s taken five years for our reigning champ, the Mitsubishi L200, to be dethroned. With a revised engine range, new automatic gearbox option and the introduction of a halo model to draw in buyers, the Ford Ranger has done more than enough to earn our Pick-up of the year award. The biggest change is the arrival of Ford’s latest 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel. This was first seen in the Transit and Transit Custom vans in 2018, but don’t go thinking that this is some agricultural powerplant. It’s a thoroughly modern, emissions-compliant motor that’s refined, smooth and more efficient than ever. In the Ranger it’s available with 168bhp or 210bhp outputs, and it replaces both the 2.2 TDCi and…

OUR annual Driver Power surveys give Auto Express readers the chance to tell it like it is, and the message they deliver on Lexus barely changes from year to year: the company is, quite simply, fantastic. Lexus took the crown in our 2019 Driver Power brand survey, with scores that indicate no other company builds cars with better-made and designed exteriors, a sentiment that is echoed the moment owners open the door and climb inside. When you factor in another number-one spot for reliability and build quality, Lexus comes top in three out of our nine categories of assessment, while posting three podium finishes in the remaining areas. That’s a stellar achievement but it’s not a one-off, because 2019 marks the third consecutive year that Lexus has topped our brand…

WHY IT WINS WITH the Model 3, Tesla has proved that it can listen to feedback, return to the drawing board and innovate. Forget the big steps, it’s the small evolutions that make living with an EV palatable. In fact, this EV is very nearly as easy to live with as a combustion-engined car. That’s because, along with Supercharging capability, the Model 3 accepts CCS rapid charging. 50kW is the UK’s most common level currently, but prepare to see 100kW points become more common over the next few years, and with a recent update that sees the Tesla support charging at up to 200kW, it’s future-proof for the foreseeable. Performance and range are brilliant, and our tests prove that Tesla’s claimed numbers when it comes to how far you can go…

Otis_Clay@dennis.co.uk Running costs 53.0mpg (on test) £65 fill-up/£145 or 31% tax Performance 0-62mph/top speed 10.5 seconds/111mph OUR Dacia Duster spends the majority of its time ferrying around no more than two passengers at a time. So whenever I have the opportunity to get the car fully loaded, I love to give it a good run out. When I was lucky enough to get tickets to this year’s Glastonbury Festival, I put my hand up and opted to be the designated driver, because I knew that the Duster would be perfect for the task. It had to carry four passengers, plus their tents and all the necessary gear, from home in London to the South West for a brilliant festival weekend. Starting out in the capital, I set off from Forest…

Richard_Ingram@dennis.co.uk @rsp_ingram OUR Volkswagen California is in high demand as summer sets in, with every weekend until late August already allocated to various members of the Auto Express team. But before the rush began, my wife, Anna, and I packed our bags and filled the van for an impulsive weekend away in Devon. The great thing about the California (as opposed to travelling by plane or train) is that you can just throw anything and everything in the back. So, with our wellies washed and the fridge full, we set off for the south coast. The scenic route took us down the A303 right past Stonehenge, and beyond. We spent two nights camping near Dartmoor, and due to the hot weather, we barely touched the two-ring gas hob inside the…

Mini 60 Years Giles Chapman (Motorbooks, www.quartoknows.com) Price: £24.99 CELEBRATING 60 years of Britain’s most iconic small car in style, this book tells the story of the original Mini. It’s beautifully done, attractively published and goes into plenty of detail; the opening section on the car’s predecessors and inspiration is very interesting. This book is for the enthusiast or the casual fan alike. The Self-Preservation Society Matthew Field (Porter Press, www.porterpress.co.uk) Price: £45 IT’S the MINI’s 60th birthday, and its most famous film outing – The Italian Job – is celebrating its 50th anniversary. This huge book tells you all you could want to know about the movie. It’s well produced, great for car enthusiasts or film buffs, and has a foreword by Sir Michael Caine. Well worth the price.…

Got any car queries? Tristan_Shale-Hester@dennis.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q EV charging on the street IF you don’t have a driveway or garage, are there specific types of charging points which address this, or is there a restriction as to where charging points can be installed?Faisal Rafique, E-mail A CHARGE-POINT companies won’t typically install if you have no off-street parking, while grants for home chargers require evidence that you can park off the street. Lamp posts can be converted to charge EVs, but only a handful of councils are doing this at the request of residents, and charging speeds tend to be slow. Q Dealer won’t give me a bill MY car is out of warranty and had a partial engine rebuild; I didn’t have to pay because the fault was linked to…

Stephen_Errity@dennis.co.uk ● Mercedes winning streak ends ● Small radiators to blame LEWIS Hamilton and Mercedes are looking for answers following an Austrian Grand Prix that saw the team failing to win for the first time so far this year. Valtteri Bottas came home third and Hamilton was fifth after picking up a grid penalty during qualifying and suffering front wing damage in the race. Afterwards, Mercedes admitted it had struggled in the hot weather experienced at the Red Bull Ring, with boss Toto Wolff describing it as the squad’s Achilles heel. Both cars were running in their maximum cooling set-up during the event, and the team said that both Hamilton and Bottas had to ‘lift and coast’ extensively to keep the temperatures under control. “We have been carrying the problem…

James_Batchelor@dennis.co.uk @JRRBatchelor ● Zero-emissions model on sale now ● Prices start from £24,400 THIS is the MINI Electric – a car that the British firm says is as groundbreaking as the model that heralded the brand’s reinvention back in 2001. Launched on the 60th anniversary of the original 1959 Mini, it’s the brand’s first mass-produced all-electric vehicle. It will compete against models such as the Peugeot e-208 and Vauxhall Corsa-e and is on sale now, priced from £24,400. First deliveries are due to begin in March 2020. While you’ll find a Cooper S badge on the boot, the new car is actually called MINI Electric in the UK. The Cooper S badge is used to denote the level of the car’s performance. Under the bonnet there’s a 181bhp electric motor…

James_Brodie@dennis.co.uk @jimmybrods ● Subtle update for new hatch ● Revised engines under bonnet THE Vauxhall Astra has been given a mid-life makeover, with new engines, technology and a subtle update to its looks. In fact you’ll struggle to spot the revisions on the latest model. The interior remains unchanged, while the only real difference outside is at the front, where tweaked upper and lower grille designs contribute towards a slightly more aerodynamic profile. As a product born during Vauxhall’s time with General Motors, the updates under the skin aren’t straight carryovers from owner Peugeot-Citroen Group (PSA). Petrol power comes from three-cylinder turbo units in 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre sizes. The 1.2, despite being the same capacity as PSA’s PureTech engine, is a Vauxhall/Opel development. It’s offered in three states of tune,…

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: www.consumerombudsman.org RMIF: 0845 305 4230 Scottish Motor Trade Assoc. 0131 331 5510…

POLICE Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras may not read improperly spaced number plates, plates with incorrect fonts and those with colour-capped screws. This makes crime enforcement more difficult – although police stress that ANPR tools are becoming more sophisticated. A more worrying issue is cloned plates. A criminal with a stolen car may find an identical car for sale online, get a duplicate plate made up based on the advertised car’s registration, then fit this plate to the stolen car. The advertised car won’t have been reported stolen so this cloned plate won’t activate police alerts, despite being placed on a stolen car. The number of drivers telling the DVLA that their car had been cloned has quadrupled over the past six years.…

AUDI does its level best to ensure that it has a contender in every vehicle segment, with myriad performance-branded spin-offs aimed at buyers with a little extra to spend. The range-topping Q8 arrived last year, and now Audi has broadened its appeal further by introducing the sporting SQ8 version. This new arrival shares some of its innovative technology with the current SQ7, giving the firm a rival for Porsche’s recently introduced Cayenne Coupé, as well as the soon-to-be-replaced BMW X6 M50d and Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 Coupé. Available in both standard and higher-specification Vorsprung trims, the SQ8 features the 4.0-litre V8 TDI diesel engine, with its unique twin-turbocharger and electric supercharger configuration, which is designed to maximise performance and economy, as well as delivering a monstrous 429bhp and 900Nm of torque.…

James_Batchelor@dennis.co.uk @JRRBatchelor MEET the car that, in any sensible universe, wouldn’t exist. The new Ford Ranger Raptor takes its attitude from the US market F-150 Raptor, and its inspiration from Dakar-style rally specials. Yet you can now go to your Ford dealer and buy one. The Ranger is a familiar sight on UK roads – it’s the best-selling pick-up on the market, in fact – but Ford has decided to hand over the workhorse to its Performance division to create, well, a performance pick-up. On paper it sounds pretty niche. Ford Performance has ditched the standard Raptor’s leaf springs and fitted the type of suspension you’d find on a Fiesta World Rally Car, not a builder’s barge. So there are coil springs and a Watt’s linkage for the rear, as…

WHY IT WINS BRITAIN’S best-selling car is also one of the most accomplished models on the market. Brits love the Ford Fiesta for all the same reasons we do, and there are plenty of them. For a start, the Fiesta is incredibly affordable, whether you’re buying outright or on PCP finance, and there’s a huge variety of versions, including three and five-door variants, as well as a range of trim levels and engine options to suit your budget. The highlight is the 99bhp 1.0-litre EcoBoost – although this engine is available with more power if you want it. Whichever version you go for, the motor is punchier than you might think, thanks to the torque that the small turbo delivers, giving lively acceleration and strong fuel economy. Ford’s secret weapon…

WHY IT WINS VAUXHALL’S large family car, the Insignia Grand Sport, offers incredible value for money. Some versions are so affordable that they match cars in the class below, yet the Insignia has a huge amount of space on offer. The back seats are where this incredible level of room is most apparent. The legroom is so good that only the tallest passengers’ legs will touch the seat in front, and headroom is excellent, thanks to the low-set seats. Headroom is similarly plentiful in the front and the driving position is also pretty good. For a big car, visibility isn’t too bad, either, so the Vauxhall is easy to drive. Then there’s the generous and versatile 490-litre boot, while the huge hatchback opening means that getting suitcases or any other…

WHY IT WINS AN executive car needs to bring a lot to the table in order to be considered by buyers in this competitive sector, but the BMW 5 Series is still head and shoulders above its rivals. It’s an incredible all-rounder that’s refined, efficient, good to drive, comfortable and packed with tech. A new platform helped the 5 Series head straight to the top of the class a few years ago, and it has stayed there. The strong but light fundamentals that underpin the car have allowed BMW to set the car up to balance fun and comfort, so this is by far the most enjoyable car to drive in its class. The driving position, agile chassis and superb body control mean that it’s incredibly capable for its size.…

WHY IT WINS AS SUV sales grow and MPV sales shrink, more and more buyers are turning to larger off-roaders such as the SEAT Tarraco if they need a car with space for seven. The Tarraco is a new winner here, having beaten the Skoda Kodiaq (last year’s winner) in its group test earlier this year. The Tarraco offers the same as the Skoda, yet the Spanish brand has priced its rival competitively enough for it to take the win in this close-fought category. First, it features a high-quality, upmarket interior that’s also versatile and practical. The cabin is neatly designed and easy to live with, featuring a long list of equipment including an excellent infotainment system that responds quickly and has solid smartphone connectivity. There are seven seats, and…

WHY IT WINS THIS is the third consecutive win for the Land Rover Discovery in our New Car Awards. Despite rivals such as the BMW X5 and X7 arriving over the last 12 months, as well as ultra-luxurious models like the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the Disco beat off competition with its better balance of luxury and refinement, space, kit and cost. The brand moved this fifth-generation model even more upmarket, combining the class of a Range Rover with the practicality of a seven-seat SUV, and while the styling might split opinion, there’s no denying the Discovery’s ability. The four-cylinder diesel engine lowers the car’s price point and offers a little more efficiency, but we’d still stick with the Sd6. The extra torque – 700Nm in total – means that the Disco’s…

WHY IT WINS MANY new contenders have arrived onto the scene to challenge the Honda Civic Type R for its crown, but none has managed to topple this Japanese giant of the performance world. For the third year in a row the Civic Type R is our Hot hatch of the year, and the reasons why haven’t been corrupted by the passage of time. In fact, the longer the Civic is on sale and the harder its rivals push, the more the Type R’s talents shine through. Let’s start with that engine. And what an engine. With 316bhp from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder, it has huge punch low down but loves to be revved hard, and it’s mated to one of the best manual transmissions on sale at any…

WHY IT WINS THERE are few automotive icons like the 911, such is the German sports car’s reputation for performance. Now in its eighth generation with this 992 model, the rear-engined coupé is still the choice in this class. Porsche has honed the 911’s make-up with a new platform that incorporates even more lightweight metal. So despite a growth in size for this new model, it’s still one of the lightest and most agile sports cars in its class. And that’s with Porsche broadening the car’s ability even further by making it a more comfortable, well rounded GT car than ever. The ride quality is incredible for a sports car that’ll manage 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds (or 3.4 seconds for the Carrera 4 S with the optional Sport Chrono pack).…

WHY IT WINS TOYOTA has been a pioneer when it comes to hybrid technology. While many more manufacturers are jumping on the bandwagon now in a bid to offer more efficient models, Toyota has continued development of the tech diligently to the point where the brand offers some of the best petrol-electric cars on sale today – and the new Corolla is one of them. After a hiatus, the Corolla is back in the UK, replacing the firm’s Auris model, and to great effect. There’s an all-new TNGA platform that underpins this car, with hatchback, Touring Sports estate and even a saloon model on offer. The hybrid choice comes down to a 1.8 or a 2.0-litre petrol engine linked to a battery and electric motor set-up that delivers relaxed performance,…

WHY IT WINS WITH the switch to PSA Group ownership, Vauxhall has revolutionised its commercial vehicle line-up. It started with the Combo Cargo, which is now a front-runner in the small-van class, and our Van of the year for 2019. Vauxhall has tapped into PSA’s decades of small-van experience to produce a vehicle that delivers excellent payload weights and cargo volume combined with cutting-edge technology, first-class safety credentials and a range of fuel-efficient engines. It shares these values with the Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Partner, but with Vauxhall offering tempting finance deals, such as six years’ zero per cent APR finance and the 4x4x4x4 package (which bundles finance, servicing, warranty and breakdown cover together in a four-year deal), it narrowly edged ahead of its siblings here. The Combo Cargo offers…

WHY IT WINS LAND Rover is known for innovation when it comes to off-road technology, so it only stands to reason that the British brand has come up with a world-first system to help when taking your car away from the tarmac. It’s called ClearSight Ground View. As with many of the best innovations, this technology is delightfully simple. ClearSight Ground View projects a virtual view of the terrain underneath the car – something that’s usually obscured – onto the infotainment screen, which helps you to avoid tough topography and features such as tyre-tearing rocks. It’s even usable in tight parking spaces and to avoid grazes on higher kerbs in urban environments where, let’s face it, plenty of SUVs spend their time and tend to have large, shiny and expensive-to-repair…

“Internet connection lets owners monitor their car with an app” NEW PRODUCT Thinkware dash cams Prices: From £300 (approx.) Contact: www.thinkware.com DASH cam brand Thinkware has unveiled a suite of new cams, including its first for motorsport and motorcycles. The dual-camera M1 has a weatherproof system designed for use outside the car or motorcycle, plus enhanced night vision and electronic image stabilisation. Beyond that, the T700 is the firm’s most advanced cam. It includes location tracking, a geo-fencing mode (which automatically records if the vehicle leaves a set area) and an internet connection so the owner can monitor the car’s surroundings with an app. Thanks to that connection, cloud-based storage and the tracker, the T700 is claimed to provide evidence for vandalism, send an emergency alert to family in the event…

McLaren puts a price on new glasses range PRICES have been revealed for the new McLaren Vision eyewear range. The 3D-printed titanium frames (above) will start at £254, rising up to £1,578. The line-up comprises Core, Premium and Bespoke models, all available as sunglasses with a choice of five lenses designed for driving, skiing, sailing, golfing or city life. The Leica lenses are said to improve clarity, and the glasses go on sale in selected department stores and independent opticians this month. VW film will explain fuel-economy testing CONFUSED about how car fuel economy and emissions testing works? Don’t know your WLTPs from your NEDCs? Volkswagen (arguably the catalyst for consumer interest in the topic, with its Dieselgate scandal) has released a handy video explaining what the very latest WLTP…

PRODUCT GROUP TEST 10|7|2019 Every week, we extensively test all the latest car kit from tyres to trim cleaners. Log on to www.autoexpress.co.uk to look through our huge online test archive WE might not have had the best summer so far this year but there are still enough flying insects with a death wish to splatter grilles, screen and wing mirrors with messy debris. If you leave them for anything more than a day or so, you’ll need a specialist cleaner to remove them without threatening the clearcoat. Even if you have avoided the worst of the bugs this year but are planning a driving holiday somewhere hot this summer, you’d do well to pack a cleaner alongside the bucket and spade. The longer the bugs are baked on to…

Motoring’s most outspoken and opinionated columnist sounds off “Makers are supposed to hit a sweet spot by producing cars that last a decade, not so good that they’ll keep going for longer” SO well designed, brilliantly built, impressively reliable and stubbornly long-lasting are many of the cars made during the past decade or so, that owners are increasingly unwilling to ditch them – even when their motors breach 100,000 miles. The old adage goes ‘they don’t make ’em like they used to’, and that’s true. Fact is, in the 2000s-2010s they’ve been building them better than they used to. For the cash-strapped motorist with an on-call breakdown/recovery service, plus a contingency fund for unexpected repairs and MoT scares, ageing cars are great. Those prepared to put up with the uncertainties…

Steve_Fowler@dennis.co.uk @stevefowler ● Jag XJ will be the first to arrive in 2021 ● All three new models use MLA platform “The new Crossover is some of design director Gerry McGovern’s finest work yet” JAGUAR Land Rover has confirmed a multi-million pound investment in its Castle Bromwich plant to build electric cars (see panel, Page 12), and Auto Express can exclusively reveal the three models that will start rolling down production lines from early 2021. The biggest news is the first Land Rover product to be built at Castle Brom – and a ground-breaking one at that. The new Range Rover Crossover (it definitely won’t be called Road Rover, despite speculation) will follow an all-electric Jaguar XJ and Jaguar J-Pace SUV. The Crossover, previewed in our exclusive image, will use…

James_Batchelor@dennis.co.uk @JRRBatchelor The Focus ST is back and faster than ever WITH hot hatches such as the Renault Mégane R.S., Hyundai i30 N and Honda Civic Type R being launched in recent years, you might have forgotten about the Ford Focus ST. But now there’s a new one, complete with a 2.3 turbo engine. Is it a big version of the great Fiesta ST? I went to Nice to find out.…

mail@autoexpress.co.uk @AutoExpress Write to: Watchdog/Letters, Auto Express, Dennis Publishing Ltd, 31-32 Alfred Place, London WC1E 7DP HOT TOPIC Mercedes GLB FROM: MisterMR44 THIS looks a little oddly proportioned from some angles, but it is a lot better than I was expecting it to look, particularly after the rugged GLB concept Mercedes showed. The GLB is more like a small GLS than a baby G-Wagen. FROM: Chris Morley IT has some unusual dimensions, which you will either love or hate, but I like the GLB. The brand needed a small SUV that could tackle BMW, Audi, Volvo etc in this class, and the GLA is too impractical to do so. Good move by Mercedes. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk ■ “It has the unfortunate proportions of the Mk1 Tiguan in that…

www.nextbase.com WELCOME THE past 12 months have been fascinating for today’s car buyers. Manufacturers have embraced electrification and released the next generation of hybrid, plug-in and fully electric models. The winners in this year’s Auto Express New Car Awards reflect this change, but they also show that, with thoughtful application and clever technologies, there’s a future for petrol and diesel cars if they’re done well. From city cars to supercars, and everything between, there’s so much choice for buyers today, which is why the Auto Express team has put in the miles to analyse every new car on sale and deliver verdicts on the best in each and every class, as well as one overall star.…

WHY IT WINS THE MINI Convertible brings everything that’s great about the MINI hatchback and packages it all into a stylish drop-top that puts fun right at the forefront of the driving experience. Plus this is one of the most affordable convertibles that you can buy, especially given its ability. Although the Convertible is heavier than the hatch on which it’s based, this hasn’t affected its sharp handling. All MINIs have top driving dynamics, and this soft-top version is no exception, thanks to its lively chassis set-up and direct steering. The ride comfort isn’t hurt too badly in the transition from Hatchback to Convertible, either. Although the soft-top has taut body control, it still provides a decent level of comfort as well. The car also has a couple of small…

WHY IT WINS THE Octavia Estate elevates the practicality of Skoda’s big hatchback to incredible levels; it makes a brilliant load-lugger and is a worthy winner in this class. A mid-life facelift brought updated styling and a more advanced infotainment set-up – and it’s the Estate’s practicality, combined with its up-to-date tech and calm driving experience, that helps it take the prize here again. With 610 litres of space in the boot with the rear seats in place, and a cavernous 1,740 litres if you fold them down, the Octavia’s luggage capacity is bigger than its rivals’, and as a result it can offer even more flexibility than larger estates from the class above. It’s designed with versatility in mind, and the big hatch and wide boot opening mean that…

WHY IT WINS CITROEN’S C3 Aircross is something a bit different to the norm in the Small SUV class, but it’s all the better for it. Rather than following convention, it takes a more individual, characterful approach, with its quirky looks and a focus on the things that really matter to customers in this class. Comfort is a huge factor for buyers of small SUVs, because they’ll be used every day for tasks such as the school run or a commute, and the Citroen is top of its class here. The soft suspension means that the French model soaks up rough tarmac, only losing its composure over really rough roads; and while the C3 Aircross isn’t the most dynamic small SUV, the sacrifices made here pay dividends elsewhere. It’s light…

WHY IT WINS AS buyers flock to small premium SUVs in increasing numbers, in 2019 we finally got to drive the latest version of the car that arguably started it all: the Range Rover Evoque. The British model that put a focus on style is back at the top of the class, after beating our previous winner, the Volvo XC40, in its first road test earlier this year. The Evoque has plenty of substance to back up its style. While the exterior isn’t a revolutionary change, the interior has been overhauled, making this now the most interesting, high-quality, luxurious and tech-filled car in its class. Cutting-edge features such as the video feed that can replace the main mirror (to improve rearward visibility) and the clever dual-touchscreen display show that the…

WHY IT WINS IF space is key to your next new car purchase, the Citroen Berlingo XL is a clear winner. It’s a valuable commodity in the people-carrier sector, so there are few better platforms on which to base an MPV than one that also works well as a van. But that’s certainly not to do the Berlingo down, because the EMP2 architecture that underpins it is also put to good use in much more premium models, such as sister brand Peugeot’s 3008 SUV and 508 fastback. That makes the Berlingo surprisingly refined for such a spacious and value-focused model. Plenty of thought has gone into the interior. There’s lots of storage, infotainment from Citroen’s car range and sliding doors to aid access, but it’s the seven-seat set-up and masses…

WHY IT WINS THE Alpine brand has been around since the fifties, and its comeback with the new A110 has been a stunning return to form. Its retro-inspired looks caught our attention when it was revealed, but the real magic became apparent when we got behind the wheel. A design ethos prioritising light weight (it tips the scales at just under 1,100kg in its purest form), modest power and driver engagement means it’s one of the best driver’s cars you can buy in 2019. The low kerbweight has huge benefits for the car’s ride and handling, but it also means the A110 is good to live with, thanks to decent economy, especially considering the stonking performance on offer. Its 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbo engine produces 248bhp, which is a little less…

WHY IT WINS EARLIER this year, our sister website Driving Electric named the Kia e-Niro as its car of the year, and now it has won our Affordable Electric car category for many of the same reasons. The headline figure for the e-Niro is its 282-mile range, which puts anxiety about how far you can drive on a single charge back in its box; the Kia can go further than a lot of petrol cars can on a single tank. Running one on our test fleet has proved that its predicted range is very accurate, too. Not only does the e-Niro have a large 64kWh battery, the e-Niro is also among the more efficient electric cars you can buy, so you get more miles per kWh than in rival models.…

WHY IT WINS DIESEL isn’t dead – especially when it’s combined with a battery pack and electric motor in a brilliant executive saloon package such as the Mercedes E 300 de. It’s the most convincing premium hybrid car on sale today. Many premium hybrids that are based on executive cars use a petrol engine in combination with a battery and electric motor, but the E 300 de uses Mercedes’ solid 191bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel. This means the hybrid system matches the E 300 e petrol plug-in for C02 emissions and running costs around town – not to mention refinement and relaxation, thanks to the boost from the 120bhp electric motor. But it eclipses it for economical cruising on the motorway, which is where many of these cars will spend their time. This…

ALFA Romeo has a rich history when it comes to arrestingly attractive concept cars – and it wowed crowds earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show with the release of its Tonale SUV concept. Our readers voted it the best piece of automotive design over the past year, and it’s clear the Tonale moves the Italian brand’s design language on another step, looking to the future to define what a compact Alfa Romeo SUV should look like. The shield grille is Alfa’s main design cue, while the smooth bonnet that overflies the narrow LED headlights pays homage to the brand’s SZ sports car. The sleek rear tapers to a point and the swaged body surfaces give plenty of visual tension. It’s an evolution of Alfa’s current SUV, the Stelvio, with the…

Richard Palmer CFO, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles IT’S been an interesting year for FCA. The group is in better financial shape than it has been for a long while, and it almost pulled off the coup of the year with its proposed merger with Renault. Behind much of that success is Richard Palmer, the group CFO, who sits on the main board with a huge amount of influence across all the group’s brands – he’s far more than just a numbers man. Palmer’s career in finance very nearly didn’t happen; he studied microbiology and biotechnology at university. But after starting his career with Price Waterhouse, he joined Fiat in 2003. In his time with the Italian/American company, he’s been exposed to most of the group’s businesses, from cars to trucks and…

Stuart_Milne@dennis.co.uk “Life with the Leaf has been good. Its range has never limited any days out” Running costs 3.6 miles/kWh (on test) £0 or 16% tax Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 385/1,161 litres Performance 0-62mph/top speed 7.9 seconds/90mph WHEN I took over the running of our Nissan Leaf earlier this year, my head was full of questions. Will range anxiety ruin my enjoyment? Will charging be a faff? Will the installation of a home charger be tricky? The answer, over several thousand miles, has been a resounding no on all counts. Once I had my home charger fitted, range anxiety evaporated. Charging couldn’t be simpler, and Pod Point’s ordering and wallbox installation were entirely painless. It’s been so painless that the fact it’s an EV ceased to become my main interest.…

Audi e-tron Issue 1,579 BMW 3 Series Issue 1,576 Citroen Berlingo XL Issue 1,579 Cupra Ateca Issues 1,564, 1,573, 1,581 Dacia Duster Iss 1,561, 1,564, 1,572, 1,575 Hyundai Santa Fe Issue 1,582 Honda CR-V Hybrid Issue 1,576 Hyundai Santa Fe Issue 1,575, 1,580 Kia e-Niro Issue 1,569, 1,580 Kia Ceed Issue 1,567, 1,577, 1,582 Mazda MX-5 Issue 1,573 Mercedes G-Class Issues 1,565, 1,574, 1.581 Mercedes X-Class Issues 1,547, 1,557, 1,563, 1,571, 1,578 Renault Mégane R.S. Issue 1.581 SEAT Tarraco Issue 1,574 Skoda Fabia Issue 1,572, 1,582 Volkswagen California Issue 1,578 Volkswagen Touareg Issue 1,580…

Got a query? products@autoexpress.co.uk @AE_Consumer Q Sizing up a starting problem I READ your mini jump starter test (Issue 1,574) and wanted to buy the winner. On investigating, I saw it only covered up to 2.0-litre engines and, as I have a 2.0-litre diesel, I looked elsewhere. Could you include these details in the test?Nick Naismith, E-mail A WE’LL look at including the claimed scope of the units in our next test. Every sample quotes which engines it can start, but some are more credible than others and we can’t test the claims. They’re useful as a guide, but our test is likely to be the better measure of their effectiveness. Q Saving costs on space-savers I HAVE a 2018 BMW M140i and a 2016 MINI Clubman Cooper with 18-inch alloys and…

THE rise of detailing has seen a boom in the number of car-care brands, and another has just arrived. Detailers Pride is the new range from online retailer ShopnShine. It has been developing its own products since 2018, and the latest is Swipe Quick Detailer. To see if ShopnShine can make products as well as it sells them, we pitched the new spray against waterless-cleaner test-champ Meguiar’s Wash & Wax Anywhere, and Farécla G3 Professional Spray Wax, our detailer spray test winner. The pair cover both elements of Swipe’s aim to clean and protect. We applied them to a bonnet and a door, assessing cleaning ability and water beading over four weeks, with price the final factor. Swipe beat the Farécla but couldn’t quite match Meguiar’s cleaning or durability. “The…