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MERCEDES is looking to the future with its One-Eleven concept, but buyers will soon be able to get their hands on the new E-Class Estate. Following on from the recently revealed sixth-generation saloon, the wagon serves up 615 litres of boot space in mild-hybrid form, 20 litres down on the outgoing car, due to the MHEV’s battery under the boot floor. The plug-in models’ total volume drops to 460 litres, 20 litres less than the last PHEV. The 201bhp E 200 petrol will sprint from 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds and return a claimed 42.1mpg, while the E 220 d features a 194bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and will return 56.4mpg. The E 300 e plug-in uses the same 2.0-litre petrol engine as the E 200 and is supported by a 25.4kWh…

CITROEN has revealed an ‘Ami for All’ concept to support the independence of drivers who have lost the use of lower limbs. Modifications include wider-opening doors, equipment to help drivers transfer from wheelchair to driving seat, and hand controls. A collapsible wheelchair stows on the passenger seat for solo driving, or on an external rack if the driver has a passenger. “The idea came from observing pupils at my stepson’s high school being dependent on transfers in adapted vehicles, while their classmates enjoyed total freedom,” said project mastermind Christophe Lapeyre, whose proposal became reality via the Stellantis Startup ‘idea incubator’ programme. Citroen says it aims “to make the project achievable in the short term”. The converted Ami EV is mechanically standard, so has a 46-mile range and takes four hours…

RANGE Rover has released a round of updates to the Evoque for 2024, with the British brand’s new compact premium SUV featuring subtly tweaked styling and more tech. The latter includes a fresh curved, 11.4-inch floating infotainment screen. It’s part of a new “reductive” centre console design that takes inspiration from its larger Range Rover siblings, while the engine line-up consists of mild-hybrid petrol and diesel options, as well as a P300e plug-in hybrid that offers rapid charging, for an 80 per cent top-up in 30 minutes; the 14.9kWh battery delivers an all-electric range of 39 miles. On sale now, the 2024 Evoque is priced from £40,080.…

@AutoExpress FROM: Danny Watkins AT the prices public networks charge, if you can’t do it at home, and cost is your main driver, it’s not worth it. It’s a no-brainer if you can charge at home, especially if you have solar. I charged two cars at the weekend with solar. FROM: Doug Hall JUST think what the public-charging costs will be when we’ve all been forced to go down the electric vehicle route. The motorist continues to be the cash cow for the government and energy/fuel providers. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk “People charging at home should be taxed the same rate as fuel per litre via their smart meters.”Pro Car “The cost of charging an EV is way too high, but so are petrol and diesel on the motorway.”Paul…

IF you’re in the market for a mid-size SUV – which an awful lot of UK buyers are – Honda has just launched an intriguing new option to rival the top-selling Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage. Honda claims its new ZR-V offers a compelling combination of an efficient hybrid engine, a spacious interior and excellent build quality in a simple but highly specified range of trims. The most popular of these is predicted to be the mid-level Sport model we’re driving here. At the time of going to press, Honda UK had yet to confirm pricing for the newcomer, but we were told to expect the line-up to start at around £40,000. All British-market ZR-Vs feature Honda’s e:Hev powertrain, which pairs a 2.0-litre petrol engine with two electric motors that…

“Every option box has been pre-ticked for you, and the Kia comes with luxury-car features” KIA might be heading even further upmarket with its forthcoming EV9 large electric seven-seater, but it was the Sorento that really started the Korean firm’s push to become more premium. Once a value-focused large SUV, the firm’s current flagship high-rider is now only offered in top-of-the-range ‘Edition’ guise. Every option box has been pre-ticked for you, and the Sorento comes with luxury-car features such as heated and ventilated front seats in quilted Nappa leather. But with a starting price of more than £50,000, the Sorento costs around £7,000 more than its sibling from sister firm Hyundai, the Santa Fe, and almost £15,000 more than an entry-level Nissan X-Trail. The same money could get you a…

IT’S smaller in size, and the Honda Jazz offers lower overall costs, too. We’ve compared our two rivals based on an example rate that’s offered by Honda. It features quite a high initial deposit, but a £600 contribution from Toyota helps to close the gap in repayments between the two on a 37-month plan to only £17 per month. If you want to keep either of these cars at the end of the PCP term, then the Toyota will be more attractive, thanks to a significantly lower final lump-sum payment. The total you’ll need to find to own the Yaris Cross is just under £15,000, while Honda asks for around £16,600 for you to keep the keys to the Jazz. Servicing is an area where costs for these two cars…

SMALL CARS Is there still a place for sporty versions of mainstream models, or is it just style over substance? “MANUFACTURERS have always built sporty-looking cars that offer a racier look, but with no added performance. It’s a real shame that neither Honda nor Toyota has gone the extra step and given these two some extra power to go with their sportier looks.” “THERE was a time when the Type R badge was offered on more cars than just the Civic hot hatch. The Jazz Sport is only 100mm shorter than the original Japan-only Civic Type R, and the agile chassis certainly feels as if it could cope with more power. Maybe it’s time for a hybrid hot supermini?” “WHILE these two cars are from different classes, it’s surprising how…

Lotus Evora: Speed and Style Johnny Tipler (Veloce Publishing, veloce.co.uk) Price: £50 Rating: THIS book tracks the Evora’s full story and is written by a genuine owner. It’s mainly comprised of interesting interviews with those at Lotus most involved in the car’s creation. Well produced and very informative, it’s a definite must-buy for Evora owners or big fans of Lotus in general. Formula 1 Curiosities Carlos De Paula (Independently published, amazon.co.uk) Price: £20.69 Rating: A COMPENDIUM of facts about F1 spanning 70 years and including tidbits about all the greatest drivers. There’s plenty in here to surprise even the most dedicated superfan and it’s right up to date, having been released in 2022. However, we’d like to see a properly published version, perhaps with better imagery. As it is, this…

THE original Suzuki Ignis was launched in 2003 and it lasted until 2007. Few people noticed when it disappeared, and it would be another decade before its replacement was launched. By then, Suzuki had more of a UK presence and appealed to mainstream buyers that previously would have seen it as a niche brand compared with more familiar European and Japanese marques. That’s a shame, because while the Ignis is up against some very talented rivals, it offers unrivalled practicality within the class, while also looking like nothing else on the road. When you add in an excellent reliability record and impressive value for money, it makes you wonder why the Ignis isn’t a much more common sight in the UK. History THE Ignis Mk2 went on sale in the…

@AllieCrooks ● Kenya hosts African event● Halfway point for WRC teams “The cars use raised suspension specially tuned for the Safari’s rocky roads” THIS year marks the 70th anniversary of the Safari Rally (originally called the East African Coronation Safari, to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s crowning). It’s also the seventh round of the 2023 World Rally Championship, and the mid-way point of the season. Reigning world champion Kalle Rovanpera continues to lead the standings, although the Finnish driver only managed third in Sardinia last time out, with Thierry Neuville claiming the win on the Italian island. This closed the gap between the two drivers to 25 points, meaning we could see a new leader after this event. Toyota driver Rovanpera will look to repeat his 2022 victory in Kenya, while…

@AxleIngram • On the road in BMW’s latest, and one of its greatest, M cars• There are differences, but also a lot of similarities, too BMW’S M Division sets itself an incredibly high bar when it comes to the launch of each new model. Even so, our recent encounters with the latest M2 have shown us that it’s one of the best M cars ever produced. A mix of searing brutality, poise, incredible performance and refinement, slick tech and a competitive price means it ticks many of the boxes we want (and expect) from a car developed by BMW’s motorsport brand But calling the M2 one of the greatest ever is still a bold claim – especially when there’s such a staggering back catalogue to draw upon. We decided that…

Q What does the Vision One-Eleven tell us? A “If you see some of our other Vision concepts, they were more geared towards design and aesthetics. I would like to have another concept mixed with technology and innovation. Best case, the whole car goes into series production, but my minimum requirement is that components will go into series cars.” Q You set records for efficiency with the EQXX. Will you set records with the tech in this car, too? A “Yes. The plan is to deliver records with the orange car.” Q What does this concept tell us about AMG’s 2025 all-electric sports car? A “If you look at the application for the YASA engine, you can have two, three, four YASAs in a vehicle. Let’s say you use three…

Electric Lotus hypercar targets ’Ring record A NEW hardcore version of Lotus’s electric hypercar – called the Evija X – has been spotted at the Nürburgring. It’s thought to be attempting an EV lap record, and the British firm says the car is “an all-new technology concept from Lotus, the ultimate expression of Evija”. “We have made great progress, successfully meeting our objectives, and learning about the challenges of lapping the Nordschleife,” the company added. No word has been given about lap times. Renewable fuels for classic cars launched CLASSIC-car owners can now buy sustainable petrol for their pride and joys. The Sustain Classic range from Coryton requires no modifications to the vehicle, and is a second-generation bio-fuel derived from farm waste. Super 80 fuel is 98RON and has 80…

INSURERS are ‘not profiteering’ as premium rises outpace inflation, industry bosses told a Treasury select committee of MPs last week. Experts have predicted the cost of car insurance will rise by 14 per cent overall this year, and a further six per cent in 2024 before the rises flatten off. Prices are increasing at their highest rate for more than a decade, outstripping inflation by a wide margin. Insurers blame the rising cost of claims. “There is a perception out there that insurers are profiteering with the cost of their policies in what is a very difficult time for many people. Is that perception correct?”, committee chair Dame Angela Eagle asked a panel comprising bosses from Admiral, Aviva and the Association of British Insurers (ABI). “Our estimates show the cost…

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) 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: 0113 222 2010 AA: 0800 316 3564 DVLA: 0300 790 6802 RAC: 0808 164 1923 Traffic information AA: 0906 888 4322 RAC: 09003 444999 (p) Problems with dealers The Motor Ombudsman: 0345 241 3008 Consumer Ombudsman: www.consumer-ombudsman.org RMIF: 0845 305 4230 Scottish Motor Trade Assoc. 0131 331 5510 Problems with…

MANY electric cars seem like spaceships when compared with conventional combustion-engined vehicles, with radically different approaches to styling and packaging, plus complex controls that require a bit of adaptation. This isn’t an accusation that can be levelled at the new Vauxhall Astra Electric, though, which keeps its wheels firmly on the ground. Here, from the outset, is a car that runs on electricity but doesn’t need any other bells or whistles. The Astra Electric is based on a combustion-engined platform (the third version of Stellantis’s EMP2 architecture). This helps to reduce production costs, because the Electric comes off the line at the same plant in Rüsselsheim, Germany, as the regular combustion editions. On the other hand, it does bring compromises in packaging, because squeezing a battery into the floor cuts…

WINNER Honda Jazz THE Jazz squeezes a narrow victory here, thanks to its lower everyday running costs, smarter hybrid tech and very clever interior layout. It also fits the brief of the Sport badge better than the Yaris Cross, but only just. However, there are drawbacks. As a supermini, it’s very expensive, and you can get a genuinely entertaining model for the same money (see page 48). The Jazz makes a lot more sense in a lower spec – you’ll get the same innovative fuel-saving tech and cabin layout, while not feeling short-changed in terms of kit. ● Clever hybrid technology● Excellent fuel economy● Smart Magic Seats layout● Agile handling ● Expensive● Not that sporty● Messy infotainment● Intrusive safety systems 1st INTERESTED? Scan the code for further information RUNNER-UP Toyota…

SAME MONEY Renault Captur THE Captur has embraced hybrid drive, and while it doesn’t quite match its rivals here for outright fuel efficiency, you’ll be getting a larger and more practical nearly new small SUV. The E-Tech hybrid model returns up to 60.1mpg in official tests, but it achieves this while offering room for five and a 422-litre boot. If you want more load-lugging capacity, then the sliding rear bench can be moved forward to create 536 litres of space. ● Spacious, classy interior ● Strong safety kit ● No fun to drive ● Ordinary looks SAME MONEY Skoda Enyaq ANOTHER brand that majors on the kind of user-friendliness that Honda or Toyota offers is Skoda, and its Enyaq electric SUV is available as a used buy for the same price as…

Green light for new Amber fragrance BENTLEY has added a new fragrance to the BEYOND The Collection range. Magnetic Amber is said to be inspired by Panamanian white amber, Italian bergamot, Moroccan rosemary, cardamom, Madagascan vanilla, tonka bean, labdanum, Virginian cedar and ‘mysterious, resinous olibanum’. All those scents are packed into a 400g bottle modelled on the cut-crystal headlights of the Bentley Continental GT, with an engraved winged B. Magnetic Amber costs £165 for 100ml and can be purchased from shop.bentleymotors.com. B&W sounds all right for McLaren 570S MCLAREN has collaborated with Bowers & Wilkins for the sound system on its latest supercar, the 750S. When not listening to the car’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, customers will enjoy 1,400W and 12 speakers in total, including double-dome tweeters and Continuum Cone midrange…

PRODUCTGROUP TEST 21|6|2023 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 MODERN cars are packed with electronics that can really take their toll on a vehicle’s battery. In addition to all the gadgets and infotainment set-ups we use, stop-start systems need a strong power source to bring the engine back into life at a moment’s notice. Even electric cars need an old-school 12-volt battery because it’s essential for running the communications and security systems, as well as bringing the powertrain to life. And if your battery is showing signs of weakness now, while the weather is warmer, you can be sure it will only get worse once the winter arrives, and…

@stevefowler “While the exterior design is unlikely to influence a future production car, parts of the interior will” • Mercedes’ stunning new concept points to a Mercedes-AMG sports car, using British tech, that’s expected to arrive in 2025 MERCEDES’ latest Vision concept car, the fifth in the series, harks back to the sixties and seventies, with a modern take on the brand’s famous ‘gullwing’ C111 experimental concepts. Like those cars, the new Vision One-Eleven is more about the technology under the skin than design, being a showcase for new EV powertrain systems developed by Oxford-based company YASA, which is now owned by Mercedes-Benz. The One-Eleven was revealed at an exclusive event at Mercedes’ design HQ in California, alongside a C111 – both in striking orange paintwork and with gullwing doors…

• New coupé-SUV uses same platform as Austral • Hybrid powertrain, with plug-in option due later RENAULT has revealed its new flagship model. It’s called the Rafale and this new coupé-SUV will rival everything from the Audi Q5 Sportback to the Citroen C5 X. The Rafale is closely related to the French brand’s Austral family SUV, and is based on the same CMF-C/D platform. However, it measures 200mm longer and 10mm lower than its more practical sibling. The Rafale is the first clean-sheet project under the eye of Renault’s design director Gilles Vidal, with the new car evolving the firm’s styling language with sharper creases and bold surfaces. There’s a three-dimensional grille and oil-slick coatings in the headlights, which continue Renault’s latest lighting signature. Inside, the cabin is similar to…

• Early drive of Mk3 model• More space, better refinement IT’S doubtful there’s any more important new Volkswagen arriving in 2024 than this car. It’s not an EV, but the next-generation Tiguan. We’ve driven a late prototype of the all-new SUV, which will make its debut later this year. The Tiguan has been a sales success since its launch in 2007, overtaking the Golf as the brand’s biggest seller globally. So how do you replace such an important model in a world turning towards EVs? This is the challenge VW faces, and one that CEO Thomas Schäfer is confident it will succeed in tackling. Under the skin, the new car still uses VW’s MQB platform, albeit in heavily modified ‘evo’ form, which is better equipped to integrate electrification. Petrol, diesel,…

CITROEN is planning to reinvent the C3 as one of the UK’s cheapest electric cars when the all-new generation lands at the start of next year, the firm’s new boss – Thierry Koskas, right – has revealed. Set to be called e-C3, the car will adopt a more cost-focused platform, with a target starting price of around £21,000. “We consider it a breakthrough in the market,” Koskas said. “We don’t think that, at launch, there will be another car that offers its three main attributes – made in Europe, a proper car with all of the features that buyers expect, and under 25,000 Euros.” The new e-C3 is set for an autumn debut, with sales commencing in Q1 2024 and Koskas revealed that it will have more than 186 miles of…

WHEN you checked out your copy of Auto Express last week, you will have seen our rundown of the most satisfying 75 new cars to own, as voted for by owners in our Driver Power New Car Survey 2023 (Issue 1,784). That rundown is based on an incredibly comprehensive set of data, which we were able to curate and analyse thanks to the generosity of fellow drivers who took the time to respond to our online survey. It doesn’t just tell us which cars are currently the most – and least – satisfying to own, however, because we can also crunch the numbers to work out which brands are the most highly favoured by their customers. This year, the Driver Power Brands Survey 2023 details the top 32 manufacturers as…

SAME CLASS Ford Puma ST-Line IF there’s one car that sets a benchmark for entertaining handling in the small SUV class, it’s the Ford Puma. You don’t even have to stretch to the high-performance ST model for thrills, either, because the standard car with a 123bhp 1.0 EcoBoost petrol engine and mild-hybrid assistance is almost as entertaining. You also get a huge boot for your money, with the deep MegaBox offering the kind of usefulness that the Honda excels at. At £28,640, the high-spec ST-Line Vignale offers a plush interior and a long list of standard equipment to go with it. ● Great handling● Spacious boot● Lots of kit ● Only a mild hybrid● Cabin quality could be better● Slightly cramped back seats SAME MONEY Hyundai i20 N THE fact…

I’VE been living with our DS4 E-Tense for a few months and my overriding feeling is that it’s a cocoon of comfort, which I’ve come to appreciate in a different light now that I’m doing more driving. My husband usually takes the wheel on longer trips, so I’ve enjoyed the supportive sports seats from a passenger’s point of view. But after our move down to the south coast, I’ve been doing the 100-mile drive to London myself, and the peaceful and calming feel of the DS definitely makes the trip a more pleasant experience. Our PHEV model is fitted with Active Scan Suspension as standard. This uses a road-scanning stereo camera to spot bumps, softening each damper in turn as the wheel hits. The downside is that the set-up only…

Got a query? products@autoexpress.co.uk YOU don’t have to look very hard to realise that there are several types of microfibre towels or cloths, and each has areas where it performs best. At the most basic level, the cloths are a mix of polyester and polyamide blended in a variety of ratios, such as 75:25. They also have different densities, measured in grammes per square metre (gsm). So one square metre of a 600gsm cloth would weigh 600g. As a rule of thumb, the higher the gsm, the more absorbent the material, and for car work it’s best to stay above 250gsm. Key to their absorbency are the very fine fibres – thinner than human hair – that are at the heart of the material and attract dirt. This is due…

FOR those who need to light large spaces like lock-up garages or workshop benches without mains power, the choice of lights is growing as makers harness new LED and battery technology. Philips and NightSearcher have recently added new options, so we compared them with our current favourite from Ring to see how the latest designs fared. We put them through our usual range of tests, measuring their light output and spread, mounting and charging options, plus runtime and protection ratings. We wanted to see the battery state and have power-saving modes. The final factor was price. Ring remains our favourite but it only narrowly beat the new Philips, which oozed quality but had a price to match. For heavy users, the extra expense will be justified, while the Kanga Star…

IF you’re looking to test the waters with a used electric-car purchase, the Kia e-Niro could be a safe bet. However, it must be said that its scores in the latest 2023 Driver Power survey are not as good overall as its mainly hybrid Mk1 stablemate. The EV is ahead in some categories, and garners a 10th place for its smooth and silent powertrain, while a 17th place for running costs beats the hybrid, too. But there’s lower satisfaction with the car’s value, which ranks 45th, due to its high purchase price. The bespoke front end, designed to make the e-Niro stand out, also seems to be less appealing than its hybrid sibling’s design. The e-Niro is rated 74th for exterior styling by its owners, with the hybrid ranked 55th.…

INCLUDED in my diverse list of motoring milestones of the last 50 years (I know – I don’t look old enough!) is the 1973 incident when my Dad went to automotive rehab, then quit his habit of buying Fords, only to become hopelessly addicted to the then little-known exotic brand called Toyota. Although he was a fairy early adopter, he wasn’t the earliest. That’s because a visionary South London motor trader – John Pride – had, since the late sixties, established a cottage industry that shipped those ‘funny little Toyotas’ from state-of-the-art factories in Japan to little blokes like my old man in England. But only in the seventies did these and other shrewdly priced, well equipped, unquestionably reliable Japanese products establish themselves as genuine game changers in the UK.…