Table of contents for December 2015 in What Car?

When the VW emissions scandal grew into a global inquiry highlighting the accuracy of official mpg claims versus the reality of what drivers achieved in the real world, What Car?’s True MPG testing was cast sharply into focus. Knowing full well the gap between claimed figures, attained in a laboratory, and what was achievable in the real world, we launched True MPG three years ago, and have since tested more than 550 cars independently and on UK roads. The best results have marginally eclipsed those claimed and the worst has been a staggering 44% below. Such figures highlight why the VW scandal was a catalyst for wider condemnation of mpg test methods – and why car makers now know the rules must change. Jim.Holder@haymarket.com @Jim_Holder ‘Our worst True MPG result…

‘Boot space is on par with hatch rivals’, which makes the Clubman more useful than before’ First drive New Mini estate gets more space and practicality as standard Verdict More conventional than its predecessor, and all the better for it SINCE THE LAUNCH of the Mini Hatch in 2013 the company has been busy refreshing its entire range, and now it’s the turn of the Clubman estate. The first-generation Clubman caused a few raised eyebrows with its odd half-sized rear door that forced rear seat occupants to exit on the road (not pavement) side of the car. That’s gone now, because this second-generation model does without the idiosyncratic opening; it has four conventional doors. It’s also claimed to be more spacious, and is offered with a wider range of options…

‘This 3 Series Touring is a great option, particularly for company car buyers’ First drive Revised version of big-selling executive estate Verdict Comfortable and great to live with as a private or company car AS WITH THE saloon, the BMW 320d Touring has been overhauled for 2015 with a new engine, slicker gearbox and revised suspension. This is our first UK drive in the 320d Efficient Dynamics version, which gets active aerodynamics, smaller 16in alloy wheels and less power than the normal 320d, in the name of economy and emissions. The resulting 104g/km and 70.6mpg from this eight-speed automatic model is impressive, and brings company car tax bills of just £200 per month for 40% tax payers. An efficient driving machine The 320d ED defaults to fuel-saving Eco Pro mode,…

‘A mid-spec Kadjar will save you £2000 over the cost of an equivalent Qashqai’ First drive We try a version of the car that Qashqai buyers should take note of Verdict The Kadjar is already a good car, and this engine simply makes it even better FAMILY SUVS ARE big business, and the Nissan Qashqai has long sat atop the class. Until now, perhaps, because Renault has released a rival that could well snatch its crown. The Renault Kadjar shares some similarities with the Qashqai thanks to the partnership between the manufacturers. The engines from the Qashqai have been put into the Kadjar, and the Renault shares around 60% of its parts with its Nissan counterpart. However, the Kadjar’s trump card is its price: it undercuts the Nissan to the…

‘The X1’s diesel engine makes it brisk in town and still punchy enough on the open road’ First drive All-new X1 is more SUV than family hatch Verdict Bigger and better to drive, but it’s pricey next to its rivals THE X1 PROVED a popular choice with buyers when it was launched in 2009. Its timing was perfect, catching the early flush of enthusiasm for smaller, premium crossovers ahead of its rivals. Its all-new replacement is designed to capitalise on that early success. It is based on BMW’s new compact platform, and is claimed to be more practical than before. Expect the biggest seller in the new range to be the ever-popular xDrive20d variant, as driven here. Good to drive and efficient Most models, including the one tested here, will…

First drive Long-serving MPV gets super-frugal new engine Verdict Better to drive and cheaper to run; great for families on a budget WE’VE LONG THOUGHT the Citroën C3 Picasso one of the best-value ways to transport a small family, and it could be about to get better. Gone are the entry-level 1.4 and pokier 1.6 four-cylinder petrol engines, and in their places is a turbocharged 1.2 three-cylinder option, which we’re testing here. The new 1.2’s CO2 emissions are just 115g/km, 30g/km less than the old 1.4, while average fuel economy is better by more than 11mpg, at a decidedly reasonable 56.5mpg. Punchy at all revs This new engine is much better than the 1.4 ever was. Throttle response is good, and while there’s a short pause while the turbo spins…

‘The dealer told me the car was safe, but to keep an eye on its oil level’ Qashqai’s mysterious thirst for oil I recently took my Nissan Qashqai 1.2 DIG-T 115 Tekna to my local dealer for their opinion on a metallic noise that was coming from the engine bay at around 25mph. I couldn’t tell what it was but it didn’t seem healthy at all. The dealership told me that my car’s engine oil was very low. They topped it up, and told me to bring the car back after one week so they could check if the oil level was down again. Seven days later, I returned to the dealer. I told them the noise remained and that it could be heard simply by revving the engine in…

Run by Barnaby Jones Mileage 15,454 List price £36,870 Target Price £32,494 Average mpg 41.4 My rating IT’S EASY TO overlook the humble estate car. It won’t get you noticed as much as an SUV will and it doesn’t have the interior flexibility of an MPV, but after 15,000 miles with an Audi A6 Avant, it’s clear the estate is well worth your attention. Of course, the A6 Avant is no ‘humble’ estate car. Despite our 2.0-litre diesel version being near the bottom of the A6 range, it still costs the best part of £40,000 – more once the optional extras are taken into account. Many A6s are company cars, but a higher-rate taxpayer still faces a monthly bill of around £270, while leasing the car will cost about £380…

Mileage 6528 List price £17,290 Target Price £16,439 Average mpg 46.7My rating GO FOR A drive in the Cactus and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the way it performs. It accelerates with vigour, belts along the motorway with conviction, and even pulls well up hills in higher gears. My colleagues have often borrowed the car, and not one has complained about its performance, either on long-distance trips or short drives around town. All of that is particularly impressive when you consider that my Cactus is powered by a three-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol engine. Not a big engine, by any stretch, but it is turbocharged, and it produces 109bhp and 151lb ft of torque. That peak pulling power is reached at just 1500rpm, and thanks to its eager engine, the Cactus will…

LESS THAN £10,000 Skoda Citigo Our pick 1.0 60 SE 5dr List price £9485 Target Price £9070 MPG 62.8 CO2 105g/km For It’s economical, solidly built and feels grown-up to drive. It’s cheaper than the VW Up. Against It’s not as classy as the Up and the 59bhp engine can struggle at speed. What Car? says Seat Mii Our pick 1.0 Ecomotive SE 3dr List price £9530 Target Price £9159 MPG 68.9 CO2 95g/km For The Mii feels remarkably grown-up to drive, and is cheaper than the near-identical VW Up. Against It’s not as well finished inside as the Up and this version can feel slow on faster roads. What Car? says Suzuki Celerio Our pick 1.0 Dualjet SZ3 List price £8499 Target Price £8219 MPG 78.4 CO2 84g/km For…

LESS THAN £25,000 Volkswagen Passat Our pick 2.0 TDI 150 SE List price £24,585 Target Price £22,532 MPG 67.3 CO2 106g/km For Drives very well, with a good ride and refined diesel engine. The interior is top notch. Against Some rivals are more practical, while the dashboard design is a bit dull. What Car? says Audi A3 Saloon Our pick 2.0 TDI 150 Sport List price £24,785 Target Price £23,038 MPG 68.9 CO2 107g/km For It handles well, the engine is strong and the cabin is beautifully built. Against It costs more than the A3 Sportback, despite having a less practical boot. What Car? says Volvo S60 Our pick 2.0 D4 Business Edition List price £23,195 Target Price £23,195 MPG 74.3 CO2 99g/km For It’s tax-efficient, comfortable, classy inside, and…

LESS THAN £17,000 Citroën C3 Picasso Our pick 1.4 VTi 95 VTR+ List price £15,145 Target Price £11,861 MPG 44.8 CO2 145g/km For The interior is spacious and the boot is big. Ride comfort and refinement impress. Against Some rivals are cheaper and the engine feels a bit weedy on faster roads. What Car? says Ford B Max Our pick 1.4 90 Zetec List price £14,895 Target Price £13,352 MPG 47.1 CO2 139g/km For The engine is eager, Zetec trim brings plenty of kit and rear-seat access is easy. Against There are only five forward gears, so motorway driving can be tiresome. What Car? says Peugeot Partner Tepee Our pick 1.6 BlueHDi 100 Active 7st List price £17,180 Target Price £16,153 MPG 68.9 CO2 109g/km For Good value for a…

LESS THAN £20,000 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet Our pick 1.2 TSI 105 List price £19,230 Target Price £16,771 MPG 50.4 CO2 129g/km For It looks like nothing else and will hold its value well. The engine is smooth. Against There’s not much space in the rear seats and the ride is unsettled. What Car? says DS 3 Cabriolet Our pick 1.2 Puretech 110 DStyle List price £17,995 Target Price £16,896 MPG 60.1 CO2 107g/km For The interior is chic, classy and well equipped and the engine is strong and flexible. Against The roof pillars stay in place, so it’s not a full open-top. Rear visibility is awful. What Car? says Fiat 500C Our pick 1.2 Lounge S/S List price £15,090 Target Price £14,522 MPG 58.9 CO2 113g/km For It’s cheap to…

A BROKER CLAIMS HE CAN SUPPLY ME WITH A NEW BMW X5 SOONER THAN MY LOCAL DEALER CAN. Is this possible? It could be that the broker pre-ordered a new X5 on the basis that he’d be able to find a buyer for it, or he may have a cancelled order. In either case, it is possible that you could beat the dealer waiting list, but quiz him about the basis for his claim. If it’s one of the two cases above, ask to see the proof, make sure the car has the same engine and trim that you want, and remember that you won’t be able to choose the spec if the car has been ordered. Get the delivery date in writing, too. I’VE SEEN A BROKER WHO IS…

‘The new Tiguan is larger and more spacious inside, and 50kg lighter than the old car’ First look Volkswagen’s popular SUV bounces back with more interior space and a new hybrid version On sale Spring 2016 Price from £23,000 (est) IN THE SEVEN years that the Volkswagen Tiguan has been on sale in the UK it’s become a regular sight on our roads. Famed for its car-like driving dynamics and practical cabin, the Tiguan rose to become one of the key benchmarks for new SUV models to beat. Over time, however, more advanced rivals like Nissan’s Qashqai and the Mazda CX-5 have begun to take the shine off Volkswagen’s SUV. Next to those cars, the Tiguan has started to look cumbersome and expensive. Volkswagen had to act, and so at…

‘Audi has consistently led the way for cabin quality, and it continues to do so here’ First drive More powerful diesel version of Audi’s new exec Verdict Quick, refined and cheap to run IF YOUR DESK looks out over the company car park, you may have noticed some changes lately. The Jaguar XE is now a common sight on our roads, and BMW’s latest 3 Series is now beginning to occupy more spaces. Soon, Audi’s new A4 will be muscling in, too. Traditionally the A4 has always impressed for quality inside, but its ergonomics and handling have looked outdated compared with its rivals’. This new car is bigger than the old one, but it’s also lighter and Audi has spent a lot of time improving refinement. There’s also tweaked suspension…

‘The Astra has no major weaknesses so it’s right up there with the best in class’ First drive Light and lean all-new Astra arrives ready to take on its family hatchback rivals Verdict Excellent value, spacious cabin and good to drive; it’s a real class contender THINK OF A mid-sized family hatchback and it’ll probably be a Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, or Vauxhall Astra, so a new model from any of these is big news. This new Vauxhall Astra really is all new, too. The body is smaller, lighter and more streamlined, while cabin space is improved. There are also new engines, which include this 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol. It comes in two power outputs – 123bhp, or the 148bhp that we’re testing here. The Astra’s on-board tech has taken a…

You could be forgiven for thinking that What Car?’s professional motoring journalists would be pretty handy with a spanner – and for the most part, they are. Checking a tyre, changing a headlamp, even trickier jobs such as oil changes are well within their varied abilities. Life’s not always easy, though, and even the very best can make a hash of a simple job. We’ve collected the most humiliating engineering emergencies, both from the staff of What Car? and from other top motoring titles, partly to help educate the Great British public on better car care and partly to make fun of professional journalists who really should know better. Whether it’s the unpredictable mishaps associated with installing a new engine, building a kit car, or simply messing up an oil…

‘The GTi’s handling isn’t as grippy or as exciting as a Honda Civic Type R’s, but it is poised and precise’ First drive Peugeot has high hopes that this grown-up GTi will push the brand more upmarket Verdict Fast and sophisticated, if not quite as exciting as some of its rivals PEUGEOT WANTS TO be seen as a premium brand, with the upwardly mobile 308 leading the way. It hopes to continue that move upmarket with this, the new 308 GTi. It comes with a choice of 248bhp and 266bhp engines, with the latter priced around £28,000, which is not too far from what Audi charges for a three-door S3. You get a generous level of kit for that price, not to mention the cracking 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine from…

‘Subtle tweaks to the quality of materials make the interior more appealing than ever’ First drive Updated family hatchback gets new styling and technology Verdict Punchier engine and interior improvements make Kia even better to live with AS MID-LIFE UPDATES go, the one Kia has applied to the Cee’d family hatch is pretty comprehensive. As well as new front and rear bumpers outside and an upgraded interior inside, this latest version of the Cee’d also gets new engine options and new safety technology. It’s all aimed at keeping the Cee’d competitive in a segment that’s overflowing with high-quality rivals, in the forms of the Ford Focus, Hyundai i30, Volkswagen Golf, and the forthcoming new Vauxhall Astra. The 1.6-litre diesel model that we’re driving here is currently the best-selling Cee’d in…

Citizens’ Advice Bureau  www.citizensadvice.org.uk Service and repair standards  www.motorcodes.co.uk Check a car has a valid MoT test certificate  www.motinfo.gov.uk Check if a car has outstanding finance  www.whatcar.com/historycheck Trading standards  www.tradingstandards.gov.uk Financial Conduct Authority  www.fca.org.uk Check if a vehicle has been recalled  www.gov.uk/check-if-a-vehicle-has-been-recalled Check a car’s crash safety rating  www.euroncap.com Your car loan questions answered  www.whatcar.com/car-news/carloanfaqs…

Run by John McIlroy Mileage 4922 List price £15,395 Target Price £14,531 Average mpg 45.8 My rating THERE’S NEVER BEEN a better time to be shopping for a small car. Our 2015 Car of the Year, the Skoda Fabia, is a great choice, and the Ford Fiesta and VW Polo remain excellent mainstream options. After six months running a Mazda 2, I’m inclined to suggest that it should be on your shortlist too. The petrol-engined 2 looks pretty conventional compared with turbocharged rivals like the Fabia and the Fiesta. It has a 1.5-litre engine that’s available in three states of tune; we went for the mid-spec 89bhp unit which, on paper at least, offers a good blend of performance and value. The 2’s line-up of trim levels has been kept…

Mileage 2180 List price £13,450 Target Price £12,567 Average mpg 37.5 My rating EVEN THOUGH I rate the Fabia it is always nice to hear from others that have been sufficiently taken by the small Skoda to buy one themselves. My colleague Doug was telling me that his granny has just taken delivery of a new Fabia. He says she’s getting on well with it so far, finding it more comfortable than her old Honda Jazz. He also said that she managed to get a good deal on the car, knocking a fair bit off the list price. With this in mind, I decided to see just how much of a saving I could get if I was buying my Fabia now. The What Car? Target Price suggests that there…

LESS THAN £12,000 Dacia Sandero Our pick 1.2 Ambiance List price £6795 Target Price £6795 MPG 48.7 CO2 135g/km For Lots of space for the money, plus a proven four-cylinder petrol engine from Renault. Against The interior and equipment list are basic, while the low-speed ride is lumpy. What Car? says Suzuki Swift Our pick 1.2 SZ3 3dr List price £10,599 Target Price £9981 MPG 56.5 CO2 116g/km For Lots of equipment as standard and a smart cabin. It’s also fun to drive. Against The engine is noisy and a little gutless at motorway speeds. What Car? says Seat Ibiza Our pick 1.4 85 SE 5dr List price £13,095 Target Price £11,279 MPG 47.9 CO2 139g/km For Rides and handles well, and comes with a generous standard kit list. Against…

LESS THAN £16,000 Suzuki Vitara Our pick 1.6 SZT 2WD List price £15,499 Target Price £14,803 MPG 53.3 CO2 123g/km For The Vitara is good to drive, has a practical interior and comes with lots of equipment. Against CO2 emissions are comparatively high and the steering weight is too light. What Car? says Renault Captur Our pick 0.9 TCe 90 Dynamique Media Nav List price £15,395 Target Price £14,128 MPG 56.5 CO2 115g/km For It’s refined, well equipped and roomy for four adults. The sliding rear bench is practical. Against The interior plastics feel hard and cheap, while the engine is underpowered. What Car? says Citroën C4 Cactus Our pick 1.2 110 Feel S/S List price £15,890 Target Price £14,962 MPG 60.1 CO2 107g/km For It’s remarkably cheap to run,…

LESS THAN £15,000 Suzuki Swift Sport Our pick 3dr List price £13,999 Target Price £13,182 MPG 44.1 CO2 147g/km For Loves to be thrashed, thanks to a rev-hungry engine and snappy gearchange. Against The cabin is plain, so there’s none of the ‘wow’ factor that hot hatch buyers crave. What Car? says Seat Ibiza SC FR Our pick 1.4 TSI 140 List price £15,495 Target Price £13,617 MPG 60.1 CO2 109g/km For Gutsy engine, low running costs, plenty of equipment and a spacious interior. Against Some rivals are more fun to drive and the cabin plastics feel cheap. What Car? says Fiat 500 Abarth Our pick 1.4 T Jet List price £14,255 Target Price £14,255 MPG 43.5 CO2 155g/km For Small hot hatches don’t get any more stylish and the…

‘The new Prius is expected to cut its official CO2 emissions output to around 80g/km’ First look The fourth generation of Toyota’s iconic hybrid features lots of new tech and an improved interior On sale Early 2016 Price from £22,000 (est) VERY FEW CARS have become the flagship for their segment in the same way as the Toyota Prius has with the hybrid market. This is the fourth generation of Toyota’s icon and, while it is still very recognisably a Prius, there are lots of changes over the outgoing model. The looks have been brought into line with the car that Toyota hopes will be the next face of its low-emission future - the hydrogen fuel-cell powered Mirai which has just gone on sale in the UK. It now gets…

While it will account for fewer sales than the fleet-favourite 2.0 TDIs, the entry-level 148bhp turbocharged 1.4 petrol A4 is still an attractive proposition. It never feel feels slow, pulling strongly from low revs in third and fourth gear and feeling happy keeping up with fast traffic. Even better, it’s smoother and quieter than the diesels. It handles in much the same way; it isn’t as smile-inducing as a BMW 3 Series or Jaguar XE, but it has a lighter engine over its front wheels than either of these, so feels slightly more alert. Its light, vague steering remains a negative, though. Prices start at £25,900, CO2 emissions are from 126g/km and fuel economy is a good 53.3mpg. A BMW 318i is cleaner and cheaper, but less fuel efficient, while…

First drive A subtle update adds more equipment and new suspension options to the popular A-Class Verdict Still a good-looking and classy car, but some of its rivals are more refined THE LATEST GENERATION Mercedes-Benz A-Class has been a sales success, appealing to younger buyers who’ve been tempted by its good looks, so it’s no surprise that the design remains unchanged for this update. All models now get the distinctive ‘diamond grille’, revised rear lights and exhausts integrated into the bumper; it’s pretty subtle. More significant are the changes to the equipment levels. All models get a bigger 7.0in colour screen (8.0in on all but entry-level SE trim), and a reversing camera. Many of the engines are revised, too. The entry-level 1.5-litre diesel A180d’s emissions have dropped to 89g/km, while…

‘It’s quiet on smooth roads, but there’s a firmness to the ride on uneven B-roads that’s unsettling’ First drive Subaru’s latest estate car is an interesting alternative to its more mainstream rivals Verdict The Levorg handles well, but its engine, gearbox and cabin are less inspiring ONCE HIGHLY RATED for its estate cars, Subaru is returning to its heartland territory with this, its new Levorg load-lugger. Except that it wouldn’t be much like Subaru to be either normal or predictable, and so instead of simply replacing the old Legacy with a similar car, it’s chosen to try something different. The Levorg is smaller than the Legacy, for starters, and is powered by an all-new 1.6-litre turbocharged flat four petrol engine with quite modest power outputs. Power is sent through a…

‘The Alltrack offers a good blend of comfort, refinement and off-road security’ First drive The Alltrack offers all the virtues of the popular Passat Estate, with an added lift for off-road appeal Verdict Practical, roomy and refined, and now with extra go-anywhere ability DESPITE THE POPULARITY of SUVs, there’s still a market for the rugged estate car, especially among those with a caravan, horse or boat to tow. The Passat Alltrack is a Passat Estate with a 15cm hike in ride height, beefed-up suspension and some underbody protection. All-wheel drive comes as standard, and there are two versions of VW’s 2.0-litre diesel engine available; a 148bhp with a six-speed manual gearbox, and a 197bhp with a six-speed DSG automatic. Refined at a cruise We’re driving the entry-level manual here with…

Mileage 2780 List price £19,295 Target Price £17,996 Average mpg 42.7 My rating THE PULSAR HAS already done the rounds of the What Car? office, and the feedback is almost entirely positive. Everyone is impressed by its space, the smooth engine and how easy everything is to use. Sadly, they’ve also mentioned how uncomfortable the driver’s seat is, so the prospect of driving from the outskirts of London to see my family in Somerset had me worried. I needn’t have been concerned. I’m not sure if it’s my slightly generous natural padding, but I find the driver’s seat comfortable and supportive enough, even without adjustable lumbar support (oddly, this isn’t available on any Pulsar). Bad traffic meant the journey took nearly three hours, but I got out of the car…

Mileage 8270 List price £14,640 Target Price £13,518 Average mpg 41.2 My rating YOU MIGHT REMEMBER we didn’t get on well with Vauxhall’s BringGo satellite navigation app the first time we tried it. It crashed multiple times when downloading, and was pretty slow to use. Customers can download a trial version of the app which lasts for 30 days, but after that it’s £39.99 to continue using it. That seems expensive for an app that has such unsound reliability. A quick look on Apple’s App Store reveals BringGo Western Europe currently holds a rating of only 1.5 stars, too. This is bad news considering the app is currently the only navigation option officially offered by Vauxhall for the Corsa. Trying to use streaming apps such as Spotify has also proved…

LESS THAN £16,000 Nissan Pulsar Our pick 1.2 DIGT Visia List price £15,995 Target Price £14,902 MPG 56.5 CO2 117g/km For There’s plenty of room for occupants and their luggage, and there’s lot of equipment. Against Several rivals have stronger resale values and lower running costs. What Car? says Seat Leon Our pick 1.2 TSI 110 S List price £16,115 Target Price £14,660 MPG 57.6 CO2 114g/km For The engine is refined, running costs are low and S trim has a decent amount of equipment. Against Some of the cabin plastics feel cheap and it could be more refined on the motorway. What Car? says Hyundai i30 Our pick 1.4 100 SE List price £16,495 Target Price £13,995 MPG 47.1 CO2 138g/km For Roomy, well-made cabin. The i30 rides well…

LESS THAN £19,000 Kia Cee’d Sportswagon Our pick 1.4 CRDi 89 1 ISG List price £17,295 Target Price £16,062 MPG 67.3 CO2 109g/km For Lots of space, a high-quality cabin and plenty of equipment for a low price. Against It’s not as good to drive as many rivals and road noise is an issue on coarse surfaces. What Car? says Skoda Octavia Estate Our pick 1.4 TSI 140 SE List price £19,880 Target Price £18,320 MPG 53.3 CO2 121g/km For Offers loads of boot and cabin space and equipment for a competitive price. Against The ride is unsettled and you need to work the engine hard with a full load on board. What Car? says Peugeot 308 SW Our pick 1.2 110 Active List price £18,845 Target Price £17,203 MPG…

LESS THAN £25,000 Mazda CX5 Our pick 2.2 Skyactiv-D 150 SEL Nav 2WD List price £24,795 Target Price £23,039 MPG 61.4 CO2 119g/km For Lots of space and kit for a good price, while CO2 emissions and economy are impressive. Against Firm low-speed ride, and wind and road noise can intrude at speed. What Car? says Nissan X Trail Our pick 1.6 dCi Acenta 2WD List price £24,995 Target Price £22,980 MPG 57.6 CO2 129g/km For It’s comfortable, has a spacious and classy interior, a large boot and lots of equipment. Against Body control is sloppy and the diesel engine is noisy. What Car? says Honda CRV Our pick 1.6 i-DTEC 120 SE List price £25,570 Target Price £23,501 MPG 64.2 CO2 115g/km For The engine is economical and powerful,…

LESS THAN £25,000 Seat Leon SC Our pick 1.4 TSI ACT 150 FR List price £19,700 Target Price £17,921 MPG 60.1 CO2 109g/km For It’s quick, agile, economical and excellent value. There’s good space for people and bags. Against A few bits of cabin trim feel low-rent and there’s too much wind noise at speed. What Car? says BMW 2 Series Our pick 218d SE List price £24,415 Target Price £22,621 MPG 62.8 CO2 119g/km For It rides and handles well, and the diesel engine is punchy and economical. Against The rear seats are cramped for adults and the engine is noisy. What Car? says Mini Coupé Our pick 1.6 Cooper S List price £20,025 Target Price £18,936 MPG 48.7 CO2 136g/km For More entertaining to drive than many rivals.…

What’s the difference between contract hire and leasing? ‘Leasing’ is a catch-all term that includes finance lease and lease purchase, as well as contract hire, which is a form of leasing. Should I go for contract hire or a PCP arrangement? Although monthly payments are often similar, at the end of the deal a PCP gives you the flexibility to own the car for an extra lump sum, or put a deposit down on another deal. If you have to terminate the deal early, contract hire often carries a penalty of 50% of the outstanding rental; the penalties on a PCP are much smaller. With contract hire, VAT-registered users can reclaim VAT on some of the finance and maintenance costs. Does it make sense to take out a ‘with maintenance’…