Fiat has updated the 500L range, revealing three trim levels – Urban, Cross and Wagon – all featuring updated technology, a refreshed look and greater customisation options.
The five-seat Urban variant is the standard model, while the Cross replaces the Trekking as the more adventurous model, featuring added ground clearance and a traction control system. Wagon is the seven-seat model, replacing the MPW.
A number of new safety features have been added, such as autonomous emergency braking, rear parking camera and a child monitoring mirror, which allows the driver to keep an eye on the rear seat.
The revised interior features a new dashboard, a restyled multi-functional steering wheel and TFT colour digital display, as well as a new central armrest and a redesigned gear lever, which is placed higher than before for improved usability.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also integrated with the touchscreen infotainment system, which also boasts Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition and built-in satnav.
For Urban and Cross models, boot space stands at 455 litres, while storage in the Wagon extends to 493 litres with the two additional rear seats folded. Storage space increases to 1,480 litres with the rear seats folded in Urban and Cross trims, and 1,509 in Wagon trim.
Exterior design revisions are light across the range. The front bumper and grille have been redesigned and LED daytime running lights have been added, along with new fog and reversing lights.
For those looking to personalise their vehicle, there are up to 36 colour combinations possible, available in pastel or metallic colours with three roof styles to choose from.
Prices for the Fiat 500L range will start from £16,195, and first deliveries will take place in September.
Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that used car sales were at a record high in the first quarter of 2017. A total of 2,133,956 used cars changed hands, representing a 3.4% increase on the same period in 2016.
Sales of used diesel cars saw an increase of 5.6%, while sales of petrol models rose 1.6% and alternatively-fuelled vehicles saw a rise of 43.2%. In the first three months of 2017, the alternatively-fuelled segment accounted for 1.0% of the total used car market, compared with 0.7% last year.
More used diesel cars now feature the latest Euro 6 emissions systems, making up 20% of the 851,569 used diesel cars sold. Euro 6 came into law in 2015, so this figure is certain to increase over time.
Silver still most popular colour, but white on the rise
The best-selling colour was silver with 463,959 vehicles, accounting for over a quarter of total used car sales. Compared with 2016, sales of silver cars were down 2.1%, while sales of white cars saw an increase of 17.1%.
Assessing the situation, SMMT Chief Executive, Mike Hawes said: “A buoyant used car market combined with strong residual values is good news for the sector, with motorists benefiting from the wide range of models and high-tech safety and connected features entering the market.”
Audi has announced its 2018 Model Year update programme, with the headline addition being a new Black Edition of the A4 Saloon and Avant.
Based on the S Line specification, Audi claims that the Black Edition models receive equipment enhancements worth up to £550 compared to ordering the extra kit individually on an S Line model.
The Black Edition models get privacy glass for the rear windows, acoustic glazing for the front windows, black exterior trim replacing the normal chrome trim, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, piano black trim inlays and 19-inch alloy wheels.
Minor model year specification updates across the range
All new Audi A4 models ordered from May onwards will feature Audi connect Safety & Service, which uses the car’s onboard 4G network to offer emergency call, roadside assistance and service request functions. Audi A4 Sport and A4 S Line models also get upgraded upholstery, heated front seats and other minor trim changes.
All Audi models, from A1 upwards, will now have cruise control and rear parking sensors fitted as standard as part of the 2018 model year. The optional technology, comfort and sound pack contents will now also be applied more consistently across the Audi range.
The A4 saloon and Avant Black Edition models are both available to order at a starting price of £32,350 on-road, rising to £44,350.
Volkswagen has announced a new up! GTI in the spirit of the original Golf GTI from forty years ago.
The concept car had its world premiere at the annual GTI Meet at Lake Wörthersee in Wolfsburg.
The concept and power output of the up! (85 kW / 115 PS) are similar to that of the Golf GTI MkI released in 1976 (81 kW / 110 PS).
The car will have a turbocharged engine with 230 Nm torque, allowing for a top speed of 197 km/h and a 0-62mph time of 8.8 seconds.
Visually, the car’s influences are immediately recognisable. At the front, a red stripe runs across the radiator grille with the GTI logo above. Meanwhile, the wheels have been completely redesigned, with The body lowered by 15mm due to the car’s sports running gear. On the inside, the car features a leather-trimmed steering wheel and GTI gear knob.
The production version of the up! GTI is expected to enter the market early next year.
Designing and producing a new car model is a very expensive business, so you would think manufacturers these days would do all they can to make sure they get it right. They try very hard, but far more often one might think, they get it very wrong.
The recent history of the automotive industry is littered with failed models, launched on a wave of optimism, journalists flown to exotic places to test drive them, only for the car to make no impression on buyers and be abandoned, sometimes in as little as two years.
Sometimes the car in question has a major flaw, sometimes it’s just bad all over, and just occasionally it’s a great idea at the wrong time.
We’ve chosen ten of the most memorable automotive failures – there are quite a few more…
Morgan cars are instantly recognisable. See one on the road and there’s little doubting what it is or where it’s been built. The Malvern manufacturer has been creating cars since the 1950s, and it has retained much of its original building techniques.
Because of this, the Roadster – which we’re driving here – still utilises wood in its chassis construction, and you’ll find rudimentary leaf spring suspension at the back. A hypercar it ain’t.
So, what have we got then? Powered by a 3.7-litre Ford-sourced V6 petrol engine, it produces 280hp but weighs just 950kg dry, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of nearly 300hp per tonne.
That power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox and because there’s little in the way of sound deadening, you’ll get to enjoy that V6’s rasping note at almost all times.
Looks and image
You could hardly call the Roadster’s styling cutting-edge. Though updated, the Morgan’s looks have remained relatively unchanged since they were first imagined. You’ve got an almost unlimited choice of paint colours for the exterior, and you can choose between various exterior finishes and trim pieces too.
There’s a very traditional image associated with the Roadster. It’s a well-known sports car, and you’d be amazed at how many people smile when they see it – it’s an effect that few vehicles have on those they pass.
There’s no denying the sheer attention to detail that you’ll find in a Morgan. The same can be said of the Roadster, as everything is beautifully designed.
Space and practicality
You’ll be unsurprised to hear that there’s not a huge amount of practicality to be found in the Morgan Roadster. As a two-seater, low-slung sports car it isn’t designed to match a family hatchback for space, but in truth it doesn’t do as badly as you’d think.
There’s an area behind the seats large enough for two soft weekend bags, and its elasticated door pockets are large enough for sunglasses cases or mobile phones, and it provides usable spaces that make it just a little easier to get along with day to day.
Behind the wheel
The Morgan Roadster has all the old-school charm you’d expect from a hand-built car. It’s got a surprising amount of performance, and the sprint to 60mph takes just 5.3 seconds – more than enough to give the modern hot hatch driver something to think about. Shift from second into third at speed and it’ll even chirp its rear tyres.
The power-assisted steering lacks a lot of precision, and there’s not a huge amount of feedback, either. However, you can still get the Morgan sweeping through country road bends with little thought. The ride is firm, but it’s never overly sprung. Yes, if you hit a pothole it’ll send a large shockwave through to the cabin, but for the most part it’s comfortable enough. This is aided by the well-padded seats, too.
The Roadster is never a car you feel the need to thrash. It’s happiest when ambling along at a cruise, the rorty exhaust chattering away throughout the rev range. Unsurprisingly, the Roadster’s drive is as traditional as its looks.
Value for money
The Morgan Roadster isn’t what you’d call the most extensively equipped car on the market today. Yes, you get heated seats and a radio, but that’s really about it. If you took its value for money based on this, then the Roadster would appear to be a car that makes little argument for itself.
However, from the moment you sit in the cabin, it’s abundantly clear how much time and effort goes into the car. There’s a high-end smell to the leather, and the large wood and steel Moto Lita steering wheel feels expensive.
Yes, there are foibles – our test car’s floor carpet refused to stay in place, and we did experience a fair amount of water ingress during a shower – but these are things you just accept as part of the Morgan’s character and it’s the reason why people are joining a year-long waiting list to get their hands on one.
People will either get the Morgan Roadster or shun it completely – but we’re firmly in the former camp. There are few cars on the road today that make you – or others for that matter – feel quite like the Roadster does, and it’s why it should be celebrated.
Who would buy one?
The Morgan Roadster is an ideal ‘Sunday’ car, although it really deserves to be driven far more often than this. It could be used as a daily driver, but this really would be pushing its capabilities to an extreme.
However, with Morgan cars only gaining value once they leave the factory, it’s an ideal investment for someone looking to put their money into something special.
Picture an automotive factory somewhere in the Midlands, building car engines. What comes to mind? Is it dirty, dingy, noisy, hot, chaotic? Are the factory workers much the same?
I suppose it’s possible that some automotive factories still operate like that, but the majority these days are spotless, quiet and highly structured, carrying out their work with precision and skill like enormous operating theatres.
In Wolverhampton, the UK’s newest engine factory is still building up to full capacity, some three years after it opened. It is the Jaguar Land Rover Engine Manufacturing Centre (EMC), a £1 billion facility that builds JLR’s latest Ingenium family of engines, and The Car Expert was recently given a guided tour.
With a footprint of about 200,000m2, the EMC is strategically located between JLR’s Halewood, Castle Bromwich and Solihull car manufacturing facilities. This means that the engine factory can minimise delivery times to all of the production sites, which is a good thing as Ingenium engines will be found under the bonnets of nearly every Jaguar and Land Rover model for the next decade and beyond.
As you would expect from a state-of-the-art production facility, there is a high level of automation. More than 170 machines take care of heavy lifting and incredibly precise machining – some of the tolerances are as fine as 0.003mm, which is much less than the width of a human hair. Over 1,000 employees (soon to reach 1,400 as petrol engine production ramps up) work with these machines to produce what will soon be 250,000 Ingenium engines each year.
The EMC is possibly also one of the greenest automotive factories in the country. Atop the vast roof sit more than 21,000 solar panels, which provide up to 30% of the energy needed to run the factory. And during downtime, JLR can sell energy back to the grid.
21,000 solar panels provide up to 30% of the factory’s electricity
A vast number of windows in the ceiling, and a 2m-high glass wall that goes almost right around the facility, allow natural sunlight to pour in during the daytime shifts, and the lights are programmed to dim automatically on sunny days to save energy. The windows in the roof can be automatically opened and closed to regulate temperatures on the factory floor.
Careful attention has also been paid to ‘swarf’, the aluminium waste by-products that result from shaving, scraping and polishing millions of engine components. JLR claims that its swarf recovery levels are industry-leading. The swarf is automatically collected up and sold for recycling and re-use, bringing both environmental benefits and a handy sum of money for JLR.
Ingenium – the heart of the tomorrow’s Jaguar and Land Rover models
JLR’s Ingenium is a modular engine design, which can be built in a range of sizes and in both petrol and diesel configurations (and eventually hybrid powerplants as well). The first version of the engine to launch was a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel format, that has been put to use in the Jaguar XE, Jaguar XF, Jaguar F-Pace, Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque models.
Now the first 2.0-litre petrol models are starting to roll along the EMC’s state-of-the-art production lines in Wolverhampton. In the next few months, these engines will start to be fitted to all the models above, and a 300hp high-performance version will also go into the Jaguar F-Type coupé and convertible sports cars.
Jaguar F-Type
Jaguar XE
Land Rover Discovery Sport
According to JLR, the petrol versions share about 85% of their parts with the diesel units, which makes life much easier for the factory and its suppliers. The Engine Manufacturing Centre has been carefully set up to ensure that production can be adjusted to cope with shifting customer demand between petrol and diesel engines.
With such high commonality between its petrol and diesel engines, the benefits go beyond production efficiencies. JLR has basically developed two brand-new engine families for not much more than the price of one, and the high commonality also makes life easier for the car designers and engineers at both Jaguar and Land Rover.
Further down the road, there will be a petrol-electric hybrid version of Ingenium, and the modular design means that other engine configurations could join the range. Maybe a 3.0-litre six cylinder model, or a 2.5-litre five-cylinder version? Or even a 1.5-litre three-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain for the next generation of models? JLR is obviously not saying anything, but the engine architecture was designed for precisely these sorts of options.
The Skoda Karoq SUV has been unveiled, and it has the Nissan Qashqai in its sights.
The Karoq replaces the Yeti, which while one of Skoda’s most popular models, is an MPV-shaped SUV when buyers are increasingly going for more traditional, high-riding models. Skoda believes the Karoq will outstrip the 10 per cent of Skoda’s total sales that the Yeti currently accounts for.
The Karoq is built on the same MQB platform that has already underpinned a host of VW Group cars. It shares its styling with the recently launched larger sister model, the Kodiaq.
On sale before the end of 2017, the Karoq will be offered with 1.0-litre 115hp and 1.5 150hp TSI petrol engines, and diesels of 1.6 115hp, 2.0 150hp and 2.0 190hp outputs. Two and four-wheel-drive transmissions will be available.
Digital dash in a Skoda
Technology will feature heavily in the car, with the Karoq the first Skoda to offer a digital instrument panel pioneered by Audi with its Virtual Cockpit – its settings will be able to be personalised for up to three different drivers. The drive mode selection on AWD models will include an off-road mode with an electronic differential lock, while there will be a host of driver assistance systems and latest-tech infotainment.
Like the Kodiaq, the Karoq name comes from a tribe in Alaska. Skoda intends to give the car its own identity with a new name but also intends the car to sell well globally – and the Yeti name was not popular in the significant market of China.
What is it? The new Honda Civic is a total change in direction for the brand’s core family car. Key features: Complete redesign – larger car, different look, new chassis. Our view: The Honda Civic benefits from the brand’s bid to make its car a more mainstream contender and is now a purchase far easier to justify. Type of review: First UK drive.
The Honda Civic has been around a very long time – the model can trace its history back to 1972 and the new one that has just arrived in showrooms is the tenth generation.
For the past decade, European buyers have been offered a Civic hatch that was just a bit too sci-fi – a coupé-like exterior with a high-up jellymould profile, and an interior dominated by a funky dash with a big digital speed readout. It was very different to any of its rivals in the market, and that made it a Marmite choice – some loved it, plenty of others didn’t.
With the new model, Honda has ripped up the history book. Formerly the Civic’s specification varied significantly dependent on what part of the world one was in. They have made way for a single global design that is completely new in all areas and looks very different to its predecessor, but it will still be made in Honda’s UK factory near Swindon. In fact, Swindon is now the only Honda plant building the Civic hatch, sending its cars around the world.
Volvo could be set to end development of diesel engine technology for its cars.
As the environmental and political climate turns increasingly against diesel, Volvo CEO Hakan Samuelsson has told German media that the brand’s current generation of diesel engines, introduced in 2013, could well be the last.
Samuelsson quotes the cost of making diesel engines more emissions friendly, particularly reducing their nitrogen oxide levels, as the reason for abandoning the technology.
He told German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, “From today’s perspective, we will not develop any more new-generation diesel engines.”
Diesel has ‘crucial role’
However following the article appearing, Volvo issued a statement to the Reuters news agency in which Samuelsson states that he believes diesel will still play a crucial role in reducing emissions over the next few years. As the brand has only recently launched a new generation of petrol and diesel engines (the Drive-e range) a decision on developing new diesel engines is not required.
Samuelsson says in the newspaper interview that the current diesel engine line-up will continue to be improved and this could go on until around 2023. Future investment, however, will be focused on hybrid and electric cars.
MINI has announced a number of minor model-year updates to its lineup, with enhancements being made to design, functionality and infotainment.
In a first for the brand, MINI Countryman and Clubman customers with Media Pack XL or Tech Pack will now have Apple CarPlay for wireless connection to compatible iPhone apps. The apps will be displayed on the MINI’s 8.8-inch central display and controlled by the MINI Touch Controller or touchscreen.
Operation of driving modes has been tweaked for all models. Changing from the standard setting to sport or economy modes will now be done through a toggle underneath the air conditioning.
There will also be modifications to the cockpit instrumentation to improve clarity. At night time, numbers and letters will appear in white rather than orange. This colour scheme will also apply to the head-up display. A new display on the right-hand side of the cockpit instrument will make it easier to read fuel level details.
An alertness assistant will be introduced on the three-door hatch, five-door hatch and convertible models. The system analyses how the car is being driven and if the statistics suggest that the driver is losing concentration, encourages them to take a break via a graphic on the central display screen.
Jeep has added to its range of Wrangler 4×4 vehicles with the announcement of the limited edition Night Eagle. Unveiled at the Geneva motor show, only 66 examples are destined for the UK market.
The Night Eagle is fitted with a 2.8-litre 200hp turbo diesel engine which is paired with a five-speed automatic gearbox. According to Jeep, this is capable of producing a 0-62mph time of 10.7 seconds and a top speed of 107mph.
Customers can choose from three colours: Xtreme Purple, Alpine White and Solid Black. Model-specific decals on the bonnet and rear panels, 18-inch black wheels and a hard spare tyre cover complete the look.
Inside, the Night Eagle has black leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with contrasting grey stitching. A nine-speaker audio system and Uconnect Navigation with CD, DVD, MP3, 6.5-inch touchscreen, AUX and USB ports are as standard.
Pricing starts at £39,810 for the Night Eagle which goes on sale this week.
Dacia has announced details of UK pricing and specification for its special edition SE Summit range. The range, which includes the Duster, Sandero Stepway and Logan MCV Stepway, made its debut at the Geneva motor show in March.
As previously reported, the SE Summit range is offered an exclusive Nordic Grey paint finish (Magma Orange also available for the Sandero Stepway SE Summit), and features Burnt Orange as a contrast colour inside the cabin.
Based on the top trim level for each vehicle, DAB radio, rear parking sensors, air conditioning, Media Nav multimedia system and cruise control are as standard on all models.
The Duster SE Summit is priced from £15,195, the Sandero Stepway SE Summit from £10,995 and the Logan MCV Stepway SE Summit from £12,295.
The SE Summit range is now on sale in the UK and customers can expect to take delivery of their vehicles from June.
Looking through the huge number of media reports on the “car finance crisis” allegedly gripping the country, it’s amazing to see how many people fundamentally misunderstand how PCP (personal contract purchase) car finance works – and that includes reporters and editors at major media institutions.
Given the size of the car finance market in the UK (approx. £40 billion) and the number of private car buyers who take out a PCP to fund their purchase (up to 90%), it is astonishing how many errors are being made by major media outlets when trying to explain the situation. Here are some of the most common and important issues that have been misreported.
A PCP is a purchase, not a lease or a rental
Perhaps the biggest misconception about PCPs is the repeated assertion that you are leasing the vehicle rather than buying it. This has been widely reported and repeated, and is not helped by some finance companies and others who should know better referring to a PCP as a “personal contract plan“, rather than the correct “personal contract purchase“. Again, this has been widely repeated by the media without properly looking at the detail:
“Instead of buying a car outright, a PCP allows you to rent the car over a three-year period.” – BBC
“(A PCP) allows the buyer to lease a car…” The Times
The Guardian and others are also guilty of using the word ‘leasing’ repeatedly when describing the PCP marketplace. To be very clear, a PCP is not a lease. It is a form of hire purchase (i.e. – a mortgage) – it says so at the top of the contract. When you take out a PCP, you are borrowing the total value of the car minus your initial deposit. When you lease a car, you do not incur a debt and simply agree to pay a monthly fee for the use of someone else’s car.
The Times gets it wrong in glorious colour
Highlighting their own confusion, The Times ran a prominent example (shown below) of a PCP payment schedule – except they actually used a PCH (personal contract hire) schedule, which is a rental…
Please note: despite what this picture from The Times says, it is not a description of a PCP. It’s a lease deal, with added errors for good measure.
The Times got its numbers from an independent car leasing broker who specialises in contract hire leasing, mainly for business users. Surely it would have been more sensible to call a Mercedes-Benz dealer and ask for a PCP quote?
The above graphic also refers to an “implied guaranteed resale price”, which appears to be something that The Times made up on the spot. Car geeks will also note that they have used the wrong car in their illustration (the one shown would cost 15% more), but that’s the least of their crimes here…
A PCP loan includes the balloon payment/GFV
Even when media outlets do correctly report that a PCP is a purchase rather than a rental agreement, there are mistakes being reported. One common misconception is that a customer is borrowing less money on a PCP than on a hire purchase (HP) because they are not borrowing the balloon amount, as reported in the Telegraph:
“(on a PCP)… ‘buyers’ borrow the difference between the price now and what it’ll be worth in four years.” – The Telegraph
“PCP ‘buyers’ are not actually buying their car. They are merely servicing an interest-only loan to cover the cost of its depreciation over the length of their contract.” – The Times
This is not true. Customers are borrowing the same amount on a PCP as on an HP (i.e. – the entire amount of the vehicle, minus any deposit), and paying interest on that entire amount. The difference is the PCP provides the option not to repay the balloon and instead hand back the car at the end of the agreement (although terms and conditions apply).
Credit checks
Another misrepresentation is that credit checks are conducted by the staff at the dealership. Again, this has been reported on multiple occasions, such as these:
“Salesmen are incentivised by commission and are under no obligation to perform any tests other than credit checks to test whether customers can afford car financing.” – The Telegraph
“(The FCA) will also check whether sales staff are carrying out sufficient checks on customers…” The Sun
The staff at the dealership are acting as agents for the finance company, and simply gather all the required personal information to send off to the finance company. It is the responsibility of the finance company to assess the application, which includes conducting a credit check from the likes of Experian. Car dealers can also only go on what customers tell them they want to spend, and do not have access to customers’ private financial information.
The only real requirement of the salesman in the dealership is to make sure that the customer’s details are being recorded correctly, and not ‘massaged’ in any way to appear more favourable to the finance company.
The FCA is investigating how financial products – principally PCPs – are sold by car dealers, but this is likely to cover how staff are explaining and selling finance products. There is certainly concern over dealers who are trying to get customers approved by second-string lenders if the customer has been declined by their primary lender (eg – if you go to a Volkswagen dealer and are declined by Volkswagen Finance, the dealer may try and get you approved by a finance company that specialises in sub-prime customers – but at much higher rates).
Hooray for the FT
Perhaps unsurprisingly, TheFinancial Times has done best at explaining the issues without getting into a muddle. The FT also describes the current situation as a “toxic tangle of slick salesmanship, financial wizardry, and consumer incompetence”, which sounds about right.
The FT also neatly sums up the task facing the FCA and BoE: “The car market’s heady mix of prestige products and bewildering finance will resist efforts at reform. Yet we must try.”
For more confusion, ask the readers
If you need any more convincing that there is widespread confusion about PCPs and how they work, feel free to read through the comments sections of any of the articles listed above. There are several examples of long-winded arguments between readers, berating each other over the topic.
In many cases, both sides are completely wrong yet neither will admit any error and are steadfast in their (mis)beliefs. But to be fair to them, if the majority of the media can’t explain how a PCP works with armies of reporters, fact-checkers and editors, what hope does the public have?
Do you think you may have been mis-sold a PCP car finance contract? Let us know in the comments below.
What is it? The Audi A5 Cabriolet is the second-generation version of the brand’s coupé drop-top. Key features: More refined, better on the road, more tech. Our view: Improved in all areas, the Audi A5 Cabriolet is a compelling proposition for those seeking an upmarket drop-top. Type of review: Taster Test
The launch of the Audi A5 Cabriolet completes the renewal of a model line that began last year with the arrival of second-generation versions of the A5 Coupé and A5 Sportback variants. According to its creators, the new car is better in all areas; increasing its quality, performing better on the road and taking full benefit of the increasingly sophisticated technology available in Audi models.
Three engines are available for mainstream versions of the new car. Petrol options range across a 2.0-litre petrol unit offering 190hp and matched to either six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, or a 252hp version with an automatic gearbox and quattro all-wheel-drive. For the more performance-hungry, Audi is also launching a new S5 Cabriolet, with a V6 petrol engine producing 354hp, quattro all-wheel drive and a 5.1-second 0-62mph time.
Our test car, however, is fitted with the 2.0-litre diesel, putting out 190hp, with the S tronic and front-wheel-drive – this car can also be had with quattro.
All are housed within a new shell, 47mm longer but 8mm narrower than its predecessor, and with a wheelbase increased by 14mm. Torsional rigidity, always a crucial factor in a convertible, is said to be up by 40 per cent, while the use of modern construction techniques including high-strength steel and aluminium enable weight savings of up to 40kg – all of which should mean a better on-road performance.
Audi has resisted any temptation to adopt a more solid but space-eating metal roof – the soft top boasts four layers and folds electrically in 15 seconds, at speeds up to 30mph. Once folded, it sits in a tray under the rear – this moves up when the hood closes to offer a total boot space of 380 litres.
Styling changes include a significantly wider, flatter grille and a rear screen that is also flatter. With a distinctive shoulder line the car certainly looks purposeful, particularly with the hood down.
On the road
Step inside the Cabriolet and the surroundings are familiar, not just to the A5 range but Audi’s current line-up. That’s not a bad thing – Audi interiors are the best in the business and the latest better yet, combining excellent build quality with top levels of practicality – the various controls fall naturally to hand and are both simple and refined to use. Of course, the fully digital ‘virtual cockpit’ is a must-have, well worth the £250 extra it costs.
The diesel in our test car maintains the level of refinement – it’s smooth in start-up, and any audio note virtually disappears once on the road. In fact the lack of stirring sound is almost misleading, as this engine is quite perky in its performance – 62mph dispatched in 8.3 seconds is plenty swift enough for most. And it is all achieved in such a confident manner that is matched by the car’s handling. The ride is comfortable on the motorway, and while it may not be quite as ‘point and grip’ in the bends as its coupé sister, it is still pretty assured.
Verdict
First impressions of the new A5 Cabriolet are highly positive – in diesel form at least (we have yet to try the petrol variant) it’s a complete package. The original model was accomplished, but the new one simply improves the breed.
Perhaps the one aspect to watch is the price – while our £42K base price virtually matches the car’s direct rivals, it’s very easy to add substantially to this dipping into the options list – our test car had more than £4,000 of extras, including a rear-view camera costing £1,050 alone…
Audi A5 Cabriolet – key specifications
Model tested:Audi A5 Cabriolet 2.0 TDI 190hp S line automatic Price: £42,625 (Range starts £35,235) On sale: First deliveries April 2017 Engine: 2.0-litre diesel, 190hp, 400Nm 0-62mph and max speed: 8.3 sec, 144mph Economy and emissions: 60.1mpg (62.8*), 124g/km (118*) Key rivals: BMW 420d Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz C220d Cabriolet. Test date: April 2017 * = with standard 17-inch wheels, test car fitted with 19-inch wheels.
The Car Expert Taster Tests are concise summaries of new models to the market, that we have driven for under 50 miles. They are often preludes to full road tests of the vehicle at a later date.
SEAT has announced UK pricing and specification for the Ateca FR model, which was unveiled at the Barcelona motor show this week to join the rest of the Ateca range.
The Ateca FR model is distinguishable by its 18-inch alloy wheels, body-colour wheel arch surrounds and tinted rear windows.
Specification for the FR includes exterior and cabin LED lighting and SEAT’s Drive Profile, which enables drivers to adjust their vehicles’ performance. The FR’s infotainment system features navigation, smartphone integration with Mirror Link, Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto and USB and AUX ports.
Two petrol and two diesel engines are available for the Ateca FR. Dual-zone climate control, a rear-view camera and auto-folding door mirrors are also standard. Advance driving, convenience and winter packs, as well as a panoramic sunroof, are available at extra cost.
The Ateca range earned a five-star Euro NCAP rating in 2016. Safety features on the FR include autonomous emergency braking, driver drowsiness detection and hill hold assist.
The SEAT Ateca FR starts at £24,960 and will be available to order from 3rd July, before its arrival in UK showrooms this August.
Further details of the updated BMW 4 Series have been released.
As previously announced, the range gets styling updates inside and out, including 18 and 19-inch alloy wheels and two new exterior paint finishes, as well as a host of the latest technology.
The digital cockpit features a new navigation system and is compatible with Apple CarPlay. Personalisation options now include a choice of three leathers and two interior trim finishes. Real-time traffic updates and LED fog, head and tail lights are now as standard.
BMW has not updated the drivetrains on offer for the 4 Series, but either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission can be specified depending on the model.
Pricing starts from £33,555 – a £1,030 increase on the amount originally announced in January. Customers can place their orders for the 4 Series now.
Six years after the model first went on sale, Land Rover has announced a special edition model of its popular SUV: the Range Rover Evoque Landmark.
March saw UK car manufacturing at a record high and, according to Land Rover, an Evoque rolls off the production line at their Halewood plant every 170 seconds. The site has produced 600,000 units of the Evoque since 2011, with the majority destined for export markets.
Based on the 180hp TD4 diesel Evoque, the Landmark is available in three colours: Yulong White, Corris Grey and Moraine Blue. Exterior design details include grey accents with the fixed panoramic glass roof and 19-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the Evoque Landmark features leather seats with contrasting grey stitching, as well as keyless entry and automatic handsfree tailgate.
An array of optional technology includes a ten-inch touchscreen which provides a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot and is compatible with Spotify. Owners can use a dedicated app to check the fuel level and location of their vehicle and to pre-heat or cool the cabin. Those opting for Touch Pro Services get real-time traffic mapping and a sidebar featuring weather, news headlines and a flight tracker.
Pricing for the Range Rover Evoque Landmark starts from £39,000 for the manual model and £40,000 for the automatic. Land Rover will open its order books on 10th May when the Landmark appears at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
Toyota is claiming the title of the world’s fastest SUV after a specially-built Land Cruiser clocked up more than 230mph.
The ‘Land Speed Cruiser’ was driven by former Toyota NASCAR driver Carl Edwards, smashing the previous record by 19mph during runs on the 2.5-mile runway at the Mojave air and space port in California, USA.
The major modification to the Land Cruiser was to the 5.7-litre V8 engine offered in US versions of the SUV. While its 386hp is far in excess of the 177hp available in UK models, it was comprehensively uprated. Two enormous Garrett turbochargers were added, boosting peak power to more than 2000hp.
Other modifications included the addition of a purpose-built racing transmission, while to accommodate purpose-designed suspension wider Michelin tyres the frame was narrowed by three inches. Aerodynamic improvements, meanwhile, improved dropping the entire car closer to the ground.
Supersonic runway
Development testing was carried out by Toyota test driver and championship road racer Craig Stanton at the brand’s Arizona Proving Ground, and he made the initial runs at Mojave, achieving 198mph. Edwards then took over for the record runs on the runway built for supersonic aircraft. His first run clocked 211mph, but he found himself running out of space to slow the Land Cruiser down.
Dialling in more boost enabled the 230mph run and the NASCAR driver believed he could have gone faster with more runway available. “At 225 mph, the thing was wandering a little bit,” Edwards said. “All I could think was that Craig said, ‘No matter what, just keep your foot in it,’ and we got 230mph. It’s safe to say that this is the fastest SUV on the planet.”
The latest Civic Type R has an optimised version of its predecessor’s 2.0-litre turbo engine which now produces 320hp and a maximum torque of 400Nm. This is paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
The GT model boasts a number of additional features including blind spot information, dual-zone climate control, auto dimming rear view mirror, Honda’s infotainment system with Garmin Navigation, wireless charging, high power audio and LED front fog lights.
The Civic Type R is due to hit UK showrooms in July with the entry-level model starting from £30,995 and the GT from £32,995.
Mercedes-Benz has extended its SLC range with a new entry-level petrol model called the SLC 180. At the same time, it has also discontinued the Sport specification for all SLC models in the UK, making AMG Line the only trim level for all engine variants.
The 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine produces 156hp and peak torque of 250Nm. It has a top speed of 140mph and a 0-62mph time of 7.9 seconds. Mercedes-Benz claims that the petrol engine has a fuel economy of 48.7mpg.
All engines in the SLC range are paired with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. Customers can opt for a nine-speed automatic transmission at an additional £1,600.
All models in the SLC 180 AMG Line come with 18-inch alloy wheels, Active Brake Assist, cruise control, air conditioning, sports suspension and a sports braking system as standard.
On sale now from £32,039, the Mercedes-Benz SLC 180 is expected to arrive in showrooms by late summer.
The new Ibiza features several new exterior colours, an eight-inch infotainment screen on selected models and is the first model to be built on the new A0 specification of the Volkswagen Group’s modular MQB platform.
SEAT is offering the Ibiza with a choice of four engines, including a new 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit which produces 75hp.
The Ibiza is available in five trim levels. The entry-level S includes air conditioning, electric front windows, automatic headlights, Bluetooth and Front Assist. The SE adds 15-inch alloy wheels, cornering front headlights, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control and SEAT’s multimedia package. The sporty FR features 17-inch alloys, dark-tinted rear glass, twin exhausts, sports suspension and rear disc brakes. The top-of-the-range Xcellence includes 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and go, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.
SEAT’s multimedia package consists of an eight-inch colour touchscreen, navigation with 3D map display, voice recognition, DAB radio and two USB ports. A Beats audio system is optional.
With prices starting from £13,130, the fifth-generation Ibiza is available to order now ahead of its arrival in showrooms on 21st July.
What is it? The new SEAT Leon is a mid-life refresh for brand’s biggest-selling model.
Key features Subtle styling changes, new engine option, updated tech.
Our view The revamp to the SEAT Leon is all that is needed to keep a top-contending model competitive – it remains a must-try for any family hatch buyer.
When the SEAT Leon launched in 1999, it established the Spanish brand as a mainstream contender. It has since become SEAT’s best-selling model, in one of the most competitive sectors in the market where its rivals include top-ten fixture cars such as the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra.
The market is changing, however, with more and more buyers defecting from traditional family hatches to SUVs – SEAT is adding two more to the Ateca it launched in 2016. So the Leon needs to evolve to stay in the game.
And that is exactly what the latest package of changes, applied to the third-generation Leon launched in 2012, comprise. This mid-life refresh is not about major headlines but a host of upgrades, mostly making use of the new technology launched in more recent newcomers such as the Ateca. The biggest news is the availability of a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine previously only offered to continental buyers.
The new Leon arrived in showrooms in February, the revamp applied at the same time to all three versions – three-door SC, five-door hatch and ST estate, while also extending to the range-topping off-road pitched Leon X-perience. For the purpose of this review, however, we are focusing on the core five-door hatch.
Exterior and interior
SEAT describes the new exterior look as ‘subtle changes’, which is fine as the canvas the designers have to work with is so good anyway. The Leon has long been considered one of the best-looking family hatches on the market, with a purposeful profile based on sharp crease lines – notably on the bonnet and flanks.
The revamp seeks to add a little more sportiness to those looks. A slightly bolder front end gains a lower bonnet, wider grille and a redesigned bumper. The new technology is in the form of LEDs in the headlights, indicators and fog lights – yes we know the previous Leon had LED headlamps, but apparently the new ones offer triple the light intensity of their predecessors.
Equally, the Leon’s interior has been much praised for its cockpit-like feel, with the instruments grouped towards the driver and all placed close together, being very easy to use. Here again, it’s about subtle improvements, with new finishes and ambient lighting in a choice of eight colours which “occupants can adapt according to their mood.” Does one really get in a car and think “I’m not very happy this morning, so I’ll change the lighting from orange to blue”?
Seriously, however – it’s a very effective interior and does not require much in the way of improvement, although the major update (replacing the manual handbrake with an electric one) does free up lots of between-the-seats space.
The Leon was one of the first new models launched on the VW Group’s flexible MQB platform and thus there is plenty of space for front and rear passengers and their luggage. At 380 litres the boot is some 64 bigger than in a Focus, and 10 more than the Astra. Drop the rear seats and it extends to a gargantuan 1,470 litres, though loading requires humping one’s luggage over a rather high rear sill.
Powertrains
Propulsion choices for the Leon remain plentiful, drawing on the many options in the VW Group engine catalogue. The five petrol units available range from 1.0 to 1.8 litres and 115 to 180hp, while there are three diesels, a 1.6-litre with 115hp and a pair of 2.0-litre units with either 150 or 184 horses.
Of this eight just two are changed over the previous model. The 1.6 diesel has had its power increased by five horses to 115hp, while improving economy and emissions, while there is a completely new-to-the-UK unit in the form of a 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI. This is an impressive little engine, its sub 10-second 62mph sprint feeling enthusiastic while the combined cycle fuel economy is comparable to the diesels and the emissions figure of 102g/km best in the range.
SEAT expects, however, that the 1.4 petrol, with its clever ability to shut down two cylinders when cruising to save fuel, will remain the most popular choice amongst retail buyers. Fleet drivers meanwhile will go for the smallest diesel.
Six speeds are general across the transmission range, whether in manual or in the auto gearbox, though the 1.6-litre diesel has a five-speed manual ‘box and there are seven with the 1.4 EcoTSI engine and the auto-equipped 1.6 TDI.
On the road
Both of the most popular engines and the new 1.0-litre came under The Car Expert’s gaze during the launch event, and it is to little surprise that all behaved impeccably. They combine smooth, almost silent progress with eager pick up and smooth shifts whether through manual or DSG transmissions.
All testers of family hatches know that the Ford Focus offers the most effective chassis, but the Leon comes very close to bettering it, adding to the car’s generally sporty profile. A series of twisting bends is accomplished in fine style with precise turn-in and fine control through the apexes with plentiful grip. Equally, cruising at speed limits the Leon is assured, effectively smothering road surface imperfections.
Equipment
Five trim levels are on offer across the five-door range, including a new top-level XCellence grade. But perhaps most notable is the excellent safety package.
Standard safety features extend to multi-collision braking and a new tiredness recognition system, that reacts to changes in the inputs to the steering wheel and sounds a warning. DSG (automatic) models gain a host of extras including a lane-keeping function and even the ability to slow the car to a stop if the driver does not react after a certain period.
Other new technology options available with the Leon are headed by connectivity. These range up to a hub that maintains full functions of any smartphone through the car while wirelessly charging said phone at the same time.
Summary
The SEAT Leon has always been regarded very highly and the package of updates applied to the latest model simply enhance a quality package. It’s thoroughly practical while offering more personality than its perhaps more mainstream-regarded sister, the Volkswagen Golf. Buyers in the market for a family hatch should have the Leon high on their consideration list.
The Koleos joins the Kadjar and Captur in the increasingly-crowded crossover segment. The six-version line up is available with a choice of two of Renault’s existing trim levels: Dynamique S Nav and Signature Nav.
Options for the Koleos include hands-free parking, heated and ventilated front seats, powered automatic tailgate, easy-folding rear seats and opening panoramic sunroof. The Koleos’ infotainment system consists of thirteen speakers, 8.7-inch screen compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The new Koleos is available with a host of advanced driver assistance systems including advanced emergency braking, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, over-speed prevention, traffic sign recognition and hill start assist. A rear parking camera and front and rear parking sensors are as standard on all models.
Renault offers the Koleos with a 4-year/100,000-mile warranty, 3-year paint warranty, 12-year cover against corrosion and the Renault Assistance package. Priced from £27,500, the Koleos is available to order now with deliveries commencing later this summer.
New styling and safety features are the order of the day for the facelifted Peugeot 308 hatch and estate models, including the performance GTi hatch.
Modifications to the 308’s styling include a new bonnet, grille, front bumper and elliptical headlights. All models get LED daytime running lights as standard.
The Peugeot 308 boasts greater connectivity with a touchscreen that uses Mirror Screen to display the user’s smartphone. It’s also compatible with MirrorLink, AndroidAuto and Apple CarPlay. The 3D satnav with voice control uses TomTom to provide realtime traffic updates.
The current-shape 308 received a five-star Euro NCAP rating when tested back in 2013. Optional safety features now include Active Safety Brake, Active Lane Departure Warning, adaptive cruise control and Visiopark1 with 180° rear camera and Park Assist function.
Customers can choose from a range of petrol and diesel engines. The new 308 is the first PSA Group model to get 1.5 BlueHDi 130 stop-start diesel engine, while the BlueHDi 180 stop-start diesel engine is exclusive to the 308 and can be paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission.
The updated Peugeot 308 is available for UK delivery from September onwards.
