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Volkswagen Tiguan review

Car reviews

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28 July 2016

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What is it?
Second-generation version of VW’s core SUV.

Key features
New architecture, sleeker design, more space and tech.

Our view
The new Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the more pricey mainstream SUV options, but that is unlikely to be an impediment to UK sales.

When Volkswagen entered what was the SUV and soon to become the crossover market in 2008, its new Tiguan was effectively a toe in the water of a sector that was only starting to show promise, led by the Nissan Qashqai.

Now the all-new second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan arrives on the back of great success – its predecessor has sold 2.8 million globally, 100,000-plus in the UK, and it’s now Volkswagen UK’s third best-selling model after the Golf and Polo.

The market it competes in has grown too – it’s now the fastest growing segment in the industry, and as a result there are a lot more high-quality rivals to the Tiguan. Today few manufacturers can afford not to have a C-segment crossover in their line-up.

So the new Tiguan is not only a more mature vehicle than its predecessor, it’s also the standard bearer for a line of SUV/crossovers coming from Volkswagen to contend in every part of the potential market.

In many ways, however, this Tiguan is an evolution of the Mk1 version, and avoids dumbing down into the pure road-pitched crossover market, all looks and little action. Yes it is available in 2WD form, but it also can be specified to suit those who regularly leave the tarmac, with both the styling and the mechanics to cope.

Volkswagen Tiguan SEL with Offroad pack 02

The new Tiguan is yet another vehicle, but the first SUV, based around the VW Group’s highly flexibile modular MQB platform. Combined with VW’s latest design language, the result is a 60mm longer, 33mm lower and 30mm wider vehicle, with a 77mm stretch of the wheelbase freeing up more interior space.

Its shell is more slippery, aiding fuel economy. Visually there is nothing radical in this redesign, it won’t turn heads, but it does look highly competent, convincingly planted on the road.

According to Volkswagen, the Tiguan boasts one of the most spacious interiors in its class. Remarkably the seats are placed 8mm higher than in the previous model, with that lower roof, yet there is improved headroom.

An extra 29mm knee room in the rear enables three proper-sized passengers to be carried in comfort – particularly if one slides the bench seat back by up to 180mm. Slide said bench forward and boot space is 615 litres, 145 litres more than the old model. Fold the seats down and that space grows to 1655 litres.

Up front the driver’s environment is well appointed but also rather familiar – especially if one has driven a Golf recently. Perhaps the highlight is the opportunity to specify a digital instrument display, technology trickling down from Audi but in VW parlance known as the Active Info Display. A head-up display is also on the options list.

Three petrol and three diesel engines are on offer at launch, with a further range-topping 236bhp diesel to join the line-up shortly. All are familiar parts of the VW range and all EU6 emissions compliant.

The current petrol options are a 1.4-litre unit in 123 and 148bhp power outputs and matched to a two-wheel-drive transmission, and a 177bhp unit only offered with 4Motion all-wheel-drive.

Diesel buyers can choose three versions of VW’s familiar 2-litre unit, with 113, 148 or 187bhp. The entry-level unit comes only with 2WD, the 187 only with 4Motion.

The Car Expert tried out the 148bhp diesel in both 2WD and 4WD versions. This is expected to be the best seller in a sales mix that will be 90 per cent diesel, and perhaps reflecting the Tiguan’s more traditional market, the 4WD is predicted to sell more than its 2WD sibling.

It’s of little surprise that this format has its fans – the combination accelerates crisply, if not as rapidly as some rivals, and really scores on its flexibility and overall refinement, whether the front or all four wheels are delivering the traction. The only downside is a slightly intrusive low-rev audio note, but this soon smooths out as speed rises.

Ride comfort of the Tiguan is exemplary, particularly for an SUV, soaking up bumps with aplomb. It’s not a car that one feels can be hustled through corners at too much pace, but equally it remains upright and poised at all times – a relaxing ride.

Tiguans are available in five trim levels, from entry-level S to range-topping R-Line, and the equipment on offer includes a wide-ranging safety package extended in options thanks to use of the MQB platform. Aids such as Front Assist with City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring and Lane Assist are all offered from S models upwards, as is for the first time an active bonnet, springing up by 50mm in a collision to ease potential injuries to pedestrians or cyclists thrown onto it.

While the entry-level S also includes such niceties as a DAB radio and Bluetooth, an extra £2,750 buys the second-level SE and adds among the extras climate and cruise control. Navigation is a further £720, while a big step up of almost £1600 is necessary to SEL before the Active Info display comes as standard amongst the equipment.

The cheapest Tiguan is the 2WD 1.4 petrol model at £22,510. Diesels start from £24,110, an AWD diesel from £27,020, while the first SEL with that desirable dash is the 2WD 2.0 148bhp at £29,610.

All of which makes the Tiguan one of the more pricey mainstream SUV options. It’s not over-expensive when one considers the quality of its fit and finish, but certainly at the upper end of its market. That said, the Mk2 is a major evolution and should keep the Tiguan contributing significantly to Volkswagen’s UK sales.

Similar cars

Volkswagen Tiguan – key specifications

Models tested: Volkswagen Tiguan SE Navigation 2.0 TDI SCR 2WD, SEL 2.0 TDI SCR 4Motion
On sale: June 2016
Range price:£22,510-£36,375 Insurance groups: 13E-24E
Engines: 1.4-litre petrol x2, 2.0-litre petrol, 2.0-litre diesel x3.
Power (bhp) / Torque (lb/ft): 123/148, 148/184; 177/236. 113/184, 148/251, 187/295.
0-62mph (sec) / Top speed (mph): 10.5/118, 9.2/125; 7.7/129*. 10.9/115, 9.3/127 (4WD 9.3/125), TBA/TBA.
Fuel economy (comb mpg) / CO₂ (g/km): 46.3/139, 48.7/132; 38.2/170*. 60.1/123, 57.6/129 (4WD 52.3/141), 49.6/149.
Key rivals: Nissan Qashqai, Mazda CX-5, Renault Kadjar
Test Date: June 2016
Figures with manual gearbox unless marked*

Volksagen Tiguan review at The Car Expert

More style, new trim for Volkswagen Beetle

Car manufacturer news

Andrew Charman

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28 July 2016

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More style, new trim for Volkswagen Beetle

Volkswagen is launching a mid-life refresh of its distinctive Beetle model, with the emphasis on styling changes and a new trim level.

The Mk2 version of the current Beetle, launched in 2011, debuted a lower, wider shape compared to the first ‘new Beetle’ of 1998. Now across both coupé and cabrio versions, that body gains changes to the front bumpers and enlarged openings around the indicators and fog lights to produce a more sculpted look.

R-Line trim is also available for the first time on the Beetle, replacing the previous Sport trim, and this includes bespoke bumper designs with extra air intake openings to create a more sporty look. R-Line models also include sports suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels with two choices, a body-coloured rear diffuser, chrome-plated twin exhausts, gloss black door mirrors and protectors and a tailgate spoiler.

Inside R-Line models include ‘Sports’ instrument dials, aluminium pedals, leather on the three-spoke steering wheel and R-Line badging. Climate control, ambient lighting, front and rear parking sensors and cruise control are all specified as standard.

Throughout the Beetle range brighter interior lighting, dash changes and new upholstery options are now offered.

Beetle prices start at £16,820 for the 1.2 TSI petrol coupe – R-Line versions are only offered with the 2.0 TDI diesel engine at prices from £23,540.

Read more Volkswagen news, reviews and features at The Car Expert

Renault Megane review

Andrew Charman

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27 July 2016

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What is it?
Fourth generation of Renault’s signature family hatch.

Key features
All-new styling, interior upgrade, new direction dash layout.

Our View
The new Renault Megane is a big step forward, boasting the right mix of style and technology to pitch the French make right back into family hatch contention.

More Renault news, reviews, features and offers

The Renault Megane has been with us since 1989 and made its mark on the UK motoring scene – who can forget, for example, the car “shakin’ its ass” for years on TV adverts?

That distinctive second-generation Megane made way for a more conservative version in 2009, and in total the first three generations of the car have found 540,000 UK buyers. But when a floundering Renault announced a major reinvention of itself in 2012, culling several well-known models including the Laguna and Espace and promising a completely new range, we knew the next Renault Megane would be something different. It’s taken four years, but the car has lived up to the billing.

Arriving on UK roads from July, the new Megane instantly draws attention. The body is longer by 6cmm, its roof an inch lower than its predecessor. It might be the same width, but the front wheels sit some 5cm wider apart, the rears 4cm, on a wheelbase extended by 3cm.

All this comes courtesy of the bang up-to-date CLF platform of the Renault-Nissan alliance – architecture that will be under 70% of the two brand’s products by 2020. It already underpins the recently-launched Kadjar SUV, the soon-to-launch Scenic MPV, and the Talisman from the next class up, a car that has donated quite a bit else to the new Megane.

Notable among these gifts are the visuals – the new Renault Megane is far bolder than its predecessor, with edgy styling, sharp creases and a highly purposeful front end, dominated by a perhaps slightly too in-your-face big diamond logo and the distinctive LED edge lighting, fitted both front and rear.

Slip inside and the lower proportions are not particularly noticeable, but a feeling of space and particularly quality is. The fit and finish is another element donated by the Talisman, as Renault tries very hard to move its appeal upmarket.

It’s the dash, however, that most will notice, so long as they choose the third of five trim levels, Dynamique S Nav, or raid the options list. From these models upwards, the typical seven-inch centre console touchscreen makes way for an 8.2in unit, rotated 90 degrees to a portrait format.

This screen looks as if it has come straight out of the Volvo XC90, though Renault personnel on the launch event preferred to name-check the Tesla supercar. Turned off it looks a bit of an unattractive slab dominating the console, but turn it on and it becomes a very user-friendly unit that is both easier to operate and much easier to read the information from.

Initially the new Megane is going on sale with a four-strong engine choice. By far the biggest seller is expected to be the 1.5-litre dCi 110 diesel unit of 110hp, with its plus-70mpg fuel economy and sub-100g/km CO2 emissions. This is also expected to revive Renault’s fortunes amongst fleet buyers who have had no interest in the brand in recent times.

There’s also a more powerful diesel, a 1.6-litre 130hp unit which will only be offered to those who choose the top, RenaultSport inspired, GT Line trim level. Petrol fans, meanwhile will have the choice of a 1.2-litre unit of 130hp, or the range-topping 1.6-litre with 205 horses on tap and again only available to GT buyers.

The Car Expert tried both the dCi 110 and the sporty GT Nav 205 variant. The diesel is familiar territory – it is already in the Megane’s sister crossover the Kadjar, so it is of little surprise to be served up refined progress, the unit virtually silent while negotiating the busy towns of the Yorkshire test route and accelerating smoothly once out on the open road.

The 205, meanwhile, is quicker – 62mph comes up in 7.2 seconds compared to the 11.3 of the dCi 110. But it doesn’t really feel as quick as a car that has had the RenaultSport brush waved over it should do. And it also comes only with an EDC auto gearbox, albeit with a manual shift option, accomplished through some of the longest steering wheel paddles this reviewer has yet seen. One feels this is a car in waiting for a no-doubt forthcoming proper RS model.

On the road, the Megane is accomplished and will fulfil everything most buyers require. Its chassis is very well set up, smothering bumps and undulations with confidence.

The steering is very light, which is great for in-town manoeuvres, but becomes devoid of feel, particularly if one has driven the likes of prime rival the Ford Focus. Renault’s Multi-Sense system, standard from Dynamique Nav models upwards, allows changes in the steering amongst its many personalisation options, but dialling it up produces an improvement rather than a solution.

Notably, the GT models come fitted with 4Control, which adds a degree of steering to the rear wheels – well it does above 37mph, or 50mph in sport mode. Below these speeds its input is up to 2.7 degrees, providing extra stability in the twisty bits.

As with virtually all today’s releases technology occupies a large number of the Megane headlines. Renault’s R-Link tablet control accesses much of the tech and in particular driver assistance systems that can include adaptive cruise control, blind spot and lane departure warnings and a host of other aids so recently the preserve of the premium segment.

Renault states that the dCi 110 in Dynamique Nav trim will be the best seller, and for prices starting from £19,400 this model will include as standard much of the driver aids grouped together as the Visio safety system, parking sensors, auto high/low beam headlamps, dual zone climate control, the Multi-Sense system and quite a lot more.

We’d be sorely tempted, however, to pay an extra £1,000 for Dynamique Nav S trim, because while this adds smarter alloys and a rear parking camera, it also provides that so much better vertical touchscreen.

Overall, the new Renault Megane is a big step forward, boasting the right mix of style and technology to pitch the French make right back into family hatch contention.

Read more Renault news, reviews and features at The Car Expert

Renault Megane – key specifications

Models tested: Renault Megane Dynamique S dCi110, GT Line 205 Auto EDC
On sale: July 2016
Range price: £16,600-£25,500
Insurance groups: 14E-27E
Engines: Petrol 1.2, 1.6. Diesel 1.5, 1.6
Power (bhp) / Torque (lb/ft):129/151, 202/207. 109/193, 128/236.
0-62mph (sec) / Top speed (mph): 10.6/122, 7.1/143. 11.3/116, 10.0/123.
Fuel economy (comb mpg) / CO₂ (g/km): 52.3/120, 47.1/134. 76.4/96, 70.6/104.
Keyrivals: Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra, Peugeot 308
Test Date: July 2016.
* All figures with manual gearbox where available

Insight: 45 years on, Audi is still all about Technik

Automotive history

Andrew Charman

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27 July 2016

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Insight: 45 years on, Audi is still all about Technik

Very few manufacturer advertising slogans stand the test of time. A sound-bite will survive maybe five to 10 years before a new marketing push relegates it to history.

Take SEAT for example. For years the Spanish manufacturer, part of the VW behemoth, sold its cars under the slogan of “Auto Emocion”, until in 2011 this was killed off in a blaze of publicity by new boss James Muir, who argued that no-one knew what it meant.

Muir, instead, launched the somewhat tortuous “Enjoyneering” and perhaps not surprisingly just five years later no-one recalls that phrase and SEATs are now being marketed as ‘Technology to Enjoy’…

Say Audi, however, and everyone immediately thinks “Vorsrpung Durch Technik” – a marketing phrase first launched in 1971 – 45 years ago…

Audi believes this phrase is still as relevant, if not a great deal more so, today, and it is difficult to argue against when one arrives at a ‘quattro Driving Day’ to be find three new models awaiting, all with technological advances some of which could be highly significant not just for Audi but the industry as a whole.

Perhaps none more so than in the quattro itself – the lower-case Q is deliberate, signifying Audi’s all-wheel-drive system, which itself has been offered on the brand’s road cars since 1980, and has taken many an Audi to victory in World Rally Championship and more recently World Endurance Championship races.

Particularly in the UK, the brand has marketed quattro for many years on its safety aspects, the improved grip it offers the less than agreeable weather that is typical of living on this island. Only more recently has the early aim of the all-wheel-drive pioneers, to put power down most effectively, been properly achieved, as Audi’s Jon Zammett points out; “We’ve had 37 years of making 4WD cars – now it has been adopted for high performance cars not just by us but the likes of Lamborghini, Bugatti in the Veyron…”

So perhaps it’s a surprise that the quattro system has remained basically to the same format for all of those 37 years. But no longer – the latest Audi A4 allroad can be supplied with ‘New quattro with ultra technology’ – a significantly updated system, primarily to produce the fuel economy and emissions improvements that are grouped under the brand’s ultra tag.

The new system no longer employs a centre limited-slip differential, but uses a network of sensors that determine the road conditions, temperature and the driving style. If surface grip is good, and the driver not hustling along, it disconnects the AWD, the resultant front-wheel-drive format and weight saving from losing the centre diff improving economy and emissions, the latter by 21 per cent.

Currently the new quattro is designed for longitudinally-mounted engines – but you can bet it will be rolled out across the range in due course…

Sadly the new quattro versions of the A4 allroad are not on the launch event, and they would probably be overshadowed anyway by the SQ7 TDI – succinctly described by Zammett as “the UK’s most powerful, fastest-accelerating diesel full-size luxury SUV.”

While many will focus on this being the most powerful SUV in its class, it more importantly oozes new tech, not least an ‘EPC’ or Electric Powered Compressor which Zammett predicts “will go into the general vernacular,” and “be the springboard for numerous revolutionary new technologies in the Audi models of the near future…”

The EPC is driven by a 48-volt electric system to support the two turbos of the 4-litre V8 diesel engine, particularly at lower revs. It eliminates turbo lag, the SQ7 returning a 4.9-second 0-62mph time.

To fully detail the technology in the SQ7 would take far more space than we have here but other highlights include camshafts with two profiles, so the valves react differently dependent on whether the car is starting off or running at speed, and a new ‘electromagnetical active roll stabilisation system’, also only possible thanks to the more heavyweight electrics of the 48-volt system.

Space also doesn’t allow us here to delve too deeply into the Q7 e-tron – Audi’s second plug-in hybrid, bringing the technology to the brand’s SUV range and offering the remarkable official figures of 156mpg and 49g/km – in a seven-seat large 4×4. But rest assured that both it and the SQ7 will be tested fully by The Car Expert shortly.

One launch, three cars, all with significant innovations. It may be 45 years old, but it seems the phrase “Vorsrpung Durch Technik” has never been more relevant to Audi…

Read more Audi news, reviews and features at The Car Expert

Mercedes prices E-Class Estate at £37.9K

New model

Andrew Charman

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26 July 2016

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Mercedes prices E-Class Estate at £37.9K

The Estate version of the latest Mercedes-Benz E-Class is now on sale, at prices starting from £37,935.

This buys the only model initially available, the four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbodiesel powered E 220 d. This offers 191bhp, with 295lbft of torque, good enough for a 7.7-second 0-62mph time while returning combined cycle fuel economy of 67.3mpg and CO₂ emissions of 109g/km.

The £37,935 price tag buys the SE trim level, which includes as standard a Garmin Map Pilot navigation system; Agility Control suspension; automatic powered tail gate; Parking Pilot including Parktronic and reversing camera; chrome roof rails; 64-colour selectable LED interior lighting; Keyless-Go starting function; heated front seats; a DAB radio and 17-inch alloys with a five-spoke design.

AMG Line versions are on offer from £40,430. These add AMG exterior styling with 19-inch alloy wheels in titanium grey; an upper dashboard finished in Artico leather; black ash wood trim; brushed stainless steel AMG sports pedals with black rubber studs; and a three-spoke AMG steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather.

Six-cylinder variants, the E 350 d diesel and the Mercedes-AMG E 43 with its 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine will join the range later in the year and prices will be announced closer to order books opening in October.

Meanwhile the E-Class saloon range has been expanded to include the E 200 d. The 2.0-litre unit produces 148bhp, with a 72.4mpg combined cycle consumption figure and CO₂ emissions of 102g/km.

Read more Mercedes-Benz news, reviews and features at The Car Expert

Competition Edition a potent M5 finale

Model update

Andrew Charman

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25 July 2016

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BMW will conclude the current generation of its M5 saloon with a 200-strong special edition model.

The M5 Competition Edition gains a power upgrade of 40 horsepower to 592bhp, with torque boosted from 502 to 516 lb ft.

Achieved by recalibrating the ECU to allow more boost, the extra potency drops the car’s 0-62mph to 3.9 seconds, though the top speed remains electronically limited at 155mph.

Competition Edition models will include the M Competition Package as standard, adding stiffer spring and electronic damper rates, thicker anti-roll bars, and a recalibrated multi-plate limited-slip differential. The system includes three drive mode settings, Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus – the latter particularly suited to driving the car in a track environment.

Visually the car is distinguished by M Performance carbon-fibre detailing, a black version of the signature kidney grille and 20-inch alloy wheels in Jet Black, showing off the six-piston brakes within. Just two exterior colours are available, either Mineral White or Carbon Black.

The interior is bespoke too, finished in full black leather Merino leather upholstery with contrast stitching in white, this repeated in various details of the cabin. A ‘1/200’ engraving completes the interior treatment.

BMW dealers are now taking orders for the M5 Competition Edition model, at a price of £100,995. Once these are sold dealers will be looking forward to the all-new M5, expected in 2017.

Mercedes-Benz SL review

Car reviews

Andrew Charman

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22 July 2016

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What is it?
Update to the long-established and renowned Mercedes-Benz SL convertible range.

Our view?
In facelifting one of its most highly-regarded models, Mercedes-Benz has sensibly simply improved the existing SL package without going too radical.

Read more Mercedes-Benz news, reviews and features at The Car Expert

The latest version of Mercedes’ long-established SL drop-top line offers four models, all with twin-turbo petrol engines and all with sub four-second 0-62mph acceleration times.

The 4-litre V6 engined SL 400 offers 361bhp, its 4.6 B8 sister SL 500 has 447bhp on tap, while there are two muscle-car AMG versions, the SL 63 with a 5.5-litre V8 of 576bhp and the SL 65 with a mighty V12 of six litres and 620bhp.

There are new transmissions too – the two mainstream cars now use the 9G-Tronic auto ‘box of nine speeds, two more than its predecessor, and the AMG versions a seven-cog Speedshift from Mercedes’ performance arm.

Visually the most notable change is to the grille – the new car boasts a bespoke unit, a modern take on the grilles used by the 300 SL Coupes that won the Carrera Panamerica road race across Mexico in 1952.

The Vario-roof folding hard top is impressive, lowering in a mere 18 seconds, a task that can be carried out at speeds up to 25mph.

Mercedes-Benz SL 400 facelift - front 3/4

What do we think of it?
The Mercedes-Benz SL has always been a high-quality convertible and the latest facelift merely adds to an already impressive portfolio. The Car Expert drove the SL 400, which will take the largest slice of a quite select volume, and it combines the wind-in-the-hair thrill of a two-seat roadster with a great deal of practicality – the boot space, for example, is a cavernous for this class 504 litres, though it does drop significantly to 364 litres with the roof stowed.

On the road the SL 400 offers plenty of performance; 4.9 seconds to 62mph is plenty quick enough for most, and the £9,000 more expensive SL 500 cuts only six tenths of a second from the sprint time. The range-topping SL 65, with its four-second dead 0-62mph time, is almost £100,000 more than the SL 400…

The car corners with precision, even without the expensive but impressive Active Body Control, a £3,080 option not fitted to our test car. But it is just as enjoyable as a cruiser, top down in suitable weather of course. The nine-speed auto transmission, meanwhile, adds a little extra to the considerable refinement already present.

Mercedes-Benz SL 400 facelift - interior

Verdict:
In facelifting one of its most highly-regarded models Mercedes-Benz has sensibly simply improved the existing package without going too radical. The latest SL maintains the breed, and while some will insist on the AMG models, we believe few can be disappointed by the ‘entry level’ SL 400.

Read more Mercedes-Benz news, reviews and features at The Car Expert

Mercedes-Benz SL 400 – key specifications

Tested model: Mercedes-Benz SL 400 AMG Line
Price: £81,170 with options (Range starts £73,810)
On sale: April 2016
Engine: 4.0-litre V6 petrol, 361bhp, 369lbft
0-62mph and max speed: 4.9, 155mph
Economy and emissions: 36.7mpg, 175g/km
Key Rivals: Porsche 911 Cabriolet, Jaguar F-Type S Convertible
Test date: May 2016

Mercedes-Benz SL 400 facelift - overhead

Volvo V40 ranked safest used family car for 2016

Stuart Masson

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20 July 2016

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Volvo V40 ranked safest used family car for 2016

The Volvo V40 hatchback has been rated as the Safest Used Family Car 2016, in a new initiative aimed at raising the importance of safety for used car buyers.

The new rankings have been compiled by Co-op Insurance, in conjunction with car safety experts Thatcham Research and road safety charity Brake. Research conducted by Co-op Insurance found that only four per cent of car buyers listed safety at the top of their buying priorities. By far the most important factor for used car buyers was price, with safety ranking only tenth.

Thatcham Research – the UK’s world-class crash test research centre – came up with a formula to rank affordable family used cars in terms of their safety features. The qualifying criteria were price (no more than £15,000 on the used car market), CO₂ emissions (no more than 120g/km) and a five-star EuroNCAP rating. All of the cars ranked in the top ten are current models, with the formula considering a used car to be at least one year old.

UK’s Top 10 safest used family cars

	Make and Model	Year
1	Volvo V40*	2012
2	Volkswagen Golf	2012
3	Nissan Qashqai	2014
4	Peugeot 308	2013
5	Vauxhall Astra	2015
6	Mazda 3	2013
7	Mercedes-Benz A Class	2012
8	Honda Civic	2012
9	Mazda CX-5	2012
10	Fiat 500L	2014

* with optional safety pack

It is important to note that the Volvo V40 ranks at the top when it is fitted with the optional Driver Support Pack, which adds additional safety features like adaptive cruise control, blind spot assist, cross-traffic assist and more. This pack costs about £2,000 on a new V40, so it won’t be fitted to every used model available to buy and buyers should make an effort to hunt down a V40 with this comprehensive package of features.

Commendations for Volkswagen and Nissan

Finishing just behind the Volvo were the Volkswagen Golf and Nissan Qashqai, which were also highly praised for their safety features. Crucially, all of the top three cars feature AEB (autonomous emergency braking), which allows the car to automatically apply the brakes if a collisions is imminent and the driver has not taken action to avoid an accident.

Volkswagen Golf: 5th best-selling car of Q1 2015 — Volkswagen Golf

Nissan Qashqai - 3rd safest used family car in the UK 2016 — Volkswagen Golf

Kia Niro hybrid crossover on sale at £21.3K

New model

Andrew Charman

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20 July 2016

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Kia Niro hybrid crossover on sale at £21.3K

Kia’s Niro ‘Hybrid Utility Vehicle’ goes on UK sale on 8th August, at prices starting from £21,295.

Sitting between the current Soul and Sportage models, the Niro is a crossover developed on an all-new compact SUV platform specifically to accommodate a hybrid powertrain.

The brand’s current 1.6-litre Kappa direct-injection petrol engine of 104bhp is combined with a 32kW electric motor fed by a 1.56kWh lithium-polymer battery pack. It produces another 43.5bhp, joined to a six-speed double-clutch transmission.

As a result, the car claims CO₂ emissions down to 88g/km and combined cycle fuel economy of up to 74.3mpg. Kia says the model will make a significant contribution to the brand’s pledge of cutting the average emissions of its range by 25 per cent before 2020.

Kia claims a class-leading low drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.29 for the Niro, while extensive use of high-strength steel and aluminium in the body construction helps to keep down weight.

Niro models will offer the latest connectivity and active safety technologies, including Kia’s Connected Services with TomTom navigation, wireless smartphone charging, autonomous emergency braking, smart cruise control and lane-keeping, and blind spot and rear cross traffic warning systems.

The Niro is also the first Kia with Android Auto, linking Android smartphones to Google Maps navigation, Google Play music, hands-free calls and texts and voice recognition using pre-downloaded apps.

UK variants of the Niro will be offered in the brand’s traditional ‘1’, ‘2’ and ‘3’ trim levels along with a First Edition range-topping model.

Standard on all cars will be lane keep assist, hill-start assist control, cruise control with a speed limiter, a DAB radio and Bluetooth smartphone connectivity and music streaming.

Entry level 1 versions include 16-inch alloy wheels, a high-gloss black radiator grille with a black and chrome surround, dual automatic air conditioning, an automatic windscreen de-fogging system, LED daytime running lights and tail lights, a 3.5-inch TFT display, all-round electric windows and electric exterior mirror adjustment, USB and AUX ports and a trip computer.

Grade 2 adds a seven-inch touchscreen navigation system with European mapping, a Reversing Camera and Kia Connected, which is free for seven years from the time the car is bought.

Leather upholstery elements, roof rails, privacy glass on the rear windows and tailgate, reversing sensors and electrically adjustable, heated and folding door mirrors with LED indicators are highlights among the specification of 2 versions.

The 3 trim level increases the touchscreen to eight inches, adding a wireless mobile phone charger and an eight-speaker sound system with an external amplifier. The alloy wheels grow to 18 inches and black leather upholstery, front parking sensors, heated front seats and steering wheel and a power-adjustable driver’s seat also feature.

Range-topping First Edition models add Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection with a Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Smart Cruise Control. A bespoke grey leather trim is supplied with white interior trim inserts, a smart key and engine start/stop button, heated outer rear seats, ventilated front seats and an electric tilting and sliding sunroof.

Used car safety in the spotlight

Stuart Masson

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20 July 2016

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When it comes to buying a used car, safety ranks well down the list for most buyers. It’s not that used car buyers don’t care about being safe, but more that other issues take priority – usually price and appearance.

However, a new campaign to change that has been launched in the UK by Co-op Insurance, in conjunction with safety experts Thatcham Research and road safety charity Brake. Together, they have compiled a list of the Co-op’s Safest Used Family Cars of 2016.

Buying a used car does not have to mean compromising on safety equipment, with many thousands of vehicles on sale which feature extremely high levels of safety for drivers and passengers. So when it comes to safety, second-hand does not have to mean second-best. And given that three times as many used cars are sold each year as new cars, this is an important issue.

Used car safety not on buyers’ agendas

Research conducted by Co-op Insurance has found that only four per cent of new and used car buyers placed safety at the top of their buying criteria. And although four in five buyers described car safety as “very important” when buying a car, clearly it wasn’t important enough to rank higher than tenth on their list of priorities, behind price, value for money, brand name, mileage, colour, appearance, performance, fuel economy and size.

Car buyers confused by safety jargon

The same research showed that car buyers do not understand a lot of the jargon and acronyms used throughout the car industry to describe safety features. For example, 77% of buyers did not understand what AEB meant (autonomous emergency braking), despite safety experts like Thatcham regularly reporting that it is one of the most important safety features for cars since the introduction of seat belts in the 1950s.

euroncap_autonomous emergency braking — Autonomous emergency braking plays in important role in reducing the number of car accidents.

60% of buyers were also confused by the term ISOFIX, which describes an industry standard for mounting child seats in cars, despite the term having been around for years and many thousands of car seats being purchased in that time.

The car industry can be its own worst enemy in conveying the merits of its technologies, with pretty much every manufacturer failing dismally to provide plain-English explanations of safety features and how they work. Even worse, they can’t even agree on which baffling terminology they should use, so we see different manufacturers using different acronyms or names for the same features.

Used cars can be as safe as new cars

Two thirds of motorists surveyed assumed that a new car is automatically safer than a used car, but that is not necessarily the case. According to the research (which defined a used car as at least one year old), there are many used cars available which feature a EuroNCAP five-star safety rating and which would be safer in a collision than a new car without such strong safety credentials.

Co-op Insurance and Thatcham have created a formula to rank used cars on their safety features, and have put together a list of the safest affordable (less than £15,000) used family cars. It is believed to be the first time such a ranking has been attempted, and the results show that there are plenty of options available for used car buyers who want to ensure they are getting the safest car possible for their money.

The results were announced, along with a presentation of the top three cars, at a media event in London this week.

UK’s Top 10 Safest Used Family Cars

	Make and Model	Year
1	Volvo V40*	2012
2	Volkswagen Golf	2012
3	Nissan Qashqai	2014
4	Peugeot 308	2013
5	Vauxhall Astra	2015
6	Mazda 3	2013
7	Mercedes-Benz A Class	2012
8	Honda Civic	2012
9	Mazda CX-5	2012
10	Fiat 500L	2014

* with optional safety pack

Volvo V40 on the road in the UK — The Volvo V40 ranks top for used car safety – as long as it is fitted with the Driver Support Pack (the little black box visible inside the grille)

The Volvo V40 topped the chart for 2016, ahead of the Volkswagen Golf and Nissan Qashqai – with the proviso that the Volvo is specified with the optional Driver Support Pack, which costs an additional £2,000 on a new V40 and is therefore not fitted to all used models. It can’t be fitted after production, so if you are interested in the Volvo then it’s definitely worth hunting down one that has the extra safety pack fitted. It’s easy to spot, as the car will have a big black box in the grille next to the Volvo badge (the car in the pic above has it, if that helps).

The criteria for inclusion in the list were that all cars needed to have a five-star EuroNCAP rating, have CO₂ emissions of no more than 120g/km and be readily available on the used car market for no more than £15,000. The cars were then further evaluated for safety performance above and beyond these standards, such as the availability of AEB (autonomous emergency braking) and the crash test results for both vehicle occupants and pedestrians.

To find out more, watch the video below as motoring presenter Quentin Willson joins experts from Thatcham and Brake to discuss the importance of raising awareness of safety for used car buyers.

This new initiative from Co-op Insurance and its partners is most welcome. Hopefully it will get the recognition it deserves, and more car buyers will start to put safety higher at the top of their list of priorities when buying a used vehicle.

Renault revamps its big-selling Clio

Model update

Andrew Charman

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15 July 2016

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The Renault Clio supermini is undergoing a revamp in the latest of a busy year of new product for the French manufacturer.

Opening for ordering in September, the new Clio offers styling and interior changes, plus two new powertrains.

With the arrival of the dCi 110 diesel and TCe 120 petrol engines, both matched to six-speed transmissions, buyers will have a choice of nine different powertrains, with best efficiency figures of 88.3mpg combined cycle fuel economy and CO2 emissions of 82g/km.

Redesigned front grilles, along with changes to the rear bumper, four new exterior colours and new wheel and wheel trim options comprise the styling upgrades.

The biggest visual change, however, is the availability of full LED headlamps with a lighting signature similar to that seen in other recent Renault releases. Upper specification models include C-shaped Daytime Running Lights, repeated on the LED rear lights.

Inside new materials have been added, taken from higher-end Renault models to add an impression of increased quality. The steering wheel is new with less plastic in its makeup and leather in upper versions, while the door panels, gear lever and detailing is also revised.

Customisation is key to the new Clio with more than 30 different colour combinations on offer, including five roof decals and four exterior packs with differing front grille bars and side protective mouldings.

The new model also benefits from technology upgrades – three different multimedia systems are available depending on model, with Bose sound systems offered for the first time.

Even entry-level models include the brand’s R&Go system that connects the car to a smartphone mounted in a specially designed cradle. Navigation, phone, multimedia and vehicle information are then displayed on the car’s central screen.

Additional driving aids now available with the Clio include parking sensors all round, a rear-view camera and on higher-spec models hands-free parking.

Renault will announce prices for the new range closer to its arrival in UK showrooms.

Skoda Superb faster than supercars

Model update

Andrew Charman

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11 July 2016

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Skoda has launched a variant of the Superb dubbed the brand’s most powerful production car yet.

On sale in both hatchback and estate variants, the Superb 2.0 TSI 280hp is being pitched as more potent than many a classic supercar, with added practicality, such as a 650-litre boot.

Skoda has even released a promotional video, showing the car competing in a drag race in which it leaves a Porsche Carrera, Ferrari 308 GTB, Honda NSX and Lotus Esprit in its wake.

The turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which puts out 280hp, is matched to an all-wheel-drive chassis, giving the car a 0-62mph time of only 5.8 seconds.

The new version of the Superb will be offered in Skoda’s familiar trim levels of SE L Executive, the new SportLine and Laurin & Klement. Standard equipment on all versions includes 18-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation, an electrically operated boot, leather upholstery and heated seats.

Prices start from £31,445 for the hatch and £32,745 for the estate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5m1BCn_mu9o

Read more Skoda news and reviews at The Car Expert

Peugeot 2008 SUV review

Andrew Charman

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10 July 2016

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What is it? Mid-life refresh for the Peugeot 2008 compact SUV.
Key features: Subtle styling changes, upgraded interior.
Our View: The range-topping Peugeot 2008 GT Line models are expensive, but Allure models, in particular, are well worthy of consideration.
Type of review: First drive

More Peugeot news, reviews, features and offers

The Peugeot 2008 arrived in 2013 as a compact SUV sister to the 208 supermini to take on the likes of the Ford B-Max and Vauxhall Meriva. Since then 40,000 have been sold since to UK buyers, part of half a million produced for the European market, so there seems to be no need to be too radical in penning this mid-life refresh.

Therefore the recipe for the facelifted version, arriving in UK showrooms in July 2016, is a familiar one, focusing on subtle changes to the styling and updating the cabin to keep pace with the relentless march of interior technology, along with adding a new trim level, while leaving the mechanical package well alone.

According to its creators, the visual changes to the Peugeot 2008 give it a more ‘robust’ look, while keeping it in tune with the brand’s latest design language. They concentrate on the front end – the grille is more vertical, with the Peugeot lion logo placed prominently on it, and combined with revised bumper and light designs.

In effect, the more muscular look is confined to those models from Allure – third of the four trim levels – and achieved by new wheel arch extensions to give the car a wider stance, and scuff plates. A new exterior colour option also debuts, dubbed Ultimate Red.

The major changes are within – with Peugeot’s i-cockpit evolving into the crossover, complete with its signature small steering wheel, seven-inch multifunction colour touchscreen and head-up display.

The eight-strong powertrain range remains as before – all of the five petrol options are 1.2-litre units, starting with an 81bhp version with either five-speed manual or six-speed electronic auto gearbox. The latter offers the better efficiency figures with 64.2mpg combined cycle fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions of 102g/km, compared to the 57.6 and 114 of the manual.

There is also a 109bhp variant in both manual and auto formats, the latter claiming best-in-class figures of 58.9mpg and 110g/km, these replicated in its 128bhp sister.

Three versions of the 1.6-litre diesel are on offer with 74, 99 and 118bhp, each with a manual gearbox, all with quoted CO₂ emissions of sub 100g/km and best-in-class claims for the 74 and 118 units.

What remains not on offer is all-wheel-drive, reflecting the trend to crossovers appealing to those who want the prominent road presence witohut the complexity. But a degree of extra capability is provided by Peugeot’s Grip-xtend traction control system – this boasts standard, snow, mud and sand modes, plus one which turns off the electronic stability program to make the most of all traction available.

There is also now more choice in trim levels – the familiar Access, Active and Allure are topped by the GT Line, following the example of other Peugeot models. Bespoke items include gloss black detailing instead of chrome on such areas as the front grille surround, fog light covers, mirror casings and roof bars, and on the alloy wheels, stainless steel sills on the interior, aluminium pedals and red stitching on the floor mats, seats door armrests, gear lever surround, handbrake lever and steering wheel, the latter both in leather.

The GT Line certainly does add an extra premium presence but the interior is of particular quality at all levels. And certainly, it’s easy to see why of the existing trims more than half of buyers choose Allure instead of the cheaper options. The touchscreen infotainment is a welcome addition at this level, if not quite as user-friendly as those in some rivals, while also welcome is the smartphone compatibility in the form of Apple Carplay and Android Mirrorlink systems.

There is plenty of space – the 2008 is a roomy SUV, with certainly capable of accommodating five adults, with a good-sized 410-litre boot, extending to 1400 litres with the rear seats folded. And it’s all contained inside a shell that strikes a satisfying pose on the road, the 2008 looking stylish without tending to the radical.

On the road the car is familiar, as are the engines. The diesels are preferred by 53% of buyers and it’s easy to see why as they have good low-end pulling power and refinement – we liked the 99bhp version for the best combination of economy and performance.

For those who prefer petrol, the 81bhp version feels its size and as there is no efficiency drawback from the 108bhp version, this is certainly the better choice.

Cruising on the motorway, the 2008 is very assured and feels well planted despite its high body stance. It also corners with confidence, though it one feels slightly detached – it is competent to drive as opposed to fun to drive. The steering is light allowing easy negotiation of slow-speed urban roads, and body roll when cornering at pace is also generally well controlled.

Overall, the update to the Peugeot 2008 is not exactly headline-grabbing, but it does keep this model firmly in the thick of the ever more competitive compact crossover battle. Whether the GT Line justifies its range-topping price tag of £18,815 and above is open to question but Allure models, in particular, are well worthy of consideration against rivals.

More Peugeot news, reviews, features and offers

Peugeot 2008 SUV – key specifications

On sale: July 2016
Range price: £13,615-£20,565
Insurance groups: TBA.
Engines: Petrol 1.2 x 3. Diesel 1.6 x 3.
Power (bhp): 81/ 109/ 128. 74/ 99/ 119.
Torque (lb/ft): 87/ 151/ 170. 170/ 187/ 221.
0-62mph (sec): 13.5 (15.4)/ 9.9 (10.3)/ 9.3. 13.8/ 11.3/ 9.6.
Top speed (mph): 105 (106)/ 119 (117)/ 124. 103/ 112/ 119.
Fuel economy (combined, mpg): 57.6(64.2)/ 60.1(58.9)/ 58.9. 76.3/ 76.3/ 76.3.
CO₂ emissions (g/km): 114(102)/ 103(110)/ 110. 97/ 97/ 96.
Key rivals: Renault Captur, Nissan Juke
Test Date: June 2016.
*Figures in brackets with auto gearbox

PSA’s ‘real world’ tests reveal MPG flaws

Andrew Charman

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7 July 2016

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PSA’s ‘real world’ tests reveal MPG flaws

PSA Group has fulfilled a promise to publish ‘real world’ fuel consumption tests for its cars – and revealed the glaring inaccuracy of the industry-standard test.

The promise by PSA – parent company of the Peugeot, Citroën and DS Automobiles brands – came in the wake of the Volkswagen emissions scandal last year, and according to the group has been done to offer transparency to its customers.

The group has published real-world figures for 30 of its core models and shown what motorists have long known – the automotive industry’s recognised test, conducted in a laboratory, is woefully inaccurate.

Large discrepancies on every model tested

On average, vehicles recorded real-world consumption figures around 20mpg worse than the official combined cycle fuel consumption figure. The smallest difference was produced by a Peugeot 2008 1.2 PureTech 82 model with a manual gearbox, which returned 44.1mpg, only 13.5mpg less than the official figure of 57.6.

At the other end of the scale a Citroën C3 BlueHDi 75 with manual transmission and stop & start returned 57.6mpg, a staggering 36.5mpg under the official figure of 94.1mpg.

The test procedure was established by two independent French organisations, Transport & Environment (T&E) and France Nature Environment (FNE), and measures fuel consumption using a portable emissions measurement system (PEMS) installed on the vehicle. Bureau Veritas, an independent and internationally respected body, guarantees the procedure, ensuring that it is conducted in line with specifications and that the results are reliable.

Tests were carried out on public roads open to traffic, using 15.5 miles of urban routes, 24.2 miles of rural roads and 19.2 miles on a motorway, and under real-life driving conditions, with passenger and luggage loads, encountering gradients, and using air-conditioning systems.

PSA says results are typical of normal driving

Announcing the results PSA says they are comparable to those recorded by its customers who contributed to independent surveys, and shows that the procedure is scientifically robust, reproducible and representative of a typical driver.

PSA added that it took the decision to publish real-world data in November 2015, as consumer confidence in car efficiency testing was collapsing.

PSA real-world fuel economy testing — Taking testing onto real roads has exposed the inaccuracy of the official consumption figures.

“As part of its drive to continuously provide customers with more information, the Group will publish figures for another 20 models by the end of the year,” says PSA research and development head Gilles Le Borgne, adding that the brands will introduce simulators on their websites allowing customers to predict their fuel consumption depending on driving conditions, and offering ways of reducing consumption and lowering their CO2 emissions.

“In 2017, the PSA Group will move to the next level by extending measurements to pollutant emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in customer driving conditions,” Le Borgne adds.

The market will now be waiting to see if the PSA Group initiative is taken up by other brands.

June down but record 2016 for car sales

Car industry news

Andrew Charman

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6 July 2016

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New car sales declined in June, for only the second month in more than four years.

However the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT), which compiles the figures, is indicating that the results are in line with expectations and pointing to a record first six months of 2016 for the market.

Referendum uncertainty may be a factor

Registrations of UK new cars were down 1%t in June, totalling 255,766. This reflects a slowdown in recent months and the SMMT believes it is too early to determine whether the June results were affected by the uncertainty caused by the European referendum.

The first six months of 2016 show an average growth of 3%, the total of 1,420,636 registrations between January and June a record. And SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes is calling upon the Government to ensure that the market continues to grow through the remainder of 2016.

Government needs to take action, says SMMT

“The first six months saw strong demand at record levels but the market undoubtedly cooled over the second quarter,” Hawes says.

“It’s important government takes every measure to restore business and economic confidence to avoid the market contracting in the coming months,” he adds.

The June new car market continued the trend of recent months, driven by fleet sales, which were up 4.5% neatly compensating for a 4.5% slide in private registrations.

Alternative-fuel demand continues to grow

Demand for alternative-fuelled vehicles, which includes electric cars, is continuing to accelerate – the market was up 17% in June with 8,311 vehicles registered, and year-to-date has climbed 21% to 46,014 vehicles.

Meanwhile the ‘new car top ten’ shows little change, with the Ford Fiesta leading the way on 11,357 registrations for June. The Vauxhall Corsa continued its recovery, climbing from fourth spot in May to its traditional second with 8,837 registrations, with the Ford Focus in third (6,833) followed by the Volkswagen Golf (6,775) and the Mini hatch (6,284).

Aston and Red Bull reveal ‘F1 road car’

New model

Andrew Charman

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6 July 2016

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Aston Martin has unveiled the AM-RB 001, its ‘F1 car for the road’ built in conjunction with Grand Prix team Red Bull Racing.

The AM-RB 001, described by Aston Martin as like nothing seen before, is said to be capable of the pace of a Formula One car.

A road car production run of around 90-150 cars is planned, along with 25 designed specifically for track use. Prices are yet to be announced but are expected to be in the £2-£3 million bracket.

Principal designer for the AM-RB 001 is Adrian Newey, the man who has created multiple F1 World Championship winning cars for Red Bull, and he has produced a mid-engined two-seater, with a remarkable power-to-weight ratio of 1:1 propelled by an all-new high-revving naturally aspirated V12 engine.

The structure of the car is predominantly carbon fibre, with much of its downforce created by underbody ground effect aerodynamics through front and rear diffusers, which in turn has allowed the body shape to be free of aerodynamic ‘add-ons’. Also missing are such items as door mirrors, replaced by much smaller rear-facing cameras.

Aston Martin is still finishing the production version of the AM-RB 001 and currently is still to release full technical and specification details of the car. Specifically no power output has yet been stated for the engine, which is a bespoke unit created for this car.

Industry sources are speculating on an output of around 900bhp – the car also has a kinetic energy recovery system derived direct from F1 practice, though what purpose it serves in this environment has not been revealed yet.

According to Aston Martin, the overriding aim of Newey and the brand’s chief creative officer Marek Reichman has been to produce a car engineered to be entirely useable and enjoyable as a road car, but with the capability to perform like no road car before it on a race track.

The bespoke track version, meanwhile, is intended to have the performance of LMP1 sports prototype cars such as the Porsche, Audi and Toyota machines that dominated the Le Mans 24hr race in June.

Like other top F1 designers before him most notably Gordon Murray, creator of the first McLaren F1 production machine, Newey says that he has always harboured the ambition to design a road car.
“I’ve always been adamant that the AM-RB 001 should be a true road car that’s also capable of extreme performance on track, and this means it really has to be a car of two characters,” he adds.

“That’s the secret we’re trying to put into this car – the technology that allows it to be docile and comfortable, but with immense outright capabilities,” Newey says.

The AM-RB001 production line will be set up in the facility at Aston Martin’s Gaydon, Warwickshire headquarters originally created for the brand’s first hypercar the One-77. First prototypes are expected to be testing in 2017 with deliveries beginning in the following year.

Read more Aston Martin news, reviews and features at The Car Expert

First images of Ferrari LaFerrari Spider

New model

Andrew Charman

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6 July 2016

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First images of Ferrari LaFerrari Spider

Ferrari has shown the first pictures of its open-top LaFerrari, which will debut at the Paris motor show in September before going on sale in 2017.

Few technical details are currently being released of the spider, though it will use the same chassis and powertrain as the LaFerrari coupe, a limited edition model powered by a V12 hybrid engine of 950bhp. Ferrari is not even currently confirming the topless version’s name.

What is confirmed, however, is that the car will not be a full cabriolet with the weight penalty of a roof-folding mechanism. Instead it will be supplied with a removable hard top in carbon fibre, and a similarly removable soft top.

Ferrari adds that significant and extensive modifications have been made to the chassis with the aim of retaining the same torsional rigidity and beam stiffness as the coupe version.

The car’s aerodynamics have also been modified to guarantee the same drag coefficient as the coupe when driving with the roof removed.

The price tag of the car is likely to exceed the £1 million-plus cost of the coupe – some reports have suggested examples being offered for £2.8m plus taxes. But this is of little consequence as Ferrari says the entire planned production run – the number of which is yet to be revealed – has already been sold following a preview event to potential clients.

Read more Ferrari news, ratings, reviews and features at The Car Expert

New model adds to Renault Captur options

Model update

Andrew Charman

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4 July 2016

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New model adds to Renault Captur options

Renault is updating the specifications of its Captur SUV, including adding a new version.

The Iconic Nav Special Edition is supplied in bespoke Arctic White pearlescent paint and a Diamond Black two-tone body colour with a blue roof and door mirror decals as standard. Painted lower front and rear bumpers, 17-inch ‘Explore’ alloy wheels with black inserts with a blue Renault diamond centre cap also feature.

Inside the new part-leather seat upholstery gains light blue stitching as does the leather steering wheel, while a new light blue tinted chrome interior touch pack replicates the exterior theme.

Aluminium pedals, matt black detailing and heated front seats also feature, while added equipment includes Renault’s Grip Xtend traction control system including Mud and Snow Tyres, the R-Link Evolution touchscreen infotainment and satellite navigation system with European mapping and reverse parking camera and an electrochrome rear view mirror.

Renault Captur Iconic Nav models cost from £19,175.

Captur owners can also now specify a new powertrain – combining the 1.2-litre TCe 120 engine with a six-speed manual gearbox and available from Dynamique Nav level and above. Combined fuel consumption for this powertrain is quoted from 51.4mpg and CO₂ emissions at 125 g/km and prices start from £16,575.

Other changes include the availability of the popular Flame Red metallic paint body colour with a Diamond Black roof to buyers of Dynamique Nav and Dynamique S Nav versions. A, red interior touch pack will also become available to complement the exterior. The two-tone body colour is available from £595, the red interior touch pack is priced at £100.

Hyundai prices Ioniq electric trio from £20K

Model update

Andrew Charman

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4 July 2016

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Hyundai prices Ioniq electric trio from £20K

Hyundai has announced prices for its forthcoming Ioniq – the first car offered with three choices of electric-based powertrain.

On sale from 13th October 2016, the Ioniq will be offered with hybrid – combining a 1.6GDi petrol engine with an electric motor, plug-in hybrid and full electric powertrains.

The hybrid variant will cost from £19,995 (which compares to the £23,295 start price of its likely direct rival the Toyota Prius), the full electric model £28,995. However the price of the latter could be cut by as much as £4,500 if as expected it qualifies for the UK Government’s plug-in car grant.

Prices of the plug-in hybrid versions, meanwhile, will be revealed closer to its launch in 2017.

Hybrid entry-level models will include as standard 15-inch alloy wheels, DAB radio with Bluetooth, cruise control and rear parking sensors with a rear-view camera.

Driver aids amongst the standard safety package include Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist System and an individual Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

Electric models will only be offered from the second-level Premium specification upwards. This adds keyless entry with push button start, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, Bi-Xenon headlamps with LED rear combination lamps, an instrument cluster with a seven-inch LCD display, integrated satellite navigation with TomTom Live services, an Infinity audio system with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and wireless phone charging.

The electric versions also gain some specific features – automatic windscreen wipers with a rain sensor, 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps and rear combination lamps, and smart cruise control.

There is also a range-topping Premium SE specification, adding heated/ventilated front seats and heated outer rear seats all in leather, a heated leather steering wheel and a powered driver’s seat with integrated memory. Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Front Parking Assist and optional 17-inch alloy wheels also feature.

Hyundai has also announced the selection of specialist installer POD Point as its preferred partner in providing home-charging points for Ioniq customers. The electric version of the car is said to offer a range of up to 174 miles, with an 80 per cent charge possible in 33 minutes from a 50kW rapid public charger.

According to Hyundai Motor UK President and CEO Tony Whitehorn, the Ioniq will make low- to zero-emission mobility more accessible to more people.

“It is also an important milestone in our sustainability strategy, bringing innovative technologies to the market and extending the company’s product range of low-to-zero emission vehicles, which already includes the world’s first mass-produced fuel-cell electric vehicle, the ix35 Fuel Cell,” Whitehorn says.

Read more Hyundai news, reviews and features at The Car Expert

PPI lawyers to target PCP mis-selling?

Car finance news

Stuart Masson

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1 July 2016

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For several years, claims lawyers have been making great business out of PPI claims. Banks and insurance providers were found guilty of mis-selling personal protection insurance to millions of borrowers.

But now that gravy train is nearing the end of the line, lawyers are turning their attention to other areas of the consumer finance sector. And one of their targets appears to be the potential mis-selling of PCP car finance.

The National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) has made this very claim last week, with board member and car finance specialist Graham Hill warning that “the car finance industry could be shaken to its roots.”

Finance companies have been generally aware that the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has been keeping an eye on the car finance sector for a while now, with the intention of looking more closely once the PPI scandal had been dealt with. Now it appears that the claims lawyers may also be ready to move in. So what does this mean for consumers, apart from getting thousands of annoying texts and phone calls asking if you have ever had a PCP?

The NACFB claims that one million cars were sold in the UK on a PCP car finance agreement last year alone, and that there is evidence of “insufficient, poor or, in some cases, deliberately misleading advice given by car dealers and finance firms” to customers.

Car dealers are not allowed to make recommendations

Under FCA accreditation for the selling of finance products, car sales staff (including business managers) are only allowed to operate on a ‘non-advisory’ basis. This means that they cannot recommend a particular finance product, and can only present you with the options for you to make your own decision. However, in the real world, most dealers will push their customers towards the finance product which is best for the dealer – and that is usually a PCP.

I would be surprised if many car buyers feel that their dealer gave them a comprehensive explanation of all the finance options available when buying their last car.

As we have discussed previously here at The Car Expert, the PCP is the preferred finance option for most car manufacturers and dealerships, so they will use any number of means to entice customers into taking a PCP. There are legal means of doing so, such as providing deposit contributions or lower interest rates for PCP deals, but any potential legal scandal is going to revolve around the mis-selling of PCPs by dealers.

How are dealers potentially mis-selling finance?

The mis-selling potential currently being investigated by PPI claims lawyers concerns two key areas of how PCPs are presented to customers:

Buyers are not being informed that they may be paying more in interest on a PCP than on a hire purchase (HP) finance agreement, even if the advertised APR is exactly the same.
Buyers are also often told that they will make a ‘profit’ on their car with PCP finance, if the car is worth more than the GFV at the end of the contract. In reality, this is not true and is misleading.

The way that the interest is calculated on a PCP is different from an HP because of the guaranteed future value (GFV) component of a PCP. This is basically an interest-only loan that is not repaid until the end of the term, either by giving the car back or paying off the outstanding balance. Although the total amount of interest payable must be clearly indicated on finance quotes and contracts, car dealers are not always scrupulous in explaining how it works or presenting the HP alternative – even in response to customer questions.

Of course, there are many dealers and individual sales people who are entirely fair and correct when selling car finance. However, there is certainly still a significant amount of mis-selling (whether deliberately or not) that goes on. From my own time in car sales, I remember being reprimanded by a finance manager for providing explanations and information to customers about different types of finance, rather than only providing information about the PCP offer and trying to dissuade customers from asking about other types of finance.

Are we really headed for a PCP mis-selling scandal?

So is there real merit in claims cases against dealers and finance companies for mis-selling of PCP finance? Quite likely.

Just like the PPI scandal, a small number of bad apples can spoil the whole bunch. Big banks were hit for billions of pounds in PPI mis-selling compensation due to the actions of a relatively small number of employees. The lawyers will be out in force again if they sniff an opportunity to go after another group of wealthy finance companies and banks for mis-selling PCPs or other car finance products.

If the FCA or claims lawyers start looking at the way car finance is handled by dealers, they are are likely to come across numerous examples of mis-selling. How much impact it would be likely to have on the industry is likely to depend on how much control the finance companies who lend the money have exerted over the dealers who sold the finance on their behalf.

The lawyers will be trying to establish that a finance company is responsible for how its dealers sell its finance products, and will be looking for any directives given to dealers to prioritise PCP finance offers over other options without taking the customer’s individual requirements into account.

More car finance news, tips and advice from The Car Expert

Cactus inspires bold new Citroen C3

New model

Andrew Charman

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29 June 2016

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Citroen has unveiled its all-new C3 supermini, describing the car as ‘a fresh, bold and colourful B-segment, five-door supermini that delivers new levels of advanced comfort and personality to the sector’.

Replacing the original car that launched in 2002 and has sold 3.6 million examples since, the new C3 boasts a significant styling makeover clearly inspired by the C4 Cactus, including the distinctive ‘air bump’ body panels and the bold front end with a two-tier headlamp design.

The car is built on the PSA group’s ‘Platform A’ architecture that also underpins the C4 and the DS 3 of sister brand DS Automobiles. The C3 measures up at 3.99 metres in length, 1.75 metres wide and 1.47 metres high, with a wheelbase of 2.54 metres and a 300-litre boot.

A five-strong engine range will be offered – a trio of three-cylinder petrol units with power outputs of 67, 81 or 109bhp, and two BlueHDi diesels of 74 or 99bhp. PSA’s EAT6 fully automatic gearbox will be available as an option.

Citroen is heavily promoting the C3’s customization options, claiming that no previous model has offered such an extensive and coherent range of personalisation options and two-tone exterior colour schemes.

Nine body colours are available alongside three roof colours, which can be repeated on the fog lights, door mirrors, rear quarter panels and on the Airbump panels.

Inside there is a choice of four different designs, while the layout is designed to give an impression of spaciousness, the signature feature being the horizontal dashboard again inspired by the Cactus.

New technologies include ConnectedCAM Citroën, a camera with a wide 120-degree view mounted just behind the rear-view mirror. Boasting GPS and a 16GB internal memory, the camera records what the driver sees, and the driver can click a button to safely take photos while on the move, or capture videos of up to 20 seconds in length, for sharing on social media when the car is stationary.

In a collision, meanwhile, the video system will switch on automatically, providing up to 1.5 minutes of footage that can be used as evidence following an accident.

Other driving and safety aids available will include Mirror screen smartphone compatibility with the car’s seven-inch touchscreen, a reversing camera, hill-start assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring and a driver attention alert that suggests the driver takes a break after two hours of uninterrupted driving at speeds over 45mph.

According to Citroen CEO, Linda Jackson the New C3 has the qualities to give the brand new impetus, which is especially important as the previous model accounted for almost one in five sales in Europe. “A comfortable car with real personality, it is set to appeal to new customers looking for a modern car with character,” she says.

More details of the new C3 range and its UK specification will be released closer to the car’s on-sale date early in 2017.

£20.2K buys Audi’s ‘first crossover’

New model

Andrew Charman

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29 June 2016

0

Audi’s new Q2 will cost from £20,230 when it goes on sale in August.

The fourth member of the German brand’s SUV range and described as the brand’s first crossover, the Q2 will be offered initially with a choice of a four-cylinder 1.6 TDI diesel of 114bhp or a 148bhp four-cylinder TFSI petrol with cylinder-on-demand technology.

This powertrain range will be extended later in 2016 by a three-cylinder 1.0 TFSI of 114bhp and a four-cylinder 2.0 TDI with 148bhp. All except the 1.0 will also be able to be specified with an S-tronic seven-speed dual clutch transmission.

Mid 2017 will see the addition of a 2.0 TFSI petrol engine with quattro all-wheel-drive and S tronic transmission, and at that point it will also be possible to combine the 148bhp TDI and TFSI engines with quattro.

Audi describes the Q2 as ‘high definition design meets highly intelligent technology’. It is designed to appeal to a younger audience than the brand’s existing SUVs – measuring 4.19 metres long, 1.79 metres wide and 1.51 metres tall, it has a 2.6-metre long wheelbase and short overhangs.

Much of the technology familiar in larger Audi models has cascaded down into the Q2, notably the virtual cockpit, head-up display and park assist, which are on the options list.

The Audi standard MMI screen is mounted high on the instrument panel and similar to the latest A3 includes operation of the infotainment system by a rotary/push-button control and two buttons on the centre tunnel.

A touchpad also features when buyers order the MMI navigation plus system, while smartphones with iOS and Android operating systems are integrated into the car using the standard Audi smartphone interface.

Customisation also forms an integral part of the Q2’s younger-buyer appeal. Several equipment packages, exterior colours and interior trim and seat upholstery shades are available while options include ‘LED lighting package advanced’, illuminating elements of the interior.

A new design of 16-inch alloy wheel is fitted as standard, but these can be expanded up to 19 inches.

The Q2 will be offered in Audi’s familiar SE, Sport and S Line trim levels and first cars are expected on UK roads in November 2016.

Motor industry reacts to Brexit vote

Car industry news

Andrew Charman

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24 June 2016

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The UK’s vote to leave the European Union has sent shockwaves through the motor industry, both inside and outside of the country.

Motor industry executives are now calling for tariff-free business to be maintained following the exit, which the British people voted for by 52 to 48 per cent in a referendum on EU membership held on 23^rd June.

Effects to be felt both in UK and Europe

The effect of the decision is expected to be felt keenly on both sides of the English Channel. Car manufacturing in the UK has undergone significant growth in recent years, with close to 60 per cent of the product being exported to the EU, but all of the significant plants in Britain build cars for brands with non-UK owners.

Equally, Europe’s auto manufacturers do a great deal of business within Britain, with for example around one fifth of the product of Germany’s Volkswagen Group sold to UK buyers. According to one source around half of the UK’s 2.6 million annual car sales come from German-owned manufacturers.

Automotive manufacturers consider it essential that on exit from the European Union the UK maintains membership of the European Economic Area (EEA), which is open to both EU nations and four non members, Switzerland, Norway, Finland and Liechtenstein, who between them form the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

Membership of the EEA allows free movement of goods throughout Europe and would avoid the great fear of auto manufacturers of tariffs being applied to exports, both from the UK to Europe and the other way by the UK on imports into the country.

Manufacturers with plants in the UK are refusing to comment specifically on the future until the nature of trade agreements that can be negotiated between the UK and the rest of Europe become clearer. However industry media organisation Automotive News Europe is quoting one unnamed Asian-based manufacturer as stating that investment decisions in the UK will have to be more cautious, including deciding whether to build a new or significantly redesigned model in the country.

SMMT calls on Government to maintain economic stability

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders, is acknowledging that the British public has chosen a new future out of Europe. “Government must now maintain economic stability and secure a deal with the EU which safeguards UK automotive interests,” he says.

“This includes securing tariff-free access to European and other global markets, ensuring we can recruit talent from the EU and the rest of the world and making the UK the most competitive place in Europe for automotive investment,” Hawes adds.

Already it is being reported by Reuters that PSA Group, parent company of the Peugeot, Citroën and DS Automobiles brands, is considering price rises for its models on sale at UK dealers, the Group saying it needs to protect the profitability of its UK operation.

Meanwhile the drop in the value of the pound, triggered by the Brexit vote, is likely to lead to rising fuel prices, according to the Petrol Retailers Association. As fuel prices are quoted in dollars, Association chairman Brian Madderson is predicting a rise of 2-3p a litre on forecourts, possibly within a week.

Bespoke roadster ‘most extreme Aston yet’

Car manufacturer news

Andrew Charman

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24 June 2016

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Bespoke roadster ‘most extreme Aston yet’

Aston Martin has unveiled a bespoke model described as the brand’s ‘most extreme roadster ever’.

The Vantage GT12 Roadster has debuted at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in Sussex.

The car is a specific customer commission and was created over nine months by the brand’s specialist department Q by Aston Martin. Reputedly the customer has paid a premium to ensure no more examples of the GT12 Roadster are made.

Inspired by the Vantage GT12 Coupe built by Aston Martin Advanced Operations, the Roadster is powered by a 596bhp version of the Vantage’s 6-litre V12 engine matched to a seven-speed paddle shift transmission.

The body gains carbon-fibre panels finished in a bespoke paint finish, while the suspension is also specifically set up for the car.

According to its creators the GT12 Roadster is a prime example of the one-off projects that Aston Martin can now create for its customers. “Aston Martin has a growing reputation of building ambitious commissions for customers, perhaps the best example being the spectacular CC100 Speedster Concept,” says the brand’s chief special operations officer David King.

“We have also become world leaders in ultra-low volume projects with cars such as the One-77, Lagonda Taraf and Aston Martin Vulcan, while the Vantage GT12 and Vantage GT8 show how far we can take our series production models,” he adds.

According to King the GT12 Roadster is the first project to combine all of the skill sets in one magnificent car; “In just nine-months we took a customer’s dream and realised it, with a fully-formed, exactingly engineered and fully road-legal one-off – that is the essence of the Q by Aston Martin service”.

Alfa launches Giulia Quadrifoglio at £59K

Car manufacturer news

Andrew Charman

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23 June 2016

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Alfa launches Giulia Quadrifoglio at £59K

Alfa Romeo’s Giulia Quadrifoglio will cost from £59,000 when it goes on sale shortly.

The price for the range-topping version of Alfa Romeo’s BMW 3 Series rival has been announced at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where the car is making its UK debut.

Giulia Quadrifoglio models use a new 2.9-litre V6 bi-turbo petrol engine with 502bhp and 443lbft of torque, mated to an eight-speed auto transmission with paddle shifts. The car is capable of a 0-62mph time of 3.9 seconds and a 190mph-plus maximum speed.

The Giulia claims the longest wheelbase in its segment, the car built on a new rear-wheel-drive architecture with a long bonnet and short overhangs. A 50/50 weight distribution aids handling.

Giulias use several high-strength and ultra-lightweight materials including carbon fibre driveshaft, aluminium composite and plastic on the rear crossmember and aluminium on the doors, wings, engines, brakes and suspensions.

Quadrifoglio versions add a carbon-fibre bonnet, roof, front splitter, rear spoiler and body inserts, alongside aluminium doors and wings. Aluminium details are also employed in the braking system and carbon ceramic brake discs and front seats with a carbon-fibre structural frame are on the options list.

Standard specification of Quadrifoglio models includes bespoke 19-inch alloy wheels, a sports front bumper, a sports rear bumper with diffuser, four-pipe sports exhaust with four outlets; active suspension and bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights.

Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, Alfa Romeo’s new Integrated Braking System, Forward Collision Warning and a rear-view camera with guide lines are all part of the safety specification.

Inside there are bespoke sports seats trimmed in leather and Alcantara with front seat heaters, steering-column mounted paddle shifters, a seven-inch touchscreen instrument cluster, Alfa Romeo’s new Uconnect 3D Nav 8.8-inch infotainment system, DAB radio, dual-zone climate control, automatic lights and wipers and cruise control with a speed limiter.

Order books open shortly for the Quadrifoglio, which unusually will go on sale before the mainstream Giulia range.

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