The Car Expert

Volkswagen Golf test drive

Car reviews

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23 August 2024

Make and model: Volkswagen Golf
Description: Mid-life update to long-lived family hatch and estate
Price range: from £27,035 to £39,750

Volkswagen says: “With new infotainment technology and more style than ever, the latest Golf range will cement the model’s success still further.”

We say: This extensive update adds useful updates to a range that is still a go-to choice for many drivers.

Volkswagen Golf review 2024

Introduction

Does anyone driving a car today not know the Volkswagen Golf? Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024, this is a car that remarkably, replaced the VW Beetle and in the process became a standard bearer for a whole new format, the front-wheel-drive hatch.

Many a rival has come and gone since then, but the Golf has simply remained as a constant presence, Volkswagen jealously guarding the car’s reputation of being just a little more upmarket and of better quality than contenders produced by the likes of Ford and Vauxhall. So far 37 million Golfs have been built, 2.3 million of them for the UK.

The current, eighth-generation Golf has been on sale since 2019, and the 50th anniversary coincides with the usual mid-life update. Volkswagen calls it the ‘Golf 8.5’, which may be over-egging it somewhat, although the revamp does extend to engine updates and even changes to the car’s chassis.

What is it?

The 2024 Volkswagen Golf is an extensive update of the Golf 8, which arrived in UK showrooms in 2019 and was widely seen as a much changed for the better car compared to its predecessor. There were gripes, though, and Volkswagen claims that customer feedback has driven some of the changes on the new car. It also makes use of updated technology launched on recent new models, particularly the all-new Tiguan SUV that went on sale earlier this year.

What this means for customers is more tech, particularly a new digital cockpit, and improvements to the engines, especially the plug-in hybrid models which get bigger batteries and more range as a result.

The plug-in hybrids are part of an extensive choice of power running across both the five-door hatch and five-door estate versions of the Golf. You can also have regular petrol (with mild hybrid assistance) or turbo diesel, but not a fully electric model – we’ll explain why shortly…

Who is this car aimed at?

The Golf has long suited and continues to suit a wide range of customers, being regarded as competent a family car as it is a fleet driver’s motorway muncher. Much of this appeal is generated from past reputation, the Golf always regarded as just a bit better than the car park crowd. This is no longer true, as today there are some very good rivals out there, but the Golf continues to sell in vast numbers and generate many happy owners.

Who won’t like it?

If you are convinced by the switch to electric and want an electric Golf, you can’t have one right now. There was an electric e-Golf version of the previous (2012 to 2019) model, but from 2020 Volkswagen launched its ID range of models. The ID.3 is essentially the electric equivalent of the Golf, and it’s likely that the next generation of that model will merge with the next-generation Golf (probably keeping the Golf name) as fossil-fuel Golfs finally disappear.

As for when that will be, we’re not really sure at the moment. You’d normally expect a car to have a life span of seven to eight years, with a major update halfway through. That would put the next-gen Golf’s arrival in about 2027 or 2028. However, like many car manufacturers, Volkswagen is keeping an eye on EV sales around the world. If take-up is not growing sufficiently, we may well see a ‘Golf 8.75’ with a further round of updates instead to prolong internal combustion power for a few more years.

First impressions

Well it looks like a Golf… Visually there are few changes to the latest variant, even considering the changes underneath. The usual facelift fare of updating the front and rear lamps has taken place, and you can now specify more powerful LED beams up front with a range of some 500 metres.

Other changes include a horizontal light bar in the front grille to give the car a little bespoke personality at night, aided by perhaps the most novel update, the VW badge on the bonnet now being illuminated. A good thing, perhaps, that the 1980s trend of Beastie Boys fans stealing VW badges is long in the past – replacing one would now be rather more costly…

The exterior tweaks succeed in maintaining the Golf’s recognisable proportions, but they also leave it looking just a little dated amongst more recent rivals which have come to market with more radical visual treatments.

What do you get for your money?

The new Golf range is extensive – there are two body choices in the five-door hatch and estate, up to six trim levels (depending on the engine) for the hatch and three for the estate, and seven current engines, with more to follow.

Currently the buyer can choose between petrol units of 115 or 150hp, a 150hp mild hybrid petrol unit and two petrol/electric plug-in hybrids of 204 or 272hp – the latter in the sports-pitched GTE model. You can even still buy a diesel if you really feel the need (although almost no-one will), with a choice of 115hp or 150hp engines.

Both plug-in hybrids now make use of a larger battery giving them an official all-electric range of more than 80 miles, around double previous versions. They can also now use DC rapid chargers, which is relatively unusual for a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

On the road prices start at £27K for the hatch models, with the estates about £1,400 dearer. Plug-in hybrid variants start from just under £37K.

Standard equipment on the entry-level ‘Life’ models, include the new digital dashboard and infotainment system. Wireless smartphone integration, front and rear parking sensors and adaptive cruise control come as standard on all variants too.

There’s some interesting new technology on the options list, including a 360-degree bird’s eye view monitor and from Autumn 2024, Park Assist Pro, a natty system that allows you to park the car while standing alongside it, using your smartphone.

What’s the Volkswagen Golf like inside?

It’s within the car where far more visible changes are evident, with the infotainment system hardware and software first seen on the new Tiguan earlier this year. Volkswagen’s latest operating system is promised to be more intuitive and user-friendly, following some criticism of its predecessor. And it is, though still not quite as simple to use as those of some rivals.

The system is based around a central screen of close to 13 inches mounted atop the centre console. Unlike may rivals, the screen still looks tacked onto the dashboard as an afterthought rather than smoothly integrated. You can issue commands via touch or using an ‘AI-powered’ voice control.

Not everyone is ready for such advances, however, and VW has taken note as it’s not all pokes of the touchscreen – there are now a row of illuminated physical switches at the base of the central screen, while an the steering wheel has returned to offering proper buttons rather than the unpopular haptic touch controls of the pre-facelift version.

To more basic matters – VW claims to have applied more premium materials to the doors, dash and upholstery, again a source of criticism in the 2019 version. They look okay, but rivals have upped their game and the Golf doesn’t stand above its opposition to the level it once did.

Similarly the space for both people and luggage are not class-leading, but plenty enough for most owners.

What’s the Volkswagen Golf like to drive?

Disappointedly there were no plug-in hybrid versions to try on the Golf launch event, despite going on sale with the rest of the engine options. More powerful models, including the latest Golf GTI, will arrive in showrooms later in 2024. So we contented ourselves with the 1.5-litre mild hybrid petrol unit of 150hp in a hatch, and an estate fitted with the 2.0-litre 115hp diesel.

While Volkswagen engines have attracted emissions-cheating controversy in recent years, their mechanical qualities have never been in doubt. Both the petrol and diesel units in our test cars were refined in their power delivery and quiet in operation.

All of which combines well with an on-the-road performance that is confident, producing a comfortable ride and very little extraneous noise even at motorway speeds. The car remains poised through corners without proving particularly exciting – enthusiastic drivers will find little to enthuse them, but the vast majority of owners will be happy with a car that is very easy to live with.

How safe is the Volkswagen Golf?

The eighth generation Golf was crash-tested by Euro NCAP in 2019, gaining a top-level five-star rating, and it retained it when retested in 2022 after the safety body tightened its test protocols.

The Golf comes with an extensive safety specification including a full suite of driver-assistance technology, and it’s pleasing to note that adaptive cruise control is standard even on entry-level Life versions. Useful extras such as a rear traffic alert and lane-change assistance systems come with higher trim levels but the essentials are on every model.

Volkswagen Golf fuel economy

Once if you wanted high fuel economy you went diesel. Now, even if you can get them, they no longer stand well clear of their petrol counterparts. All of the petrol engines are officially certified at above 50mpg, the mild hybrids at 53.3mpg, whereas the two diesels just crest 60mpg.

The less than real-world method of measuring plug-in hybrid economy produces stratospheric ratings above 940mpg, but more pertinent, especially for fleet drivers and their benefit-in-kind tax, is the CO₂ emissions figures of 6-8g/km. The petrol and mild-hybrid engines range from 120 to 127g/km.

Verdict

Usually mid-life facelifts produce little to get excited about but this package of updates to the Volkswagen Golf is significant and wide-ranging. The Golf has remained a favourite car for many buyers for half a century because it does everything expected of it to a high standard and this update will keep it very much in contention with much younger rivals.

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Volkswagen Golf, you might also be interested in these new and used alternatives

Key specifications

Model tested: Volkswagen Golf Match 1.5 eTSI / Estate Life 2.0 TDI
Price (as tested): £31,475 / £32,670
Engine: 1.5-litre petrol / 2.0-litre diesel
Gearbox: seven-speed auto / six-speed manual

Power: 150hp / 115hp
Torque: 220Nm / 300Nm
Top speed: 139mph / 126mph
0-60 mph: 8.4 sec / 10.5 sec

CO₂ emissions: 124g/km / 115g/km

Fuel economy: 53.0mpg / 64.3mpg
Euro NCAP safety rating: Five stars (2019)
TCE Expert Rating: A (80%) as of August 2024)

Buy a Volkswagen Golf

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Toyota C-HR test drive

Car reviews

Trinity Francis

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23 August 2024

0

Make and model: Toyota C-HR
Description: Small SUV/crossover
Price range: from £31,300

Toyota says: “The all-new Toyota C-HR combines stand-out styling, an engaging drive and class-leading efficiency with a focus on European customer expectations of premium quality and sustainability.”

We say: Toyota has overhauled its model range with striking new designs and the C-HR is no different, targeting the small SUV market.

Toyota C-HR review 2024

Introduction

This is the second generation of the Toyota C-HR. Since the model made its debut in 2017, more than 840,000 units have been sold across Europe. It sits somewhere in the middle of Toyota’s range as a small SUV or crossover bodystyle.

The model was updated in 2023 to reflect the futuristic styling and technology-forward ethos of the rest of Toyota’s line up. The brand’s range includes an increasing number of hybrid options as well as its all-electric Toyota bZ4X SUV.

In our Expert Rating Index, as of August 2024, media reviews of the Toyota C-HR have earned the car an overall Expert Rating of B with a score of 65%. As the car was released recently, we don’t yet have a score for it as a used pick.

What is the Toyota C-HR?

The C-HR is classed as a small SUV or crossover so it sits in the same category as the likes of the SEAT Ateca, Skoda Karoq and Ford Kuga. The model is only available with basic hybrid and plug-in hybrid options so it’s designed to have good fuel economy and emit less emissions. When the C-HR first came to the UK there weren’t as many small SUV competitors but the market has grown as demand in this segment has increased.

The next model up from this in Toyota’s range is the RAV4 which also now comes as a basic hybrid or plug-in hybrid. Alternatively, if you’re ready to go fully electric, the bZ4X is Toyota’s first electric SUV which offers a range of up to 318 miles. For those looking for something even larger and more capable, the latest generation of the Toyota Land Cruiser will be available in the UK later this year.

First impressions

The curves of the previous generation C-HR have faded away in favour of a more angular design. It brings the small SUV’s styling closer to that of the bZ4X and emphasises Toyota’s new generation of futuristic looks. Unusually, the C-HR features two-tone paintwork on the higher trim levels which includes the roof and rear of the vehicle in black while the rest is a colour of your choosing.

Toyota positions the C-HR as an upmarket SUV with additional features to make the body look sleek. This includes flush door handles that pop out when you unlock the car and retract when you drive away. Inside, the focus is on the central touch screen and on top trim level options ambient lighting can be set to one of 64 different colours.

We like: Futuristic styling and colour options
We don’t like: Flush door handles are an unnecessary addition

What do you get for your money?

There’s five trim levels available: Icon, Design, Excel, GR Sport, and Premiere Edition. These all come with a hybrid engine or Design, Excel and GR Sport can be specified as plug-in hybrids.

Icon gets 17-inch alloy wheels, fabric upholstery, and an eight-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control, road sign assist, lane trace assist and a blind spot monitor with safe exit assist which detects if you’re likely to open your door into the path of a vehicle approaching from the rear. As the entry point to the C-HR range, Icon starts from £31,300.

Design adds 18-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, powered tailgate and parking sensors with automatic brake function. The driver’s display and the central screen are enlarged to 12 inches and it comes with a wireless phone charger. This trim level starts at £34,695 for the hybrid and £39,145 for the plug-in hybrid. From this level bi-tone paint finishes and a panoramic glass roof can be specified as optional extras.

Excel gets slightly bigger wheels again at 19 inches and bi-tone paintwork comes as standard at this level. In the front there’s sports seats with suede-effect upholstery, overhead there’s a panoramic roof and this trim gets a 360-degree view of the car. Additional safety features include lane change assist, front cross traffic alert, adaptive high-beam headlights, cornering lights and a driver monitoring system. For the hybrid option Excel starts at £38,160, and the plug-in hybrid begins at £42,610.

GR Sport starts at either £40,655 or £43,540 depending on which type of hybrid suits you best. It gets 20-inch alloy wheels, a head-up display and JBL audio. Unlike the other trim levels, GR Sport gets Toyota Gazoo Racing inspired exterior and interior styling. This trim can be specified with additional safety and premium packs to add features such as a panoramic roof, digital rearview mirror and lane change assist.

Premiere Edition gets all of the standard and optional features included in the Excel trim level with the addition of leather upholstery and bi-tone paintwork in Sulphur metallic with Astral Black roof and rear quarters. This top trim is priced from £42,730 and only available with a hybrid engine.

As standard, the C-HR range comes with a three-year warranty. After this point owners can extend their warranty period by 12 months/10,000 miles with a service at an authorised Toyota workshop. This can extend up to 10 years/100,000 miles as long as services after the three year mark are completed by a qualifying workshop.

We like: Distinct trim levels with good amount of optional extras
We don’t like: More expensive than close competitors

What’s the Toyota C-HR like inside?

In the front, the C-HR feels reasonably spacious and easy to get familiar with. The touch screen tilts towards the driver which makes it slightly closer to reach. Underneath, there’s a bank of climate control buttons which are intuitive and simple to use. There’s a small shelf in front of the passenger and a glovebox beneath.

In the back, head and leg room isn’t as generous as competitors. With a short driver in front it gives rear passengers a bit more leg space but the sloping roof also limits rear access with small rear doors and windows. Some cars in this class receive a folding centre console in the rear from the middle seat back which houses cup holders but these are instead integrated into the rear doors instead.

The boot is a decent size but it has quite a large lip to lift luggage over and doesn’t get an adjustable floor height. The plug-in hybrid versions have a higher boot floor but this is fixed and reduces boot room slightly. Regardless, the C-HR’s boot should be plenty big enough for daily tasks, weekends away and occasionally filling it to the brim for longer holidays.

We like: Well thought out media layout for the driver
We don’t like: Restricted rear leg and head room

What’s under the bonnet?

The C-HR is available in three different configurations: a 1.8-litre petrol hybrid, a 2.0-litre petrol hybrid and a 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid. The plug-in hybrid is the most powerful option and can travel up to 41 miles on electric only. This makes it ideal for short commutes and city driving. It comes with all the cables you need to charge at home using a three-pin plug or at a wall box. To get the most out of a plug-in hybrid, it needs to be charged regularly so you can maximise the use of its electric-only range and save fuel.

The basic hybrid options don’t have the facility to be externally charged so the electric-only driving range is limited to a few miles. But if you don’t have access to charging at home or work, or the plug-in model is outside of your budget, then the standard hybrids might be a better fit.

Whilst towing is unlikely to be a primary objective for most customers, all versions can tow up to 725kg so summer holiday trips with a trailer full of camping gear are sorted.

What’s the Toyota C-HR like to drive?

The steering and accelerator feel very light. It’s easy to manoeuvre the car and it only needs gentle inputs to go where you want it to. A one-pedal driving mode can be selected to make it easy to drive in stop start traffic or the brake pedal is very responsive with normal driving. Thanks to the hybrid power, the C-HR gets up to speed reasonably quickly and doesn’t feel like it’s lacking in power. Obviously, it’s not designed to be a sports car so if you put your foot down it can be a little noisy but for the majority of daily driving it’s easy to get along with.

Visibility out of the rear is a bit limited due to the sloping roofline so the reversing camera and mirrors help you get a good sense of what’s behind. Like an increasing number of modern cars, the C-HR has a number of pings and dings to alert you of various things such as the speed limit and lane-keeping assistance. These can be turned off through a menu in the driver’s display, but they have to be deactivated every time you get into the car thanks to new EU regulations.

As the C-HR range has various different wheel sizes, the smaller options are likely to provide the most comfortable ride. That’s not to say the larger wheels are uncomfortable but smaller wheels are generally more forgiving over potholes and uneven road surfaces. Standard safety equipment includes intelligent adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, lane trace assist, road sign assist, blind spot monitoring, hill-start assist and eCall which automatically contacts emergency services in the event of an accident.

We like: Easy to drive and make the most of electric power
We don’t like: Restricted rear visibility

Verdict

The Toyota C-HR sits on the smaller end of the small SUV scale but it comes well equipped and it’s very easy to live with. The hybrid engine options give it great fuel efficiency which can be maximised with the plug-in variant. Inside, it has the right balance of modern and traditional with a large touchscreen display and simple climate control buttons.

For young families or those who occasionally have rear passengers, the C-HR fits the bill. It sits closer to a large hatchback so for extra rear passenger and boot space, competitors can offer more room. With access to charging the plug-in hybrid version could make a very economical ride but given its higher price point, the 1.8-litre basic hybrid should provide more than enough oomph, affordability and comfort.

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Toyota C-HR, you might also be interested in these alternatives.

Key specifications

Model tested: Toyota C-HR Premiere Edition
Price as tested: £45,280
Engine: 2.0-litre petrol hybrid
Gearbox: e-CVT

Power: 193 bhp
Torque: 190 Nm
Top speed: 112 mph
0-62 mph: 8.1 seconds

CO2 emissions: 110 g/km
Euro NCAP safety rating: 5 stars
TCE Expert Rating: 65% (as of August 2024)

Buy a Toyota C-HR

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V6-powered Maserati GT2 Stradale unveiled

New model

Sean Rees

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21 August 2024

0

V6-powered Maserati GT2 Stradale unveiled

Maserati has unveiled its new GT2 Stradale supercar in California, which is slightly more powerful than the brand’s MC20 flagship.

This new track-focused supercar is described by its manufacturer as the “technical and stylistic” midpoint between Maserati’s mid-engined MC20 sports car and its new GT2 race car designed for the brand’s return to GT competitions.

Maserati insists that the supercar is well-rounded, explaining that the GT2 Stradale “evokes style and racing performance without sacrificing the best driving experience on the road.” Taking exterior design cues from both the MC20 and GT2, the Stradale is powered by the same 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine but is 60kg lighter than its MC20 sibling.

This weight reduction, as well as engine tuning that adds an extra 10hp and the GT2’s aerodynamics, means that the GT2 Stradale can complete a 0-62mph sprint in 2.8 seconds – a tenth of a second faster than the MC20. The engine’s total output is 640hp, and top speed is capped at 199mph.

Inside, the car comes with Alcantara leather-trimmed carbon fibre sport seats, and a digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen pairing installed on a suede-look dashboard. The steering wheel is also wrapped in Alcantara leather and comes with integrated gear shift lights.

To give the Stradale a race car feel, Maserati has also given the car a GT2 Stradale badge on the dashboard and lightweight fabric pulls instead of normal door handles.

The options list includes several personalisation options, including paint colours from its ‘Fuoriserie’ range and extra carbon fibre trim for the cabin.

While the GT2 Stradale is now available to configure on Maserati’s website, the brand is yet to announce the supercar’s UK price and model allocation (how many cars are coming to the UK for sale).

More Maserati news, reviews, Expert Ratings and features

Make these checks before towing

Tom Johnston

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21 August 2024

0

You used to have to take a test if you wanted to tow a caravan or trailer but that all changed a few years ago, Now, if you have a ‘standard’ Category B driving licence, you can hitch up to a caravan, trailer or horse box and take to the road.

But that does not remove your obligations when it comes to safety for you and other road users, and towing is a road skill that should not be taken lightly.

There are towing courses available for drivers new to towing or wanting to improve their skills if they are expecting to pull a trailer or caravan in the future. Even if you are confident in towing on the open road, but you have not done it for a while, it’s worth practicing basic movements, such as reversing, on a closed road or quiet track.

Now safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist has released a series of towing tips for drivers taking to the highways this summer and later this year, calling it the WISER list.

The WISER checklist for caravan and trailer towing

W for weight
Check the ‘Gross Train Weight’ (the weight of your fully-loaded car plus a fully-loaded trailer) on the car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate. It’s an offence to drive the car if you’ve exceeded this weight. Make allowances for limited acceleration and longer stopping distances. With a loaded trailer you may not stop as quickly as you are used to, so leave plenty of space.

I for insurance
Most car insurance policies cover you for towing a caravan or trailer. However, this will usually only be third party, meaning that if your caravan became detached from the car you would be covered for injury to other people or damage to their property, but the ‘van would not be covered. Also ensure you have appropriate breakdown cover. Most recovery companies won’t take a trailer unless it is specified in your contract.

S for speed
Speed limits for vehicles towing trailers are lower than you might be used to when you’re not towing. On single-carriageway roads your maximum speed is 50mph, while on dual carriageways and motorways the maximum speed is 60mph. There are other rules when towing, so check them. You must not use the third lane of a three-lane motorway, for example. The penalty is £100 and three points on your driving licence.

E for engine
Consider whether your car is powerful enough to be towing a trailer. A good rule of thumb is to check the maximum mass or weight of the trailer. If it’s 85% or less than the total kerb weight of the car, then towing should be fine.

R for reversing
Go slow and steady. The slower you do it, the less likely you are to get into trouble. Find an empty field or car park so you can quietly practice until you are confident. To steer the trailer, you need to move the wheel in the opposite direction to that if you were reversing the car with no trailer. This can be tricky, but practice makes perfect – the more you do it the more natural it becomes.

Read more:

New BMW M5 Touring debuts

New model

Sean Rees

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20 August 2024

0

Part of its latest high-power M5 line-up, BMW’s performance-focused ‘M’ division has debuted the new M5 Touring – an estate version with a stretched roofline with a unique roof spoiler.

Besides providing supercar-rivalling pace and acceleration, BMW says that this new M5 range “combines electrifying performance with an unrivalled long-distance capability”, pointing to the fact that the performance car is now a petrol plug-in hybrid, combining a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine with a 19kWh battery and electric motor.

The added battery boosts the car’s output to 727hp – up from last generation’s petrol-only 567hp – and gives the car an estimated electric-only driving range of 38 to 42 miles.

BMW adds that this plug-in hybrid configuration can provide a fuel consumption of up to 166mpg – a large improvement over the last model’s average consumption of 25mpg. Top speed is limited to 155mph (can be pushed up to 189mph with the optional ‘M Drivers’ package’), and this Touring estate can reportedly complete a 0-62mph sprint in 3.6 seconds. This is two tenths of a second slower to 62mph than the Audi RS6 Avant.

In basic terms, the M5 Touring is the same car as the saloon version but with a bit more practicality. It has slightly wider wheel arches and is around four centimetres longer and seven centimetres wider than the standard M5.

Both versions of the new M5 come with larger blacked-out kidney grilles with an illuminated surround, more pronounced air intakes and sharper bonnet contour lines in the front, and a chunky two-section quad-exhaust diffuser on the rear bumper. The Touring’s extended rear roofline ends with a spoiler that provides extra downforce.

Inside, the M5 Touring comes with a familiar interior design, including a curved continuous digital instrument cluster and infotainment display that juts out of the dashboard, and front seats that are both heated and ventilated.

A premium Bowers & Wilkins sound system is included as standard, while an optional panoramic sunroof can be installed for an additional fee. The list of on-board tech features includes semi-autonomous parking assistance, which can cover distances of up to 200 metres on its own.

Now available to order in the UK, the third-generation BMW M5 Touring costs over £112k as standard, with the first customer deliveries expected to arrive on UK roads early next year.

More BMW news, reviews, Expert Ratings and features

Subaru Crosstrek test drive

Car reviews

Trinity Francis

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17 August 2024

0

Make and model: Subaru Crosstrek
Description: Small SUV/crossover
Price range: from £34,290

Subaru says: “The Subaru Crosstrek has been designed around the concept of utility and sportiness that lends itself to an active lifestyle.”

We say: The Crosstrek offers the practicality of a family SUV mixed with good off-road capabilities and safety features.

More Subaru new car reviews, Expert Ratings, news and features

Subaru Crosstrek review 2024

Introduction

The Subaru Crosstrek is the newest addition to the Subaru range after its all-electric model Solterra joined the lineup in 2023. It replaces the XV in the line-up, which was sold across two generations (2010-2017 and 2017-2024).

Most of Subaru’s range has a very specific audience, but the Crosstrek feels more applicable to customers who are not as focused on ruggedness and practicality. The Crosstrek feels like a good middle ground for drivers who only need that functionality occasionally instead of every day.

As of August 2024, our award-winning Expert Rating Index doesn’t yet include results for the Subaru Crosstrek as we don’t have enough safety data or running cost information just yet, but Subaru will be hoping that the new model improves on the previous XV model, which earned a lowly rating of D (with a score of just 59%) as a new car purchase, and a C grade (with a score of 64%) as a used pick.

What is it?

The Crosstrek is the replacement for Subaru’s XV model. It’s a small SUV / crossover which essentially means it’s higher and slightly larger than a hatchback. It’s the smallest model in Subaru’s range and comes with just one hybrid engine option.

There’s plenty of competition in the SUV market so the Crosstrek could be looked at alongside the likes of the Kia Stonic, Dacia Duster and Hyundai Kona. For a bit more space, the Seat Ateca, Skoda Karoq, or Ford Kuga could be alternatives to consider. Crosstrek finds itself somewhere between small SUV and medium SUV ranges, so once you’ve decided on a budget, this will help to inform which other cars you might also consider.

First impressions

Compared to the Outback the Crosstrek looks small in the flesh but inside it’s spacious and shares a very similar interior layout. Externally, it features chunky black plastic wheel arches and trim around the bumper. It sits noticeably higher than a hatchback but not quite as high as a standard SUV. This makes it very easy to get in and out of and doesn’t make you step up into or down into the car.

In keeping with the rest of Subaru’s range, the Crosstrek is much more modern compared to its predecessor and the angular styling gives it a bit more personality. Inside, the touchscreen is the main focus and everything feels solidly put together. True to Subaru’s reputation it feels built to last and comes with lots of safety equipment as standard.

We like: Feels built to last and has good safety features
We don’t like: Just one engine option

What do you get for your money?

The Crosstrek range starts from £34,290 and rises to £36,290. Two trim options are available: Limited, or Touring. If you fancy a special paint finish that doesn’t come as standard then that costs an extra £595 on top of the purchase price.

Subaru offers a range of different finance options with PCP deals coming in at £298.75 a month with a £7,620 deposit for the entry-level spec. Personal and business contract hire deals are a little more expensive on the monthly amount or Subaru has a 50/50 deal. This is where you pay a 50% deposit, then pay the final 50% a year later with 0% APR.

Limited trim comes with roof rails, six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear view camera, and tyre pressure monitoring. Touring adds synthetic leather seat trim, sunroof, 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, and sat nav.

Safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure prevention, traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed limiter, blind spot monitoring, lane change assist and reverse automatic braking.

The Crosstrek comes with a three-year / 60,000 mile warranty, which is pretty much the bare minimum and no more these days, while the battery is covered under an eight-year / 100,000 mile warranty.

We like: All safety equipment is included as standard
We don’t like: Short warranty compared to rivals

What’s the Subaru Crosstrek like inside?

The interior feels like it’s made to be hard wearing. In the centre of the dash is a large integrated touchscreen which has some real buttons surrounding it to help with climate controls. While the screen layout is easy to navigate on the move thanks to the large icons, it can be a bit laggy. With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connected, the user experience is much smoother.

In the back there’s a good amount of legroom and most passengers will be comfortable with the amount of headroom as well. There’s also enough space for three adults to sit alongside each other without feeling uncomfortable on longer journeys.

The boot space is more than adequate for everyday use and the weekly shop but rivals like the Ford Puma, Dacia Duster and the Hyundai Kona have bigger boots. With the seats down loading space opens up to make room for much larger items. Unlike others in this category the Crosstrek doesn’t have additional storage space underneath the boot floor.

We like: Robust, well laid out cabin
We don’t like: Small boot compared to rivals

What’s under the bonnet?

Subaru offers the Crosstrek with one engine option, a 2.0-litre petrol engine with hybrid assistance. Although the Crosstrek can drive on electric power alone, it’s rather limited compared to most hybrid models from other manufacturers. Running purely on electricity, it can go for about a mile and reach no more than 25mph, so it’s generally only useful for stop-start urban traffic.

The main role of the electric motor is to provide additional support to the petrol engine, helping to improve fuel economy by reducing load on the engine. Subaru claims that it offers a 10% benefit in fuel economy compared to the same engine without electric support.

Fuel economy is officially rated at 37mpg but, for real-world driving, expect this to vary between 32 to 35mpg. With very economical driving, 40mpg could be achieved. Despite it being the smallest model in Subaru’s lineup, the manufacturer hasn’t skimped on giving the Crosstrek good towing capacity. It can tow a braked trailer up to 1,270kg.

What’s the Subaru Crosstrek like to drive?

The Crosstrek feels much lighter on the road than the Outback. It feels much easier to manoeuvre as it’s a shorter car, all round visibility is very good and aided by a reversing camera. For local journeys it’s easy to jump in and go and the hybrid engine helps it to stay quiet and smooth. The higher ride height gives you a better view of the road and makes the car feel safer than a hatchback where you might be sat lower down.

If you put your foot down the engine can be a bit noisy but this is mostly a product of the type of transmission this car has. Once it’s up to speed it quietens down again. Driving it smoothly and speeding up gradually elicits the best response. This means it can feel underpowered compared to other SUVs that are quicker. However, the Crosstrek is built for off-road driving as well as on-road, so if this is a priority its straight line power isn’t as important.

We like: Great driving position and visibility
We don’t like: Engine feels a bit underpowered

Verdict

The Subaru Crosstrek is a good alternative to a standard hatchback model thanks to the elevated ride height and decent space for rear passengers. If you drive it in a measured way then it’s a very smooth and quiet ride but for enthusiastic drivers who are after a bit more power then there are sportier SUVs out ther.

Like the rest of Subaru’s lineup, the Crosstrek is aimed at drivers who might need to take the car off-road or be more adventurous with how they use it. However, this is perhaps the company’s best option, aside from the all-electric Solterra, for drivers who won’t necessarily use the car for these activities.

More Subaru new car reviews, Expert Ratings, news and features

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If you’re looking at the Subaru Crosstrek, you might also be interested in these new and used alternatives

Key specifications

Model tested: Subaru Crosstrek
Price (as tested): £36,290
Engine: 2.0-litre petrol mild hybrid
Gearbox: CVT automatic

Power: 134 bhp
Torque: 184 Nm
Top speed: 123 mph
0-60 mph: 10.8 seconds

CO₂ emissions: 174 g/km
Euro NCAP rating: Not yet tested (August 2024)
TCE Expert Rating: Not yet rated (August 2024)

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What’s in a (car) name?

Russell Hayes

-

17 August 2024

0

With so many new cars and new brands popping up almost every week, how do you give a car a name people can remember? Here’s our take on when car companies get it right, or wrong, or just confuse everyone.

Naming a car can be a marketing headache. Some car manufacturers don’t even bother, preferring to use numbers or some kind of alphanumeric combination. You might think that a simple number is a lot less evocative than a proper name, but try mentioning the number 911 near a Porsche enthusiast…

But most of the time, a proper name tends to be more memorable than a simple number or model code – even if it’s an unofficial name. For example, no-one ever refers to Volkswagen’s most famous car as the Type 1, which is its official title; to the whole world, it’s simply the Beetle (even though Volkswagen never used that name).

Old names for new cars

You can understand why car makers want to revive old names when they launch new cars, or simply cling onto them for decade after decade. After over a century of cars, coming up with a new name that nobody else owns is a huge task. For example, Elon Musk wanted to call his range of Teslas the Model S, Model E, Model X and Model Y (spelling out S.E.X.Y.). Unfortunately for Elon, Ford owned the rights to the Model E name and wasn’t interested in selling them. So we got the Tesla Model 3 instead.

For legacy car companies, bringing back a well-loved old name has often worked spectacularly well. In 2001 BMW brought us an all-new Mini which looked a little like the old one which had only just gone out of production. The Mini Cooper tag was already secured for the future and after Clubman and Countryman had their revivals it was time to invent the Paceman and the Aceman. Nice and neat.

Volkswagen had a good 21 years from the ‘New Beetle’ (despite technically never having had an ‘old’ Beetle…), the ‘new’ Fiat 500 of 2007 became a million-seller and spawned larger versions with the same face. The 2020 500 Electric picked up that style, which was stretched to add the 600e, although bringing back the 124 sports car didn’t last long.

It’s only just gone on sale in France, but it seems buyers are likely to go crazy for the new Renault 5, bringing back a name last seen in 1996 but with a real visual link to the original – then it’s reviving the even more legendary Renault 4 (last sold here 1992).

Ford is having good and bad days with old names. It worked with the Puma, the UK’s best-selling car last year and about to get an electric version. The nearest Puma ancestor was the well-liked little coupé of 1997-2002, and nobody seems to mind that today’s Puma is chalk and cheese in comparison.

However, Ford has faced criticism for its more recent attempts to revive other famous names from its history. Its first electric car was a large SUV and in a move that infuriated car enthusiasts – especially back home in America – it was called the Mustang Mach-E and given various Mustang design cues. Today, the Mustang Mach-E comfortably sits alongside the legendary petrol powered coupé in both North America and Europe, and there are plenty of Mustang fans who own the electric SUV as their daily car and a petrol version – either modern or classic – as their second car.

Having weathered that storm, Ford’s trying it again. This time it’s resurrecting a name last used in the 1980s on a sporty rear-wheel-drive coupé that’s still loved by many today – the Capri.

Like the electric Mustang, the new Ford Capri is a large five-door electric SUV. It’s based on the new Ford Explorer EV (wand both are based on a Volkswagen platform), which also revived another of Ford’s legendary American model names for European car buyers. To be fair, the Explorer was never a popular Ford model in Europe, but still is in the USA and Ford is trying to build on its ‘heritage’ names across its range.

Even before it’s in the showrooms, the new Capri seems to have mightily annoyed many people by looking nothing at all like its namesake. At least the Mustang Mach-E has plenty of clear visual references to the classic Ford sports car, which the Capri lacks. Is it a big mistake? Time will tell, but Ford has certainly scooped a lot of free publicity in the process. For a lot of younger people, ‘Capri’ may not have any real association with Ford anyway – or certainly not a specific association with what was largely a poor man’s Mustang.

Random names

Another approach used by car companies is to make up a new word – the Renault Twingo was made up of twist+swing+tango, or create a name which almost sounds like a real word but isn’t. Other made-up names include the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia Stonic, Vauxhall Mokka and Grandland. Toyota even did the same for a whole car company when launching its premium brand Lexus in the 19080s.

Alternatively, you could introduce real words that have nothing to do with cars but stick in your mind, hopefully in a good way. This is the option preferred by Chinese manufacturers which are big names at home but unknown in Europe.

GWM Ora was formed in 2018 as a subsidiary of Great Wall Motors, which is the eighth-largest automobile manufacturer in China. Ora stands for ‘Open, Reliable and Alternative’’ and is aimed at younger people. Its first EV in 2022 was called the GWM Funky Cat. In Europe it also sold the hybrid sub-brand Wey, the Wey Coffee 01 and Coffee 02 SUVs. It seems that this was too much coffee and one too many cats. The Funky Cat is now the GWM Ora 03, the Wey Coffees now the GWM Wey 05 and GWM Wey 03.

On the other hand, BYD (Build Your Dreams) offers the Seal and Dolphin models. The cars have nothing to do with aquatic creatures apart from being a smooth shape, but hey, what’s not to like about seals and dolphins? In China, it also has a model called the Seagull, but that’s not currently available in the UK.

Still, could be worse. Mitsubishi launched a sporty coupé model back in the 1980s called the Starion. Except that it was supposed to be called the ‘Stallion’ (since it was inspired by the Ford Mustang, and Mitsubishi also had a model called the Colt), but got caught up in an embarrassing example of Japanese mispronunciation of English words. The company hurriedly came up with a story that suggested that the name was a portmanteau of ‘Star of Orion’, but no-one fell for it.

Mitsubishi did have some form with poor naming choices. For decades, Mitsubishi’s large SUV was called the Pajero in most of the world but it was changed to Shogun or Montero in certain markets. It turns out that the original name was quite insulting in Spanish…

Alphabet soup

Many car manufacturers have used various alphanumeric combinations as model names to position their models, although the names usually had a logical structure. Today, you’d be forgiven that some car manufacturers have completely lost the plot.

Then there is the tactic of a seemingly random mix of lower and upper case letters with numbers. Some even throw in a punctuation mark of some description.

Nobody’s been able to make any sense of the Honda e:Ny1. This bizarre combination of lower-case letter, colon, upper-case letter, another lower-case letter and number was quickly interpreted by motoring journos everywhere (and even some Honda people) as being a play on the word “anyone”, until being severely told off by higher-up Honda spokespeople. You must pronounce it as “E-N-Y-1”, although apparently the colon is silent…

Then there’s the Toyota bZ4X, a mid-size electric SUV. Like the Honda, the clunky combination of lower case and upper case lettering is infuriating to both grammar pedants and auto-correct software. Toyota explains it’s the first model to be launched in its bZ ‘beyond zero’ family of zero-emission vehicles, and that the name references the size of the car (4 means mid-size, apparently) and vehicle type (X means crossover or SUV). There will be more bZ models with equally catchy names coming soon, we are told.

Mercedes gives its electric models an ‘EQ’ designation (EQA, EQB, EQC, EQE, EQS and EQV so far). But that doesn’t tell you what sort of car each of those are – and the EQE and EQS are sold as both saloons and SUVs, just to make it more complicated. Except the new electric version of the G-Class isn’t called the EQG, as it was changed at the last minute to become the “Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology”.

When numerical logic goes wrong

There’s always been a logic to numbers going up as cars go up in size. BMW, for example, built its reputation on the 3 Series, 5 Series and 7 Series for its small, medium and large saloons. Audi adopted its ‘A’ naming strategy in the 1990s, ranging from A2 to A8 as the cars went from smallest to largest.

But this became more complicated as brands started offering a greater variety of body styles. Traditional saloons, hatchbacks and estates were joined by MPVs and SUVs, there was a run on coupés and cabriolets, then we got swoopier saloons and estates that the Germans like to (incorrectly) call ‘four-door coupés’ and ‘shooting brakes’, and then something called a ‘coupé SUV’. So we needed more letters and numbers to cover all eventualities, and then we needed to find some way to differentiate electric cars from petrol models.

This has resulted in something of a confusing mess. We could give you pages of confusing nomenclature, but we can see your eyes glazing over so we’ll just highlight a few examples.

Audi is in the process of rearranging its numbering so that even numbers are for electric models (like the new A6 and Q6 models, for example), while odd numbers denote fossil-fuel models. So the new A5 saloon replaces the old A4 saloon, while the A6 and A8 replacements will apparently be named the A7 and A9. The old A5 coupé and cabriolet models have disappeared, while the current A7 will also vanish soon.

This has led to plenty of confusion as this is gradually rolled out, with Audi currently offering both the Q8 (which is a petrol- or diesel-powered SUV) and the Q8 e-tron (which is a completely unrelated electric SUV)

Volkswagen has the names ID.3, ID.4, ID.5 and ID.7 for its electric models, which seems sensible until you add in the ID. Buzz, which sits between the ID.5 and ID.7 in terms of size but isn’t called the ID.6…

Aston Martin has a long tradition of DB cars, starting with the DB2 (at which point the old car was hastily renamed the DB1). But after the DB7, Aston Martin decided to jump a number and go straight to the DB9. It then skipped DB10 as well because that was a James Bond movie special, so went straight on to DB11 and now DB12. We bet there won’t be an ‘unlucky’ 13 either, so we expect the DB12’s replacement to be the DB14.

Peugeot has followed a logical three-digit naming tradition since the 1950s and its current range includes the 208, 308, 408 and 508. For its SUV models, it adds another zero – so you get 2008, 3008 and 5008. Of course, car companies can’t help making a mess of things and Peugeot’s certainly done that.

The 208, for example, is pronounced as “Two-Oh-Eight” in the same fashion that Peugeot has used for as long as its three-digit system has existed. But the SUV version of that car, the 2008, is most definitely not the “Two-Double-Oh-Eight” as literally everyone who’s not a Peugeot employee calls it. According to Peugeot people, it absolutely must be pronounced as “Two Thousand and Eight”. Which would be fine if the hatch was called the “Two Hundred and Eight”, but is otherwise contradictory nonsense.

Then there’s Smart. For its new electric SUV that relaunched the brand after a long run of tiny city cars, it went with the name #1. Seems logical for the first model of a new generation, right? That’s because you almost certainly pronounced it in your head as “Number One”. But it’s actually supposed to be “Hashtag One”. To confuse things further, the second model was the #3 and the third model will be called the #5. Maybe Smart just doesn’t like even numbers?

In a ray of hope for common-sense car naming, Kia is keeping things simple with its new range of electric cars: EV3, EV6 and EV9, with an EV4 and EV5 on the way.

Likewise, Swedish EV brand Polestar has the 2, 3 and 4 models, with the next two cars set to be called (unsurprisingly) the 5 and 6. Clear and logical, if not particularly exciting. Although there’s inevitably one wrinkle there – if you’re wondering what happened to the Polestar 1, it did actually exist. It was a very expensive, strictly limited-production performance flagship model that didn’t really have anything to do with the rest of the brand. It wasn’t even an EV, which is a slightly odd choice for an EV-only car company. Because it is obviously asking too much for things to be simple…

Additional reporting by Stuart Masson.

Read more:

Driving in Malta – what are the rules?

Driving

Tom Johnston

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17 August 2024

0

Not many European countries drive on the left side of the road as we do in the UK, but Malta is one of them. That makes it slightly easier to adjust to if you’re considering a motoring holiday on the island, but there’s still plenty to comprehend before you go there.

A former British colony, Malta continues to drive on the left side of the road with the steering wheel on the right side of the car, so that’s one less thing to worry about if you’re planning a visit to the Mediterranean island and want to explore it by road.

Using a vehicle is a very good way to see Malta with its beautiful beaches, rich history and stunning architecture. It’s a small island – just 316km² in size – so it’s easy to squeeze in all the sights you want to see in a relatively small time period.

Situated all alone in the middle of the Med, Malta is made up of five islands. Malta, Gozo and Comino are all inhabited while two others, Kemmunett and Filfla, make up the archipelago. Sicily lies to the north and Tunisia to the west, with the rest of Africa below it to the south.

A succession of countries have ruled Malta at various times, including the British, French and Romans, and the country’s 7,000-year history is testament to that. It means there’s an abundance of architecture and art to explore, and the island is home to three UNESCO world heritage sites.

Architecture goes back centuries to ancient temples and churches, while more recent Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical designs and styles can be seen at almost every turn.

Hot, dry weather and attractive beaches make Malta a popular destination for sun seekers. The coast is quite rocky but local people make the most of what sand they have and use the sea to great effect – water sports are very popular here. Diving is particularly well followed and there are several wrecks to explore off the coastline.

Cuisine is heavily weighted towards Italy, and Sicily in particular, but there are also influences from France, Spain and Africa. These can all be eaten in a wide variety of hotels and restaurants throughout the island. Nightlife is also good with bars, clubs and live music venues all operating, especially during the summer months.

As a tiny land mass, Malta has a small economy. But it’s a thriving one, driven by manufacturing, aviation and shipping, and business is welcomed on the island.

Flying in and hiring a vehicle is really the only option for a motoring holiday and you’ll find a wide selection of car rental companies, such as Avis, Alamo and Europcar, all operating from the country’s main airport, Malta International.

The Maltese might use the same side of the road as the British, but driving in Malta is a completely different experience from doing so in the UK. Planning a driving holiday or using a car on business, requires careful planning and a good understanding of what you can, and can’t do behind the wheel while there.

Here The Car Expert looks at the most important elements to consider when planning a holiday or business trip to Malta, and we’ve included a handy checklist. As each journey is unique, always check that you have everything covered for your particular visit.

Basic rules

You must be at least 18 years old and hold a full driving licence to get behind the wheel in Malta. Just the licence card will do, as the paper counterpart is no longer a requirement. International Driving Permits are recognised but are not a necessity.

You can ship your own car in Malta and if you do that, you’ll need to prove that you have car insurance so always have your certificate with you. You should also always carry with you documents that show the identity of the vehicle, such as a V5C ‘logbook’. And always have your passport or other form of ID.

If it’s registered in the UK, your vehicle’s ‘home country’ must be shown on it. A ‘UK’ sticker on the rear is one way to do this but you can also display a small UK badge on both number plates if you wish. The ‘GB’ badge is no longer allowed, even within European ‘golden stars’ and the same goes for country signs such as the English, Scottish or Welsh flags.

It’s more likely you’ll be using a hire car, in which case always have the rental agreement paperwork with you while driving. You must be at least 21 to drive a rental car although customers under 25 might be charged a ‘young driver’ surcharge. Check with the rental company first. You will also need to show you have held a full driving licence for at least two years.

We don’t recommend any drinking of alcohol if you are going to drive, but you should be aware of the country’s limit. It’s 0.8 g/l (0.08%) blood alcohol level, which is the same as in England and Wales. Breath tests are usually required after any accident where someone has been injured or where a possible motoring offence has been committed.

The police can stop anyone they suspect of being ‘over the limit’ and if that test proves positive another will have to be taken at the local police station.

Penalties for a positive test range from a fine of up to €2,300 (approx. £1,900) to a six-month confiscation of driving licence or even a prison sentence.

Speed limits

Speed limits are shown in kilometres (km/h) rather than miles (mph). In built-up areas the speed limit is 50 km/h (31 mph). Outside of towns the limit is between 60 km/h (37 mph) and 80 km/h (50 mph) depending on district, so keep an eye on local signage. There are no motorways in Malta.

Speed cameras are used in the country, but these are forewarned using a white square sign with a black camera image on it. The speeding fine is usually €100 (£85) but it depends on severity of offence. Speed camera detection devices are illegal when driving on Maltese roads and will be confiscated by the police. And don’t use a mobile phone while driving unless it is ‘hands-free’. The fine is €200 (£170).

What to carry in the car

The rental company will probably take care of this but it’s always worth checking you have the legally required warning triangle in the car in case of breakdown or accident. It’s also recommended you have a hi-viz jacket, fire extinguisher, first aid kit and spare bulbs for the car’s headlamps, although these are not a legal necessity.

Specialist suppliers, such as motoring organisations, sell ‘European driving kits’ for £25-£30, which contain everything you are likely to need for a Continental road trip, and it’s well worth investing in one.

Seatbelts

Seatbelt rules are the same as in the UK: if your car has them, they must be worn. It’s the driver’s responsibility to make sure everyone is buckled up – there’s a €50 (£42) fine for not using one.

And children need to be fastened in too – any child under 135 cm tall must ride in the rear of the car. Children over this height and up to 150 cm can go in the front but must be in an approved child restraint for their size. If no restraints are available, the child may travel in the rear with an adult belt on.

Driving

Keep to the left-hand lane as much as possible but if you are overtaking you must do so on the right. Never attempt to overtake on or near a level crossing, pedestrian crossing or major junction. Local drivers rarely indicate and can pull out suddenly especially if they want to pass you.

You will usually give way to vehicles using the ‘main’ road unless signs state otherwise. At crossroads that have no controls or road markings, give priority to vehicles coming from your right. The same goes for roundabouts, although Maltese drivers are notorious for failing to give way at these traffic islands and for never using their indicators, so extra care must be taken here. Always give way to emergency vehicles as soon as you can.

You do not need to use dipped headlights, but only use full beam on unlit roads. Switch on your dipped lights when entering a tunnel. Horns must be used sparingly – they are not allowed to be sounded in built-up areas between 11pm and 6am, unless in an emergency.

There are no specific laws for towing a trailer or caravan, but you must ensure that your car has the correct towing fittings and apparatus. Make sure you can see clearly behind you with the use of two wide rear-view mirrors.

If you are involved in an accident, however minor, you must tell the police and rental company (if applicable) and get an insurance accident report. If you don’t you could end up paying the whole repair bill before you leave the island.

Traffic signs

Traffic lights are red, amber and green and follow a similar pattern to the UK. Road signs usually have pictures which are self-explanatory and are similar to those used in the UK. They include the ‘low flying aircraft, ‘elderly people crossing’ and ‘roadworks’ warning signs that UK drivers will be familiar with. There’s an additional sign showing a hooter which means ‘no use of horn or motor noise’.

Warning signs are triangles with a red outline, regulation signs are circles with a red border or blue circles with white arrows, while information and places of interest signs are square or round and mostly brown.

Directional signs are generally blue squares with the town names written in Maltese and the distances shown in kilometres. Most signs will be written in English, including ‘Stop’, ‘School’ and ‘Disabled people’.

Main (arterial) roads are advised with blue signs and white letters while secondary (distributor) roads have yellow signs with black lettering.

Fuel availability

Unleaded and diesel fuel are widely available on Malta’s roads. Some locals say there are too many fuel stations: certainly, every town or village has at least one service site. LPG liquid gas and CNG natural gas are offered at some points.

Stations are open 24 hours a day, usually with an attendant in daytime hours and a self-service set-up during the night. Cash or credit card is accepted. Many service areas will have tyre inflators and puncture repair services, along with food, drink and spare parts shops.

Parking

Take care where you park in Malta as this element of motoring is strictly controlled. Parking enforcement officers oversee traffic laws and will punish rule-breakers. The larger towns have street parking meters which often only give one or two hours’ time limits but there are also covered car parks. Some towns, such as Valletta and Floriana offer cheap or even free park and ride services. There is a charge to enter Valletta in a car during daytime hours – the maximum amount is €6.50 (£5.50).

If you’re planning to park on the road look for markings: white markings are for general parking, yellow lines mean no parking, green bays are usually for residents while blue bays are time restricted often allowing parking between 8am and 6pm only. Stay well away from disabled parking bays unless you have the correct badge displayed. Cars badly parked or causing an obstruction will be clamped or even towed away. There’s a fee for release with either of these.

Emergency number

In Malta, as with most of Europe, you can dial 112 and make contact with emergency services such as fire, ambulance or police, 24 hours a day. Operators will speak English, French other European languages.

Checklist

Must haves:

Driving licence
Passport
Car rental papers
Vehicle insurance (if applicable)
MOT certificate (if applicable)
V5 or vehicle ID (if applicable)
UK sticker or number plate markings
Warning triangle

Options:

Headlamp beam deflectors
First aid kit
Hi-Viz jacket
Fire extinguisher
Spare bulb kit
Screen wash
Bottled water
Map or satnav
Phone power bank
Torch
Fuel can

Minor trim updates for Lexus NX SUV

Model update

Sean Rees

-

16 August 2024

0

Lexus has rolled out a minor update to its NX hybrid SUV which adds more on-board tech to the standard equipment list and an optional panoramic sunroof.

The brand admits that this range refresh is “not radical”, but that it adds “a touch of extra lustre to the model” as Lexus looks to challenge the UK sales of close competitors like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Volvo XC60.

To start, the NX 350h hybrid has a renamed entry-level trim. The ‘Urban’ is essentially identical to the previous lead-in option, but introduces wireless smartphone compatibility for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay infotainment services. Key features include 18-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, heated front seats, a motorised tailgate and a ten-speaker audio system.

Moving up the trim levels, the mid-range ‘Premium’ available with both the NX 350h hybrid and NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid now includes eight-way power adjustable front seats, adding to a trim grade that already included illuminated door handles, rear privacy glass, a heated steering wheel, and blind spot monitoring tech.

The options list for the ‘Premium’, which includes a larger 14-inch infotainment display to replace the standard ten-inch one, has been expanded to include a panoramic sunroof which Lexus says brings “more light into the cabin than the previous sunroof.” This sunroof comes as standard with the top-spec ‘Takumi’ trim levels.

Finally, the NX is now available with an extra exterior colour option – ‘Sonic Copper’ – which is paired with sand-coloured leather interior trimmings. Pricing for the NX starts at over £44k for the 350h, and at just under £50k for the 450h+.

The Lexus NX currently holds a New Car Expert Rating of A with a score of 75%. This score is competitive in the medium SUV class and makes the NX the highest-scoring Lexus in our Expert Rating Index.

Sporty Skoda Octavia vRS given power boost

New model

Sean Rees

-

16 August 2024

0

Sporty Skoda Octavia vRS given power boost

A new iteration of the Skoda Octavia vRS is now available to order in the UK, which its manufacturer says is its most powerful vRS model to date.

Based on the standard Octavia saloon and estate – a car widely praised for its family car credentials – this new vRS model differentiates itself from the standard range thanks to restyled sporty front and rear bumpers and a new ‘vRS’ logo on the black surround radiator grille, as well as black side window trim and wing mirrors.

At the back, the new bumper diffuser and tailpipes are also finished in black while the estate models also feature black roof rails as standard. The car sits on 19-inch ‘anthracite’ alloy wheels, instead of the standard car’s 16-inch alloys.

Stepping inside, the vRS comes with a leather steering wheel and aluminium pedal covers as part of a jet black interior trim finish with the same 13-inch infotainment screen as the standard Octavia and electronically-adjustable sports seats with a massage function.

The car is powered a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – much like the previous Octavia vRS – but with a 20hp boost. While not as economical as the Octavia, Skoda is keen to stress that this 265hp vRS variant is “remarkably efficient”, as it has a fuel consumption of around 41mpg.

A 0-62mph sprint reportedly takes 6.4 seconds (saloon). This is only two tenths of a second slower off the mark than parent brand Volkswagen’s equivalent – the Golf GTI – and for a slightly cheaper price tag.

Now available to order in the UK, the Skoda Octavia vRS currently costs a few hundred under £39k, while pricing for the estate version starts at just under £40k.

The standard Skoda Octavia currently holds an Expert Rating of A, with a score of 77%. That’s a fairly impressive score, and the highest for any petrol-powered Skoda in our Expert Rating Index.

Volkswagen T-Roc R gains Black Edition trim

Model update

Sean Rees

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16 August 2024

0

Volkswagen T-Roc R gains Black Edition trim

Volkswagen has added a new trim option to its T-Roc R options list which finishes the car in black and comes with several extra bits of on-board equipment over the standard model.

The performance-enhanced T-Roc R is the latest Volkswagen model to receive the brand’s ‘Black Edition’ treatment, after the Golf hatchback and Tiguan SUV. As you might guess, this trim’s key attraction is its all-black exterior finish with roof rails, wing mirrors and 19-inch alloy wheels painted the same dark colour as the bodywork.

Volkswagen stresses that this range-topping T-Roc R choice offers both “style and substance”, the latter referring to the longer list of on-board equipment that includes a rear-view parking camera, heated front seats, a motorised boot lid and a tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof. The ‘Black Edition’ also comes with a six-speaker Beats sound system.

Now on sale, the Volkswagen T-Roc R ‘Black Edition is available for over £44k – a thousand more than the standard T-Roc R trim option.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 review

Car reviews

Stuart Masson

-

15 August 2024

0

Make and model: Hyundai Ioniq 5 Premium
Description: Mid-sized hatchback, electric motor
Price range: £45,900 (plus options)

Hyundai says: “The Ioniq 5 doesn’t just herald a new era for electric vehicle design, but for performance and capability.”

We say: The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is one of the best new EVs you can buy. It’s quiet and smooth to drive, while the sharp styling is still a stand-out feature.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Premium AWD review 2024

Introduction

There’s a lot of noise in the media about Chinese EVs at the moment, but it’s the Korean car brands that are currently leading the way in broadening the electric marketplace with a range of market-leading models. And although Hyundai had offered worthy models for several years, it was the launch of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 in 2021 (followed by its closely related cousin, the Kia EV6) that pushed the Hyundai group – which also includes premium brand Genesis – to the front of the pack.

It’s been three years since the Ioniq 5 was launched and its mid-life facelift is imminent, but it remains one of the highest-rated new cars on sale according to our award-winning Expert Rating Index. Media reviews have been positive, while it also scores top marks for its safety rating and low running costs.

So what makes the Ioniq 5 so popular with media reviewers? We spent a week with a middle-of-the-range Ioniq 5 to find out.

What is it?

As with many electric models, pigeon-holing the Hyundai Ioniq 5 in comparison to conventional petrol or diesel cars is a bit tricky because the packaging of an electric vehicle is laid out differently. Instead of an engine, gearbox, fuel tank and exhaust, we have a compact electric motor but a bulky battery.

Size-wise, it’s slightly shorter than a BMW 3 Series or Audi A4 overall, but the wheelbase (the length between the front and rear wheels) is much longer and the overhangs (in front of the front wheels and behind the rear wheels) are shorter. That means you have significantly more cabin space, allowing five adults to travel comfortably.

You sit a bit higher than you would in a conventional saloon or hatchback – almost as high as SUV or crossover family cars.

So it’s a mid-sized car with the cabin space of a bigger car. You sit higher than a normal car but not as high as an SUV. It’s available in either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive versions, with a range of trim and performance levels. And it’s getting a light mid-life upgrade in the second half of 2024 – nothing dramatic, but the usual minor exterior redesigns and trim changes, plus improved battery capacities for slightly longer driving range.

Who is this car aimed at?

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is right in the middle of the EV family car market, pitched against a growing number of rivals from almost every major car manufacturer.

Underneath its retro-futuristic surface, the Ioniq 5 is closely related to the Kia EV6 and Genesis GV60; all are about the same size and share most of their hardware. It’s no coincidence that all three brands are part of the same family – the Hyundai and Kia are almost direct rivals in the mainstream family market, while the Genesis is aimed a more premium audience.

Who won’t like it?

The majority of people who won’t like the Ioniq 5 are the sort of customers who are unlikely to even consider it.

With any electric car, you’ll get people who are simply not interested. That’s unfortunate, as most of the anxieties car buyers have about electric cars are more perception than reality. It’s slowly changing over time, but there remains a large minority of car buyers who claim that they will ‘never’ drive an electric car.

In addition, there will be people who won’t be able to come around to the idea of paying £45K for a Hyundai, regardless of the powertrain. They’re likely to prefer a £45K petrol Audi/BMW/Mercedes and that’s that.

First impressions

It’s been around for three years already, but the Ioniq 5 is still one of the most distinctively styled new cars on sale. It’s also bigger than it looks, being basically crossover-size without the butch SUV styling.

Hyundai and Kia have taken huge steps in their design over the last decade, with bold vehicles that chart their own styling direction, rather than looking like cheap knock-offs of European models. The Ioniq 5 has been a statement car for Hyundai, with its sharp, retro-futuristic lines combined with EV proportioning.

The 1980s-inspired detailing is done beautifully, being distinctive without kitsch, although one wonders how well it will age as the current Eighties pop-culture revival fades.

Inside, the first impression is one of spaciousness. Being an EV, the space between driver and passenger is very open (there’s no automatic or manual gearbox that normally fills the space), so you have plenty of room for storage – and on certain trim levels, a centre console that can slide forwards and backwards.

The dashboard layout is an exercise in minimalism, which looks wonderful but does have practical weaknesses that we’ll come to a bit later.

What do you get for your money?

Once we’ve got the first impressions out of the way, it’s time to look a bit harder at exactly what you’re getting for your money with the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

As this is being written, the Ioniq 5 is about to get a mid-life update here in the UK. Visually, you won’t notice a lot of difference although there will be a new N Line trim that looks sportier. There will be slightly redesigned bumpers and new alloy wheel designs, along with a couple of new colours.

Mechanically, the most important part of the update is that the Ioniq 5 will get slightly bigger batteries (the smaller goes from 58kWh to 63kWh, while the larger grows from 77kWh to 84kWh) for better driving range, along with standard heat pumps and pre-conditioning systems. We’ll cover those below.

From launch, there have been three trim levels for the Ioniq 5 – SE Connect, Premium and Ultimate – as well as a special edition Namsan Edition last year. As part of the mid-life update, SE Connect becomes Advanced, while N Line and N Line S trims have been added to the range.

Trying to decide which is the best model for your needs means working your way through a matrix of five trim levels, three levels of electric motor performance, two battery sizes and two drive options (rear wheels only or all four wheels). For example, lower-spec Advance and Premium models are only available in rear-wheel drive, with either of the two batteries (and which come with different power outputs), while N-Line and Premium models are only available with the larger battery, but with a choice of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, which again are linked to different motor outputs.

Pricing starts at £40K, which gets you an Advance-spec car with the smaller battery and rear-wheel drive, and runs up to £56K for an N Line S model with the larger battery and all-wheel drive.

If you’re looking at a used pre-facelift Ioniq 5, there’s a different trim and specification matrix to consider. For example, we drove a Premium-spec car with all-wheel drive and a 325hp motor – which is no longer available in the facelifted range.

Overall trim levels are good across the board. We’re not going to get into the detail here because there are too many variations to cover. It’s all a bit confusing and feels unnecessary – Tesla manages to sell plenty of Model 3 and Model Y electric cars with a very limited number of choices…

Spend some time looking at the spec sheet or used car listings to make sure any model you’re thinking about has all the key features you want before making a decision.

We like: Facelift models get battery conditioning and heat pumps as standard (previously optional)
We don’t like: Too many combinations of performance, battery, specification and driving wheels

What’s the Hyundai Ioniq 5 like inside?

If you’re stepping into the Hyundai Ioniq 5 from a similarly sized petrol or diesel car, the biggest difference you’ll notice is the abundance of space in every direction. Combined with a minimalist approach to the controls – most things are managed from the central touchscreen – it gives the cabin a very open feel.

The battery is laid out like a big pancake under the floor, which means you sit higher than a conventional car – more or less a similar position to most SUV or crossover family cars. The motor takes up much less space than an engine and gearbox, freeing up a lot of room in the front of the cabin.

A lack of gearbox means no wall between the driver and passenger, and the footwell area is also largely open. The centre space is used for a storage console that can also be slid forwards or backwards depending on how you want the space to be arranged. The drive selector is located on the steering column, freeing up even more useful space in the centre console. With the console pushed back, the driver can exit from the passenger side relatively easily to help in tight parking situations.

Rear-seat passengers also benefit, with plenty of legroom and no central tunnel for the middle passenge to straddle. In fact, Hyundai claims the cabin is similar in size to what you’d usually find in the next category up (so the space of an Audi A6 or BMW 5 Series in a car the size of an Audi A4 or BMW 3 Series). The rear seats also slide forwards and backwards to let you choose between more legroom or more boot space. Head room is good, and better than its Kia EV6 sibling.

The seats are comfy and sofa-like, rather than heavily bolstered in the typical German fashion. We found them comfortable enough for a couple of hours, but seating is always a personal preference so you should test drive yourself before making any buying decision. We also wish the steering wheel had just a bit more reach adjustment so you could pull it out further.

Boot space is good at just under 530 litres, with the hatchback shape providing more space and better accessibility than a saloon but not as much as an estate or SUV. There’s a hidden tray under the boot floor as well as a small frunk (front trunk) for additional storage space, either of which are a good place to keep your charging cables but not much more.

The dashboard is dominated by a pair of 12-inch wide screens mounted side by side. The driver’s screen replaces traditional gauges, while the central screen is a touchscreen for controlling almost all the car’s functions. There’s also a row of buttons for key functions under the screen (although no overall ‘home’ button, annoyingly), and dedicated air-conditioning controls.

The driver’s screen is generally good, although some of the screen is blocked by the steering wheel. The fonts are also fairly small and difficult to read, so we’d prefer to see less information and larger fonts. Most car manufacturers tend to do the same thing – presumably it looks good in the design studio, but it’s not always easy to read on the move. At least the key speed information is large and smack in the middle of the screen.

The central touchscreen is clear and easy to read, although all the usual caveats about trying to operate touchscreens on the move apply here as they do in any car – it’s simply not as easy or safe as physical buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, although in wired form only so your phone has to be plugged into a USB port in the front footwell at all times.

Some models offer the option of digital wing cameras instead of traditional mirrors, but these tend to prove divisive among reviewers. Our car didn’t have them so we can’t offer an opinion.

Finally, the facelifted models will get a rear windscreen wiper. For whatever reason, the original versions don’t have this and the rear window gets dirty quite easily.

We like: Abundance of space in well-laid out interior
We don’t like: Frunk is too small to be really useful, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto not wireless

What’s the Hyundai Ioniq 5 like to drive?

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is definitely configured for comfort rather than handling, which is likely to be just fine for most families.

The Ioniq 5 is a heavy car, thanks to the battery pack, but this is placed along the bottom of the car so it keeps the centre of gravity low, helping to reduce roll in cornering. However, it does make the ride feel lumpy on poor quality roads and over potholes or speed humps. To be fair, that’s also the case on most executive saloons or SUVs with ‘sports packs’ or large alloy wheels. A back-to-back comparison with our usual family car, a Volvo V60 estate with R-Design sports suspension and 19-inch wheels, resulted in the Hyundai feeling more comfortable for both front and rear occupants.

Assuming that you’re happy to keep your driving within the confines of the speed limits on any given road, the Ioniq 5 is generally a very comfortable car to drive. There are three driving modes – eco (which is default on start-up), normal and sport – plus a snow mode if it gets icy.

Acceleration will very much depend on which model you’re driving. The entry-level SE Connect only offers about 170hp, which is fine for urban driving but will feel a little underdone when overtaking on a country road with four people and luggage on board. The 228hp motor will be fine for most people, while the 325hp twin-motor set-up with all-wheel drive offers strong performance in every situation.

Our car was the 325hp version. Immediate response is very strong, especially in normal or sport modes where the accelerator pedal is more sensitive. Fortunately, there’s none of the queasiness that you get from flooring the throttle in a Tesla, which will keep your passengers happy (and your upholstery clean).

We spent most of the week in eco mode, which requires pressing harder on the accelerator to get a response but is good for normal day-to-day driving. Sport mode, on the other hand, felt mostly unnecessary. Having tried it once, we immediately switched back to normal mode and never felt the need to try it again.

Steering is very light, as it is in most modern cars, but nicely direct so you don’t have to turn the wheel endlessly like you do in many older cars. That doesn’t mean the car likes changing direction suddenly, however, so it’s not really a car for enthusiastic driving. It’s definitely more suited to cruising than hustling.

Braking feel is well judged, which is not always the case in electric cars. In lighter braking applications, the car doesn’t actually use the brake pads to slow down – the electric motor does that instead. This is used to generate electricity to eke out a few more miles of battery range (and reduces brake pad wear significantly), but on some EVs it makes the brakes feel a bit unnatural when you stand harder on the pedal and the brake pads are called in to slow the car more rapidly. Pleasingly, the Ioniq 5 doesn’t suffer from this at all, so the brakes feel perfectly normal.

We like: Comfortable ride in most situations
We don’t like: Sport mode likely to be fairly irrelevant for most people, ride crashes over speed bumps and potholes

How safe is the Hyundai Ioniq 5?

It’s all good news on the safety front. Euro NCAP tested the Ioniq 5 in 2021 and awarded it a five-star rating, and that score is still valid today. On top of that, all the safety kit is included as standard rather than costing extra. That means top marks from us.

It scored well in all the crash tests, with good protection for both adults and children in the event of a collision. There are ISOFIX child seat mounting points in both outer rear seats, but not in the middle or in the front passenger seat.

In terms of avoiding an accident in the first place, the Ioniq 5 also performs well. Although autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems are now compulsory on all new cars in Europe, the level of performance varies. The Hyundai scored well in all of these tests.

Accident avoidance systems – like advanced cruise control, blind-spot assist, lane-keeping assist and so on – are standard on all models, which is something we particularly like to see. They all work well, without trying to pull the car in different directions like you get on some other vehicles.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 economy, battery range and charging

The Car Expert’s unique Expert Rating Index pulls running cost data from across the entire new car market, and the Ioniq 5 performs very well here, scoring an A-grade from us overall.

One of the most important factors for an EV is its electrical efficiency – the equivalent of fuel economy for a petrol or diesel car. The Ioniq 5 scores a C-grade here, which is fairly middling. The lower-performance, rear-wheel drive models are better as they use less electricity, although they tend to come with smaller batteries so you don’t really get longer range.

Official driving range figures vary from 238 miles with the smallest 58kWh battery to 320 miles on the largest 80kWh battery. Call it 200 miles to 300 miles and you’ll be pretty safe. All-wheel drive models lose about 13 miles of range compared to the rear-wheel drive versions, which isn’t much of a penalty given the additional performance on offer.

Standard on all facelift models is a battery heating system with pre-conditioning and heat pump, which provides better battery efficiency in all temperatures. This was introduced last year on the original model and it’s worth looking out for if you’re buying a used Ioniq 5.

When you want to charge up, the news is good. With a maximum 350kW charging rate, the Ioniq 5 can support the fastest chargers currently available in the UK. However, these chargers are currently rare and are more expensive to use than other chargers, so it’s not a big deal at the moment. But once more of them start rolling out, this will become a more useful advantage over many other EVs.

The charging flap is located on the right-rear corner of the car, which means you will probably need to reverse into most public charging bays to connect the cable. The Ioniq 5 comes with two charging cables; a 5.0-metre Type 2 cable for wallbox or fast chargers, and a 6.5-metre Type 3 cable for plugging into a regular three-point plug. This last-mentioned cable is not recommended for regular use, however, as it would take you more than a whole day to charge any of the batteries on offer…

Verdict

It’s more than three years old now, but the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is still one of the best new EVs you can buy. It’s no surprise that it’s one of the highest-rated cars in our Expert Rating Index, with excellent scores for safety, running costs and obviously zero exhaust emissions.

The new car warranty on the Ioniq 5 is good as well, covering you for five years with unlimited miles. The battery is covered for eight years, although with a 100,000 mile limit. This is one area where the Kia EV6 is better, as it comes with a seven-year new car warranty.

The Hyundai is whisper-quiet, smooth and relaxing to drive. The sharp styling is still a stand-out feature and looks like nothing else on the road without being wacky. The tech is good and everything works well, so your EV learning curve should be relatively short.

Charging is pretty much future-proof, as you’ll be able to take advantage of the growing number of ultra-rapid charging points across the UK in coming years.

We drove the Kia EV6 recently and raved about it. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is every bit as good, and in many ways even better. Underneath, the two cars are very similar so your preference will likely be dictated by styling, specific key features on the model you’re looking at, and any deals on offer. Overall, we’d say the Ioniq 5 is a better family car thanks to its comfier seats, better rear headroom for adults and larger boot. But it’s a narrow victory and will depend on your priorities.

Right now is a good time to buy either a new or used EV, as prices are much better than they have been previously and there are good deals around as well. If you’re looking at changing your car and are in the market for a new or near-new EV, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is one of the finest around.

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Hyundai Ioniq 5, you might also be interested in these alternatives.

Key specifications

Model tested: Hyundai Ioniq 5 Premium
Price (as tested): £48,990 (including £725 for premium paint)
Engine: Twin electric motors, all-wheel drive
Gearbox: single-speed automatic

Power: 239 kW / 325 hp
Torque: 605 Nm
Top speed: 115 mph
0-60 mph: 5.2 seconds

Electric range: 307 miles
CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km
Euro NCAP safety rating: Five stars (November 2022)
TCE Expert Rating: A (81%) as of August 2024

Buy a Hyundai Ioniq 5

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New Audi A5 pricing confirmed

New model

Sean Rees

-

14 August 2024

0

Audi has confirmed its UK pricing and trim structure for a new A5 saloon and estate range that has now replaced the brand’s current A4 line-up.

This range revision comes as the German marque looks to give its petrol-powered cars odd line-up numbers, while battery-powered EVs take the even ones. This should mean that we will eventually get an electric A4 range.

Unveiled last month, the new A5 saloon and ‘Avant’ estate are built on a new platform and are available with pure-petrol and petrol or diesel mild-hybrid powertrains in a range that includes standard and sportier ‘S5’ models.

The new range includes three different trim levels and five different engine options. The range kicks off with a standard 150hp front-wheel drive petrol model, followed by more powerful 204hp petrol and a diesel mild-hybrids. The diesel ‘TDI’ mild-hybrid is also available with ‘quattro’ all-wheel drive. The range is topped with a 362hp 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine which is only available with the S5.

Key trim level features

Entry-level ‘Sport’ (from £41,950)

18-inch alloy wheels
Comfort suspension
LED headlights rear lights
Electrically adjustable, heated and folding wing mirrors
Windscreen with acoustic glass
Front centre armrest
12-inch digital instrument cluster
15-inch infotainment screen
Wireless smartphone charging
Heated front seats
Three-zone climate control
Leather upholstery
Multi-coloured ambient LED Interior lighting
Leather multi-function steering wheel with shift paddles
Rear view parking camera
Adaptive cruise control
Lane departure warning
Traffic sign recognition

Mid-range ‘S Line’ (from £44,100)

All ‘Sport’ features that are not replaced
19-inch alloy wheels
Sports suspension
‘S line’ exterior styling
Rear privacy glass
Alternate multi-function steering wheel with shift paddles, flattened top and bottom
Black cloth headlining
Aluminium door sill inserts
Pedals and footrest in stainless steel

Top-spec ‘Edition 1’ (from £49,100)

All lower trim features that are not replaced
20-inch alloy wheels
Matrix LED headlights
Black styling pack plus & black door mirrors
Black door handles
Dark chrome finish to exhaust tailpipes
Brake callipers painted in red
Keyless go system with safelock
Microfibre/artificial leather upholstery
Softwrap in Dinamica microfibre with contrast stitching
Passenger side infotainment display
Surround view parking camera
Lane departure warning with emergency assist
Lane change assistant
Rear cross traffic assist and rear turn assist

The three trim levels – ‘Sport’, ‘S Line’ and ‘Edition 1’ – are available across the A5 and A5 ‘Avant’ engine range, apart from the range-topping S5 which is only available with the ‘Edition 1’ trim. On top of the trim level features displayed above, the S5 also comes with a sportier front bumper and air intake design, OLED tail lights, a panoramic sunroof with switchable transparency, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display and a more advanced Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Pricing for the range begins at just under £42k, rising to over £70k for the S5 Avant. Opting for an ‘Avant’ estate over a saloon model adds roughly £2k to the asking price.

More Audi news, reviews, Expert Ratings and features

Private new car sales slump continues in July

Car industry news

Stuart Masson

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8 August 2024

0

The long-running slump in private new car sales continued in July, with no apparent end in sight to the current predicament according to the figures published this week by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Officially, the industry is celebrating 24 consecutive months of growth in new car registrations, but that’s all thanks to post-recovery and growth in the fleet sector. For private new car sales, it’s a very different story. July was the ninth consecutive month of falling private new car sales year-on-year. Ten of the last 12 months, and 15 of the last 24 months, have also been down year-on-year.

Private sales were down 11% in July, fractionally ahead of the year-to-date average of 12%. That’s about 59,000 fewer cars registered to private owners in the first seven months of this year compared to last. In comparison, fleet registrations were up 13% in July, which is well short of the year-to-date total of 21% growth.

EV sales growing but political games abound

Electric vehicle registrations continue to outperform the overall market, despite another poor month for market-leader Tesla, increasing by 19% against overall market growth of 3%. The SMMT lamented that private EV sales fell in terms of market share, while also conceding that actual private new car registrations actually increased by 1% – which looks good compared to overall private new car sales falling by 11%. But the industry is doing its best to talk down EV growth as it tries to appeal for government grants, so this is nothing really new.

The UK’s ZEV (zero emissions vehicle) mandate means that car companies are each supposed to sell 22% electric vehicles from their overall totals, but the reality is that very few brands are currently achieving this, while others are heavily discounting to try and hit their targets. There are also loopholes that allow underachieving car companies to buy credits from overachieving companies, while plug-in hybrids also provide a smaller level of contribution to the overall targets.

Hybrid (+31%) and plug-in hybrid (+12%) sales were also well up in July, while petrol (-6%) and diesel (-22%) sales fell.

What the numbers show is that the transition away from pure petrol and diesel cars is starting to accelerate, although many buyers are preferring to take the smaller step of moving to a hybrid – with or without a plug – rather than jumping straight to a purely electric vehicle.

Good month, bad month

Despite the overall market being fairly flat, there are always brands that do better or worse than the rest. Here’s how they performed in July.

It was a good month for Abarth, BMW, BYD, Citroën, Cupra, Dacia, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, SEAT, Smart, Subaru and Volvo. All of these brands outperformed the overall market by at least 10% (so had growth of at least 12.5% compared to the same month last year).

Meanwhile, results weren’t so cheerful for Alfa Romeo, Alpine, Audi, Bentley, DS Automobiles, Ford, GWM Ora, Ineos, Lexus, Maserati, Mazda, Polestar, Porsche, Skoda, Suzuki, Tesla, Toyota and Vauxhall. All of these brands underachieved against the overall market by at least 10% (so sales fell by at least 7.5% compared to last July)

That means that the following brands were more or less where you’d expect them to be: Fiat, Jaguar, KGM (nee SsangYong), Kia, MG, Mini and Volkswagen. All of these were within 10% better or worse than the overall market.

Volkswagen was comfortably the best-selling brand in July, ahead of BMW, Kia, Audi and Nissan. Of the volume brands, Volvo had a particularly strong month with registrations up more than 60%. Ford had another pretty awful month, with registrations down 31%.

Sportage stays on top

For the third month in a row, and the fourth time this year, the Kia Sportage was the UK’s best-selling new car. With five months to go, the Sportage is edging ever closer to the overall top spot, currently only 1,600 units behind the Ford Puma.

The Volvo XC40 was a surprise fourth place in the best-sellers list, while the Volkswagens Golf and Polo were the only two hatchback models in the top ten for July – everything else being an SUV/crossover vehicle. Volkswagen had three cars in the top ten: Golf in fifth, T-Roc in seventh and Polo in ninth.

We’ll have our usual analysis of the top ten in coming days.

All-new electric Audi A6 e-tron unveiled

New model

Stuart Masson

-

3 August 2024

0

All-new electric Audi A6 e-tron unveiled

This is the all-new Audi A6 e-tron, a car which both does and doesn’t replace the previous Audi A6. We’ll explain…

Audi has been reshuffling its model names to more clearly differentiate between its traditional fossil-fuel models and its new electric models. The plan is that electric – e-tron, in Audi-speak – models will get even numbers (A4, A6, A8, Q2, Q4, Q6, Q8, etc.), while petrol/diesel/hybrid models will get odd numbers (A1, A3, A5, A7, Q3, Q5, Q7, etc.).

That means that the car that will directly replace the previous Audi A6 will be called the Audi A7, while the current Audi A7 Sportback will cease to exist. Similarly, the recently launched Audi A5 replaces the previous Audi A4.

This new Audi A6 e-tron will essentially be the electric alternative to the upcoming A7. Unlike the previous A6, it won’t be available as a saloon. But it will be available as a liftback (called Sportback), like the former A7, as well as an estate (called Avant). Yes, it’s confusing.

The Audi A6 e-tron (and higher-performance S6 e-tron) will compete against its traditional German rivals – in this case, the BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE models.

The new A6’s styling is sleek, with an emphasis on aerodynamics. Careful attention has been paid to how flows over, under and through the car to maximise efficiency and therefore driving range. The most notable example of this is the latest version of Audi’s camera-based rear view mirror system, replacing traditional wing mirrors. This is likely to be optional, although full UK specifications won’t be revealed until next month.

Audi also promises that the A6 e-tron will have advanced and distinctive lighting technology both front and rear, helping drivers to see better at night while also providing clearer information to cars following behind.

Inside the cabin, digital screens abound. As is now commonplace, the driver will have a digital display behind the steering wheel – in this case 12 inches in size – while in the centre of the dashboard is a 14-inch touchscreen display powered by Google Android Automotive OS. Additionally, there will be an optional 11-inch display for the front passenger, which will be clever enough to project its display in a way that the driver will not be able to see it while the car is moving.

There will be plenty of technology options, like an advanced new head-up display and electrically dimming panoramic sunroof, which we’ll explore in more detail once the UK pricing and specifications are announced in September.

There will be two electric motor options available from launch, with potentially more to come down the line. The first is a rear-wheel drive 270kw (367hp) version, while the top-spec S6 versions will offer 370kw (503hp) and all-wheel drive.

Audi S6 e-tron Avant — Audi S6 e-tron Sportback

All models will offer a 100kWh battery, that Audi claims will offer an official driving range of up to 450 miles for the A6 Sportback and 430 miles for the A6 Avant. In real-world driving, you can expect close to 400 miles depending on your circumstances. Battery range for the S6 versions is still to be confirmed, but will presumably be slightly less due to the extra weight and performance.

If you can find a fast enough charging point, all models can accept rapid charging of up to 270kW, meaning you can charge from 10%-80% in 21 minutes (public charging measurement figures usually only go to 80% as the speeds then slow down to protect the battery).

Audi also claims that the regenerative braking system will be able to handle up to 95% of everyday braking needs. Not only will that preserve your brake pads, but it will recuperate more wasted energy as you slow down, boosting your driving range in urban driving.

Full UK pricing and specification information will be available in early September, and it’s likely that the first cars will start arriving here by the end of the year.

Everything you need to know about Jaguar

Andrew Charman

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3 August 2024

0

Everything you need to know about Jaguar

Jaguar – a classic automotive name, renowned as one of the most British of car manufacturers, a symbol of upmarket quality forged in a time when British cars ruled the world. But it’s a brand that has been through a tumultuous time lately, with an uncertain future.

William Lyons started his car company in the 1930s but it was in the 1950s that Jaguar really made its name – its sports cars were well-built and their performance proven in the most toughest of motor races, the Le Mans 24 Hours. This success made them highly desirable, which rubbed off on the brand’s range of upmarket-pitched saloons.

The Lyons mantra, of making value-for-money cars that had ‘grace, space and pace’, impressed buyers. Through the 1960s, driving a Jaguar saloon or sports car was a sure sign of success. But this image would be severely tested in subsequent years as Jaguar fell victim to the various mergers that led to the ill-starred British Leyland.

Later owners of Jaguar included Ford, which won few fans by fitting Jaguar cars with parts from its Mondeo production line, and then Indian giant Tata, which initially seemed to be reviving Jaguar but then reverted into a predictable tale of poor sales and monetary losses.

Various rebrands have not helped to encourage confidence in the Jaguar of today, and with the model range currently being gutted for a switch to electric vehicles, predictions of the big cat’s future success remain less than confident.

More Jaguar features, Expert Ratings, new car reviews and news

Everything you need to know about Jaguar

So who or what is Jaguar?

Jaguar started life as the Swallow Sidecar Company, set up in 1922 by motorcycle enthusiasts William Lyons and William Walmsley. This evolved into SS Cars in the mid-1930s, which produced upmarket vehicles based on Standard-Triumph chassis – the origin of the SS name has never been proven but some sources claim it stood for Standard Swallow.

‘Jaguar’ was initially a specific range of models in the SS Cars family, rather than the brand name. However, the SS name (along with a Germanic-looking logo), was less than palatable in the aftermath of the second world war thanks to Nazi connotations. As such, the whole company was renamed after the popular Jaguar models.

In 1950, Jaguar leased the factory that became its home, Browns Lane in Coventry, from fellow UK car maker Daimler. Ten years later, the company bought out Daimler altogether, its name being applied to the most luxurious Jaguar cars.

Jaguar’s reputation rocketed throughout the 1950s thanks to its desirable sports cars such as the C-type, D-type and the iconic E-type. The cars looked desirable while their performance was proven on the race track – Jaguar won the Le Mans 24 Hours five times in the 1950s, beating the likes of Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz, and would return to win the race again in 1988 and 1990.

The 1960s saw Jaguar producing, alongside the highly desired E-type, a series of saloons such as the Mk1 and Mk2, cars which proved popular among others with police forces and which have found enduring fame on various British TV shows.

The company was worried about its future, however, as it had never made its own bodies – these were produced by the specialist Pressed Steel, which was taken over by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) in 1965. Lyons agreed to merge Jaguar into BMC, which also owned Austin and Morris. Eventually all would become part of the calamitous British Leyland, which had to be taken over by the government in 1975 to prevent it from collapsing.

Jaguar’s reputation suffered in this period but was seperated out and privatised in 1984, when the company again returned to quality and profit. This attracted US automotive monolith Ford, which snapped up Jaguar in 1989. Ford subsequently created the Premier Automotive Group, which also included Aston Martin, Volvo and Land Rover.

Under Ford’s ownership, Jaguar launched two volume-pitched saloons called the S-Type and X-Type, with criticisms of the latter including too many components taken from the parts bin of the Ford Mondeo. Jaguar never made a profit in Ford’s ownership and also became increasingly entwined with Land Rover, the two attracting similar customers. In 2008, Ford was decided to sell off both Jaguar and Land Rover – the sale attracted wide interest and Indian giant Tata won the bidding war.

Tata established a new company called Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) to administer the two brands, and the future looked bright for a while – new models such as the XE/XF/XJ saloons, the first Jaguar SUV in the F-Pace and a long-awaited successor to the E-Type dubbed the F-Type, were sold from ever more impressive dealerships.

However, times have got steadily tougher, with years of losses and stagnating sales. Most recently, the inevitable switch to electrification has added an extra complication. Jaguar launched its first (and so far only) EV, the I-Pace, in 2019. However, that model will be imminently discontinued.

The first of three new electric models is expected next year so the current model range is being culled. Production of the F-Type, XE and XF has already ceased, while the E-Pace small SUV and I-Type EV (both of which are built by another company in Austria) will end in coming months. The F-Type SUV will be Jaguar’s only model until the first of the all-new EVs is launched.

Also plummeting in number are Jaguar dealerships, while each of those outlets left are being revamped into something called a ‘House of Brands’. Jaguar has merely a space in the showroom alongside the other three ‘families’ – Range Rover, Discovery and Defender. It’s a very long way from the glory years of the 1950s…

What models does Jaguar have and what else is coming?

Jaguar is a brand in transformation and how long any of its six current models are still going to be available in showrooms is open to question. Five of the six have officially been cancelled, so you’ll have to move quickly if you want to find any remaining new stock.

The only continuing model in the Jaguar range is the mid-sized F-Pace SUV, a mid-sized model that went on sale in 2016 and was facelifted in 2020. It sits on the same platform as the Range Rover Velar from sister brand Land Rover.

The E-Pace small SUV shares its platform with the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque. As of August 2024, it’s still in production in Austria but this will end in coming months.

Jaguar’s one electric model is the I-Pace. It is a standalone model, sharing nothing with any other Jaguar or Land Rover model. Like the E-Pace, it’s built by a third-party factory in Austria, and it will also be killed off very shortly.

The two Jaguar saloons – the smaller XE and larger XF – have now ended production and will not be replaced. The XE went on sale in 2015 as a rival to the likes of the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class, but never touched its German rivals for popularity.

The XF also dates from 2015 and was offered in both saloon and estate form. Again rivalling German market leaders like the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and Mercedes E-Class, it also bows out without ever coming close to matching their sales success.

The F-Type sports car was available as a coupé and convertible, launched way back in 2012 and discontinued only a few months ago. It proved initially popular, but sales trailed off dramatically after the first few years.

Current Jaguar range on our Expert Rating Index

Jaguar E-Pace (2017 to 2024)

Jaguar F-Pace (2016 to 2024)

Jaguar F-Type (2013 to 2024)

Jaguar I-Pace (2018 to 2024)

Jaguar XE (2015 to 2024)

Jaguar XF

Future Jaguar models, and when they might appear, have attracted much media speculation. The brand has said it intends to become electric only by 2025 and the first newcomer, due before the end of 2024, will be an upmarket four-door GT model with a price tag potentially stretching into six figures.

We’ll then apparently see a large SUV taking on sister brand Range Rover, followed by a large limousine. But pundits are looking at Jaguar’s potential future with concern…

Where can I try a Jaguar car?

How close your nearest Jaguar dealer is may well depend on when you are reading this. In 2022, the brand had more than 80 outlets but as part as parent JLR’s latest ‘Reimagine’ strategy dealer numbers are being massively pruned.

The remaining outlets are being revamped into a what JLR calls its ‘House of Brands’ approach, with Jaguar merely one of the four ‘families’ alongside three names from sister Land Rover. Some predictions claim Jaguar could end up with just 20 outlets across the UK.

A Jaguar fact to impress your friends

For many years Jaguars were instantly recognisable by a prominent chrome sculpture of a leaping jaguar on their bonnets. Known as the ‘leaper’, it was first mounted on an SS Jaguar 100 car in 1938.

Eventually, increasing pedestrian safety legislation spelt the end of the leaper, and Jaguar shifted to a roundel bearing a snarling big cat’s face (called the ‘growler’). But the shape of the leaper lives on today in the company’s logo.

Summary

There is a lot of glorious history around Jaguar involving some superlative and much-desired cars, but there is also a feeling that in today’s market such things mean very little for a brand increasingly losing significance.

Even its own dealerships are now dominated by the products of sister brand Land Rover – the much-awaited electric reimagining of Jaguar will without doubt decide the brand’s future.

More Jaguar features, Expert Ratings, new car reviews and news

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Plug-in hybrid cars enjoying resurgence in the UK

Car buying advice

Sean Rees

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28 July 2024

0

Plug-in hybrid cars enjoying resurgence in the UK

The car industry’s rush towards electrified motoring has introduced plenty of different low-emission options for buyers to choose from in the last decade – some more economical and eco-friendly than others.

While the focus has inevitably been on the plethora of new EV models being launched on almost a weekly basis, there’s also growing demand for vehicles that combine internal combustion and electrical power – regular hybrids (that can’t be plugged into an external socket) and plug-in hybrids (which can be externally charged).

Over the last last few years, plug-in hybrids have been rather overlooked by both car buyers and car manufacturers, with most buyers preferring to either stick with a more basic hybrid or jump straight to a fully electric car. But this has been changing over the last 12 months.

Half-year data published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) for the first six months of 2024 shows that new plug-in hybrid registration numbers are up by more than 30% in the UK compared to the first half of last year.

This does need to be taken in context – plug-in hybrid sales are less than half of fully electric cars, and about two-thirds of basic hybrids, both of which have surged over the last four years. But plug-in hybrids have overtaken diesel sales in the last 12 months and are growing more rapidly than any other form of power.

So, why is plug-in hybrid demand now rising, and would a new plug-in hybrid model be a good fit for you and your needs?

What is a plug-in hybrid?

With the sheer number of hybridised and full-electric car choices now available on the market, it can be pretty confusing when trying to differentiate between them on your search for a new set of wheels.

While there are some outliers that need further explanation – like Nissan’s ‘ePower’ hybrid system and the Mazda MX-30 R-EV – we can generally split new cars into five different powertrain categories. Simply put:

Traditional internal combustion-powered car – A car with a petrol or diesel engine that runs on fuel alone, as we’ve all come to know over the last 100+ years.
Mild hybrids – A mild hybrid uses that same petrol or diesel engine, but adds a small boost of electric assistance that usually slightly increases fuel economy and not much else. Often goes by the erroneous abbreviation of MHEV (mild hybrid electric vehicle) – this is nothing but industry propaganda, as a mild hybrid can’t run as an electric car.
Regular hybrid – Again, a hybrid makes use of the same petrol engine (almost never a diesel engine) you’re used to, but also has an electric motor and battery as a secondary power source. It can drive on electric power alone for a few miles and only if you’re being gentle on the accelerator. You don’t plug these models in, they recharge using the engine and braking system. Again, often erroneously referred to as a HEV (hybrid electric vehicle), but it’s usually a petrol-dominated car in practice.
Plug-in hybrid – These models pair a petrol (or sometimes a diesel) engine with a more powerful electric motor and a bigger battery that you can plug in to charge. Plug-in hybrids offer more electric-only driving range on full charge than a hybrid. Often called a PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle), but we don’t use this at The Car Expert because most of them are still predominantly petrol-powered in the real world.
Electric cars – Remove the combustion-powered engine from the equation and you get a purely electric car. The battery is usually much bigger and the electric motor (or motors) more powerful, and these cars can travel the furthest on electric power.

A plug-in hybrid comes with both a fuel filler neck and a charging socket. The fuel tank feeds petrol or diesel to the combustion engine, while the battery charged by the charging socket powers up the electric motor, which works in tandem with the engine (or on its own if you choose) to power the car.

When the battery is charged, it makes the combustion engine more efficient and charge can be used to power the car’s stop/start, so you don’t burn fuel in slow moving traffic. The electric-only range won’t come close to matching the travel distance a full fuel tank can provide, usually anywhere between 15 and 50+ miles depending on the model.

Why opt for a plug-in hybrid?

The rising demand for plug-in hybrids reflects both the increasing interest in battery-powered vehicles from consumers and the manufacturer’s need to sell more eco-friendly models. When compared to petrol and all-electric cars, they offer several benefits.

A half-way house between petrol and electric motoring

Interested in swapping your petrol car for an electric one but not entirely convinced? Plug-in hybrids are a good half-way house that allow you to drive on traditional fuel or electric charge (or both at the same time) at your discretion. Opting for a plug-in hybrid is also a good choice if you live in an area with limited public electric charging infrastructure.

Good for long-distance journeys

Most new EVs on sale offer a real-world battery range of 200-ish miles, and there are a growing number of models that can do more than 300 miles. But for some drivers, that’s still not enough.

If you rack up hundreds of miles on a regular basis, choosing a plug-in hybrid model means less planning trips around petrol pumps and charging stations, while still enjoying electric power for local driving.

Cheaper to run than traditional combustion-powered cars

The average daily commute in the UK is around nine miles – it hasn’t really fluctuated much over the last 20 years – and a plug-in hybrid can handle these shorter trips on just electric power. If you can regularly charge your car using the electricity grid at home, it means fewer trips to the petrol pumps and large annual travel cost savings.

The usual default drive setting for a plug-in hybrid pairs the engine and electric motor to work in tandem, which makes the car more fuel efficient for out-of-town journeys too.

Quiet driving experience

In electric mode, a plug-in hybrid drives just like a full EV, which means near-silence and significantly smoother travel than while running as a petrol or diesel car.

Most plug-in hybrids use only the electric motor when setting off and while driving at lower speeds, with the engine only kicking in later as you get up to speed or require more power – assuming you have enough electricity in the battery, of course.

Tax benefits

Plug-in hybrid cars benefit from personal and business tax cuts because of their lower environmental footprint when compared to traditional fossil-fuel cars. Both road tax and benefit in kind (BiK) are lower for plug-in hybrid vehicles as they’re based on CO₂ emissions.

Highest-ranked models available as plug-in hybrids in our Expert Rating Index

Disadvantages of a plug-in hybrid

Beyond the advantages, there are some drawbacks, starting with the higher upfront purchase or finance deal cost when compared to a traditional petrol-powered car.

And while the plug-in hybrid can offer the best of both worlds – EV driving around town and petrol power for longer journeys – it also has the flipside of giving you the worst of both worlds. Usually, that means you’re either driving around in an electric car and dragging around several hundreds kilograms of engine/gearbox/exhaust, or conversely driving a petrol car and dragging around several hundreds kilos of dead battery and electric motor. Obviously, neither of these situations are very efficient compared to either a pure petrol or pure electric car.

Plug-in hybrids have a smaller battery than a fully electric car, which means its electric driving range is much less. That means that you need to put the battery on charge after pretty much every journey to get the most out of the potential running cost benefits of an EV. By comparison, you might only need to charge a full EV once a week or even once a fortnight.

Any buyer looking at a new plug-in hybrid should also consider installing a proper wall box at home – which will cost you about £1,000 – as a regular household three-pin plug charges the battery at a much slower rate.

Unlike fully electric cars, plug-in hybrids generally aren’t compatible with fast public chargers (though some are), and therefore electric cars are almost always faster to charge.

Finally, as we covered here, full-electric cars are nearly always cheaper to service, and opting for a plug-in hybrid comes with the same combustion-powered engine maintenance costs as a standard petrol car.

Read more:

Toyota bZ4X test drive

Car reviews

Trinity Francis

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28 July 2024

0

Make and model: Toyota bZ4X
Description: Medium electric SUV
Price range: from £42,860

Toyota says: “The bZ4X is Toyota’s first all-new battery electric vehicle. It breaks new ground, bringing genuine SUV off-road driving capability to the BEV market, and it accelerates Toyota’s multi-technology path towards the goal of carbon neutrality.”

We say: Toyota’s first all-electric car follows on from the brand’s huge success with its hybrid models. In a competitive electric SUV market, it’s making all the right moves to appeal to buyers.

Toyota bZ4X review 2024

Introduction

While Toyota’s van range features three electric versions of the Proace model, bZ4X is the brand’s first all-electric car. The company has been late to the EV party compared to many of its rivals, having preferred to concentrate on hybrid power and ongoing research into hydrogen fuel cells – a pathway that has seen it become increasingly isolated as the rest of the industry rejected it in favour of battery EVs.

Launched in 2022, the bZ4X is the result of a collaboration between Toyota and Subaru. The Subaru Solterra was revealed a year after the bZ4X, is based on the same platform and looks nearly identical.

As a result, both cars score closely in our Expert Rating Index. As of July 2024, media reviews of the Toyota bZ4X have earned the car an overall New Car Expert Rating of A with a score of 80% and the Solterra ranks just below – it still has a rating of A, but with a slightly lower score of 74% due to being available in fewer and more expensive configurations.

What is it?

As the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles is set to be banned from 2030 (the new Labor government has reinstated the 2030 deadline, after the Tories pushed it back to 2035 last year), car manufacturers are preparing their model lineups for an electric future.

With hydrogen fuel cells unlikely to play any part in the EV revolution over the next decade, Toyota has finally shifted its focus battery electric vehicles. The bZ4X is the first of a new model offensive, but it lands in a highly competitive family EV crossover segment. Other models in this category include the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Hyundai Kona Electric, the Kia EV6 and the Volvo EX40 – with more new rivals arriving almost every week.

First impressions

When it comes to new electric cars, manufacturers either opt for a design that mirrors their legacy models or showcases a new style that stands apart from its petrol and diesel models. Toyota has lent into the futuristic styling brief with the bZ4X and the front end features an angular design without a traditional grille. All four wheel arches are surrounded by chunky black plastic and the roofline is continued with two fins above the rear window. Much of the design is crafted to improve aerodynamic performance and maximise range.

The bZ4X is a great candidate for a family car as its EV architecture doesn’t take up too much space. Instead, it finds the right balance between interior space for luggage and passengers while not feeling huge on the road. Inside, there’s a large touchscreen and intuitive controls.

We like: Good-sized futuristic looking SUV
We don’t like: Black plastic wheel arches

What do you get for your money?

Three trim levels are available for the bZ4X: Pure, Motion, and Vision. Entry-level Pure is available from just under £43K and only comes in front-wheel drive. Motion and Vision can be had in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive versions, with all-wheel drive being the more expensive option. Motion in all-wheel drive starts from just under £48K, while the all-wheel drive Vision model comes in at just over £51K.

All trim options are well equipped and Pure includes an eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, reversing camera, and a climate control that can be remotely set to warm or cool the car before a journey. Motion adds rear privacy glass, parking sensors, heated front seats and steering wheel, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, 12-inch touchscreen, and wireless charging. From Motion, a fixed sunroof can be specified as an optional extra.

The top trim Vision has 20-inch alloy wheels instead of 18-inch ones, rear parking sensors with automatic braking, synthetic leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and advanced parking assist. A towing pack can be added as well.

The bZ4X comes with a three-year / 60,000 mile warranty as standard. The warranty period can be extended up to ten years / 100,000 miles with eligible services. The battery is under warranty for eight years / 100,000 miles, or ten years / 600,000 miles with Toyota’s EV care battery health check. Additional warranties include corrosion / perforation cover which last for 12 years with unlimited mileage and a surface rust / paintwork warranty which is valid for three years with unlimited mileage.

We like: Good warranty periods for the vehicle and battery
We don’t like: Parking sensors include from middle trim level upwards

What’s the Toyota bZ4X like inside?

Inside, the cabin features a large central touch screen and shiny black trim surrounding it. The driver’s display is set back on the dashboard so it’s a cross between a head-up display and a traditional instrument binnacle. This makes it very easy to glance down and see important information like speed and state of charge.

Climate controls are a mix of switches and touch buttons which makes it simple to access without needing to search through the screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto come as standard which means it’s easy to connect and see your apps. Without a phone connected, the system is still intuitive and the shortcuts menu is housed on the right side, close to the driver.

There’s a good amount of storage space inside with door bins, space under the central arm rest and additional room beneath the gear lever with access to charging ports. There’s no glovebox, but there’s a shelf for small items like paperwork, notebooks or an iPad. In the boot there’s room for charging cables beneath the floor so these don’t clutter load space.

In the back, bZ4X has a flat floor and plenty of legroom for tall rear passengers. The seat backs can be set to a more upright or reclined position depending on preference, or they fold down to extend the rear loading space. On paper the bZ4X has a smaller boot than competitors like the Kia EV6 or Skoda Enyaq but it has more than enough room for the weekly shop and suitcases for holidays. Unlike some other rivals, bZ4X doesn’t have a frunk.

We like: Spacious interior for front and rear passengers
We don’t like: No frunk or glovebox

What’s under the bonnet?

All bZ4X versions come with the same 71kWh battery, but you can choose from a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configuration. The all-wheel drive option is quicker and more powerful but this eats into the range. For maximum range, the front-wheel drive version in Pure trim can achieve up to 317 miles, top spec Vision in all-wheel drive, range is 259 miles. These are official ranges based on government-mandated lab tests so, in real-world driving, the maximum range is often lower than these figures.

Toyota offers the bZ4X with either a fixed or detachable tow bar from the factory which is an optional extra. The car can tow up to 750kg on both front-wheel and all-wheel drive models. Towing with an electric car affects the range so longer journeys with a trailer might require more frequent stops to charge.

What’s the Toyota bZ4X like to drive?

The bZ4X is comfortable and relaxed on the road. Since it’s an EV, it’s very quiet and regenerative braking can be used to slow the car down without using the brake pedal. This function can be turned on and off using a button next to the gear selector. On the smaller 18-inch wheels the ride will be marginally smoother but the version we tried with 20-inch wheels was very composed.

The front-wheel drive configuration is slightly slower but this will offer the best range capabilities. The all-wheel drive option is a bit heavier but it’ll allow you to tackle more difficult terrain. While it’s not a hardcore off-roader, you can be confident you won’t get stuck in a muddy car park and if you venture off the beaten track it’ll cope just fine.

For 2024, the bZ4X has been updated with a suite of preventative safety systems to reduce the risk of accidents. These include things like a pre-collision system which can warn the driver and activate the brakes if the vehicle detects a hazard. This system can also provide emergency steering support which is useful for situations where a pedestrian steps off the curb for example. The vehicle will steer around the pedestrian and keep the car within its lane to avoid causing an accident by swerving into another vehicle.

Looking out of the front of the bZ4X, visibility is very good. To the rear, the sloping back window and thick pillars either side limit rear visibility but blind-spot monitoring comes on Motion and Vision trim levels and makes this easier to manage.

We like: Lots of safety technology
We don’t like: Limited rear visibility

Verdict

If you’re looking for a family-friendly electric SUV, the bZ4X is one to consider. It has plenty of room inside, great safety features and good range capabilities regardless of which specification you pick. Unlike the Subaru Solterra, buyers have more choice over trim levels and two-wheel or four-wheel drive options.

For the vast majority of daily life, the bZ4X is well equipped to handle whatever is thrown at it. On longer journeys you might need to stop for brief charging sessions but for everyday use, charging at home or work will make it very convenient to use. If you already have an EV and want to get a bigger one, or you’re ready to make the switch to electric, this is a great choice.

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Toyota bZ4X, you might also be interested in these new and used alternatives

Key specifications

Model tested: Toyota bZ4X
Price (as tested): £56,125
Engine: 71.4kWh battery
Range: 259 miles

Power: 215 bhp
Torque: 337 Nm
Top speed: 100 mph
0-60 mph: 6.9 seconds

CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km
Euro NCAP safety rating: Five stars (2022)
TCE Expert Rating: A (80%) as of July 2024)

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The best websites for checking a car before you buy

Andrew Charman

-

27 July 2024

1

The best websites for checking a car before you buy

You’re looking to replace your car and planning to make the most of your budget by buying used. There are certainly big savings to had in the used car market, and the opportunity to bag yourself a lot of car for the money you spend – provided you get the right car at the right price.

But what is the right car? Well for starters it’s one that has the full service history that it promises, it hasn’t got outstanding finance owed on it, there’s no hidden or unreported damage and it hasn’t been stolen.

That apparently tempting buy may look pristine, particularly if a savvy seller has spent a little cash having it valeted, but the shiny metal could be hiding terrors. The most common problem of these is outstanding finance. Missed payments could mean the car is actually owned by a finance company and not the person trying to sell it to you.

Or the problems could be much darker – such as mileage illegally rolled back so that the car appears a better bargain than it is, a practice known as ‘clocking’. It’s fraudulent and potentially dangerous.

You might be looking at a previously stolen car, one that has been in a major accident and repaired, or even written off by an insurance company. It even be a clone of an identical model.

All these could result in you losing both the car and the money you paid for it. But much worse, you could be putting yourself and your family at risk travelling in a dangerous car that shouldn’t be on the road.

However, with a little effort and in most cases a little cash, you can obtain an extensive picture of the history and the condition of that car that’s caught your eye, making it far less likely that you will be caught out. And almost all of this pre-purchase checking can be done online.

The UK’s best sites for used car checks and inspections 2025

Match your market

Just how extensively you check out your intended purchase really depends on where you are buying. If the car is a manufacturer’s Approved Used model on the forecourt of a franchised dealer, you can be more confident it won’t be hiding any real nasties – although it’s not a guarantee. Some things will always slip through the net.

Manufacturer Approved Used cars also come with a warranty (usually for 12 months), which adds to your peace of mind, but of course as a result they also cost more than buying from an independent dealer or privately.

Most independent used car businesses also offer warranties, but more care is needed here – these warranties vary enormously in their actual value, while the cars on offer are generally older, higher mileage examples and more likely to have issues.

You will certainly want to make a vehicle history check – described, wrongly, by many sellers as an ‘HPI check’. HPI is merely one of several companies selling used car history reports, particularly whether it has any finance outstanding, has ever been written off, or been reported stolen.

The problem is that HPI has been around so long that that the term ‘HPI check’ is now applied to any kind of vehicle history record – just as all vacuum cleaners are usually referred to as Hoovers.

Beware signs on forecourts proclaiming “free HPI checks” – official HPI checks cost money and anyone claiming to offer a free one is actually providing a vehicle history check. You have no way of knowing just how extensive that check will be – in most cases it will be no more than you can do yourself on government websites.

A comprehensive vehicle history check is essential if you take the most risky option of buying privately. We’re not saying you should ignore that car you’ve always wanted sitting on a driveway with a For Sale sign on it, but you should certainly start off sceptical. If, after doing the research, you are still tempted then it might be worth paying out for the most comprehensive, but also most expensive, pre-purchase check – a physical vehicle inspection.

Particularly useful if you are not particularly mechanically savvy, full vehicle inspections cost around £150-£200. They also need the permission of the seller, but if they refuse you should ask yourself what they might be scared of…

Inspections involve an expert crawling all over the car and taking it on a road test, then providing a comprehensive report on its condition. They don’t take it to a workshop or dismantle anything, so this kind of check is not completely foolproof, but it does give you a much stronger picture of what you are buying,

So before we look at some of the best sites to get a car check, resign yourself to spending some money. Whether that’s £20 or £200, it’s a small price to pay when you plan to spend thousands on a used car, especially if it reveals that the car has a dark past…

Step 1: The basics

DVLA check

Checking a car history on the DVLA website

URL: gov.uk/get-vehicle-information-from-dvla

The first step to ensuring you don’t get caught out is quick – and free!

Basic vehicle information is listed on the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) website. All you need is the make and model of the car, its registration number and the mileage shown on the dashboard. Try and ensure you see and record the mileage shown – don’t rely on the seller to tell you.

Entering the registration on the DVLA website reveals a whole lot of information on the car that can immediately show if it is what it appears to be. One click then links to the government’s MOT database, proving whether the car actually has a valid MOT certificate, when it expires and, crucially, a history of past tests. This information includes any advisories, so you can compare with any “full service history” that might be offered by the buyer and get an idea for what money you may need to spend in months ahead.

Each MOT test also records the mileage, so you can check if what the clock reads now tallies with previous readings. If looking at this information throws up any questions, at the least ask the seller to explain them. And if you are not fully satisfied with the answer, walk away.

Step 2: History checks

HPI Check*

URL: hpicheck.com

As we’ve already mentioned, HPI is the granddaddy of used vehicle checking services, but you might initially be put off by the firm’s ‘Basic’ check costing £10, which gives you less information than some other rivals provide.

However your tenner does buy the most important info – insurance write-offs, and stolen vehicles. To get such features as the MOT history requires HPI’s £20 Comprehensive Check, but this includes whether the car has been cloned from an identical model, shows up discrepancies in the recorded and apparent mileage, and reveals whether the logbook has been stolen.

The comprehensive check also provides a host of extra information, such as what the model commonly fails MOT tests on, how much it should be worth and what it will cost to own, down to the cost of fuel.

HPI also offers a multi-check service – three different cars for £30. All full checks include a £30,000 guarantee.

Check a car’s history with HPI Check*

CarVertical*

URL: carvertical.com/gb

Even just a few facts missing from a car’s history can save you thousands of pounds in repairs down the road, or could save you and your family’s lives if you were driving an unsafe car without knowing it. That’s the warning CarVertical gives on the home page of its website, followed by descriptions of the four short steps to take to get your report.

It has a huge database, compiled using information about individual cars, records from national and private registries, insurance company databases and stolen vehicle records internationally, and confirms all information so that it’s confident of its authenticity. A key feature is that the checks are all Europe-wide, rather than just UK-wide, meaning that any car privately imported from Europe can be checked.

For £30, potential used car buyers will get research from the stolen database, information about previous ownership, mileage history, accident reports, information about when maintenance is due and, of course, notes on any outstanding finance. Photos are also provided were they’re available. A two-car multiple check is available for £36 – meaning your second check is only £6 – and a three-car check is £48.

Check a car’s history with CarVertical*

MotorCheck*

URL: motorcheck.co.uk

MotorCheck promises wide coverage because it’s the only history check provider with a presence in the UK and Ireland. This, it says, ensures the best coverage and expertise in both of these market. It backs that up with a guarantee of up to £30,000 on every report it does.

The agency offers a free basic check, which includes confirmation of make and model, number of doors, fuel type and colour, but if you need a bit more information than that (and most people do), it’s worth opting for one of the paid-for services.

This starts at £10 for one check and for that you get a long list of inspections including, finance, mileage and write-off checks, whether the car has been scrapped or stolen, if it has ever been a taxi, whether its number plate or colour has changed, list of recalls, a valuation and more.

If you have more than one car to put under the microscope, look for Motorcheck’s bundles: three for £15 or five for £20. There’s a chance to see a sample report before you buy, and its busy website contains lots of useful information and tips. It’s worth a look.

Check a car’s history with MotorCheck*

Full Car Checks*

URL: fullcarchecks.co.uk

Full Car Check claims to be the most comprehensive free car history website in the UK. Without spending any money, you can get a basic history check, although obviously you’re offered the chance to upgrade to a paid ‘premium’ report.

The paid checks come in two flavours – ‘Standard Check’ for £6 and ‘Full Check’ for £10. The extra four quid for the full check covers any outstanding finance or logbook loans, so you don’t run the risk of buying a car that still belongs to a finance company. It also comes with a £30,000 data guarantee, so it’s probably worth the extra if you’ve found your desired vehicle.

The full check is a bit cheaper than other sites on this list but there are no multi-car options, so if you’re checking a few different vehicles it may cost a bit more.

Check a car’s history with Full Car Check*

Car Analytics

URL: caranalytics.co.uk

Car Analytics offers a free car history report to check details of vehicle tax and MOT status, but, as with similar services, you’re probably going to want more than that – which you’ll have to pay for.

The basic check is free, gives reasonable peace of mind and is ideal as a first port of call. It includes the number of previous owners, whether the number plate or vehicle colour has been changed, whether the vehicle has been scrapped, if its VIN number matches official records, plus there’s a valuation.

Upgrading the check to a full report, for £10, will get you information such as outstanding finance, police stolen status, whether the car has been an insurance write-off or whether it has had a certificate of destruction, which means it has been destroyed. There’s also a ‘high-risk’ check regarding any financial disputes and a mileage anomaly check.

The site includes some interesting reading in the form of useful guides.

Freecarcheck

URL: freecarcheck.co.uk

Any organisation that calls itself Freecarcheck has, at least, to offer one thing: a free car check, and it does. Like some other agencies, Freecarcheck offers the option of a free report and then encourage you to upgrade to a fuller check.

Freecarcheck’s free car check is quite detailed. For a start you get a picture of the car you’re checking (not the exact vehicle) along with tax and MOT details, whether it’s an import, the engine size, power, engine number, colour, number of colour changes, year of manufacture and date of registration.

Upgrading is still advisable if you are serious about spending serious money though and the company’s premium report, for £10, gives greater peace of mind, including outstanding finance, whether it has been stolen, number of keepers, mileage anomalies, number plate charges, whether it has been a write-off and much more.

As well as cars, Freecarcheck also runs checks on coaches, motorcycles, trucks and even, it says, tractors!

Mycarcheck

URL: mycarcheck.com

If your budget is very tight this could be the best option. Mycarcheck does offer a free service, but all it provides is a valuation of how much the car should be worth and its MOT status and history – information you can get directly from the DVLA website.

More useful is the £4 basic check. This will reveal if the car has ever been stolen, exported, scrapped or written off by an insurance company, as well as providing more details about the car.

Crucially however, the Basic Check does not include outstanding debt or finance. Adding just that essential information bumps the price up to £10 for the ‘Comprehensive Check’.

Mycarcheck does have one major plus – its extensive multi-car service. Five comprehensive checks cost £30, 12 checks are £50 and, if you are really undecided, you can get 20 checks for £75.

Step 3: Vehicle inspection

Carly

URL: mycarly.com

Carly is a company that uses a clever scanner (currently priced at £65, available from its website) to check data like mileage and VIN directly from a car’s on-board computer. It also checks for any error codes that could suggest expensive repairs are needed.

If you’re looking at a used car, you can plug the Carly scanner into the car’s OBD port (every car since the early 2000s has one, and there are plenty of videos and guides). Using the Carly smartphone app, you can check a whole host of information about the car – including mileage data taken from multiple computer units, in case the previous owner has tried to fiddle with the mileage readout.

You don’t need to be a technical genius to use the scanner, and the app is full of useful information that will help you understand whether an error code is likely to be a simple fix or an expensive repair. The people at Carly claim that you could save thousands of pounds by not buying a car with a hidden fault, and they’re probably right.

ClickMechanic*

URL: clickmechanic.com/pre-purchase-inspection

ClickMechanic claims that one in six used cars needs repairs costing more than £500 – incidentally, the same odds as playing Russian Roulette. So having a proper pre-purchase inspection could potentially save you hundreds of pounds.

ClickMechanic’s prices look like a bargain, starting at less than £60. The company claims that its services are, on average 40%, cheaper than an equivalent inspection by the AA or RAC.

There are three levels of inspection available – basic, standard and premium – ranging from £58 to £125, and ClickMechanic offers same-day or next-day service once you and the seller have agreed a suitable time.

Any vehicle up to 7.5 tonnes can be inspected, although there are a few exceptions. ClickMechanic won’t inspect any car that has previously been written off by an insurance company (which should be listed by the seller as Cat S or Cat N), privately imported cars (like Japanese ‘grey’ imports) or motorhomes.

Book a pre-purchase inspection with ClickMechanic*

AA

URL: www.theaa.com/vehicle-inspection

The AA’s vehicle inspection is typical of the most extensive pre-purchase checking you can carry out and offers two options beginning with the ‘Basic’, costing “from” £142 and only available for cars up to ten years old.

The engineer provides a report, with photos, focusing on up to 155 check points, plus a road test of up to five miles. Included are the body, engine compartment, electrics, suspension, steering, clutch, gearing, exhaust, fuel system, brakes, wheels and tyres.

A Comprehensive inspection currently costs from £191 and extends the areas covered up to 206 points, checks the bodywork for accident damage and extends the road test for up to 10 miles.

RAC

The best websites for checking a car before you buy – RAC

URL: rac.co.uk/buying-a-car/vehicle-inspections

The RAC runs a similar series of vehicle checks to its main rival. The ‘Basic’ test costs £116, and is a 218 point mechanical and structural inspection plus a three-mile road test. Move up to ‘Comprehensive’ for £209 and you’ll get a 307 point check with a ten-mile road test.

At £267, the ‘Advanced’ test includes diagnostic testing of key parts of the vehicle, analysing brake fluid and extending the road test up to 20 miles. The engineer’s report will also include photo evidence.

More car buying news, information and advice at The Car Expert

This article was originally published in January 2021, and most recently updated in July 2024. Additional reporting by Tom Johnston and Stuart Masson. All prices correct as of July 2024 but have been rounded up to the nearest pound (for example, £10 instead of £9.99).

*The Car Expert has commercial partnerships with carVertical, ClickMechanic, Full Car Check, HPI Check and MotorCheck. If you click through to their websites and proceed to purchase a used car history check, we may receive a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay.

Honda Jazz

Stuart Masson

-

26 July 2024

0

Summary

The Honda Jazz is a five-door supermini-class small hatchback. This model was launched in the summer of 2020, with the only engine option being a 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid.

The Jazz is also available as a faux off-road version called the Jazz Crosstar, which sits a little bit higher and has big grey plastic trim pieces but is no better at crossing the Sahara than an ordinary Jazz.

It has been praised for its practicality, with more room for both passengers and luggage than similarly sized rivals. The hybrid system also makes it economical for urban driving. The regular Jazz usually scores better than the Crosstar when tested separately.

As of July 2025, the Honda Jazz holds a New Car Expert Rating of B with a score of 68%, which puts it right in the middle of a large and very competitive field of small cars. It scores top marks for its low CO₂ emissions and exceptional reliability record, while its running costs are also generally low. However, Honda’s new car warranty is only average and the Jazz’s media review scores are poor, which drags down the overall rating.

Jazz highlights

Low running costs
Spacious and practical cabin
Well-equipped as standard
User-friendly infotainment

Jazz lowlights

Not all that run to drive
Some cheap interior plastics
Expensive when compare to similarly-sized rivals
Only one engine choice

Key specifications

Body style: Five-door hatch
Engines: petrol/electric hybrid
Price: From £26,885 on-road

Launched: Summer 2020
Last updated: Summer 2023
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Featured reviews

“The Honda Jazz has carved its own niche in being the ultra practical option in this segment that will massively appeal to those who aren’t passionate about their mode of transport. It’s the ultimate head-over-heart supermini.”

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol/electric hybrid EX

0Read full review

Darren Cassey

“The Honda Jazz is a very practical and roomy car, and has excellent quality, but some models are pretty pricey and it’s not much fun to drive.”

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 7 / 10

Read full review

Carwow

Jack Healy

More reviews

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Practical, efficient and highly-specced, the hybrid Honda Jazz supermini is an attractive if relatively pricey package”
Author: Ellis Hyde, Paul Adam
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol/electric hybrid EX Style
Score: 8 / 10
“The EX Style maintains the typical Honda Jazz plus points of a fabulously spacious cabin and brilliant fuel economy. The hybrid system is very slick, and the ride and handling are more than up to the job. However, we can’t help but feel that this range-topper doesn’t really add enough to warrant the extra cost over the already generously equipped models further down the range.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic Crosstar
Score: 6 / 10
“With a higher price point and only a modest increase in kit, the Honda Jazz Crosstar really is a case of image over substance. It’s slightly less efficient than the regular Jazz and despite the increased size, boot capacity takes a hit as well.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Part supermini, part pint-sized people carrier, the Honda Jazz remains a master of useful interior space and flexibility. New from 2020 are the standard hybrid powertrain, and addition of the Jazz Crosstar to the range.”
Read review

Business Car

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol/electric hybrid SR
Score: 8 / 10
“All versions of the Honda Jazz get the full suite of safety features – refreshing on a small car – including a new centre airbag between the driver and front passenger, which will ultimately become mandatory.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Jazz is peak Honda. Full of clever solutions for its customers, whether they live in a city and need maximum interior versatility in a car that fits in a tiny parking space, or simply want an economical car that’s easy but not punitively boring to drive. It deserves your admiration if you like engineering.”
Read review

Car Keys

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol/electric hybrid Crosstar
Score: 8 / 10
“If you like your supermini to wear chunkier and more rugged styling, then the addition of this Crosstar variant to the Honda Jazz range will be appreciated. It retains all the charm of the standard car – its unique interior, efficiency and impressive powertrain, but adds extra visual flair.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Fundamentally, the Honda Jazz remains similar to before. It’s still the safe, sensible and practical choice that its loyal buyers love. Not everything needs to be as ‘sporty’ or ‘dynamic’ as possible, and the Jazz continues to keep its own little segment of the market – carving out a niche for itself. “
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The quirky Honda Jazz is even smoother and cheaper to run with a hybrid powertrain”
Read review

Company Car Today

Model reviewed: EX
“Some obvious and well-executed improvements, especially with the cabin, combine with a good hybrid powertrain offering decent running costs to make the Honda Jazz a clever and efficient small car.”
Read review

Daily Mail

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol/electric Crosstar EX
“Visibility in the new Honda Jazz hatchback is much improved, thanks to a wider windscreen and much thinner pillars. The Crosstar variant has a reduced size SUV-style that is more flexible, funky and practical than the standard version. This is my favourite.”
Read review

Daily Mirror

Model reviewed: Crosstar
Score: 6 / 10
“To those of you who have had a string of Jazzes and are considering moving up to this generation, I’d really recommend a go in the Crosstar version.”
Read review

Driving Electric

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The now hybrid-only Honda Jazz is technologically impressive, very efficient and practical – but not much fun to drive.” (James Howe)
Read review

Eurekar

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol/electric hybrid EX
“The Honda Jazz’s interior is minimalist yet classy. The central touchscreen and seven-inch digital instrument cluster are simple and easy to read. Interestingly, in response to consumer demand, Honda has reinstated physical controls for heating and ventilation underneath the touchscreen.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol/electric hybrid Crosstar
“It’s surprising just how often the Honda Jazz Crosstar runs on purely electric in town and city as you purr around in silence. It’s only when you put your right foot down really hard, or are driving on the motorway, that you notice that power is also coming from the engine.”
Read review

Fleetworld

Model reviewed: Hybrid
“Pleasingly, the Jazz marks a return to form for Honda and the Hybrid is comfortably better than the competition it faces today. However, that comes at a price premium and there are compelling new rivals en route that may dull its shine.”
Read review

Heycar

Model reviewed: Crosstar
Score: 6 / 10
“The standard Honda Jazz is an excellent car, with low running costs and a versatile interior. The Jazz Crosstar builds on that with rugged styling and some extra equipment as standard. Its oddity factor gives it some appeal but, in truth, its relatively high price tag makes it difficult to justify.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“No one ever regretted buying a Honda Jazz. It’s the sort of car that’ll continue to surprise you with its practicality, reliability and frugal fuel economy. The latest model is more appealing than ever, thanks to a modern cabin and clever hybrid engine setup.”
Read review

Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“If you’re looking for a versatile small car that won’t cost a fortune to run, the new hybrid Honda Jazz is a brilliant option. It’s more appealing than ever before, thanks to fresh new looks and a revamped interior. On the downside, it’s a little expensive, and the hybrid setup won’t appeal to everyone.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Versatile, grown-up hatchback gains hybrid tech”
Read review

The Sun

Model reviewed:
“The Honda Jazz is a well thought out, perfectly executed sensible that makes life simple.”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Flawed, but could prove to be one of the more satisfying superminis/compact crossovers long-term.”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid EX
Score: 6 / 10
“If you already own a Honda Jazz and are looking at replacing it, this will be automotive catnip. If you aren’t already a Jazz aficionado, there’s not a lot here to convince you to to get the latest one unless you really like the fuel savings and the engineering.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Unbelievably roomy, versatile, and easy to recommend. But would you want one yourself? That’s a harder question…”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2020
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 87%
Child protection: 83%
Vulnerable road users: 80%
Safety assist: 76%

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

Model tested:

Overall score: 3.5 stars
Date tested: July 2021
Read the full Green NCAP review

Clean Air Index: 6.7 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 7 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 5.6 / 10

Three-and-a-half stars

The Honda Jazz was awarded a 3.5-star eco rating from Green NCAP in July 2021. Green NCAP said: “The Honda Jazz 1.5 i-MMD Hybrid represents the latest in petrol-hybrid and diesel technologies, and performs well.

“It achieves high scores for Energy Efficiency and also does very well for Clean Air. The Greenhouse Gas Index is the weakest of the three areas of assessment, but the Honda emerges with a solid 3½ star rating.”

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 73
Average repair cost: £252.17
Last updated: April 2025

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

As of April 2025 (our most recent data point), the Honda Jazz has an outstanding reliability rating of 94%, according to warranty data provided exclusively to us by our commercial partner, MotorEasy. This score applies to both this generation Jazz and previous (pre-2020) generations, which is good news if you are considering a used Honda Jazz.

The repair bills claimed under warranty to date have been very inexpensive – with the exception of gearbox issues, which have a bill of more than £800. In fairness, that’s still less than average gearbox repair bills for most other cars.

All in all, the Jazz looks like being a reliable choice as a used car.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score
Petrol models	48 mpg	C
Hybrid models	63 mpg	A

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	134 g/km	A
Hybrid models	102 g/km	A

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	22	A

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£137	A
Year 2	£372	A
Year 3	£610	A
Year 4	£788	A
Year 5	£1,122	A
Overall	£3,029	A

The Honda Jazz is a very affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

While the fuel consumption of petrol models sits around the market average, the data suggests that hybrid models are much more economical. Both insurance and maintenance costs are predicted to be cheap too.

Warranty rating

New car warranty information for the Honda Jazz

Overall ratingC56%
New car warranty duration3 years
New car warranty mileage60,000 miles
Battery warranty duration8 years
Battery warranty mileage100,000 miles

Honda’s new car warranty is pretty much the bare minimum offered in the UK, with a duration of three years and a limit of 60,000 miles. Other rivals in the price bracket do better (and in some cases, much better). Additionally, the battery components of the hybrid system are covered by a separate eight-year/100,000-mile warranty.

If you are purchasing an ‘Approved Used’ Honda Jazz from an official Honda dealership, you will get a minimum 12-month warranty included. If you are buying a used Jazz from an independent dealership, any warranty offered will vary and will probably be managed by a third-party warranty company. If you are buying a used Jazz from a private seller, there are no warranty protections beyond anything that may be left on the original new car warranty.

If you’re looking to buy a used car that is approaching the end of its warranty period, a used car warranty is usually a worthwhile investment. Check out The Car Expert’s guide to the best used car warranty providers, which will probably be cheaper than a warranty sold by a dealer.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Honda Jazz has received

2023

Carbuyer Awards – Best Used Hybrid Car

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Buy a Honda Jazz

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If you’re looking to lease a new Honda Jazz, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal.

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Drivers risking holiday breakdowns and fines

Tom Johnston

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26 July 2024

0

Drivers risking holiday breakdowns and fines

Schools are finishing for the term, workplaces are shutting up and families are packing their belongings in readiness for the summer vacation. And that means millions of cars will be hitting the roads and heading for the holiday hotspots at home and abroad.

Cars will feature highly again this year when it comes to planning a vacation. More than 13 million UK drivers will take friends and relatives away using the family vehicle this year, says a new survey.

Long journeys

And many of those will be holidaying at home and abroad, opening up all sorts of issues when it comes to planning for a long road trip.

The research, from car service and repair specialist (and partner of The Car Expert) Kwik Fit, shows that 4.5 million drivers are planning their main holiday in the UK, but will also be taking the car abroad this summer.

And almost double that number – nearly nine million drivers – will have their main holiday overseas but will also be going on a summer break in the UK and relying on the car to get them and their families there safely.

Around 16 million people say they will be using their car as their main mode of travel for at least one of their summer holidays, the research reveals. Those using their car for a UK destination and will be covering an average of less than 400 miles, although 7% of them will be clocking up more than 1,000 miles.

The research also found that those heading overseas in their own car this summer – around 4.5 million holidaymakers – will travel an average more than 600 miles, although 8% will top a whopping 2,000 miles.

Simple car checks

But despite these lengthy journeys, often with heavy loads of luggage and passengers, a significant proportion of owners will get into their car without making any checks before hitting the road.

More than a third (35%) of drivers say they don’t even check their tyre pressures, while only a half (45%) look at their tyre tread. Many drivers will also neglect to check their car’s vital fluids. The survey found that four out of 10 motorists (41%) don’t check their screen wash is topped up, 46% won’t look at their oil level, 62% ignore the coolant and 67% won’t bother with their brake fluid.

Overseas regulations

But vehicle condition isn’t the only aspect of holiday motoring that drivers are neglecting, says Kwik Fit. Only a third (37%) of drivers heading overseas will thoroughly check the road regulations of the country they are going to.

Four out of 10 (39%) say they will do a quick check online, while 12% will rely on their ferry or tunnel booking information. Nearly one in eight (12%) say either they don’t need to do any checks because they have travelled to a country before, or they simply won’t bother with any research whatsoever.

As The Car Expert has highlighted in our popular Driving in… series, neglecting to do any prior foreign travel checks could be storing up trouble for motorists, as regulations change across Europe.

Some European cities require cars to display a sticker identifying their level of emissions now, while other foreign towns ban some vehicles altogether. In France, for example, the penalty for non-compliance is harsh and can be as high as €450 (£370).

Other rules which have changed in recent years include the requirement, since Brexit, to display a UK sticker and to cover up any GB emblem or country flag, including on the numberplate. Drivers are also required in most countries to carry their vehicle’s V5C document (logbook), a first aid kit, fire extinguisher and a hi-viz vest, which must be inside the car, not in the boot.

“It’s quite worrying to see just how many drivers will be setting off without making the proper checks on their vehicle, or the rules of the road at their destination,” says a spokesperson for Kwik Fit.

“Advance preparation can save a lot of hassle, and a few simple checks – especially tyres and fluids – can help prevent problems en route. And as well as car checks, making sure drivers know the latest rules for their journey is a sensible measure.

“The last thing they need is to be pulled over and fined for not displaying a sticker that costs only a few pounds or for having their hi-viz in the boot.”

Many car service and repair companies, including Kwik Fit, will carry out a free vehicle health check for customers, which could be a sensible decision for drivers before they set off on a long journey.

Read more:

Revised Cupra Formentor and Leon now on sale

Model update

Sean Rees

-

25 July 2024

0

Revised Cupra Formentor and Leon now on sale

The Cupra Formentor SUV and Cupra Leon hatchback and estate have received a mid-life refresh that is now available to order in the UK.

As we reported back in May, the update introduces more “aggressive” exterior looks for both model ranges, including sharper triangular LED headlights and a wider grille design on a new ‘shark-nose’ front fascia that also features the brand’s updated logo.

Inside, the interior layout of both models remains largely the same, but there are new material options for the dashboard and seat trims, and a new 13-inch infotainment screen (an inch larger than before) sits above two touch-sensitive sliders for the media volume and heating controls. An optional 12-speaker Sennheiser sound system has also been added to the options list.

Both cars will be available with traditional petrol, mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid engine options. The pre-facelift options remain, including the lead-in 150hp 1.5-litre petrol, but with a new 333hp 2.0-litre petrol engine option with four-wheel drive and a 272hp plug-in hybrid (joining the 200hp PHEV already available) that can reportedly muster an electric-only driving range of around “over 70 miles”.

Now available to order with seven different trim levels to choose from – starting with the lead-in ‘V1’ up to the range-topping ‘1st Edition’ models – pricing for the Cupra Formentor now starts at over £33k. The Leon, which has the same trim level choices, has a slightly cheaper starting price point of just north of £31k for the hatchback, while the Leon estate now costs £33k.

The Cupra Leon and Formentor both currently hold a New Car Expert Rating of A with a score of 72%.

Skoda Enyaq range bolstered by new cheaper trims

Model update

Sean Rees

-

24 July 2024

0

Skoda Enyaq range bolstered by new cheaper trims

Skoda has revised its electric Enyaq SUV line-up with the addition of two new trim grade choices – the ’50’ and ’50 Edition’ – which come with a smaller battery and drop the car’s entry-level price.

Introduced to the electric SUV range to “bring down the cost of switching to a new Enyaq”, the new trims are powered by a 52kWh battery pack – a lower capacity than the 58kWh and the range-topping 77kWh options previously available,

To make way for the new ’50’ and ’50 Edition’ trim levels, the 58kWh Enyaq ’60’ has been discontinued – a change that Skoda says was lowered the SUV’s entry-level price by £2k.

The rear-wheel drive 170hp ’50’ and ’50 Edition’ have a reported battery range of 234 miles and can complete a 0-62mph sprint in 9.1 seconds. Top speed is capped at 99mph. By comparison, the 77kWh ’85 Edition’ is said to muster up to 358 miles on a single charge and has a 0-62mph sprint time of 6.7 seconds, but is over £7k more expensive.

The new entry-level ’50’ spec includes 19-inch alloy wheels, artificial leather upholstery, a digital instrument cluster and LED headlights. The slightly more expensive ’50 Edition’ adds more advanced Matrix LED headlights, heated front seats, an electronically-adjustable drivers seat and adaptive cruise control.

Pricing for the Skoda Enyaq range now begins at just under £37k. The SUV holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 82%. It has excellent scores across every category, with the caveat that we don’t yet have reliability data at this time.

How to avoid being scammed by a garage mechanic

Car maintenance

Tom Johnston

-

23 July 2024

0

How to avoid being scammed by a garage mechanic

Cars have become so technical and complicated in the last 20 years that repairing them is now a skilled and technical exercise which requires training and knowledge to carry out.

That’s why it’s so much rarer to see someone tinkering with their car – bonnet up and wheels off – on a Sunday morning than it was two decades ago.

It means that if your car requires some attention or a repair, probably your only choice is to take it to a professional workshop or garage. And that’s where you must trust in the person who will be looking after your vehicle and rely on them when they tell you what’s wrong and how they are going to fix it.

But can they be trusted? Will they do the work they promise? Are you likely to get a fair cost for the parts and labour? And is there a chance they might add in other ‘repairs’ that your car didn’t even need in the first place?

A recent study revealed that 56% of British drivers – potentially 28 million people – believe they have been scammed or overcharged after taking their car to a mechanic, while 40 million drivers admit to being fearful of the possibility of being conned or having to pay higher costs of repair than they should.

The survey, by car service marketplace Fixter, shows that more than a quarter (27%) of UK motorists would rather drive their car in poor condition than risk being scammed at the garage – a decision that’s fraught with danger, illegal in some cases, and a risk to other road users.

The survey found that 70% of drivers aged 25-35, were the most sceptical of garages, with 63% of 35-48 year olds, 52% of those aged 50-64 and 43% of 65-plus drivers unsure about taking their car to a mechanic. Ten million women drivers said they face feelings of anxiety and stress about going to a workshop.

Reduce the risk of garage scams

Conduct a pre-work check

It’s important to check your car before it goes in for work such as a service, so you can see what changes have been made. Oil, coolant and tyres can all be easily checked beforehand. Take a photo of any issues pre-service so you can compare them after.

Ask for an itemised list

Always make sure you know what is being done to your car. Ensure you ask for a list so you can more easily identify what repairs have been made.

Technical jargon

A good way for mechanics to fool customers is to use garage jargon and technical terms. Ask for a proper explanation if there’s something you don’t understand. If the mechanic can’t give it to you in your terms, consider looking elsewhere. Try to get a grip of the basic workings of your car so that you don’t look like a complete novice when you go in.

Unnecessary part replacement

You arrive to collect your car to be told that certain parts were needed after the mechanic had looked at them. Did they really have to be replaced? Ask to see the components that have been taken from your car and request an explanation as to why they had to be changed.

Parts overcharging

If you don’t know how much parts typically cost for your car, how can you check them when the garage bill arrives? Once you’re told what parts your car needs, go online to get an idea of what they cost. It won’t be exact but at least you’ll know roughly if the garage is being honourable.

Not actually replacing parts

If you’re having work done deep inside the car’s engine that you’ll never be able to look at, how do you know that new parts have been fitted? One way to find out is to ask to see the old parts that came out. You can even take them away with you. If the garage can’t do this, be suspicious and ask questions.

Fluid replacements

You’re given a list of fluids that had to be replaced in your car and each carries a charge. Some liquids, such as transmission fluid, are designed to last up to 100,000 miles. Do your research and check what the owner’s handbook says on all your car’s liquid replacements.

Higher bill than quote

Is the final bill way higher than you were expecting? Did extra work ‘have to be done’? Get a written quote for planned work, including parts and labour rates, before anything is started, and confirm that the bill will match it. Honest mechanics will call you first if an unexpected expensive problem needs fixing. If your garage won’t agree to a written quote, go elsewhere.

Test drive the car

It’s important not to just dash home after a car service. Ask yourself if anything feels different while you drive and if everything is functioning as it was before.

Read more:

Renault Captur test drive

Car reviews

Trinity Francis

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23 July 2024

0

Make and model: Renault Captur
Description: Small SUV/crossover
Price range: from £21,095

Renault says: “Known as Clio’s big brother – with even more tech, the new Renault Captur is as versatile and multi-talented as ever before.”

We say: The small SUV market is highly competitive but the Renault Captur does a great job at standing out with its technology and hybrid engine option.

Renault Captur review 2024

Introduction

This is the second-generation Renault Captur, launched in 2019. The company has now updated the Captur in line with a number of new models and updates to its overall range.

Since the original model’s launch in 2013, more than 194,000 units have been sold in the UK and more than two million across Europe. When the first model was initially released more than a decade ago, the Captur was one of the few small SUV/crossover models available at the time. It has since seen rising competition from other manufacturers with cars in the same segment.

Captur is the brand’s smallest SUV, with the Megane, Scenic, Symbioz, Arkana, Austral and Rafale sitting above the Captur in Renault’s lineup and the Clio just below.

As of July 2024, the Renault Captur holds an overall New Car Expert Rating of A with a score of 72%. As a used buy it’s rated even better at 76%.

What is it?

Based on the the Renault Clio small hatchback, the Captur is a small SUV that seats five. It sits higher than the Clio, offering a bit more practicality and ease when getting in and out. Over the past few years, competition in this category has boomed as the SUV bodystyle has become more desirable.

If you’re looking at the Captur, you might also be considering similar sized cars such as the Dacia Duster, Nissan Juke, SEAT Arona, or the Peugeot 2008. This segment caters to drivers who don’t need a large SUV but equally want a higher ride height than a hatchback and more space for passengers and luggage.

First impressions

In keeping with the rest of Renault’s lineup, the updated Captur has a fresher, more modern feel. Externally, the styling has been refreshed to include a new grille with Renault’s latest logo, and some sleeker new headlamp and tail light designs. There are also some striking new alloy wheel designs.

Inside, the interior has been updated with a new screen and infotainment system powered by Google to make it more intuitive. The refresh includes a digital driver’s display. Interior materials are a mix of plastics, fabric and synthetic leather as Renault has omitted real leather and chrome from the Captur to improve the car’s sustainability credentials.

We like: Modern updated styling and interior
We don’t like: Limited seat adjustability

What do you get for your money?

The Captur comes in a choice of three trim levels: ‘evolution’, ‘techno’ and ‘esprit Alpine’. Pricing for trim options depends on which engine you opt for, either a petrol or hybrid which we’ll discuss in more detail later on. Entry-level evolution starts from £21K with the petrol engine or £24.5K in its hybrid guise. In the middle comes techno at just under £23K or from £26.3K, and esprit Alpine is only available with the hybrid engine from £28K.

As standard, evolution comes with 17-inch wheels, rear parking sensors, reversing camera, rear sliding seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, seven-inch digital driver display, wireless phone charger, ten-inch touchscreen, and keyless entry and start.

Techno trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels, roof bars, electrically folding door mirrors, three driving modes, ten-inch driver display, and two rear USB-C ports. The top specification esprit Alpine includes 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, two-tone paint with a contrasting roof colour, and adaptive cruise control with speed limiter.

Standard safety equipment covers Isofix points on the outer rear seats, cruise control and speed limiter, traffic sign recognition, active emergency braking, driver attention alert, emergency lane keep assist, hill start assist and a tyre pressure warning light.

The Captur comes with a three-year / 60,000 mile warranty.

We like: Tech focused specification throughout all trim levels
We don’t like: Heated seats reserved for top specification

What’s the Renault Captur like inside?

The interior layout has been simplified to focus on the screen in the centre of the dash. The previous iteration of the Captur had three round dials underneath the screen for climate control. These functions have now been integrated into a switch strip along the bottom of the screen. This means the climate control features are displayed on the screen and controlled with proper switches or via the touchscreen for things like heated seats on the top trim level.

There’s a good amount of legroom in the back and the outer rear seat backs are inset so rear passengers. This creates a bolsters on either side so instead of the outer passengers bumping into the middle passenger going around a bend, it’s easier to stay put. The outer seats also have Isofix points. Depending on whether you need to prioritise legroom or boot space, the rear seats slide forward as a bench up to 16 cm.

In the boot, there’s a false floor that can be lifted up to reveal more space underneath. The false floor makes the boot floor the same height as the boot lip so it’s easy to load luggage straight in and out. The hybrid’s boot space is a little bit smaller than the petrol engine. When the seats are folded down the load space sits at the same height as the false floor.

Depending on which trim level you go for there’s a different gearstick and the centre console floats on the esprit Alpine trim to add an extra storage shelf.

We like: Updated intuitive Google-led touchscreen
We don’t like: Cheap feeling plastic strip below climate controls

What’s under the bonnet?

Renault offers the Captur with two engine options. The 1.0-litre petrol engine is available with evolution or techno trim levels. It comes with a six-speed manual gearbox and has official fuel economy figures of about 47mpg. For those that want to use a Captur to tow, the petrol engine can handle more weight, with an unbraked trailer up to 645kg or a braked trailer up to 1,200kg – ideal for a small caravan.

The petrol/electric hybrid unit is quicker and more powerful than the petrol engine, and fuel economy should be better with official figures stating 60mpg is possible.

It’s a conventional hybrid, rather than a more substantial plug-in hybrid, so you can’t plug the Captur hybrid into an external charging point and it means you only get a small amount of driving range in electric mode. All of the electricity is ultimately generated, either directly or indirectly, by the petrol engine. There’s a button inside the car that can keep battery charge over 40% to save it for things like going uphill or towing.

The hybrid comes with a six-speed automatic gearbox and, due to the addition of the battery and electric motor, is heavier than its petrol counterpart. This means towing is limited to 720kg for an unbraked trailer and 750kg for a braked one.

What’s the Renault Captur like to drive?

The seating position in the Captur is quite high, so for taller drivers we’d recommend going for a test drive to see if the position is comfortable for you. The steering wheel is adjustable for reach and height, and the seats are either manually or electrically adjustable depending on the trim level.

As the esprit Alpine trim has larger wheels, the ride is firmer than the 18-inch wheels on the techno trim. The hybrid option we tried was very quiet at low speeds, and was only noisy when you put your foot all the way to the floor. For normal driving, it’s relaxed and easy to position on the road.

Different driving modes called Eco, Comfort and Sport are available to tweak the driving experience to suit the situation. On the right-hand side of the steering wheel, there’s a button called the My Safety Switch. This allows the driver to customise the safety features they would like to use and turns off the ones they don’t want.

We like: Smooth and quiet hybrid driving experience
We don’t like: High seating position in the cabin

Verdict

The Renault Captur is a great example of a small SUV that has a good amount of technology and practicality. It also seems competitively priced for cash buyers and those looking for finance or lease agreements.

Unlike the touchscreen systems in some rival cars, the new Google-based display in the Captur is easy to use and doesn’t require Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for it to be simple to use on the go. A rear sliding bench is a rare feature which allows for plenty of different boot configurations along with additional storage space under the boot floor.

Renault expects around 60% of customers to go for the hybrid powertrain and the majority to opt for the techno trim level. We agree this appears to be the best value option for the equipment and driving experience with prices starting from just over £26K. As always, we recommend test driving a Captur to make sure it’s the right fit for you.

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Renault Captur, you might also be interested in these new and used alternatives

Key specifications

Model tested: Renault Captur Techno E-Tech
Price (as tested): £26,295
Engine: 1.6-litre petrol hybrid
Gearbox: 6-speed automatic

Power: 145 bhp
Torque: 148 Nm
Top speed: 106 mph
0-60 mph: 10.6 seconds

CO₂ emissions: 105 g/km
Euro NCAP safety rating: Five stars (2019)
TCE Expert Rating: A (72%) as of July 2024

Buy a Renault Captur

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