The Car Expert

Major price cuts among Corsa and Mokka range changes

Model update

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6 April 2022

Major price cuts among Corsa and Mokka range changes

Vauxhall has made changes to the model line-up in its Corsa and Mokka ranges, including price cuts of more than £3,000.

From this month both the Corsa supermini and Mokka SUV will be offered in a simplified three-model range, dubbed Design, GS Line and Ultimate in similar fashion to the trim levels announced for the new Vauxhall Astra.

Design is intended as the entry-level grade, though with such features as alloy wheels and driver-assistance technology including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance and traffic sign recognition. All versions also come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

GS Line versions gain more sports-pitched styling with more technology including climate control and rear parking sensors, while the range-topping Ultimate models wear a modified version of the GS Line styling with further technology upgrades including adaptive cruise control, lane-positioning and matrix LED headlamps.

Vauxhall says that cutting the choice of models available – the Corsa range drops from 15 models to eight and the Mokka from 16 to 11 – has enabled the offering of better-value cars. Design versions see a £500 price cut, GS Line models £1,000 while the Ultimate models are reduced by £3,150.

Prices for the new Corsa range will start at £17,340, and the new Mokka £22,265, with first deliveries in August.

While the Corsa and Mokka will be available in all three trim levels, the electric versions of the two cars, the Corsa-e and Mokka-e, will only be offered in GS Line or Ultimate trim.

The updates include very few technical changes, though the Corsa-e has now been fitted with the ‘e-toggle’ shift already available on the Mokka-e – this allows selection between drive, neutral and reverse modes, and includes a Brake button which provides battery energy recovery by regenerative braking.

All Corsa-e and Mokka-e variants remain eligible for the Government’s plug-in car grant of £1,500. Corsa-e prices start at £27,055 once the grant is factored in.

The Vauxhall Corsa has been on sale since late 2019, and has been frequently praised for its exterior styling and improved handling, though there have been criticisms levelled against the supermini’s interior quality. The Corsa currently holds an Expert Rating of 64%, while the all-electric Corsa-e fares a little better with an Expert Rating of 65%.

The Vauxhall Mokka and Mokka-e are currently the highest scoring Vauxhall models in our Expert Rating Index. Both models are commended for their bold styling, though there are more practical alternatives available on the market. The Mokka holds an Expert Rating of 68%, while the Mokka-e holds an Expert Rating of 74%.

No March number plate boom to lift new car sales gloom

Car industry news

Andrew Charman

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5 April 2022

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No March number plate boom to lift new car sales gloom

Registrations of new cars in the UK slid more than 14% in March – usually the busiest month of the year due to the change in registration plates.

Buyers remained keen to secure cars with new 22 plates, with manufacturers reporting strong order books. But they were unable to supply enough cars due to the continuing global shortage of semiconductor chips holding up production.

Over 240,000 new cars were registered during the month, the lowest March total since 1998 – before the market adopted two registration plate changes per year and a time when the single plate change month of August attracted the highest sales.

Since the two-plate system was adopted around a fifth of all car sales in a year have typically been made in March and the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT), which collates the car registration data, described this year’s figures as “massively disappointing for the sector and underscoring the long-term impact the pandemic is wreaking on the industry.”

Fleet registrations were down nearly 35% when compared to March last year. Meanwhile, registrations of private cars were up more than 8% over a year ago but these figures were skewed, with showrooms closed by lockdown restrictions in March 2021. Small business sales were also up as manufacturers prioritised selling what cars they had available to private customers and smaller businesses over large fleets.

A third of new cars sold are electrified

The one bright spot in the figures was the continuing rise in sales of battery-electric vehicles. In total 39,315 BEVs were registered, taking a highest-ever monthly market share of 16.1%. This all-electric sales charge was spearheaded by Tesla – with the Model Y SUV and Model 3 saloon topping the best-seller charts.

Plug-in hybrid registrations slipped 7.5% but those of hybrids grew 28.4%, meaning that more than a third of new cars sold are now electrified in some form.

While maintaining the biggest market share, sales of combustion-powered cars continued to tumble – particularly diesel registrations which fell over 55% in March compared to the year prior.

Good month, bad month

As has been the case for almost a year now, the market has been heavily disrupted by production delays and parts shortages. Each car manufacturer has been dealing with problems for some or all of its models, while some models have been less affected.

While the market as a whole contracted by more than 14%, some manufacturers recorded some impressive growth in March. Both MG Motors and Polestar more than doubled the number of cars they registered in March 2021, while the likes of Alfa Romeo, Alpine, Bentley, Cupra, Dacia, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Hyundai, Kia, Maserati, Porsche, Ssangyong and Suzuki also had a good month – outperforming the overall market by at least 10% in March.

Conversely, it wasn’t a healthy month of sales for the likes of Abarth, BMW, Citroën, Jaguar, Jeep, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Nissan, SEAT, Skoda, Subaru, Volkswagen or Volvo. All of these brands underachieved compared to the overall market by at least 10% (and in some cases, by a lot more than that).

Another impressive month for Tesla

The challenges in the market had an unprecedented effect on the ‘new car top ten’ which in March was topped by two models from EV standard-bearer Tesla – the Tesla Model Y recorded 6,464 registrations, just seven ahead of its Model 3 sister model, but more than 900 ahead of the Vauxhall Corsa in third.

The Corsa remains the top-selling car year-to-date, ahead of the Kia Sportage and Ford Puma, with the two Tesla contenders in sixth and seventh places.

The Ford Fiesta continues to be plagued by delays in tenth place, while the Volkswagen Golf and Polo are nowhere to be seen once again. Expect this rocky road for new car supply to continue until at least Summer and possibly throughout the rest of the year.

More car industry news and analysis at The Car Expert

Additional reporting by Sean Rees

UK pricing and specs announced for 2022 Toyota GR86

New model

Sean Rees

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5 April 2022

0

UK pricing and specs announced for 2022 Toyota GR86

Toyota has released details about its 2022 GR86 coupé, which is set to be the new entry-level model in Toyota’s GR (Gazoo Racing) performance-focused line-up.

Designed in collaboration with Subaru who will soon launch the closely-related BRZ sports car, the Toyota GR86 is a direct replacement for the GT86 coupé that was pulled from production in 2021.

At launch, the GR86 range will only consist of one standard trim level, available as either a manual or automatic. However, Toyota has promised that this standard trim GR86 is a marked improvement over the GT86, with more on-board equipment, more responsive handling, and a more powerful engine.

The Toyota GR86 keeps the body dimensions of the GT86, but has increased body rigidity, a chassis with a lower centre of gravity, and sports-tuned suspension to improve handling through fast corners.

The GT86’s four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol engine has been replaced by a larger 2.4-litre unit, giving the Toyota GR86 a total power output of 234hp – 34hp more than the GT86 could muster.

The 2022 Toyota GR86 is fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights and automatically-folding door mirrors. Inside, the coupé comes with an eight-inch infotainment console, suede and leather seat upholstery, and heated front seats.

The GR86 also comes with a generous list of on-board tech features – including a seven-inch digital gauge cluster behind the steering wheel, smartphone charging, cruise control and a reversing camera, as well as safety features like blind spot monitoring and lane-keeping assistance.

Toyota says that the first GR86 models will arrive in the UK in July 2022, but has not yet revealed when the new coupé will be available to order. Prices for the manual version of the GT86 will start at £29,995, while the automatic version will cost £32,085.

More Toyota news, reviews, ratings and features

Ford Fiesta (2017 to 2023)

Stuart Masson

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4 April 2022

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Summary

The Ford Fiesta was a small supermini-class hatchback, available in both three- and five-door body styles. This model was the final generation of car to carry the Fiesta name, launched in 2017 and was produced until 2023.

From 2017 to 2020, the Fiesta was the UK’s best-selling new car, although sales went into freefall in the second half of 2020 due to a range of factors and it was overtaken by the Vauxhall Corsa in 2021.

The Fiesta was given a mid-life facelift in early 2022, which consisted of some visual tweaks and trim changes. The three-door version was also dropped, making the Fiesta five-door-only. But the biggest news came in October 2022, when Ford announced that production of Fiesta would end in July 2023, which brought the 47-year lifespan of one of Britain’s favourite model names to an end.

There was a hot-hatch performance version of the Fiesta called the Ford Fiesta ST. We have built a separate page for that model, as it is generally reviewed separately to the rest of the range.

UK media sources rated the Fiesta highly. “It’s one of the best ‘real world’ cars around, because it ticks all the rational boxes, but also manages to be fun to drive,” said Auto Express. Reviewers liked the quality engines, which originally offered both petrol and diesel options. The latter were quietly dropped before the 2022 facelift due to slowing sales.

On the road, the Fiesta was considered the undisputed class leader for driving. “The Fiesta is a pleasure to drive, whether on a long motorway trip or a challenging country road,” said Carbuyer.

The cabin environment didn’t get the same high praise as the driving experience, either, with Car commenting: “It feels ancient compared to Peugeot’s virtual 3D cockpit.” Some testers also questioned the range of trims: “The Fiesta Active Crossover is a little pointless, the Vignale too extravagant,” said Motoring Research.

As of February 2026, the Ford Fiesta holds a Used Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 71%. Its excellent media reviews, low CO₂ emissions and competitive running costs help that score, although its now-expired safety rating pulls it down somewhat.

Ford Fiesta highlights

Fun behind the wheel
Quality engines
Low running costs
Quite spacious
Well-equipped

Ford Fiesta lowlights

Some cheap interior plastics
No electric or hybrid versions
Some safety features optional
Unimpressive reliability record
Top models expensive

Key specifications

Body style: Five-door hatch
Engines: petrol
Price when new: From £18,655 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2017
Last updated: Winter 2020/21
Discontinued: Summer 2023

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 new Fiesta is definitely an improvement and still the class leader, but it’s no longer head and shoulders above the pack.”

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual Titanium

Score: 8.6 / 10

Read full review

Stuart Masson

“The Ford Fiesta has been one of the best-selling cars in the UK for a reason. It’s great value, fun to drive and efficient, although it could be roomier.”

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 7 / 10

Read full review

Carwow

Darren Cassey

More reviews

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: Fiesta Active range
Score: 7.9 / 10
“With the new Fiesta Active, Ford has done a good job of adding SUV style and raising the ride height without ruining the Fiesta’s handling.”
Read review

Model reviewed: ST-Line and Vignale
Score: 8 / 10
“The new ST-Line and Vignale trim levels added to the Ford Fiesta range simply provide more choices on a model that remains just about the most complete package on the small car market, and worthy of its long-held best-seller status.”
Read review

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overview (facelift range)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Fiesta offers great value for money, and not just because it’s relatively cheap to buy. It’s comfortable, refined, practical and comes with plenty of standard kit, while the agile handling means it can easily put a smile on your face on the most mundane of journeys. With improvements made to cabin quality, infotainment and space, the Ford Fiesta is the best it’s ever been.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual ST-Line Vignale (facelift model)
Score: 8 / 10
“Ford’s revisions to the Fiesta are hardly revolutionary, but it doesn’t change the fact that it remains a strong contender. It’s the best car in its class to drive by some margin, and it’s better equipped than ever. However, the lack of a full-electric option – or even a full hybrid – might limit its appeal for buyers looking to lower their running costs as petrol prices rise.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Trend
Score: 8 / 10
“The Ford Fiesta Trend might be the new entry-level Fiesta, but that doesn’t mean it is short on fun and thrills.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Fiesta Active range
Score: 8 / 10
“With a strong driving experience and trendy SUV styling, the Ford Fiesta Active has a lot to recommend it – but the standard car is cheaper.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Facelift range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“While it lacks the full electric option of some rivals, the Ford Fiesta is still one of the best small hatchbacks in its class and a deserved best-seller.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Ford Fiesta needs very little introduction, being the UK’s best-selling car. That mantle didn’t happen by accident, either, because not only is the Fiesta one of the most popular small cars there is, it’s also one of the best.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: 2020
Score: 8 / 10
“The new Ford Fiesta is all the supermini we’d wished for. It’s fun to drive, rewarding for enthusiasts and finally has a properly competitive infotainment system.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Fiesta Active range
Score: 6 / 10
“It’s a road-biased car that isn’t going to win a Dakar rally, but if its styling is a winner for you then we reckon it’s still an option that’ll have to make your shortlist.”
Read review

Score: 8 / 10
“This is a good-looking car, make no mistake.”
Read review

Car Keys

Model reviewed: Range overview (facelift)
Score: 9 / 10
“Despite relatively small updates, the Ford Fiesta remains one of the top contenders in the supermini class. It’s as good to drive as ever, while its practicality and pleasant interior mean it will be a hassle-free car to live with. Though a bit expensive in top-spec form, and not quite as modern as some rivals, it remains a very capable small car.” (Ted Welford)
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual Trend
Score: 9 / 10
“If you’re wanting a supermini that’s great to drive and largely affordable, there is still no better option available than the Ford Fiesta. Even in low-spec guise, it handles better than just about everything its class, and is able to bring enjoyment, even despite its modest power output.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overview (facelift range)
Score: 7.9 / 10
“The economical and fun Ford Fiesta is a more complete package than ever before.” (Andy Goodwin)
Read review

Model reviewed: Fiesta Active range
Score: 8.8 / 10
“The Ford Fiesta Active adds hints of SUV style, strength and substance to the standard model without compromising comfort or driving fun”
Read review

Model reviewed: Vignale
Score: 8 / 10
“The Fiesta Vignale version boasts the signature Vignale styling, with a unique front grille, chrome bodywork accents and matching alloy wheels giving it a standalone look when compared with the ‘lesser’ trims.”
Read review

Carwow

Model reviewed: Vignale range
Score: 6 / 10
“With a pleasing, upmarket interior and a great driving experience the Ford Fiesta Vignale sounds like a match made in heaven. However, cheaper Fiesta models are better value for money.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Fiesta Active range
Score: 7 / 10
“The Ford Fiesta Active is designed for those who fancy a hint of off-road ability from their compact hatchback, but it’s more expensive than the standard car as a result.”
Read review

Company Car Today

Model reviewed: MHEV ST-LINE X EDITION
“The Fiesta remains a good-looking and fine-handling car, and the mild hybrid has a small efficiency merit, but isn’t a significant or notable upgrade.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual Active B&O Play
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The Ford Fiesta range is better for this new addition, and the Active could form a more important part of the Fiesta and Focus line-up as SUVs continue to grow.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol automatic Vignale
“The Vignale Fiesta has its touches of class and lifts the car far enough above the rest of the range to justify the price. But it’s up against some capable premium rivals, making it a tricky fight for the Ford, on both heart and mind grounds.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.0litre petrol manual Titanium
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The Ford Fiesta will continue to sit at the top of the supermini segment. The wider range of models and engines means there is an option for every fleet application.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.1-litre petrol manual Zetec
“As good as the Ecoboost engines are, the cheaper model shouldn’t be dismissed out of hand.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual 140hp ST-Line
“Plenty of strengths, including running costs, equipment offering and driving dynamics, but wind noise and interior quality aren’t the best.”
Read review

Evo

Score: 8 / 10
“The new Ford Fiesta has grown up with improved refinement and updated interior tech yet still offers class-leading driving dynamics.”
Read review

Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“Many cars get larger as they are replaced with a new generation, but Ford has resisted this with its current eighth incarnation of the Fiesta.”
Read review

Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“With a huge range of trim levels, a good selection of engines, great driving dynamics and the latest safety technology, the Ford Fiesta does everything a small hatchback needs to do – and does it well.”
Read review

Motoring Research

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Ford Fiesta is great to drive, regardless of spec. It’s the most entertaining supermini you can buy, thanks to sharp steering and a superb chassis. Ford isn’t the clear leader it was before, though. The Renault Clio is available as a full hybrid and is polished enough to take the crown as the best all-rounder, while the SEAT Ibiza is almost as good to drive.”
Read review

Motors

Score: 9 / 10
“The reliable Ford Fiesta handles superbly and offers plenty of specs to choose from.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Fiesta Active range
Score: 9 / 10
“Fiesta gets chunkier and funkier off-road look”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9.2 / 10
“Still the best small hatchback for keen drivers.”
Read review

The Sun

Model reviewed: Range overview (facelift range)
“Nothing drives as sweetly as a Fiesta for the money and the 1-litre mild hybrid reduces running costs.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Fiesta Active X
“The Active X is still a regular Ford Fiesta – a downright superb car – but with enough tweaks to move it from supermini to crossover.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Vignale
“Britain’s biggest-selling car, the humble Ford Fiesta, has been given a luxury makeover – but it doesn’t come cheap.”
Read review

Model reviewed: ST-Line
“You probably didn’t need to read this review to know the new Fiesta is great — it’s a huge part of Britain’s street furniture for good reason. Remember – get the ST Line. It’s the best advice I’ve ever given on these pages.”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: Fiesta Vignale
Score: 8 / 10
“Little Ford gets big-car luxuries… and price tag to match”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol (mild hybrid) manual Active X
Score: 8 / 10
“The obscure appeal of the supermini SUV remains a mystery, even after a drive in the likeable little Ford Fiesta Active. Likewise with the minor drivetrain flexibility benefits and tiny fuel economy gains from the mild hybrid system. Yet despite the ‘so-what’ aspects, the honed and taut appeal of Ford’s well made Fiesta remains.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Fiesta Active range
“There’s no more room in it than a standard Ford Fiesta and it costs more, but I reckon the Active will prove a surprising – if slightly confusing – hit.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual ST-Line
Score: 10 / 10
“A grown-up take on a hooligan hot hatchback. The compromise between practical and fun is a pretty perfect one.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol (mild hybrid) manual ST-Line X
Score: 9 / 10
“The Ford Fiesta mild hybrid is stunningly good to drive, practical at everything else and now goes a little further on a tank. This one is not the gateway drug into electrified motoring you might expect, but it is the best everyday supermini on the planet.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Prettier, more able, refined, easy to use and with more rounded dynamics than before.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: September 2017
Date expired: January 2024
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 87%
Child protection: 84%
Vulnerable road users: 64%
Safety assist: 60%

Notes on safety rating

The Ford Fiesta was originally tested by Euro NCAP back in 2017 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2024 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

However, if you are comparing a used Fiesta to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

Model tested: 1.0 Ecoboost 4×2 manual Euro 6D-temp

Overall score: 2 stars
Date tested: February 2019
Read the full Green NCAP review

Clean Air Index: 8 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 4.4 / 10

Model tested: 1.0 Ecoboost 4×2 manual Euro 6B

Overall score: 4 stars
Date tested: February 2019
Read the full Green NCAP review

Clean Air Index: 1.1 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 6.6 / 10

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 655
Average repair cost: £441.31
Last updated: April 2025

Reliability score

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

The Ford Fiesta has an above-average reliability score of 80% as of April 2025 (our last data point). This applies to all Fiesta models in MotorEasy’s database, which includes both this model and older (pre-2017) generations.

The most common Fiesta warranty claims relate to suspension issues, but these are relatively inexpensive to fix on average, costing less than £200. Engine and gearbox repairs are generally the most expensive claim by a considerable margin, with an average repair bill of around £1,000.

The average repair cost for Ford Fiesta warranty claims is about £430, which is probably more than the cost of a used car warranty, so it’s certainly worth considering. If you’re looking at a used Fiesta, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of the potential problem areas above.

Running cost rating

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

Fuel consumption	Average	Score
Petrol models	53 mpg	B
Diesel models	65 mpg	A

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	122 g/km	B
Diesel models	115 g/km	B

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	16	A

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£133	A
Year 2	£368	A
Year 3	£588	A
Year 4	£833	A
Year 5	£1,120	A
Overall	£3,042	A

The Ford Fiesta is an exceptionally cheap car to run and own, according to data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our commercial partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Fuel consumption is very good for the petrol models (B) and even better for the diesel models (A). The diesels were never very popular and discontinued after a few years, so you won’t find too many of them in the used car market compared to petrol cars.

Road tax (which is based on CO2 results), insurance and scheduled servicing costs should all be very good as well. You’ll struggle to find a car that’s significantly cheaper to run than the Fiesta, whichever version you choose.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Ford Fiesta has received

2022

News UK Motor Awards – Best Used Car

2022

News UK Motor Awards – The Sun Legend Car of the Year

2021

The Car Expert Awards – Small Car Class Champion
Carbuyer Awards – Used Car of the Year + Best Used Small Car
Car Dealer Used Car Awards – Used Car of the Year + Best Small Car

2020

Carbuyer Awards – Car of the Decade
DieselCar & EcoCar Used Car Top 50 – Best Used Small Car
Parkers New Car Awards – Best Used Car

2019

Auto Express Awards – Best Supermini
Carbuyer Best Car Awards – Car of the Year + Best Small Car
DieselCar & Eco Car Top 50 – Best Small Car
Fleet News Awards – Best Small Car
Honest John Awards – Best Small Hatchback
News UK Motor Awards – Best City/Small Car

2018

Auto Express Awards – Best Supermini
Carbuyer Best Car Awards – Car of the Year + Best Small Car
DieselCar and EcoCar Top 50 – Best Small Car
Fleet World Honours – Best Supermini + Best New Car

2017

Top Gear Awards – Best Supermini
Women’s World Car of the Year – Best Budget Car

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Citroën ë-SpaceTourer

Sean Rees

-

4 April 2022

0

Summary

The Citroën ë-SpaceTourer is a nine-seater people carrier and one of the largest all-electric packages currently on sale, based on the ë-Dispatch commercial van. At the start of 2022, the ë-SpaceTourer replaced the diesel-powered SpaceTourer in the Citroën line-up.

Arriving in the UK in early 2021, the ë-SpaceTourer is structurally identical to the Vauxhall Vivaro e-Life and is fitted with a 136hp electric motor and a 50kWh battery – working in tandem to produce an official all-electric range of 143 miles. In order to keep the car’s price low enough to qualify for the UK government’s plug-in car grant, the larger 75kWh battery available in the ë-Dispatch range is not available.

This has not been a popular decision among reviewers, who frequently comment that the ë-SpaceTourer so-so battery range means that it is only well-equipped for shorter urban commuting, rather than long-distance cruising. By comparison, Mercedes-Benz says that its similarly-sized but more expensive EQV people carrier has an all-electric range of 213 miles.

While reviewers found their test drives to be quiet and relaxing, many publications state that customers should not expect the ë-SpaceTourer to provide much excitement on the road, Carbuyer concluding that the people carrier “struggles to shrug off its delivery-van origins”.

Otherwise, Top Gear explains that the ë-SpaceTourer offers the same positives as its combustion-powered counterpart that is no longer in production – “a commanding driving position, flexible seating arrangement and minimalist interior”, as well as the low running costs and tax benefits that an all-electric powertrain brings.

Although held back by its battery range, Driving Electric believes that the ë-SpaceTourer is a very versatile vehicle that will suit the needs of a select audience – “private-hire drivers that work shorter routes or predictable airport runs”.

An updated ë-SpaceTourer arrived in the UK in early 2024. Crucially, it brings improved driving range over the original version thanks to an optional bigger battery. There are also a few tech updates and visual tweaks, but it’s a facelift to the previous vehicle rather than an all-new model.

As of February 2026, the Citroën ë-SpaceTourer holds a New Car Expert Rating of C with a score of 63%. It gets top marks for running costs – although this may be deceptive if you are forced to use public charging on a regular basis due to the small battery range – and produces no tailpipe emissions. However, media reviews are not positive, and we don’t currently have reliability or safety data. Check back again soon.

ë-SpaceTourer highlights

Spacious cabin with flexible seating
Seating for up to nine
Relaxing to drive
Rapid charging ability

ë-SpaceTourer lowlights

Comparatively poor battery range
Rivals have more interior refinement
Heavy rear seats are difficult to remove
Limited boot space with all nine seats

Key specifications

Body style: Large people carrier
Engines: electric, battery-powered
Price: From £32,045 on-road

Launched: Spring 2021
Last updated: Spring 2024
Next update due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

Auto Express

Model reviewed: e-SpaceTourer Business Edition
Score: 7 / 10
“The ë-SpaceTourer’s smooth, quiet nature makes it more pleasant to drive than fossil fuel powered alternatives. This Business Edition trim is much cheaper than the top spec Flair model, too. However, a 50kWh battery limits its range quite severely.”
Read review

Score: 7 / 10
“The new all-electric Citroen e-SpaceTourer MPV offers plenty of room and comfort, but is held back by its range.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.6 / 10
“The Citroen e-SpaceTourer offers versatility, efficient electric power and a touch of style, but struggles to shrug off its delivery-van origins.”
Read review

Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overview
“The Business version will be ideal for use as an airport taxi, with its ability to carry many people on short trips.”
Read review

Company Car Today

“It’s not cheap but the running costs and taxation benefits are significant; there’s little with electric power that has anything like the versatility.”
Read review

Discover EV

Model reviewed: Feel
Score: 6 / 10
“A five-, seven- and eight-seat layout mean the Citroën ë-SpaceTourer opens up the option of electrified mobility to a variety of new buyers including families and private hire firms but its short range holds it back.”
Read review

Driving Electric

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“While it’s not a complete game-changer, the eSpaceTourer should still be a good solution for many buyers’ needs. Larger families that do mostly local journeys, as well as private-hire drivers that work shorter routes or predictable airport runs, will find plenty to like here – not least the very low running costs common to all pure-electric vehicles.”
Read review

Electrifying.com

Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“If you need to move eight, or even nine people around using power from a plug, the Citroën ë-SpaceTourer and its differently-badged brethren are pretty much your only choice. Just as well it’s good, then.”
Read review

Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: 50kWh Business Edition
Score: 8 / 10
“The Citroen e-SpaceTourer is a quiet, refined, smooth and comfortable way to transport nine occupants with zero tailpipe emissions – even if each passenger has a rucksack. It’s much better to drive than an equivalent diesel vehicle.” (Paul Clarke)
Read review

Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“If you need seven seats, your choices are a little bit limited these days. If you need eight or nine, then they’re considerably more limited. The Citroen e-SpaceTourer is one of the few cars that will do the job, provided you can live with an all-electric powertrain. Find out how well in our Citroen e-SpaceTourer review.”
Author: Ivan Aistrop
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 5 / 10
“It’s much the same as the diesel variant – commanding driving position, flexible seating arrangement, minimalist interior – but would make far more sense to city folk than those living elsewhere. Just don’t expect many, if any, driving thrills.”
Read review

Which EV?

Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“The Citroen e-SpaceTourer looks massively overpriced at first glance, and the range is limited, but the seating and cargo capabilities are unique for an electric van. If you’re a taxi driver transporting large groups in a city that charges for petrol or diesel vehicle usage, the sums could easily add up to make it economically viable – and a great choice for the environment. It’s a smooth drive, too.” (James Morris)
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

As of February 2026, the Citroën ë-SpaceTourer has not been tested by Euro NCAP. If and when it is put through its paces by Euro NCAP, we will publish the results here.

The combustion-powered SpaceTourer range was rated five stars way back in 2015, but the ë-SpaceTourer’s electric motor and battery layout instead of a regular engine and fuel tank mean that the rating for the SpaceTourer does not automatically apply to the ë-SpaceTourer.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of February 2026, the Citroën ë-SpaceTourer has not been tested by Green NCAP.

The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the ë-SpaceTourer is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing if it ever takes place. Check back again soon.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of February 2026, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Citroën ë-SpaceTourer to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.

As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the ë-SpaceTourer, we’ll publish the results here.

Running cost rating

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

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
EV models	185 miles	C

Electrical efficiency	Average	Score	Variation	Score
EV models	2.8 m/KWh	E

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	32	C

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£96	A
Year 2	£292	A
Year 3	£453	A
Year 4	£638	A
Year 5	£890	A
Overall	£2,369	A

The Citroën ë-SpaceTourer is a relatively cheap vehicle to own and run, despite being an EV, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Its electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon for a petrol or diesel car) is poor and the battery is not that large, which results in a poor driving range and regular charging stops.

Insurance is about average, but the good news is that servicing costs look to be pretty cheap over the first five years.

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Citroën ë-SpaceTourer, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Buy a Citroën ë-SpaceTourer

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Find your next used car with Motors. Find out more

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Lease a Citroën ë-SpaceTourer

If you’re looking to lease a new Citroën ë-SpaceTourer, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal

Personal contract hire deals from Leasing.com. Find out more

Personal contract hire deals from Carwow. Find out more

Personal contract hire deals from Select Car Leasing. Find out more

Subscribe to a Citroën ë-SpaceTourer

Subscriptions are becoming a very popular way for consumers to try an electric vehicle for a few weeks or months to help decide whether it’s a suitable alternative to a petrol or diesel model. If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)

Car subscriptions from Cocoon.
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Car subscriptions from Just Vehicle Solutions.
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Car subscriptions from Flexible Vehicle Contracts.
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Volkswagen Beetle (2012 to 2018)

Sean Rees

-

2 April 2022

0

Summary

The Volkswagen Beetle was a tribute to the famous original Volkswagen Type 1 (universally known as the Beetle but never officially named as such). It was essentially a rebodied Volkswagen Golf Mk6, available in coupé and cabriolet versions, and followed on from the previous ‘New Beetle’, which was basically a rebodied Golf Mk4.

Engine options were borrowed from the Golf and consisted of several petrol and diesel engine options, with both manual and automatic transmissions available.

Unsurprisingly, the Beetle was regularly compared to the Golf during its lifespan, and most reviews preferred the latter.

Other than its firm ride comfort, the key criticism levelled against the Beetle was its poor levels of practicality in the rear, and while it is a capable family car, many reviewers commented that the Volkswagen Beetle is nostalgia-inducing, but not very special on the road.

The Sunday Times wrote that its test drive in both the coupé and cabriolet versions provided a “a trip down memory lane” in a car that was fundamentally “undemanding and unrewarding”.

Top Gear explained that the Beetle was improved by its light 2016 facelift, which consisted of styling tweaks inside and out, but was still hard to recommend over the Golf or SEAT Leon considering its high pricing. The Volkswagen Beetle Dune, a trim with more ground clearance and SUV-style bumper cladding, joined the range in 2016. However, it cost several thousand more than the standard model and is a rare sight today.

Production of the Volkswagen Beetle ended in 2019. It holds a Used Car Expert Rating of D with a score of 55%.

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

Beetle highlights

Attractive retro styling
Range of economical modern engines
Well-built and reliable
Nippy performance with agile handling

Beetle lowlights

Cramped rear seating
Range gets expensive, especially cabriolet models
Golf is more practical and comfortable
Rigid ride comfort

Key specifications

Body style: Compact liftback coupé and cabriolet
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price when new: From £17,210 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2012
Last updated: Winter 2016/17
Replaced: Summer 2019

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express

Model reviewed: 2011-19
Score: 6 / 10
“The second generation Volkswagen Beetle is greatly improved over the car it replaced. The styling is dramatic and contemporary, there’s more of a premium feel inside and out, and it’s even more fun to drive thanks to the better dynamics of the Mk VI Golf platform on which it’s built.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2012-19
“In many cases ‘characterful’ can mean flawed and, while the Beetle certainly isn’t perfect, it strikes a pretty good balance of form and function.”
Read review

Model reviewed:
Score: 5.2 / 10
“The Beetle Cabriolet is almost as much fun as the MINI convertible, but with fewer practicality compromises.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Cabriolet 2.0 TSI (2013)
Score: 8 / 10
“At £24,975 as tested, it’s as pricey as a hotted-up John Cooper Works Mini Convertible and over £4k more than a Cooper S. But the Volkswagen Beetle is more practical, more comfortable, more refined, easier to live with, nicer to drive, and just as quick.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Cabriolet (2013)
Score: 6 / 10
“The VW Beetle Convertible offers a great blend of style, economy and driver enjoyment – but it’s expensive.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Cabriolet
Score: 8 / 10
“To our eyes, the Beetle Cabriolet is the best retro drop-top on the market. It’s not as much fun or as playful as the MINI, but it still handles well and the more spacious cabin and comfortable ride make it much easier to live with every day.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed:
Score: 7.6 / 10
“The VW Beetle cabriolet has an excellent folding soft top and zippy, efficient engines, and although it’s more of a softly-sprung cruiser than an out-and-out roadster, it has space for four, and a smart interior.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2011
Score: 7 / 10
“The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is the third incarnation of VW’s most iconic car and takes a step back to the 1938 original in terms of styling, plus a step forward from the New Beetle in terms of driving and practicality.”
Read review

Model reviewed:
Score: 6.2 / 10
“The Volkswagen Beetle is competent but unremarkable. Even so, it has undeniable appeal thanks to its cutesy, retro design, with plenty of clever references to Beetles of old, both inside and out.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Cabriolet convertible (2016 )
Score: 6 / 10
“The Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet isn’t a great car. It’s not very comfortable, it’s not very well equipped, it’s not very refined, and it’s not particularly affordable to buy or run.”
Read review

Business Car

Model reviewed: Dune 1.2-litre TSI 105
“The VW Beetle offers distinctive styling and a characterful drive.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: Dune Cabriolet 1.2 TSI DSG (2016)
Score: 4 / 10
“The regular Cabriolet with the right engine is a serviceable drop-top. But please, avoid the Dune and save yourself a lot of money.”
Read review

Model reviewed: GSR (2014)
Score: 6 / 10
“You’ve really got to like the looks of the GSR, and its ultra-retro theme, to shell out more than £1,000 extra for its rarity credentials. A typical limited edition, in other words.”
Read review

Car Keys

Model reviewed: Cabriolet
Score: 7 / 10
“The Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet is a two-door, soft-top model which puts the emphasis on style. Its bulbous shape and bright colour selection certainly makes it stand out.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.4 TSI Design (2012)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volkswagen Beetle performs very well, and is more economical than the EU says it is.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: 2011-19
Score: 5.6 / 10
“If you want a retro-styled hatchback and don’t mind sacrificing a little practicality for looks, the Volkswagen Beetle should suit you perfectly.”
Read review

Carwow

Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“The Volkswagen Beetle has been with us since 1938, but this is only its third iteration and, by all accounts, it’s the best one yet.”
Read review

Eurekar

Model reviewed: R-Line 2.0 TDI 150ps
“The latest suspension set up in the VW Beetle R-Line allows for an engaging drive. The car feels well planted and agile.”
Read review

Model reviewed:
“The second series VW Beetle, produced until 2016, is more practical and yet still has that retro cachet so beloved of many drivers.”
Read review

Evo

Model reviewed: R-Line
Score: 6 / 10
“Retro styling and last-gen underpinnings, but the sportiest VW Beetle still has merit.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0 TSI Turbo
Score: 3.5 / 10
“The VW Beetle is fun to drive and looks cool.”
Read review

Fleetworld

Model reviewed: Beetle R-Line Cabriolet 2.0 TDI DSG
“The Volkswagen Beetle R-Line Cabriolet is still a bit too soft for potential Scirocco customers perhaps, but chic enough and practical enough to make an appealing user-chooser option.”
Read review

Heycar

Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“If you like the looks and the idea of a topless Beetle, there’s plenty to love here.”
Read review

Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“Easily dismissed as cutesy and pointless, the Beetle’s humour and charm is a sizeable part of its appeal.”
Read review

Honest John

Model reviewed: 2012-19
Score: 8 / 10
“Distinctive interior harks back to original VW Beetle. Enjoyable to drive.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Cabriolet (2013-2019)
Score: 6 / 10
“The Volkswagen Beetle is relatively practical for a convertible, with space for four adults, styling that turns heads, especially with the roof down, while it’s fun to own, especially on sunny days.”
Read review

Motors

Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“Second-generation VW Beetle pulls off modern retro styling perfectly and holds its value well.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed:
Score: 5 / 10
“The Dune model adds style – and cost – but not substance.”
Read review

Model reviewed: R-Line 2.0 TDI BMT 150PS 3d
Score: 7 / 10
“The Vauxhall Beetle has retro appeal, a comfortable interior, good performance, capable handling, and strong reliability and build quality.”
Read review

The Sun

Model reviewed: R-Line
“The Volkswagen Beetle R-Line is still as stylish as ever and a charming alternative to the Golf.”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: Cabriolet (2012)
Score: 6 / 10
“Take a trip down memory lane in this undemanding, and unrewarding, convertible.”
Read review

Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“The Volkswagen Beetle is an intriguing and eye-catching alternative to a Golf but nothing special to drive.”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The VW Beetle has had another makeover and this time there’s substance amid the styling.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Cabriolet
Score: 4 / 10
“The new Beetle Cabriolet is huge fun and great with the roof down, even if it’s wet out.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Cabriolet
Score: 4 / 10
“The VW Beetle Cabriolet’s steering is incredibly light but doesn’t offer a whole lot of communication through the thin rim and the ride soon gets unsettled quite easily over broken streets. But it cruises well.”
Read review

Model reviewed: https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/volkswagen/beetle
Score: 6 / 10
“The new Beetle is a vast improvement on its predecessor and sportier, too. We like it.”
Read review

Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“Mated with the DSG gearbox, the whole VW Beetle feels well sorted, not over- or underpowered, quick enough to please and steady enough in the corners not to cause sickness.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2011
Date expired: January 2018
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 92%
Child protection: 90%
Vulnerable road users: 53%
Safety assist: 86%

The Volkswagen Beetle was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 2011 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2017 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Volkswagen Beetle was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 54
Average repair cost: £412.11
Last updated: April 2025

Reliability score

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

The Volkswagen Beetle has a reliability score that’s about average, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy.

Braking system problems are the most commonly reported issue, although the average repair bill is only about £150. However, engine problems are also quite common, with a much higher average bill of nearly £600. Be aware of gearbox problems as well – although rare, they are expensive with an average repair bill of nearly £1,400.

If you’re looking at a used Volkswagen Beetle, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.

Running cost rating

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

No data

Because of its age, we don’t have independently verified running cost data for the Volkswagen Beetle.

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Volkswagen Beetle, you might also be interested in these alternatives

More Volkswagen ratings, reviews, news and features

Buy a used Volkswagen Beetle

If you’re looking to buy a used Beetle, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car and an alternative to dealer finance

Search less, live more. We make finding the right car simple. Find out more

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Top tips for your first time leasing a car

Car leasing advice

Hippo Leasing

-

1 April 2022

0

Top tips for your first time leasing a car

This article is brought to you by

If you’ve never leased a car before, you could be forgiven for thinking it’s a daunting experience. In actual fact, it’s one of the simplest ways to get to drive the car you want.

However, it always makes life easier if you know what to expect. So we’ve put together some first time car lease tips guaranteed to help you on your journey.

Understanding how car leasing works

Car leasing is a way to spread the cost and drive the vehicle you want without having to pay for the whole car’s value. It works like a car rental, but over a longer period of time.

With a car lease, you sign a contract agreeing to pay a monthly amount in exchange for the full use of a new vehicle over a set period of time.

At the end of the contract, you hand the car back and walk away. You’re then free to start a new contract on another car if you wish.

As you never own the car, your monthly payments cover only the depreciation during the period you have it.

This means the payments are typically significantly lower than other types of car finance such as hire purchase.

Read more:

So, on with those first time car lease tips…

Tip #1: Set a budget

Knowing exactly how much you can afford to spend every month on your car lease will firstly help you decide which car to choose, and secondly ensure it’s affordable, meaning a lot less stress later down the line.

There are two main figures you need to consider when calculating how much you can afford to spend – the initial payment and the subsequent monthly payments.

Initial payment

Your initial payment works a little like a deposit on car finance. The more you put down at the start, the less your monthly payments will be.

Options on leases are fairly flexible – depending on the contract terms, it can be anything between one to nine months’ payments upfront. For your convenience, all our lease deals also come with a £0 deposit option if needed.

Monthly payments

Your monthly payments mainly depend on the total value of the lease minus any deposit you put down.

However, mileage also plays a part here. Which brings us to the next point…

Tip #2: Estimate your mileage

With a lease, your estimated annual mileage is taken into account. This is because mileage plays an important part in calculating the depreciation of a vehicle.

If you take into consideration that your monthly payments cover the depreciation, it’s easy to see why the more miles you do, the more you’ll pay – as the vehicle will be worth less when you hand it back.

If it’s your first time leasing, it can be easy to overestimate your mileage as you don’t want to pay any extra for going over. But similarly, underestimating your mileage can end up being a costly mistake. So it’s important to be realistic.

One of the easiest ways to calculate your mileage is to take the number of miles you drive each week and multiply it by the 52 weeks of the year.

It’s unlikely you’ll drive every day or even do the same amount of miles every week, but this will give you a good ballpark figure.

Add an additional 5% on for yet-unplanned future trips just in case, so you have some leeway.

Tip #3: Always choose an approved provider

There are a lot of lease providers out there, and you should choose one based on your situation and what car you want to lease.

However, first and foremost, you should check that they are an approved provider.

To guarantee a safe experience, look for the following when considering a lease company:

Only use an FCA regulated company

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates the financial services market to protect consumers and enhance market integrity.

Your lease company should be authorised and regulated by the FCA. You can usually find their FRN number – a unique identifier assigned to every firm, individual or other body regulated by the FCA – on the company’s website or literature. For example, our FRN number is 658076.

If not, you can search the FCA register using their name or postcode.

If they’re not FCA regulated, then it could be very risky arranging a lease through them.

Check they’re a BVRLA member

The British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association (BVRLA) is the leasing industry ombudsman.

By leasing from a company that’s a member of the BVRLA, you have the added assurance that the company will adhere to a professional code of conduct.

If the leasing company is a member of the BVRLA, it’ll display their membership details on the BVRLA website.

Look online

A little online research goes a long way. Look for customer reviews on independent review sites, such as Trustpilot to get an accurate, impartial idea of the leasing company you’ll be dealing with.

Tip #4: Insure your lease car

A lease contract can often include many different things, from road tax to the manufacturer’s warranty. However, insurance is generally not included.

Before you lease the vehicle, it’s important you check which insurance group it falls into to ensure the payments fit into your budget.

Typically, you need comprehensive cover with a lease car. This will cover you if you damage the car, or damage someone else’s. It’ll also cover you if the car is stolen or written off.

Remember, legally, you must have car insurance in place for your leased car before you drive it away from the dealership.

Tip #5: Consider GAP insurance

GAP insurance (Guaranteed Asset Protection) covers the difference between the amount left on your lease and the amount an insurance company would give you if you car was written off or stolen.

It’s not a legal requirement. However, it can provide reassurance that in the event of theft or a write-off, you’ll have a payout for the residual value that’ll cover the rest of your payments and not leave you out of pocket.

Tip #6: Check the car

It stands to reason that if you were buying a car, you’d check its condition first. The same applies with a lease.

The delivery driver will walk you around the car to inspect for damage, as well as checking out the interior and documenting any issues you spot.

Make a note of the mileage and double-check that any promised extras – such as a tyre repair kit – are inside the car.

At the end of your contract, the lease company will do a full check on your car, so it’s important to be aware of any issues upfront.

Tip #7: Decide if you want to include a maintenance package

Many lease deals allow you to choose an optional maintenance package. This is a set charge that’s rolled into your monthly payments and means you won’t have to bear the cost of any unexpected repair bills while you have the car.

Usually, maintenance packages include service costs, breakdown assistance and basic repairs and replacements.

It’s a good way to factor maintenance costs into your budget, but make sure you check to see what’s included in the package before you decide.

Tip #8: Beware of hidden charges

Much like any financial agreement, it’s important to know all the ins and outs.

Check there are no hidden charges tucked away in the small print, such as administration fees or additional delivery charges.

If you’re not sure, don’t be shy – ask!

Tip #9: Know your lender

Just as you need to be aware of any hidden charges, if you go through a broker it’s important to know which finance company you’re dealing with.

Go into any financial deal with your eyes wide open and get as much information as you can.

Hopefully these first time car lease tips have given you a clearer picture, but if you’d like to find out more about leasing, the Hippo Leasing team is happy to help. Visit their website for more information.

This article was originally published on the Hippo Leasing website. All images from Hippo Leasing.

More car leasing advice at The Car Expert

Driver error blamed for rising crash figures

Driving

Tom Johnston

-

1 April 2022

0

Driver error blamed for rising crash figures

We all think we’re great drivers on the road, but new research has shown a big leap in serious collisions – and driver error is to blame.

The analysis, from motor insurance provider Churchill, shows there were more than 223,000 road traffic incidents across the UK between 2018 and 2020, the latest available data.

With the proportion of accidents resulting in death or serious injury rising from 24% to 28%, it meant there were 43 more serious events per 1,000 collisions, according to Churchill.

Police reports show that the most common contributing factor for a collision is driver error or reaction, which was listed in two thirds (66%) of accounts. Behaviour or inexperience, which covers the driver failing to look properly, not judging another person’s path or speed, or taking a poor turn or manoeuvre, was a contributing factor in 23% of incidents.

Contributing factors leading to road traffic accidents, 2018-2020

Cause	Number of accidents	Share of total accidents
Driver error or reaction	148,005	66.1%
Behaviour or inexperience	51,817	23.2%
Injudicious action (unwise driver actions)	45,679	20.4%
Impairment or distraction	34,918	15.6%
Road conditions	26,189	11.7%
Vision affected by external factors	23,127	10.3%
Vehicle defects	3,920	1.8%

Source: Churchill Motor Insurance, 2022

This is followed by ‘injudicious action’, which covers exceeding the speed limit, disobeying traffic signals, or performing illegal manoeuvres – a factor in 20% of incidents.

External factors, such as vehicle defects (2%), vision being affected by external factors (10%) and road environment (12%) are less likely to contribute to accidents than factors within the control of the motorist.

Top five accident types, 2018-2020

Accident	Cause	Number of accidents	Share of total accidents
Driver failed to look properly	Driver error or reaction	82,944	37.1%
Driver failed to judge other person`s path or speed	Driver error or reaction	43,502	19.4%
Driver careless, reckless or in a hurry	Behaviour or inexperience	36,313	16.2%
Poor turn or manoeuvre	Driver error or reaction	26,651	11.9%
Loss of control	Driver error or reaction	24,603	11.0%

Source: Churchill Motor Insurance, 2022

Failing to look properly accounted for nearly 83,000 (37%) collisions over the past three years, with failing to judge another person’s path or speed (19%), careless, reckless, or hurried driving (16%) and a poor turn or manoeuvre (12%) all listed factors. The worrying cause: ‘loss of control’ contributed to 11% of road accidents.

“The rising number of incidents on our roads leading to death or serious injury is deeply concerning,” says Nicholas Mantel, head of Churchill Motor Insurance. “We know the main causes of these incidents are often down to errors and poor reactions, something that could easily be prevented.

“Avoiding alcohol consumption, getting a good night’s sleep, and focusing on the road rather than multi-tasking, can all help motorists have safer journeys and reduce these risk factors. If all road users just take a few extra seconds to check around them for potential hazards, our roads will be a safer place for all.”

More driving news and advice from The Car Expert

Hole lot of trouble for wheels and tyres

Tom Johnston

-

1 April 2022

0

Hole lot of trouble for wheels and tyres

The cost of damage caused by potholes on Britain’s roads has risen steeply in the last year, a new report has shown.

The findings reveal that the total cost to UK drivers has soared by 35% over the previous year’s figure.

In the last 12 months, 59% of all drivers have said they have crashed through at least one pothole a week – up from 46% in 2021.

The annual PIT Report (Pothole Impact Tracker) carried out for automotive servicing and repair firm Kwik Fit, also reveals that more than 13 million motorists are estimated to have suffered damage to their car in the last year as a result of a pothole impact, with the average individual repair bill coming to £132.

This rise in costs could be partly explained by the higher traffic volumes in the last 12 months than in the year to March 2021 – the first year of the Covid pandemic, says Kwik Fit. However, the latest figure is nearly half a billion pounds higher than in the year before Covid, despite average daily car traffic remaining below those pre-pandemic levels, and is the largest total seen since the company began tracking the cost annually.

Of the drivers who suffered from potholes:

50% faced damage to their tyres
29% suffered wheel damage
29% had broken suspension
18% damaged steering
12% suffered bodywork damage
10% received damage to engine components.

Kwik Fit’s research has found that when it comes to road surfaces in their local area, almost three times as many drivers (46%) think conditions have deteriorated in the last year as those that believe they have got better (16%).

Although the damage caused by a pothole may be instantly apparent, such as a burst tyre or cracked alloy, in many cases the effect can be hidden. The impact can lead to gradual deflation through a slow puncture or cause a bulge or damage to the inside wall of a tyre which may not be immediately spotted but could result in a tyre failure at high speed.

Similarly, if wheels are knocked slightly out of alignment it can compromise handling and cause uneven tyre wear, but it may take time for this to become obvious.

“We all know there are huge demands on public finances at the moment, but the reality is that drivers have been consistently calling for a strategic plan to effectively bring our roads up to scratch for many years,” says Roger Griggs, Kwik Fit communications director.

“It is not sufficient to just carry out emergency patching of the worst areas – this is always going to be a case of papering over the cracks.”

More driving news and advice from The Car Expert

Car subscriptions while you wait for a new car

Car subscriptions

Russell Hayes

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31 March 2022

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Car subscriptions while you wait for a new car

It’s become a familiar story; you’ve ordered a new car but been told it won’t arrive for up to a year.

If your new car purchase isn’t dependent on your part exchanging your old one, why not sell it via a car buying service and try a car subscription while you wait for delivery? Or, as many subscriptions include insurance you could subscribe from the renewal date.

Car subscriptions while you wait for your new car

What is a car subscription?

A car subscription is halfway between a lease and long-term car rental. You can have a car from as little as a month to as long as three years, with the ability to get exactly the car you want, change it when you like – subject to conditions – and can have insurance included. Unlike a lease there is no major charge (such as nine months’ advance payment) to start but the monthly charges are higher than a fixed-term lease. There are short-term leases offered – between three and 12 months – but the choice of car may be limited.

Some rental companies offer long-term rental but if you choose a subscription for a specific car, that’s the one you’ll get, not one of the same size which happens to be available on the day because it suits the renter. Subscriptions promise freedom of choice, no commitment, and no unexpected bills at less than the overall cost of a PCP payment as there’s usually only a small deposit (one month or less). While you wait for your new car you could even have a bit of fun, with a convertible for the summer or a short spell in a prestige car.

Subscription car checklist

Here are a few pointers to work out what subscription might be right for you, whether you are waiting for a new car or in general. Before you need to speak to someone, look at the FAQ sections of the providers’ websites.

What’s the availability?

Some providers boast of being able to supply a car the same day. This will be from stock and could be a used car – which shouldn’t deter you – but if you want a specific car, new at the start of your subscription, it could be held up in the semiconductor crisis in the same way as buying one. A look at Care by Volvo in March 2022 showed four weeks for a petrol Volvo, but up to seven months for a new electric model. However, as all other subscription providers do, Volvo allows you to filter by delivery times or see what’s in stock for fast delivery (four weeks in this case).

New or used?

How flexible are you on brand or size? Could you make do with smaller or used? Keep on browsing.

Generally speaking, most subscription cars are described as new even though they have been registered (perhaps with the last recent registration number) but will have covered minimal mileage. There are often a lot of the same type of car with minimal miles. Why? Because manufacturers use companies to pre-register sales, and the cars are then returned to them for sale as approved used cars.

If offered, having a used subscription car can be a way of getting something sportier for the same amount of money as a new car. For example (March 2022) our partner Cazoo was offering a 2018 Mini Cooper S with 28,000 miles for £459 for 12 months, the same price as a new Hyundai Kona SUV. There’s little risk involved in settling for a used car. They might have the odd paint chip but will have undergone the same checks as new cars and will get the same subscription support package.

If you like the idea of an electric car one day, or an electric second car and want to see if you could live with one, there are specialist firms offering electric-only subscriptions.

How long do you want it for?

Depending on the provider, a car subscription can be as little as 28 days before you can give it back or swap for another car. However, that’s the most expensive way of doing things. The monthly price gets lower the longer you sign up for, so do a search for your maximum delivery date for your new car. Check if it’s a true calendar month or 28 days, which can add cost over a year.

While a short contract is always the most expensive, it is the most flexible if you are waiting on a new car to arrive. As new car delivery dates can move at the last minute, you may want to start with a minimal (one or three months) contract. They then automatically become monthly rolling contracts after the initial term has passed. You may not get a refund of a part-used month and watch out for early termination fees.

Minimum age and who is insured

The headline website monthly figure is unlikely to be the one you’ll pay because if it’s included the insurance will be tailored to you. All car subscribers are subject to a minimum age band, driving record and credit checks (although there are some short-term leases available for a poor credit rating). Over 18 is logical but moving into high value/prestige names Jaguar Land Rover’s Pivotal is open to all drivers who are 28 years of age or above and can prove no insurance claims for a minimum of two years. Most subscriptions include more than one driver but do check. Generally, taking the car abroad is possible, but again check before signing up if this will be important.

Get your mileage right

Most monthly subscriptions include a monthly mileage allowance, such as 1,000 miles a month. If you’re likely to regularly go over this, it’s better to pay more for a higher mileage upfront. Electric car mileage allowances can be lower, as generally users do not cover large distances.

Ending a contract

Once an agreed subscription period ends, the contract rolls on monthly until you cancel. Some providers apply an early cancellation charge if you leave before the minimum term is up. There may be a charge for collection and you need to treat it the same way as returning a rental or lease car as there will be charges for damage beyond wear and tear. Make sure it’s clean and you have taken photos of any minor damage such as parking scuffs on the bumper or scraped wheels in case this becomes an issue later.

More car subscription advice from The Car Expert

Lotus Eletre electric SUV revealed

New model

Andrew Charman

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31 March 2022

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Lotus has unveiled the Eletre, an electric SUV and the first of a range of EVs from the British sports car manufacturer.

The Eletre, which will be followed by three more ‘lifestyle’ electric models, is the first step in the company’s planned transformation from a niche sports car manufacturer to what its management describes as a “truly global performance car brand”.

The Eletre is dubbed a ‘hyper SUV’ – built on a new electric platform designed in-house by Lotus, the four-wheel-drive vehicle will offer power outputs starting at 600hp. Lotus expects it to record a sub three-second 0-62mph time and be capable of a top speed of 161mph.

The vehicle will also boast battery capacity to match its output – the 800-volt powertrain will use batteries of 100kWh plus. Official battery range is targeted at 373 miles, while an onboard charger of 350kW capacity will allow the car to recover 248 miles of range in just 20 minutes from a suitable charging point.

Technology highlights include a new design of sensors for full level four self-driving capability, cameras replacing rear-view mirrors and an interior which features a slim strip ‘ribbon of light’ and uses mood lighting to communicate with occupants, charging colour for example if a phone call is received.

While designed in Britain, the Eletre will not be built at the Lotus plant in Norfolk. Instead, production will take place at an all-new facility in Wuhan (yes, that Wuhan) in China, built by Chinese giant Geely which now owns the British manufacturer. Prime markets are expected to be in Asia and the US – as a large performance electric SUV, the Eletre currently has few direct rivals.

Orders for the Eletre are now being taken, though the price has not been revealed, and the first cars are expected on UK roads in 2023, which should make it the company’s second electric model if the much-delayed Eviya hypercar finally starts rolling out later this year.

More Lotus news, ratings, reviews and features

Czech cars proven to be the best, according to new analysis

Press release

The Car Expert staff

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29 March 2022

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Czech Republic revealed to be the country that produces the best cars
The study, focussing on vehicles available in the UK, uses The Car Expert’s advanced Expert Rating Index to rank the countries that have the strongest car brand pedigree
Despite its reputation as an automotive powerhouse, Germany comes in third
Britain is fifth in the ranking, with Rolls-Royce and McLaren producing the two most highly rated vehicles, whilst France resides at the bottom
For an in-depth breakdown of The Car Expert’s analysis, click here

29 March 2022: The Czech Republic produces the best cars, according to a detailed study of car brands conducted by The Car Expert.

The analysis, conducted by the UK’s most comprehensive automotive consumer advice site, The Car Expert, ranked countries from best to worst based on the cars and car brands that were originally created there.

The new study utilises The Car Expert’s unique, data-driven Expert Ranking Index and takes into account all cars currently available in the UK. The Expert Rating Index uses algorithms to accurately consolidate car reviews from 30 of the UK’s top automotive websites into a simple, easy to understand percentage score.

The Czech Republic, which scored an impressive 76% average in the data-driven rankings** – thanks to the high scoring all-rounder Škoda – was followed by Sweden in second place (74%).

Traditionally seen by many as among the best car-producing countries globally, automotive giant Germany came in third place. Despite its high-ranking, premium brands such as Porsche (82%), BMW (73%) and Audi (73%), Germany was impacted by a number of lower-performing models.

Most notably, Smart affected Germany’s score as the lowest performer of all brands within the analysis, resulting in a score of 43%, which is significantly below that of Japanese brand Subaru (51%) which was second from bottom.

Britain, known for creating some of the most upmarket vehicles in the world, came in fifth according to the Expert Rating Index. It is also home to the two most highly-rated cars on sale, the McLaren 765 LT and Rolls-Royce Phantom.

Brands such as Bentley, Land Rover and Jaguar bolstered Britain’s overall score, with journalists rating models such as the Continental GT, Defender and I-Pace particularly well. Vauxhall scored 62%, while MG averaged 53%, with two of its models, the MG 3 and ZS, among the bottom five cars after being critiqued for their Euro NCAP safety ratings.

The comprehensive research placed France at the foot of the leaderboard. DS Automobiles had low scores across all five models, averaging 57%, while Renault and Citroën were also towards the bottom of the rankings, mostly scoring average Expert Ratings across their ranges. However, both brands had a few notable stand-out models such as the Renault Clio and Citroën C5 Aircross.

In contrast to this, French brand Alpine topped the charts with a score of 88%, landing the company the title of best overall brand. However, this score was made possible by Alpine currently only having a single model on sale in the UK, the well regarded Alpine A110 sports car.

With just one brand of Czech origin on sale in the UK, Škoda’s entire range performed well under the critical eye of motoring journalists. The Enyaq iV was the best performing vehicle in its range , while the Scala, its lowest performing car, still earned a satisfactory score within its class.

Stuart Masson, Editorial Director at The Car Expert, said: “Many will be surprised to find that Germany has not topped the charts, but also that the title belongs to the Czech Republic. Škoda has made huge strides over the years and has seen its line-up praised consistently in the eyes of automotive journalists and consumers alike. Overall, Škoda’s value for money and ability to deliver cars that outperform many more expensive models was the recurring praise of journalists’ reviews across the brand.

“Our Expert Rating Index is unique, drawing on a vast number of reviews from respected automotive titles and using our proprietary algorithm to assimilate this data into a percentage rating – it is effectively a meta-analysis for vehicles.”

He continued, “For a country that has a strong presence within the UK market, the Expert Ratings for French brands were surprisingly low. However, it was pleasing to see two British models coming out on top, proving that the UK knows how to design first-class vehicles.”

For a more in-depth breakdown of The Car Expert’s analysis across the globe, click here.

Rank	Country	Rating
1	Czech Republic	76.4%
2	Sweden	74.1%
3	Germany	73.5%
4	Spain	72.2%
5	United Kingdom	71.5%
6	United States	69.1%
7	Romania	68.3%
8	South Korea	67.6%
9	Italy	67.5%
10	Japan	66.8%
11	France	65.9%

ENDS

Methodology

Harnessing the unique Expert Rating Index, The Car Expert has compiled a comprehensive report on how UK motoring journalists rate cars from each country. As the car industry’s manufacturing facilities are spread across the globe, the brands were grouped together by their country of origin, rather than where the factories may be based.

Over 340 new car models that were on sale in the UK as of 1 March 2022 were analysed in the study. To give a fair Expert Rating, high volume models needed a minimum of ten automotive reviews to be included within the study, while low volume models required a minimum of six automotive reviews. Therefore, brands such as Bugatti, Koenigsegg, Morgan and Caterham were not included due to a lack of scored review data.

**A separate calculation to that of the Expert Rating for the individual models, the scores for each brand and country were weighted according to volume of reviews, rather than a simple average of each model’s rating, ensuring that outliers did not unduly influence the overall result.

The Car Expert

Founded in 2011, The Car Expert is the UK’s most comprehensive automotive consumer advice site. With an audience of over two million readers a year, The Car Expert provides independent and impartial advice on every aspect of buying, financing, owning, and selling new or used vehicles.

The Rotten Tomatoes equivalent for the automotive world, The Car Expert consolidates reviews from 30 of the UK’s top automotive websites to create the Expert Rating Index. Bringing together science and data analysis, the index calculates a weighted average to give an aggregated score – Expert Rating – that is comparable across different brands and models.

The Expert Rating Index factors in the age of each review, so that newer reviews carry more weight than older reviews. It also breaks down the complex web of different scoring systems that various websites use in their reviews.

The Car Expert has logged more than 11,000 reviews covering more than 400 different cars and 50 car manufacturers, with its Expert Rating Index now trusted as the gold standard for rating and ranking new cars in the UK.

For media enquiries, please contact Performance Communications:

Melissa Lodge: melissa@performancecomms.com
Daniel Aron: daniel.a@performancecomms.com

A brief history of Škoda

Automotive history

Sean Rees

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28 March 2022

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Škoda’s journey from communist laughing stock to genuinely sophisticated family motoring is unmatched in automotive history. Its cars now receive high acclaim, they sell in enormous quantities and the brand is making strong inroads into the all-electric market to secure its future.

An indication of just how strong Skoda’s current product range is, The Car Expert recently ranked the Czech Republic as the country that produces the best new cars, thanks to its sole motoring manufacturer – Škoda.

Most British car buyers really only know Škoda as a budget brand in the enormous Volkswagen Group, but the company has more than 125 years of history that spans the Great Depression, Nazi occupation, communist nationalisation and now global success.

From two wheels to four

The company’s humble beginning took place before the turn of the 20th century with two men, coincidentally both named Václav. A 26-year-old Bohemian bookseller by the name of Václav Klement was struggling to fix his bicycle, and was frustrated by its German manufacturer’s lack of interest in helping him.

Despite a lack of any real mechanical knowledge, Klement decided to set up a bicycle repair shop in his hometown with a friend, Václav Laurin. Their shop became known as Laurin & Klement and the pair soon began designing and building their own bicycles, opening their first factory in 1896.

The pair soon became fascinated by the invention of the motorcycle, and debuted their Slavia motorcycle in 1898. After several further motorcycles, Laurin & Klement produced its first car in 1905 – the Voiturette A, which produced around 7hp and topped out at 25mph.

From here, things really started to take off, with the company exporting to the likes of New Zealand, Russia, Britain and Japan – until the Depression arrived…

Factory fires and fascism

Laurin & Klement made it through the first world war and was expanding rapidly, making motorcycles, luxury cars, military trucks and everything in between. The 1920s brought new challenges however, when a large fire partially destroyed the factory in 1925.

With things looking bleak, the company was acquired by Czech weapon manufacturer, Škoda Works, who would keep the name ‘Laurin & Klement’ for a little while longer, before changing the company name to Škoda Auto. By 1936, Škoda had overtaken Praga and Tatra to become the biggest car manufacturer in Czechoslovakia.

Reportedly inspired by the feathered headdress of Native Americans, Škoda Works founder Emil Škoda designed the company’s logo that is still present today. The arrow is said to represent speed, the wings progress and freedom, and the circle unity and world harmony.

Unfortunately for Škoda Auto, freedom and world harmony were in short supply over the next decade. By 1939, Nazi Germany had occupied both Bohemia and the Škoda factory, and swapped car manufacturing for aiding the German war effort, producing parts for trucks and planes, as well as weapon components.

Škoda’s compliance made it an Allied target. In 1945, one bombing run resulted in the near-complete destruction of its manufacturing facilities.

Life behind the iron curtain

The factory in Bohemia was rebuilt after the war, and while Škoda was no longer under Nazi control, it still wasn’t exactly free. Škoda’s life under socialism began in 1948, cut off from automotive developments in non-communist countries.

Despite the tight restrictions behind the iron curtain, Škoda was allowed to resume exporting its cars in 1959, when the Škoda Felicia coupé reached the Amercian market. However, the brand found little success overseas and earned an unwelcome reputation for poor reliability.

By the 1960s and 1970s, the lack of automotive progress in communist Central Europe was really starting to show, and nationalised Škoda had become the butt of many jokes in the west – which would continue to dog the brand for decades.

Having built some of the most expensive luxury cars in Europe in its early days, Škoda was now firmly operating in the budget end of the motoring market, becoming known for value-for-money as the brand tried to change its fortunes in the 1980s.

Škoda’s forte became the low-cost family car, and while its models were described as outdated, it did have some sales success in the UK with the compact Favorit hatchback – the Czech manufacturer’s first front-wheel drive car.

The Velvet Revolution and Volkswagen investment

By the end of 1989, the Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia had brought a peaceful end to communism in the country. Privatisation was back on the table for the first time in 50 years, and Škoda was looking for a partner. Eight motoring giants recorded an interest, including BMW, General Motors and Ford, it ultimately boiled down to a choice between Renault and Volkswagen.

Volkswagen won out by guaranteeing the survival of the Škoda brand and bolstering its research and development. However, the sale to Volkswagen was not initially popular among the Czech public, as anti-German sentiment was still widespread after the second world war.

Regardless of popular opinion, the design and engineering of Škoda models began to greatly improve as the 1990s progressed, as Skoda benefited from Volkswagen’s expertise and deep pockets.

Based on the Volkswagen Polo, the first iteration of the Škoda Fabia arrived in 1999 in the UK with some tongue-and-cheek marketing – “It is a Škoda, honest”.

The Škoda we know today

At the time of Volkswagen’s takeover in 1991, Škoda was building 172,000 cars a year. By 2018, after nearly three decades of guidance and support, Škoda produced more than 1.2 million vehicles in 2018, with its cars sold in 102 countries.

In 2015, Škoda was voted the most dependable car brand in the UK by 13,000 motorists that took part in the annual JD Power survey, marking an enormous leap from brand’s communist days. The current Superb has won, by our count, more than 60 UK awards since it was launched.

Each generation of its core Fabia, Octavia and Superb models has shown significant improvement. Like other brands, Škoda has expanded its range to several SUV models – including the all-electric Skoda Enyaq, which was named the ‘Best New Medium SUV’ at The Car Expert Awards in 2021.

Skoda Enyaq iV SportLine (2021 onwards) – front view — Skoda Enyaq iV

The current Skoda range

Skoda Kodiaq (2017 to 2024)

Skoda Superb (2015 to 2023)

Which country produces the best new cars?

Stuart Masson

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28 March 2022

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Which country produces the best new cars?

It’s an age-old argument, held around kitchen tables and bars all over the country. Which country produces the best cars? Well, The Car Expert has been able to pull together exclusive data to bring you the definitive results.

We’ve harnessed the power of The Car Expert’s unique Expert Rating Index to rank every passenger car brand that currently sells new cars in the UK and sort them by country of origin. By analysing more than 10,000 new car reviews for more than 400 new cars from 30 of the UK’s leading motoring websites, we’ve put together the most comprehensive report on how British motoring journalists rate cars from each country.

Because the car industry’s manufacturing facilities are spread all across the globe, we’ve grouped together brands by their country of origin rather than where the factories may be based. For example, many readers may not be aware that Germany’s most famous brand, Mercedes-Benz, builds many of its cars in countries like South Africa, Austria and the USA. Likewise, Japanese brands like Nissan and Toyota build hundreds of thousands of cars each year here in the UK, while British brands Vauxhall and MG no longer build any passenger cars here in Britain (although Vauxhall still builds vans here).

We’re only looking at car companies that sell new cars here in the UK as of March 2022, so there are no Russian or Chinese car brands. There are also relatively few American car brands, as they have largely abandoned Europe in recent years.

Car brands by country

Hover over each of the flags to see the brands from each country and their scores, as well as the overall country ratings.

Europe

4th: Spain (72%)

11th: France (66%)

5th: United Kingdom (71%)

2nd: Sweden (74%)

3rd: Germany (74%)

1st: Czech Republic (76%)

9th: Italy (68%)

7th: Romania (68%)

Asia

10th: Japan (67%)

8th: South Korea (68%)

North America

6th: United States of America (69%)

As you can see, most of the brands that sell cars in the UK are from Europe. The USA might still be a global powerhouse in the automotive industry, but very few American brands still sell new cars in the UK – there are no Cadillacs, Chevrolets, Chryslers, Dodges, Lincolns, RAMs or others officially sold on our shores.

Likewise, there are no Chinese brands who have expanded into the UK market just yet. Several are making plans to do so, but they are not likely to reach these shores until 2023 at the earliest.

Best car-producing countries

Rank	Country	Rating
1	Czech Republic	76.4%
2	Sweden	74.1%
3	Germany	73.5%
4	Spain	72.2%
5	United Kingdom	71.5%
6	United States	69.1%
7	Romania	68.3%
8	South Korea	67.6%
9	Italy	67.5%
10	Japan	66.8%
11	France	65.9%

The Czech Republic tops the table, which is all thanks to Škoda (which is, in fact, the only car company from Czech Republic that still exists). Motoring journalists have long raved about the quality of cars that Skoda produces, especially given that they usually cost less than similar models from Skoda’s parent company, Volkswagen.

Sweden takes second place, thanks to the combined scores of Volvo and its performance EV offshoot, Polestar.

Results for the “big-name” countries like Germany, the UK, Italy, Japan and France all represent a wide range of scores. For example, Ferrari is the second-best rated brand in the UK, but Italy’s score is dragged down by Abarth, Fiat and Maserati, who all score poorly.

At the bottom of the table, France suffers because none of its big brands score well. Everyday French cars appear to be relatively unpopular with UK reviewers, and there are few star performers to lift the overall score.

Skoda Enyaq (2021 onwards) – Expert Rating — Škoda Enyaq (Czech Republic)

Volvo XC90 (2019 update) — Škoda Enyaq (Czech Republic)

The country scores are generally determined by the biggest-selling models, as these cars tend to get the highest number of reviews – which works well for our analysis, as it presents a good ‘real world’ picture of the cars that most consumers are likely to purchase.

We tend to think of countries like the UK as being powerhouses of the industry, thanks to the reputations of big-name brands like Rolls-Royce, McLaren and Bentley. But these brands only tend to have small numbers of models and their cars are not usually available to a wide pool of reviewers. As a result, these iconic brands tend to carry relatively little weight in our analysis. The flipside is that car manufacturers often don’t like journalists reviewing their worst models either, so those cars are often not readily available to the motoring media.

The ten best car brands

Rank	Car manufacturer	Country	Rating
1	Alpine	France	88.3%
2	Ferrari	Italy	85.0%
3	Rolls-Royce	UK	82.7%
4	McLaren	UK	82.6%
5	Porsche	Germany	82.0%
6	Tesla	USA	81.3%
7	Aston Martin	UK	78.1%
8	Lamborghini	Italy	78.0%
9	Bentley	UK	77.3%
10	Škoda	Czech Republic	76.5%

Alpine A110 (2017 onwards) – Expert Rating — Alpine A110

Out of 46 car brands in this analysis, it’s no surprise that the top ten is filled with some of the most presitigious names in the automotive world.

It might seem amazing the the lowest-ranked country is home to the top-ranked car brand, but there’s a reason. Alpine currently only offers one car – the superb A110 sports car. The brand, owned by Renault, is set to expand its offerings in coming years, so it will be difficult to maintain that score across more mainstream models.

Ferrari and Rolls-Royce are predictably right there at the top as well, while Tesla shows that the technology of its all-electric line-up matches the social media hype that has accompanied it for the last decade.

It’s not really suprising that the top ten car companies are dominated by luxury brands – after all, you’d hope that a £300,000 Rolls-Royce would be better than a £30,000 Renault. What’s probably most interesting is that budget brand Škoda cracks the top ten, ahead of prestigious brands like Mercedes-Benz and Land Rover, and well ahead of anything else in the same price bracket.

The ten worst car brands

Rank	Car manufacturer	Country	Rating
1	Smart	Germany	43.2%
2	Subaru	Japan	50.8%
3	Abarth	Italy	51.0%
4	Jeep	USA	52.9%
5	MG	UK	53.2%
6	SsangYong	South Korea	54.7%
7	Fiat	Italy	56.4%
8	DS Automobiles	France	57.3%
9	Genesis	South Korea	58.3%
10	Maserati	Italy	58.8%

Smart EQ Fortwo (2015 onwards) – Expert Rating — Smart Fortwo

Subaru Levorg (2015 – present) – Expert Rating — Smart Fortwo

Down at the bottom of the brand charts, it’s not as rosy for a number of brands.

Smart, owned by Mercedes-Benz and manufacturer of small electric city cars, is comfortably the lowest-rated brand on sale in 2022.

Subaru does poorly in the UK, both in sales numbers and critical reception.

Abarth struggles with what is now a very old product line-up that is basically two go-faster versions of the old Fiat 500.

Jeep drags the USA’s score down, while MG does the same for the UK.

Next page: All brands ranked from best to worst

Volkswagen rolls out software update for ID. models

Model update

Sean Rees

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25 March 2022

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Volkswagen rolls out software update for ID. models

A new software update has been announced for Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4 models, including new driver assistance features, improvements to battery charging capacity, and upgrades to the voice control feature.

New models that have been ordered by UK customers will have this ‘generation 3.0’ update already installed when the car arrives, while customers who have had their ID.3 or ID.4 model delivered already will receive these improvements as an over-the-air update which the car automatically downloads sometime in Spring 2022.

Starting with battery-related changes, the range-topping 77kWh can now charge at a fast rate – currently this battery size is only available on ID.4 models. These select ID.4 models can now charge at a maximum of 135kW, instead of the 125kW pre-date maximum. To benefit from this update however, you will need a sufficiently powerful DC charging station.

All ID. models get a new ‘Battery Care’ charging mode though, which when selected attempts to extend the lifespan of the battery by stopping the battery from charging past 80% capacity. In addition, a symbol showing how much charge is left in the battery is now a permanent fixture on the driver’s display.

Volkswagen has also improved the voice control function already present in ID. models – a feature that faced plenty of reviewer criticism when the ID.3 first launched. Volkswagen claims that, after the 3.0 update, your ID.3 or ID.4 will recognise and understand your voice faster when you give it a command.

Activated either by using a touch button on the steering wheel or saying “Hello ID”, the brand says that this voice control software can now, on average, understand around 95% of the requests it receives.

Finally, the 3.0 update introduces a number of new driver assistance features for ID. models, including what Volkswagen calls “Travel Assist with Swarm Data”. Using radar and ultrasound technology, this system accurately keeps the car in the centre of a motorway lane, and can change lane at high speed on its own when prompted.

With the cruise control function on, all you have to do is indicate and the car will change lane, once the car’s computer deems it is safe for the manoeuvre. The driver can take control of the steering at any time.

This new update also includes “Park Assist Plus with Memory Function” – software that can perform basic parking manoeuvres on its own, and learn more complex ones that it can reproduce on its own once you have given it a few examples.

For ID. customers that opted for the augmented reality head-up display, that projects important driving information on to the windscreen, will also find some new head-up display changes after the update, including a new screen that works in tandem with the “Travel Assist” to show an upcoming lane change, a new symbol to denote a roundabout ahead, and a new graphic displaying the distance from the destination set in the sat-nav.

The 3.0 update will be rolled out across all new ID. models, including the ID.5 SUV-coupé which is now available to order. The ID.3 and ID.4 have had a very positive reception since their arrival in the UK – both considered to be leading examples of the new wave of electric cars arriving on our roads.

The Volkswagen ID.3 currently holds an Expert Rating of 76%, while the larger ID.4 holds an Expert Rating of 70% in ourExpert Rating Index.

Abarth tweaks hot hatch ranges for 2022

Model update

Sean Rees

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25 March 2022

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Giving its hot hatch range a refresh for the 2022 model year, Abarth is set to update the 595 and 695 model lines, featuring a simplified engine range and some styling tweaks.

Abarth has been producing hot hatch models based on the Fiat 500 city car since 2008. These latest versions of the 595 and 695 are expected to be the last of their kind as Abarth looks ahead to the arrival of an all-electric hot hatch based on the Fiat 500 Electric.

To start, Abarth has dropped the cheapest 145hp engine from the 595 line-up moving into 2022, meaning that only one engine will be available across the whole 595 range – a 1.4-litre petrol engine that produces 165hp of power. Each trim in the range will be available as either a hatchback or a cabriolet.

Beyond the standard model, the Abarth 595 can be specced as the style-focused 595 Turismo or the performance-focused F595. Both editions get 17-inch alloy wheels, an inch larger than the standard 595. The Turismo has chrome mirror caps and unique leather upholstered seats, while the F595 is distinct thanks to its four-pipe sports exhaust which can be made quieter or louder using a button on the dashboard.

Abarth 595 range for 2022

Trim level	Power output	On-the-road price
595 (hatchback)	165hp	£21,295
595C (cabriolet)	165hp	£23,945
595 Turismo (hatchback)	165hp	£22,295
595C Turismo (cabriolet)	165hp	£24,945
F595 (hatchback)	165hp	£22,295
F595C (cabriolet)	165hp	£24,945

This sports exhaust system is also fitted to all models in the more-powerful 695 range, which also gets upgraded suspension and brakes over the 595. The 695 uses the same 1.4-litre petrol unit, but Abarth engineers have tuned the engine to produce 180hp. Inside the cabin, the 695 is trimmed with alcantara suede as standard.

The previous top-spec 695 trims will be replaced entirely. The 695 Anniversario, launched in 2019 to mark Abarth’s 70th birthday, will be swapped out for the new 695 Turismo, while the range-topping 695 Esseesse which joined the range last year is soon to be replaced by the 695 Competizione.

The Cometizione will be the most expensive trim in the Abarth family, which the brand says “turns a basic model into a vehicle for expert drivers”. The trim stands out from the rest thanks to its fabric sport seats built on a carbon fibre frame which offer more support through fast corners. A sequential gearbox is an optional extra, allowing the driver to change gears faster by using paddle shifters fitted to the steering wheel rather than the standard gear stick.

While prices for the 2022 595 range will start at £21,295, Abarth will charge just over £3,000 more for the entry-level 695. In its new Competizione guise, the 695 will cost £27,295 – reasonably expensive when you consider that larger and newer hot hatches like the Ford Fiesta ST and Hyundai i20N are available for less.

Abarth 695 range for 2022

Trim level	Power output	On-the-road price
695 (hatchback)	180hp	£24,495
695C (cabriolet)	180hp	£27,145
695 Turismo (hatchback)	180hp	£25,295
695C Turismo (cabriolet)	180hp	£27,945
695 Competizione (hatchback)	180hp	£27,295
695C Competizione (cabriolet)	180hp	£29,945

Abarth has not announced when the new 595 and 695 ranges will be available to order. For now, the 145hp 595 is still available, as is the limited edition 695 Aniiversario and 695 Esseesse.

Updated several times in its lifespan, this current generation of 595 stretches back to 2015 – praised for its exterior styling and punchy range of engines, but criticised for sub-par practicality and its expensive price tag. The Abarth 595 currently holds an Expert Rating of 54%.

While upping the driver appeal, the 695 has faced the same issues since its arrival in 2016, many reviewers concluding that it was outdated and expensive when compared to newer hot hatch rivals. The Abarth 695 currently holds an Expert Rating of 48%.

All-new Honda Civic revealed

New model

Andrew Charman

-

24 March 2022

0

Honda has unveiled the 11th generation version of its Civic family car ahead of its UK launch later this year, ditching regular petrol engines to only offer petrol-electric hybrid versions.

The new car will also be the first Civic for many years not to be built in Britain, after Honda’s factory at Swindon closed in July 2021.

The Honda Civic e-HEV adopts a new and (according to its creators) cleaner look, with a lower bonnet line and a larger glass area, plus a fastback-style rear end replacing the distinctive wing of its predecessor. The body door pillars are an inch further back while innovations include a tailgate made from resin, which saves weight over the previous Civic and makes it easier to open and close.

A slightly longer wheelbase helps free up more space within the car. Inside, the design follows the example of recent Honda models such as the HR-V and Jazz, with few buttons and a large central touchscreen.

The hybrid powertrain combines a lithium-ion battery with two electric motors and the 2.0-litre petrol engine, which has also been newly developed. Combined power output is 183hp with 315Nm of torque. Honda is yet to release performance and economy figures for the engine, but says that it expects CO₂ emissions levels of under 110g/km.

A fixed-gear automatic transmission is controlled by an ‘Intelligent Power Unit’ mounted under the rear seats, which matches the engine and motor output to the driving situation. The driver can also select from four modes, Eco, Normal, Sport and an individual mode that allows bespoke control of the engine and transmission.

The new Civic is expected to go on sale in the Autumn of 2022, with UK specifications and prices yet to be announced. Honda also announced that three new models are set for launch in 2023 – an all-electric small SUV which is described as “the centre of Honda’s product line-up”, a hybrid compact SUV and the next-generation CR-V, which will be available with both plug-in hybrid and regular hybrid powertrains.

The current tenth-generation Honda Civic has been on sale since early 2017 in the UK – praised for its practicality and generous levels of standard equipment. It currently holds an Expert Rating of 69% in our Expert Rating Index, meaning that it isn’t rated quite as highly as the leading vehicles in its class, but it is still considered a good car.

BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

Sean Rees

-

24 March 2022

0

Summary

Now in its second generation, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is a mid-sized people carrier built on the same platform as the BMW 1 Series hatchback and BMW X1 SUV.

On UK roads since early 2022, the 2 Series Active Tourer is available with a range of petrol and diesel engine options, as well as a plug-in hybrid powertrain. All models are fitted with an automatic gearbox.

Reviewer reaction to the latest iteration of the Active Tourer has been mixed – with review scores ranging from average to exceptional. The majority of the criticism it has received to date is in relation to its exterior styling, which Car calls “very bulbous and round”.

Despite its “chunky disposition”, Honest John comments that the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer drives well, with surprisingly agile handling, although other titles are not impressed with the firm ride that compromises comfort. The Active Tourer has received plenty of praise for its interior trim, which Top Gear describes as “roomy and well-appointed”, and its infotainment system.

Many journalists have found the pricing questionable, as there are more spacious people carriers available for far less. Auto Express questions the Active Tourer’s existence entirely, its reviewer puzzled by BMW’s commitment to an people carrier class that is “dwindling in importance”, when the brand already has a wide range of capable SUVs.

Conversely, the Sunday Times asserts that the Active Tourer does appeal to an audience – those who need the practicality of a people carrier without wanting to compromise on cabin quality and performance. “If you prefer to enjoy the finer things in life, including a car that drives with genuine quality, then this BMW is unlikely to disappoint.”

As of July 2025, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 72%. It scores top marks for its safety rating and low CO₂ emissions, while its media review scores are also good. However, like most BMW models, reliability and running costs are only average.

2 Series Active Tourer highlights

Plenty of legroom and headroom
High quality interior trim
Responsive handling by MPV standards
Class-leading infotainment

2 Series Active Tourer lowlights

Polarising looks
Noisy at motorway speeds
Other MPVs offer more value-for-money
Rather rigid ride comfort

Key specifications

Body style: Compact MPV
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £34,040 on-road

Launched: Spring 2022
Last updated: N/A
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 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is spacious, efficient, well-priced, and comes with company car friendly plug-in hybrid versions.”

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 8 / 10

Read full review

Auto Express

Max Adams

“The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is a practical MPV with a posh-feeling cabin, but it’s not as stylish as an SUV.”

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 7 / 10

Read full review

Carwow

Jamie Edkins

More reviews

Auto Express

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic 220i Luxury
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s interesting to see BMW commit to a class dwindling in importance with a car so thoroughly new, and the 2 Series Active Tourer feels more complete than the Mercedes B-Class. We like the space inside, the quality, and the mild-hybrid tech is executed well.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“If you thought SUVs and crossovers had killed off the traditional MPV or people carrier BMW begs to differ, the 2 Series Active Tourer putting practicality before style with a tall, space-efficient hatchback packed with family-friendly features.”
Author: Dan Trent
Read review

Business Car

Model reviewed: 225e Active Tourer
Score: 8 / 10
“The MPV might be a dying breed, but in plug-in hybrid form, this BMW 225e Active Tourer is one of the best available. Impressively practical and spacious, the plug-in drivetrain gives welcome running cost savings without compromising the driving experience.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“It manages to be misshapen in a completely different way to its big brother, the iX. Where that has too many angles the Active Tourer has too few. It’s very bulbous and round. Things are improved with large wheels and a metal, rather than blacked out grille but even then, it’s still a bit blobby.”
Author: Murray Scullion
Read review

Car Keys

Model reviewed: xDrive Active Tourer plug-in hybrid
Score: 8 / 10
“This plug-in hybrid 2 Series Active Tourer will no doubt appeal to a lot of drivers. It’s spacious, well made and efficient, but it’s also impressively fast – and will leave a lot of motorists surprised at just how quickly it can get away from the line.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic 223i M Sport
Score: 9 / 10
“Among BMW’s range of saloons and SUVs, the 2 Series Active Tourer makes a refreshing change. Standing out with its versatile cabin, it continues to offer the brand’s trademark sporty driving experience and upmarket interior. It’s a very appealing option, and combined with a great mix of engines, it ticks plenty of boxes.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“As an alternative to an SUV, it’s a very appealing option, and combined with a great mix of engines – which will only improve when the plug-in hybrid arrives – it ticks plenty of boxes for buyers.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The latest BMW 2 Series Active Tourer hides the latest technology under familiar styling.”
Author: Charlie Harvey
Read review

Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“While BMW and MPV might not sound like a natural fit, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is one of the best family MPVs you can buy. It’s bang up to date, with plenty of new tech, including BMW’s latest generation iDrive interface, while the plug-in hybrid model delivers a remarkable electric-only range of 49 miles.”
Author: Andrew Brady
Read review

Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer ain’t no looker, but it is a very practical family car that drives way better than its chunky disposition would have you believe. Throw in BMW quality and superb infotainment, and this is one of the best reasons you’ll find not to buy an SUV.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.6 / 10
“The elephant in the room is the styling. Its tall shape is great for headroom and sitting in, but it doesn’t lend itself to a desirable silhouette. BMW’s continued use of the MPV shape is a win for sensibility in the face of the SUVs pretty much taking over this segment.”
Author: Alan Taylor-Jones
Read review

The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“It’s likely that you will be impressed by the interior and array of in-car tech that makes this family car feel ultra-modern. On a practical level it serves a purpose, though there are more capacious cars available with smaller price tags. But if you prefer to enjoy the finer things in life, including a car that drives with genuine quality, then this BMW is unlikely to disappoint.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Still feels like the odd one out in the BMW family. Roomy and well-appointed, but doesn’t drive well enough or offer clever solutions for family motoring.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: October 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 88%
Child protection: 81%
Vulnerable road users: 79%
Safety assist: 92%

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

Model tested: 220i Petrol FWD Automatic

Overall score: 3 stars
Date tested: February 2024
Read the full Green NCAP review

Clean Air Index: 7.5 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 4.7 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 3.1 / 10

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 279
Average repair cost: £601.49
Last updated: April 2025

Reliability score

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

The wider BMW 2 Series family has a middling good reliability rating of 64%, according to workshop data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, MotorEasy. This score covers all versions of the 2 Series (Coupé, Convertible, Gran Coupé, Active Tourer and Grand Tourer) for both the current generation and previous models.

The most expensive repair bills tend to be gearbox-related, and those are expensive with an average bill of more than £1,400. Fortunately, they’re not too common. Fuel system faults have an average repair cost of about £1,100, so look out for those as well. The most frequently reported issues to date relate to the electrical system, with an average repair bill of approximately £550.

If you own a BMW 2 Series, or are interested in buying a used 2 Series model of any sort, make sure that any used car warranty you buy covers these problem areas.

Running cost rating

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

Fuel consumption	Average	Score
Petrol models	47 mpg	C
Diesel models	58 mpg	B
Plug-in hybrid models	345 mpg	A

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	136 g/km	A
Diesel models	128 g/km	A
Plug-in hybrid models	19 g/km	A

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	54 miles	D

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	28	B

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£227	B
Year 2	£534	B
Year 3	£870	B
Year 4	£1,138	B
Year 5	£1,503	B
Overall	£4,272	B

The running costs for a BMW 2 Series Active Tourer should be pretty affordable, according to data exclusively provided by our partner Clear Vehicle Data.

The fuel efficiency of petrol models is average when compared to the market as a whole, but is higher than average when compared to other people carriers of its size. The diesel variant is one of the most economical ICE-powered people carriers on the market, offering 58 mpg.

Insurance premiums are cheaper than average, and service and maintenance costs should be quite affordable over the course of five years of ownership.

Warranty rating

New car warranty information for the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

Overall ratingB68%
Petrol or diesel modelsC41%
Hybrid or plug-in hybrid modelsA82%
New car warranty duration3 years
New car warranty mileageUnlimited miles
Battery warranty duration8 years
Battery warranty mileage100,000 miles

BMW’s new car warranty is only average, and not as attractive as some other cars in a similar price bracket as the 2 Series.

The duration is three years, with no limit on mileage – although, in reality, the mileage numbers are likely to be fairly irrelevant as most cars only cover about 10,000 miles each year.

In addition to the standard new car warranty, the 2 Series plug-in hybrid models have an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery components. The overall rating above is a mix of the different models.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

Date: May 2023
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2021 to 03/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 1,963
Defect: In rare cases, the lower section of the outer seat belts may have been trapped behind the lower part of the C-pillar interior trim panels.
Remedy: Check the fitment of the rear seat belts and if applicable release any trapped components.

Date: October 2022
Model types: All
Build dates: 03/2021 to 07/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 4,313
Defect: In the event of a restraint system fault the airbag warning light or warning message is not displayed to the driver due to a software error.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the Airbag control unit (ACSM6) will be reprogrammed with new software.

Date: May 2022
Model types: All
Build dates: 03/2021 to 04/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 3,023
Defect: If a failure is detected by the control unit the airbag warning light and check control message would not to be illuminated and activated.
Remedy: The Airbag control unit (ACSM6) will be reprogrammed with new software.

As of September 2024 (our most recent data point), there have been three DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer. The recalls cover seat belts and airbags on all models.

Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Audi dealer.

If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used 2 Series Active Tourer, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Citroën Berlingo | Mercedes-Benz B-Class | Peugeot Rifter | Vauxhall Combo Life | Volkswagen Touran

More news, reviews and information about the BMW 2 Series family at The Car Expert

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New tech for Mk2 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

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Buy a BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

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Dacia Jogger

Sean Rees

-

24 March 2022

0

Summary

The Dacia Jogger is a compact people carrier that arrived in the UK in Spring 2022, and currently the cheapest seven-seater on sale by a considerable margin.

Only available from launch with a petrol engine and manual gearbox, the Jogger is the successor to the Dacia Lodgy MPV, which never reached the UK in its lifespan. A petrol-electric hybrid version of the Jogger arrived in 2023, which pairs two electric motors with the petrol engine to increase the people carrier’s fuel efficiency.

A stand-out model thanks to its value-for-money, the Dacia Jogger is highly regarded by motoring journalists because its affordable price point effectively puts the MPV in a class of its own. “Consider the staggering versatility it offers for such a low price and no other new car even comes close”, Auto Express explains. The Jogger’s closest competitor is currently the Citroën Grand C4 SpaceTourer, which is twice as expensive.

Beyond the price, the Sunday Times is enthused by the Jogger’s “roomy” interior with “no-frills practicality”. Although the Jogger’s cabin is trimmed in cheap plastics, a compromise expected at this price point, the third-row seats can be removed, allowing the Jogger to operate like a large estate car should that be the customer’s preference.

The widespread praise has been somewhat tempered, however, after the Jogger was given a woeful one-star safety rating by independent safety body Euro NCAP. This also led to several titles downgrading their review scores for the Jogger.

Unfortunately, poor safety ratings have become a regular occurrence for Dacia in its current model range, and the Jogger is yet another sub-standard performer. Which? was quick to slap a “Don’t Buy” tag on the Jogger on the day that the Euro NCAP results were announced, matching its recommendation for the Sandero range.

As of January 2026, the Dacia Jogger holds a New Car Expert Rating of D with a score of 56%. It gets good grades for its low running costs and CO₂ emissions, but its media review scores are only average and its safety rating is very poor.

More Dacia ratings, reviews, news and features

Jogger highlights

Very competitive pricing
Spacious seven-seat cabin
Easy driving experience
Energetic petrol engine

Jogger lowlights

Woeful safety rating
Limited powertrain range
Cheap interior materials
Loud wind noise at higher speeds

Key specifications

Body style: Seven-seat MPV
Engines: petrol, petrol-electric hybrid
Price: From £18,295 on-road

Launched: Spring 2022
Last updated: N/A
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 Dacia Jogger performed woefully in Euro NCAP safety tests, which is a great shame as the vehicle is otherwise a hugely practical and very affordable seven-seater family car.”

Score: 6.6 / 10

Read full review

The Car Expert

“If you need a car that’s capable of carrying seven people in comfort for very little money, I really can’t think of a better car than the Dacia Jogger.” (Mat Watson)

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 9 / 10

Read full review

Carwow

More reviews

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“Offering family-friendly practicality at a unique price, the Dacia Jogger seven-seater is sure to appeal.” (Ellis Hyde)
Read review

Model reviewed: Jogger Hybrid 140
Score: 9 / 10
“Dacia’s first hybrid model is a resounding success. The Jogger Hybrid 140 offers enough performance – the electric motor helping here – with superb real-world efficiency potential that doesn’t come at the expense of practicality.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual Extreme SE
Score: 10 / 10
“It’s no surprise that the Dacia Jogger is be great value for money, but consider the staggering versatility it offers for such a low price and no other new car even comes close. Whether you choose to use it as a full seven-seater, or ditch the back seats to turn it into a huge estate car, it does a brilliant job of filling either role.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: (2023)
Score: 8 / 10
“Dacia Jogger’s winning combination of affordability and practicality gets a further boost with a new hybrid option.” (Dan Trent)
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“Dacia’s first seven-seat, large family car is unbelievably good value for money. If you’re after luxury and creature comforts then go elsewhere but if budget and space are your priorities the Jogger is the car you’ve been waiting for.” (Erin Baker)
Read review

Business Car

Model reviewed: Hybrid 1.6TCe 140 Expression
Score: 8 / 10
“Hybrid or not, the Dacia Jogger still has its compromises, but with its claimed 56.5mpg and 112g/km emissions added to its assets, there remains nothing to really touch it for those who sometimes need seven-seat practicality.” (Martyn Collins)
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Dacia Jogger is so honest that it’s almost impossible to dislike. Props to the budget brand for making something that ticks so many boxes – it’s spacious, comfortable, clever and amazing value for money.”
Read review

Car Keys

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“It feels as though Dacia is well and truly into its rhythm. Cars like the Jogger show that you needn’t pay over the odds for practicality and for families who want a reliable but well-made car, this Dacia will no doubt hit the nail on the head. There are some drawbacks such as lower-quality materials and a slightly thrummy engine, but when you put this alongside the Jogger’s impressively low starting price, it’s very hard to argue with.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.4 / 10
“Besides a premium badge, the Dacia Jogger offers nearly everything – for less than a new supermini.” (John McIlroy)
Read review

Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“We like the Dacia Jogger. It’s a refreshingly affordable new car that goes against the fad for premium-badged SUVs. It’s impossible to overemphasise how remarkably good value it is – it’s a seven-seat estate car for the price of a pretty basic Ford Fiesta.”
Read review

Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“There’s hardly a more affordable way to transport your family. It’s not the bargain basement special you might think, either – it’s comfortable, well-equipped and easy to drive.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.4 / 10
“The Dacia Jogger is a fabulously honest, practical and useful car. It’s incredibly spacious for its size – you simply can’t get seven adult-sized seats in a comparable package, anywhere. It’s a shame the rear seats aren’t more flexible, and question marks remain over the safety score, too. A one-star rating from Euro NCAP will turn many buyers off the Jogger.”
Read review

Regit

Score: 6 / 10
“If you have a tight budget and are desperate for a new car, then the Dacia Jogger could be the perfect solution. But it’s not without its faults and it may be worth looking at a comparison with a two- or three-year-old model that drives better and has a lot more safety kit to protect your loved ones.”
Author: Maxine Ashford
Read review

The Sun

Model reviewed: Range overview
“The Jogger sticker price is £14,995. The next-cheapest seven-seater I can think of is a Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer at £29k. Almost twice the price. The Volkswagen Touran is £30k.”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: Jogger Hybrid 140
Score: 7 / 10
“With the addition of this hybrid option, the Dacia Jogger becomes even more appealing as a do-anything family car. It is one of the few true seven-seaters that isn’t in the form of a van-derived MPV and may have distinctive enough styling to appeal to those who think SUVs are essential.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Dacia brand stands for no-frills practicality and comfort, and that’s exactly what the Jogger provides. It’s miles cheaper than anything else of this size, and it’s roomier and more practical than any of the increasingly few cars that can compete on price. Of course, other cars will be more desirable, despite Dacia’s best efforts to make the Jogger look interesting, but there’s more to the Dacia’s anti-fashion appeal than just value.”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: Hybrid
Score: 8 / 10
“If its safety rating was up to scratch, the Dacia Jogger would be a five-star car – and you’d probably see me heading out to my nearest Dacia dealer tomorrow. As it is, that crash score would give me pause. Because cutting costs on plastics quality and equipment is fair game, but there’s something unseemly about doing so where safety is concerned.” (Alex Robbins)
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“There’s a lot to like about the Jogger; it has seven seats, it’s not bad to drive and it’s damn cheap, but then I think of that famous Volvo advert with the copy line: If Volvo thought life was cheap, they’d have built a cheaper car.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Dacia’s focused relentlessly on building the best value seven-seater – everything else is a bonus”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 1 stars
Date tested: April 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 70%
Child protection: 69%
Vulnerable road users: 41%
Safety assist: 39%

Notes on safety rating

The Dacia Jogger was given a one-star rating by Euro NCAP in April 2022, which was yet another woeful result for Dacia and the overall Renault Group. The Jogger is essentially a larger version of the Dacia Sandero Stepway, which was rated as two stars in April 2021.

Euro NCAP was particularly critical of the Jogger’s third-row seats, which don’t benefit from head airbags and don’t have seatbelt reminders. That was enough to drop it a whole star compared to the Sandero range.

The Jogger remains fully legal despite such a poor safety rating, as Euro NCAP testing goes above and beyond the bare minimun legal requirements set out by the EU and UK. But potential customers should be aware that the third row of seats in particular (which is, of course, one of the main selling points of the vehicle) offers less safety protection than almost any other new car on the market.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of January 2026, the Dacia Jogger has not been assessed by Green NCAP.

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	58 mpg	B

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	132 g/km	B
Hybrid models	109 g/km	A

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	14	A

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£153	A
Year 2	£400	A
Year 3	£674	A
Year 4	£906	A
Year 5	£1,317	B
Overall	£3,450	A

The Dacia Jogger is an 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.

Fuel consumption figure for petrol and diesel models sit at around and slightly above the market average, which is good for a seven-seat vehicle of this size, and its insurance premiums are very affordable too. In addition, the people carrier’s service and maintenance costs over the course of five years of ownership are excellent.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of January 2026, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Dacia Jogger to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Jogger, we’ll publish the score here.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Dacia Jogger

As of January 2026, we are not aware of any DVSA vehicle safety recalls affecting the Dacia Jogger. However, recall information is updated regularly, so this may have changed.

You can check to see if your car has any outstanding recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Dacia dealer.

Everything you need to know about UK vehicle recalls

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Dacia Jogger has received

2023

Auto Express Awards – Best Family Car
Carbuyer Awards – Best Family Car
UK Car of the Year Awards – Best Large Family Car

2022

News UK Motor Awards – Best Value Car
Parkers New Car Awards – Best Value Car
Top Gear Awards – Reader’s Choice

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Dacia Jogger, you might also be interested in these alternatives

BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer | Citroën Grand C4 SpaceTourer | Ford Galaxy | Ford S-Max | Volkswagen Sharan

More Dacia ratings, reviews, news and features

Buy a Dacia Jogger

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Lease a Dacia Jogger

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

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How Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has disrupted the used car market

Car buying advice

Stuart Masson

-

24 March 2022

0

How Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has disrupted the used car market

Over the last couple of years, the used car market has been battered by multiple forces, with a yet another disruptive force now making its presence felt.

Nationwide lockdowns forced physical dealerships to close on multiple occasions through 2020 and into 2021, which helped online sellers to grow significantly. Demand for used cars then soared as lockdowns ended, with many people preferring to buy a used car than return to public transport. Then the car industry was hit by a global shortage of semiconductor chips in 2021, decimating new car production and leading hundreds of thousands of new car customers to turn to the used car market.

Car manufacturers started to believe that the problems were peaking towards the end of last year, and hoped that 2022 would be the year when vehicle production starting return to pre-crisis levels. But, of course, that hasn’t happened.

Production schedules have been thrown into disarray by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In addition to the terrible loss of life and enormous damage inflicted by this war, there has also been a global industrial impact that leaves the automotive industry facing an even bigger crisis that could be even harder to solve.

Matas Buzelis, head of communications at automotive data company (and commercial partner of The Car Expert) carVertical, has shared his insights on the situation with us.

Damaged supply chains

Buzelis points out that although Russia’s new car market is not particularly large, the country plays a significant role in the global automotive supply chain.

Russia exports valuable components to the automotive industry. Germany, for example, relies heavily on Russia’s titanium, iron, and palladium. With 108 million tonnes of iron ore produced in 2021, Russia is the world’s fifth-largest iron ore producer, supplying European steel makers who are now facing higher prices and possible difficulties obtaining their raw materials elsewhere.

Russia’s invasion has also had an impact on the automotive industry in Ukraine. For example, German car makers such as BMW and Volkswagen use a large Ukrainian supplier of wire harnesses. Furthermore, Ukraine is the world’s third-largest producer of nickel and aluminum, two highly valuable resources required in battery and EV components.

Finally, Ukraine produces nearly 70% of the world’s neon gas required for building components such as microchips, which are already in short supply.

More difficult to get a good used car

Buying a used vehicle was already difficult and expensive in 2021, and by the looks of things, it will continue to be difficult throughout the rest of 2022. While demand from car buyers keeps growing, used car dealers are facing a shortage of vehicles.

The current situation is being driven by the crisis in the new car market. Car factories are running at far below normal pace – and some are not even running at all. This then slows down the flow of cars into the used car market. This firstly affects ‘nearly new’ cars like demonstrators, dealer loan vehicles, press cars, head office employee cars and ex-rental cars. That then has a knock-on effect for slightly older cars, which impacts on even older cars and so on, all the way down the line to the oldest used cars on the market.

“Those interested in buying a second-hand car are now choosing from the most limited and also the most expensive offers in the used vehicle market,” says Buzelis.

“However, the limited supply of used cars doesn’t mean buyers should forgo procedures protecting them from scams. On the contrary, buyers should inspect the history of each used vehicle since the selection is very limited.”

Scarce supply and higher prices are exactly the right conditions for bringing shadier sellers out of the woodwork, trying to make a quick buck flogging sub-standard cars. For buyers, the risk of purchasing a used car in poor condition may be much higher than it was a year or two ago.

Buyers should inspect the history of each used vehicle, since the selection is very limited.
Matas Buzelis, head of communications at carVertical

The influence of fuel prices

Fuel prices are rapidly climbing towards £2 per litre here in the UK and have surpassed €2 per litre mark in many European countries, which is leading to car owners changing their driving habits.

“Rising fuel prices will cause some drivers to commute less,” says Buzelis. “People may shorten their annual mileage by choosing public transport or other alternative means of transportation. Fewer kilometers would translate to fewer accidents, leading to savings in running costs.”

This would decrease the number of vehicles on the road, but higher fuel prices also increase the interest in fuel-efficient vehicles.

We are already seeing that increased fuel prices are driving demand for used electric vehicles. Despite rising energy prices, the total cost of powering an EV is getting even cheaper relative to a petrol or diesel car with current pump prices. A small reduction in stamp duty as announced by the chancellor in this week’s Spring Statement is unlikely to alter this balance.

However, EVs remain in short supply in the used car market because new EV sales were very low up until a couple of years ago. There are simply very few 3-5 year-old electric cars for sale, which is driving up prices. This will obviosuly improve in coming years, but ongoing new car production shortages are likely to delay wider adoption of electric cars for some time to come.

New Maserati Grecale includes first electric SUV

New model

Andrew Charman

-

23 March 2022

0

New Maserati Grecale includes first electric SUV

Maserati has unveiled an all-new SUV range dubbed the Grecale, which will include the Italian luxury brand’s first electric model.

The Grecale will slot into the Maserati range below the existing and successful Levante large SUV and will line up against mid-sized rivals like the Porsche Macan and Jaguar F-Pace. The newcomer is expected to become Maserati’s best-selling model.

The car’s creators promise a sporty look and performance befitting the brand image while also offering plenty of space inside. While the Grecale’s appearance is clearly closely related to the larger Levante, it has a low, bold grille similar to that of the MC20.

Three versions of the Grecale will initially be available. The GT will be powered by a four-cylinder mild-hybrid petrol engine of 300hp, the Modena will be similar but with 330hp, while the range-topping Trofeo will use the 3.0-litre V6 engine of the MC20 supercar, putting out 530hp to produce a 3.8-second 0-62mph time.

All three will be combined as standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

These will be followed later by the Grecale Folgore, Maserati’s first electric model. Full details of this version are yet to be released – Maserati states that it will make use of ‘400-volt technology’ via a 105kWh battery and will be capable of delivering up to 800Nm of torque.

Further evidence of the Grecale’s sporting potential sees air suspension offered as standard on the Trofeo and as an option on the other two models. This will have six level adjustments, from 3cm lower than standard in ‘Park’ to 3cm above standard in ‘Off-road’. The car’s electronic control system will also offer five driving modes, dubbed Comfort, GT, Sport, Corsa and Off-road.

Grecale sales are expected to begin in the second half of 2022 at prices yet to be announced. Maserati has already announced that it intends to only launch electric cars after 2025.

More Maserati news, reviews, ratings and features

Peugeot offers up to £7K off 508 PSE models

Sean Rees

-

18 March 2022

0

Peugeot offers up to £7K off 508 PSE models

Peugeot has announced an offer on its performance-focused 508 PSE models, with savings of up to £7,100 for a limited time.

The Peugeot 508 PSE liftback and 508 SW PSE estate sit above the regular 508 range, the acronym standing for Peugeot Sport Engineered. The on-road price for the liftback starts at just over £54K, with the estate costing an additional £1,800.

The new offer consists of a £4K discount on the car itself, bringing the starting price down to £50K (£49,995, to be precise). There is an additional £3K of deposit contribution if you take out a PCP finance agreement with PSA Finance UK (a deposit contribution is basically a discount for taking the company’s finance offer, rather than borring the money elsewhere).

Peugeot is advertising monthly payments of £599, but it’s important to note that this is based on a four-year PCP with you putting in just under £7,000 cash up front, plus a mileage limit of just 6,000 miles per year. If you put in less money up front, do more miles each year or want a three-year term, the monthly price could be significantly higher.

The APR is 5.9% – although the example says that this is a representative APR (which means that only 51% of customers need to be offered this rate, while the rest might be offered a higher rate), Peugeot has confirmed to The Car Expert that this is the rate that all applicants will be offered.

The Peugeot 508 PSE is powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain, pairs a 1.6-litre petrol engine producing 200hp with two electric motors for a combined maximum power output of 360hp. It also comes with styling changes and additional equipment over the regular 508 range.

Now in its second generation, the standard Peugeot 508 range has received a wide range of review scores from the UK media since its arrival in 2018, ranging from average to outstanding. Praiseworthy features include the family car’s comfort and safety levels, although many reviewers also conclude that its rivals are more practical overall. The Peugeot 508 currently holds an Expert Rating of 70% in our Expert Rating Index, although this doesn’t include the 508 PSE models.

Finance offer details

Peugeot 508 FSE liftback finance example

Finance product	PCP
Duration	48 months (47 monthly payments + balloon)
Vehicle cash price (including £4,035 discount)	£49,995
Customer deposit	£6,834.89
Peugeot deposit contribution	£3,100.00
Total deposit	£9,934.89
47 monthly payments	£599.00
Final balloon payment	£18,745.00
Total amount of credit	£40,060.11
Total charge for credit	£6,837.89
Total amount payable	£56,832.89
APR representative	5.9%
Rate of interest	5.90% fixed
Annual mileage allowance	6,000
Excess mileage (per mile)	10.8p

Source: Peugeot UK

The table shown is one example of how Peugeot’s finance offer for the 508 PSE could work.

To get to a monthly payment of £599, you need to be taking a four-year term (47 payments of £599 plus a final balloon of £18,745) with an up-front payment of £6,834.89. You are also limited to driving no more than 6,000 miles a year.

You can vary the term, deposit and mileage, but this will affect the monthly payment. Similarly, if you add any options to the vehicle, it will push the payments up.

For more information about how a PCP works, we have a whole information hub devoted to PCP car finance.

What’s in the fine print?

These offers are for selected new Peugeot models that are currently in stock.
There are two separate offers that can be combined. The first is a £4,035 discount on the price of the vehicle, while the second is an additional finance offer.
The finance offer is only available on a personal contract purchase (PCP) finance product from PSA Finance UK. If you want any other type of finance, like a hire purchase, you won’t be eligible for the same terms like the £3,100 deposit contribution or 5.9% interest rate.
The finance offers listed on the Peugeot website are only examples, and you are entitled to adjust the vehicle specification, deposit, term and annual mileage to suit your own needs (within limits).
The 5.9% APR is shown as a ‘Representative APR’ but all successful finance applicants should be entitled to this interest rate.
Cars have to be ordered and registered by 4 April 2022 unless sold out sooner.
The finance offer is provided through Peugeot dealers by PSA Finance UK. If a dealer offers you a finance deal that does not match these details or from another lender, it is not part of this offer.

Pricing and specs for new Lotus Emira First Edition

New model

Sean Rees

-

17 March 2022

0

Pricing and specs for new Lotus Emira First Edition

Lotus has announced that the high-spec first editions of its Emira Coupé will soon be able to order, with entry-level models planned for early 2023.

The Lotus Emira will be the last petrol-powered sports car and the end of an era for its British manufacturer, which contrasts with a brand-new all-electric model called the Type 132, which will be revealed at the end of March.

Lotus has two Emira First Edition engine options on offer – the cheaper four-cylinder automatic first available in Winter 2022, and the more expensive six-cylinder manual which customers will be able to order earlier in Spring 2022. First deliveries are expected by the end of the year.

Using the same engine as the Mercedes-AMG A 45 hot hatch, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder Emira is capable of producing 365hp. Lotus notes that the engine produces more than 400hp in other uses, which suggests the possibility of a higher-performance version down the line.

The Lotus Emira First Edition is rear-wheel drive, and Lotus says it worked in collaboration with Mercedes-AMG to develop the eight-speed automatic gearbox used in the 2.0-litre model, which is exclusive to the Emira range. The First Edition models distinguish themselves from subsequent models with a unique engine bay cover and ‘First Edition’ branding on the window surrounds.

Riding on 20-inch diamond-cut or gloss black alloy wheels, the Lotus Emira First Edition range has six exterior colours to choose from. Included with the First Edition as standard are heated and adjustable seats, rear parking sensors, keyless entry and cruise control.

The coupé comes with a ten-inch infotainment screen compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel.

The First Edition also throw includes equipment packs that will be optional on subsequent models. The Driver’s Pack allows customers to choose between suspension and tyre options, the Convenience Pack adds a reversing camera, rain-sensing wipers and auto-dimming mirrors, while the Design Pack adds alcantara suede headlining and branded mats in the cabin, and a number of brake calliper colours to choose from outside.

Joining the Emira range alongside the more powerful £75,995 V6 Emira, the four-cylinder Emira First Edition will cost £71,995.

By comparison, the Porsche 718 Cayman S, which is also rear-wheel drive and almost as powerful, has a much shorter list of features available as standard, but also costs far less, with prices starting from £56,300.

The specification list for the Emira is likely to match what the 718 Cayman S offers as standard when the First Edition models make way for the cheaper entry-level models in early 2023, with prices for the four-cylinder and six-cylinder models starting from £59,995 and £64,995 respectively.

More Lotus news, reviews, ratings and features

Skoda Yeti (2009 to 2017)

Sean Rees

-

17 March 2022

0

Summary

The Skoda Yeti is a compact five-door SUV/crossover that first arrived on UK roads in late 2009, and was Skoda’s first attempt at competing in the SUV market. The Yeti was replaced in late 2017 by the Skoda Karoq SUV, which has more in common with the larger Kodiaq SUV than the outgoing Yeti range.

The Yeti range consisted of a wide range of petrol and diesel engine options, with both manual and automatic gearboxes. They all gained the favour of motoring journalists from the outset, highlighted for being both frugal and energetic.

Many reviewers also comment that the Yeti is a perfect example of Skoda’s interior ingenuity, fitting the compact SUV with an interior that is not only spacious, but uses that space efficiently.

“The Skoda Yeti is also one of the first Skodas that really demonstrated the extra thought going into how people use the space”, Heycar explained. “You can move the rear seats forwards and backwards independently and even remove the central seat and push the outer two closer together.” That said, Top Gear noted in its review that these removable seats are hard to remove.

Another topic that divided reviewer opinion was the Yeti’s styling. While Parkers called the crossover’s looks “distinctive”, Top Gear commented that the Yeti’s 2013 facelift, which consisted of cosmetic changes and tech upgrades, actually made the Yeti less aesthetically pleasing. During its eight-year lifespan, the Yeti also faced criticism for the short list of entry-level equipment, and the rather steep pricing of the top-spec all-wheel drive models.

No longer on sale, the Skoda Yeti holds a Used Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 58%. Its rating is inevitably dragged down by a safety rating that is long out of date due to the car’s age.

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

Yeti highlights

Efficient use of cabin space
Capable off-roader
User-friendly driving experience
Peppy range of petrol engines

Yeti lowlights

Questionable ride comfort
Marmite exterior styling
Loud engine at high speeds
Entry-level models rather basic

Key specifications

Body style: Compact SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price when new: From £17,210 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2009
Last updated: Winter 2013/14
Replaced: Autumn 2017

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: 2014
“The facelifted Skoda Yeti boasts a number of improvements, without compromising the qualities that have made it a successful quirky alternative to the general SUV pack.”
Read review

Auto Express

Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“Skoda’s first crossover gained a cult following with its practical interior, chunky looks and tidy handling.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Outdoor
Score: 8 / 10
“If you really want to go off-road you’ll need to option the ‘rough road’ under-body protection (£200) as well as mud and snow tyres (£840), and if you do, the Outdoor is remarkably capable in very slippery conditions and will go a great deal further off-road than many of its rivals.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: 2.0 TDI Outdoor (2014)
Score: 8 / 10
“Here’s a facelift onlookers will actually notice without parking the new Yeti alongside its predecessor.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0 TDI SE
“Skoda Yeti went back a short while ago, so we’ve had ample time to reflect on its time with us. In short, we’re all sorry to see it go.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0 TDI
Score: 6 / 10
“Ignore the extent to which the Skoda corporate chrome ‘n’ badge hooter has destroyed the looks of a car which only its mother was ever going to love anyway, it’s not a bad effort.”
Read review

Car Keys

Model reviewed: 1.4 TSI (2011)
“The Skoda Yeti is comfortable and roomy to be in, and easy to drive, while it swallows a family and luggage.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Elegance
“The Skoda Yeti proves that mid-sized cars can do everything a family is likely to ask of them without becoming bland and boring.”
Read review

Daily Mirror

Model reviewed: Outdoor
“The Skoda Yeti handles well enough for a practical and versatile family motor.”
Read review

Eurekar

Model reviewed: Monte Carlo 2.0 TDI DSG
“The result is a racy version of Skoda’s practical Yeti with neat touches to the exterior and an exclusive cabin worthy of a location synonymous with luxury and wealth.”
Read review

Model reviewed:
“For a tall car, the Yeti Outdoor is surprisingly composed and nimble on the road and offers some pretty good driving dynamics, making it enjoyable to drive.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0 TDI 4×4 Monte Carlo
“If versatility, practicality, style and performance are all key factors when looking for a new car then the Skoda Yeti might be the perfect option. Add in the razzmatazz of the all-singing, all-dancing Monte Carlo spec and you could have the perfect all-rounder.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Outdoor SE 2.0TDI
“The big bonus of the larger diesel is that it blends lusty performance and towing capability with unusually good economy.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Yeti SE 1.6 TDI CR DPF GreenLine
The facelifted Yeti has had a nose job featuring a new grille and lights plus some subtle restyling but the spacious interior, good handling characteristics and keen pricing remain its strengths.”
Read review

Evo

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“An unlikely evo car, this Skoda crossover is both capable and surprisingly fun.”
Read review

Fleetworld

Model reviewed: 2.0 TDI 170 4×4 Elegance
“The Yeti is a really likeable car, but in top-spec guise it is hard to justify. Venture a little further down the price list and it starts to make more sense again – a 1.4 TSI SE at £18,095 makes a great user-chooser option.”
Read review

Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: 2.0 TDI 170PS 4×4
Score: 9 / 10
“The Skoda Yeti combines a compact yet spacious body with a perfectly acceptable driving experience, decent economy, and the option of four-wheel drive.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Greenline II S 1.6 TDI CR 105hp
“The Skoda Yeti is a practical and interesting family car, and in two-wheel drive Greenline II guise it can now achieve 61.4 mpg.”
Read review

Heycar

Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“The Skoda Yeti is a weird but wonderful SUV.”
Read review

Honest John

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Skoda Yeti has unique styling. Solid build. Excellent petrol engines including frugal yet peppy 1.2 TSI.”
Read review

Motors

Model reviewed: 2009-17
Score: 7 / 10
“The quirky Skoda Yeti was first launched back in 2009. With its boxy, SUV-inspired styling and compact hatchback-like dimension, the Yeti can be considered one of the original contenders in the crossover segment.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: 2009-2017
Score: 8.8 / 10
“The user-friendliness and affordability of a hatchback along with the practicality of a four-wheel drive. The result is a real success, making the Yeti an ideal family car.”
Read review

The Sun

Model reviewed:
“The Skoda Yeti Outdoor is a great crossover vehicle.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2014
“The Skoda Yeti has really solid steering that gives you total control and the feeling of being planted to the Tarmac – perfect for both on-road and off-road driving.”
Read review

Model reviewed:
“The Skoda Yeti’s all-round capabilities really appeal; it delivers on or off road and its chunky, compact nature means it handles more like a car than a 4×4.”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Model reviewed:
Score: 10 / 10
“The Skoda Yeti is so good, even badge snobs should take a test drive.”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 2016
Score: 8 / 10
“If you want a practical family car that looks like a rugged 4×4, the Skoda Yeti should be on your list.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“Practical, stylish and not at all hairy, the Yeti is a great alternative to a regular hatchback or SUV.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: August 2009
Date expired: January 2016
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 92%
Child protection: 78%
Vulnerable road users: 46%
Safety assist: 71%

The Skoda Yeti was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP way back in 2009 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2016 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

Although the rating has now expired, the score is still useful if you are comparing a used Yeti to vehicles of similar age – whose ratings will have probably also expired.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Skoda Yeti was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production cycle as it pre-dated the creation of Green NCAP in 2018.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 49
Average repair cost: £344.88
Last updated: April 2025

Reliability score

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

The Skoda Yeti has a very good reliability record, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy.

As well as being a generally reliable car, the average repair bill of just over £300 to date is better than most cars. Even repairs for engine and gearbox have been significantly cheaper than most vehicles, which is a good sign if you’re looking to buy a used Yeti.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Skoda Yeti has received

2017

Auto Trader Awards – Best Value New Car

2015

Auto Express Awards – Used Car of the Year + Best Used Crossover

2014

BusinessCar Awards – Best Crossover

2013

Total 4×4 Awards – Best Small SUV + Best Value 4×4

2012

Honest John Awards – Best Crossover + Most Rated Car
Total 4×4 Awards – 4×4 of the Year + Best Value 4×4
Towcar of the Year Awards – Best All-Wheel Drive under 1,800kg

2011

Honest John Awards – Car of the Year + Best Crossover
The Green Organisation Awards – International Green Apple Environment Award
Total 4×4 Awards – 4×4 of the Year + Best Crossover

2010

Auto Express Awards – Car of the Year
Total 4×4 Awards – Best Small SUV + Best Value 4×4

2009

Top Gear Awards – Best Family Car

Similar cars

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More Skoda ratings, reviews, news and features

More news, reviews and information about the Skoda Yeti at The Car Expert

New Skoda finance offers

Skoda Karoq replaces Yeti and targets Qashqai

Skoda extends Yeti Monte Carlo line

Skoda Yeti review

Buy a Skoda Yeti

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Final Aston Martin V12 Vantage sold out before launch

Andrew Charman

-

17 March 2022

0

Final Aston Martin V12 Vantage sold out before launch

Aston Martin has revealed the second generation of its V12 Vantage model, and announced that the 333 examples that will be built are already all sold.

The company first installed a V12 engine in the previous Vantage back in 2007, three years after the V8 model was launched. Similarly, it’s taken a while for Aston Martin to get around to offering its biggest engine in the second version of its smallest model.

Production is limited to 333 vehicles, which have already been sold. Aston Martin says that this is the final V12 version of the Vantage, with the next generation of models expected to be either plug-in hybrid or fully electric.

The 12-cylinder engine in the Vantage range will the be the most powerful version yet. It’s a 5.2-litre twin-turbo unit, produces 700hp and 753Nm of torque – enough to complete a 0-62mph sprint in 3.4 seconds and go on to a top speed of 200mph.

Extensive use of weight-saving measures, including many panels made from carbon-fibre composite, gives the car a power-to-weight ratio of 390hp per tonne, 20% more than the equivalent V8 Vantage.

The body has been widened by 4cm to allow an increase in width between the wheels while the aerodynamic package generates 204kg of downforce at maximum speed. The front grille is also 25% larger to improve engine cooling.

Much work has also been carried out on the chassis in a bid to ensure the driving experience matches the potency. Spring rates are stiffer at both front and rear, combined with stiffer mounts and anti-roll bars. A second and softer ‘tender spring’ has been added at the rear to maintain driver comfort without sacrificing handling performance.

Other changes over the stock Vantage include improved steering and a carbon-ceramic braking package as standard. As well as maintaining performance at high temperatures, these brakes also save 23% in weight compared to normal steel versions.

Aston Martin will start building the new model shortly with first deliveries before summer. An apparent price tag of £265,000, more than double the cost of the previous V12 Vantage range-topper, has not deterred buyers – every example available was snapped up shortly after Aston Martin first confirmed in December 2021 that it intended to build the car.

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