The Car Expert

Dacia Sandero Stepway

Andrew Charman

-

5 July 2021

Summary

The Dacia Sandero Stepway first appeared in 2017 as a rugged, off-road themed variant of the Sandero supermini, dubbed Europe’s best-selling retail car. All-new versions of both models were launched in 2021.

The Stepway takes most Sandero sales in the UK and the reason it sells so well is because it is a cheap car, with prices starting from less than £16,000 in 2025. However, the budget focus earned the Stepway the wrong sort of headlines in 2021 – Euro NCAP awarded it an almost basement two-star crash-test rating due to its very basic active safety system.

Sandero Stepway models are available only with petrol engines. There’s a 1.0-litre of 90hp or a 100hp version that can also run on liquified petroleum gas (LPG), a rarity in today’s market. There’s also the option to replace the six-speed manual gearbox with an automatic.

Testers have generally liked the Sandero family, praising it for the interior space and equipment you get for a bargain price, and the same goes for the Stepway. Those basics include a good, adjustable driving position, lots of interior space with a bigger boot than most superminis, and the availability of such niceties as air conditioning, touchscreen navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The Daily Telegraph comments that the Sandero Stepway is “a bargain basement hatchback with a tiny engine and an automatic gearbox that you might actually want to own,” but adds that “we find it hard to recommend a budget option if it means cutting a corner on safety”. Likewise, Which? has slapped the Sandero Stepway with a ‘Don’t Buy’ tag due its poor safety score.

As of January 2025, the Dacia Sandero Stepway holds a New Car Expert Rating of C with a score of 61%.

Sandero Stepway highlights

Great value
Lots of room
Big boot
Plentiful equipment

Sandero Stepway lowlights

Poor safety rating
Slow
Uninspiring ride and handling
Hard plastic interior

Key specifications

Body style: Five-door hatchback
Engines: petrol, petrol/LPG dual-fuel
Price: From £15,700 on-road

Launched: Winter 2020/21
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.

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Dacia Sandero Stepway makes a great case for itself as an urban runabout, with rugged SUV-style looks, plenty of space and low running costs – all for the price of a bog-standard city car.”
Author: Ellis Hyde, Alastair Crooks
Read review

Model reviewed: 2023 facelift model
Score: 9 / 10
“With the Stepway, Dacia has managed to make it feel like a genuinely competitive offering in the supermini segment, rather than one that relies on its headline price tag and falls short everywhere else. With low-budget rivals drying up, the jacked-up image has now become a bit of a USP for the Stepway, which only adds to its appeal.”
Author: Alastair Crooks
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol/LPG manual TCe 100 Bi-Fuel
Score: 9 / 10
“This is another hugely impressive Dacia. It does a brilliant job of disguising its budget car status and will have you checking the price list in disbelief. It now adds a fair dose of style and up-to-date tech to the original no frills formula, and is easy to live with.”
Read review

Auto Trader+

Model reviewed:
Score: 9 / 10
“While the standard Sandero is the embodiment of Dacia’s bargain brand ethos the Sandero version offers a little more in the way of style and substance thanks to its chunkier crossover looks and some feelgood garnish for the fixtures and fittings.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.4 / 10
“Trendy crossover looks and a bargain price make the Stepway version of the Dacia Sandero an even more appealing choice for cost-conscious buyers.”
Read review

Business Car+

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual Prestige
Score: 8 / 10
“Dacia has made good strides with its latest models to appeal to buyers from more than just a cost basis, but we shouldn’t overlook the fact that the range still represents excellent value for money. And though the regular Sandero is cheaper still, for those keen on a crossover the Stepway’s cost proposition will demand strong consideration.”
Read review

Car+

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol/LPG manual Bi-Fuel
Score: 8 / 10
“We really like the Dacia Sandero Stepway. Yes, it’s more expensive than the standard Sandero hatchback but it’s still an honest, likeable and comfortable family car.”
Read review

Carbuyer+

Model reviewed:
Score: 8.2 / 10
“Headline-grabbing price and improved features make the Dacia Sandero Stepway a tempting option.” (Andy Goodwin)
Read review

Carwow+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Dacia Sandero Stepway is a great hatchback mimicking an SUV in a rather pointless way.”
Read review

Heycar+

Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“With good fuel economy, plus low insurance and tax costs, the Dacia Sandero Stepway is already affordable before you consider it’s about half the price of the best small SUVs. It might not be sophisticated, but basic transport has never been better.” (Lawrence Allan)
Read review

Parkers+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.8 / 10
“Brilliant value for money, much improved over old model.”
Read review

Regit+

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual Prestige
Score: 7 / 10
“Dacia enjoys an impressive reputation regarding reliability and frequently scores high in customer satisfaction surveys. That helps make the Dacia Sandero Stepway a model well worth checking out if you are on a fairly tight budget but want all the warranty rewards and prestige that go with a new car. Shame about the two-star Euro NCAP safety rating though.”
Author: Maxine Ashford
Read review

The Sun+

Model reviewed:
“I think I prefer the Dacia Sandero Stepway to the standard Sandero. Whatever car or trim you choose, you are guaranteed one thing from the new Sandero family and that’s comically cheap, carefree motoring in what feels like a much more expensive car.”
Read review

The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: 1.0-liter petrol automatic Prestige
Score: 6 / 10
“It’s a great all-rounder and terrific value, with one notable exception. You may be prepared to accept the Dacia Sandero Stepway’s crashworthiness as an expected by-product of its lower price, but we find it hard to recommend a budget option if it means cutting a corner on safety.”
Read review

Top Gear+

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol/LPG manual Bi-Fuel
Score: 8 / 10
“The Dacia Sandero Stepway is value for money without making you look cheap, less pretentious than other crossovers and actually a reasonably deft piece of design.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 2 stars
Date tested: April 2021
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 70%
Child protection: 72%
Vulnerable road users: 41%
Safety assist: 42%

Notes on safety rating

The Dacia Sandero family (including the Sandero Stepway) scored a very poor two-star rating from Euro NCAP, which generated headlines in the motoring media and was a very disappointing result. However, a better understanding of why the Sandero was only rated two stars is important.

The Sandero scored reasonably well in terms of occupant protection for both adults and children in crash tests. It’s still short of the best small cars, but certainly adequate. If the overall rating was just based on crash performance, it would probably have been awarded four stars rather than two.

Where the Sandero really fell down was in its crash avoidance technology, which has become increasingly important in determining overall ratings – after all, it’s far better to avoid an accident altogether than to survive one. Compared to other small cars, the Dacia’s autonomous emergency braking system is more basic and unable to properly detect pedestrians or cyclists. It does better at avoiding other vehicles, but is still not as good as other small cars.

Given that many of the Sandero Stepway’s rivals are actually used cars from other brands based on older technology and older Euro NCAP standards, the overall two-star rating is not as bad as it sounds – although it’s still not good enough for a brand new car in 2023. In summary, the Sandero Stepway does an adequate job of protecting you in a crash but doesn’t do enough to actually avoid one in the first place.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

Model tested: 1.0-litre petrol manual 90hp

Overall score: 2.5 stars
Date tested: June 2023
Read the full Green NCAP review

Clean Air Index: 6.1 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 4.8 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 3.3 / 10

Notes on eco rating

Green NCAP tested the 90hp, 1.0-litre petrol manual version of the Dacia Sandero Stepway in June 2023. This rating does not apply to any other engine or gearbox.

Green NCAP said: “The car comes with a state-of-the-art exhaust aftertreatment system and scores an above-average 6.1/10 in the Clean Air Index. The petrol consumption is as can be expected for this type of vehicle and powertrain… enough for an Energy Efficiency Index of 4.8/10.

“Due to the unspectacular consumption figures and the addition of the upstream greenhouse gas emissions for the supply of the fuel, the Greenhouse Gas Index receives only 3.3 points out of 10 and the car misses the qualification for the additional robustness tests.”

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 13
Average repair cost: £420.55
Last updated: October 2024

Reliability score

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

The Dacia Sandero range (including the Stepway) is a very creditable 86%, according to extended warranty data from our commercial partner MotorEasy, which puts it well above average. The only caveat to this score is that it currently comes from a small number of data points, so could shift significantly as more claims are added to MotorEasy’s database.

This score applies to both the current (2020 onwards) and previous generations of the Sandero family, which is good news if you are considering a used Sandero of any kind.

The average repair cost to date is just over £420, which is dragged up by an average engine repair bill of nearly £1,900. Other repair costs (electrics, brakes, fuel system) are all quite low.

Running cost rating

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

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	50 mpg	B	45 – 51 mpg	B – C

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	129 g/km	A	125 – 141 g/km	A – B

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	13	A	3 – 32	A – C

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£157	A
Year 2	£440	A
Year 3	£684	A
Year 4	£871	A
Year 5	£1,233	A
Overall	£3,385	A

Data provided by our partner Clear Vehicle Data backs up the Sandero Stepway’s reputation for long-term affordability.

Only available with petrol drivetrains, the crossover has an average fuel consumption, with low CO₂ emissions. Service and maintenance costs over a five-year period are very affordable too when compared to the market as a whole.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Dacia Sandero Stepway has received

2023

Auto Trader Awards – Best Value New Car

2021

Scottish Car of the Year Awards – Best Small SUV/Crossover

Similar cars

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

There are few direct rivals to the Sandero Stepway’s combination of rugged looks and value, but one of the closest is the Suzuki Ignis, a mini SUV with lots of character, more economy but less space.

Ford offers a beefed-up ‘Active’ version of its mass-selling Fiesta – it’s a much better car than the Dacia but a whole lot more money. The MG ZS is also a traditional SUV of similar size to the Sandero stepway, but while budget it’s still not as cheap as the Dacia.

Buy a Dacia Sandero Stepway

If you’re looking to buy a Dacia Sandero, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car

Find your next used car with Motors. Find out more

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Lease a Dacia Sandero Stepway

If you’re looking to lease a new Dacia Sandero, 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 Carparison Leasing. Find out more

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

Subscribe to a Dacia Sandero Stepway

If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help (PS: What’s a car subscription?)

Car subscriptions from DriveFuze.
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BMW 7 Series (2015 to 2022)

Andrew Charman

-

3 July 2021

0

Summary

The BMW 7 Series has been the German brand’s flagship saloon since the 1970s. This model was launched in 2015, with a mid-life facelift in 2019. It ended production in 2022, replaced by an all-new model in 2023.

The 7 Series was available in standard and long-wheelbase versions. Powertrain options were many and varied over its production life, with up to 12 cylinders and 585hp. These comprise three petrol units, a pair of diesels and a plug-in hybrid. All apart from the base petrol model were available with all-wheel drive (known as xDrive in BMW-speak).

On the road, air suspension soaked up poor surfaces but several reviewers pointed out that unusually light steering took the edge off the overall driving experience.

Technology has always been leading-edge in this class and the BMW had plenty – the central ‘iDrive’ stick that controlled many functions was clever but, as Company Car Today pointed out, “as the sheer quantity of connected functions increases, it becomes ever harder to keep up with where to find and operate everything.”

Overall, the 2019 facelift brought the BMW closer to its long-time rival, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. According to Autocar at the time, “choosing between them will largely fall down to which seat you plan on using most”.

As of January 2025, the BMW 7 Series holds a Used Car Expert Rating of E, with a score of 52%. This is largely thanks to its very high running costs and poor reliability record.

7 Series highlights

Plenty of powertrain choice
Efficient plug-in hybrid
Good road manners

7 Series lowlights

Marmite styling
iDrive controller complicated
Poor reliability record
Huge running costs

Key specifications

Body style: Large saloon
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price when new: From £73,305 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2015
Last updated: Summer 2019
Ended production: Late 2022

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: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Long-wheelbase BMW 7 Series is hugely spacious and luxurious; few cars are better to sit in the back of.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid 745Le xDrive
Score: 8 / 10
“Around cities the car will happily stay in EV mode, but squeeze the throttle for a bit more power and the petrol engine will wake up.”
Read review

Model reviewed: M760Li xDrive
Score: 8 / 10
“The M badge sits well on the big 7 Series, turning it into a fast, fun saloon but without harming the car’s luxury credentials. It’s still a luxury car and a fitting flagship.”
Read review

Auto Trader+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“In a luxury saloon market traditionally dominated by the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the BMW 7 Series has to work that bit harder to be noticed, a recent update giving this flagship model an undeniably more assertive look. That’s matched with superb comfort, technology and refinement.”
Read review

Car+

Model reviewed: 4.4-litre petrol automatic 750i xDrive
Score: 10 / 10
“Beautiful though the 750i’s V8 is to drive, it’s tough to recommend it over the more affordable, far more efficient and barely any less refined 730d. But the big petrol is worth a test drive, and don’t go blaming us if, regardless of all the disadvantages, you decide you simply must have it…”
Read review

Model reviewed: 6.6-litre petrol automatic M760Li xDrive
Score: 10 / 10
“The M760Li’s niche appeal is undeniable but equally something worthy of celebration: evidently there are plutocrats who love nothing more than taming a snaking stretch of B-road, emerging at their destination wearing a satisfied grin.”
Read review

Car Keys+

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic 730d
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW 7 Series is likely to be used for chauffeuring and as a high-end transport link – and for that, it really is an excellent option. However, if you’re after a car that offers excellent luxury and great driving dynamics then it’s great for that too.”
Read review

Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.4 / 10
“The latest BMW 7 Series sports a brash new grille, improved powertrains and even more tech”
Read review

Carwow+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW 7 Series offers high levels of quality, comfort and quiet but is also the best of its breed at going around corners. Its options are expensive, though, and the petrols are thirsty.”
Read review

Company Car Today+

Model reviewed: 730d M Sport
“It’s a tough act to depose the phenomenal Mercedes S-Class, and the BMW 7 Series’ upgrade lacks a certain elegance with the huge new grille, but behind it is a supremely capable and high-tech car.”
Read review

Daily Mail+

Model reviewed: 745Le XDrive hybrid
“It’s pretty nimble for a car of this size, taking twisty mountain roads with ease and having a real burst of speed and acceleration on long straights when required or desired.”
Read review

Evo+

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“The 7 is not as ‘cool’ as an SUV, but its recipe is one with lots of appeal, and is just better than a big luxo-SUV could ever be.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 750i xDrive
Score: 8 / 10
“Fully revised 7-series offers greater refinement, more luxury and in 750i xDrive guise more performance.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 6.6-litre petrol automatic M760Li xDrive
Score: 6 / 10
“Fast and luxurious, but not enough of an M car.”
Read review

Heycar+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Luxury cars are all about wafting around with the minimum of fuss and maximum of comfort, and the BMW 7 Series is impeccable when it comes to how it deals with lumps, bumps and potholes. Its predecessor didn’t ride very well but there are no such problems with this generation.”
Read review

Honest John+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“BMW’s 7 Series holds its head high in the rarefied and competitive luxury sector, up against the might of the Mercedes S-Class and Audi A8.”
Read review

Motoring Research+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW 7 Series’ chief rival is the S-Class, but while it can’t match the Mercedes-Benz for ride comfort, it’s more rewarding to drive.”
Read review

Motors+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“While the BMW 7 Series isn’t primarily focused on the driver, it is one of the better luxury cars for driving. Its carbon core construction makes it light for its size, helping it feel surprisingly manoeuvrable. However, it doesn’t quite live up to BMW’s image of being the ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’.”
Read review

Parkers+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.6 / 10
“An engaging driver’s car in a limousine world”
Read review

The Sunday Times+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Those looking for comfort above all else will probably choose the Mercedes-Benz S-Class or an SUV. But if you want a luxury limousine that’s packed with gadgets and sporty to drive too, BMW’s got it licked.”
Read review

The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: 745e plug-in hybrid
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW 7 Series is the driver’s choice of the super-limo category and that premise doesn’t change with this facelift, even in PHEV guise. The huge grille won’t be to everyone’s taste, but the cabin upgrades are welcome even if the instrument graphics are fuzzy and crude.”
Read review

Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The BMW 7 Series is a difficult car to love, because, well… look at it. It screams ostentatiousness and just a hint (okay, quite a lot) of visual insecurity. That’s a pity, because under its criminal e-fit face it’s a very talented limo – the best in its class to drive, in fact.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

The BMW 7 Series was not tested by Euro NCAP during its production life.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The BMW 7 Series was not tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 226
Average repair cost: £896.70
Last updated: October 2024

Reliability score

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

The BMW 7 Series has a very poor reliability rating, according to extended warranty data provided to us by our commercial partner MotorEasy. This data covers this generation (2015 to 2022) as well as older 7 Series models.

Engine and gearbox problems are the most expensive to fix, with average repair bills of about £1,300 and £1,700 respectively. Suspension problems are the most common source of faults, with an unusually high average repair cost of £1,000 thanks to the car’s complex air suspension system.

If you own a BMW 7 Series, or you’re looking at buying a used 7 Series, make sure that any used car warranty you purchase covers all of the potential problem areas shown above.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the BMW 7 Series has received

2016

Professional Driver Awards – Car of the Year + Chauffeur Car of the Year

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the BMW 7 Series, you might also be interested in these alternatives

The traditional rivals to the BMW 7 Series have always been the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Audi A8. Also lining up against it is the Lexus LS, Jaguar’s XJ having now passed into history, while for those looking for even more luxury the Bentley Flying Spur and Maserati Quattroporte are also in the running.

More BMW ratings, reviews, news and features

More news, reviews and information about the BMW 7 Series at The Car Expert

BMW 7 Series test drive

Revised BMW iX SUV unveiled

Everything you need to know about BMW

BMW 7 Series

BMW i7

Electric i7 leads new BMW 7 Series line-up

The complete guide to choosing your next BMW

BMW 7 Series plug-in hybrid joins the range

New engines and more tech for BMW 7 Series

Buy a BMW 7 Series

If you’re looking to buy a used BMW 7 Series, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car

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

Search for your next new or used car with Auto Trader. Find out more

Discover great deals available on both new and used cars. Find out more

Can I get car finance if I’m unemployed?

Car finance advice

Stuart Masson

-

2 July 2021

1

Can I get car finance if I’m unemployed?

One of the most common questions we get asked is how people can get approved for car finance if they are unemployed.

For a lot of people, having a car is essential for being able to get to work or generally get around. It’s true that many people are able to get by in a place like London by relying purely on tubes, trains and taxis. But if you live and work in places that are not as well served by public transport, it can be almost impossible.

But what if you don’t have a job? Can you get approved for car finance if you are unemployed?

The short answer is that it’s possible but often very difficult. Obviously, the finance company wants to know that you can afford to make your regular monthly finance payment every single month, and if you can’t show income then they will justifiably assume that you won’t be able to make payments.

If you have a regular source of income that isn’t necessarily a job, such as rental income from a property, that will be helpful as long as you can show that it is reliable income and is declared on your tax return. Plenty of people have unconventional income streams, but the point is that it has to be verifiable.

Odd jobs here and there, or handouts from mum and dad, are unlikely to be enough to convince a finance company to lend you money for a car.

The reality is that many lenders will simply refuse you a loan if you are unemployed, regardless of any mitigating circumstances. Lenders that are prepared to offer you a loan will almost certainly do so on poorer terms than you would be offered if you have a job.

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

But I’ve always had a job – this is just temporary

This is a very common situation – you can show that you’ve been happily employed for years, and that your future employment prospects are excellent. But you dont have a job right now.

If you have a solid employment history, it will certainly help in getting approved for car finance. But the reality is that some lenders will still simply say “no”. Others will say “yes”, but they will hit you with a higher interest rate and/or fees, or limit how much they are prepared to lend you.

The finance approval process is all about assessing risk. While obviously there’s no guarantee that having a job today will mean that you won’t suddenly be unemployed in three month’s time, it’s still a better bet than someone who doesn’t have a job now and can’t guarantee when they may start a new job.

It may sound unfair if you’ve had an unblemished employment history up until now, but the finance companies know the odds based on years and years of data, and it inevitably shows that people without jobs are more likely to run into financial trouble than people with jobs.

But I have enough money in my account to keep me going for months

Even if you’ve been a diligent saver and ensured you have a decent buffer to keep you going while you search for a new job, the finance company will still consider it a significant risk if you don’t have reliable and regular income.

For years it’s been a commonly repeated phrase that most people are only a couple of pay cheques from homelessness, and it’s still a pretty accurate situation. The coronavirus pandemic has certainly not helped this at all, and it could take years for the market to recover.

But my partner has a good job

This is very common, and may or may not be helpful. Most finance companies won’t allow joint applications for a car loan, but they may consider household income if you are married. If you’re not married, it’s usually not that helpful – that’s not banks making social judgments, it’s just looking at data that shows that married couples tend to have more stable finances than unmarried couples.

It may be that your partner/spouse can be a guarantor for your finance application, but this is less common than it is for parents to be able to act as a guarantor for their kids’ loans.

Is age a factor?

Yes, age will inevitably come into it, although it’s not necessarily a deciding factor. If you’re 22 years old and unemployed, you are likely to be seen as a higher risk than someone who’s 42 and unemployed because you’re unlikely to be able to show a stable employment history and a stable financial position.

When you’re younger, your financial position tends to be in a greater state of flux than when you’re older and have “settled down”. Over the term of the finance agreement (usually three to five years), your financial circumstances are likely to change more drastically than someone already in middle age.

Your income is more likely to increase over that time, but your expenses usually increase significantly as well. You’re also more likely to change jobs more often at a younger age (either by your own choice or against your will) compared to older people.

All of this adds risk for a lender, so if you are unemployed now then it very much works against you. Again, the finance companies base decisions on their data, and they have statistics that inform them of the relative risks.

Play the long game

The simple reality is that not having a job will drastically reduce your options for financing a car. Most people will find lenders who will provide them with a loan, but the terms are likely to be unfavourable.

Consider your options carefully, and be prepared to lower your expectations considerably. If you are genuinely convinced that you’re only in a short-term bind, then look for short-term solutions rather than tying yourself into a bad loan over a long period.

By short-term solutions, I don’t mean payday loans unless you are seriously desperate right now and extremely confident you can clear the debt in very short order – payday lenders thrive from borrowers who can’t clear their debts and get sucked into a downwards spiral of neverending problems.

Can you get by on public transport or taxis for a couple of months? If you’d normally be spending a few hundred pounds a month on a car loan and associated costs (insurance, fuel, servicing, road tax, etc.), that could cover a lot of bus tickets or taxi fares.

Riding your bike, car pooling with workmates or friends, renting a car on the occasions when you absolutely need it – there are usually options around (even if they’re not very good) that can keep you going in the short term so that you are in a much stronger position to make a loan application in the future.

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

Looking for an alternative to dealer finance? Here at The Car Expert, we are building commercial partnerships with companies who can offer you competitive car finance deals on either a new or used car. Check these out before signing any finance agreement with a car dealer:

We Finance Any Car can arrange PCP or HP finance at competitive rates
FairSquare can find and finance either a new or used car, and deliver it to your door

Audi Q8

Andrew Charman

-

2 July 2021

0

Summary

The Audi Q8 is the German brand’s SUV flagship, and is basically a coupe version of the big-selling Q7. Confusingly, it’s unrelated to the similarly named Audi Q8 e-tron, which is an electric SUV.

The Q8 was launched back in 2018, with a facelifted model range arriving in the second half of 2023. This consisted of a few cosmetic changes and some on-board tech updates.

When The Car Expert tested the Q8, we described it as “a car for buyers who want the elegance of a luxury coupé and the convenience of a large SUV” while wondering just how many buyers would actually want such a vehicle.

While based on the Audi Q7, the Q8 is shorter, lower and wider, offering five seats instead of seven. The car demonstrates its sporty appeal with much bolder visuals particularly on the front end – styling according to Auto Trader that can be “as divisive as it is distinctive.”

Despite the sculpted looks and sloping roof the Q8 is surprisingly practical with lots of space in the rear. Being an Audi the fit and finish interior is to excellent standards and the technology both extensive and bang up to date. But to get all the bells and whistles that are available you have to dip deeply into the options list which can add serious extra cost – Top Gear points out the high-spec Vorsprung model is priced at around £18,000 more than the S-Line, which itself is well specified.

Power options range across a 3.0-litre petrol of 340hp and a 286hp 3.0-litre diesel, along with a couple of plug-in hybrid units. There is also a high-performance version, the SQ8, with a 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine pumping out 507hp and even an RS Q8 version with 600hp and a sub 4-second 0-62mph time.

On the road the Q8 is confident and lives up to its sporty billing – according to Auto Express it “offers good road manners and superb refinement, as well as a plush ride – if you avoid Dynamic mode.”

As of January 2025, the Audi Q8 holds an Expert Rating of D with a score of 59%. It has a good safety rating, but media review scores have been average and running costs are very high.

Audi Q8 highlights

Surprisingly practical
Powerful performance
Lots of tech
Strong standard safety spec

Audi Q8 lowlights

Styling can be divisive
Options add lots of expense
Lots of safety kit on options list
Super potent S and RS versions seem a bit pointless

Key specifications

Body style: Large SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £76,410 on-road

Launched: Summer 2018
Last updated: Autumn 2023
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

The Car Expert+

“Although it’ll appeal to limited numbers of buyers, the Q8 is a compelling package that’s enjoyable to drive, comfortable and packed with usable and useful technology.”
Read review

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: SQ8 facelift
Score: 8 / 10
“It seems odd to say this about a £100k SUV, but the Audi SQ8 is a whimsical creation, with a practical cabin, a nicely sorted chassis and a V8 engine that somehow manages to enhance the experience without dominating it entirely. Those after genuine cross-country alacrity will still be better served by one of Porsche’s excellent updated Cayennes – but there’s enough about the updated SQ8 to keep it on the shortlists of those after a different badge.”
Author: John McIlroy
Read review

Model reviewed: 2023 facelift range
Score: 7 / 10
“Mid-life facelifts are designed to keep a car fresh and competitive against newer rivals – but Audi hasn’t quite achieved this with the Q8. It’s still a refined and practical offering, but modest updates aren’t enough to halt the feeling that the market for premium SUVs is slightly passing it by. The Porsche Cayenne arguably has greater badge appeal, and is more accomplished in pretty much every way dynamically.”
Author: John McIlroy
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi Q8 is luxurious, extravagant and stylish, and makes an admirable executive express for owners who aren’t too worried about its rather obvious packaging compromises. It takes up about as much room on the road as a Q7 SUV, but has only five seats and a much less useful boot.”
Read review

Model reviewed: SQ8
Score: 7 / 10
“The new Audi SQ8 TFSI moves away from diesel frugality, which strengthens its principles as a performance SUV. It’s slightly better to drive than the SQ7, but it risks making the RS Q8 redundant, given it serves up similar performance as well as greater levels of comfort at a much cheaper price.”
Read review

Auto Trader+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi Q8 is designed to be a sportier accompaniment to the Q7, and to that end, it has a much more aggressive look. This styling may prove to be divisive, but buyers will still be impressed by the Q8’s beautifully modern interior, plentiful technology, strong practicality and muscular performance.”
Read review

Business Car+

Model reviewed: e-Tron 55 Sportback quattro 5Dr Launch Edition (2023
Score: 8 / 10
“The biggest problem for the Q8 e-Tron is still its range when compared to rivals in this price bracket.” (Martyn Collins)
Read review

Car+

Model reviewed: SQ8
Score: 6 / 10
“Like all Q-cars wearing a four-ring bandana and displaying flared Quattro arches, the latest effort by Ingolstadt’s Sport division is a quality piece of kit.”
Read review

Car Keys+

Model reviewed: 4.0-litre diesel automatic SQ8
Score: 8 / 10
“The SQ8 is another niche-filling model from an Audi, but a successful one at that, and while a diesel engine might not be the ideal choice for a sports model, the SQ8 is a true performance SUV. It’s the engine that really stands out here, though, with its seriously impressive torque.”
Read review

Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: e-tron
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi Q8 e-tron is better than ever thanks to more tech, excellent driving range and superb performance.”
Read review

Model reviewed:
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The striking Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback is an upmarket electric SUV, with a huge battery to match its prodigious long-distance refinement.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 4.0-litre petrol automatic SQ8
Score: 7.6 / 10
“The Audi SQ8 is effortlessly fast and has a great interior but it’s expensive”
Read review

Carwow+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“You won’t have trouble finding the new Audi Q8 in a crowded car park – it’s one of the biggest SUVs on sale – but boxier alternatives have bigger boots and come with the option of seven seats.”
Read review

Evo+

Model reviewed: SQ8
Score: 7 / 10
“Ruthless coverer of ground whilst keeping the driver at arm’s length/”
Read review

Heycar+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“We always bang on about the huge number of SUVs on our roads these days, but there’s a very good reason why they’re so popular.”
Read review

Motoring Research+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“In its quest to fill every niche, Audi has created the Q8 SUV. It’s a ‘coupe’ version of the Q7, designed for those who value style above practicality.”
Read review

Parkers+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi Q8 is a more expensive, less practical alternative to the Audi Q7, but one that offers really very good build quality and a roomy back seat. It isn’t about to trouble our list of the best SUVs, but if you like the way it looks and can put up with how hard you need to press the touchscreen controls, then we understand why you’d want to take a closer look.”
Author: Keith Adams
Read review

The Sun+

“The Audi SQ8 is faster, smoother and more desirable then ever.”
Read review

The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: 4.0-litre diesel automatic SQ8
Score: 8 / 10
“From the driver’s seat, the Audi SQ8 is an easy car to love. Effortless performance, impressive comfort and handling that belies its size combine with a classy interior and plenty of space to make this a terrific all-rounder. It is, however, a very expensive beast, especially in this Vorsprung form – and not one that will raise appreciative smiles from your fellow road users.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic
Score: 6 / 10
“More economical diesel, hybrid and big petrol engines are on the way for this handsome if pretty pointless SUV coupé, which is launched with a big diesel engine. Lovely cabin, and comfortable apart from a low-speed ride harshness, the Audi Q8 drives really nicely until you try and wring the last 10% out of it, whereupon you wonder why you bothered.”
Read review

Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Audi’s big, aggressive Q8 is interesting and clever, with a side order of *whoa*”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 93%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 71%
Safety assist: 73%

The current Audi Q8 was tested in 2019 and gained a five-star rating. Testers highlighted the effectiveness of the standard-fit autonomous emergency braking and the car scored maximum points in several of the impact tests. Audi offers a wide range of active safety systems but many are expensive options.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of January 2025, the Audi Q8 has not been assessed by Green NCAP.

If the Q8 is put through the Green NCAP lab testing programme, we will publish the results here.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of January 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Audi Q8 to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively for us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Q8, we’ll publish the score here.

Running cost rating

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

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	26 mpg	E	22 – 28 mpg	E – E
Diesel models	34 mpg	D	31 – 35 mpg	D – E
Plug-in hybrid models	199 mpg	A	26 – 217 mpg	A – E

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	251 g/km	D	230 – 290 g/km	D – D
Diesel models	218 g/km	D	212 – 240 g/km	D – D
Plug-in hybrid models	32 g/km	A	30 – 67 g/km	A – A

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	49 miles	D	28 – 51 miles	C – E

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	50	F	47 – 50	D – F

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£469	D
Year 2	£1,101	D
Year 3	£1,836	D
Year 4	£2,232	D
Year 5	£2,810	D
Overall	£8,448	D

Running costs for the Audi Q8 range are very high, according to data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our commercial partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Fuel economy is poor for petrol models but a bit better for diesel-engined versions, though still rather disappointing. The plug-in hybrid models look amazing on paper, but this is largely thanks to ridiculous EU/UK government lab tests that are completely inadequate for plug-in hybrids. There is no way you will ever travel for 103 miles on a single gallon (4.5 litres) of fuel and some electricity…

The battery range of the plug-in hybrid model is weak when compared to class-leading rivals, with around 29 miles of real-world electric-only driving. It means that most households could do some of their weekly driving without using any petrol, but not all without consistently recharging.

Compared to the rest of the large SUV sector, the car’s service and maintenance costs are a bit higher than average. Insurance premiums are likely to be expensive too, based on data from the UK’s insurance group assessor, Thatcham Research.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Audi Q8

Jan 2024

Nov 2023

Feb 2022

Jun 2021

May 2020

Mar 2020

Feb 2019

Date: January 2024
Recall number: R/2024/018
Model types: All
Build dates: 08/2023 to 10/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 187
Defect: The function of the side airbag may be restricted due to the airbag not being sufficiently secured to the front left seat frame.
Remedy: Conduct a check of the airbag to ensure it is secured correctly; if necessary the side airbag is to be correctly hooked in position and resecured.

Date: November 2023
Recall number: R/2023/331
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 13
Defect: A weld seam on the outer backrest frame of the front seats may not have been made correctly.
Remedy: Check the front seats and if required to replace the affected backrest.

Date: February 2022
Recall number: R/2022/036
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2019 to 02/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 5,327
Defect: Following a previous campaign the toe and/or camber values on the rear axle may in certain circumstances incorrectly be changed without this being noticed.
Remedy: The wheel alignment must be checked and if necessary the suspension must be serviced on the affected vehicles.

Date: June 2021
Recall number: R/2021/236
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2019 to 02/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 10,089
Defect: One or more nuts which do not meet the specifications may have been fitted on the rear axle suspension links.
Remedy: The affected nuts on the rear axle will be replaced on affected vehicles.

Date: May 2020
Recall number: R/2020/135
Model types: All
Build dates: 09/2019 to 12/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 1,568
Defect: It is possible that gear oil may escape due to a faulty welded joint on the gearbox oil line.
Remedy: The production date of the gear oil line must be checked first on the vehicles affected and the gear oil line must be replaced if necessary.

Date: March 2020
Recall number: R/2020/075
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2015 to 02/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 114
Defect: The bolted connection between the steering shaft and the steering rack may not have been tightened to the required torque.
Remedy: The bolted connection between the steering shaft and the steering rack will be checked and if necessary replaced.

Date: February 2019
Recall number: R/2019/065
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2018 to 12/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 31
Defect: A casting process error may affect the rigidity of the front shock absorber fork.
Remedy: Replace the affected shock absorber forks.

As of September 2024, there have been seven DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Audi Q8 addressing various different issues.

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 Q8, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.

Everything you need to know about UK vehicle recalls

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Audi Q8, you might also be interested in these alternatives

BMW X6 | Maserati Levante | Mercedes-Benz GLE | Porsche Cayenne | Range Rover Sport

The BMW X6 is regarded as the key rival to the Audi Q8, and offers a better driving performance. The Mercedes-Benz GLE also goes up against it, while the Audi’s sporty styling might also tempt buyers of the Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover Sport, though both these are more practical.

More Audi ratings, reviews, news and features

More news, reviews and information about the Audi Q8 at The Car Expert

Everything you need to know about Audi

Audi RS Q8

Improved battery range for Audi Q7 and Q8 plug-in hybrids

Audi Q8 set for mid-life facelift

Audi revises trim line-up for many models in its range

Audi Q8 test drive

Audi prices up facelifted Q8 e-tron SUV

Audi confirms new Q8 and Q4 models for production

Audi Q8 concept heading for Detroit

Audi electrics & SUVs head bold launch plans

New Audi Q8 set to rival Range Rover Sport

Detroit show: Audi Q8 targets Range Rover

Buy an Audi Q8

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Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio

Andrew Charman

-

1 July 2021

0

Summary

Named after a challenging Alpine road, the Stelvio launched as Alfa Romeo’s first SUV in 2017, and quickly became the Italian brand’s best-selling model.

The Quadrifoglio name was applied to this high-performance version, which joined the 2.0-litre petrol and 2.2 diesel in showrooms in 2018. It employs a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, pushing out some 510hp and encouraged Alfa Romeo to describe the Quadrifoglio when it was launched as the world’s fastest SUV – it takes 3.8 seconds to reach 62mph and goes on to some 176mph.

Today there are faster SUVs than the Quadrifoglio, but according to testers few with a chassis that copes so well with the power. Ride comfort also gets the thumbs-up, though at slow speeds it can crash over potholes. And the looks come in for praise, the Daily Mail describing the Quadrifoglio as “the world’s first ‘pretty’ SUV.”

The interior impresses rather less. It was improved with a facelift in 2020 and the worst of the brittle plastic surfaces removed but still reviewers argue that it’s not quite as upmarket as premium rivals. The infotainment system may be much-improved but still regarded as way behind the competition.

All testers agree that the seats are very comfortable and SUV interior practicality has not been sacrificed for speed; “one of the most practical 500bhp cars ever made,” says Carbuyer.

Overall, however, reviewers feel the Quadrifoglio will be bought purely for its potency; Carbuyer summing up the general view by describing it as “a true performance SUV with a fantastic engine that’s great fun to drive.”

Being a 500hp petrol super-SUV, it’s not surprising that the big Stelvio is very expensive to live with – owners will be spending a lot of money each year on fuel and insurance. It also lacks some of the latest technological features found in newer premium rivals.

As of January 2025, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio holds a New Car Expert Rating of E, with a score of just 55%. It scores top marks with motoring journalists, but its ownership merits are less convincing. Its safety rating has now expired due to age, while its CO₂ emissions and running costs are high.

Stelvio Quadrifoglio highlights

Very powerful
Handling ability to cope with the power
Sporty looks for an SUV
Lots of space inside
Comfortable seats

Stelvio Quadrifoglio lowlights

Ride quality not great at low speeds
Expensive to buy and tax
Expensive to run with poor fuel economy
Giulia Quadrifoglio still more fun to drive
Safety rating has now expired

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Engines: 2.9-litre petrol
Price: From £74,065 on-road

Launched: Spring 2018
Last updated: Summer 2020
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.

The Car Expert+

“If you’re after a performance SUV then the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is easily one of the most dynamic performance SUVs on sale today.”
Read review

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Not much has changed with the latest Stelvio Quadrifoglio, but it didn’t really need to. Alfa Romeo has addressed criticisms of interior quality and in-car tech to varying degrees of success, but what is clear is that the Stelvio remains one of the most exciting performance SUVs on sale.”
Read review

Score: 8 / 10
“The Stelvio Quadrifoglio is one of the best sporty SUVs around, with a raucous engine, sharp handling and handsome styling.”
Read review

Auto Trader+

Score: 8 / 10
“The bold and distinctive Stelvio has always impressed with its combination of spirited driving dynamics and practicality. With this updated version and refreshed model line-up Alfa Romeo hopes complaints about interior quality and outdated technology will also have been answered.”
Read review

Car+

Score: 8 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is great fun, but with more driven wheels and a stack more kerbweight it’s not as much fun as a Giulia Quadrifoglio.”
Read review

Car Keys+

Score: 10 / 10
“The performance and driving dominate the experience, and if you want a performance SUV with true agility and the ability to bring a smile to your face, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is pretty much in a class all to itself.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2019
Score: 10 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is undoubtedly one of the best SUVs on sale today from a driver’s point of view – offering a level of enjoyment and thrills usually just reserved for more conventional sports cars.”
Read review

Carbuyer+

Score: 8 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is a true performance SUV, with a fantastic engine that’s great fun to drive”
Author: Richard Ingram, Tom Dumbrell
Read review

Carwow+

Score: 9 / 10
“With 510hp and all-wheel drive, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is as rapid around corners as it is in a straight line, but its interior and quality and infotainment system are less impressive.”
Read review

Daily Mail+

“By turning the Stelvio into a sports-car hunting powerhouse, Alfa Romeo has managed to strip away some of the most important characteristics you’d want from an SUV.”
Read review

Evo+

Score: 8 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is fun and capable, like no SUV should be”
Read review

Honest John+

Score: 8 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Stelvio manages to capture Italian charisma and enjoyable handling in a practical, family-friendly package.”
Read review

The Sunday Times+

Score: 8 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio – an SUV poster boy at last.”
Read review

The Telegraph+

“The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio represents not just the very best of the super SUVs, but probably best bad car decision in general. It’s clearly not the best SUV, nor the best performance car – yet I’m pretty sure it’s the most impressive compromise between the two.”
Read review

Top Gear+

“For sheer fizzing, soulful, addictive vigour, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio has mega star quality.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

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

Adult protection: 97%
Child protection: 84%
Vulnerable road users: 71%
Safety assist: 60%

Notes on safety rating

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio was originally tested by Euro NCAP back in 20xx 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 Stelvio Quadrifoglio 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

No eco rating

As of January 2025, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio has not been assessed by Green NCAP.

If the Stelvio Quadrifoglio is put through the Green NCAP lab testing programme, we will publish the results here. However, don’t be expecting an outstanding set of results from a 500hp petrol V6-powered sports SUV…

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of January 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Alfa Romeo Stelvio range 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 Stelvio range, we’ll publish the score here.

Running cost rating

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

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	24 mpg	E	24 – 25 mpg	E – E

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	267 g/km	D	261 – 267 g/km	D – D

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	47	D	47 – 47	D – D

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£624	D
Year 2	£1,514	D
Year 3	£2,380	D
Year 4	£2,648	D
Year 5	£3,650	D
Overall	£10,816	D

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is more expensive to live with than the standard Stevlio SUV range, according to data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Fuel consumption for the twin-turbo V6 engine is inevitably poor, which is closely related to the CO₂ score. The Stelvio’s impressive performance also means it earns the very highest insurance group rating, so you’ll pay quite a lot for your annual car insurance premium.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Alfa Romeo Stelvio

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

Date: July 2023Model types: Stelvio Quadrifoglio and Giulia QuadrifoglioBuild dates: 09/2017 to 11/2020Number of vehicles affected: 100Defect: Affected vehicles equipped with the option BRM (carbon ceramic matrix brakes) may face a braking management issue due to unexpected control unit signals. This may potentially lead to a carbon ceramic disc rupture with a resultant risk of loss or degradation of braking performance.Remedy: Reprogramme the BSM (braking system module) with updated software.

Date: September 2022
Model types: All Stelvio and Giulia
Build dates: 11/2020 to 05/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 973
Defect: The automatic headlight position sensors may not have been calibrated and therefore the function does not comply with the requirements of ECE R48.
Remedy: Recalibration of the automatic headlight position sensors and alignment of the headlights.

Date: January 2022
Model types: All Stelvio and Giulia
Build dates: 09/2020 to 06/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 157
Defect: Due to a production nonconformity there may be the possibility of a fuel leak from the fuel pressure and temperature sensor.
Remedy: Replace the front fuel supply pipe and sensor.

Date: September 2021
Model types: All Stelvio and Giulia
Build dates: 06/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 37
Defect: The vehicle may not comply with ECE Regulation 16 Amendment 07 where all seats must be equipped with a safety belt reminder function with visual and audible indication of seat belt status.
Remedy: Conduct a software update to ensure the seat belt indication is available for all occupied seats.

Date: March 2021
Model types: Stelvio Quadrifoglio and Giulia Quadrifoglio
Build dates: 03/2020 to 08/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 7
Defect: There is a possibility of the rear brake discs having micro-cracks.
Remedy: Replace the rear brake discs.

Date: January 2020
Model types: All Stelvio and Giulia
Build dates: 11/2018 to 09/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 57
Defect: The seats may not lock in the correct position.
Remedy: Check and replace the seat frame if necessary.

Date: September 2019
Model types: All Stelvio and Giulia
Build dates: 03/2016 to 08/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 2,402
Defect: More fuel than actually present in the tank could be displayed on the instrument panel.
Remedy: Update the software of the control module which governs fuel level management.

Date: July 2019
Model types: All Stelvio and Giulia
Build dates: 03/2016 to 06/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 493
Defect: Undesired acceleration of the vehicle may occur whilst active cruise control is operational.
Remedy: Update the software in the brake system module.

Date: May 2018
Model types: All Stelvio
Build dates: 12/2016 to 04/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 1,451
Defect: Due to a potential nonconformity, some electric-electronic components may malfunction as a result of water infiltrations and their performance may be compromised. The vehicle may not function as the driver expects it to during use including unintended activation and opening of the rear liftgate door at vehicle speeds up to 3.1 MPH. An unintended activation and opening of the rear liftgate door may result in a loss of unrestrained cargo. Lost cargo may create a road hazard and could cause a following vehicle to crash without prior warning.
Remedy: Sealing and/or application of sealants in specific places will ensure full parts conformity is restored.

Date: March 2018
Model types: All Stelvio and Giulia
Build dates: 11/2017 to 12/2017
Number of vehicles affected: 11
Defect: The brake/clutch system components may be damaged and system performance may decay as a result of the potential presence of mineral oil in the brake-clutch fluid because the components are not compatible with mineral oil. As a result brake/clutch system performance may deteriorate.
Remedy: Replace the components in the brake-clutch system.

As of August 2024, there have been eight DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, seven of which are shared with its Giulia saloon sibling. These cover headlights, fuel system, seats, software and brake issues.

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 Alfa Romeo 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 Stelvio, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio has received

2020

4×4 Magazine Awards – Best Performance SUV

2018

Carwow Awards – Driver’s Award

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, you might also be interested in these alternatives

BMW X3 M | BMW X4 M | Jaguar F-Pace SVR | Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 | Porsche Macan Turbo

There are not many hugely potent SUVs and so the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio has few direct rivals. The Porsche Macan Turbo comes at a similar price but with less equipment, and the BMW X3M is significantly more expensive than the Alfa.

More Alfa Romeo Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features

More information

More news, reviews and information about the Alfa Romeo Stelvio at The Car Expert

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Is it worth checking car history in the UK?

Car buying advice

carVertical

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30 June 2021

0

Is it worth checking car history in the UK?

This article is brought to you by

When you buy a used vehicle, one of the most important things to do is to check the car’s history. It should be at the top of your to-do list.

The good news is that getting a car history check in the modern information age we live in is extremely simple. All you’ll need is the vehicle’s VIN or registration number – both details should be readily available from the seller. If they’re keeping that information quiet, take it as a significant red flag.

Recent worrying statistics from the RAC reveal that more than half (52%) of vehicles on the UK used car market have a hidden past – something the seller wants to hide from you. Almost unbelievably, this means that, without a car history check, you’re more likely to end up with a car that’ll cause you a problem than not!

27.5% of cars they checked had an issue with a number plate change, with 17.6% of vehicles having outstanding debt attached to them. The RAC also found that 14.2% were deemed to be insurance write-offs, 1.4% had been repainted a different colour, 0.2% were listed as stolen and 0.1% scrapped.

These statistics highlight the genuine need for a used vehicle history lookup before you send any money anywhere. In this article, we’ll be using carVertical as an example. Founded in the summer of 2018, it’s one of the most popular and trustworthy car history platforms out there, with access to a vast database of information.

Is it worth checking a car’s history in the UK?

Recent tendencies of the UK used car market

Up until the first quarter of 2020, the UK used car market held reasonably steady, with around 8 million vehicles changing hands in 2019. Q4 in 2019 saw just over 1.8 million car transactions take place. However, with the arrival of Covid-19, economies around the world slumped to virtually a standstill. The UK used car market fared much the same way.

Q1 of 2020 also saw approximately 1.8 million cars change hands, although it was down more than 8% on Q1 of 2019. Steady growth in the first two months was obliterated by the first lockdown in March, with sales dropping by more than 30%. Q2 saw almost a 50% decline on 2019 and, although things began to pick up again in Q3 with the reopening of showrooms (4% growth compared to 2019), the second national lockdown meant that sales again dropped 6% in Q4.

Overall, these figures represented a total of about 6.7 million used cars being sold in 2020 – a 15% decline on 2019. It was a challenging year, for sure.

2021 hasn’t started much better. With the country still in strict national lockdown for most of the quarter, sales dropped 9% compared to Q1 2020. However, as March began to see the signs of lockdown lifting, sales figures rose by 32% compared with the previous year (although March 2020 was the month we first went into lockdown).

So, amidst all this chaos, which cars are selling well?

The top ten used cars sold in Q1 2021 are:

These cars are relatively representative of the last year, too.

Throughout lockdown, it’s also been very encouraging to see a continual rise in the sales of electric cars. BEV (Battery), PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid) and HEV (Hybrid) sales rose about 48%, 32% and 17%, respectively. However, plug-in vehicles still only make up 1% of the used car market.

For more information on used car sales data, check out SMMT by following this link.

4 most common hidden dangers when buying a used car

It’s crucial to check a car’s history. Not doing so could lead to inordinate costs down the road that would make the vehicle a financial burden and nothing more.

Here are four of the most common hidden dangers when buying a used car.

Mileage fraud

Rolling back the odometer is a scarily common trick that corrupt car dealers use to make the car appear “less run” than it is. It’s illegal and intentionally difficult to get into the system, but some salespeople often find a way in anyway.

Mileage fraud is dangerous when you buy a used car. For example, let’s say the odometer reading has been halved from 120,000 miles to 60,000 miles. At 120,000 miles, you would need to make sure that large, vital components such as the clutch, gearbox, engine and chassis are in good condition. At that kind of age, things go wrong. However, at 60,000 miles, you wouldn’t usually expect these things to go wrong.

One of the many things carVertical’s used vehicle history check offers is a scan of mileage records. If the odometer has been fiddled with, it will flag this up for you, so you know to avoid the car at all costs.

Undisclosed accidents

If the previous owner (or even the owner(s) before them) have had an accident in the car, they’ll often choose to cover it up rather than fix it. It’s expensive, after all.

For example, dodgy car dealers often cover tyres in tyre blackener to cover up their conditions. They might also spray the car’s underside so you can’t see rust or welds or use “botch-job” quick fixes such as holding the car’s suspension drop-link on with string (yes, you can sometimes do that).

A used vehicle history lookup means that you can check for these kinds of accidents. The report offered by carVertical will also tell you the specific area affected by the accident so you can look for evidence of it in photos or in person.

When you physically inspect the car, check for excessive tyre wear, mismatched panels (whether in colour or placement), and strange rust spots.

Previous usage

Some vehicles – such as those used in the emergency services or as taxis or rentals – aren’t generally worth as much as the average used car. That’s because they’ve been driven more than most cars and are therefore likely to be in worse condition.

(That’s not always the case – for example, buying cars from the police or ambulance service in the UK is often desirable, as you can trust that the vehicles have been meticulously looked after.)

Getting a car history check will mean that you can see what it has been used as in its previous life. If all you need is a cheap car for parts or as a cost-effective runaround, it won’t matter too much to you. Despite this, you should always check that you aren’t getting ripped off.

Theft

According to Rivervale Leasing, which submitted a freedom of information request to the DVLA, 74,769 vehicles were stolen in the UK last year (2020). According to official government data, there were 32,697,400 vehicles registered across the country in 2020, including those “between owners”. These figures show approximately 0.23% of cars in the UK were stolen – a percentage frighteningly similar to the RAC’s findings.

Although 0.2% might seem pretty small, it means that 1 in 500 used car transactions could be a stolen car.

According to the DVLA’s information, the most commonly stolen cars in the UK are the Ford Fiesta, Range Rover, Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and BMW 3 Series.

The danger of buying a used car that turns out to be stolen is that, legally, you have to return it to the original owner even if you purchased it in good faith. Getting your money back? Well, that kind of falls onto your own shoulders. Your insurance or bank may or may not cover the costs, and it’s often complicated unless the thieves themselves are prosecuted.

What is a VIN?

A VIN is a vehicle identification number. All cars have one, and they are unique to every one that comes off the production line.

You’ll often find them inside the doorframe – either near the footplate or door catch – or at the top of the bonnet. The numbers are written on a plate and are always 17 digits long (provided the vehicle was made after 1981). It can contain both letters and numbers (alphanumeric).

The VIN is one of the most challenging things to forge. Thieves often scratch the numbers off, so you should always beware of that.

Before you buy a used car, ask to see both the VIN and the registration plate. When you put these details into a car history check platform, ensure that they match up.

How do I check a car’s history?

There are several different platforms you can use to check a car’s history, including carVertical.

The process is straightforward. Whichever company you choose to help you with the used car history check, you simply go to the website and enter either the VIN or the number plate. That’s all.

Vehicle history checks aren’t free, as we’ll discuss in a moment. Still, they provide a whole lot of information, all of which will be useful to you as a prospective buyer.

What information does a car history report provide?

All used vehicle history lookup platforms are slightly different from each other. Let’s use carVertical’s as an example.

After you’ve put in the car’s information – either the VIN or number plate – it will show you a summary screen. This summary screen shows a quick overview of the report, including any records of mileage fraud, theft, previous accidents or taxi usage.

Scrolling down, you’ll find a chronological record of all the available information from the many databases carVertical gathers information from. The data will include dates along with:

MOT results,
manufacturing dates,
registration dates,
when the ownership changed,
times of any reported accidents,
when it was on sale,
when it was inspected
etc.

The report then explains whether or not there are any records that the vehicle has been used as anything in the past, including a taxi, driving school vehicle, police vehicle, rental car, delivery vehicle, and many more.

You’ll also be able to see any records of imports and exports, seizures, whether it was scrapped or has any outstanding finance, and so on.

The rest of the history check goes into the details of what databases were searched in what countries and specifics as to any of the categories as mentioned above. So, for example, if the car has been involved in a collision, the carVertical report will show you exactly which area was affected (if known).

After this, you’ll also come across a price analysis so you can make sure that you purchase the vehicle for a reasonable fee. It’ll then show you any photos of the car it finds online and, lastly, a list of common faults specific to the model you’re buying. Check all of these before you commit to the sale.

With all the information a used car history check provides, you can be assured that the car you purchase is worth your time and money. If the report throws any red flags at you – which, often, they do – you should consider looking elsewhere.

Why isn’t it free to check a car’s history?

Checking a used car’s history costs money because it takes a dedicated team to put a huge database together.

The platform also needs to be continuously updated and maintained, ensuring the information is as accurate as possible.

All of this takes up both time and money. Therefore, whatever car history platform you choose to work with, you should expect to pay a little.

Is a car history check worth it in the UK?

Absolutely. A car history check could save you thousands of pounds in the future. Since so many used cars have potential problems with them (see the RAC research mentioned earlier!), getting one is more than justifiable from a financial point of view.

Here’s expert opinion from the carVertical head of communications, Matas Buzelis:

“A used car is usually the second largest investment following real estate property. That means people with no car buying experience or deep knowledge can lose a significant amount of money during the used car transaction. The unknown state of a car or even some secrets may pave a direct path to big regrets.

For instance, a vehicle may be written off, clocked, severely damaged in the past, or even stolen. Additionally, all UK-based car history reports perform MOT information that may reveal some secrets, too. There are cases when even car sellers are not familiar with the history of a car they’re trying to sell.

If a buyer spotted facts about big damage or failed MOT tests in the report, it may be a great guide to inspect the exact parts of a car at a specialist workshop. Without this information available via an online history report, it may be more difficult to check poorly repaired parts of the vehicle.

Moreover, any black spots in the car history report may reveal that the vehicle is overpriced. Typically, a shady history provides two options: car buyers either choose to skip the deal and look for a better choice or negotiate for a better bargain.”

Conclusion

It’s always worth performing a car history check on any used vehicle bought or sold in the UK.

Overall, you should always beware of potential scams – sadly, the used car market is full of them. So be vigilant and don’t be afraid to take your time – that’ll give you the highest likelihood of a legitimate and safe transaction.

Should I buy a Cat S or Cat N used car?

Car buying advice

Russell Hayes

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26 June 2021

0

Now and then you’ll find a used car for sale with a cryptic description next to it: Cat S or Cat N. What does it mean and what do you need to know before buying a car with one of these two designations?

A Cat S or Cat N designation means that a car has been written off by an insurance company, usually after an accident, and then either repaired or left as it is with minor damage. It’s perfectly legal for a car with either of these designations to be sold, but they are usually a fair bit cheaper than the equivalent car that hasn’t been written off.

Here we look at what the letters mean and how to weigh up the savings.

Should I buy a used car that’s been written off?

What the categories mean

There are four categories for accident damaged vehicles (last updated in November 2019 when they replaced the old A,B,C and D ratings), conforming to a code of practice produced by and supported by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) & Lloyd’s Market Association (LMA).

This code sets best practice for the supporting organisations when disposing of motor vehicle salvage to ensure that damaged vehicles are correctly categorised. The ABI states that ‘the purpose of the Code is to protect the public, detect and deter insurance fraud and other criminal activities.’

If an insurer has written off a car, ownership passes to them, the owner is paid out and the car is given a Category which is entered into the Motor Insurance Anti-Fraud Theft Register (MIAFTR).

The code requires all motor vehicles salvaged in this way to be categorised as one of the following Codes:

Category A: Scrap

A Cat A car is so badly damaged that it is not suitable to be repaired in any way, and must be crushed without any parts being removed and re-used.

This is applied to the most badly damaged of cars, such as those that have suffered a major fire or where emergency workers have had to cut away large sections of the vehicle to rescue people trapped inside. The extent of the damage means that it is not considered safe for any single part of the vehicle to be used again.

Category B: Break

Cat B means that the level of damage makes a car unsuitable for repair. However, after inspection by a qualified person, certain usable parts can be recycled and re-used on another vehicle.

This category often applies to cars that have suffered heavy damage in one area but are untouched elsewhere. A common example is a head-on collision, where the front half of the car may have been extensively damaged but the rear half is largely intact.

Category S: Repairable Structural

A Cat S car has sustained some structural damage, but is not beyond repair. It has been inspected and judged as a repairable vehicle, which has sustained damage to any part of the structural frame or chassis. Whilst it can be repaired safely, it’s likely to take quite a bit of work.

The insurer (or self-insured owner) has decided not to repair the vehicle because the cost of the repair is likely to exceed the market value of the vehicle, however it is perfectly legal for someone to buy the damaged vehicle and repair it to a safe and legal standard.

Category N: Repairable Non-Structural

This category denotes a repairable vehicle that has not sustained damage to the structural frame or chassis. In other words, damage to external panels or components that can easily be replaced, although the cost of doing so means that the insurer orself-insured owner has decided not to repair the vehicle.

There may be some safety-critical items that need replacement (such as steering or suspension parts), but the underlying structure of the car is undamaged.

Emergency workers have had to cut away large parts of this extensively damaged car to rescue people stuck inside, so it’s definitely a Category A

Which cars can be repaired and sold?

Cat A and Cat B cars should never re-appear on the road and must be destroyed, but Cat S and Cat N can be repaired. You must tell the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA) if your vehicle has been written off by your insurance company or face a fine.

You may also like: What is an insurance write-off?

A Category N rating can be applied even if a car has only quite minor damage. For example, the price of a door panel, complete bumper or even an electric mirror or headlamp assembly plus fitting and painting can be decisive in making the cost of repair uneconomical on a car that’s not worth that much money anyway.

Older cars which have been put into Category N are sometimes bought back by their owners after the insurer settles and sold as an easy repair job for a buyer who is prepared to fit second-hand parts, or that buyer can simply choose to live with cosmetic damage which doesn’t affect its MOT certificate. However, remember that Category N cars can still be classed as such when the steering or brakes may have been affected by an accident.

Sadly, flooding has become more common in the UK in recent years, with many parked cars becoming waterlogged. It doesn’t automatically lead to the car being written off, but if that happens it generally falls into N. Some private sellers could neglect to mention this, as once a car has been dried out and professionally cleaned, flood damage can be very hard to spot. However, items like brakes, starter motors and catalytic converters can be affected by water damage and could fail at any point.

Warning signs for a car that may have been flood damaged may include a damp or musty interior or lots of air freshener, damp carpet in the footwells or more condensation on the inside of the windows than you’d expect.

Buying a Cat S or Cat N car

There are no set used car values for Category S or N cars. In fact, cap hpi, the UK’s leading vehicle history checking company, which also provides used car valuations, for the trade and public, doesn’t give values for Cat S or N cars, so they become literally what any buyer is prepared to pay for them.

The savings are often tempting. Taking a random example, in June 2021 we found a Cat N 2018 BMW 118d with lower-than-average mileage advertised by an independent dealer at £10,495. The valuation for a dealer price for a regular equivalent with the higher average miles started at £2,000 more.

“We recommend that buyers considering a used bargain conduct a thorough hpi check to reveal if the car has been declared an insurance write-off and importantly, what Category write-off it is,” says Steve Wren, head of product for cap hpi.

“Not all written-off cars need to be avoided, but we strongly recommend you approach any potential purchase with your eyes open and all the facts. Category S (formerly Cat C) and N (formerly Cat D) write-offs that have been professionally repaired and declared roadworthy can sometimes present a real bargain, but you need to assure yourself that the car is a safe and roadworthy purchase.

“The hpi check will help you uncover if the car has such a history. Finally, we recommend that you get an independent, professional assessment of any written off vehicle to ensure it has been repaired to an appropriate standard.”

Used car dealers are obliged to declare that the car is a Cat S or Cat N. It must also be clearly stated in any advertisement. Furthermore, as a vehicle history check will flag up whether the car is an insurance write-off, most dealers will publish the results of that search (however that shouldn’t stop you doing your own research).

Category S cars will need to have been repaired with professional equipment (for example, replacing the ‘crush boxes’ front and rear which are destroyed in a moderate impact, then re-aligning the attachments points for the steering, panels etc). However, there is no legal requirement for the repairs to be inspected before the car returns to the road, so you have no guarantee that the repairs have been conducted to a suitable standard. If you’re about to invest thousands on a Cat S vehicle, a professional inspection is essential.

The extra costs may not end there either. According to Money Supermarket, some insurers won’t cover Category cars, so a check with your own provider or an insurance comparison site may be wise. Cat N will be less of a problem than a Cat S.

Protect your investment with a vehicle history check

If you’re worried that a used car that you’re looking at may have suffered accident damage, a vehicle history check can easily put your mind at ease. Here at The Car Expert, we’ve partnered with both CarGuide and CarVertical to provide you with options for checking the history of any used car before you buy

CarGuide not only shows you a car’s history, but can also predict future servicing costs
CarVertical offers full history details, photos where available, and lots of useful buying advice

Rivervale and Virtus Energy form partnership

Rivervale Leasing

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24 June 2021

0

Rivervale and Virtus Energy form partnership

This article is brought to you by

Electric vehicles are already a big player in the automotive game. Yet they’re a market sector which is only going to grow over the next decade, with the banning of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030.

Rivervale stocks hundreds of electric and hybrid car leasing options, and we are proud to announce our new partnership with Virtus Energy.

This new partnership will see Rivervale include Virtus Energy home chargers in our customer’s monthly rentals (with an option to pay upfront instead), for the first time in this industry.

If you lease a car, you need an efficient and ergonomic car charge point, too. Virtus Energy is our chosen electric vehicle charging provider. We will recommend Virtus to all of our EV leasing clientele. They are the best company to organise and facilitate charger installation both at your home and at the workplace.

Who is Virtus Energy?

Offering home, commercial and workplace charging, Virtus makes the switch to electric easy, with end-to-end EV charging support and installation.

Virtus Energy will help you to decide:

Where to place your EV charger
When to install
Where to install
How many to install now (for commercial installations), and how many to install at a later date

What’s more, Virtus Energy has the distribution rights for several of the best EV charging products available today. That’s why they are Rivervale’s recommended partner. They’re here to help you access the cleanest, greenest electric vehicle set up available in the country, tailormade to your situation.

Virtus Energy takes care of everything from network connection to infrastructure installation, including substations, meters, and cabling at various voltages. They even take on the grant process for you, allowing you to benefit from the government subsidy surrounding EV charger installation points.

Easee charger & Wallbox charger

Virtus Energy uses the Easee charger, and the Wallbox charger.

The Easee charger is the world’s most intelligent EV charging system. The charger can charge on both 1 and 3 phase, and supports charging up to 22kW, meaning that your installation can be flexible to your changing electric vehicle needs.

The Wallbox charger is advanced, smart tech made simple. Benefit from maximum insights and control over your charging provision, my managing your charge experience through their MyWallbox app, or the MyWallbox portal. They offer several charge point options, but their Pulsar Plus, compatible with all EV car types (as well as being both compact and user-friendly) is a great introduction to EV charging tech.

The chargers automatically offer an output of 7kW, but have the capacity to work at a higher output level if the user’s network allows.

Rivervale and Virtus Energy in partnership

Working with your deadlines and in conjunction with ourselves, Virtus Energy will work to an SLA (Service Level Agreement) to make sure that your home or workplace charge point is installed prior to the delivery of your new electric vehicle, so you’re ready to charge up from the get-go.

Rivervale is working to offer both charger and at-home installation as part of the EV car leaser’s monthly payments, so get in touch with us today to discuss your EV and charging needs. Call us on 01273 433480, or request a callback at a time that suits you.

Nissan Qashqai review

Car reviews

Andrew Charman

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23 June 2021

0

Depending on your point of view, Nissan is either the villain or the saviour of driving. For it was in 2007 that Nissan invented a new type of car with the launch of the first Qashqai.

This was the first true ‘crossover’, not really the first true SUV but widely regarded as such. Buyers loved it, sales went through the roof and very soon every manufacturer wanted a crossover in its range.

Today you can buy crossovers wearing every badge from Dacia to Rolls-Royce. The Qashqai that once set the trend is now battling in a very crowded pool, and while it’s still the most popular crossover in the new-car sales top ten, there’s no room for complacency.

So now we have an all-new third-generation Qashqai, not only a vital car for Nissan but also for UK manufacturing. The Qashqai is a British car – designed in London, engineered in Cranfield, Bedfordshire and built at a vast plant in Sunderland. Since 2007, five million have been sold worldwide.

Nissan Qashqai review 2021

What’s new about the Nissan Qashqai?

Most of the new Qashqai is really new, but also evolved. According to its makers the car retains all the good bits that have made it so popular and enhances the bits where consultation with customers has highlighted room for improvement. We are told it is bolder and better equipped, and crucially safer thanks to additional active technologies.

The Qashqai sits on an all-new platform and Nissan has of course made use of the latest build technology available. Extensive amounts of high-strength steels, aluminium and composites produces a stiffer yet lighter shell, saving around 60 kilos which aids both efficiency and handling. And this despite the car being bigger – 3cm longer with a 2cm wheelbase stretch for more interior room, 3cm wider and 2cm higher too.

The existing petrol engine has been turned into a mild hybrid while there’s a much more clever ‘E-Power’ drivetrain on the way. There are improvements to steering and handling, and a h0st of new technology across the car.

How does it look?

The Qashqai looks like a typical crossover, and as it was the first you could say most crossovers look like a Qashqai… Nissan’s efforts at individuality on the latest version include a larger iteration of the ‘V-Motion’ grille, pencil-slim headlamps with boomerang-shape daytime running lights and a strong ‘fast line’ running along the sides.

As crossovers go, the visuals are reasonably attractive, though in this reviewer’s opinion the start of that ‘fast line’ at the front corner could be confused for a poor panel gap. One major visual highlight comes on top-spec Tekna+ models (as seen in the images below), the 20-inch alloy wheels, bigger than anything we’ve previously seen on a Qashqai. Cars with these wheels fitted also get a multi-link rear suspension setup replacing the usual torsion beam on other models.

Nissan Qashqai Tekana+ 2021 ceramic grey– front

Nissan Qashqai Tekana+ 2021 ceramic grey– rear

What’s the spec like?

Qashqai trim levels number five, from the Visia starting at £23,535 to the Tekna+ costing from £34,175. Entry-level specification is impressive, particularly in terms of safety – all versions come with an extensive active safety package including intelligent cruise control, autonomous braking in both forwards and reverse and blind-spot intervention.

However to enjoy most of the desirable new technology on offer – particularly digital additions to the cabin, you really need to go at least mid-spec N-Connecta versions, costing from £28,305.

Top-spec Tekna models get a new safety feature, Adaptive Beam Assist, which can split the headlamp high beam into 12 individually controlled segments to give the driver the best view ahead while not dazzling oncoming vehicles. And Nissan’s ProPilot driver aid (available with auto-gearbox Tekna models) has been improved, both keeping the car in the centre of its lane and anticipating curves, junctions and the likes. It even reads road signs and adjusts speed to match.

What’s the Nissan Qashqai like inside?

The Qashqai interior has undergone an extensive makeover, lifting it well above the previous model (not before time) though not quite to the attractive, stylish design of some of the car’s rivals. On N-Connecta versions upwards the dash is dominated by a nine-inch NissanConnect display screen, mounted atop the centre console and working in conjunction with the driver’s digital instrument panel, now some 12 inches wide. Go for the top Tekna and Tekna+ specs and you also get an 11-inch head-up display projected onto the screen.

The Qashqai has always been a reasonably spacious SUV and the more generous dimensions of the new one adds to this, with in the back 2cm more knee room, 3cm more shoulder room and a tiny increase above one’s head. At 504 litres, boot space is very much at the bigger end of the segment.

Fit and finish is generally good – the seats are comfortable and, if you are prepared to pay, you can enjoy such technology as massaging your back while on the move, once upon a time the kind of niceties you only found in the premium market.

Nissan Qashqai 2021 Tekna+ rear interior

What’s under the bonnet?

Initial versions of the third-generation Qashqai come with a 1.3-litre petrol engine in 140hp and 158hp varieties but it’s very different to its predecessor. It’s now a mild hybrid, making use of braking energy to both reduce emissions and smooth out the stop-start function. The 0-62mph times range from 9.2 seconds to 10.2 seconds depending on model while full mpg and CO₂ figures are yet to be released – our less than scientific test route around traffic-choked Watford was producing fuel economy close to 40mpg.

More interesting is the engine to come – Nissan has a goal of 50% of its European sales by 2024 being “electrified” and joining the Qashqai range later will be ‘e-Power’ series hybrid units. The sole function of the 1.5-litre petrol engine is to generate the electricity for the electric motor that drives the wheels. Nissan says you get many of the benefits of EVs but without any need to recharge batteries.

The Qashqai is available in both front and all-wheel-drive form and instead of the six-speed manual transmission the 158hp engine can be specified with Nissan’s latest Xtronic auto ‘box, upgraded over its predecessor and notably now a CVT.

What’s the Nissan Qashqai like to drive?

At the launch event we ere able to try cars with 158hp power output, with both manual and automatic transmissions. In manual form, the Qashqai is not exactly the most enthusiastic accelerator from a standstill with plentiful right-foot required, but once on the move it settles down to refined progress.

The auto is much better in first getaway, accelerating in very unobtrusive fashion and again proving refined at motorway speeds. Our only slight gripe was with its restarting from stop-start mode which is slightly more shuddery than with the manual.

Nissan says the steering of the Qashqai has undergone a total revamp, with a tighter ratio for more response. Certainly the car is very assured in bends, with confident, precise handling and a lack of body roll. Ride quality is good too, all but the very worst of the south-east’s less than smooth surfaces properly damped before reaching the car’s occupants.

The Qashqai feels larger to drive than it is, and the view through the rear screen appears quite small. But thanks to the technology available it is easy to thread one’s way through tight situations – the ‘around-view’ camera was particularly useful when meeting oncoming traffic during an unplanned excursion down a very single-track road!

Our test car included the windscreen head-up display, which may be “the largest around” but does not intrude on one’s view of the road ahead, in fact working rather seamlessly, especially when providing navigation directions.

Verdict

An all-new Nissan Qashqai is timely – any manufacturer building an SUV knew it had to try and beat the Nissan first, and several rival brands were beginning to do so. The new model is not particularly revolutionary but it does what Nissan claims it wanted to do – keep all the good bits and add some new and better bits.

The car still drives well, offers lots of space and a quality of fit and finish that compares with most of the competition. The technology additions are generally useful and the safety package top-notch. As a result, don’t expect to see the Qashqai falling out of that new car top ten any time soon.

All new Audi models to be electric only in just five years

Car manufacturer news

Andrew Charman

-

23 June 2021

0

All new Audi models to be electric only in just five years

Audi will launch its last new car with an internal combustion engine within five years – from 2026 every new Audi model will be all-electric.

Audi CEO Markus Duesmann made the announcement at the Climate Neutrality Foundation conference in Berlin, Germany, commenting: “Audi is ready to make its decisive and powerful move into the electric age.”

As well as only making new electric cars from 2026, the German brand will also accelerate the phasing-out of its internal-combustion engines, intending to cease producing them entirely by 2033.

In making the announcement Duesman claimed that forthcoming bans on sales of new petrol and diesel cars, such as that announced by the UK government, were not a factor in Audi’s decision. “I don’t believe in the success of bans – I believe in the success of technology and innovation,” he said.

The exact dates when Audi moves entirely away from internal combustion engines will be decided by its customer demand. The brand expects to still see demand for traditional engines in China beyond 2033, and this could be met by sourcing engines manufactured locally.

Audi Q4 etron production — Cars such as the Q4 e-tron form the future of Audi.

As part of the strategy Audi intends to significantly expand its range of EVs. Current models available or on the way include the e-tron, e-tron Sportback, e-tron GT, RS e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron, meaning that Audi will launch more electric than i/c-engined cars this year.

By 2025 the brand intends to offer a model line-up including more than 25 EVs. Audi is also investing in schemes to improve the roll-out of charging options across its markets.

Duesman was keen to stress, however, that Audi will not be running down combustion engine production before its demise, but will be investing in the development of these engines, further improving existing units to achieve greater efficiency.

“Audi’s last internal combustion engine will be the best we’ve ever built,” Duesmann said.

More Audi news, ratings, reviews and features

New Peugeot 308 SW includes PHEV flagship

New model

Andrew Charman

-

23 June 2021

0

New Peugeot 308 SW includes PHEV flagship

Plug-in hybrid versions will top the Peugeot 308 SW range when the all-new estate arrives on UK roads early in 2022.

The third-generation 308 SW, which will follow the recently unveiled hatchback version into showrooms, is according to its makers likely to appeal both to families and fleet users.

Practical aspects include a 608-litre load capacity, extending to 1,634 litres with the rear seats folded. These can be rapidly folded by means of buttons in the boot, and the rear seats split into three sections for more versatility – loads up to 1.85 metres long can be accommodated.

The car is 6cm longer than its predecessor, with a wheelbase extended by 5cm over the old model but the rear overhang stretched by 21cm to increase boot volume. The car also has a 2cm lower roofline.

A more aerodynamic shape will aid economy and also help the electric range of the plug-in hybrid models. Two will be on offer, with 81kW electric motors mated to either a 150hp or 180hp petrol engine. Peugeot says CO₂ emissions should be as little as 25g/km with an all-electric range of up to 37 miles.

The 308 SW will also be sold with a 1.2-litre 130hp petrol engine and a 1.5-litre 130hp diesel – all versions will use an eight-speed auto transmission, with no manual alternative available.

Equipment levels will mirror those of the 308 hatch. A wide range of technology and driver aids are promised, including the availability of semi-autonomous lane changing, anticipated speed recommendation and a system that matches the most appropriate speed tot he severity of a bend.

Peugeot’s latest i-Connect infotainment system will be fitted, in two versions based around a customisable ten-inch touchscreen.

Peugeot is yet to announce prices for the 308 SW range but they are expected to be slightly higher than the current model, starting from around £23,000.

More Peugeot news, ratings, reviews and features

Electric car charging: How does it really stack up in 2021?

Car buying advice

Stuart Masson

-

23 June 2021

2

Electric car charging: How does it really stack up in 2021?

This article is brought to you by

As more and more new electric cars have become available in recent years, car manufacturers have been working to address most of the concerns that drivers have had about the suitability of an electric vehicle for their needs.

Prices have been coming down, there’s a much wider variety of vehicles to choose from, battery range has been steadily increasing and charging times have been getting shorter. In fact, recent research from car benefit scheme specialist Tusker (one of our commercial partners here at The Car Expert) has shown that most households could now be comfortably served by an electric vehicle instead of a petrol or diesel car.

As these other concerns have dropped away, the top issue for a majority of potential electric car buyers is charging availability. Understandably, customers want reassurance that charging is not going to be a hassle that makes an electric car more difficult to live with than a traditional petrol or diesel alternative.

Like other aspects of the electric car world, charging facilities are rapidly improving. There’s a lot of money being invested into improving the UK’s EV charging infrastructure, such as a £300 million pledge from by Britain’s independent energy regulator Ofgem to supply the cabling required for 1,800 new ultra-rapid charging points at motorway service areas and key main road locations. A further 1,750 charging points will be supported in towns and cities.

Dwarfing that investment are the enormous resources being poured into EV charging infrastructure by the private sector. For example, several car manufacturers are collaborating on joint ventures to create charging networks, while big oil companies are now some of the largest investors in EV charging infrastructure.

How does electric car charging stack up in 2021?

Perception vs reality

Many of the perceptions about lack of charging options are no longer accurate, and problems with charging have reduced dramatically in recent times. So we’ve put together this guide for electric car charging to give you a good picture of what to expect if you’re considering an electric car.

Overall, the state of public EV charging infrastructure is improving rapidly. Deloitte has reported that the number of charging points and charging sites has doubled in the last two years, meaning that charging point availability is improving at a much faster rate than most car buyers would realise.

Meanwhile, Zap-Map maintains a count of EV charging points across the UK – as of June 2021, there were more than 15,000 charging locations for a total of more than 42,000 total connections. At the current rate of installation, about 600-700 new charging devices are being added to the national network every month.

It will probably come as a surprise to many people to discover that there are so many charging points in operation around the UK.

It’s not necessarily a fair comparison, but to help understand the scale of this infrastructure rollout, there are about 8,400 petrol stations across the UK. So, later this year we can expect to see a bit of a media flurry about the number of EV charging points doubling the number of petrol stations.*

Electric car charging at an Ionity charging point

*There was a lot of fuss made about this a couple of years ago, when the number of charging points officially exceeded the number of petrol stations, but it’s not really a like-for-like comparison.

Your electric car charging options

1. Home charging

One simple fact has not changed, and is always likely to remain the same: If you can charge your electric car at home, it makes your life both a lot easier and a lot more affordable.

If you’re charging your car overnight at home, you win all the way: you don’t have to share access to a charging point with other cars, so you know it’s always going to be available when your battery needs charging; you don’t have to go out of your way to find an available charger, so it’s perfectly convenient; and electricity from your home energy provider is almost always going to be cheaper than from a public charging point – especially if you’re charging overnight during off-peak times.

Most car companies now have relationships with home wallbox providers, so you can get a free or subsidised home charging point installed when you buy a new electric car. Charging from a proper home wallbox is faster (and safer) than from a regular three-point plug, and many units can also ensure that the car is charged when electricity tariffs are at their cheapest.

If you are buying a used electric car and have to pay for your own wallbox, you’re looking at about £500 to £1,000 depending on the specific box and installation costs.

Home charging is usually the slowest way of charging your car’s battery, with most cars taking around eight hours or more to fully charge an empty battery. But because you’re usually at home for longer than that overnight, it’s still the most convenient option for most people.

2. Street charging

Home charging is great, but millions of Brits don’t have that option and have to park on the street. This has been a bugbear for the last decade, and continues to be an area where the UK is lacking compared to many of our European neighbours. But it is definitely improving.

Unsurprisingly, Deloitte found that Greater London leads the way in providing EV charging infrastructure. The worst places to find a plug on the street are Northern Ireland and North West England.

Improving these facilities is going to require a lot of ongoing work. A study by Field Dynamics and Zap-Map last September found that 90% of households who do not have the option of off-street charging also don’t live within five minutes’ walk of an on-street charging point, which is considered enough to seriously reduce the appeal of switching to an electric car.

As part of its £300 million pledge to improve EV charging infrastructure, Ofgem has pledged to provide the cabling required for 1,750 new charging points to be provided in towns and cities across the UK. This will be rolled out across England, Scotland and Wales over the next two years.

Charging speeds from on-street chargers will vary, depending on both the charging point and your car. Assuming you remembered to pack your charging cable, most electric cars can charge from most on-street charging points, even if it’s not at the maximum possible speed your car’s battery can charge.

3. Charging stations

There are various projects underway to build a series of dedicated service stations for electric vehicles, with rapid-charge facilities to accommodate a large number of cars and a range of services available on-site so you can work/dine/shop/exercise while your car is charging.

The first of these hubs opened late last year in Braintree, Essex, providing various chargers to accommodate up to 36 cars at once. Given that drivers will be required to wait around for a while, the site also provides a café, newsagent, post office, lounge, gym equipment, meeting facilities and more. More venues along similar lines are being planned by different providers but, for the moment, the site in Essex is the only one.

In addition to these projects to build dedicated EV charging stations, Ofgem will supply the cabling required for 1,800 new ultra-rapid charging points at existing motorway service areas and key main road locations. This will help people to charge along their journeys, using existing service facilities shared with petrol and diesel car drivers.

Tesla also has its famous Supercharger sites – a dedicated network of rapid-charge units that provide cheap or free (depending on which model Tesla you own and when you bought it) electricity to its customers. This is great for Tesla owners, but unfortunately these facilities are not usable by owners of other EVs.

Dedicated charging sites tend to have the fastest chargers, although the rate that your car can recharge also depends on your car and its battery. Some cars can get more than a week’s worth of charge (although still less than a full battery) in under half an hour, while others might need a couple of hours.

4. Destination charging

The real key in growing electric car acceptance is providing charge points at the destinations where drivers are already going, rather than building service stations where you have to stop for a length of time along the way. That means shopping centres, workplaces, gyms, universities – basically anywhere with public car parking facilities.

There has been considerable investment going on from private companies and local councils to increase the number of charging points on offer to EV drivers. In some parts of the country this has been progressing well, while in other areas (like where I live) the number of charging points is practically non-existent.

Destination charging is usually faster than home charging, but often it’s not as fast as on-street or dedicated charging points. It depends on where the charging point is located – workplaces will often have slower chargers because your car is usually parked in the car park for about eight hours a day. Charging points at shopping centres or public car parks will often be quicker – sometimes even as quick as dedicated charging stations.

A fresh mindset

The improvements in public charging infrastructure are clearly having an effect on consumer confidence. Data from Tusker shows that 33% of its customers now drive an electric car, compared with just 5% only one year ago.

As we discussed recently, most new electric vehicles are comfortably able to cope with the average household’s weekly driving needs on a single charge. And with the increasing availability of rapid charging facilities at facilities like supermarket car parks, it can even be possible to get your weekly electricity in less time than it takes to get your weekly groceries.

In conjunction with rapidly improving public charging infrastructure for longer journeys or those who don’t have access to home charging, it is certainly becoming much easier for most people to live with an electric car as their only vehicle.

There’s still a change in mindset required to let go of the petrol station security blanket (although, will you really miss the regular trip to the fuel station once you go electric?), but there’s much greater reason to confident now than ever before.

Additional reporting by Tom Johnston

Volkswagen ID.4

Andrew Charman

-

22 June 2021

0

Summary

On UK roads since 2021, the Volkswagen ID.4 is the second model from the German giant’s electric sub-brand, and is built on the same platform as the smaller ID.3 hatchback.

Initial ‘1^st Edition’ models were quite pricey, although cheaper versions (with less power and battery capacity) joined the range soon after launch. An updated model arrived in late 2023.

The Volkswagen ID.4 powertrain comprises an electric motor driving the rear wheels and fed by a battery pack. There are two performance levels (roughly 150hp and 200hp) and three battery options. In top-spec Pro Performance versions, Volkswagen quotes an official battery range of 310 miles – directly comparable to a petrol-powered car.

As the ID.4 has been designed as an EV from the outset, its batteries are neatly packaged – the Daily Mirror notes that it has much more interior space than rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz EQA, which is basically a petrol car converted to an electric one.

Journalists like the ID.4’s range, and its ride quality – according to Top Gear, the driving experience is smooth, silent and demanding nothing of the driver, though the 8.5-second 0-62mph time is considered tardy for an EV.

The exterior visuals have drawn both praise and indifference from reviews, but the interior styling comes in for more criticism – the white finish is described as sterile, while the touchscreen infotainment system annoys several.

As of October 2025, the Volkswagen ID.4 holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 77%. It achieves top marks for its low running costs, zero tailpipe emissions and safety rating score. However, its media review scores and Volkswagen’s new car warranty coverage are only average.

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

ID.4 highlights

Impressive interior space
Long range with largest 77kWh battery
Attractive, clean styling
Refined and silent on the road

ID.4 lowlights

Infotainment system fiddly
Remaining battery range hidden behind menus
Tardy acceleration for an EV

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV
Motor: electric, battery-powered
Price: From £36,995 on-road

Launched: Winter 2020/21
Last updated: Autumn 2023
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

Featured reviews

“The Volkswagen ID.4 won’t set pulses racing, but that’s not really the point of the family-sized all-electric SUV. It offers usable space and good levels of on-board tech, while a comfortable ride and practical range make it easy to live with. However, it’s not the most engaging drive and, if you take a look inside, you’ll notice some of the trim is a little cheaper-looking than you might expect. The touch-sensitive controls can also be frustrating to use, especially when you’re on the move.

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 8 / 10

Read full review

Auto Express

Steve Walker, Alastair Crooks

“The Volkswagen ID4 is a spacious electric car with a decent range and a modern, minimalist interior. It’s not the sleekest looking SUVs though and you may struggle to get near the claimed range.”

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 7 / 10

Read full review

Carwow

More reviews

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Pro Style Edition (2023)
Score: 8 / 10
“Tech and software tweaks have kept the Volkswagen ID.4 EV fresh, but there are still drawbacks.”
Read review

Model reviewed: GTX
Score: 8 / 10
“Volkswagen’s first electric performance model is a promising exercise, with snappy acceleration and impressive handling, given the weight. However, it’s likely to be priced from £50k, which makes it a less affordable model, even if it does add extra performance capability.”
Read review

Score: 8 / 10
“With the ID.3 catering for hatchback buyers and focused on Europe, the ID.4 SUV is Volkswagen’s first serious global Tesla rival. It represents an impressive yet different alternative to the longer range, flashier Model Y with its anticipated higher price tag.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“The VW ID.4 is cheap to run and has lots of space and a quality feel.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“With more conventional looks than the ID.3 and a more pleasing cabin, the Volkswagen ID.4 feels like the future has suddenly arrived in the present. This is fundamentally an excellent e-SUV that’ll make going electric even easier for British families considering taking the plunge and plugging in.”
Read review

Car Keys

Model reviewed: GTX
Score: 8 / 10
“The GTX feels like a great addition to Volkswagen’s ID-badged line-up of cars. It’s a lot more exciting to drive than the standard ID.4 and that’s something that shouldn’t be sniffed at in this segment, where driver involvement can often be lacking.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 77kWh Pro Performance
Score: 8 / 10
“The ID.4 is another very credible model from Volkswagen, with its roomy interior, comfort and refinement and SUV styling likely to have huge appeal. While the cabin isn’t the best out there, the ID.4 feels perfectly designed to integrate into the lives of those that have never owned an EV before.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volkswagen ID.4 is a fun and practical zero-emissions SUV.” (Ben Hodges)
Read review

Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 1st Edition Pro Performance
“The Volkswagen ID.4 has smart looks, a minimalist interior that takes a bit of getting used to and bags of space for four adults plus luggage, as well as impressive range and a pleasant driving experience.”
Read review

Daily Mail

Model reviewed: 1st Edition Pro Performance
“The Volkswagen ID.4 is a smart, practical vehicle that sits comfortably on any driveway.”
Read review

Daily Mirror

Model reviewed: 1st Edition Pro Performance
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volkswagen ID.4 has looks, space and impressive range.”
Read review

Discover EV

Model reviewed: 1st Edition Pro Performance
Score: 8 / 10
“A bigger, more practical version of the ID.3 family hatchback, the Volkswagen ID.4 boasts an impressive 310-mile range, SUV styling and is relatively cheap to buy and run.”
Read review

Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: GTX
Score: 10 / 10
“The Volkswagen ID.4 GTX is the all-wheel drive version of the all-electric ID.4 SUV; with more grip, power and torque, it’s even better to drive, and still practical.” (Paul Clarke)
Read review

Model reviewed: 1st Edition Pro Performance
Score: 10 / 10
“The Volkswagen ID.4 is an all-electric SUV with an official driving range of 310 miles, lots of space for five plus a big boot, and it’s very refined and comfortable.”
Read review

Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overview
“We’ve only driven the First Edition so far (with the Pure Performance battery pack) and found it to be a likeable car, with a superb ride quality. While it’s not as exciting as some alternatives, it feels safe to drive and won’t be daunting to anyone stepping out of a petrol or diesel car.”
Read review

Motoring Research

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volkswagen ID.4 is a capable electric SUV that could fit seamlessly into family life. However, we’d favour the more desirable and dynamic Ford Mustang Mach-E if shopping towards the upper end of the range.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The VW ID.4’s 310-mile range is well ahead of all rivals. It’s good to drive, both nippy and comfortable, and with a spacious interior and boot making it family-friendly.”
Read review

The Sun

Model reviewed: 1st Edition Pro Performance
“I quite like it. It’s a Volkswagen. Which means it’s well built. It’s got a Tardis-like cabin with trendy brown and grey upholstery. On point. It’s also calm, clean, quiet, airy and tech-rich.”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: 1st Edition Pro Performance
Score: 8 / 10
“While the interior may not be to everyone’s tastes, I really like the Volkswagen ID.4’s unfussy minimalism. There are better-looking electric cars to drive, more advanced ones and faster ones, but VW’s everyman EV is likely to steal sales away from the Kia e-Niro and Hyundai Kona Electric.”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: GTX
Score: 6 / 10
“The problems with the GTX don’t stem from its sporting bent, but more from the ID.4 on which it is based. It’s let down by a penny-pinching interior, niggling electronic glitches and some frankly bizarre switchgear and user interface decisions.”
Read review

Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“Big, comfortable and superficially interesting, the Volkswagen ID.4 has quite a lot going for it, but some of its interior feels built to a price and that infuriating touchscreen needs a radical rethink, fast.”
Read review

Top Gear

Score: 8 / 10
“Crossovers are family transit pods. And judged through that lens, the Volkswagen ID.4 is right on target.”
Read review

Which EV?

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Volkswagen ID.4 is a brilliant electric SUV. Its key benefit is class-leading battery range, but it also has plenty of space for passengers and cargo. The standard equipment includes a few very welcome items like heated seats and adaptive cruise control. It may not have even vaguely Tesla-beating performance, but for a family SUV it ticks most of the boxes – at least until the Tesla Model Y and Skoda Enyaq iV come along.” (James Morris)
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: October 2025
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 89%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 84%
Safety assist: 76%

The Volkswagen ID.4 was originally tested in 2021 by Euro NCAP and gained a five-star rating. It was re-tested in October 2025 under tougher new protocols, where it retained its five-star rating, albeit with reduced scores in most tests.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of October 2025, the Volkswagen ID.4 has not been lab 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 ID.4 is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing whenever it ever takes place. Check back again soon.

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	319 miles	A

Electrical efficiency	Average	Score	Variation	Score
EV models	4.1 m/KWh	C

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	33	D

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£242	C
Year 2	£492	B
Year 3	£743	B
Year 4	£996	B
Year 5	£1,252	A
Overall	£3,725	B

The Volkswagen ID.4 is a very affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

The SUV offers a competitive battery range and electrical efficiency, although its insurance premiums are more expensive than the market average. In addition, the car’s service and maintenance costs over the course of five years of ownership are predicted to be excellent.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of October 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Volkswagen ID.4 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 ID.4, we’ll publish the results here.

Warranty rating

New car warranty information for the Volkswagen ID.4

Overall ratingC50%
New car warranty duration3 years
New car warranty mileage60,000 miles
Battery warranty duration8 years
Battery warranty mileage100,000 miles

Volkswagen’s new car warranty is pretty much the bare minimum offered in the UK, with a duration of three years and a limit of 60,000 miles. Other rivals in the price bracket do better (and in some cases, much better).

In addition to the standard new car warranty, the ID.4 has an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery components.

Warranty on a used Volkswagen ID.4

If you are purchasing an ‘Approved Used’ ID.4 from an official Volkswagen dealership, you will get a minimum 12-month warranty included.
If you are buying a used ID.4 from an independent dealership, any warranty offered will vary and will probably be managed by a third-party warranty company.
If you are buying a used ID.4 from a private seller, there are no warranty protections beyond any remaining portion of the original new car warranty.

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

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Volkswagen ID.4

2024

2021

Date: May 2024
Recall number: R/2024/221
Model types: All
Build dates: 08/2022 to 04/2024
Number of vehicles affected: 634
Defect: The bolted connection of the front seats between backrest and seat pan may be incorrect. The restraint effect of the seat may be insufficient in the event of an accident. There is therefore an increased risk for occupants.
Remedy: On affected vehicles, the bolts on both front seat backrests must be replaced.

Date: November 2021
Recall number: R/2021/409
Model types: All
Build dates: 03/2021 to 04/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 2
Defect: Possible missing bearing bush in the area of the steering worm gear.
Remedy: On all affected vehicles, the steering rack must be replaced.

As of September 2024 (our most recent data point), there have been two DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Volkswagen ID.4.

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 Volkswagen 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 ID.4, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.

Everything you need to know about UK vehicle recalls

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Volkswagen ID.4 has received

2022

Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Family EV

2021

World Car of the Year

Similar cars

If you’re looking at a new or used Volkswagen ID.4, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Discontinued models: BMW iX3 (2021 to 2025) | Jaguar I-Pace (2018 to 2024)

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

Buy a new or used Volkswagen ID.4

If you’re looking to buy a Volkswagen ID.4, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car

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

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Lease a new Volkswagen ID.4

If you’re looking to lease a new Volkswagen ID.4, 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 Volkswagen ID.4

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

Car subscriptions from SelfDrive.
Find out more

Car subscriptions from Cocoon.
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Car subscriptions from Just Vehicle Solutions.
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The top 10 car warranty claims in the UK

Car warranty

Tom Johnston

-

18 June 2021

0

The top 10 car warranty claims in the UK

We have written a lot about considering a used car warranty – or mechanical breakdown insurance – for when your new car’s policy runs out, or if you have bought a good used car that deserves some decent cover.

It’s definitely a consideration well worth thinking about. As cars get older and rack up more miles, their parts wear and eventually give up. It’s a fact of motoring life and a massive irritation when something in your car decides to let go, either on your driveway or, worse still, at the side of the road.

But at least if you have bought some decent warranty cover, you won’t have the anxiety of thinking about the cost of the parts and labour to get your pride and joy back up and running again.

Still not convinced? Here’s the top ten list of most common car warranty claims, supplied with the help of cover providers Warranty Direct and Click4Warranty, with a brief description of what the part does and the guide price of a replacement.

Of course, all car makes and models are different so cost of repairs will vary enormously. But this list will give you a general idea of the potential costs awaiting you to help you decide whether a warranty is right for you.

Remember a warranty policy doesn’t just take care of the cost of replacement parts. They can also cover labour fees and (depending on your level of cover) important extras such as car hire. So, for many motorists, particularly those that drive long distances or rely on their car every day, it can prove to be a smart investment.

The UK’s top ten car warranty claims

1. Radiator

According to our providers, there are more car warranty claims for radiator repairs or replacements than any other kind of failures.

A car’s engine generates an enormous amount of heat – more heat than power, in fact. Petrol or diesel are ignited in the cylinders, causing literally hundreds of explosions every single second. That’s a lot of heat that has be to managed, and the job of doing so falls to your radiator.

A series of small channels inside your engine, containing water or other coolant, absorb that heat and carry it back to the radiator in pipes. Fresh air flows through the radiator grilles (which is why the radiator is normally at the very front of the car), cooling the hot fluid in the radiator elements before that fluid is pumped back into the engine.

If the radiator fails, you’ll usually end up dropping coolant all over the ground and the engine will quickly overheat. That, in turn, can cause catastrophic and very expensive damage to the engine.

Guide cost to replace: £450

2. Coil springs

Springs attached between the suspension and the body of the car allow the wheels to move up and down vertically, riding over bumps and holes. That smoothes out the ride to make your journey comfortable.

The larger and heavier your car, the larger the springs need to be to absorb its weight. SUVs also tend to have bigger and heavier wheels than normal cars, which means the the car’s suspension has to control the movement of both a very heavy car and a set of heavy wheels. It’s a lot of work.

Your car’s springs contain an awful lot of energy wound up in those coils, and they have to be installed or removed with the right tools and training to prevent injury and damage. If a spring snaps on your car, it can cause an awful lot of damage to the suspension components around it.

Guide cost to replace: £200 (medium size car)

3. Fuel injectors

Injectors are part of the car’s fuel system and spray the right amount of petrol or diesel into the turning engine at the right time. They are incredibly finely tuned to deliver a few milliletres of petrol at exactly the right time – dozens of times every second – to ensure best performance but also best fuel economy.

Given that fuel injectors are so finely calibrated, it’s not surprising that they’re not cheap to replace. They can easily be damaged by any kind of detritus in your fuel system, which can happen if you run your car out of fuel. The fuel pump sucks the dregs out of the bottom of the tank and pumps it down the fuel lines to the injectors, which can get clogged and damaged.

Guide cost to replace: £350

4. Electrical system

Many components make up the electrical system, including the battery, alternator, starter motor, lights and ignition system. As such, electrical system failure covers quite a broad range of possibilities. On older cars, a failure of a key electrical component can be enough to write the car off, as the cost of repairs can easily be more than the car is worth.

Guide cost to replace: £200 – £2,000 (depending on what has failed)

5. Steering

The mechanical set up that allows the driver to control the direction of the car with only a light touch on the steering wheel. Most cars have a power steering system, which uses either hydraulics or a small electric motor to provide assistance to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn the wheel.

This is critical for modern vehicles – especially SUVs, which tend to have enormous wheels and tyres. If you’ve ever had power steering failure, you’ll realise how difficult it is to physically turn the steering wheel.

Guide cost to replace: £300 (power steering pump)

6. Water pump

Part of the same cooling system as the radiator, the water pump keeps the cooling water (which is actually a specialised coolant, not actually water) circulating through the engine and radiator via a number of pipes and hoses.

If the pump fails, the coolant can’t move through the engine to keep it cool, and the engine will overheat in very short order.

Guide cost to replace: £150

7. Alternator

The alternator is an electrical generator that takes some of the engine’s energy and converts it to electricity to supply dozens of different systems in your car that require electrical power, such as headlights, radio, windows, mirrors and the crucial computer systems that manage the car’s operation. It also charges the car battery at the same time so that you can start your engine each day.

If it stops working, you’ll get electrical failures and a flat battery. You can jump-start the car with some cables, but the battery won’t charge so you’ll be back in the same position next time you turn off the engine.

Guide cost to replace: £450

8. Gearbox

The gearbox takes the power from your car’s engine and turns it into the forward motion of the wheels, using a series of different gears, manually or automatically. Modern gearboxes are very complicated and precise things, usually containing anywhere between six and ten gears (plus reverse). Automatic transmissions are even more complicated.

Unfortunately, gearboxes are also very expensive to repair or replace if they fail.

Guide cost to replace: £3,000

9. EGR valve

The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve helps to reduce your car’s air pollution by reducing nitrogen oxide (NO_x) emissions. It controls the flow of exhaust from the engine, mainly during acceleration, and can push some of the exhaust gases back into the engine to re-use them.

It’s a key bit of tech to help reduce overall pollution levels, but it’s another thing that can go wrong. If it fails, your car will start spewing out much higher levels of pollution, which will cause it to fail an MOT. It could also mean reduced performance, increased fuel consumption and stalling while idling.

Guide cost to replace: £450

10. Turbo

A turbocharger (turbo for short) is a fan that spins at very high speed to force more air and fuel into the cylinders of the engine. Depending on the type of car you have, this is used to either create more power from the engine, or to improve engine efficiency. The vast majority of new cars now have turbocharged engines for efficiency, although there is still a performance advantage as well.

Turbos spin at incredibly high speeds. Your engine will typically work at about 1,000 to 3,000 revolutions per minute (rpm). That’s 50 revolutions every second, which seems incredible. But a turbo can spin at more than 200,000 rpm, which is more than 3,000 revolutions every second. It’s mind-boggling. But working that hard means that if it breaks, it’s not going to be a minor failure and it is going to be expensive.

Guide cost to replace: £1,500

Is a used car warranty for you?

Any kind of warranty or insurance policy is a matter of balancing risk against reward. Some cars are inherently more reliable than others, although the risk of mechanical failure increases as any car gets older and covers more miles. Similarly, some mechanical failures are more expensive than others.

You could potentially drive for years, owning several different cars, without making a single warranty claim. On the other hand, you could end up with a hefty bill if something does eventually go wrong and you’re not covered.

At the bare minimum, you should spend a few minutes getting some warranty quotes for your car so you can make an informed decision. The cost of a used car warranty policy is likely to be less than the cost of any of the top ten car warranty claims listed above, so it’s very much worth considering.

Here at The Car Expert, we have some fantastic warranty offers for our readers provided by our commercial partners. If you’re interested in a used car warranty, you should check these out:

ALA Insurance provides used car warranties in conjunction with the RAC
MotorEasy offers warranties and many other types of cover for car owners
Warrantywise is a long-established and multi-award-winning warranty provider

More car warranty information

The UK’s best used car warranty providers

Independent vs. franchise dealerships – the pros and cons

Should my used car warranty be regulated?

What’s the difference? Car warranty vs. car insurance

Understanding your warranty policy

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

Additional reporting by Stuart Masson.

Suzuki Across

Andrew Charman

-

17 June 2021

0

Summary

When the European Union introduced new average CO₂ limits for car manufacturers, with stiff fines for each gram over, Suzuki was set to take a big hit. The simple answer, sign a deal with hybrid experts Toyota.

This has allowed the launch of the Suzuki Swace – basically a Toyota Corolla – and the Suzuki Across, the brand’s first plug-in hybrid but actually a Toyota RAV4 – The Sun describes the car as “unashamedly a copy-and-paste RAV4.”

Like all PHEVs the official eco figures of the Across (Ay-cross, not Ah-cross, Top Gear tells us) are flawed, but as reviewers point out mpg of 282 miles and CO₂of 22g/km is a boon for tax-strapped company car drivers. Particularly as Suzuki offers just one range-topping version of the Across with lots of equipment – but a price to match.

You can get a cheaper RAV4 hybrid in self-charging form, but with equipment taken into account the Suzuki is a slightly cheaper version of the top plug-in model, combining a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for 302hp. Also, the motor drives the rear axle, so you get all-wheel drive. And as Parkers highlights, the 46-mile electric only range is useful but not restrictive.

Differences between the Toyota and Suzuki? Very few, effectively a restyled grille and a badge, plus some slight variations in equipment levels. Reviewers add that the cabin is robust and functional, adding to the car’s potential appeal as a PHEV with proper off-road capabilities.

As of January 2025, the Suzuki Across currently holds a New Car Expert Rating of B with a score of 68%. That’s two points lower than its donor, the Toyota RAV4.

More Suzuki ratings, reviews, news and features

Across highlights

Excellent official eco figures
Toyota reliability and build
46-mile electric-only range
Swift acceleration and refined roadholding
Extensive specification

Across lowlights

Official mpg figures don’t equate to real life
Expensive range-topper model only
Low-rent interior finish
Toyota offers cheaper hybrid model
Less impressive warranty than Toyota

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Powertrain: petrol/electric plug-in hybrid
Price: From £45,599 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2020
Last updated: N/A
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: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Suzuki has used its relationship with Toyota to good advantage with the Across. It’s quick, well built, easy to live with and spacious. But we found the ride a bit too firm for us, while the forthcoming identical Toyota version will certainly beat it on warranty, if not price.”
Read review

Auto Trader+

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Suzuki Across delivers practicality and efficiency paired with a surprising turn of speed.”
Read review

Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Suzuki Across is a practical plug-in hybrid SUV with an impressive electric range.”
Read review

Carwow+

Model reviewed:
“Plug-in hybrid SUV based on the Toyota RAV4 offers super-low running costs with great performance.”
Read review

Company Car Today+

Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid
“The Suzuki Across is not a cheap option, but the running costs certainly stack up thanks largely to the excellent powertrain that offers an EV range figure of 46 miles.”
Read review

Eurekar+

Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid
“Despite its upright stance and brick-like aerodynamics plus four-wheel-drive, the Suzuki Across is a seriously rapid bit of kit. For example, it dispatches the 62mph benchmark sprint in six seconds, putting it on a par with the more nimble got hatches.”
Read review

Honest John+

Model reviewed: Range overview
“The Suzuki Across combines an 18.1kWh battery with a 134kW electric motor and 2.5-litre petrol engine, while it’s capable of covering up to 46 miles under electric power alone.”
Read review

Parkers+

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Suzuki Across offers low BIK and 46 miles of battery power.”
Read review

The Sun+

Model reviewed:
“If you’re a company car user, you’re quids in because CO2 emissions of just 22g/km mean you’ll pay only six per cent BiK.”
Read review

Top Gear+

Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“For a cost-conscious user-chooser company car customer, the Suzuki Across ticks the boxes. Lots of kit, easy-going gait, and low running costs: check.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

In theory, the Suzuki Across should carry a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP as it’s simply a rebadged Toyota RAV4, which scored a five-star rating back in 2019. However, Euro NCAP’s rating does not currently apply to the Across.

This may be an administrative delay, or it may be that Suzuki has not provided evidence to Euro NCAP to show that the changes made from the original RAV4 design would make no difference to its rating. If Euro NCAP issues a safety rating for the Across, we will publish the results here.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Suzuki Across has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP, and neither has the Toyota Corolla upon which it’s based.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of January 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Suzuki Across 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 Across, we’ll publish the score here.

Running cost rating

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

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	282 mpg	A	282 – 282 mpg	A – A

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	22 g/km	A	22 – 22 g/km	A – A

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	47 miles	D	47 – 47 miles	D – D

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	39	C	39 – 50	C – F

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£241	B
Year 2	£614	B
Year 3	£1,041	B
Year 4	£1,208	B
Year 5	£1,629	B
Overall	£4,733	B

The Suzuki Across 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.

Only available as a plug-in hybrid, the across looks great on paper when its comes to fuel consumption, but this is largely thanks to ridiculous EU/UK government lab tests that are completely inadequate for plug-in hybrids.

There is no way you will ever travel for 282 miles on a single gallon (4.5 litres) of fuel and some electricity. That said, the car is still pretty fuel efficient.

While the battery range of this plug-in hybrid isn’t very impressive when compared to most rivals, the car’s service and maintenance costs are cheaper than average, and insurance premiums are unlikely to throw up any expensive surprises.

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Suzuki Across, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Rival PHEV SUVs are not that plentiful and reviewers see many of those early-adopters of the surprisingly mass-selling Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV progressing to the Across. Obviously its Toyota donor, the RAV4, is a rival as well, while others could include the Ford Kuga PHEV.

More Suzuki ratings, reviews, news and features

More news, reviews and information about the Suzuki Across at The Car Expert

Everything you need to know about Suzuki

Suzuki Across test drive

Suzuki Across arrives with £46K starting price

Suzuki unveils new Across SUV

Buy a Suzuki Across

If you’re looking to buy a new or used Suzuki Across, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car.

Find your next used car with Motors. Find out more

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Lease a Suzuki Across

If you’re looking to lease a new Suzuki Across, 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 Carparison Leasing. Find out more

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

Subscribe to a Suzuki Across

If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)

Car subscriptions from DriveFuze.
Find out more

Car subscriptions from Wagonex.
Find out more

Car subscriptions from Cocoon.
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Smart EQ Forfour (2017 to 2022)

Andrew Charman

-

17 June 2021

0

Summary

The Smart EQ Forfour was effectively a four-door, four-seat version of the Smart EQ Fortwo. First launched as a petrol car in 2014, this electric model (initially known as the Forfour Electric Drive) joined the range in 2017.

This was the second generation of the Smart Forfour. The first one appeared in 2004 as a joint venture with Mitsubishi, and was a short-lived dismal failure. This second attempt was a joint venture with Renault, as part of a collaborative programme between Smart’s owner Daimler and Groupe Renault, and shared much of its DNA with the (now also discontinued) Renault Twingo.

As part of Smart’s switch to being an electric-only car company in 2019, the Smart Forfour Electric Drive was rebranded the Smart EQ Forfour as seen here.

On the face of it, the EQ Forfour was tempting for those wanting to embrace electric motoring. Prices started from under £20k even before you factored in a Government plug-in grant, which was relatively cheap for an electric car.

That was fine, reviewers pointed out, so long as you didn’t want to go very far – even with a facelift carried out in 2020 the car’s range between charges was quoted at 95 miles.

The car offered very little in the way of fast-charging either – using a public charger you could get to 80% battery capacity in around 40 minutes but the likely buyers would be those who travel not too far to and from work each day and can plug the car in overnight. A full recharge took around six hours on a wallbox at home – rivals offered much better options.

The Forfour was fun to drive around town, with brisk acceleration and smooth progress. It “feels very nippy when pulling away from traffic lights and junctions,” said Carbuyer. Fit and finish of the interior, and its space for occupants also earned some praise from the reviewers. But not for their luggage – the boot was very small.

No longer in production, the Smart EQ Forfour currently holds a Used Car Expert Rating of C with a score fo 63%.

More Smart ratings, reviews, news and features

EQ Forfour highlights

Affordable in EV terms
Smooth and refined around town
Swift getaway for nimble urban driving
Reasonable interior space

EQ Forfour lowlights

Very poor battery range
Little in fast-charge options
Tiny boot
Surpassed by newer rivals

Key specifications

Body style: Small hatchback
Powertrain: Electric motor, battery-powered
Price when new: From £19,795 on-road

Launched: Summer 2017
Last updated: Spring 2020
Discontinued: 2022

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: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Smart EQ ForFour is competitive with city cars from the Volkswagen Group. It also feels more charming yet substantial inside, and is more manoeuvrable. It’s hampered by a range, but based purely as an urban runaround, its low running costs mean it’s worth a look.
Read review

Auto Trader+

Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“The transition to pure electric power has been relatively straightforward for Smart, the ForFour’s mechanical layout perfectly accommodating the battery and motor where the fuel tank and petrol engine used to be. As such it retains the tiny on-road ‘footprint’ that makes the ForFour perfect for tight city streets, the rear seats meaning it’s also more practical than the ForTwo.” (Dan Trent)
Read review

Business Car+

Model reviewed: Forfour Electric Drive
Score: 7 / 10
“When the Smart Electric Drive was first launched it moved the electric game forwards considerably. The biggest problem with this new car is that the competition has caught up, and in some cases overtaken.”
Read review

Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6.6 / 10
“The Smart EQ ForFour is a stylish, fun electric car for the city but its range is relatively limited”
Read review

Carwow+

Score: 6 / 10
“The Smart EQ forfour has punchy electric power in town and is a great car for tight urban streets. Its alternatives are cheaper and more practical, however.”
Read review

Discover EV+

Model reviewed:
Score: 5 / 10
“The Smart EQ Forfour is great looking, nippy around town and comes with a good amount of kit. It feels fun to drive and, for some, it will be a desirable EV. The biggest kicker for us, though, is the price. A one-year-old Nissan Leaf can be had for the same money, whilst a two-year-old Leaf is half the price. We know where we’d put our money.
Read review

Driving Electric+

Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“The 2020 Smart EQ ForFour is electric-only and boasts refreshed looks, but it still falls behind rivals for practicality and range.”
Read review

Heycar+

Model reviewed:
Score: 5 / 10
“Smart is probably best-known for its diminutive Fortwo, a city car that is smaller than any other car currently on sale and designed with city life primarily in mind. The Forfour is a slightly bigger car spun off the same platform, this time offering four doors but the same unusual rear-engine, rear-drive layout designed to offer maximum interior space for a given footprint.”
Read review

Honest John+

“Smart’s EQ control app will provide key information on your smartphone, allowing you to control charging remotely and adjust climate control settings.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 4 stars
Date tested: December 2014
Date expired: January 2021
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 78%
Child protection: 77%
Vulnerable road users: 65%
Safety assist: 56%

No safety rating

The petrol Smart Forfour was tested by Euro NCAP back in 2014 and awarded a four-star rating, which was then extended to include the electric model in 2018. However, this rating expired in January and is no longer valid, as the EQ Forfour no longer meets the criteria for a four-star car in 2021.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Smart EQ Forfour has not been lab 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 EQ Forfour 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 May 2024, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Smart ForFour 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 ForFour, we’ll publish the score 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	74 miles	C	72 – 80 miles	C – C

Electrical efficiency	Average	Score	Variation	Score
EV models	5.1 m/KWh	A	4.4 – 5.6 m/KWh	A – B

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	15	A	2 – 17	A – A

The Smart Forfour is cheap to run on a daily basis, according to data exclusively provided by our partner Clear Vehicle Data. The car’s battery range is not that exceptional, but it is very efficient, and insurance costs are some of the cheapest around.

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Smart EQ Forfour, you might also be interested in these alternatives

More Smart ratings, reviews, news and features

Buy a Smart EQ Forfour

Looking for a new Smart EQ Forfour? The Car Expert’s partners have thousands of cars to choose from.

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Search for your next new or used car with Auto Trader. Find out more

Subscribe to a Smart EQ Forfour

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

Car subscriptions from Mycardirect.
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How to save money on GAP insurance

GAP insurance

Cat Dow

-

17 June 2021

0

If you’re in the market for a new set of wheels, whether it’s a used car or something brand-spanking new, you may also be in the market for GAP insurance.

Here at The Car Expert, we’ve pulled together some handy tips with help from our friends at ALA Insurance to make sure you can save money on your GAP insurance policy.

Just to recap: GAP insurance (Guaranteed Asset Protection) covers you for any shortfall on your car insurance payout if your car is stolen or written-off during the life of the policy.

Your car insurance policy pays out on the market value of the vehicle at the time of the incident, not the amount you paid for the car or how much you still owe the finance company. If you end up having to paying thousands of pounds to make up that difference, you’ll be left in a right pickle – without a car and a potentially massive debt.

Taking the stress out of that eventuality is GAP insurance, which will cover the extra needed after your motor policy has paid out. It can be particularly useful if you’ve taken finance to buy the car, since the car’s depreciation value could leave you well short of what you need to repay the finance company.

So how can you save money and get the best possible value from your GAP insurance policy?

1. Don’t buy from the dealership

A dealership is usually the first place most people hear about GAP insurance, and not coincidentally, it’s the place you’ll most definitely be quoted the dearest policy.

Changes in the law gives car buyers a couple of extra days to hunt out the best GAP insurance policy. So if you’ve found this article by researching exactly what GAP is and whether you should have it, congratulations! You’ve now discovered the gateway to a much cheaper and/or better GAP policy.

2. Consider buying a longer (or shorter) policy

As well as outrageously expensive, dealership GAP policies tend to be pretty rigid. It’s usually a one-size-fits-all policy, which may not suit your needs very well.

If you’re taking out a four-year car finance agreement, a three-year GAP policy means you won’t be covered for that last year, which is when the market value of your car is going to be at its lowest and GAP is potentially most valuable.

The reverse is also true: if you change your car every two years, why would you want to pay for a three-year GAP policy?

Specialist GAP insurance providers have a much wider range of offers than car dealers, so you’ve got a much better chance of finding a specific policy that covers exactly what you need (and nothing that you don’t) for the best possible price.

3. Scrutinise the terms and conditions

It’s a well-known fact that not all insurance policies are created equally. Here, we compare the different insurance providers for the general policy differences.

It matters if you’re a commercial vehicle driver, drive on the continent or outside the UK and how many miles your car has done when you’re taking the policy out.

Some GAP policies will have a cap on the maximum amount they pay out, so it’s important that you undertand exactly how much you’re covered for and how the payment process will work when you make a claim.

4. Can the policy be transferred?

So you’ve decided to purchase a GAP insurance policy for, let’s say, a four-year period. But what happens if your circumstances change 18 months later, and you have to sell your car and buy a new one?

Some insurers will allow you to transfer your GAP policy across to your next car. Not all providers do, so you should check this before taking out a policy, but this simple action could save you shelling out all over again.

More GAP insurance information

The UK’s best GAP insurance providers

Are you paying too much for GAP insurance?

Car finance jargon confuses UK drivers

Can you buy GAP insurance in 2024?

What is GAP insurance and should you have it?

Special offer: Save 10% on GAP insurance from ALA Insurance
Read more: GAP insurance information and advice at The Car Expert

Porsche Cayenne

Andrew Charman

-

17 June 2021

0

Summary

The original Porsche Cayenne SUV was first launched in 2002 and shocked many as Porsche in those days was only known for various versions of the 911 sports car – but very soon it was selling more Cayennes than anything else.

The third generation was launched in late 2017 before arriving in the UK in Spring 2018. It was a total redesign that includes a body that looks a bit more related to the 911. The Cayenne has maintained its popularity, Evo stating in 2021 “if you’ve got to go SUV, this is the one.” Many testers see the car as defining the premium SUV.

In 2019 the Cayenne range gained a coupe sister with a more rakish roofline. Some reviewers struggle to see the point of this version, while others rate it more highly than the original version. Also added in recent times have been hybrid models, again to mixed reviews, Auto Express finding such versions “hard to justify”, inferior to both Porsche’s combustion-engined and fully electric cars. Car also said, “If you value the U in SUV, steer clear of the coupé – even if it is a great steer.”

Cayenne engines are all petrol – diesel offerings were dropped with the third generation, as the Volkswagen Group continues to hope that you’ve all forgotten its Dieselgate disgrace. The three options are a 3.0-litre V6, a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 and a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, the first and last also available with hybrids. Power and resultant pace ranges from 340 to a remarkable 680hp.

Petrol models earn praise for their on-road refinement, typical of the comments “it’s not just good to drive for an SUV, it’s good to drive full stop.” But compared to their petrol siblings, the heavier hybrids feel more cumbersome.

The interior is adapted from the latest Panamera saloon and reviewers love its combination of technology and exceptional build. “The materials, quality and attention to detail are almost beyond reproach,” says Top Gear. Technology available impresses but choosing much of it adds quite a lot to the purchase bill.

The Porsche Cayenne range received a substantial mid-life update in the spring of 2023. The media reviews reflect a mix of pre-facelift and current cars.

As of January 2025, the Porsche Cayenne holds a New Car Expert Rating of E, with a score of 54%. Although it has received good review scores from motoring journalists, the Cayenne’s overall rating is let down by ownership scores. Its safety rating from Euro NCAP has now expired due to age, while its CO₂ emissions are only average (and that score is helped considerably by the plug-in hybrid models). Reliability and running costs are both poor, which further drags down the Used Car Rating from D to E.

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

Cayenne highlights

Exceptional build quality
Plenty of engine options
Petrol versions handle very well
Top-quality interior in design and equipment

Cayenne lowlights

Hybrid versions heavier and cumbersome
Coupe costs more for less practicality
Technology options add a lot of cost
There are better-looking rivals

Key specifications

Body style: Large SUV and Coupé SUV
Powertrain: petrol, petrol-electric hybrid
Price: From £70,400 on-road

Launched: Spring 2018
Last updated: Summer 2023
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.

The Car Expert+

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol/electric hybrid E-Hybrid Coupé
“The Porsche Cayenne Coupé is a stunning car to look at. The E-Hybrid itself is a mixed bag, though. The increased weight of the batteries numbs the driving experience somewhat, and while still impressing, driven back-to-back with a regular Cayenne Coupé you’ll soon feel the difference.”
Read review

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: 4.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid Cayenne Coupé Turbo E-Hybrid with GT Package
Score: 8 / 10
“What was previously the peak of the Porsche Cayenne range is still an undoubtedly impressive machine, but it’s also one that has lost its edge. Few cars at any price will deliver the performance and roadholding on show here, but the addition of a plug-in hybrid powertrain takes away from the experience more than it adds for the keen driver. If you want the sharpest Cayenne on sale, save yourself more than £50k and buy the GTS instead.”
Author: Alex Ingram
Read review

Model reviewed: SUV range
Score: 8 / 10
“After a sporty, premium large SUV? The Porsche Cayenne should fit the bill. It’s engaging to drive, offers impressive levels of comfort and refinement, plus its excellent build quality only adds to the upmarket feel. Throw in the kudos of the Porsche badge, and you have a prestige set of wheels that covers every base – including being able to put your family in it.”
Author: Max Adams, John McIlroy
Read review

Model reviewed: E-Hybrid (2023 facelift)
Score: 9 / 10
“With more electric range than its predecessor, solid but not stunning performance, greater comfort and yet also a sportier, more engaging drive, the latest Cayenne E-Hybrid should continue the nameplate’s legacy as a Porsche best-seller.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupe 2021
Score: 7 / 10
“As polished as the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupe is, the standard Cayennes are even sharper to drive, and those who care about the clean air or financial benefits of a PHEV are unlikely to be the same people willing to sink £125,000-plus into one of the fastest large SUVs on the market.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 4.0-litre petrol automatic GTS Coupé
Score: 9 / 10
“A huge SUV may seem an odd thing to recommend these days, but if you’re in the market for a non-electrified Porsche Cayenne, this is the one we’d go for. It has that great duality that you find in the best performance SUVs, being able to perform as a comfortable cruiser and an entertainer.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic V6 Coupe
Score: 6 / 10
“The base-spec Porsche Cayenne Coupe lacks character in a way the top-spec Turbo does not. It gets the same luxurious cabin, refined ride and sharp steering, but it feels heavy and short on sparkle. The Turbo offers a sense of occasion that cars such as this simply can’t do without.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Coupe 4.0 V8 Turbo
Score: 8 / 10
“It remains one of the sharpest SUVs on sale, and now comes in a package some customers will find impossible to resist.”
Read review

Auto Trader+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Porsche Cayenne has always been the car every manufacturer of large, luxury SUVs has tried to emulate. Lighter, leaner and faster, with a posher cabin that’s been stuffed with the latest driving, safety, and infotainment tech, the latest model has simply blown the opposition clean out of the water.”
Read review

Car+

Model reviewed: Turbo S E-Hybrid
Score: 8 / 10
“The V8 is good for 542bhp, the battery 14.1kWh and the e-motor 128bhp, giving an unholy combined output of 670bhp and 664lb ft.”
Read review

Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: SUV range
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The Porsche Cayenne offers the brand’s expected driving appeal, packaged as a practical, comfortable SUV.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 7.6 / 10
“The Porsche Cayenne Coupe is more stylish than the standard car but slightly less practical too.”
Read review

Model reviewed: E-Hybrid SUV
Score: 8.4 / 10
“The Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid is almost the perfect package for luxury SUV buyers who want performance as well as space, practicality and reasonable economy”
Read review

Carwow+

Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Porsche Cayenne Coupe is fantastic to drive, has a high-quality interior and a surprising amount of space and practicality. A standard Cayenne is cheaper and even more spacious, though.”
Read review

Model reviewed: SUV range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Porsche Cayenne offers powerful engines, keen handling and spacious, luxurious cabin. It’s five-seat only, though, you can’t have a diesel engine and Android Auto doesn’t feature.”
Read review

Discover EV+

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid
Score: 8.4 / 10
“With significantly enhanced performance and increased electric range, Porsche’s new hybrid Cayenne is no longer a compromise.”
Read review

Eurekar+

Model reviewed: 2.9-litre petrol automatic Cayenne S SUV
“On the road, the Porsche Cayenne S handles beautifully, especially when you slip it into sport mode, one of three options available, and adjust the suspension. There’s surprisingly little wallowing on corners and occupants as well protected from road, wind and engine noise intrusion.”
Read review

Evo+

Model reviewed: SUV range
Score: 8 / 10
“The third-generation Porsche Cayenne has the goods as an SUV, but talent is not spread evenly across the range.” (Jordan Katsianis)
Read review

Model reviewed: Turbo S E-Hybrid
Score: 6 / 10
“The Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid combines both the 4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine from the current Turbo model with a small electric motor and battery pack to create the most powerful Cayenne yet.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Coupe range review
Score: 8 / 10
“Two-ton ‘coupe’ SUVs are difficult to like, but there’s little faulting the Cayenne Coupe’s performance or dynamics.”
Read review

Honest John+

Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 10 / 10
“The Porsche Cayenne Coupe is great to drive and has a beautiful interior.”
Read review

Model reviewed: SUV range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Cayenne is arguably a bit too big for Britain’s congested city streets and narrow country lanes, but this hasn’t stopped it from being a huge success for Porsche. It helps that it’s brilliant to drive.”
Read review

Motoring Research+

Model reviewed: 4.0-litre petrol automatic Turbo GT
Score: 8 / 10
“The ultimate Porsche Cayenne and the fastest SUV around the Nurburgring, the new Turbo GT puts even the Lamborghini Urus in its place.”
Read review

Parkers+

Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 8.6 / 10
“One of the more successful coupe-shaped SUVs”
Read review

Model reviewed: SUV range
Score: 8.4 / 10
“Third-generation Porsche Cayenne SUV moves the game on”
Read review

The Sunday Times+

Model reviewed: E-Hybrid
Score: 8 / 10
“The ‘everything’ eco-Porsche … just don’t expect the taxman to care”
Read review

The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: Turbo GT
Score: 8 / 10
“If all you’re ever going to do is mooch around town, you might as well save your money and buy a normal Cayenne. But as these hyper-luxury performance SUVs go, the Turbo GT is one of the best.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol V6 automatic
Score: 6 / 10
“If you like this sort of thing, you’ll love the Porsche Cayenne Coupé. It does a better job of being a sports car and an SUV at the same time than any of its rivals – though it still does neither job as well as a dedicated example of each type of car, of course.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Turbo S E-Hybrid
Score: 6 / 10
“A mass of contradictions, the Turbo S E-Hybrid powers its way to the top of the Cayenne range with plug-in power, yet its towering performance robs it of some poise. There are more sensible options available, but sense rarely drives purchases like this, even ones where there’s a plug involved.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic Cayenne S
Score: 8 / 10
“What at first glance seems a subtle makeover for Porsche’s big SUV turns out to be a comprehensive revisit to the concept, with tangible improvements in terms of interior quality and refinement.”
Read review

Top Gear+

Model reviewed: SUV range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Porsche Cayenne remains the king of driver-friendly SUVs. A very complete machine.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

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

Adult protection: 95%
Child protection: 80%
Vulnerable road users: 73%
Safety assist: 62%

Notes on safety

The Porsche Cayenne was originally crash 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 Cayenne to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.

In addition, the Cayenne’s safety rating does not apply to the Cayenne Coupé. The Coupé version was launched more than a year after the original Cayenne SUV was tested, and the rating was not automatically extended. Either the Cayenne Coupé would have to be tested separately or Porsche would have to supply proof to Euro NCAP that shows the Coupé would behave identically to the original SUV in the same situations.

As of January 2024, it appears that neither of these things have happened. So while the Cayenne Coupé is probably just as safe as the Cayenne SUV, it hasn’t been confirmed.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of January 2025, the Porsche Cayenne has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

Given that we-re talking about a high-performance, petrol-engined SUV that weighs in excess of two tonnes before adding any passengers or luggage, it’s pretty safe to assume that it won’t be winning any environmental awards…

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 224
Average repair cost: £878.04
Last updated: January 2024

Reliability score

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

As of January 2024, the Porsche Cayenne has a poor reliability score of 42%, according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert from our commercial partner MotorEasy. This score applies to both the current model (2018 onwards) and previous-generation Cayennes.

Similarly, a report in August 2022 from warranty provider Warrantywise found the Cayenne to be the sixth least-reliable used car on sale up to ten years old.

More than a third of all reported problems with the Cayenne relate to electrical issues. Of more concern, nearly a quarter of all problems relate to engine issues, which have an average repair cost of more than £1,500. Gearbox faults are very expensive, at an average of £3,000 to fix, but these are relatively rare.

So if you own or are considering buying a used Porsche Cayenne, it’s certainly worth considering a used car warranty that covers all of the potential trouble spots shown in the charts above.

Running cost rating

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

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	283 g/km	D	259 – 319 g/km	D – D
Plug-in hybrid models	78 g/km	A	71 – 87 g/km	A – A

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	19 miles	E	19 – 19 miles	E – E

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	49	E	40 – 50	C – F

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£616	D
Year 2	£1,360	D
Year 3	£2,059	D
Year 4	£2,525	D
Year 5	£3,228	D
Overall	£9,788	D

Unsurprisingly, the Porsche Cayenne is a very expensive car to run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

We don’t currently have fuel consumption data, but CO₂ emissions are very poor (only the petrol models are shown here as the diesels were discontinued a few years ago). The plug-in hybrid stats look good on paper, but this is largely a function of misleading EU/UK government lab tests that make every plug-in hybrid look amazing.

Battery range on the plug-in hybrid is also poor, with a claimed 19 miles meaning you won’t get very far in real-world conditions – especially if you put your foot down more than a fraction. Even if you charge it every day, you’ll still run out of charge fairly quickly.

Finally, insurance and scheduled servicing costs for the Cayenne are very high, which is to be expected from a car this expensive and powerful.

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Porsche Cayenne, you might also be interested in these alternatives

More Porsche ratings, reviews, news and features

More news, reviews and information about the Porsche Cayenne at The Car Expert

Everything you need to know about Porsche

Range Rover named the UK’s most unreliable used car

Porsche Cayenne Coupé E-Hybrid test drive

Porsche Cayenne gains plug-in hybrid flagship

Porsche Cayenne Coupe to target BMW X6

Six SUV pioneers that blazed the trail for today

Porsche Cayenne plugs in to hybrid

Porsche ditches diesel

Frankfurt: Porsche Cayenne updates are mostly within

Buy a Porsche Cayenne

If you’re looking to buy a Porsche Cayenne, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car

Find your next used car with Motors. Find out more

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Find your next new or used car with Carwow. Find out more

Lease a Porsche Cayenne

If you’re looking to lease a new Porsche Cayenne, 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 Carparison Leasing. Find out more

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

Car subscriptions

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Shock survey a rude awakening for safety campaigners

Driving

Tom Johnston

-

17 June 2021

0

Shock survey a rude awakening for safety campaigners

Road safety leaders have been left feeling restless, after 10% motorists in a new survey admitted they have fallen asleep while driving.

With more than 40 million licence holders registered in the UK, this works out to four million drivers who have potentially nodded off behind the wheel.

And while drivers motorists said they had only dropped off momentarily the shock news, in a survey from independent road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, will set alarm bells ringing among road welfare campaigners.

Even the briefest lapse in concentration when driving can have devastating consequences: at 70mph, a car travels more than 100 feet every second.

Some motorists went further, to paint a worrying picture, as one in ten of those surveyed admitted to actually briefly closing their eyes because they were so tired. And more than half of drivers questioned said they were very concerned about fatigue when doing long distances. That equates to more than 20 million motorists who are worried about momentary driving dozes.

“Fatigue behind the wheel is a very serious problem, perhaps more concerning than previously thought,” says Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart director of policy & research.

“It is shocking to think a potential four million drivers have closed their eyes behind the wheel because they were so tired, even if it was just for a short time. The potential carnage that could result from even one accident doesn’t bear thinking about.”

Further results from the research highlighted that millions of drivers have succumbed to tiredness when driving, with one in ten admitting they had hit a rumble strip, while a further four in ten had turned down the heating, rolled down the windows or turned up the radio in a bid to keep them wide awake on the wide open road.

On a positive note, a quarter said they had pulled over to have a rest and a coffee.

“Driving a long distance needs pre-planning to ensure there are plenty of available rest places and to make sure there’s enough time to complete the journey if delays are encountered,” added Neil Greig.

“Never drive for longer than two hours without a break and take particular care if driving when you would normally be asleep. This is even more important as the country re-opens after the pandemic and not all facilities are available yet.

“Drivers can then concentrate on staying alert behind the wheel rather than staving off tiredness by trying to reach their end destination without adequate rest breaks.”

Mercedes-Benz EQC (2019 to 2023)

Andrew Charman

-

16 June 2021

0

Summary

Launched in 2019, the Mercedes-Benz EQC was the first ‘proper’ production EV of any sort from the three-pointed star brand. It was discontinued in 2023.

Reviewers pointed out that the car was a late arrival to a class already boasting the Audi Q8 e-tron, Jaguar I-Pace and Tesla Model X. But some, such as Honest John, dubbed the Mercedes “a worthy adversary to any of them.”

The EQC also lost out on practicality, being slightly smaller than its main rivals – opinions were divided over the rear-seat head and legroom, though most agreed the small rear door aperture didn’t make it easy to get into the car.

The interior enjoyed much praise – “it looks and feels a quality bit of kit” said the Sunday Times. Reviewers particularly liked the high-tech infotainment system, though its full capabilities were only available on higher-spec versions.

The EQC’s performance impressed. Each axle had its own electric motor, producing all-wheel-drive, total power of 408hp and a huge 760Nm of torque – 0-62mph time is a shade over five seconds. As well as being fast, the EQC was refined – “beautifully smooth” according to the Sunday Times though hard cornering highlighted its weight with notable body roll.

No longer on sale, the Mercedes-Benz EQC holds a Used Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 63%. Although it gets points for having no tailpipe emissions, it’s an expensive car to live with.

More Mercedes-Benz Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features

EQC highlights

Refined on-road comfort
Rapid performance
Stylish, well-designed interior
Impressive infotainment system

EQC lowlights

Innocuous exterior styling
Not exactly roomy, especially in rear
Less fun to drive than some rivals
Best infotainment functionality requires spending

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Powertrain: electric motor, battery-powered
Price when new: From £74,330 on-road

Launched: Summer 2019
Last updated: N/A
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.

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes EQC luxury SUV delivers good electric range and superb levels of comfort and refinement, but it’s expensive and a little uninspiring to drive.”
Read review

Car+

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz EQC isn’t as boldly innovative as a Jaguar i-Pace or Tesla Model X but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s a very good car. What’s more, it feels tailor-made for buyers keen to go electric but worried about the switchover.”
Read review

Car Keys+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“With its brilliant refinement, great performance and focus on quality, the Mercedes-Benz EQC is a well-rounded electric car that fits the bill nicely if you’re looking for something a little more premium.”
Read review

Carbuyer+

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes EQC gives EV buyers a luxurious and comfortable option that’s incredibly refined.”
Read review

Carwow+

Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes EQC is an upmarket electric car that’s very comfortable to drive and comes with a spacious, well-built cabin but alternative SUVs have greater ranges and bigger boots.”
Read review

Company Car Today+

Model reviewed: AMG Line Premium Plus
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The first EQ-branded model is a good one, and is another compelling argument for making the switch from internal combustion engine to electric power.”
Read review

Driving Electric+

Score: 6 / 10
“A decent all-round premium electric SUV, the Mercedes EQC has become overshadowed by more up-to-date arrivals in the class.”
Author: Richard Ingram
Read review

Evo+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz EQC feels fast-tracked and undercooked.”
Read review

Green Car Guide+

Score: 9 / 10
“The all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQC is excellent to drive, it looks good, it has a very upmarket interior and lots of space. It could just do with a bit more range…”
Read review

Heycar+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz EQC does a very solid job in every area, so it’s a good all-rounder. And, if tech is your thing, then it has the wow factor to steal your heart, and more importantly for Mercedes, your custom. Not quite one of the best electric cars, but well worth considering.”
Read review

Honest John+

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz EQC does a very solid job in every area, so it’s a good all-rounder. And, if tech is your thing, then it has the wow-factor to steal your heart, and more importantly for Mercedes, your custom. Well worth considering.”
Read review

Parkers+

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“Electric SUV with added lustre of the three-pointed star.”
Read review

The Sunday Times+

Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz EQC is refined, comfortable, solid and rapid, and surprisingly nimble for a lump of metal that weighs two and a half tons, too.”
Read review

The Telegraph+

Score: 8 / 10
“Basing its new battery-electric vehicle on an existing conventional chassis means this volt powered Merc SUV is heavy and occasionally lumbering, but it drives well, is very comfortable and is somehow more than the sum of its parts. Expensive and it’s not going to save the planet, but it’s a strong contender in this rarefied class of vehicles.”
Read review

Top Gear+

Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“Comfy, refined and reassuringly normal car-ish. But it’s also hamstrung by not being a bespoke EV.”
Read review

Which EV?+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.5 / 10
“The powerful motor and AWD give the Mercedes-Benz EQC fantastic acceleration from the lights and, in performance terms, it will keep pace with the Polestar 2. It’s slower than almost all Teslas but it’s faster than an Audi e-tron. Climbing in and out of the driver’s seat feels more awkward than for the e-tron, but the EQC’s boot is a better shape and the vehicle has much better battery life.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: September 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 96%
Child protection: 90%
Vulnerable road users: 75%
Safety assist: 75%

The Mercedes-Benz EQC gained a top five-star rating when tested by Euro NCAP in 2019, including scoring maximum points in the side-barrier impact test and the standard-fit active safety, including autonomous emergency braking praised for its response in a wide range of situations.

Eco rating

No eco rating

The Mercedes-Benz EQC was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

As of April 2024, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Mercedes-Benz EQC 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 EQC, we’ll publish the score 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	245 miles	B	244 – 255 miles	B – B

Electrical efficiency	Average	Score	Variation	Score
EV models	3.1 m/KWh	E	3 – 3.2 m/KWh	E – E

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	50	F	50 – 50	F – F

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£393	C
Year 2	£842	C
Year 3	£1,224	C
Year 4	£1,361	C
Year 5	£1,829	C
Overall	£5,649	C

The Mercedes-Benz EQC is not the most cost-effective electric vehicle you can buy, according to numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon in a petrol or diesel car) is poor compared to other EVs, meaning that you don’t go as far on a full battery charge as you’d expect.

Insurance costs are likely to be high, as the EQC is ranked in the top group as set by the UK’s insurance assessor, Thatcham Research. Servicing costs are average for a car of this price and sophistication, but other EVs will be cheaper.

The good news is that EVs currently don’t have to pay any road tax, so that will save you hundreds of pounds over a new petrol or diesel car for the first five years.

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Mercedes-Benz EQC, you might also be interested in these alternatives

More news, reviews and information about the Mercedes-Benz EQC at The Car Expert

Everything you need to know about Mercedes-Benz

Five electric cars perfect for family life

Electric Mercedes-Benz EQC to take on Tesla

Mercedes-Benz EQC pricing announced

Seven stars in latest round of crash tests

Paris show round-up – more of the new cars

Buy a Mercedes-Benz EQC

If you’re looking to buy a new or used Mercedes-Benz EQC, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car

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

Search for your next new or used car with Auto Trader. Find out more

Discover great deals available on both new and used cars. Find out more

Lease a Mercedes-Benz EQC

If you’re looking to lease a new Mercedes-Benz EQC, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal

Personal contract hire deals from Carparison Leasing. Find out more

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

Subscribe to a Mercedes-Benz EQC

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

Car subscriptions from Mycardirect.
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Car subscriptions from Cocoon.
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Lexus LC

Andrew Charman

-

15 June 2021

0

Summary

On sale as a coupé since 2017 and as a convertible since 2020, the Lexus LC has certainly made headlines. Top Gear describes the coupe as “the most outrageous thing to come from the maker of posh Toyotas since the LFA supercar in 2010.”

The LC was launched as a 2+2 coupe, very mildly refreshed in 2020 with a convertible joining the range at the same time.

There are two powertrain options for the coupé – the LC 500 as its name suggests boasts a 5.0-litre V8 of 464hp. Being a Lexus, the other option has to be a hybrid, and the LC 500h mates a 3.5-litre petrol engine to an electric motor for 359hp. Naturally this car is slower to 62mph, taking five seconds compared to the 4.7 of the V8. Currently, the convertible is only available with the petrol V8.

The Lexus LC is designed for those who want something different to the standard-bearing Porsche 911, though reviewers believe it rivals everything from the BMW 8 Series to the Aston Martin DB11.

Reviewers have been unanimously positive about the 5.0-litre LC 500, with Evo describing it as “a fantastic coupe”. The hybrid earns mixed reviews, however – Evo, once again, describing it as “not inherently bad, but more a calmer GT cruiser”. Top Gear calls the hybrid “clever but flawed” whereas the V8 offers lots of character and performance, with a much more effective automatic gearbox.

Testers also prefer the LC 500 V8’s handling, saying that the additional weight of the hybrid model, especially in top spec Luxury trim, makes it more cumbersome in corners.

The interior layout also earns praise – despite having very many buttons and switches. Reviewers like the way the driver’s surroundings are laid out, but add that the rear seats are effectively nothing more than luggage racks.

As of January 2025, the Lexus LC holds a New Car Expert Rating of D and a score of 57% – a rating hindered by expensive running costs.

More Lexus ratings, reviews, news and features

Lexus LC highlights

V8 offers exciting performance and handling
Suspension upgrades improve ride
Hybrid’s clever gearbox better than plain CVT
Hybrid good for urban stop-start drives
Complex interior well executed

Lexus LC lowlights

Indecisive auto gearbox on V8
Hybrid can’t match V8 for performance
Hybrid weight affects handling
Lots of interior buttons
Back seats only good for luggage storage

Key specifications

Body style: Large 2+2 coupé and convertible
Engines: petrol, petrol-electric hybrid
Price: From £98,960 on-road

Launched: Summer 2017
Last updated: Autumn 2020
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: LC 500 Convertible
Score: 9 / 10
“The Lexus LC 500 Convertible proves that as well as rock-solid reliability and an outstanding dealer network, Lexus has finally learned how to deliver a car that can stir emotions. That achievement might well mean that the LC Convertible has significance way beyond its sales figures.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 5.0-litre petrol automatic LC 500 Limited Edition
Score: 8 / 10
“The Lexus LC is overlooked as a two-door sports car. It may not have the Porsche 911’s precision, but its 5.0-litre V8 is one of the finest engines on the road, and the car looks like nothing else – especially in this Limited Edition spec.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 8 / 10
“Hi-tech Lexus luxury coupe piles on the style to take on the Mercedes SL and BMW 8 Series”
Read review

Auto Trader+

Model reviewed: 5.0-litre petrol automatic LC 500 coupé
Score: 8.6 / 10
“The Lexus LC is an eye-catching, beautifully made coupe that has different characters depending on which version you go for. The hybrid is a great cruiser but is not particularly engaging to drive. The V8 model, though, is a really solid touring sports car, with great performance and handling.”
Read review

Car+

Model reviewed: LC 500 Convertible
Score: 8 / 10
“Taken on its own merits, the Lexus LC Convertible is a wonderful achievement. It’s a Lexus worth getting excited about, with a glorious engine, stunning styling and all the hallmarks unique to Lexus ownership.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 5.0-litre petrol automatic LC 500 coupé
Score: 8 / 10
“By offering the hybrid LC 500h for the same money as the V8, Lexus is polarising its customers. The hybrid will appeal to early adopters and those who like the idea of a relatively environmentally friendly GT car that’ll cover serious mileage in comfort. The V8 is the better drive.”
Read review

Car Keys+

Model reviewed: 3.5-litre petrol/electric hybrid LC 500h coupé
Score: 8 / 10
“The Lexus LC 500h is a car that is hard not to love. It looks incredible, is exceptionally comfortable and would make a fantastic grand touring car. While those wanting a sportier drive are better suited with the V8, if you choose either we’re sure you won’t be disappointed.”
Read review

Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: LC 500 Convertible
Score: 8 / 10
“The Lexus LC Convertible is a cultured open-top tourer with a fantastic V8 engine”
Read review

Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Lexus LC isn’t the ultimate drivers’ car, but it is a powerful, comfortable and well-built GT.”
Read review

Carwow+

Model reviewed: LC 500 Convertible
Score: 9 / 10
“The Lexus LC Convertible is a gorgeous looking car, with a fabulous interior. It’s not the fastest convertible, though and the infotainment system isn’t at all easy to use.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Lexus LC’s styling is so jaw-dropping – and the V8 model’s performance is so invigorating – you may be willing to accept that it isn’t that practical, even for a coupe.”
Read review

Eurekar+

“The Lexus LC 500 Convertible Sport Plus is absolutely stunning.”
Read review

Evo+

Model reviewed: 5.0-litre petrol automatic LC 500 coupé
Score: 9 / 10
“Charismatic, challenging, distinctive and above all fun to drive, the Lexus LC 500 might be the most underrated new car on sale.”
Read review

Honest John+

Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 10 / 10
“where does the LC sit amongst the competition? Well for similar money you can get a BMW M6 or a Jaguar F-Type with the supercharged V6 engine. To be fair, you wouldn’t say no to either of those given the opportunity, but the LC just has that something extra that makes it feel that bit more special.”
Read review

Motors+

Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 8 / 10
“The LC is Lexus’s range-topping coupe, and it feels just that, with its stunning exterior design and high-quality and classy interior. Luxurious elements such as a standard glass roof and full leather interior cabin are also a key attraction to the cabin.”
Read review

Parkers+

Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 8.2 / 10
“High-tech four-seat GT looks like the future.”
Read review

The Sunday Times+

Model reviewed: LC 500 Convertible
“A ten-gear tornado that refines the art of overtaking.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
Read review

The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: LC Convertible
Score: 8 / 10
“This is an exquisite grand-tourer, backed up by the sanity of Lexus’s build quality and a fabulous warranty. It’s a pity more people who are in the market for such a thing won’t buy one. Frankly, they don’t know what they’re missing.”
Read review

Model reviewed: LC 500 coupé Limited Edition
Score: 8 / 10
“There are few cars that can turn heads quite as well; few that offer such a dramatic switch in character from laid-back grand tourer to whip-crack sports car. If you’re lucky enough to be in a position to buy a car like this, you may well want to pop into your Lexus dealer next time around.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 8 / 10
“In terms of styling, the Lexus LC has to be one of the most desirable GTs on sale today. If you can live with rear seats that are barely useable, and a boot smaller than you’d need for proper touring, it delivers a compelling level of performance, particularly with the V8 under the bonnet.”
Read review

Model reviewed: LC 500h coupé
Score: 8 / 10
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but under the skin this is an old-school GT; refined and comfortable, with good handling, but even greater comfort.”
Read review

Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 8 / 10
“Quite simply the Lexus LC is the boldest, most outrageous thing to come from the maker of posh Toyotas since they turned our knees to jelly with the LFA supercar in 2010.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

Being an £80K+ sports car with limited sales numbers, the Lexus LC has not been tested by safety body Euro NCAP. However, all versions boast a host of active safety features, including a pre-collision system with autonomous braking, radar-based cruise control and lane-keeping aids.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Lexus LC has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP. As yet, very few new cars have been tested for environmental impact by Green NCAP. Inevitably the testing programme was halted in early 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic, before resuming later in the year with an enhanced testing process.

We don’t expect the LC to be tested, but a 5.0-litre petrol V8 in a luxury sports coupé is unlikely to rate highly on any eco scale. The hybrid would perform better, but it’s still not going to rival a Toyota Yaris for green credentials…

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of January 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Lexus LC 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 LC, we’ll publish the score here.

Running cost rating

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

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	24 mpg	E	24 – 24 mpg	E – E
Hybrid models	35 mpg	D	35 – 35 mpg	D – D

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	269 g/km	D	262 – 275 g/km	D – D
Hybrid models	184 g/km	C	184 – 184 g/km	C – C

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	49	E	47 – 50	D – F

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£540	D
Year 2	£1,223	D
Year 3	£1,832	D
Year 4	£2,088	D
Year 5	£2,640	D
Overall	£8,323	D

Unsurprisingly, the Lexus LC is not just an expensive car to buy but also an expensive 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 for the 5.0-litre LC 500 is among the worst new cars in the UK, while the hybrid LC 500h is not massively better. Obviously, road tax will also be high as CO₂ emissions are very much linked to fuel consumption.

Insurance and servicing costs will also be very high, which is not surprising for a £100K sports car.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Lexus LC has received

2021

UK Car of the Year Awards – Best Open Top Car
Women’s World Car of the Year Awards – Best Luxury Car
Carwow Awards – Best Convertible

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Lexus LC, you might also be interested in these alternatives

More Lexus ratings, reviews, news and features

More news, reviews and information about the Lexus LC at The Car Expert

Everything you need to know about Lexus

Lexus announces pricing for updated LC models

Lexus LC upgraded for more comfort

Lexus LC Convertible heading for showrooms

The greatest cars from Stan Lee’s cinematic legacy

Buy a Lexus LC

If you’re looking to buy a new or used Lexus LC, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car.

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Lease a Lexus LC

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

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

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The complete guide to choosing your next BMW

Car buying advice

John Clark BMW

-

15 June 2021

0

This article is brought to you by

Walking into a BMW dealership feels rather like walking into a sweet shop as a child. Temptation everywhere you look, so much so that you couldn’t possibly choose just one!

With a tantalising range to suit anyone from family buyers to performance enthusiasts, you are sure to find the perfect BMW to suit you. Let’s have a look at the BMW range in more detail to find out which one you should pick.

1 Series

The 1 Series is the smallest model in the BMW range, and its current incarnation was launched in 2019. BMW has finally given in and made the new 1 Series front-wheel drive, freeing up interior space and improving practicality in the process.

There is a choice between two petrol versions, including the hot M135i which offers a blistering 306bhp from its 2.0-litre litre turbo unit to please the petrolheads among us, and the 1.5-litre 118i for those looking for something a little less dramatic.

Diesel buyers will enjoy a choice of three versions in the form of the 116d, 118d and 120d depending on your power and fuel economy needs.

2 Series

The BMW 2 Series is one of the more flexible models in the range, boasting a wide choice between a compact two- or four-door coupe, a convertible, a five- or seven-seat people carrier and even the breathtaking M2 coupe.

The 2 Series range is compact and adaptable to the needs of busy families who are looking for both practicality and good design – and even larger families who need seven seats can still travel in style. The interior is high quality, and with a wide choice of petrol and diesel engines, the 2 Series will be a versatile companion.

3 Series

Picture a BMW in your mind, and the ubiquitous 3 Series is likely to pop into your head first. One of BMW’s most popular models for families, fleet drivers and car enthusiasts alike, the 3 Series is offered in either saloon or Touring estate versions.

A brace of petrol and diesel versions, the fuel-sipping 330e hybrid and the iconic M3 performance model, make this luxury saloon a great choice for almost any buyer.

If you’re looking for a more assertive looking 3 Series, the popular M Sport versions feature sporty touches, including larger wheels, a bodykit, M badging and sports seats to make it feel more like the M3 flagship.

4 Series

Once upon a time, the BMW 3 Series range included coupe and convertible versions, but in more recent years this has evolved into the 4 Series, which offers a 2-door coupe or convertible, or the increasingly popular 4 door Gran Coupe version.

The Gran Coupe offers a large opening rear hatch for surprising practicality, while having a lower and smoother profile, to set it apart from its more traditionally-shaped 3 Series sibling.

As with the 3 Series, look out for M Sport models to really give the 4 Series some style, or indeed the M4 if you’re looking for the ultimate performance car experience.

5 Series

Much like its smaller 3 Series sibling, the BMW 5 Series is a perfectly balanced, practical, luxurious yet sporting car, and is loved by family buyers, keen drivers and fleet managers alike. It is available as a spacious saloon or a cavernous Touring estate, with a choice of petrol, diesel or hybrid versions to suit your driving needs.

M Sport versions add extra styling touches to give you a taste of the M5 super saloon. The 5 Series will swallow your family and luggage and eat motorway miles for breakfast.

7 Series

BMW’s iconic luxury powerhouse lives on in the shape of the latest 7 Series, which offers short and long-wheelbase versions and a range of engines to offer effortless cruising in style and sophistication.

There are few cars that can match the special feeling of climbing aboard the BMW 7 Series, either as a driver or rear seat passenger.

8 Series

For 7 Series luxury in a svelte grand tourer package, look no further than the BMW 8 Series, which is the ultimate large cruiser and is available in either 2-door coupe or convertible versions, or the 4-door Gran Coupe.

Powerful petrol and diesel engine choices ensure effortless and satisfying progress out on the open road.

Check the latest offers on a new BMW 8 Series

Z4

The Z4 two-seater roadster is a beauty to behold with its hardtop roof either up or down. Offered with a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine delivering a brisk 197bhp to the rear wheels, you are guaranteed an enjoyable and thrilling drive on the open roads, made even more intoxicating when the roof is down on a nice day.

SUVs

BMW hasn’t missed the trend of SUV travel and has answered the call with a raft of SUVs, perfectly sized for everyone.

The X1 is the smallest but is still a practical and attractive car, and has been designed to look like its bigger brothers. The X3 has moved upmarket in recent years and is now a luxurious but assertively sporty looking lifestyle SUV. It also provides the platform for the new all-electric iX3.

The X5 is an imposing luxury car and has retained a significant market share ever since its launch at the turn of the century. If that isn’t enough, the behemoth X7 is the SUV equivalent of the 7 Series, offering unmatched interior space and opulence.

Electric

In the knowledge that governments want to phase out internal combustion engines, BMW has invested heavily in electric technology, which began with the quirky and futuristic i3. Its compact footprint and decent range make the i3 a great choice for city dwellers and commuters.

As well as offering hybrid tech on many of its models, BMW is now expanding the range of electric cars with the iX3, i4 and the iX. Expect to see a rapid expansion of BMW’s electric selection in the coming years.

Buy or reserve an Approved Used BMW i3 online

More BMW features, ratings, news and reviews at The Car Expert

How Covid-19 lockdowns boosted demand for new car leasing

Car leasing advice

Carparison

-

11 June 2021

0

How Covid-19 lockdowns boosted demand for new car leasing

This article is brought to you by

The Covid-19 pandemic sent shockwaves through the automotive industry and has fundamentally changed the way consumers are searching for their next car.

National lockdowns and restrictions forced local dealerships to close their doors as the world transitioned into an online bubble. With customers only able to do their car searches from home, there has been a noticeable rise in consumer confidence when leasing their new cars online.

As the industry adjusts to this ‘new normal’, customers have benefitted from a simplified approach to leasing their cars through an online business. Carparison’s best car lease deals give customers the flexibility to search and compare millions of lease deals and have the very latest models delivered straight to their door.

Andy Tomlinson, transaction manager at Carparison, says he has seen a noticeable change in consumer habits since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic: “With traditional dealerships shutting their doors during lockdown, customers love the ability to have a new car delivered to their homes without having to go anywhere – it’s a much simpler process.

“We’re noticing that customers are adapting to a new way of life. So many of us are no longer commuting into the office every day. We’re driving less and people are realising they can choose lower mileage terms or even manage with a smaller car.

“Buying a car online used to be something of a taboo, but we provide the same level of expertise and service as our dealership counterparts. One of the biggest changes we’ve noticed is that people are no longer scared of buying online and the consumer attitude is very much about getting the best price.”

Spending time at home has also given drivers the chance to reflect on exactly what they drive, with more and more motorists becoming environmentally aware. Since the Covid-19 pandemic began, there has been an increasing number of customers taking out an electric car lease deal.

When lockdown first hit the United Kingdom, businesses were forced to quickly adapt and become Covid-compliant. To do so, many industries required their workforces to work from home to continue operating.

For many, the ability to work from home has been a resounding success and it is a practice we expect to see continue for the foreseeable future. For the consumer, this means fewer daily miles with the everyday commute into the office no longer a necessity.

With the flexibility to choose lower mileage lease terms or even downsize their car completely, customers can create a more cost-effective monthly payment. Finding the right car lease deal at the best price has never been more important after such a turbulent period.

As more business is being carried out online, there has never been a more important time to really trust the people you’re leasing from.

Recent reviews and testimonials from fellow customers are a fantastic way to get a greater understanding of the service you’re about to receive.

If you’re looking to lease your next car, contact Carparison’s leasing experts at www.carparisonleasing.co.uk.

Carparison is an Appointed Representative of Product Partnerships Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. This ensures you’ll enjoy a professional and efficient service by a team of trained professionals.

Kia Sportage to go Euro-specific for first time

New model

Andrew Charman

-

9 June 2021

0

Kia Sportage to go Euro-specific for first time

Kia has unveiled the look of the fifth-generation Sportage SUV, and revealed that the new model will include the first version specifically designed for Europe.

The official pictures of the latest Sportage show the global version – details of the European-pitched variant, the first in the 28 years the model has been on sale, will be revealed in September but the car is expected to be close to the version already unveiled.

The new visual treatment is closely related to the recently unveiled Kia EV 6 flagship electric car – the Sportage is the second model to be created under the Korean brand’s latest ‘Opposites United’ styling language. Signature elements include the large boomerang-style headlamps pointing sharply into the central grille area, a recessed bonnet and a large spoiler atop the rear screen.

The cabin of the new Sportage is equally striking, built around a panoramic curved display panel – Kia dubs the car’s interior ‘bold but sophisticated.’ Features include a slim touchscreen pad and integrated controller for the driver.

Kia will also offer an even bolder version of the Sportage for the first time. Dubbed the X-Line, it will be fitted with a bespoke bumper and side sills, together with a curved roof rack. Inside buyers will have a choice of two striking trim finishes.

“Reinventing the Sportage gave our talented design teams a tremendous opportunity to do something new; to take inspiration from the recent brand relaunch and introduction of EV6 to inspire customers through modern and innovative SUV design,” said Kia’s design head Karim Habib.

No mechanical details of the new Sportage have yet been revealed but industry sources suggest the car will follow the example of sister brand Hyundai’s Tucson. This has a powertrain line-up based around a 1.6-litre petrol engine, with mild, full and plug-in hybrid options all in the range. The car is expected on sale at the end of 2021.

Ford Galaxy (2015 to 2024)

Andrew Charman

-

6 June 2021

0

Summary

The Ford Galaxy was a large seven-seat people carrier, which was sold in the UK from 2015 to 2024. This was the third and final generation for the Galaxy model, not replaced after production ended due to falling demand for MPV-style vehicles.

Large seven-seat people carriers have largely been superseded by SUVs, but the Galaxy soldiered on long after most similar vehicles had been retired, with strong loyalty from large families and commercial users such as airport transfer operators.

Several powertrain options were offered over the decade-long production run, with petrol, diesel and hybrid versions. There was even an all-wheel-drive model available. Reviews tended to favour the diesel engine with an auto gearbox for smooth progress with no hassle.

Ford cars are usually praised for their chassis and the Galaxy maintained this trend, built on the underpinnings of the Mondeo. Most reviewers praised both the ride quality and handling, finding it surprisingly agile for something so big. Parkers commented: “This is an MPV which can seat seven comfortably without resorting to commercial vehicle handling or refinement.”

The space and flexibility of the interior also scored with the testers – the Titanium trim level ticked most boxes, especially with a ‘Family Pack’ option which featured electric folding of the big seats.

Ford kept pace with evolving technology over the Galaxy’s production run, with regular upgrades in terms of infotainment and such. However, most reviewers tended to compare the Galaxy with its slightly smaller sibling, the Ford S-Max, and sided with the smaller MPV as a better-value option that was more engaging to drive. They also highlighted the Galaxy’s image, wondering if private owners really wanted to look as if they were doing an airport taxi run…

As of February 2025, the Ford Galaxy has a Used Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 58%. Despite positive media reviews and low CO₂ emissions, the Galaxy scores poorly for reliability and is only average on running costs, which are weighted more heavily in our used car ratings.

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

Galaxy highlights

Full seven-seat space
Flexible interior with slide and fold seats
Drives well for its size
Upright driving position

Galaxy lowlights

Despite upgrades, design dated
Expensive to buy
Not as dynamic as Ford S-Max
Personality of an airport taxi

Key specifications

Body style: Large seven-seat MPV
Engines: diesel, petrol-electric hybrid
Price when new: From £40,725 on-road

Launched: Summer 2015
Last updated: Spring 2021
Ended production: Spring 2024

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: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Ford Galaxy offers acres of space for seven, and loads of tech on top models.”
Read review

Model reviewed: All-wheel drive
Score: 6 / 10
“Very few cars in this class have four-wheel drive, so the Galaxy fills a niche where Ford clearly sees potential – but for most people we’d recommend the standard front-wheel-drive model, and we’d push those who do want to head off-road in the direction of a Land Rover Discovery Sport.”
Read review

Auto Trader+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Take our advice and ignore the slightly tarnished taxi airport run image, because the Ford Galaxy is one of the best full-sized seven-seat MPVs money can buy. Although it’s a big old bus, it never feels like it from behind the wheel.”
Read review

Business Car+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel manual
Score: 8 / 10
“At the right points in the range, the Galaxy is hard to beat if you need the largest of MPVs.”
Read review

Car+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel manual
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mk3 Ford Galaxy is an impressively well-executed large people carrier. It’s seriously spacious inside, even in the third row, there are acres of cubby storage, and it handles far more tidily than a people carrier of this size really should.”
Read review

Car Keys+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“You will have to pay a premium to have the Ford Galaxy on your driveway, even more than the prestige-badged Volkswagen Sharan in fact. But whereas most of its competition merely ticks boxes, the Galaxy goes above and beyond and offers a plethora of features that really make it stand out.”
Read review

Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The Ford Galaxy is a seriously practical MPV that finds favour with families and chauffeurs and drives well.”
Read review

Carwow+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Ford Galaxy isn’t the most exciting seven-seater out there, but it’s affordable, very practical and even pretty good to drive.”
Read review

Daily Mirror+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel manual Titanium
“The Ford Galaxy is expensive and as the sales figures show, not popular with the private punter. However, if the money doesn’t put you off and you’ve never fallen out of love with the MPV concept, the Galaxy is one of the best people carriers out there.”
Read review

Eurekar+

Model reviewed: Range overview
“Admittedly, it’s not going to be on every motorist’s wish-list, but for anyone looking for an accomplished people mover that still offers plenty of techno treats and creature comforts along the way, the Ford Galaxy has proved its years of experience really do count.”
Read review

Fleetworld+

Model reviewed: Range overview
“A backbone of business travel in the UK, the Ford Galaxy is perfectly tailored to a segment defined by practicality and comfort, and hard to beat.”
Read review

Heycar+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Judged on being a seven-seater, the Ford Galaxy would get close to top marks. The flexible seating arrangement is superb, while there’s enough space for seven adults to sit in comfort. It’s also reasonably good to drive, with enough toys to make life as a ‘mum or dad taxi driver’ a more pleasurable experience.”
Read review

Motors+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Ford Galaxy is truly one of the best driving MPVs currently on sale. For such a tall car, it handles corners extremely well and feels really quite agile. With regards to the ride, it’s very smooth. Bumps are dealt with well — the suspension absorbs even the harshest of uneven road surfaces fantastically.”
Read review

Parkers+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Class-leading, but increasingly in a class of its own.”
Read review

Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“A big step up from the old one, but still overshadowed by the brilliant S-Max. The Ford MPV to have if absolute space is all. if it’s not, then eyes left…”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: September 2015
Date expired: January 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 87%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 79%
Safety assist: 71%

Notes on safety rating

The Ford Galaxy was originally tested by Euro NCAP back in 2015 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2022 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 Galaxy 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

No eco rating

The Ford Galaxy was not tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 251
Average repair cost: £894.63
Last updated: October 2024

Reliability score

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

The Ford Galaxy has a poor reliability score of just 26% as of October 2024 (our most recent data point), according to exclusive workshop and warranty data provided by our partner, MotorEasy.

In addition, the average repair bill to data is almost £900, which is a lot more than the cost of a used car warranty. Certainly worth keeping in mind if you own a Galaxy or are looking at buying a used one.

The problems are spread across all car systems. Most concerning is that many claims relate to gearbox problems, which have an average repair bill of almost £2,700.

Given the below-average reliability score and potentially expensive bills, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase for a Ford Galaxy covers all of these potential problem areas. Also worth remembering is that many warranties are for personal use of a vehicle only, so if you’re running a Galaxy for your business (and, let’s face it, most of them are used as taxis), make sure you have a warranty that covers business use.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Ford Galaxy has received

2015

Scottish Car of the Year Awards – Best MPV

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Ford Galaxy, you might also be interested in these alternatives

More Ford ratings, reviews, news and features

Buy a Ford Galaxy

If you’re looking to buy a used Ford Galaxy, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car

Find your next used car with Motors. Find out more

Find your next new or used car with Auto Trader. Find out more

Find your next new or used car with Carwow. Find out more

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