Mini has teased its new John Cooper Works GP model at the famous Nurburgring 24-hour race.
The more hardcore version of the popular hot hatch has not yet been revealed in full production trim but a camouflaged version was displayed at the ‘Green Hell’ over the weekend, covered in track layouts of famous race circuits from around the world.
The firm revealed that the car is lapping the iconic circuit about 30 seconds quicker than its predecessor. With the previous model setting a lap time of 8m 23s, that means the new car has broken the eight-minute barrier before full testing has even been completed.
Full specifications for the car are yet to be revealed, but Mini says the car will have more than 300hp from its 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine, as well as light alloy wheels, large air intakes and bespoke suspension. Other upgrades visible on the prototype include an aggressive wide-arch body kit and a prominent rear spoiler.
The GP model is a more focused track-orientated version of the JCW hot hatch, inspired by the Mini Challenge race car. The previous generation model had stickier tyres, adjustable suspension, functional aerodynamics, uprated brakes and deleted rear seats to save weight.
The full Mini John Cooper Works GP production model is due to be revealed later this year, with deliveries scheduled for 2020. Just 3,000 units are slated for production.
What is it? The Peugeot 508 SW is the estate version of the French brand’s latest large family car.
Key features Striking design, practical boot space, quality interior
Our view The Peugeot 508 SW matches its Fastback sister as a car to turn the heads of those who have always bought premium estates, especially in the fleet market.
Peugeot has managed to maintain striking visuals in the more practical estate body shape, and overall the car is well built with generally efficient engines and plenty of technology.
Similar cars Audi A4 | BMW 3 Series | Ford Mondeo | Kia Optima | Mazda 6 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Skoda Superb | Vauxhall Insignia | Volkswagen Passat | Volvo V60
When Peugeot launched the latest version of its 508 onto a sceptical British market in October 2018, we were presented with a car both pitched and priced against premium market names from the likes of Audi and BMW.
This was a bold aim, as the previous 508 was a thoroughly
forgettable car, but the new one delivered in most areas. It brimmed with tech,
it was generally well put together, and with its fastback-style exterior shape
it looked the part.
Now with the 508 SW, Peugeot seeks to use a similar formula to tackle the upmarket models that form the bedrock of the motorway mile-crunching fleet market – estates.
Like the saloon, the new estate is built on PSA Group’s latest EMP2 platform. The important result of this is a 70kg weight saving compared to its predecessor. New engines promise better economy and emissions with no compromise in performance, while the cabin is packed with the latest technology including the much-feted i-Cockpit digital display.
Potential buyers will first be drawn to the 508 by its looks and the SW apes the saloon in this respect. It’s low, at 1.42 metres standing less than 2cm above the fastback, and is a mere 4cm longer – both versions of the modern 508 being distinctly more compact than their predecessors.
It’s difficult to make an estate look as attractive as a
fastback saloon but Peugeot does a pretty good job. Most notable in the
exterior profile is the roof slope, downwards towards the tailgate, which gives
the car a very attractive presence but suggests rear-seat headroom may be
tight. However, appearances can be deceptive…
Visually, the Peugeot 508 SW certainly fulfils the brief – it looks nothing like the many, very many, German rivals on UK roads.
Buying and owning the Peugeot 508 SW
The 508 SW is of course closely related to its saloon sister
and this is reflected in the model line-up. Again we have 14 different versions
across four engines, and again the fleet-driver aim of the car means that
bucking the trend of today’s overall market, diesel buyers have more choice
than those that prefer petrol.
Both petrol engines are based around two recently launched units dubbed PureTech and of 1.6-litres, with either 180hp or 225hp. You can’t have a petrol engine in entry-level Active trim, and you can’t have a manual gearbox – all versions use an eight-speed automatic transmission, which admittedly allows manual shifts if you are that way inclined.
Diesel options range across a 1.5-litre BlueHDi unit with 130hp, and 2.0-litre versions with either 160 or 180hp. The smallest oil burner can be had with a six-speed manual transmission instead of the automatic, and across the first three of the five trim levels.
The five trims are dubbed Active, Allure, GT Line, GT and
First Edition, and yes range-topping First Edition is supposed to only be sold
for a limited period.
Prices start from £26,845 for an Active model with a diesel and manual gearbox, and quite a bit of tech even at this level. For starters, the i-Cockpit is standard on all 508 models, fastback or estate. Basically, this is a 12-inch digital display ahead of the driver that can be configured to individual preferences – big or small dials, navigation displays or other info in the middle, orange or blue backgrounds and the like. It is rather absorbing…
Dual-zone climate control, auto wipers and headlamps, rear parking sensors, electric driver’s seat adjustment and Connected 3D navigation are all included, though you likely won’t use the latter as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Mirrorlink smartphone compatibility is also part of the package allowing easy use of the likes of Google Maps with its free traffic announcements and such.
Like the fastback, the safety specification of the 508 SW is impressive and easily earning a top five-star Euro NCAP crash-test rating. Thatcham Research also rated the Peugeot 508 range as one of the ten safest new cars for 2019. Active safety measures include auto emergency braking, a distance alert, lane keeping and road edge detectors.
Inside the Peugeot 508 SW
Remember that sloping roof? Well the 508 SW is somewhat tardis-like because tall adults sitting in the back will be cosy, but not exactly scraping their head on the ceiling.
More important perhaps in an estate is boot space, and here the 508 can beat its premium rivals, but not some mainstream opposition it still needs to compete against. With all seats in place there are 530 litres on offer, and this increases to 1780 litres with the rear seats folded down.
These capacities are respectively 25 and 270 more than the Audi A4 Avant, and they beat the BMW by 35 and 280. But the Volkswagen Passat Estate offers 650 litres with seats up (matching the Peugeot for space with seats folded) while the Skoda Superb Estate beats all comers with a gargantuan 660 litres, extending to 1,950 litres in two-seater form.
However the Peugeot’s space is rather practical. The loading
lip is low, and the boot aperture wide with minimal intrusion from such
irritations as wheelarches. And with the seats folded you get a pleasingly flat
floor.
We praised the fit and finish of the fastback and of course
the estate matches it – the surfaces are of high quality, especially if you
choose the expected big-selling GT Line variants with such niceties as a
leather effect on the steering wheel and the seats, with double-stitching too.
The minor irritations also remain, however. It takes a while
to become accustomed to the combination of a small diameter steering wheel,
which has to be set rather low to see the displays on the i-Cockpit, and the
equally compact gear lever. And while the centre console works well, the row of
horizontal switches below the infotainment screen is attractive to look at but
not quite so user-friendly.
Driving the Peugeot 508 SW
The 508’s driving position is generally good for visibility
in all the important areas, though it’s not that comfortable and as mentioned
the steering wheel position is odd, lower than many will like due to its
compact dimensions.
On the launch event The Car Expert was able to drive
cars fitted with the most powerful engines – the 225hp petrol and the 180hp
diesel, both in top specification GT trim (discounting the limited run First
Edition).
We are told the petrol engine is new and it is smooth enough while fairly swift, hustling this car through 62mph in 7.4 seconds. But the gearbox certainly likes to keep the driver guessing – sometimes it will let the revs climb into higher figures before intervening, at others being rather too keen to explore all of its eight speeds.
Most buyers in the target market will likely choose diesel
and while the lower-powered variants will take more sales, the 2-litre 180hp is
a generally impressive piece of kit. The 8.4-second 0-62mph time is obviously
in the top petrol version’s shadow, but the diesel counters by going almost 10
miles further on very gallon. Mind you the CO2 emissions rating is
only around 5g/km better than the petrol range-topper.
The 508 SW is not a car to drive over enthusiastically. You
don’t get enough feel through the steering wheel to encourage enthusiastic
cornering, but of course such scenarios are not its natural environment.
Cruising mile upon mile of motorway, the 508 SW will reward
with a comfortable, cossetting ride and a highly refined, one could say hushed
audio note, whether petrol or diesel powered and all the better to enjoy the
more upmarket audio system in our GT versions.
Summary
The Peugeot 508 SW virtually matches the conclusions we reached after driving its fastback sister. Firstly, and crucially for Peugeot, it looks and acts like a more premium car than mass-market rivals from the likes of Volkswagen, which does make it a viable consideration for those buyers fed up with choosing Audis, BMWs or Jaguars.
The Peugeot 508 range (covering both fastback and estate) currently has an Expert rating of 76% on The Car Expert’s unique New Car Ratings system, based on more than 20 different reviews from the UK’s leading automotive websites. This is slightly above average but not quite on the same level as some of its more premium rivals.
The car launches into a market steadily being decimated by crossovers but is a more satisfying drive than any of those higher-slung contenders. And with Peugeot continuing to focus very heavily on keeping residual values high, it will certainly appeal to both fleet drivers and their managers.
The BMW X3 is a mid-size SUV/crossover, and this is the former third-generation model, which launched in 2017. It was replaced by the fourth-generation X3 in late 2024.
The X3 received positive reviews from the UK motoring media, ranging from good to outstanding. It received particular praise for its driving dynamics and high-quality interior. The main criticisms were directed at the relatively poor standard equipment list, with many features only available as expensive options.
An electric version of the BMW X3, called the iX3, joined the range in the UK in Summer 2021. We have a separate page for that car here. A facelifted X3 range arrived in the UK in the Autumn of 2021, which features lightly revised styling and more standard equipment.
No longer on sale, the third-generation BMW X3 holds a Used Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 62%. It scores well for CO2 emissions and media reviews, but its Euro NCAP safety rating has now expired due to age and it’s expensive to live with.
Body style: Medium SUV/crossover Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid Price when new: From £48,005 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2017 Last updated: Autumn 2021 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
Score: 8.2 / 10 “The X3 ticks so many boxes that one might wonder why it isn’t more feted. Perhaps it remains an under-the-radar success because it does just about everything right, and simply becomes a part of the owner’s daily life.” Read review
Auto Express
Score: 8 / 10 “The latest version of the BMW X3 improves refinement, ride quality and style. Cutting-edge technology marks it out as one of the best in the business in this area, too.” Read review
Model reviewed: xDrive30e 2020 Score: 8 / 10 “The BMW X3 xDrive30e plug-in petrol SUV offers potentially huge savings in running costs and maintains the typical X3 strengths of comfort, build quality and tech.” Read review
Model reviewed: Range review Score: 8 / 10 “The latest version brings new levels of refinement, ride quality and style, as well as a raft of new technologies that return the model to the ranks of the market leaders.” Read review
Model reviewed: M Competition Score: 7 / 10 “This new X3 M Competition is what you’d expect, given its target audience, blending a user-friendly all-wheel-drive system with steering and suspension that do well to disguise the heft.” Read review
Model reviewed: xDrive30e plug-in hybrid Score: 8 / 10 “The xDrive 30e will no doubt appeal to SUV buyers currently unable to commit to an electric car. It looks and drives like an X3, and that’s no bad thing at all.” Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The X3 sits in the middle of the incredibly competitive mid-size SUV sector and BMW has gone all-out to make it a true premium player. As such it’s packed with the latest technology, spacious, luxurious and available with a wide range of engines.” Read review
Car
Model reviewed: M Competition Score: 8 / 10 “That engine is a real treat, though – generating huge power throughout the rev range and doing so in a linear, boost-free way that feels distinctly un-turbocharged.” Read review
Model reviewed: M Competition Score: 8 / 10 “Displacing three litres and boosted by two independent monoscroll turbochargers the X3M produces 503bhp and 443lb ft of torque in Competition specification.” Read review
Model reviewed: 20d M Sport Score: 8 / 10 “For those who want an SUV, and want one that’s good to drive and offers great practicality – and more off-roading ability than you’ll ever need –the new BMW X3 is a fine choice.” Read review
Model reviewed: (range review) Score: 8 / 10 “The BMW X3 is a great all-rounder. It offers space, versatility, refinement and engaging driving dynamics, so much so that X5 owners might be tempted to downsize.” Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed: 2021 Score: 8 / 10 “When it comes to driving enjoyment the BMW X3 remains right at the top of the segment, while a classy interior and a still-stylish design helps matters. Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: (range review) Score: 8 / 10 “The latest BMW X3 blends comfort, technology and real driver appeal in a very well rounded package.” (Richard Ingram) Read review
Model reviewed: M Competition Score: 7.2 / 10 “The BMW X3 M Competition is a fast, practical SUV with a great engine but the ride is firm.” Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 9 / 10 “The BMW X3 is a comfortable and roomy family car that’s easy to drive and comfortable. Sadly, some advanced safety kit and high-tech infotainment features cost extra.” Read review
Company Car Today
Model reviewed: Plug-in hybrid xDrive 30e M Sport “Despite the compromised boot design, the BMW X3 xDrive30e is still ahead of its competition for space, range, fun and tax band.” Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 20d M Sport Score: 8.2 / 10 “A car with few weaknesses, although it would have been nice if emissions had come down, and BMW could also have done more to make the new X3 look different.” Read review
Evo
Model reviewed: M Score: 4 / 10 “This might sound harsh, but the X3 M feels like a product of an internal department’s will to have this small niche in the market filled, rather than a car engineered by people with the passion or interest to execute it properly.” Read review
Model reviewed: (range review) Score: 7 / 10 “BMW’s latest SUV should sell better than ever, but entertainment takes a back seat to practicality and tech.” Read review
Model reviewed: M40i Score: 8 / 10 “Brisk with an impressive chassis but, like most SUVs, short on thrills.” Read review
Fleetworld
Model reviewed: X3 xDrive30e M Sport Score: 8 / 10 “Appealing economics arrive with the plug-in X3 making it the obvious fleet choice, but other plug-in BMWs offer even more appeal.” Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 9 / 10 “The BMW X3 is the brand’s mid-size SUV, so it’s big enough to give you a great view out over other traffic and handle family transport duties with aplomb, yet small enough to feel nimble to drive and easy to park.” Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: (range review) Score: 10 / 10 “Third-generation BMW X3 combines rugged off-road looks with sporting presence.” Read review
Model reviewed: 30d “The biggest question posed by the excellent new BMW X3 is why would you need the slightly bigger X5? The new X3 is almost extraordinarily good, as if BMW engineers have used a check-list of every fault and criticism of the old X3 and corrected all of them.” Read review
Motoring Research
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The BMW X3 stands out in a crowded sector by the way it drives. Handling is class-leading, while all engines offer strong pace and economy.” Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review Score: 8.2 / 10 “Spacious, dynamic comfortable SUV updated for 2022” Read review
The Sun
“Britain’s appalling roads are BMW’s gain, as the latest incarnation of its X3 does smooth-riding ‘family SUV’ as well as anything on the market.” Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid xDrive30e M Sport Score: 8 / 10 “If you really want to take full advantage of the electric revolution, you’ll still need to wait for the iX3 to come along next year; doubtless, it’ll be quieter and smoother. But until then, the BMW X3 xDrive30e is a worthy stand-in – and if you need a company car right now, it’ll do the job very nicely indeed.” Read review
Model reviewed: (range review) Score: 8 / 10 “Nothing exactly new, more a raised game from this premium family SUV. Quite likeable, though a little dull and not a great-looking car.” Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The X3 has never done BMW much credit, but the new one is a thorough enough job to take on the class best.” Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
The BMW X3 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 X3 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 BMW X3 was not tested by Green NCAP during its production life.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 358 Average repair cost: £478.50 Last updated: April 2025
The BMW X3 has a fairly average reliability score of 69% as of April 2025 (our most recent data point), according to workshop and warranty data provided by our partner, MotorEasy. This applies to both the current (2017 onwards) generation as well as the previous models. That’s good news if you’re looking at buying a used X3.
There’s more good news. The average repair cost is less than £500, which is much better than most vehicles – regardless of price point.
When the X3 does have problems, they tend to be relatively inexpensive. Even big-ticket items like engine and gearbox repairs have cost less than on many other cars – an average of £800-£900, compared to £1,500+ on many similar cars from other manufacturers.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption
Average
Score
Petrol models
35 mpg
D
Diesel models
45 mpg
C
Plug-in hybrid models
137 mpg
A
CO₂ output
Average
Score
Variation
Score
Petrol models
183 g/km
D
Diesel models
163 g/km
D
Plug-in hybrid models
47 g/km
A
Battery range
Average
Score
Variation
Score
Plug-in hybrid models
28 miles
E
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
37
D
Service and maintenance
Cost
Score
Year 1
£285
C
Year 2
£643
C
Year 3
£1,050
C
Year 4
£1,363
D
Year 5
£1,810
D
Overall
£5,151
D
Running costs for the BMW X3 are higher than the market average, according to numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Fuel consumption for petrol models is below par, although diesels are a bit better. The plug-in hybrid looks good on paper, but this is deceptive – every plug-in hybrid looks great in theory, but this is because of rubbish EU/UK government lab testing. You certainly won’t get 141 miles of driving from one gallon (4.5 litres) of fuel and a bit of electricity…
The battery range of the plug-in hybrid is poor when compared to its SUV rivals too, offering 28 miles on a full battery. Should you opt for the X3 plug-in hybrid, you’ll still need to charge it almost daily to get best use out of the electric motor and battery. By comparison, an equivalent mid-size full EV would get more than 250 miles out of its battery so most households would only need to charge it once a week.
Scheduled servicing costs are average when compared to the market as a whole.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the BMW X3 has received
2018
Auto Express Awards – Best Mid-Size Premium SUV
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The Volkswagen Passat is a huge car – and not just in a dimensional sense. It’s been around since the 1970s and has proved so successful that the 30 millionth example rolled off the production line in April.
So, while you might not have been paying attention to this mid-sized executive car, it’s been quietly racking up sales, driven largely by company fleets. The fact the estate outsells the saloon on these shores by two to one shows it’s even resistant to the SUV onslaught. (Even if sales have slowed thanks to consumers’ 4×4 obsession.)
This being a mid-life refresh, there’s nothing too drastic to report. On the outside, styling changes are minimal, something we’re getting used to as manufacturers overhaul engines to meet strict new emissions targets rather than spend time and money on a fresh face.
However, the Passat has become the first VW to get the firm’s new semi-autonomous driving aid called Travel Assist. It combines the latest adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist to maintain driving with minimal input from the driver. It’s particularly useful in stop/start traffic, but it’s a long way short of similar systems used by the likes of Audi and Mercedes.
The big news, though, is powertrain-related, with an updated plug-in hybrid model and new engines with particulate filters and cylinder deactivation included in the range to improve economy and emissions.
How does it look?
Aesthetic upgrades might be few and far between, but even so, there’s no denying the new Passat is a handsome thing – particularly in R-Line specification, as our test car is, which means it gets a sportier, more upmarket look. The flat grey paintwork and black accents give it an air of sophistication, while we sincerely hope plenty of buyers are brave enough to go for the bottle green paint. It’s lovely.
Volkswagen told us that its market research says buyers perceive the Passat as a premium option, pitching it against heavy hitters such as the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The bold, angular styling and deep metallic paint really help it feel like a genuine alternative – as does the interior build quality.
One thing to note here, though – we only had access to high-spec models at the launch and haven’t seen entry-level models yet. The Passat does have a history of looking a little dull in lower trims, struggling more to wear its premium badge.
What’s the spec like?
Again, UK specifications have not yet been revealed, but we know the trim levels will be SE, SEL and R-Line, with a limited-run estate-only R-Line Edition, which will be available at launch. Based on the standard equipment list at the international launch, even entry-level models should have plenty of kit.
Expect smartphone integration, LED headlights and taillights and safety equipment such as front collision assist to be included on all models. Travel Assist will also be standard across the range, so all Passat buyers will have access to VW’s advanced adaptive cruise control.
Expect the usual upgrades of styling kits, larger alloy wheels, more advanced safety and entertainment equipment, and more premium upholstery inside. A Dynaudio sound system will also be available as an option, which we’re told has proved hugely popular on other models in VW’s range.
The updated Volkswagen Passat carries over its existing five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, being tested back in 2014.
What’s the Volkswagen Passat like inside?
If there’s one area that Volkswagen struggles just a touch when trying to fit in as a true premium alternative to the established players in this segment, it’s the cabin. The Arteon, for example, felt more like a bigger, high-spec Golf than a true premium limo for example. Great, but not special.
The same could be said of the Passat interior, which looks near enough identical to the Arteon, but given the fact that equivalent models should be less expensive, it works better here.
There’s a lot of space inside, everything feels solidly put together, and there are plenty of high-quality materials, though scratchy plastics on the centre console are a little disappointing.
Meanwhile, Volkswagen’s infotainment system is up there with the best of them. It’s hard to find too much to whinge about.
What’s under the bonnet?
The UK range will feature three petrols, four diesels and the petrol-electric plug-in hybrid. We got behind the wheel of the middle diesel, a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged unit making 240hp and 500Nm of torque.
It’s an impressive bit of kit and suits the Passat’s character perfectly, despite having a disappointingly old school diesel chug. Out on the road, the decent torque figure means that briskly pulling out of junctions requires little forethought or commitment, while the surge of performance in the middle of the rev range makes motorway overtakes a cinch.
However, with economy figures of 40mpg and CO2 emissions of 156g/km, those focusing on low running costs might be better off with this engine in 150hp guise. VW doesn’t have economy figures for that just yet, but expects it to be the UK’s best-seller when it joins the range later this year.
What’s the Volkswagen Passat like to drive?
The Passat formula hasn’t changed for a long time. It’s a big, comfortable, practical family car that’s ideal for those who travel many miles on the motorway and need something with lots of space for kids and/or work equipment.
Therefore, it’s at its best when you follow blue signage to M roads and let the engine sink into a low-effort cruise. The ride is comfortable, soaking up road imperfections with little fuss. That all changes if you select Sport from the drive mode selector, though – this large load-lugger doesn’t suddenly transform into a thrilling B-road companion, it just makes cracks in the road annoyingly obvious.
Despite its size, it’s also surprisingly adept at inner-city life, too. Flick back to one of the other drive modes and that comfortable ride means potholes and badly repaired roads go largely unnoticed in the cabin, helped by efforts by VW to reduce body vibrations being transferred to the cabin. It’s all very relaxing.
Verdict
With over 30 million built, it’s clear that the Volkswagen Passat has quietly built itself into a behemoth of the executive car market. As SUVs continue to eat into the sales of traditional saloons and estates, it’s a shame that models such as this could be going the way of the dodo.
With a capacious and well-appointed cabin, plenty of practicality, an excellent range of powerful and economical engines and a premium appearance, the Passat continues to provide an enticing alternative in this segment.
If you need the space and cover plenty of motorway miles, it really does cover all bases. It might just be strong enough to keep you out of that SUV, too.
Maserati has confirmed that the two high-performance versions of its Levante SUV will be coming to the UK, with prices starting from £104,900.
The Maserati Levante GTS and Trofeo both benefit from a 3.8-litre V8 twin-turbocharged engine derived from a Ferrari unit, which is also found in the firm’s Quattroporte GTS saloon. In the SUV, it makes 530hp in GTS form and 580hp in the Trofeo.
Maserati describes the Trofeo as the “pinnacle” of the Levante range and says it is capable of completing the 0-60mph sprint in 3.9 seconds before hitting a top speed of 186mph. Those impressive acceleration figures are aided by the four-wheel-drive system and a new ‘race’ driving mode that brings a launch control function.
The exterior has been given a more aggressive styling makeover, with an aluminium bonnet with air vents, 21-inch forged aluminium wheels and carbon-fibre aerodynamic parts. Fifty examples of a launch edition will also be available, which features three exclusive paint jobs, leather upholstery and contrast stitching.
The GTS, meanwhile, gets a more ‘elegant’ exterior makeover, with a view to making it the more comfort-focused and sophisticated alternative to the hard-core Trofeo.
Both V8 models are on sale from today, with the Levante Trofeo making its UK public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed next month. Prices start at £104,900 for the GTS, £124,900 for the Trofeo and £159,900 for the Trofeo Launch Edition.
If you’ve ever been in the market for a used car, there’s a strong chance you’ve heard the term ‘full service history’ (or commonly FSH).
This is a desirable trait in any used car, and one that used car dealers use to catch the eye of potential buyers. But what does it mean, exactly? And is it worth paying extra for a car that has a full service history?
What is a full service history?
Fairly simply, a car with an FSH is one that has been maintained at every required interval since it was built, with work carried out either by a manufacturer directly or by an approved service centre.
Basically, the car has been serviced by an official dealership on time, every time. All regular work has been undertaken, as well as major items like cambelts when they fall due.
If a car has not been serviced on time, every time, or has been taken to a non-approved garage for a service, then it would be considered to have a partial service history.
When looking at any used car, you should demand to see its service history so you can verify for yourself that the service record is complete. If a single stamp is missing or has not been done by an official dealership, it’s not a full service history.
Having an FSH means that a car has been maintained consistently to the standards outlined by the manufacturer when it rolled off the production line, with all of the required service tasks undertaken and all of the correct procedures followed.
It means that any parts used will be from manufacturer-approved sources and will match the exact specification of the original parts taken off the car, rather than third parties which may or may not match the original ones.
With modern cars being heavily controlled by the onboard computer systems that regulate almost every aspect of the vehicle, it also means that the software is kept up to date – just like your phone or home computer.
Car manufacturers are also increasingly designing cars that require specialist tools to be able to properly service the car. Some of this is due to very tight packaging of all the different components under the bonnet in modern cars, but it’s also likely that some of it is done deliberately to try and make life harder for non-approved garages.
All this means that a car with a full service history is likely to be in the best possible shape it can be.
Is it worth paying extra for a car with a full service history?
Whenever you buy a used car, you are buying a vehicle that has been used and abused by someone else and there’s no way you can be 100% sure how well it has been looked after.
However, if the car has been fully maintained by an official dealership, it’s a sign that the car is more likely to be mechanically sound. It’s certainly not a guarantee, but it’s a good start.
If a car has a problem outside its warranty period, a manufacturer is more likely to contribute to the cost of repairs if the car has a full service history. However, it’s certainly not a given that a full service history will definitely help you out and it would be considered on a case-by-case basis.
You should only consider paying extra money for a used car with a full service history if it has been done by the manufacturer official service centres. If the servicing has been done by a non-approved garage, it’s not worth any extra money – regardless of what a car salesman tells you.
How much is a full service history worth?
While it’s certainly preferable to buy a car with a full service history by the manufacturer’s official dealerships, it’s impossible to put a set value on how much extra you should pay for a car that has it. Used car valuation experts HPI suggest that it won’t make a lot difference to cheaper or older cars, but can significantly affect newer or premium models.
If a car has been fully serviced by a reputable garage that knows the model and has the required tools to undertake all the work as prescribed by the manufacturer, then the mechanical condition of the car may be every bit as good. But you have to look a bit harder to ensure this is the case, rather than relying on the manufacturer’s own service standards.
If a car has a different garage stamping the book each time, or the services have not been done on time and every time, it’s a sign that the previous owner hasn’t shown too much care and probably doesn’t look after the car in other ways.
How can I maintain a full service history?
Service intervals can vary wildly depending on car, so check your owner’s handbook for more information. Some cars have a straightforward time or mileage service schedule, while other cars have a variable schedule that depends on how the car is driven.
When buying a car, you need to understand what the servicing schedule is so that you know when your next service will be due and what your costs are likely to be. All the information will be in your owner’s handbook, so make sure you read it closely.
How can I check my car’s service history?
Every car should come with a service book, marked out with stamps denoting the date of a car’s service and how many miles were covered at the time of the work being carried out. If you’re struggling to find it, they’re often bundled in the wallet that also includes the owner’s handbook.
Traditionally, a car’s service book would be stamped at every service, with the date and mileage noted down. However, most new cars now have a ‘digital service record’, which means that the data is stored on the manufacturer’s database and the service books are not stamped.
This has come about for a couple of reasons. Firstly, customers are notorious for forgetting to take their service books with them when they take the car in for a service so it can be difficult for a dealership or garage to know what work has been done and when.
Secondly, a detailed national database means that any dealer can pull up the details of all the work your car has had at any other authorised dealership across the country, rather than just a simple stamp to say it’s had a service of some sort.
A workshop should always give you a detailed invoice and breakdown of all the work undertaken on your car during a service.
You should always be given an itemised invoice whenever your car is serviced, which lists exactly what work has been done and how much each job cost. Make sure you keep this information somewhere safe so you can refer to it again later if needed and so that it’s there when you want to sell the car.
If a dealer cannot produce a car’s full service history on the spot, assume it doesn’t have one. Excuses like: “We’re getting the service centre to send us the details”, or: “You should be able to get that from the main dealer” are not acceptable and are almost certainly lies.
What does FMSH mean? Or FPSH, or FASH, etc?
Dealers will often include the brand name in the service history acronym. So ‘FMSH’ could mean ‘Full Mercedes Service History’, for example. ‘FBSH’ might mean ‘Full BMW Service History’ and ‘FASH’ could be ‘Full Audi Service history’.
Like any car jargon, if you’re not sure what something in the advertisement or service book means, always ask the seller. Don’t assume that it will all be fine.
The Mercedes-AMG A 35 is a performance version of the Mercedes-Benz A-Classby the company’s performance division, AMG. It was launched at the 2018 Paris motor show.
The A 35 model is a new addition to the Mercedes-AMG family, sitting between the regular Mercedes A-Class models and the range-topping A 45 model, the second-generation version of which joined the range in late 2019. It’s available as either a five-door hatchback or a four-door saloon, like the regular A-Class models.
The Mercedes-AMG A 35 has received good to very good reviews from the UK motoring media, with praise for its overall performance and high-quality interior. However, its price premium above the regular A-Class range has pulled its scores down accordingly.
The A 35 also suffers a bit in terms of media reviews by being not as fast and exuberant as the range-topping A 45 version, which journalists absolutely love. However, for normal customers handing over their own money, the A 35 is still exceptionally rapid. It’s also easier to live with, cheaper to run and more comfortable on a day-to-day basis. The styling is also slightly more toned down than the A 45, which plenty of customers will prefer.
As of March 2026, the Mercedes-AMG A 35 has a New Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 59%. It has a good safety rating and reliability record, although its media reviews and CO2 emissions are only average, while its running costs are poor.
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Featured reviews
“The updated Mercedes-AMG A 35 possesses the same premium-focused appeal as before, we can’t help but feel, however, that the mid-life changes should’ve been more comprehensive. The on-board technology impresses but crucially, the A 35 isn’t near the best cars in its class to drive. Those looking for a well-equipped and refined hot hatchback won’t do much better, though.”
“The Mercedes-AMG A35 is a capable hot hatch that feels better-suited to fast road driving than the pricier A45, though it does lack the character that car’s ludicrous performance provides.”
“The Mercedes-AMG A35 is a fantastic bit of kit. It looks smart, has an excellent interior, and has the performance to take on the best hot hatches.” Read review
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Saloon Score: 7 / 10 “It has strong pace in a nice and not-too-expensive package, but this is not a proper driver’s AMG.” Read review
Model reviewed: 2019 version (pre-facelift) Score: 8 / 10 “It’s hugely fast and incredibly adept, and it’s all backed up with a gorgeous interior.”
Car
Score: 8 / 10 “It won’t thrill like a Civic Type R and it isn’t quite a Focus RS-level hooligan enough for some, but it’ll be just as fast point-to-point and will still slap gigantic a smile on your face.” Read review
Carbuyer
Score: 7.6 / 10 “Mercedes-AMG’s answer to the Volkswagen Golf R is fast, fun to drive and boasts a high-quality, tech-packed interior.” Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: Saloon “The Mercedes-AMG A 35 Saloon is fast and fairly practical, but while it’s cheaper than the similar AMG CLA 35, it’s not quite as pretty.” Read review
Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic hatchback “Even in standard spec, the Mercedes-AMG A35 is pretty special – with an interior that’s a cut above all the opposition.” Read review
Evo
Score: 8 / 10 “First impressions suggest the A35 feels like a more convincing hot-hatch than the outgoing A45, but its real test will be back in the UK.” Read review
Honest John
“Serious drivers might find something like a Honda Civic Type R more rewarding, but the A 35 will be a much nicer car to live with day-to-day.” Read review
The Sun
“It’s taken a while, but Mercedes has finally cottoned on to the fact that a well-priced hot hatch was required — and it’s come up with an absolute belter.” Read review
The Telegraph
Score: 6 / 10 “Was Mercedes aiming to create a warm hatch version of the acclaimed new A-class? If it did, it failed; performance fiends will love the looks and the performance, but against some highly accomplished rivals the A35 comes across as over-wrought and lacking in finesse.” Read review
Top Gear
Score: 7 / 10 “Fast on the straights and in corners, but curiously light on spice and engagement.” Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
The Mercedes-AMG A 35 has not specifically been crash tested by Euro NCAP, but it shares its safety rating with the overall A-Class range that scored five stars when it was tested in 2018.
Available as standard on the A 35 is automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance and driver attention monitoring. Blind-spot monitoring is also available for an extra cost.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of March 2026, the Mercedes-AMG A 35 has not been assessed by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 259 Average repair cost: £530.70 Last updated: April 2025
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class family (including the AMG models) has a better-than-average reliability score, according to warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner MotorEasy. This score and data cover both the current generation and previous (pre-2018) models.
The average repair cost of more than £550 is rather average for a mid-sized car but considerably more than the cost of a used car warranty, which is worth considering.
The most commonly reported faults to date have been with the car’s braking and electrical systems, which have been relatively cheap to fix at less than £300. However, there have been a reasonable number of claims for engine and gearbox faults, which have an average repair bill of around £1,000 and £2,000, respectively.
What is more concerning, if you own an A-Class or are thinking about buying a used one, is that there have been (as of December 2024) an astonishing 44 separate recalls issued by the DVSA in the UK for the current-generation A-Class.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption
Average
Score
Petrol models
33 mpg
D
CO₂ output
Average
Score
Variation
Score
Petrol models
192 g/km
D
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
34
D
Service and maintenance
Cost
Score
Year 1
£339
D
Year 2
£817
D
Year 3
£1,496
E
Year 4
£1,718
D
Year 5
£2,235
D
Overall
£6,605
D
The Mercedes-AMG A 35 is faster and more luxurious than a regular A-Class, so its not surprising that it will cost you more to own and run as well. This is based on data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Fuel consumption for petrol models is poor, while road tax will also hurt over the first five years as the A 35 is stung by the government’s additional tax on cars over £40K.
Insurance is actually pretty decent for an AMG model, but servicing costs over the first five years are significantly more expensive than a regular A-Class.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Mercedes-AMG A 35 has received
2019
News UK Motor Awards – Hot Hatch of the Year
Similar cars
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Aston Martin has revealed that its next hypercar all be called the Valhalla.
Described until now as the AM-RB 003, the newcomer follows the tradition established by the previous Aston Martin Valkyrie by adopting the name from Norse mythology.
In the Norse tradition Valhalla was a great hall ruled over by the god Odin, where half of those killed in battle would spend the afterlife. It was deemed a great honour to die in battle, and the slain warriors who would travel to Valhalla were chosen by Valkyries.
The mid-engined, petrol-electric hypercar is being developed in conjunction with Red Bull Advanced Technologies, sister firm to the World Championship-winning Formula One team.
The Valhalla will make use of the technology and experience that Aston Martin gained from building the Valkyrie, but whereas the previous hypercar was specifically for track use, the newcomer will be track-focused but road legal.
Signature elements will be the lightweight construction methods, the body made solely from carbon-fibre, and what Aston Martin describes as “radical aerodynamics”.
Power will come from a turbocharged V6 petrol engine and a battery-electric hybrid system. Performance figures are yet to be revealed, Aston Martin quoting only the number of cars that will be built, which will be 500.
Emotional name
Announcing the name, Aston Martin Lagonda chief executive Andy Palmer, said: that Aston Martin model names always attract a lot of attention because they invariably capture an emotion or tell a story.
“In following the Valkyrie, we knew the Aston Martin Valhalla needed to make a strong statement of its own, yet also offer continuity and a clear connection,” he added. “Norse mythology contains such powerful language and rich storytelling it felt only right that the AM-RB 003 should follow the Valkyrie’s theme.”
BMW has unveiled the 8 Series Gran Coupe, a four-door variant completing the luxury flagship range.
The Gran Coupe will arrive in showrooms in September alongside the existing coupe and convertible models. It is bigger in most dimensions than its two-door coupe sibling, 23cm longer, 3cm wider and 6cm higher with a wheelbase stretched by 20cm.
The four-door variant is based on the same platform as the two-door models, but has had its chassis tuned specifically for its extra dimensions. Adaptive M sports suspension is fitted as standard.
Four versions will be available at launch. The 840i puts out 340hp from its straight six-cylinder petrol engine, and is available in rear or four-wheel-drive versions. The high-performance V8-engined M850i produces 530hp put through an all-wheel-drive powertrain and sending it through 62mph from rest in 3.9 seconds.
A diesel model is also available with 320hp and badged 840d. Like its siblings it is specified with BMW’s eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission with change paddles on the steering wheel.
Standard equipment includes sports seats, an instrument panel and door cards trimmed in leather, a panoramic glass roof only available on the Gran Coupe, and individual rear seats to give passengers. According to BMW the car offers more rear legroom than any previous coupe from the brand.
The Gran Coupe will make its public debut at BMW’s NextGen media conference in Munich later this month. Dealers are now taking orders, at prices starting from £69,340.
The SEAT el-Born electric car has made its first appearance in the UK as the brand gears up for future electrification.
The concept, which will become a production model in 2020, has been on show at a media event in Liverpool following its global reveal at the Geneva motor show in March.
SEAT’s first electric vehicle to go on sale will be a version of the Mii on sale at the start of next year. But it is the el-Born, built on the Volkswagen Group’s new MEB platform specifically designed for electrification, that points to the future of the brand.
SEAT is still not yet revealing too many technical and mechanical details of the el-Born though we do know that the car will have a range between 185 and 260 miles, reach 62mph from rest in 7.5 seconds and using a DC charger will be able to regain 160 miles of range in 30 minutes.
Exterior design head Joaquin Garcia describes the “very modern, monolithic” look of the el-Born
However speaking at the Liverpool event, SEAT’s head of exterior design Joaquín García has offered more details on the exterior design of the el-Born, which has to fulfil a dual agenda of setting an image of SEAT’s electric vehicles and offering the best possible aerodynamic performance to increase the car’s range between charges.
“Our mindset was that electric cars are really fun to drive, they are exciting with their acceleration and their handling and the design should reflect this,” Garcia says.
He highlights the front end of the el-Born. “It is an evolution of the new family face of SEAT that we launched on the flagship Tarraco SUV, but on an electric car it is much more progressive,” he says.
The upper grille is a prime element of the design, though technically it is no longer needed as an electric motor does not need cooling in the way of a traditional engine. “So we have made it more of an ornamental element – it provides an identity to the car and is more integrated to the shape of the car. It’s the same with the SEAT logo. It is flush to the body, which makes it appear very technological.”
As the grille has no technical purpose in an EV, it can contribute more significantly to the look of the car.
Smoothing out the airflow is vital on an EV as less drag means greater range. A number of elements contribute to this, from ensuring that corners and angles in the body break up the flow as little as possible, to using lightweight wheels with aerodynamic covers over them.
But according to Garcia it is just a important that the car looks aerodynamic and sporty. “For example, the way the rear window graphic connects to the rear spoiler gives a floating effect to the roof, which integrates with the spoiler area, making it look like not an added element but an integrated design. it’s all very modern and monolithic.”
The interior of the el-Born is equally vital to the image; “It is sculptural and emotional – all the interior design lines point to the dash and the driver and the sporty look is enhanced by a flat-bottom steering wheel, the seats and the trim.”
Garcia also emphasises that technology will be very important to the el-Born. “The instrument cluster behind the steering wheel and the infotainment screen in the centre are designed to appear as floating elements – all in all this is a very technological and emotional vehicle.”
The el-Born is regarded as essential to continuing SEAT’s impressive turnaround. Once described as the VW Group’s ‘problem child’, in 2018 the brand sold almost 520,000 cars, the best performance in its history. And that growth is continuing in 2019, so far up 7.7 per cent across Europe, despite challenging market conditions.
The UK, SEAT’s third-biggest market after Germany and Spain, saw record sales last year of more than 62,000 cars – “We were the fastest-growing brand in the UK in both 2017 and 2018,” says SEAT UK MD Richard Harrison.
Jaguar has announced a worldwide recall of its all-electric I-Pace SUV over potential braking issues.
It affects cars made in 2018 and early 2019, with the British manufacturer advising of a fault with the I-Pace’s electrical regenerative braking system. The issue could mean that the car doesn’t come to a halt as effectively as it should.
A statement from the company said: “Jaguar is conducting a voluntary recall following the identification of a regulatory compliance deviation with the electrical regenerative braking system of 2019MY and certain 2020MY Jaguar I-Pace vehicles.
“Through its internal engineering testing, the company identified that in the unlikely event of an electrical regenerative brake system failure, affected vehicles do not meet the regulated standard for the time to transition brake force to the friction brake system.
“This means that the stopping distance may be potentially extended. A brake system software update will ensure that the vehicles meet the regulatory requirements. The modifications made to affected vehicles will be made free of charge and every effort will be made to minimise inconvenience to the customer during the short time required for the work to be carried out”.
The I-Pace is currently Jaguar’s only all-electric offering, capable of delivering up to 292 miles between charges. It currently holds an Expert Rating of 85% on The Car Expert’s unique New Car Rating system, which gathers new car reviews from across the UK automotive media.
A new road sign is being introduced across the UK to warn drivers of small animals on the road.
The sign, depicting a hedgehog, isn’t just to warn motorists of the presence of the prickly animals alone but aims to highlight all manner of small wild mammals that could be on the road.
Transport secretary Chris Grayling said: “We have some of the safest roads in the world but we are always looking at how we can make them safer.
“The new small mammal warning sign should help to reduce the number of people killed and injured, as well as helping our precious small wild mammal population to flourish.”
Wildlife numbers have been in steady decline for many years now, with the number of hedgehogs in rural areas already halved since 2000.
It joins other signs that warn drivers about small animals such as toads and wildfowl, as well as larger animals like deer and livestock.
Jill Nelson, chief executive of the People’s Trust for Endangered Species, said: “We welcome this focus on road safety and protection for all small mammals.”
The signs will be in areas where there are large concentrations of smaller animals, warning drivers of the presence of squirrels, badgers, otters and – of course – hedgehogs.
Drivers now face an automatic penalty by camera if they ignore red ‘X’ signs for closed lanes on smart motorways.
New legislation from the Home Office was brought in last week that lets Highways England use cameras on overhead gantries to automatically issue fixed penalty notices to motorists who ignore the signs and drive in the lanes, endangering themselves and others.
Offending drivers will have three points slapped on their licence and be fined up to £100.
Previously, they were only issued with a fixed penalty notice for ignoring a red ‘X’ sign if a police officer caught them in the act.
In March, an RAC survey of more than 2,000 motorists who had driven on a motorway in the past year found that more than a fifth of them had driven deliberately or by accident in a lane closed by a red ‘X’ sign. At the time, RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “Smart motorways are now very much part of the fabric of England’s motorway network and will become even more commonplace in years to come with more being opened all the time.
“Red ‘X’ signs, which denote when lanes are closed, are paramount in safety terms, as any stricken driver who has not managed to reach an SOS area is at tremendous risk of being involved in a collision with vehicles that ignore them.”
French brand Alpine – the sports car sub-brand owned by Renault – has revealed the Alpine A110S, a more powerful and better-handling version of its lightweight A110 model.
The 1.8-litre turbocharged engine has been reworked to provide 290hp, which is 50hp more than before. Torque is the same at 320Nm but available between 2,000 and 6,400rpm – 1,400rpm higher than the standard.
Those figures mean the standard performance measurements are slightly better in the A110S, with the 0-60mph sprint taking 4.4 seconds (a 0.1sec improvement) and the top speed up by seven miles per hour to 162mph.
To improve handling alongside the extra power, there’s a new chassis configuration with firmer suspension, retuned dampers and stiffer anti-roll bars. The ride height has also been lowered, new wheels and tyres have been fitted, and uprated Brembo brakes that are optional on other trims are standard here.
Sébastien Erphelin, managing director of Alpine, said: “The A110S delivers an intense Alpine driving experience. From the very inception of the Alpine project it has been our intention to offer different versions of the A110 with handling and performance characteristics of their own.
“Like all versions of the A110, it is easy both to drive and live with day to day. The A110S is welcoming of all drivers regardless of their skill level, too.”
The Alpine A110S is available to reserve now, with deliveries expected to begin before the end of the year. Prices start at £58,700, which is more than £10,000 over the base model.
The first examples of Aston Martin’s upcoming SUV have rolled off the production line at the firm’s new factory, bringing some much-needed good news to UK car manufacturing.
The building of the pre-production versions of the Aston Martin DBX on the former Ministry of Defence facility in St Athan, south Wales, adds a automotive new production centre to the UK, in the wake of both Honda and Ford announcing that they are to close plants at Swindon and Bridgend.
Aston Martin Lagonda purchased the 90-acre site in 2016 to build a second factory to meet the expected demand for the SUV. At the time Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer told The Car Expert that the DBX is expected to “provide a significant uplift” to the brand – productions are that it will effectively double volume.
Last year Aston Martin revealed that St Athan would be the home of electrified models, such as the forthcoming Lagonda. The luxury car maker says the facility has already created 200 new jobs, with 550 more expected as production ramps up as well as a potential 3,000 extra positions across its supply chain and in local businesses.
Palmer, describes the start of production as an exciting time for Aston Martin Lagonda.
“Our second luxury manufacturing facility is now producing cars and is ready to go into full production in the first half of 2020 – our facilities and manufacturing teams have done an outstanding job in getting the factory ready almost a year before full production starts, on time and on budget,” he says.
The Aston Martin DBX is currently undergoing real-world testing ahead of its official unveiling later this year. The SUV has been tested in areas as diverse as the Welsh countryside, the Arctic Circle and the Nurburgring Nordschleife race circuit.
The Mercedes-Benz GLB will extend the German brand’s SUV line-up with a model pitched directly at families.
Designed to slot in between the GLA and larger GLC, the GLB sits on the same platform as the A-Class, B-Class and CLA. However, its wheelbase is extended to improve the interior space and allow the fitting of seven seats.
Price will be a prime aspect of the GLB marketing, so it is not being launched with the air suspension and powerful six-cylinder engines available on the larger GLC.
The Mercedes-Benz GLB takes many styling cues from the flagship GLS SUV, the narrow taillights and boxy proportions reflecting those of the much larger seven-seater.
The seven seats will be an option while other practical features will include four Isofix child seat mounting points – two on each of the outer seats in the middle row, and two on the rearmost chairs. In five-seat form 560 litres of load area will be available, dropping to only 130 litres with all seven in place. With all seats dropped maximum load area is 1,755 litres.
The Mercedes-Benz GLB will share many of its engines with the smaller A-Class hatchback. There will be 200 and 250 petrol models, and 200 d and 220 d diesels. The base petrol engine utilises a seven-speed automatic gearbox, the remainder an eight-speed dual-clutch auto.
Petrol-powered GLBs will only be available in front-wheel-drive form only, The GLB 200 d diesel will be available with either front- or four-wheel-drive and the 220 d only with four-wheel-drive.
Production is expected to commence this autumn. Prices are yet to be announced but are expected to start at around the £30,000 mark.
Potential dangers to pedestrians from virtually silent electric vehicles have sparked new regulations from the EU.
From July, all new electrified vehicles will be required to emit a noise at low speeds to warn pedestrians of their presence. The ruling will include hybrids, which typically run on full-electric mode at slow speeds, such as in car parks where there are many pedestrians.
Under the new EU Regulation, electrified vehicles will be required to have an Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS) that activates at speeds below 20kph (12mph) and produces a minimum noise level of 56dB.
EU regulations will continue to apply to new cars in Britain regardless of what happens with Brexit, as the government has already signalled its intention for UK automotive regulations to remain aligned with EU rules.
According to noise control experts IAC Acoustics, 60dB is the equivalent of conversation in an office or standing 100ft from an air conditioning unit, and about half as loud as a vacuum cleaner.
The regulation states that the AVAS should emit a noise that is “a continuous one providing the vehicle driving behaviour to other road users and pedestrians”. Effectively the sound level should increase and decrease in relation to the vehicle’s speed to convey whether it is accelerating, decelerating, or travelling at a consistent speed.
Some car manufacturers already fit AVAS to their vehicles, such as Jaguar with its I-Pace, which emits a warbling sound below 12mph to warn pedestrians of its approach.
Other AVAS experiments include those by audio company Harman, which in March demonstrated a Tesla Model S that could emit the sound of a V8 petrol engine.
Audio experiments have made Tesla EVs sound like V8 muscle cars.
Last year brought us a new Mercedes-Benz A-Class, and with it a new addition to the firm’s performance car offerings. With the old model, there was a ballistic A45 AMG version that was stupidly fast and, arguably, stupidly expensive for a hot hatch.
That being said, Mercedes was happy, because it offered a lower entry point into the world of AMG, meaning the firm captured a whole host of new, young buyers who couldn’t previously afford to buy into the brand’s offerings.
With this new generation, AMG wants to extend this even further, offering the Mercedes-AMG A35 model we’ve been driving. Starting at about £35,000 and with 310hp on tap, its price and performance puts it on closer terms with rivals. But is it dumbing down in pursuit of sales, or can the A35 live up to AMG’s reputation for building fearsome performance cars?
The A35 badge might be new, but as is often the case with modern motors, there’s a lot of parts sharing from elsewhere in the range. So, while many of the major components aren’t new, they’re packaged and tuned differently, giving the A35 a distinctive character.
What the Mercedes-AMG A35 does get over other A-Classes is a reinforced chassis, with an aluminium plate bolted beneath the engine and two additional diagonal braces under the car to make the front end stiffer and improve handling.
How does it look?
The standard A-Class has a rather soft and understated look to it, and surprisingly AMG’s design team has managed to remain relatively restrained in its reworking, likely saving its wildest work for the A45.
There’s a more aggressive body kit that’s most obvious in the rear diffuser and chunky front air intakes, but stay away from the lairy yellow paint job and it brings a welcome level of subtle sportiness without shouting about it. Naturally, a few options will change that, such as the boy racer rear wing for the bootlid, so if you want your A35 a bit more look-at-me, you can have it.
What’s the spec like?
Standard specification is decent, with the aforementioned kit supplemented by voice control for the infotainment system, DAB digital radio, satellite navigation system and a seven-inch touchscreen display.
However, as is often the case in the premium sector, all the really good stuff requires you to tick an extra box and splash some more cash. Our car came with an incredible £12,000-worth of extras.
For keen drivers the adaptive dampers for the suspension are highly recommended and a relative snip at £695, while the AMG Style package added some sparkle with larger 19-inch wheels, extra aerodynamic kit and subtle gloss black finishes to certain trim pieces – at £2,595, though, it certainly isn’t cheap.
However, it’s the Premium Plus equipment line that really elevates the interior and sense of quality, and although it’s incredibly pricey at an extra £3,595, it features all the best kit. For that not inconsiderable sum of money, you get the sleek double infotainment screen setup, Burmester surround sound system, LED headlights, a panoramic glass roof, and more besides.
Safety-wise, the Mercedes-AMG A35 inherits all of the existing tech from the regular A-Class range. That means a five-star Euro NCAP rating and considerable industry recognition for its performance in an emergency.
What’s the Mercedes-AMG A35 like inside?
Even standard A-Classes have lovely modern interiors with decent materials throughout, but in A35 trim the ante is upped further. There are cosseting but comfortable AMG sports seats trimmed in leather, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and AMG-specific graphics in the new infotainment system.
Couple the sports seats with an excellent driving position and the A-Class really makes a case for itself as a legitimate premium product. There are high-quality materials throughout, making it feel far more special than, say, a Volkswagen Golf R, which could easily be specified to a similar circa-£40k price tag.
What’s under the bonnet?
The Mercedes-AMG A35 gets the same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine used in non-performance A-Classes, but it has been given a thorough going over by AMG’s boffins in Affalterbach. Most interesting is the addition of a twin-scroll turbocharger and some clever manipulation of exhaust gases within it, which improves performance across the rev range.
Mercedes reckons the result is “a supremely lively response,” and it’s difficult to call that anything other than an understatement. Pop the A35 into Sport or Sport+, and the throttle sharpens up, sending the engine surging through the rev range with impressive ferocity for a supposed entry-level model. It leaves you wondering if there’s even any need for a more savage A45 version. (That said, more AMG savagery is always welcome.)
What’s the Mercedes-AMG A35 like to drive?
The short answer to how the A35 is to drive is brutally capable if falling just short of creating a proper emotional connection with the driver, as all great hot hatches should.
There’s absolutely no denying that the A35 is an incredibly capable machine – in sportier drive modes the engine responds immediately to every input and has a suitably urgent power delivery, while the four-wheel drive system contributes to endless grip with just enough slip to keep you on your toes.
However, if you’re looking for the kind of simple thrills you’ll find in front-wheel drive rivals such as the Honda Civic Type R and Hyundai i30 N – that sense that there’s something a bit silly about putting that much power and mechanical trickery into a family runaround – you might be disappointed.
That’s not really a criticism, though. More of an observation. In the premium hot hatch segment, the fact that the A35 just feels so well-sorted will likely be half the appeal.
Verdict
The Mercedes-AMG A35 is clearly a fantastic bit of kit. It looks smart, has an excellent interior, and has the performance to take on the very best in the hot hatch segment. The fact it’s technically an entry-level gap filler at the top of the A-Class range, soon to be superseded by the ballistic A45, shouldn’t play against it. The A35 more than holds its own.
Keen drivers will enjoy the fruity exhaust note, punchy power delivery and endless grip. And while it might not offer quite the same sense of back-to-basics thrills that so many of its rivals do so well, its sure-footedness and upmarket character help it carve its own slice of the hard-fought hot hatch segment.
The Toyota RAV4 is a mid-size SUV/crossover, which is offered in the UK with either a petrol-electric regular hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain. This current generation was launched in 2019 and will be replaced by an all-new model sometime in 2026.
Over the last 25 years, the RAV4 has been one of the biggest-selling models in the world, and a pioneer for the current trend of car-based SUV-style vehicles.
The latest model is the fifth-generation RAV4, which was launched in early 2019. A plug-in hybrid version of the RAV4 joined the range in 2021.
The Toyota RAV4 has received generally good reviews from the UK automotive media and ranks several points behind the best in its class. It has been particularly praised for its practicality, low CO2 and fuel consumption figures (with corresponding tax benefits for company car drivers) and comfort.
The new plug-in hybrid model has achieved higher scores than the standard hybrid model. However, all models have been criticised for high noise levels at motorway speeds.
As of March 2026, the Toyota RAV4 holds a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 66%. It scores top marks for its low CO2 emissions, and also gets good grades for its safety and reliability ratings. However, its running costs and media review scores are only average.
Body style: Five-door SUV/crossover Engines: petrol-electric hybrid, plug-in hybrid Price: From £38,880 on-road
Launched: Winter 2018/19 Last updated: Summer 2022 Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Featured reviews
“The Toyota RAV4 is a compelling package. Its on-road performance is highly competent, and the economy and emissions will be particularly appealing to those coming out of diesel vehicles.”
“he Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a practical family SUV that has a roomy cabin, plenty of standard equipment and an economical hybrid system, but alternatives have tech that’s easier to use.”
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “Global best seller offers practicality and efficiency in equal measure.” Author: Alex Ingram, Dean Gibson Read review
Model reviewed: PHEV Score: 7 / 10 “From a technological point of view, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is an impressive achievement. This is a comfortable and refined plug-in hybrid SUV.” Read review
Score: 8 / 10 “The RAV4 is spacious, refined and well built, and while some rivals offer sharper handling, the Toyota counters with great comfort.” Read review
Score: 7 / 10 “There’s much to like about the Toyota RAV4 – an excellent chassis, decent practicality, impressive efficiency and strong BiK figures. It falls down badly, though, in the sort of connectivity and smartphone integration that buyers are demanding.” Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid Score: 8 / 10 “Plug-in hybrid option offers choice of a Toyota RAV4 with meaningful electric-only range and a surprising turn of speed when you need it.” Read review
Score: 7.4 / 10 “The RAV4 will appeal to many as a safe, reliable SUV with generous equipment levels, but there are some elements of it that aren’t up to the standards of its rivals.” Read review
Business Car
Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid Dynamic Premium Score: 8 / 10 “The additional weight of the larger battery does mean you’ll notice some initial resistance when asking for changes in direction along with a tendency to run out of front-end grip. Thankfully, a host of electronic safety devices are included to help prevent the worst from happening.” Read review
Car
Model reviewed: Design 2.5 Hybrid CVT AWD-i Score: 6 / 10 “There’s plenty to like about the Toyota RAV4, from its economical low CO2 hybrid powertrain to the impressive practicality, standard safety kit and near-faultless reliability record. It’s a shame that the disappointing infotainment system and unpolished hybrid powertrain let the side down.” Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed: PHEV 2021 Score: 8 / 10 “There’s a real sense that Toyota went big with this RAV4 Plug-in. From its strong performance to its fantastic electric range, things have not been done by halves here.” Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The hybrid-only Toyota RAV4 will appeal to company car drivers and its striking design helps it stand out in a busy class.” Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7 / 10 “The Toyota RAV4 is a practical family SUV that has a roomy cabin, plenty of standard equipment and an economical hybrid system, but alternatives have tech that’s easier to use.” Read review
Company Car Today
Model reviewed: PHEV “Far from cheap, but the RAV4 PHEV is quick, good to drive and the running costs are good, thanks to the impressive range and efficiency of the hybrid powertrain.” Read review
Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid automatic Excel 2WD “Striking but divisive looks make a strong first impression, but it’s the low emissions and running costs that have the biggest impact.” Read review
Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid Dynamic Score: 6 / 10 “It’s a Toyota so unlikely to ever go wrong, but the cabin plastics and average quality infotainment screen graphics are a bit out of place in a car costing this much.” Read review
Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid automatic 2WD Excel Score: 8 / 10 “The new Toyota RAV4 is a much more appealing motor than its deadly dull, if extremely reliable, predecessors.” Read review
Eurekar
Model reviewed: PHEV “The Toyota RAV4 PHEV is a formidable competitor in the quality SUV sector.” Read review
Fleetworld
Model reviewed: PHEV Score: 8 / 10 “The RAV4 Plug-in is powerful, good to drive and offers welcome BiK savings.” Read review
Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: Excel Score: 8 / 10 “The new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a big improvement on the last model, offering a genuinely efficient driving experience for a spacious SUV.” Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: Range review Score: 8 / 10 “Efficient hybrid crossover available with two- or four-wheel drive. Spacious and robust interior. Very quiet and refined to drive.” Read review
“Long story short, it’s cheap for company car buyers, spacious, well made, decent around town, noisy on the motorway, clumsy to drive quickly, and not especially memorable.” Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review Score: 7.2 / 10 “Spacious SUV let down by unpolished hybrid powertrain” Read review
The Sun
“Toyota’s best-selling SUV is a big family motor, with emissions of just 100g/km and a host of new features to impress its loyal fan-base.” Read review
The Telegraph
Score: 8 / 10 “The RAV4 PHEV is a two-tonne hot rod.” Read review
Model reviewed: (range review) Score: 6 / 10 “With its existing hybrid systems, Toyota is making hay while the sun shines, capitalising on the demise of diesel.” Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: PHEV Score: 8 / 10 “So far as unpretentiously sensible cars go, the RAV4 PHEV is right up there with the worthiest of them.” Read review
Model reviewed: Dynamic Score: 5 / 10 “Toyota’s key strengths lie in the less tangible stuff: reliability, robustness and so on. The kind of stuff that’s hard to assess. But this new one does ride quietly and well.” Read review
Score: 7 / 10 “Not much fun to drive, but as a financial and fuel-saving choice it really does take some beating.” Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
As of April 2025 (our most recent data point), the Toyota RAV4 is above average when it comes to reliability with a score of 74%, according to extended warranty data provided by our commercial partner, MotorEasy. This covers both the current (2019 onwards) model as well as earlier generations.
The average repair costs is about £800, which is obviously more than the cost of a used car warranty, so that’s worth considering if you own a RAV4 or are thinking about buying one.
The most common problems reported for the RAV4 are engine-related, which have an average repair bill of more than £1,000. Gearbox problems are also expensive, at more than £1,200, although not as common.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption
Average
Score
Hybrid models
49 mpg
C
Plug-in hybrid models
283 mpg
A
CO₂ output
Average
Score
Variation
Score
Hybrid models
131 g/km
B
Plug-in hybrid models
22 g/km
A
Battery range
Average
Score
Variation
Score
Plug-in hybrid models
46 miles
D
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
32
C
Service and maintenance
Cost
Score
Year 1
£239
C
Year 2
£597
C
Year 3
£962
C
Year 4
£1,166
C
Year 5
£1,474
C
Overall
£4,438
C
Running costs on the Toyota RAV4 are quite reasonable, given that it’s a large seven-seat SUV. Fuel consumption is average for the regular hybrid although, as with any hybrid car, this very much depends on how carefully you drive it to get the most out of the electric motor. Likewise, you can get decent range from the plug-in hybrid’s battery if you drive carefully.
Fuel consumption and CO2 figures for the plug-in hybrid versions might look amazing on paper, but this is only because of how the EU/UK government lab tests are conducted. In the real world, there is no way you’re going to travel 283 miles on a single gallon (4.5 litres) of petrol and some electricity.
Insurance costs are likely to be fair, based on the RAV4’s mid-level insurance group rating, but we don’t currently have servicing costs available for the RAV4. Most Toyotas are pretty reasonable in this area, however, so there shouldn’t be any nasty surprises.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Toyota RAV4 has received
2025
Autotrader Awards – Best Plug-In Hybrid Car
2023
Auto Trader Awards – Best Car for Dog Owners
2021
Fleet News Awards – Best Mid-Size SUV + Best Plug-In Hybrid Car
Business Car Awards – Best Hybrid Car (RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid)
2020
Fleet World Awards – Best Mid-Size SUV
Similar cars
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Bentley’s all-new Flying Spur has made its official debut, showcasing the third generation of the British firm’s luxury saloon.
Due to go on sale this autumn, the new Flying Spur has been completely redeveloped, and has experienced a ground-up redesign. As with the previous two generations, the saloon’s platform and most major components are shared with the Continental GT and GTC two-door models.
Though this latest car is less than 2cm longer than the version it replaces, the wheelbase has been increased by 13cm, giving longer proportions without changing the car’s overall length too drastically.
Up front sit crystal-cut LED matrix headlights, while the ‘Flying B’ is now retractable – the first time this has been available on a modern Bentley.
The interior benefits from features first seen on the latest Continental GT. These include a digital instrument cluster located in place of the traditional dials, along with a rotating central display which allows the driver to pick from a 12-inch display, analogue dials or a plain wood finish.
There are eight wood and four stone interior veneers available for the interior, along with 15 different leather colours. A few weeks ago Bentley teased its three-dimensional quilted leather, and this now makes an appearance inside the Flying Spur.
Powertrain-wise, the Flying Spur utilises a 6.0-litre W12 with 635hp and 900Nm of torque. Drive is sent to the road through an adaptive four-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed automatic gearbox. That engine can power it from 0-60mph in just 3.8 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 207mph.
Though Bentley says that customer deliveries are expected to commence in early 2020, there is no word as yet on the price of the new Flying Spur.
Despite the overall results being disappointing, there are still plenty of popular cars flying out of new car showrooms. Here are the ten best-selling cars for May 2019.
Ten best-selling cars – May 2019
1. Ford Fiesta
Seasons change, governments rise and fall, Game of Thrones has finally finished and still the Ford Fiesta reigns supreme at the top of the UK new car sales charts.
The Fiesta currently holds an Expert Rating of 84% in The Car Expert’s all-new New Car Ratings database, which compares reviews from across the UK motoring media. This is higher than any other car in the supermini class, so it seems that motoring journalists and the buying public are in agreement on the Fiesta’s qualities.
It was another good month for the Ford Focus, maintaining second place in the best-sellers list for a second consecutive month. It also meant that the Focus has overhauled the Volkswagen Golf for second place in the year-to-date registration tables as well.
The current generation of Golf may be reaching the end of its life, having been launched back in 2012, but it remains popular among UK buyers. The Golf is the country’s third most popular new car after the first five months of 2019, although it has now slipped slightly behind the Ford Focus.
The Volkswagen Golf holds an Expert rating of 85% in The Car Expert’s New Car Ratings database, so it’s popular with journos as well as buyers.
The Vauxhall Corsa appears to be yo-yoing its way through 2019. Fourth place this month followed ninth in April and second in March. Year-to-date it still holds fourth place, although only by a few hundred units over the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
The Vauxhall Corsa holds an Expert Rating of 63%, which is one of the lowest scores among the Top Ten cars in The Car Expert’s New Car Rating database. The current model is due for replacement this year, and Vauxhall dealers will be eager for the new Corsa to take the fight to the ever-dominant Ford Fiesta.
If you need proof that Mercedes-Benz is now a volume brand, the A-Class hatchback is it. The new model has been firmly entrenched in the best-sellers list since it was launched last summer, and its popularity will presumably increase when the saloon version arrives later this year. Another solid month in May has seen it edge further ahead of the Nissan Qashqai, although there’s less than 100 sales between them.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has an Expert rating of 78% in The Car Expert’s super-cool New Car Rating system. The overall score is dragged down somewhat by lower ratings from a couple of performance car titles (Evo and Top Gear), otherwise it would be a solid 80% or more.
The Qashqai remains the most popular British-built new car in Britain, although it wasn’t that far ahead of its little brother – the Nissan Juke – in May. A decade ago, the original Qashqai almost had the compact SUV/crossover market all to itself. Today, it’s the hottest segment in the new car market. Despite this, the current Qashqai continues to see of every new challenger – despite being one of the oldest models in the sector, having being launched in 2014.
The Nissan Qashqai currently holds an Expert Rating of 74% in our New Car Ratings database, which is midfield for the compact crossover segment and in the bottom half of scores for a Top Ten-selling car.
The recently-facelifted Mercedes-Benz C-Class popped back into the Top Ten for the first time since January, and judging by the amount of TV advertising being devoted to it, we may well see it here again in June.
The C-Class holds an Expert rating of 79% on our New Car Ratings aggregator, which is in the top half of scores for a Top Ten car. It’s also the most expensive model range in the Top Ten, for what it’s worth.
Making its first appearance in the Top Ten this year is the Nissan Juke. The ageing baby Nissan crossover is built in Sunderland, so this month’s results are good news for the Nissan workforce up north.
The Juke is the oldest car in the Top Ten, being first launched way back in 2010. It currently holds an Expert Rating of 59% in our New Car Ratings aggregator, which is the lowest score in the Top Ten.
The Volkswagen Polo fell to ninth in May, although it still holds seventh position in year-to-date registrations.
The Polo holds an Expert Rating of 79% in The Car Expert’s New Car Ratings calculator, which is good but a fair way behind the class-leading Ford Fiesta.
Bringing up the bottom of the Top Ten in May 2019 is the Volkswagen Tiguan mid-size crossover. Despite featuring in three of the five monthly reports this year, it hasn’t quite cracked the Top Ten in year-to-date sales.
The Volkswagen Tiguan has an Expert Rating of 79% in our New Car Ratings database, which is quite good although a few points behind the Peugeot 3008.
Lexus is the latest car manufacturer to launch a subscription service that allows customers to pay a monthly fee for an all-inclusive ownership experience.
Dubbed Lexus One, the price includes full servicing, vehicle tax, comprehensive insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance.
It’s fully flexible, too, so customers can change cars whenever they like. Lexus suggests running an RC coupe over the summer or an RX SUV for family get-aways as an example – all that changes is the price, depending on the vehicle.
The subscription, which starts at £619 for a Lexus CT, also provides access to a fuel card that cuts five pence off every litre of fuel at BP stations. Free weekly car washes are available at participating Lexus centres as well. There’s a monthly allowance of 1,000 miles, which can be carried over to consecutive months if it isn’t reached.
Lexus says customers should receive their car within three days of applying, with the only stipulations being that they are over 25 and hold a full UK driving licence. There is a one-off joining fee of £149.
Ewan Shepherd, director of Lexus in the UK, said: “Lexus One opens up exciting new opportunities for people to experience our vehicles.
“We are proud of our reputation for delivering amazing experiences and the highest standards of customer service, and we see Lexus One as another example of how we can introduce more people to the great range of vehicles we offer.”
Sign-ups are made via a website powered by Drover, which offers a similar subscription service for other manufacturers. Founded in 2015, it raised £5.5 million from investors including BP Ventures, Partech and Cherry Ventures.
The Nissan Juke is a small SUV/crossover that was was produced between 2010 and 2019. It was designed in Nissan Europe’s London studios and was built in Sunderland. It was the first model to carry the Juke name.
The Juke’s review scores have gradually been falling over the years as newer, more advanced competitors have been released. It has received praise for its low price compared to rivals, but has been criticised for its divisive styling and interior quality.
As of March 2026, the first-generation Nissan Juke holds a Used Car Expert Rating of E, with a score of 51%. Its scores in every category are all average to poor.
Body style: Small SUV/crossover Engines: petrol, diesel Price: From £15,520 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2018 Last updated: Spring 2018 Replaced: Late 2019
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 review) Score: 6 / 10 “The Nissan Juke was the first small crossover on sale, but it has fallen behind newer rivals for space and efficiency.” Read review
Car
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual Tekna Score: 6 / 10 “It’s not the most sophisticated in its class, but the Nissan Juke combines it looks, price and drivability like no other.” Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: (range review) Score: 6.6 / 10 “Dramatic styling means the Nissan Juke still looks fresh, despite its advancing years. Poor running costs give its age away, though.” Read review
Evo
Model reviewed: (range review) Score: 6 / 10 “Divisive styling, but still an interesting supermini alternative.” Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 6 / 10 “The quirky and unusual Nissan Juke has proved a huge success and become one of the most popular crossovers around.” Read review
Model reviewed: (range review) “Cars like the Renault Captur and Kia Soul might offer more versatility and space, but Nissan’s tweaks mean you should keep the Juke on your radar if you’re after a stylish crossover.” Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review Score: 7 / 10 “Compact dimensions and quirky eye-catching design for Nissan’s smallest SUV” Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: (range review) “Nissan seems hell-bent on Marmite motors — cars we either love or hate. But, for the majority, the Juke has certainly tickled the taste buds.” Read review
The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol manual Visia Score: 6 / 10 “The growing problem the Nissan Juke faces is that manifestly ‘different’ cars on this scale are themselves not such a different idea these days.” Read review
Model reviewed: (range review) Score: 6 / 10 “Far more style than substance, and better to look at than to drive.” Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: (range review) Score: 6 / 10 “Those quirky looks hide an unresolved car that’s average in most areas, and poor in others. The rear seats are dark and cramped, the interior’s cheap and nasty, the equipment is stingy and the Nissan Juke misses out on the latest safety equipment, too.” Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: (range review) Score: 6 / 10 “It’s divisive but, judging by sales, in a good way. Another Nissan crossover success.” Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
The Juke was assessed by Euro NCAP in 2011 and awarded a five-star rating. This rating expired in January 2018, as it no longer met the requirements for a five-star score. 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 Nissan Juke 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 Nissan Juke was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 293 Average repair cost: £913.52 Last updated: April 2025
As of April 2025 (our most recent data point), the Nissan Juke has a poor reliability rating, according to warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner MotorEasy. This score applies collectively to this first-generation Juke as well as the newer (2019 onwards) generation model.
Average repair costs for the Juke are high, at nearly £1,000. This is considerably more than the price of a used car warranty, which is worth keeping in mind if you are considering a used Juke. Gearbox problems are particularly eye-watering to fix, at an average repair of more than £2,700, and are also the most commonly reported problem to date.
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What is it? The new Mazda 3 is the latest version of the Japanese brand’s family hatchback.
Key features First model with next-generation styling, two engines now available, more and a saloon to come.
Our view The Mazda 3 cannot quite match some of its big-selling rivals in terms of its interior space or the pace of powerplants available, but it more than makes up for this with a strong standard equipment list, especially in terms of safety, and a design, both inside and out, that is as attractive as it is distinctive.
The family hatch buyer who does not want to follow the herd should look at a Mazda 3 as they will be able to express their distinction without being forced to settle for too many compromises.
Family hatches are increasingly being shifted into the shadows by the inexorable rise of the SUV, but the market for such core cars remains strong, populated by chart-topping models. So the all-new, fourth-generation Mazda 3 is a highly important car for the Japanese brand, and an indication why it is this car that Mazda describes as the first of its “next generation” vehicles.
The Mazda 3 has to offer something special as its competition is tough – core rivals include sales top-ten stalwarts such as the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and Volkswagen Golf. And in addition to several other mainstream models wanting a slice of a declining SUV-decimated pie, these days the premium brands are hunting in this patch too with such models as the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3.
On the other hand, this invasion from above could mean more potential conquest sales for Mazda, from badges once considered way beyond the brand’s market. But does the 3 have what it takes to steal those customers?
The exterior visuals help. The new car debuts the latest evolution of the brand’s ‘Kodo – soul in motion’ design language, and it’s certainly different to its rivals. Instead of sharp panel creases, we get curving proportions, with a distinct nose-down stance emphasised by the low bonnet. Combined with the smooth downwards curvature from rear doors to bumper, the result is a clean, purposeful and highly attractive look.
Buying and owning the Mazda 3
The launch range for the Mazda 3 is quite simple as while there are five trim levels on offer, these are spread across just two engines – either a 122hp 2.0-litre petrol unit or the diesel of 116hp. The really interesting powertrain is still to come – Mazda will add its new Skyactiv-X Spark Controlled Compression Ignition engine to the range later in 2019. This supercharged unit promises the performance of a petrol unit but with the economy and emissions of a diesel.
Also coming later is a four-door saloon. While popular in the rest of Europe, such cars have traditionally not ticked the box with UK buyers, unless they were buying the products of Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz. It’s a measure of Mazda’s new attitude to the 3’s place in the market that it believes a four-door will work – we shall see…
For now we have the hatch and those five trim levels, dubbed SE-L, SE-L Lux, Sport Lux, GT Sport and GT Sport Tech. All grades are available with either engine, except for the range-topping GT Sport Tech which can only be had with the petrol unit. A choice of auto or manual transmission is also offered across the range.
Mazda also promises “a level of standard equipment never seen before on a Mazda hatchback”. And yes the list of equipment included is impressive, even on the entry-level SE-L models that cost from £20,595 with the petrol engine or £22,395 with the diesel.
For example, how many entry-level cars have previously included a head-up display? The Mazda 3 gets the windscreen-projection system, usefully recognising traffic signs and adding them to the display. Adaptive cruise control is standard, as are LED headlights, navigation, smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and an eight-speaker audio system.
Go up the range and the toys become more desirable. A jump of just one trim level and £1100, to SE-L Lux, adds such niceties as a reversing camera, smart keyless entry and heated front seats, and by the time one reaches the £25,495 GT Sport Tech the recipe includes a 360-degree birds-eye view camera and lots of extra active safety equipment.
On the subject of safety, this Mazda ticks all the boxes. A top five-star rating from crash-test body Euro NCAP is a given, but the report that goes with the rating is liberally scattered with mentions of “scored full points”, while the standard-fit autonomous emergency braking is found to avoid collisions “in all test scenarios.”
Safety improvements range across such aspects as adding a driver’s knee airbag to all versions. Choose either the top model or dive into the options list and the protection gets even better, perhaps most notable the new Driver Attention Alert that uses an interior camera to monitor the driver’s face, particularly their eye movements, and gauges whether they might be about to fall asleep at the wheel.
Also standard on top versions is Cruising & Traffic Support (CTS) – a variation of adaptive cruise control it can accelerate and decelerate the car in traffic jams while also keeping it in the middle of the lane via small steering movements, reducing driver fatigue. In summary, in standard from the Mazda 3 is an impressively safe car, that can be made even safer.
Inside the Mazda 3
The latest Mazda 3 debuts a new platform which will no doubt be extended to other future models. Mazda highlights the safety and handling advances provided by extra rigidity, with high-tensile steel now employed across 60% of the shell.
What this doesn’t mean, however, is lots of extra interior space. This is not a car to follow any trend to expansion. It would be unfair to call the interior cramped, though the rear is cosy, especially if one of the occupants is tall, while the boot space of 351 litres is larger than that in a Focus but smaller than the Golf.
Where the interior scores is in quality of construction – it is very well put together. The surfaces feel upmarket, and the design replicates the exterior in being minimalist but highly efficient, without extraneous leanings whether in angles or controls.
The driver’s essential controls for example – a large pod design behind the steering wheel houses a display that may be digital but as standard presents three large, traditional dials, the centre one largest of all. It’s very easy and quick to become accustomed to.
The standard-fit head-up display plays its part in providing the driver with all the information they need without distracting them from the road ahead and Mazda’s attention to detail is evident in other areas. The infotainment screen, for example, is mounted firmly on top of the centre console, as close to the windscreen as possible, and angled slightly towards the driver. It’s not a touchscreen either, Mazda’s research suggesting such tech is more distracting to use than a traditional rotary control.
Driving the Mazda 3
A very long launch test route starting in Edinburgh and ending south of the Scotland/England border provided plenty of opportunities to experience both engine options for the Mazda 3. Mind you it almost seems pointless to try the diesel, as with the continuing shift away from oil burners it is expected to appeal to just one in 20 buyers, even with the fleet market targeted.
Which is a shame, because of the two currently available power plants the diesel is the better, particularly in terms of low-down torque which makes it feel more enthusiastic than its petrol sibling. It’s not that swift, however – accelerate hard and the turbo takes some time to bring anything useful to the party. But it is extremely refined, almost indistinguishable from the petrol unit in this respect.
The 2.0-litre petrol is a competent engine, and in its latest form has grown some more tech. It’s now a mild hybrid, with a belt-driven starter generator harvesting the energy generated under deceleration. It then puts this energy to good use, both in terms of aiding economy and the driving experience by smoothing out gear changes and clutch operation.
Cylinder deactivation is also now standard on the 2.0-litre petrol. The engine switches between two and four cylinders according to load (basically what the driver indicates through application of their right foot). You won’t notice it in driving but it does add a little to the economy and emissions performance.
The problem with the petrol engine is that it simply doesn’t have enough power or torque to excite, especially down the bottom of the rev range. In 90% of motoring, tooling along motorways or negotiating traffic-choked urban streets, it will be fine, but if faced with an entertaining twisty B-road route an enthusiastic driver will wish for the diesel. Or perhaps the SkyActiv-X, which on paper suggests it could provide the answer to petrol popularity and diesel performance (whether pace, economy or emissions).
Top marks for the gearbox, at least in manual form. The six-speed unit is an excellent piece of design, reacting slickly and swiftly to inputs – it’s a shame the engines can’t quite match it in speed of response. We did not get the chance to try the auto option though colleagues tell us it’s not quite so impressive.
On the road, the Mazda 3 provides a cosseting experience. Inside it is quiet to a quite amazing degree, a level one expects on very top-line premium cars. And this remains the case whether clocking up motorway miles with the adaptive cruise control doing all the work, or taking on that B road.
Handling is confidence-inducing – the car doesn’t feel as one is carving an inch-perfect corner but the car goes where it is pointed, while remaining upright and unruffled.
One minus point, however, is three-quarter rear vision. The view out of the back is quite narrow to start with, and over the shoulder when coming out of an awkwardly-angled junction it can be an issue.
Summary
Mazda has never been afraid to plough its own furrow whether in terms of technical design or styling, and the new Mazda 3 is evidence of both. Technically the brand’s SkyActiv programme delivers a solid car, well designed with useful technology, though some more enthusiastic engines would be nice.
Where the Mazda 3 really scores is in two areas. It comes with an impressive ell of standard equipment, particularly in terms of safety – and it boasts a minimalist design treatment, both inside and out. This not only sets there car apart from its rivals but makes it in its own right very pleasing to look at.
UK carsales continued to drop in May, down almost 5% on the same month in 2018.
Revealing that a total of 183,724 vehicles had been registered in the month, a drop of 4.6% on May 2018, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) blamed the fall on continuing uncertainty over diesel and clean air zones and as the removal of incentives for plug-in hybrid vehicles.
An SMMT statement added that buyer confidence, whether in the private or business market, was continuing to be hit by the economic and political instability over Brexit.
Year-to-date the picture is slightly healthier, the market down 3% with 33,000 fewer cars registered compared with 2018.
All sales markets dropped in the month, with the biggest hit in the business sector, down 29%. Showrooms saw 5% fewer private buyers, while the fleet market slid by 3%.
The shift away from diesel continued apace, for a 26th consecutive month with a drop of more than 18%. The SMMT blamed ongoing anti-diesel sentiment and the forthcoming introduction of low-emission zones continuing to affect buyer confidence, arguing that thanks to significant industry investment in new technology, the latest diesels are safer and cleaner than ever before and will not face charges or restrictions in the new zones.
Alternative-fuelled cars continue to increase in popularity. Full electric vehicles were up 81%, though they still only account for just over one per cent of the full market. Petrol-electric hybrids gained 35% with 7,785 registered, but plug-in hybrids again fell in popularity, down more than 40%.
Year to date plug-in hybrids have lost a quarter of their market, compared to a 36% increase in the first five months of 2018, which the SMMT argues is further evidence of the effect of the Government cutting grants for plug-in car sales.
Reacting to the figures SMMT Chief Executive, Mike Hawes, said that confusing policy messages and changes to incentives were encouraging drivers to keep hold of their older, more polluting vehicles for longer.
“New cars are safer, cleaner and more advanced than ever and, with sophisticated safety, efficiency and comfort features as well as a host of attractive deals on offer, there has never been a better time to invest in a new car,” Hawes said.
The FordFiesta continues to dominate the new car top ten, its 6,710 registrations in May more than 1,100 ahead of nearest rival, its larger sister the Ford Focus. Year to date the Fiesta has sold 9,000 more than the Focus, with the VolkswagenGolf close behind the larger Ford in third.
