The Car Expert

Dacia Duster (2017 to 2024)

Stuart Masson

-

13 April 2019

Summary

The Dacia Duster was a small SUV/crossover, priced at the budget end of the market. This model was the second generation, which was launched in late 2017 before going on sale in the UK in the middle of 2018. By 2024, this Duster was replaced by a new third-generation model.

The second-generation Duster received a broad range of scores and reviews from the UK media, ranging from outstanding to outright recommendations not to buy one. It was praised for providing good value for money, but criticised for its driving dynamics and poor safety rating compared to other cars in its class.

The SUV received a mid-life update in Autumn 2021. This consisted of a number of incremental improvements to the current car, rather than an all-new model.

As of February 2026, the second-generation Dacia Duster holds a Used Car Expert Rating of C with a score of 63%. It scores top marks for its excellent reliability record, while it gets good grades for its low running costs and CO₂ emissions, but its media review scores are below average and its safety rating is poor.

More Dacia ratings, reviews, news and features

Key specifications

Body style: Small SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price when new: From £17,295 on-road

Launched: Summer 2018
Last updated: Autumn 2021
Replaced: Spring 2024

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

Featured reviews

“Given Dacia is all about value and saving people money, the introduction of this factory-fitted LPG offering is a brilliant addition to the firm’s range. Considering the system adds a minimal £400 to the price, the fact it brings no setbacks and the potential to save £600 on petrol costs each year, the Dacia Duster Bi-Fuel is definitely worth considering.”

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol/LPG Comfort Bi-Fuel

0Read full review

Jack Evans

“Dacia’s latest updates aren’t quite enough to hide the Duster’s age, but it still offers tremendous value for money.”

Model reviewed: 2023 update range

Score: 8 / 10

Read full review

Auto Express

Matt Robinson

More reviews

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol manual SCe 115 Comfort
“The Dacia Duster is a cheap car with a genuine breadth of ability and a modicum of personality, and that makes it an attractive proposition.”
Read review

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Dacia Duster is better than ever, and is possibly the best value SUV you can buy.” (Shane Wilkinson)
Read review

Model reviewed: 2021 facelift range
Score: 7 / 10
“The Dacia Duster remains true to its ethos, offering decent practicality and all the equipment you really need at a frankly astonishing price. There’s no escaping the age of some of its underpinnings, though.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol/LPG manual Comfort 100 TCe Bi-Fuel
Score: 8 / 10
“Dacia’s new range of petrol-LPG models could spark a renaissance in bi-fuel cars. The Dacia Duster TCe 100 Bi-Fuel makes for an interesting and cost-effective alternative to diesel models for drivers covering more than average annual mileages.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Comfort Blue dCi 115 4×4
Score: 6 / 10
“If you want the space, rugged styling and raised ride height of a 4×4, but without the luxuries and price premiums associated with more expensive crossover rivals, nothing comes close.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: (2023)
Score: 9 / 10
“There’s a new badge on the Dacia Duster’s grille but the car behind it is just as appealingly affordable and no-nonsense as ever.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Dacia Duster is a handy, cheap and practical tool rather than a car to get excited about, and yet there’s a simplistic satisfaction you get from driving one. Like a mountain goat off road and just sophisticated enough on it to be something on your potential buy list.”
Read review

Score: 8 / 10
“It’s fantastic value, whether you’re paying cash or exploring the PCP options. And the fact that it now looks and feels much smarter, slicker and more modern is a bonus.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“The great-value Dacia Duster will have you asking why other SUV models are so pricey.” (
Read review

Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Dacia Duster is an exceptionally affordable SUV that’s more spacious than most alternatives but entry-level models come with barely any equipment at all.”
Read review

Daily Mail

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol/LPG manual TCe 100 Bi-Fuel Comfort
“Dacia claims ‘superior torque’ in LPG mode though I struggled to tell the difference, which frankly I saw as an advantage. I don’t really want to feel a difference. I want the drive to be smooth and event-free, which in fact it was.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol manual Comfort
Score: 8 / 10
“Everyone should own a Duster at least once in their lives, and if Dacia can come up with a touch more oomph, while keeping the price of this fully loaded Comfort SCe version sub-£15k, I can’t imagine why anyone with half a brain cell wouldn’t do just that.” (Chris Evans)
Read review

“If you’re looking for a practical everyday family value-for-money SUV that won’t break the bank, or a reasonably priced ‘station car’ to get you to your daily train commute, it’s got to be a contender.”
Read review

Eurekar

Model reviewed:
“As Dacia goes about overhauling its corporate image within the Renault group, the Duster is joining the smaller Sandero hatchback and Sandero Stepway with upmarket tweaks and styling changes including new-look Y-design light clusters and a chromed radiator grille – all changes that keep it at the top of the tree when it comes to value for money motoring.”
Read review

Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Dacia Duster is so cheap, it’s guaranteed to grab your attention. And it’s not a bad car. It’s comfortable, practical and won’t cost you a fortune to run. Unfortunately, it’s easy to see where costs have been cut, and you’ll need at least a mid-spec model to avoid giving the kids a harsh lesson in austerity.”
Read review

Honest John

Score: 8 / 10
“If it’s bells and whistles you want, you’ll be disappointed. What you do get is an honest and unpretentious SUV that’s great value.”
Read review

Motoring Research

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Whichever way you look at it, less than £12,000 is ridiculously cheap for a brand new SUV. A lowly three-star safety rating is a black mark, but the Duster scores highly for its honesty and practicality.”
Read review

Motors

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 4 / 10
“Britain’s cheapest SUV can be yours for less than £12,000 on-the-road. It might have one of the silliest names on the market, but the Dacia Duster is not a car to be sniffed at.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 9.4 / 10
“Incredibly affordable small SUV offers style and substance”
Read review

The Sun

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual Essential
“Budget motoring is in safe hands with Dacia. If you can hack the Duster in base spec, you’ll be properly quids in.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
“Powerful SUV from Dacia is well-equipped, roomy and yours for under ten grand.”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: Duster Comfort
Score: 6 / 10
“Dacia isn’t the brand to go for if you’re after sophisticated, satisfying handling, powerful engines and silky-smooth transmission, but the new Duster does offer improved looks, more sophisticated LED lighting, better economy and some surprising bits of kit, such as heated front seats and wireless Apple Carplay/ Android Auto.”
Read review

Model reviewed: SCe 115 Comfort 1.6-litre petrol manual
Score: 4 / 10
“A painfully slow, difficult to drive and not especially attractive elderly Renault in an Ilie Nastase suit.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre diesel manual 4WD Comfort
Score: 6 / 10
“In many ways, the Dacia Duster is at its most convincing in this form. With four-wheel drive and a diesel engine, it slots neatly into the role of an affordable off-road workhorse. If you want a Duster for road use, you’ll still want the perkier, more refined and less compromised petrol-engined car.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol manual 2WD Comfort
Score: 8 / 10
“It might still be cheap to buy, but the Duster now looks and feels like a much more complete SUV. If you can live with the disappointing safety rating it’s well worth a look.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Dacia Duster isn’t trying to kid anyone. It’s not cheap in a way that insults your intelligence or makes you feel mean. It’s a far better car than it needs to be at the price, and we love it for that.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 3 stars
Date tested: December 2017
Date expired: January 2024
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 71%
Child protection: 66%
Vulnerable road users: 56%
Safety assist: 37%

Notes on safety rating

The Dacia Duster was originally tested by Euro NCAP back in 2017 and awarded a three-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.

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

Eco rating

No Green NCAP data available for this model.

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

Model tested: 1.5-litre diesel manual 115hp

Overall score: 2 stars
Date tested: November 2020
Read the full Green NCAP review

Clean Air Index: 5.1 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 5.1 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 2.8 / 10

The Dacia Duster 115hp 1.5-litre diesel manual received a 2.5 star rating from Green NCAP in November 2020.

Green NCAP said: “A 1.5-litre in-line four-cylinder diesel engine powers the car tested here, delivering 85 kW and a very hefty 260 Nm of torque. The exhaust after-treatment system includes selective catalyst reduction and a diesel particulate filter, and the car is approved as Euro 6d-Temp.

“Overall, the vehicle offers reasonable fuel consumption values and CO₂ emissions. The exhaust aftertreatment fulfils the legislative requirements and provides very good particle emissions control. Some improvement may help to reach better robustness also with regard to the NO_x emissions, which are in general well handled by the abatement systems. Better control of ‘laughing gas’ emissions (N₂O) would lead to a higher greenhouse gas index.

“As it is, this index is the car’s weak point, at just 2.8 out of 10, and leading to a 2½ star rating.”

This rating only applies to the 1.5-litre diesel manual version of the Duster, and does not imply similar ratings for other engine and gearbox combinations in the range.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 25
Average repair cost: £200.10
Last updated: April 2025

Reliability score

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

As of April 2025 (our most recent data point), the Dacia Duster holds an excellent reliability score of 94%, according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, MotorEasy. This scores applies to both this generation Duster and the previous model (2010 to 2017).

The average repair bill is also very low at less about £200, with costs in each category being very competitive. So if you are considering a used Duster, you can be fairly confident that it will be inexpensive to fix if it does ever go wrong.

Running cost rating

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

Fuel consumption	Average	Score
Petrol models	45 mpg	C
Diesel models	55 mpg	B

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	142 g/km	C
Diesel models	134 g/km	C

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	23	B

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£158	A
Year 2	£448	A
Year 3	£699	A
Year 4	£943	B
Year 5	£1,336	B
Overall	£3,584	B

The Dacia Duster is an affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Though the fuel consumption of petrol and diesel models is nothing to shout about, the Duster is still quite economical when compared to other compact SUVs, and its insurance premiums will be cheaper than a lot of vehicles this size too. When it comes to maintenance, the car’s predicted servicing costs over the course of five years of ownership are excellent.

Recalls

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

Feb 2024

Oct 2023

Nov 2020

Sept 2017

Date: February 2024
Recall number: R/2024/031
Model types: All
Build dates: 07/2022 only
Number of vehicles affected: 34
Defect: On affected vehicles the left side curtain airbag may not deploy in the event of an impact requiring its activation.
Remedy: Check the number of the left curtain airbag and if necessary replace the one sought identified as non-compliant.

Date: October 2023
Recall number: R/2023/287
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2023 to 07/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 1
Defect: On the affected vehicle the LPG tank may have been welded incorrectly.
Remedy: Replace the LPG tank.

Date: November 2020
Recall number: R/2020/307
Model types: All (including other Dacia models)
Build dates: 09/2017 to 10/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 2,611
Defect: There is a possible risk of the ignition switch not disengaging correctly after starting the vehicle resulting in the key jamming in the start position. In rare circumstances this may cause a thermal incident.
Remedy: Replacement of the ignition switch.

Date: September 2017
Recall number: R/2017/255
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2017 to 05/2017
Number of vehicles affected: 1,300
Defect: The flange nut can seize on the thread of the studs in the fuse box which could mean the terminals do not have the correct torque and may be loose. Electrical cables connected to the fuse box might become loose and could cause arcing. This condition could cause for example the horn to stop working airbag/s to deploy in exceptional circumstances fire etc.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace all fuse box cable flange nuts to new correct type nuts and tighten to correct torque.

As of September 2024 (our last data point), there have been four DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Dacia Duster addressing various different issues.

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

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

Everything you need to know about UK vehicle recalls

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Dacia Duster has received

2022

Auto Trader New Car Awards – Best Value New Car

2020

Auto Trader Awards – Best Value New Car
Business Car Awards – Best Value Car

2019

Auto Trader New Car Awards – Best Value New Car

2018

Parkers New Car Awards – Best Off-Roader
The Sun Motor Awards – Best Value Car

2017

Parkers New Car Awards – Best Off-Roader

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Buy a new or used Dacia Duster

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

Find your next used car with Motors. Find out more

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

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

Subscribe to a Dacia Duster

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Car subscriptions from Cocoon.
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Audi and Suzuki dealers lead the way for customer service

Stuart Masson

-

12 April 2019

1

Audi and Suzuki dealers lead the way for customer service

The annual J.D. Power Customer Service Index has been published today, which rates customer satisfaction with their service experience at a franchised dealership.

Based on a study of more than 6,700 respondents of owners and lessees of vehicles up to three years old, Audi was the top-performing brand, with Suzuki in second place and best of the volume brands.

The study explores customer satisfaction with dealerships based on five measures: service quality, service initiation, service advisor, vehicle pick-up and service facility.

Overall, average scores for both the premium and volume sectors were slightly up compared to last year’s results, but there was some significant movement up and down the tables.

A franchise dealership service history preserves your resale value

Premium sector service

Audi rose from fourth place last year to the top spot in 2019, ahead of Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Meanwhile, Land Rover went the other way, falling from first to fourth. Volvo also fell from second place last year to fifth this year – which was last place, since only five premium brands received enough scores were received to be ranked.

Due to a lack of responses received, brands like Lexus and Jaguar were not rated. That will be particularly disappointing for Lexus, which tends to dominate most of these sorts of dealership satisfaction surveys conducted around the world.

Volume sector service

Eighteen brands were ranked in the volume sector, with Suzuki taking top spot ahead of Toyota and Honda. Interestingly, these three brands were also the top volume brands in the Auto Express Driver Power survey results published last August (although not in the same order).

Suzuki dealers improved on last year’s fifth-place result with a significantly better score in 2019 to finish at the top of the pile. Toyota had a similar improvement to jump from eighth to second, while Honda slipped from second to third.

Last year’s best-ranked brand was Mini, which fell to tenth place this year. Kia fell even further, dropping from third last year to 17th and second-last this year.

The wooden spoon this year went to Fiat dealerships, finishing at the bottom of the list by quite some margin. Kia was second-worst, just behind Volkswagen.

Overall, however, the average score across the volume sector improved slightly on last year.

Other key findings

The J.D. Power survey threw up a few interesting findings, like the fact that customer satisfaction was notably higher when dealers used a tablet to provide cost estimates and explain options.

Less surprising, but probably more important, was that the level of satisfaction with the service department significantly influenced customers’ likelihood of buying another car from the same brand.

J.D. Power also conducts similar surveys in America, and found that UK dealers lag behind their US equivalents on several key factors in terms of how customers are greeted and treated.

More car industry news at The Car Expert

Suzuki Jimny (2018 to 2020)

Stuart Masson

-

12 April 2019

0

Summary

The Suzuki Jimny was a small SUV, but was far more oriented to off-road work than any other car of similar size on sale in the UK.

This model, launched in 2018, replaced a model that had been in production for 20 years. Unfortunately, it only survived a couple of years before being discontinued as it was not able to comply with ever-tightening European emissions and safety legislation.

The Jimny received a broad range of scores from the UK media, which reflected its rather narrow niche. It was highly praised for its off-roading ability, but criticised for its on-road handling and poor safety rating compared to other vehicles of similar size and price. It also had an anti-theft security rating of “Unacceptable” from Thatcham Research.

The Suzuki Jimny was withdrawn from sale in the UK in 2020 as it no longer complied with passenger car emissions regulations. However, Suzuki did reintroduce the Jimny to the UK market as a commercial vehicle for a short while.

As of March 2026, the Suzuki Jimny holds a Used Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 58%. It scores top marks for its low running costs, but the rest of its category scores were poor.

More Suzuki ratings, reviews, news and features

Key specifications

Body style: Small three-door SUV
Engines: petrol
Price when new: From £15,499

Launched: Summer 2018
Discontinued: Summer 2020
Replacement due: N/A

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: 6.6 / 10
“The Suzuki Jimny is a proper old-school off-roader. It will appeal to a particular kind of buyer who will accept the compromises – a poor safety rating, not a lot of interior room and efficiency figures that don’t impress.”
Read review

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Commercial range
Score: 6 / 10
“The Suzuki Jimny Commercial breathes new life into the rugged small 4×4. It looks great, and if you spend any time driving one in the right conditions you’ll soon be able to forgive its foibles.”
Read review

Score: 6 / 10
“Comprehensive changes bring the Suzuki Jimny into the 21st Century. It isn’t perfect, but it’s full to the brim with quirky charm.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Commercial range
Score: 4.8 / 10
” It falls short of almost all the usual parameters by which a van is judged – it has barely any space in the loading bay, has a pitiful payload by usual standards and it’s tricky to get comfortable in the cabin.”
Read review

Score: 6 / 10
“The Jimny looks absolutely brilliant and commands plenty of attention everywhere it goes, plus it’s a genuinely capable off-roading tool. However, most people just want the rugged look rather than the mud-plugging ability – and for those people, the Jimny doesn’t make so much sense.”
Read review

Car

Score: 8 / 10
“It’s impossible not to fall for the Jimny. Just look at it! Suzuki’s designers have penned a shape that hits a sweet spot somewhere between cheeky, chunky and cheerful. That it drives noticeably better than the previous one isn’t a huge surprise given the two decades of development time it’s had.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Score: 5.6 / 10
“There are few compact, lightweight 4x4s around, so if you need a small car that’s also a very capable off-roader, the Suzuki Jimny is well worth considering.”
Read review

Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Nothing else looks quite like the Suzuki Jimny, and not a lot will keep up with it off-road. On-road, though, it’s poor, and most alternative small SUVs are more practical inside.”
Read review

Company Car Today

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7 / 10
“Not a core fleet car, but one that is capable of doing what nothing else can at this price point in terms of accessing remote locations. While also looking like a cult classic.”
Read review

Green Car Guide

Score: 7 / 10
“The Suzuki Jimny offers excellent off-road capability in a lightweight and compact package, with very few rivals currently on sale.”
Read review

Honest John

Score: 8 / 10
“The Suzuki Jimny can barely carry anything with all four seats in use – it has an official load capacity of just 85 litres with the rear seats left up. It’s much better treated as a two-seater with the rear seats permanently left down, in which case you get a fairly boxy, useful boot.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 6.6 / 10
“Super-capable off-road, not so much elsewhere”
Read review

The Sun

“In its fourth incarnation since the first model in 1970, the new Suzuki Jimny is a welcome update to a bulletproof mountain goat.”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Score: 5 / 10
“Still a big hit off-road and a big miss on-road.”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol manual SZ4
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s easy to dismiss the Suzuki Jimny as a bonsai 4×4, but that’s to forget that out there in the wild, small size and light weight make a vehicle as agile as one with complicated suspension and electronics. That this little scrabbler isn’t too bad on the road and looks so cute make it almost irresistible.”
Read review

Top Gear

Score: 7 / 10
“The Suzuki Jimny’s ultra-honest unpretentiousness is the antidote to every beige crossover out there. Just don’t expect sophistication, and you’ll adore it.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 3 stars
Date tested: September 2018
Date expired: January 2025
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 73%
Child protection: 84%
Vulnerable road users: 52%
Safety assist: 50%

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Suzuki Jimny was not assessed by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of March 2026, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Suzuki Jimny to generate a reliability rating.

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

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Suzuki Jimny has received

2019

World Car Awards – World Urban Car
UK Car of the Year Awards – Best 4×4
Parkers New Car Awards – Best Off-Roader
Car Dealer Power Awards – Car of the Year
Southern Group of Motoring Writers New Year Honours List – Dark Horse of the Year

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

Everything you need to know about Suzuki

Suzuki set to drop Jimny from line-up?

Suzuki Jimny review

Why the Jimny is Suzuki’s problem child

Suzuki Jimny UK prices and specs announced

Big interest in new Suzuki Jimny 4×4

Latest crash tests: top marks for Audi and VW, poor score for Suzuki Jimny

Suzuki Jimny test drive

New Suzuki Jimny SUV breaks cover

Suzuki adds Adventure to Jimny

Buy a Suzuki Jimny

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

Find your next used car with Motors. Find out more

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

Jaguar I-Pace (2018 to 2024)

Stuart Masson

-

12 April 2019

0

Table of contents – Jaguar I-Pace

[–]

Summary

The Jaguar I-Pace was an electric medium-size SUV/crossover vehicle. It was the first electric vehicle from Jaguar, and was not based on any other model in the Jaguar Land Rover family.

The I-Pace received very good to outstanding reviews from the UK motoring media, as well as many awards – including the 2019 World Car of the Year. However, it was built by a third-party company in Austria, rather than here in one of Jaguar’s UK factories, so it doesn’t get one of The Car Expert’s ‘Best of British’ badges.

The Jaguar I-Pace has been particularly praised for being a brand-new design, rather than adapted from a normal petrol or diesel vehicle, and is generally considered to be one of the best electric cars currently on sale – albeit one of the most expensive.

Jaguar has announced that it has ceased production of the I-Pace (along with almost every other model in its range) before the end of 2024, ahead of a complete relaunch of the brand in 2025. Near-new models are still available to purchase through the brand’s approved used scheme.

As of March 2026, the Jaguar I-Pace has a Used Car Expert Rating of A with a score of 71%.

More Jaguar ratings, reviews, news and features

I-Pace highlights

Great battery range
Sports car performance
Plenty of cabin space
Polished and practical interior trim
Excellent safety features

I-Pace lowlights

Infotainment lags behind competitors
Slightly firm ride comfort
Expensive when compared to alternatives
Poor rear visibility

Key specifications

Body style: Medium-sized SUV/crossover
Powertrain: electric
Price: From £65,245 on-road

Launched: Summer 2018
Last updated: Winter 2022/23
End of production: Late 2024

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

Featured reviews

“With genuine performance credentials and more range than most owners would ever need, the Jaguar I-Pace makes an extremely convincing case for EV driving.”

0Read full review

The Car Expert

“Jaguar has succeeded not only in creating the best electric car on sale but also in building one of the most exciting cars you can currently buy.”

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 8 / 10

Read full review

Auto Express

Ellis Hyde

More reviews

Auto Express

Model reviewed: (2023)
Score: 8 / 10
“The I-Pace remains an appealing option in the electric family car segment. It’s sports-car quick and the handling is arguably even better.”
Read review

Car

Score: 8 / 10
“The Jaguar i-Pace represents a huge achievement, from its avant-garde design to its cutting-edge engineering to its rewarding dynamics and high levels of interior refinement and space.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed:
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The Jaguar I-Pace is a remarkable first attempt at an all-electric car from the brand, setting a new benchmark for EV handling while shaking up the sector as a whole.”
Read review

Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Jaguar I-Pace is a pure electric car and sportier alternative to the Tesla Model X SUV. It’s great to drive and luxurious inside, but does cost a fair amount to buy.”
Read review

Daily Mail

“It’s sure-footed and fun with a top speed of 124 mph. Yet it still promises a range of 298 miles — or just enough battery charge to drive from London to Newcastle — on one overnight charge.”
Read review

Discover EV

Model reviewed: HSE
Score: 9 / 10
“With a combination of all-wheel drive, instantaneous acceleration, an achievable range of 230 miles and bold styling, the zero-emission I-Pace places Jaguar at the forefront of the all-electric crossover segment. For the time being at least, its German premium rivals are now hot on its tail.”
Read review

Evo

Score: 8 / 10
“Performance, agility and range all combine in the I-Pace to create the most compelling EV on the market.”
Read review

Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: R-Dynamic HSE Black EV400
Score: 10 / 10
“The Jaguar I-Pace went on sale in 2018 but it’s still one of the best EVs to drive; it has received updates throughout its life, and now there are some minor changes for 2024.”
Author: Paul Clarke
Read review

Model reviewed: EV400 400PS
Score: 10 / 10
“The Jaguar I-PACE 2021 is an excellent all-round car that does virtually everything: it looks great, it’s practical, it’s excellent to drive, and it can cope with snow, ice and off-roading.”
Read review

Score: 10 / 10
“The I-Pace is a game changer for a different market. If you want zero emissions, a confidence-inspiring electric driving range, a practical body style, a feel-good interior, as well as all-wheel drive traction, rapid performance, and, crucially, a rewarding driving experience, at this moment in time the Jaguar I-Pace is the top choice. In fact it’s really the only choice.”
Read review

Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Jaguar I-Pace manages to take the style and practicality of an SUV, and the feel-good-factor and low running costs of an EV, and wrap it all up in one package that’s fun to drive and a pleasure to live with. It’s definitely worthy of your consideration.”
Read review

Honest John

“If you’re thinking of making the jump to electric, you may wish to wait until Audi’s new e-tron SUV arrives later this year. Jaguar might have got there first, but if the e-tron combines a typical Audi interior with lots of tech and a useable electric range, it might give the Jaguar a hard time.”
Read review

Motoring Research

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“Stylish, fast and luxurious, the I-Pace is a proper Jaguar that just happens to have an electric powertrain. It’s a credible threat to Tesla.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8.4 / 10
“Jaguar’s first electric SUV takes aim at Tesla and out-drives it”
Read review

The Sun

“Jaguar’s stunning new iPace is nothing less than an all-electric dream machine.”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: I-Pace EV400 S
Score: 8 / 10
“A big leap forward for Jaguar.”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: EV400 HSE
Score: 10 / 10
“Still the best premium electric car there is. The Jaguar I-Pace doesn’t only impress because it’s such a well-rounded product, but also because it’s the most involving and exciting mainstream electric car out there at the moment. It is, in short, exactly the way an electric Jaguar should be.”
Read review

Top Gear

Score: 8 / 10
“Jaguar steps bravely into the unknown and nails it. A rapid, desirable, good-looking SUV that happens to be powered by electricity.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2018
Date expired: January 2025
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 91%
Child protection: 81%
Vulnerable road users: 73%
Safety assist: 81%

Notes on safety rating

The Jaguar I-Pace was tested by Euro NCAP back in 2018 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2025 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

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

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Jaguar I-Pace was not assessed by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 16
Average repair cost: £739.19
Last updated: April 2025

Reliability score

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

The Jaguar I-Pace has a better-than-average reliability rating, according to data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our commercial partner, MotorEasy. However, it should be noted that this is based on a very small number of cars at this time, so this could shift quite significantly over coming months and years.

Running cost rating

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

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
EV models	275 miles	B

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

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	50	F

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£334	D
Year 2	£664	D
Year 3	£1,074	D
Year 4	£1,384	D
Year 5	£1,764	D
Overall	£5,220	D

The Jaguar I-Pace is a relatively expensive car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

It’s electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon for a petrol or diesel car) is quite poor, and insurance premiums are likely to be significantly higher than the average car as well.

That said, an official battery range of 279 miles (which varies from 277 miles to 292 miles, depending on which model you choose) is above average. So you shouldn’t need to worry about running out of charge in normal day-to-day driving.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Jaguar I-Pace

April 2024

Feb 2024

March 2024

Oct 2023

Jun 2023

Apr 2023

Feb 2020

May 2019

Date: April 2024
Recall number: R/2024/120
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2018 to 09/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 264
Defect: On affected vehicles the traction battery packs manufactured between 23 April 2018 and 15 March 2019 are exposed to multiple technical issues that have shown to contribute to an elevated risk of thermal overload.
Remedy: The traction battery pack will be replaced with a new pack or the vehicle will be re-acquired from the customer.

Date: February 2024
Recall number: R/2024/023
Model types: All
Build dates: 09/2023 to 10/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 70
Defect: On affected vehicles a crack may be present in the floor tunnel strengthening panel. Where a crack is present there is risk that the crack may propagate which may impact the seat anchorage structural performance.
Remedy: Drilling a hole at either end of the crack and installation of an additional aluminium plate if a crack is present.

Date: March 2024
Recall number: R/2024/034
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2018 to 09/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 7
Defect: On affected vehicles the fasteners for the battery module to module electrical connecting busbars may not be sufficiently secure.
Remedy: The busbar fixings will be inspected and as required new components installed.

Date: October 2023
Recall number: R/2023/297
Model types: All
Build dates: 08/2017 to 06/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 1,319
Defect: On certain vehicles recall R/2023/154 has been incorrectly completed. As a result the correct software was not downloaded to the vehicles concerned. Incorrectly repaired vehicles will continue to have a risk of vehicle thermal overload condition.
Remedy: Vehicles will receive an update to the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) software that will monitor the battery pack assembly operational status.

Date: October 2023
Recall number: R/2023/227
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2020 to 01/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 15
Defect: On affected I-Pace vehicles without heated front windscreen, the High Voltage Coolant Heater (HVCH) can fail to operate and will not provide windscreen defrosting capability.
Remedy: Replace the high voltage coolant heater.

Date: June 2023
Recall number: R/2023/154
Model types: All
Build dates: 08/2017 to 06/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 26,137
Defect: On affected Jaguar I-Pace vehicles, there is a risk of high voltage battery pack assembly thermal overload. A vehicle thermal overload condition such as fire or smoke can result in increased risk of occupant injury and/or injury to persons outside the vehicle as well as property damage.
Remedy: Vehicles will receive an update to the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) software that will monitor the battery pack assembly operational status that indicates where the battery contains conditions which may lead to thermal overload condition.

Date: April 2023
Recall number: R/2023/065
Model types: All
Build dates: 04/2018 to 01/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 9
Defect: On certain vehicles the EV battery condition may be degraded. A degraded EV battery may give rise to an elevated risk of thermal overload in extreme cases this may lead to a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Replacement of the traction battery and associated components.

Date: February 2020
Recall number: R/2020/041
Model types: All
Build dates: 04/2019 to 07/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 6
Defect: The fasteners on the right hand front seat frame may be missing or incorrectly assembled.
Remedy: Replace the right hand front seat.

Date: May 2019
Recall number: R/2019/140
Model types: All
Build dates: 08/2017 to 04/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 3,099
Defect: Vehicles may not comply with EU 13H braking regulations.
Remedy: Install software upgrade.

As of September 2024 (our most recent data point), there have been nine DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Jaguar I-Pace. These cover various different software, structural, manufacturing and battery issues.

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

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

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Jaguar I-Pace has received

2023

Carbuyer Awards – Best Used Large Electric Car

2022

Carbuyer Awards – Best Used Large Electric Car

2021

Auto Trader New Car Awards – New Car of the Year
Carbuyer Awards – Best Large Electric Car
DieselCar & EcoCar Top 50 – Best Electric Luxury SUV
Electrifying.com Awards – Best Premium Car
Fleet World Awards – Best EV Medium SUV

2020

Carbuyer Awards – Best Large Electric Car
DieselCar & EcoCar Top 50 – Best Electric Luxury Car

2019

World Car Awards – World Car of the Year + World Green Car + World Car Design of the Year
European Car of the Year
UK Car of the Year Awards – Car of the Year + Best Executive Car
Towcar of the Year Awards – Winner, Caravan Weight under 1150kg + Alternatively Fuelled categories
DieselCar & EcoCar Top 50 – Best Electric Car

2018

Scottish Car of the Year
BBC Top Gear Magazine Awards – EV of the Year
Auto Express Awards – Car of the Year + Premium Electric Car of the Year
News UK motoring awards – Sunday Times Car of the Year
DrivingElectric Awards – Best Large Electric Car
Pocket-lint Gadget Awards – Best Car
T3 Technology Awards – Best Car

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More information

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The best new electric cars for every budget 2023

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Britain’s best-selling cars, April 2020

Jaguar issues I-Pace recall over potential brake issue

Electric car market flat due to long waiting times

Jaguar I-Pace completes set with World Car of the Year title

Jaguar I-Pace wins European Car of the Year prize

Buy a Jaguar I-Pace

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Only 0.5 per cent of cars on UK roads are ultra-low emission

Car industry news

Andrew Charman

-

12 April 2019

0

Only 0.5 per cent of cars on UK roads are ultra-low emission

Only one in every 200 vehicles on UK roads emit ultra low levels of carbon, according to newly released figures from the Department of Transport.

In total 200,295 ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs) were licensed at the end of 2018, representing 0.5% of the country’s total vehicle fleet.

While this figure is a big jump on the 144,000 total in 2017, it shows that much work still needs to be done to persuade motorists to switch to ULEVs, amid growing concern about the impact of petrol and diesel emissions on air quality and global warming.

Ultra-low emission vehicles are defined as vehicles which emit less than 75g of carbon dioxide for every kilometre travelled. These vehicles are typically pure electric or plug-in hybrid models.

The Government has previously announced a goal to end to sales of new conventional petrol and diesel cars by 2040 as part of efforts to clean up transport. And this week London introduced what is being dubbed one of the world’s toughest vehicle emissions standards.

Drivers of older, more polluting cars are being charged a new £12.50 fee to enter the ultra-low emission zone in the centre of the capital. This zone currently matches that of the congestion charge (which drivers also have to pay) but Transport for London intends to enlarge it to take in the area bounded by the North and South Circular roads.

Cars affected by the new zone are those with petrol engines prior to Euro-4 standard, which became mandatory for all new cars in 2005 and light vans in 2006, and diesel engines prior to Euro-6, mandatory for all cars and light vans built since September 2015.

Commenting on the new figures, RAC Foundation director Steve Gooding said that they show a gaping hole between the ambition to green the vehicle fleet and the reality on the road.

“The relatively slow take-up of electric cars shows how important government incentives remain and any changes – such as cuts in the level of the plug-in grant and restrictions on eligibility seen in October last year – have to be finely tuned,” Gooding said.

“The data also underlines the continued dominance of diesel. Whilst there are more petrol cars than diesel, diesel fuel sells at almost twice the volume because of its use in almost all commercial vehicles including HGVs and the fast-rising number of vans.”

Mazda 3

Stuart Masson

-

12 April 2019

0

Summary

The Mazda 3 (officially styled as the Mazda3) is a medium-sized family car available in five-door hatchback and saloon body styles.

The latest generation was unveiled in November 2018 and went on sale in the UK in summer 2019, initially only as a hatchback and with a limited range of engines. The saloon version and additional engine options both arrived in late 2019.

The new Mazda 3 has received generally good to very good reviews from the UK media, with particular praise for its styling and value for money. Early criticisms were made of a lack of performance in the engines available from launch, which were partly addressed by a more powerful ‘SkyActiv X’ engine that arrived a few months after launch.

A diesel version was originally offered when the car was launched, but has disappeared from the range recently.

As of March 2026, the Mazda 3 range holds a New Car Expert Rating of C with a score of 63%. It gets good grades for its media review scores, safety rating and low CO₂ emissions, but its reliabilty record is only average and running costs are high.

More Mazda ratings, reviews, news and features

Key specifications

Body style: Five-door hatch and saloon
Engines: petrol
Price: From £23,945 on-road

Launched: Spring 2019
Last updated: Summer 2023
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol SkyActiv-X saloon Sport Lux
Score: 7.6 / 10
“The Mazda 3 saloon is attractive but sales are unlikely to rival its hatchback sibling. The Skyactiv-X petrol engine, however, is a very clever bit of kit.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mazda 3 cannot match some rivals for space or powerplants available, but scores with plentiful equipment and attractive, distinctive design, inside and out.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
“Boasting serious value for money, respectable efficiency, stunning looks and an impressive driving experience, it has everything to keep up with the best in the class.”
Read review

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mazda 3 is still a great family hatchback and among the more desirable models you can currently buy. It’s fun to drive, too, and offers a package that’s of immense quality for the money.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0 180ps GT Sport Saloon
Score: 8 / 10
“The hallmark qualities of the 3 are still on show, wrapped up in a package that some will find more appealing compared with the sportier-looking hatchback.”
Read review

Model reviewed: SkyActiv-X
Score: 8 / 10
“You get some much needed extra power over the SkyActiv-G car without really sacrificing fuel economy, but a little refinement is lost. It’s good enough to be our pick of the Mazda 3 bunch.”
Read review

Model reviewed: SkyActiv-G 2.0 122ps Sport Lux
Score: 8 / 10
“Be in no doubt, the Mazda 3 is a great car to drive.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 8 / 10
“If you fancy moving away from the common hatchback and into something a bit different, then the Mazda3 Saloon may be for you. It offers eye-catching looks and impressive interior quality, as well as some clever engine technology that could keep running costs down. It’s not bad to drive, either.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 7 / 10
“By steering a subtle course upmarket, the latest Mazda 3 feels like a polished, premium product. Enjoyable to drive and with a more upmarket cabin, its only weak link is the amount of space in the rear seats and boot.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: SkyActiv-X
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mazda 3 is an impressive newcomer in the busy family hatchback marketplace, depending on your priorities. You can be confident that your choice of mainstream hatch is a jaw-dropping, great-handling tech fest.”
Read review

Car Keys

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual SkyActiv-X
Score: 10 / 10
“We’re huge fans of the Mazda 3, and adding the Skyactiv-X engine into the mix only serves to heighten its appeal. Its increased performance takes the chassis to a new level too, without compromising on anything the 3 does best.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mazda3 is good to drive, with a stylish, premium cabin. But it’s not the most practical.”
Author: Andy Goodwin
Read review

Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The Mazda3 Fastback offers more space than the hatchback, but the same equipment and stylish looks”
Read review

Carwow

Model reviewed: Saloon range
“The Mazda 3 Saloon is one of the best looking small saloon cars on sale and comes with a decent infotainment system, but alternatives can be had with a much wider selection of engines”
Read review

Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mazda 3 has a high-quality interior, a great infotainment system and is fun to drive, but if you value rear space and a practical boot most, there are better hatchbacks.”
Read review

Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual Sport saloon
“Skyactiv-X engine massively impresses for efficiency figures, although it’s not a high-performance unit despite the 180hp power figure. Saloon bodystyle is a niche addition, but looks smart.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol SE-L Lux
Score: 8 / 10
“This new arrival in the core fleet lower-medium sector is something of a hidden gem, especially with its kit and interior quality. More power and efficiency would help.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol GT Sport hatchback
“High quality with great residuals, but emissions could be nearer the sharp end of the sector. New engine late this year could be significant.”
Read review

Daily Mail

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual GT Sport hatchback
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mazda 3 is the perfect hatchback for young couples who won’t fill the back with little people – and for older drivers who simply want a car that’s straightforward and comfortable.”
Read review

Evo

Model reviewed: Skyactiv-X
Score: 8 / 10
“Innovative, efficient and clever engineering that only improves the 3’s already impressive package.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 6 / 10
“Mazda’s innovation has never been more apparent – the new Mazda 3 is flawed but brilliant, and the type of ‘normal’ car we need.”
Read review

Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol AWD GT Sport Tech
Score: 8 / 10
“The all-wheel-drive system delivered lots of grip on wet and cold winter roads, but there’s more grip than performance. As our real-world results show, the one benefit of the new engine seems to be potentially better economy.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol GT Sport Tech
Score: 8 / 10
“The new model has progressed forward, but the almost rally-car like driving experience of the last Mazda3 has been replaced with a more refined overall product, which is predictably designed to try and win more mainstream sales, but which also means that the latest Mazda3 loses some of its differentiation.”
Read review

Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“Looks great. Premium interior with excellent standard specification.”
Read review

Score: 10 / 10
“Stunning styling. As good to drive as it is to look at. And remarkably well equipped from base model upwards. Is it better than the new Focus? The general consensus was smoother and more refined, at least as good to drive, though possibly not quite as much fun to rag the tyres off down an empty B road.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8.8 / 10
“Sleek five-door handles fabulously, but isn’t the most practical family car”
Read review

The Sun

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic Sport Lux
“With so much good stuff coming as standard, the Mazda 3 definitely flatters, but does not deceive, and its comfort, driveability and green credentials put it right up there as a family motor.”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Score: 8 / 10
“Good in all the right places but up against stiff competition.”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol SkyActiv-X GT Sport Tech saloon
Score: 8 / 10
“It might not make much of a dent in the sales charts, but if you’re after a slick, smart saloon car with a compact footprint, the Mazda 3 Saloon is probably the best there is. True, it’s average on space, and its engine feels a bit gutless, but it strikes a terrific balance between fun, comfort, style, value, and a truly premium feel.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual 122hp GT Sport Tech
Score: 8 / 10
“Reverting to a twist beam rear axle makes this family hatch ride a bit harshly and the rear seats feel claustrophobic, but dynamically the Mazda 3 is up with the class leaders and this autumn’s Skyactiv engine promises diesel economy and petrol performance.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual Skyactiv-G
Score: 8 / 10
“Mazda blows against prevailing industry trends and reinvigorates the declining C-segment market with a combination of stunning style and single-minded engineering.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Mazda’s new 3 family hatch: low on excitement, high on quiet satisfaction.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The new Mazda3 has sharp proportions, a reverse-teardrop silhouette and a swoosh of a windowline.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: May 2019
Date expired: January 2026
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 98%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 81%
Safety assist: 73%

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of March 2026, the Mazda 3 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 128
Average repair cost: £475.37
Last updated: April 2025

Reliability score

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

The Mazda 3 has a reliability rating of 70%, which is about average, according to extended warranty data provided by our commercial partner, MotorEasy. This covers both the current (2019 onwards) model as well as previous generation (pre-2019) models.

The average repair cost is just under £800, which is a little higher than average and certainly more than the cost of a used car warranty. So that’s worth keeping in mind if you own or are looking at a used Mazda 3.

The most common warranty claims relate to braking issues, although the average repair cost is not too expensive at about £400. More of a concern is the high average cost of engine repairs at more than £3,000.

If you’re buying a used car warranty for a Mazda 3, make sure it covers all of these potential problem areas.

Running cost rating

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

Fuel consumption	Average	Score
Petrol models	52 mpg	B

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	128 g/km	B

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	49	E

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£187	B
Year 2	£511	B
Year 3	£846	B
Year 4	£1,082	B
Year 5	£1,485	C
Overall	£4,111	B

Whether you decide to opt for the hatchback or saloon, the Mazda 3 has very good running costs, according to data exclusively provided by Clear Vehicle Data.

While diesel models are no longer available, petrol models are very fuel efficient by family car standards, with low emissions to boot. While insurance costs may be more expensive than you planned for, the car’s service and maintenance costs are cheap in the first year, and only get a little more expensive in the four years of ownership after that.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Mazda 3 has received

2021

Car Dealer Used Car Awards – Best Used Mid-Sized Car

2020

World Car of the Year Awards – World Car Design of the Year

2019

Scottish Car of the Year
Red Dot product design awards – Best of the Best
Honest John Awards – Family Car of the Year

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The petrol Mazda 3 with ‘diesel-like’ fuel economy

Mazda 3 review

Audi e-tron electric car among five-star safety winners

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New cars to look forward to in 2019

Clever engines and smart looks for all-new Mazda 3

All new Mazda 3 to debut at LA Show

The best hot hatches for under £10k

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Renault Kadjar (2015 to 2022)

Stuart Masson

-

11 April 2019

0

Summary

The Renault Kadjar was a medium-sized SUV/crossover that shared its platform with the Nissan Qashqai. It was launched in 2015 and received an update in late 2018. In late 2022, the Kadjar was taken off sale, replaced by the Renault Austral SUV.

The Kadjar received generally good reviews from UK media sources. Although sharing a platform with the Nissan Qashqai, the Kadjar was generally considered to be more stylishly designed. It also received praise for its practicality and good equipment levels compared to some more expensive rivals.

No longer on sale, the Renault Kadjar has a Used Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 65%. It gets good grades for its reliability record, and its running costs are also good. But its media review scores and CO₂ emissions are only average, and its safety rating has now expired.

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol
Price when new: From £24,695 on-road

Launched: Summer 2015
Last updated: Winter 2018/19
Replaced: Late 2022

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

“While other SUVs may get the job done with a little more style and flair, the Renault Kadjar – particularly when you consider its price – is still well worth considering.”
Read review

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Renault Kadjar takes the Nissan Qashqai’s talents and wraps them in a more stylish package.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Score: 7 / 10
“It doesn’t have the interior quality of some rivals and the safety roster could be more generous, but nevertheless, it’s still well worth your consideration.”
Read review

Car

Score: 8 / 10
“The Kadjar isn’t the most exciting car out there, but the changes made for its mid-life update ensure it’s still a practical family offering among the vast swathes of crossover competition.”
Read review

Car Keys

Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol manual
Score: 8 / 10
“The Renault Kadjar isn’t the most comfortable car in its class, but this car has plenty going for it. Not least its generous standard equipment levels, spaciousness and low starting prices. These three reasons alone are enough to warrant the Kadjar appearing on your new car shortlist.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Score: 8.2 / 10
“The Renault Kadjar is one of our favourite SUVs, thanks to its attractive design, practical interior and affordable running costs.”
Read review

Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Renault Kadjar is a spacious SUV that’s perfect for the family – it just isn’t that exciting inside and it’s pretty dull to drive.”
Read review

Honest John

Score: 8 / 10
“Affordable and stylish, the Kadjar represents a significant step up for Renault and has lots of family appeal, with keen pricing and low running costs. As a result the Kadjar is a compelling choice for those who want an alternative to the conservative Nissan Qashqai and Ford Kuga.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8.4 / 10
“Stylish and efficient SUV bristles with appeal”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Score: 7 / 10
“Important mid-life updates to great-value mid-size SUV.”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol manual
Score: 6 / 10
“A welcome series of improvements and updates for another innocuous family SUV. Despite being based on the Nissan Qashqai and being quite a bit cheaper (and bigger inside), Kadjar is unlikely to challenge for that model’s lofty market-leading position.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Renault’s Qashqai rival is conveniently a rebodied… Qashqai. A fine appliance for family transport.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: September 2015
Date expired: January 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 89%
Child protection: 81%
Vulnerable road users: 74%
Safety assist: 71%

Notes on safety rating

The Renault Kadjar was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 20xx and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2022 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

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

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Renault Kadjar 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: 63
Average repair cost: £562.59
Last updated: April 2025

Reliability score

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

As of April 2025 (our most recent data point), the Renault Kadjar has a better-than-average reliability rating of 79%, according to workshop and extended warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, MotorEasy.

While reliability is good, the repair costs to date are fairly expensive for this class of car, with an average bill of about £560. Unfortunately, engine repairs have been quite common and have seen an average repair cost of more than £1,200. Other bills have been more reasonable.

If you are looking to purchase a used Kadjar, make sure that any used car warranty covers all of the potential problem areas listed above.

Running cost rating

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

Fuel consumption	Average	Score
Petrol models	44 mpg	C
Diesel models	54 mpg	B

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	147 g/km	C
Diesel models	137 g/km	C

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	20	B

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£183	B
Year 2	£497	B
Year 3	£810	B
Year 4	£1,006	B
Year 5	£1,391	B
Overall	£3,887	B

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

Servicing costs are excellent for the first five years, while insurance premiums should also be competitive. Fuel economy is good for diesel models and average for petrol models.

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Renault Kadjar review (2015-2018)

Renault Kadjar test drive

Renault Kadjar refreshed for 2019

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Renault offers interest-free finance on selected models

Buy a Renault Kadjar

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

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

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SEAT Leon (2012 to 2019)

Stuart Masson

-

11 April 2019

0

Summary

The SEAT Leon is a family hatchback and estate model that shares its platform with the Volkswagen Golf and several other cars in the Volkswagen group.

This model was launched in 2012 and ended production in 2019. An all-new model arrived in the UK to replace it in late 2020.

The SEAT Leon range received consistently good to very good scores from the UK media all the way through its production cycle, with the general consensus that it enjoyed most of the qualities of the Volkswagen Golf Mk7 from the same era – but at a lower price.

Key specifications

Body style: Five-door hatch and estate
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £18,265 on-road

Launched: 2012
Last updated: Winter 2016/17
Replacement due: Summer 2020

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: 8.6 / 10
“It’s thoroughly practical while offering more personality than its more mainstream sister, the Volkswagen Golf. “
Read review

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Cupra R ST ABT
Score: 9 / 10
“More power isn’t always a guarantee of more fun but in the case of the SEAT Leon Cupra R ST, the ABT tuning package is an absolute no brainer. It moves what is already a thrilling and fast family car into even pacier territory with little trade off.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Leon Cupra R ST
Score: 9 / 10
“The Leon Cupra R ST will be a rare sight, with just 150 coming to the UK. But those who take the plunge will be in for a treat: it’s a deeply engaging, entertaining and rapid estate car.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: 1.4-litre TSI 150 FR petrol manual Technology
Score: 8 / 10
“The Leon has always been a sensible buy for those who want something a bit sharper – in look and drive – than the VW Golf (not to mention a bit cheaper). That hasn’t changed, and the Leon now looks and a feels more modern than before.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Score: 8.6 / 10
“The SEAT Leon is a talented family hatchback, thanks to its stylish looks, impressive engines and generous trim levels.”
Read review

Carwow

Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 7 / 10
“The SEAT Leon is a sporty-looking, practical family car with a brilliant range of engines, but it trades some comfort in the name of being fun to drive.”
Read review

Evo

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“SEAT’s Leon is much more than a Volkswagen Golf understudy.”
Read review

Score: 8 / 10
“SEAT’s Leon is much more than a Volkswagen Golf understudy.”
Read review

Honest John

Score: 8 / 10
“Out on the road, it’s good to drive with sporty handling and good agility. The Leon FR gets a new SEAT Drive Profile which lets you vary the characteristics of the steering, throttle response and the engine sound via a sound actuator in the exhaust.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 9 / 10
“A good-value Golf hatchback in Spanish garb”
Read review

Model reviewed: ST estate range
Score: 8 / 10
“A sharper-looking alternative to the Golf Estate”
Read review

Top Gear

Score: 6 / 10
“SEAT’s strongest car in a long time, the Leon is now a Golf-baiting player.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2012
Date expired: January 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 94%
Child protection: 92%
Vulnerable road users: 70%
Safety assist: 71%

Notes on safety rating

The SEAT Leon was awarded a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP back when this model was launched in 2012. However, this rating expired in January 2019 as the Leon no longer met the requirements for a five-star car. 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 SEAT Leon 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 SEAT Leon 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: 245
Average repair cost: £757.95
Last updated: April 2025

Reliability score

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

As of April 2025 (our most recent data point), the SEAT Leon has a below-average reliability rating of 43%. Our scores are based on workshop and extended warranty claims data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our commercial partner, MotorEasy, and the Leon’s rating applies to this model as well as both newer (2020 onwards) and earlier (pre-2012) models.

To date, the average repair cost for a Leon is about £750 – which is certainly a lot more than the cost of a used car warranty, so that’s worth considering.

The most common problems to date are also the most expensive. Engine issues make up about a quarter of all Leon faults, and have had an average repair bill of more than £1,200. Gearbox problems are also quite common, with an average bill of £1,100.

Running cost rating

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

Fuel consumption	Average	Score
Petrol models	47 mpg	C
Diesel models	56 mpg	B

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	138 g/km	C
Diesel models	133 g/km	B

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	19	A

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

We don’t have five-year servicing costs due to the Leon’s age, but insurance should be fairly inexpensive and fuel consumption is good on the diesel models. The petrol models are thirstier, however.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the SEAT Leon has received

2015

Auto Express Awards – Compact Family Car of the Year

2014

Auto Express Awards – Compact Family Car of the Year + Estate Car of the Year

2013

Auto Express Awards – Car of the Year + Best Compact Family Car

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

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Range Rover Evoque takes five-star safety honours

Andrew Charman

-

10 April 2019

1

Range Rover Evoque takes five-star safety honours

The new Range Rover Evoque has earned a top five-star rating from safety body Euro NCAP.

In a series of crash tests conducted by the independent safety body the latest second-generation version of the compact SUV scored 94% for adult occupant protection, 87% for child occupants, 72% in pedestrian safety and 73% for its suite of safety technology.

Euro NCAP commended the Evoque for progress made over the first-generation car’s pedestrian safety rating, following the standard inclusion of autonomous emergency braking (AEB).

Also tested was the Citroën C5 Aircross, receiving a four-star rating in its standard guise, increased to five stars with the optional inclusion of the Safety+ Pack. This pack is available on all but entry-level versions of the French SUV in the UK market, and adds autonomous emergency braking plus cyclist detection to the car.

With the pack fitted, the C5 Aircross achieved an 89% score for adult occupant protection, 86% in child occupant safety, 67% for pedestrians and 82% for the level of assistance technology included.

Euro NCAP secretary general Michiel van Ratingen commented that the results show that car manufacturers are still keen and able to achieve the highest safety ratings. “It is especially encouraging to see the continued widespread deployment and improvement of advanced technologies such as AEB and lane support,” he said.

“It is good news that some of the basic driver assist technologies will finally be mandated from 2022, but thankfully most vehicle manufacturers are already way ahead of the curve today.”

Check out The Car Expert’s brand-new New Car Ratings hub for reviews from across the UK media, as well as safety and eco rating information:

Range Rover Evoque Crash Test The Car Expert

Teaser images point to next Bentley Flying Spur

New model

Andrew Charman

-

10 April 2019

0

Teaser images point to next Bentley Flying Spur

Bentley has released teaser images confirming that a third generation of the Flying Spur grand tourer is on the way.

Details of the luxury saloon are currently scarce – the early images do reveal a recognisable Bentley silhouette – with an elegant sloped roofline meeting a somewhat boxy design – plus the distinctive ‘Flying B’ that adorns the front of all of the brand’s cars.

Bentley only states that it is “innovating beyond the existing boundaries of performance, refinement and luxury with the introduction of an all-new four-door grand tourer”.

The Flying Spur was introduced in 2005 as effectively a four-door version of the Continental GT coupe, and the new model is expected to follow the same format.

However it is likely to have a more distinctive design to differentiate it from the Continental GT, and this could extend to the model being renamed.

Whatever name the new car takes it is likely to use the coupe’s 6.0-litre W12 engine from launch, with a V8 option also in future plans.

Bentley is also likely to introduce a hybrid electric powertrain to the Flying Spur similar to that used in the Bentayga SUV, combining a V6 petrol engine and an electric motor that can offer 31 miles of zero-emissions driving. Certain important Asian markets will expect hybrid powertrains to be available.

More details of the Bentley Flying Spur are expected to be revealed ahead of a late-2019 market launch.

More Bentley news, reviews and features

Honda CR-V (2018 to 2023)

Stuart Masson

-

10 April 2019

0

Summary

The Honda CR-V was a medium-sized SUV/crossover, available with either a petrol engine or a petrol-electric hybrid power unit. This model was launched in 2018, with the hybrid model arriving in the UK in early 2019. It ended production in 2023, being replaced by an all-new model.

The CR-V received consistently good reviews from the UK automotive media, with the hybrid model generally getting slightly better scores than the petrol version.

All models received praise for their spaciousness and practicality – Heycar called the CR-V “an utterly dependable SUV that’ll tick a lot of boxes for a lot of buyers”. Auto Trader also commended the CR-V for its generous list of safety features, while Which? recommended the SUV to its readers due to it being “incredibly easy to drive”.

On the other hand, Carwow commented that the interior quality of the CR-V is cheap in places, and the SUV is fitted with “one of the worst infotainment systems on sale”. Other outlets said that the lack of a diesel option would deter some buyers, and that the rear seats in the seven-seat models were quite cramped.

No longer on sale, the Honda CR-V has a Used Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 66%. It gets good grades for its solid reliability record and low running costs, but its media reviews, safety score and CO₂ emissions are all only average.

CR-V highlights

Spacious and practical cabin
Plenty of safety equipment
Relaxing driving experience
Good amount of boot space

CR-V lowlights

Impractical infotainment
Limit range of powertrains
Seven-seat setup limits passenger space
Interior materials are cheap in places

Key specifications

Body style: Five-door SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, hybrid
Price: From £32,815 on-road

Launched: Summer 2018
Last updated: Spring 2019
Replaced: Autumn 2023

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

Featured reviews

“Looking for an SUV with lots of space and comfort? Not particularly bothered about being excited behind the wheel but just need to get where you’re going without drama? The Honda CR-V Hybrid could be for you.”

Model reviewed: CR-V Hybrid

Score: 7.8 / 10

Read full review

The Car Expert

Andrew Charman

“Updated Honda CR-V is more luxurious and just as practical as before, but has no diesel option and thirsty petrol engines.”

Score: 8 / 10

Auto Express

More reviews

The Car Expert

“The CR-V is a decent car to drive with an experience which is neither awful nor write-home exceptional. As far as all-rounders go, it’s pretty well-rounded indeed.”
Read review

Auto Express

Model reviewed: CR-V Hybrid
Score: 7 / 10
“The new Honda CR-V Hybrid is smooth, refined and economical, but PCP costs make it hard to recommend over its rivals.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.6 / 10
“There are more spacious seven-seat crossovers than the Honda CR-V but, in standard five-seat guise, it’s a roomy and practical family car blessed with great reliability and a relaxing, refined character. It’s also very safe, with an impressive package of driver assistance functions fitted as standard.”
Read review

Car

Score: 8 / 10
“The new Honda CR-V is not an exciting car, by any means. But it is a good one. It quietly gets on with the job, and does it very well.”
Read review

Car Keys

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic
Score: 8 / 10
“Honda has moved the latest CR-V forwards leaps and bounds with its stylish design and high-quality interior, which is also very well-equipped. The 1.5-litre engine is also a great unit, and despite being a bit thirsty, it’s a convincing alternative to other diesel models.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: CR-V Hybrid
Score: 7.8 / 10
“Clever fuel-saving technology makes the hybrid our favourite CR-V.” (Andy Goodwin)
Read review

Score: 8 / 10
“The latest Honda CR-V shuns diesel in favour of petrol and hybrid engines. It now has five or seven seats and improved safety technology as standard”
Read review

Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Honda CR-V is spacious, has a big boot and is comfortable in town, but its quality is questionable in areas and it has one of the worst infotainment systems on sale.”
Read review

Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric hybrid SR
Score: 7.9 / 10
“Honda is playing to a company car audience with the new CR-V Hybrid, offering low emissions figures, masses of practicality and good spec if you go as high as the SR trim.”
Read review

Daily Mail

Model reviewed: CR-V Hybrid
“Although not a fully electric car, it feels like one. Think of it more as an electric car with a petrol engine on board.”
Read review

“Were you to compare Honda’s family favourite CR-V to a music genre, it would be easy listening. It’s comfortable, conservative, cosseting and roomy, but that doesn’t make it bland — rather it’s an engaging drive.”
Read review

Daily Mirror

Model reviewed: Hybrid
Score: 10 / 10
“I have to admit, I’d not been sure about hybrids until I drove the Honda CR-V. And, I must tell you, if we were in the market for buying an SUV, this would now be at the very top of our list.”
Read review

Discover EV

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric hybrid SR
Score: 7 / 10
“‘Unremarkable’ is the word best used to describe the Honda CR-V Hybrid but as petrol-electric SUVs go it is comfy, practical, spacious and packed with tech.”
Read review

Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: Hybrid EX
Score: 8 / 10
“The Honda CR-V Hybrid is decent to drive overall, with a particularly comfortable ride, but the hybrid system doesn’t operate on electric power as much as its rival the Toyota RAV4, and the result of this is shown in the real-world economy figure of the CR-V being considerably lower than that of the RAV4.”
Read review

Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Honda CR-V is an utterly dependable SUV that’ll tick a lot of boxes for a lot of buyers. We like how comfortable it is, while there’s enough space for most families. The lack of a diesel engine limits its market quite significantly, but the petrol and hybrid offerings are pretty good.”
Read review

Honest John

Score: 8 / 10
“On first impressions, Honda has done an excellent job of recreating the world’s best-selling SUV. Smooth, comfortable, safe completely up to date and a pleasure both to ride in and drive.”
Read review

Model reviewed: CR-V Hybrid
“The Honda CR-V hybrid is a lovely thing to drive. Pleasant and calming, yet with enough handling and performance to be hustled along quickly. It’s roomy, fine riding and even has wide opening doors and flat seats that make ingress and egress pain-free for the elderly.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7.6 / 10
“Practical family SUV is refined and good to drive”
Read review

The Sun

Model reviewed: CR-V Hybrid
“The single-speed transmission can drone on a bit when you boot the throttle, the satnav unit is dated and the boot has shrunk to make space for the battery pack. Despite this, the CR-V Hybrid remains an extremely spacious, well finished and comfortable SUV.”
Read review

“As if it wasn’t big enough already, Honda’s uber reliable sports utility now boasts an interior the size of a small cathedral.”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: CR-V Hybrid
Score: 8 / 10
“The family favourite gets a surprisingly fun-to-drive hybrid.”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: Hybrid SE 2WD
Score: 6 / 10
“Its small boot and keening engine mean this isn’t quite the full diesel replacement Honda would like you to believe it is, but the CR-V Hybrid is nonetheless a smooth, slick and well-built SUV that should appeal if you’re keen to ditch diesel.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual
Score: 6 / 10
“Competent and not unattractive, the petrol-only CR-V plays to Honda’s strengths with transatlantic styling, easy-to-use features and familiarity, but this market has moved on apace and this new CR-V hasn’t kept up.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Hybrid
Score: 6 / 10
“The fifth generation CR-V gets a lot of things right. Keep the spec down, decide whether you need 4WD or 2, make sure you tick the box for Apple CarPlay and unless you’re really of an eco mindset, stick with the simple drivetrain. You’ll have all the car you could ever need.”
Read review

Score: 7 / 10
“CR-V is far from exciting but remains one of the most sensible buys in this sector.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

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

Adult protection: 93%
Child protection: 83%
Vulnerable road users: 70%
Safety assist: 76%

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Honda CR-V 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: 104
Average repair cost: £673.77
Last updated: April 2025

Reliability score

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

The Honda CR-V has a better-than-average reliability score of 81% as of April 2025 (our most recent data point), according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, MotorEasy. This covers both this model and previous (pre-2018) generations.

Most repair bills are fair to good, although fuel system repairs have been surprisingly expensive, with an average repair cost of more than £1,600.

Running cost rating

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

Fuel consumption	Average	Score
Petrol models	41 mpg	C
Diesel models	35 mpg	D

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	158 g/km	C
Diesel models	186 g/km	D

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	24	B

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£176	B
Year 2	£449	A
Year 3	£752	B
Year 4	£956	B
Year 5	£1,334	B
Overall	£3,667	B

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

Servicing and maintenance costs are good for the first five years, while insurance is also better than average. Fuel consumption is poor on both petrol and diesel models, however.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Honda Civic has received

2023

Auto Trader Awards – Best Hybrid

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Buy a Honda CR-V

If you’re looking to buy a used Honda CR-V, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car.

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

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Honda HR-V Sport test drive

Ryan Hirons

-

10 April 2019

0

Honda knows a thing or two about making a hot hatch. There is, of course, the legendary Civic Type R, which has repeatedly been at the forefront of the market throughout its 18-year life in the UK (and 21 years globally), while Honda also produced what is widely regarded as the best-driving front-wheel-drive car ever made in the Integra.

Now, in a market dominated by crossovers and SUVs, Honda’s trying to bring a sprinkle of that magic to that segment with this — the HR-V Sport. Has it captured some of the spirit of its forefathers?

More Honda news, reviews, features and offers

What’s new about the Honda HR-V Sport?

Ok so we’re not going to claim this is some full-blown hot compact crossover ‘Type R’ model, but there’s certainly more to this HR-V Sport than just a racy-ish looking trim package.

We’ll go under the skin — with the Japanese firm’s strapping a turbo to its 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine here which, at least for the HR-V, is an exclusive to Sport grade. To help cope with introduction of ‘boost’, there’s been some real fettling of the suspension too.

Of course, there are visual changes — with new black gloss highlights to be found all round, as well as a honeycomb grille for a more impactful look.

How does it look?

To the untrained eye, this is just going to look like any other HR-V in the range — but Honda has indeed made some tweaks to try and make the Sport stand out from the crowd.

Most noticeable is the array of gloss black highlights in place of chrome trim around the car, while a honeycomb grille takes centre stage. That and its 18-inch alloy wheels aside though, there’s not too much to separate it from the regular HR-V.

A model-specific Modern Steel Metallic paint finish is also available at a £525 for those wanting to go a little bit off the beaten path.

We wouldn’t call it an ugly car, but the HR-V Sport is quite comfortably going to blend in with its surroundings in a queue of traffic. It’s a car that simply looks designed to be inoffensive, and that’s just fine — but we would like to have a seen a little more aggression for the Sport considering how well the mechanical changes have come off.

What’s the spec like?

On top of all the go-faster bits, Honda has brought a generous level of equipment for no extra cost on the HR-V Sport. Luxury items include LED headlights, ‘smoked’ taillights, heated seats, automatic wipers, adaptive cruise control and its ‘Connect’ infotainment system displayed on a seven-inch display with Garmin satellite navigation.

There is also Honda’s ‘Sensing’ suite of safety kit — bringing forward collision warning, lane keep assist and departure warning, traffic sign recognition and collision mitigation braking at no premium.

It is however a £27,595 car, or, with premium paint as tested, a £28,120 car. Considering the base price for a non-Sport HR-V is £19,795, you’d have to be really keen on the extra performance to opt for this. Alternatively, if you want a quick-ish crossover, a dealer-stock Nissan Juke Nismo RS can be found for £23k-ish — and that’s got 30bhp more.

Continued on next page: Interior, driving experience and our verdict

Hyundai hints at Venue, its smallest SUV yet

New model

Andrew Charman

-

9 April 2019

0

Hyundai hints at Venue, its smallest SUV yet

Hyundai has revealed the first sketches of an upcoming SUV that is set to become the smallest in the Korean brand’s range.

The Venue is set to be unveiled at the New York motor show later this month. Details of the newcomer are currently scarce, although Hyundai says it “symbolises a trendy, unique style” and confirms it will become its smallest and “most affordable” SUV yet.

Hyundai’s corporate design is clear to see in the model sketches, with thin headlights sitting atop a large grille up front and a sloping roofline leading to a squared-off rear. The car is reminiscent of the Kona SUV, which will sit above the Venue in the Hyundai range.

Interior drawings showcase a familiar look too, with a basic-but-functional cabin design.

Hyundai has yet to confirm which markets the Venue will be launching in, although UK sales would appear likely with the current demand for compact SUVs in Britain.

Industry sources suggest that the Hyundai Venue could share its underpinnings with sister brand Kia’s latest Soul, which will be sold exclusively as an all-electric car in the UK when it arrives later this year.

If so, it’s likely the Venue will go on sale as an EV, although conventional petrol and diesel powertrains could still play a role.

Following its New York unveiling on 19th April, the Venue is predicted to go on sale in 2020.

More Hyundai news, reviews, features and offers

Hyundai Kona (2017 to 2023)

Stuart Masson

-

9 April 2019

0

Summary

The Hyundai Kona was a small SUV/crossover that was launched in 2017, sharing its platform with the Kia Stonic. It was updated for 2021, with improved connectivity and a new sporty-look trim dubbed N-Line. It was removed from sale in 2023, making way for a new version of the Kona.

The Kona was available with a choice of petrol and hybrid power up until it was replaced – diesel versions were axed in 2019. Hyundai also sold the Kona Electric which is covered in a separate report as it is substantially different to this regular version. A Kona N performance model joined the range in mid 2021.

The Hyundai Kona received mostly average to good reviews from the UK motoring media, with very consistent scores from different sources. Its equipment, especially the infotainment, and its five-year warranty comes in for praise, but the car is criticised for a dull interior and uninspiring drive.

Reviewers pointed out that the car now faces some high-quality rivals, such as the Ford Puma and Skoda Kamiq. “The latest revisions have made it a bit more competitive, but it’s still not the most practical choice – nor the best drive,” comments Heycar.

The Hybrid introduced as part of the 2021 update did not greatly impress either, Auto Express pointing out that it’s not a lot more eco-friendly than the 1.0-litre petrol version but cost a lot more to buy. Thankfully the hybrid system did not take up boot space because at 374 litres it’s pretty modest compared to rivals.

Even the Kona’s updated looks didn’t chime with all – “surely the most outrageously styled Hyundai the world has ever seen,” commented Top Gear.

In December 2022, Hyundai announced an all-new Kona range, which is expected to arrive in the UK by Summer 2023. It will be based on the new Kia Niro range, and will be slightly larger to provide more room for rear-seat passengers.

No longer on sale, the Hyundai Kona has a Used Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 67%. It scores top marks for its low running costs and CO₂ emissions, but its safety rating has now expired due to age and its media review scores were very poor.

Kona highlights

Reasonable value for money
Good specification
Quality infotainment
Long warranty

Kona lowlights

Dull drive
Uninspiring interior finish
Hybrid pricey for modest green gains
Marmite styling

Key specifications

Body style: Small SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, hybrid
Price when new: From £21,625 on-road

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

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

Featured reviews

“Hyundai has done a creditable job of creating a small SUV that offers a little distinction in an overcrowded market.”

Score: 7 / 10

Read full review

The Car Expert

Andrew Charman

“The Hyundai Kona handles tidily and is well equipped, but has uncomfortable suspension and an average boot.”

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 4 / 10

Carwow

More reviews

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Hyundai Kona has funky looks and great on-board tech, although isn’t as good to drive as the class leaders.”

Model reviewed: Hybrid 2021
Score: 6 / 10
“The Kona Hybrid’s official CO2 emissions are low, to help with BIK rates, while its practicality remains so-so, its scores in these areas are, in truth, in the same ballpark as those of one of its main rivals.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2021 update
Score: 7 / 10
“Updates to the Hyundai Kona improve its overall experience, with an efficient and effective mild-hybrid powertrain, a more composed and comfortable ride, and some useful tech upgrades in the cabin.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 6 / 10
“Well known engines but an all-new platform beneath them.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Hyundai Kona is not a spectacular car to drive, but it feels light and easy around town and secure and stable on the motorway. Although it’s a compact car, it still manages to feel airy with enough space for four to travel in comfort.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol T-GDI automatic Premium GT
Score: 6 / 10
“Ignore the propaganda about a ‘true SUV’ – there is nothing sporty about the Kona’s coarse 1.6-litre engine and little utility in the small boot and compact rear seats. You have to love the way the Kona looks and truly value the long list of standard kit to warrant spending £25,000 on this version, too.”
Read review

Car Keys

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Updates to the Hyundai Kona certainly make it better than ever. It’s a very good all-rounder, even in this entry-level engine, with a pleasant driving experience, attractive styling and high-quality interior.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Hybrid
Score: 8 / 10
“The Kona Hybrid offers an interesting alternative to the standard petrol Kona that will be exceptionally cheap to run. It also retains the standard model’s well-equipped interior, spaciousness and interesting styling. However, you do need to consider if it’s worth the expense over the regular car.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Hyundai Kona is a practical and quirky introduction to the small crossover class. It has a premium feel, and while the £24,995 top-end price makes it quite expensive, it is well equipped.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Hybrid
Score: 6.6 / 10
“Choose a Hyundai Kona Hybrid if you want to keep costs down but can’t charge an electric car at home.” (Andy Goodwin)
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Hyundai Kona looks more exciting than the brand’s other cars, but delivers sensible, middling competence rather than excellence in any one area.”
Read review

Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol hybrid automatic Premium SE
Score: 8 / 10
“if for some reason a pure EV doesn’t work for you (for example you may not have any way to charge at home) then for use in built-up areas the Hyundai Kona Hybrid will be cleaner than the Petrol or Diesel models.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel manual Premium
Score: 7 / 10
“The Hyundai Kona remains one of our favourite cars, but we’re just struggling to find a reason to recommend the diesel over the petrol or electric models.”
Read review

Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Hyundai Kona isn’t in the same league as the Skoda Kamiq or Ford Puma, but it represents reasonable value for money. The latest revisions have made it a bit more competitive, but it’s still not the most practical choice – nor the best drive.”
Read review

Honest John

Score: 6 / 10
“As a value-focused crossover, the Kona gets lots of things right, with its low running costs and comprehensive warranty being its two standout selling features. However, the cramped interior and so-so ride quality leave the Kona feeling distinctly short on quality and comfort compared to its rivals.”
Read review

Motors

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“For young families with a vibrant outlook on life, or those who find themselves in need of a family car but who aren’t quite ready for a ‘boring’ one, the Hyundai Kona has much to recommend it. It’s a lot more fun and a lot more outgoing than many of its rivals.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7.8 / 10
“Hyundai’s smallest SUV bristles with appeal and funkiness”
Read review

The Sun

“Hyundai’s mission is to convince the world this is a fun car for young and funky people. It’s doing this with bold styling, modern tech and more colour combinations than Elton John’s wedding.”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: Hybrid Premium SE
Score: 6 / 10
“In hybrid form, the Kona is a likeable little SUV with plenty going for it, and if it’s a hybrid in particular that you’re after, then this is one of the best. Trouble is, it’s hard to recommend over its more conventionally powered rivals, which offer more for less, despite being more costly to run.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol automatic 4×4 Highlander
Score: 6 / 10
“In the class the Kona rates no more than a decent three-plus, but so many of its rivals are worse. In this 4×4, 1.6-litre petrol form it’s good looking, goes well and has a utility that rivals lack. Trouble is, with just a bit more time and money spent on steering and damping it could have been a zillion times better.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual Premium SE
Score: 6 / 10
“The bold styling and high levels of equipment are welcome, but the Hyundai Kona needs more space and a smoother ride to justify the extra star that would put it in contention with the class leaders.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“We like the Hyundai Kona for trying as hard in the handling department as in the styling studio, and rising above the droves of humdrum rival crossovers.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

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

Adult protection: 87%
Child protection: 85%
Vulnerable road users: 62%
Safety assist: 60%

Notes on safety rating

The Hyundai Kona 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.

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

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Hyundai Kona was not assessed by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of March 2026, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Hyundai Kona to generate a reliability rating.

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

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

Running cost rating

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

Fuel consumption	Average	Score
Petrol models	45 mpg	C
Hybrid models	55 mpg	B

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	144 g/km	C
Hybrid models	116 g/km	B

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	11	A

The Hyundai Kona is cheaper to run in the long run if you opt for a hybrid model, according to data exclusively provided by our commercial partner Clear Vehicle Data.

With an average fuel consumption of 56 mpg, hybrid models offer over 10 mpg more on average than petrol models. Regardless of the model chosen, insurance premiums should be pretty affordable.

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Porsche 911

Stuart Masson

-

9 April 2019

0

Summary

The latest Porsche 911 (known as the 992) made its debut at the Los Angeles motor show in November 2018, with the first customer cars arriving in the UK in the second half of 2019.

This page covers ratings and reviews for the ‘standard’ 911 coupé and cabriolet models. This includes the rear-wheel-drive Carrera and Carrera S models and all-wheel-drive Carrera 4 and 4S versions, which are available in coupé, convertible and targa body styles. The higher-performance 911 Turbo models have a separate page, as does the 911 GT3 lightweight performance model.

The Porsche 911 has received consistently outstanding scores from the UK media sources who have driven the car in its various forms, and is considered a significant improvement on the highly praised 991 generation.

Like earlier generations of 911, the 992 delivers outstanding performance while maintaining an impressive degree of everyday practicality. However, prices have been steadily increasing over previous models.

As of October 2025, the Porsche 911 range has a New Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 56%. This is a significant drop in our new ratings system compared to the previous system, which only measured media reviews (which remain outstanding). In ownership terms, however, the 911 scores poorly with ratings of E for its CO₂ emissions, reliability and running costs. We also don’t have a safety rating as the 911 has not been tested by Euro NCAP.

This diminished score reflects the shift in our Expert Rating Index to highlight ownership data rather than just driving dynamics, so it’s not surprising that the 911 is affected – along with every other Porsche model and most other sports/luxury cars.

Key specifications

Body style: Coupé, cabriolet and targa
Engines: petrol
Price: From £103,700 on-road

Launched: Winter 2018/19
Last updated: Summer 2024
Next update due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

Featured reviews

“The 992-generation Porsche 911 has taken time to reveal its character, but it’s evolved into a sports car with enormous breadth and ability.”

Model reviewed: 2024 update (992.2) Coupé range

Score: 9 / 10

Read full review

Evo

Yousuf Ashraf

“The Porsche 911 is the definition of a usable sports car. It’s devastatingly quick and fun in all its forms but also easy to live with every day, although the rear seats are best suited to children.”

Model reviewed: Coupé range

Score: 9 / 10

Read full review

Carwow

Tom Wiltshire

More reviews

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: 911 Targa 4S
“Porsche has nailed the brief with the 911 Targa 4S. If style and practicality are key to your sports car, you won’t be disappointed.”
Read review

“The latest 992-generation Porsche 911 is a driving experience that’s close to perfect.”
Read review

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Porsche 911 is the consummate sports car because it’s beautifully built, engaging to drive, and highly desirable.”
Author: Antony Ingram, Jordan Katsianis
Read review

Model reviewed: Cabriolet range
Score: 9 / 10
“The drop-top version of the Porsche 911 is still a genuine sports car, with driving dynamics that almost match its coupe sibling. But there is a hefty premium to pay for the 911 Cabriolet over the Coupe, and the limited availability of a manual across the line-up isn’t ideal.”
Author: Alastair Crooks
Read review

Model reviewed: 3.6-litre petrol/electric hybrid Carrera GTS
Score: 10 / 10
“The latest Porsche 911 GTS is a wonderful exercise in showcasing how the 911 can change with the times. Porsche has not only integrated hybrid power without diluting the essence of the 911, but done it in such a way that it adds a welcome layer to the car’s character. With supercar-like performance on tap, the GTS is now a very different beast to the regular Carrera.”
Author: Jordan Katsianis
Read review

Model reviewed: 992.2 Carrera facelift range
Score: 9 / 10
“You needn’t think of the base Carrera as the poor man’s Porsche 911. It’s every bit as fast as it needs to be, throwing precision, stability and even refinement into the mix as well. The price has crept up in recent years, and you’ll need to pay close attention to how many option boxes you tick. But in short, the 911 remains the do-it-all everyday sports car it’s always been, with greater polish than ever.”
Author: Richard Ingram
Read review

Model reviewed: T (2023)
Score: 10 / 10
“The Porsche 911 Carrera T is simply the one of the best models in the 992-generation’s range.” (Alastair Crooks)
Read review

Model reviewed: GTS
Score: 9 / 10
“The latest GTS is another intoxicating 911, with impressive performance, huge levels of grip, fabulous steering and a beautifully finished cabin. It’s not cheap, but even at £108k, it has few serious rivals.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol manual Carrera S coupé
Score: 9 / 10
“The manual gearbox is slower, burns slightly more fuel and is fractionally more polluting than its dual-clutch automatic equivalent. Yet subjectively, it is more engaging, more fun, and more 911 with three pedals, despite the shift itself still not being perfect.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 911 Targa 4S
Score: 9 / 10
“It’s not cheap, but the new Porsche 911 Targa is a lovely thing to look at, is great to drive and in 4S guise extremely rapid. We’re not totally convinced about the roof down refinement, which seems to spoil the idea of having a Targa in the first place. But overall this is yet another winner from Porsche.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 911 Carrera coupé
Score: 10 / 10
“If you can’t quite stretch to the more expensive Carrera S, you’re unlikely to feel short changed by this new entry-level 911 model.”

Model reviewed: 911 Carrera Cabriolet
Score: 10 / 10
“It drives exceptionally well, and feels composed even when worked hard over a highly demanding road.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet
Score: 9 / 10
“The Porsche 911 Cabriolet is a brilliant driver’s car and a superb grand tourer, mixing a wonderful chassis, huge performance and a luxury feel with the pleasures of open-top motoring.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic Carrera S coupé
Score: 10 / 10
“While there was never much doubt, this latest 992-generation Porsche 911 manages to improve on its already accomplished predecessor in near enough every way.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: 911 GTS
Score: 9 / 10
“Common to all 911 models is spectacular performance, great looks, huge desirability and an arch blend of tech and tradition. With token rear seats it’s even half practical for a car of this nature.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 10 / 10
“The latest Porsche 911 is superb. It’s beautifully engineered and supremely capable, and a properly involving experience for the driving enthusiast. It should be right at the top of anyone’s sports car short list.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Cabriolet range
Score: 10 / 10
“The Porsche 911 Cabriolet is as good as its fixed-roof sibling. With a powerful engine, excellent cabin quality and brilliant handling, the Cabriolet is a delight to drive, while owners can take advantage of sunnier weather to enjoy one of the best, most rewarding motoring experiences possible.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: Carrera T coupé
Score: 10 / 10
“The Porsche 911 Carrera T? is a Goldilocks moment: purists may demand more grunt and more go, track-day fanatics may still lust after the GT models and the open-air brigade will seek out a 911 Cabriolet – hell, rally-raiders with money to burn can even now pick the go-anywhere Dakar. But this is 911kind at its purest: modest muscle that’s just enough, yet never not enough. T stands for terrific.” (Tim Pollard)
Read review

Model reviewed: 911 GTS
Score: 10 / 10
“The Carrera GTS is once again a finely judged halfway house between the sensible and extreme end of the 911 range. It’s focused yet practical, fast but enjoyable and has the required aesthetic tweaks to subtly remind everyone that you’re in more than just a boggo 911.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 911 Carrera Cabriolet
Score: 10 / 10
“The appeal of the soft-top Porsche 911 is that you can drop the roof, enjoy the sun and revel in the flat-six soundtrack. It even does all the practical stuff a 911 always does, with plus-two rear seats and, of course, unaltered boot space. In fact, the cabriolet is arguably the more versatile 911.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 911 Carrera coupé
Score: 10 / 10
“A wickedly capable and rewarding driving tool, convincingly versatile like few rival sports cars and painfully desirable, it’s a masterful reinvention of a timeless concept.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Targa range
Score: 9 / 10
“The latest 992-generation Porsche 911 is the best yet; fast, fun and hugely capable.” (Ben Custard)
Read review

Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 9 / 10
“The latest 992-generation Porsche 911 is the best yet; fast, fun and hugely capable.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Cabriolet range
Score: 8.6 / 10
“The Porsche 911 Cabriolet offers convertible thrills with very few downsides”
Read review

Daily Mail

“Is it perfect? I would argue it’s as close to perfection as the market has achieved yet – and explains why so few brands bother to release a rival to one of the most well established four-wheeled entities.”
Read review

Daily Mirror

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic Carrera S coupé
Score: 10 / 10
“The new Porsche 911 is stylish, sleek and super fast – and is the best-looking model since the 1960s classics.”
Read review

Evo

Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 9 / 10
“The latest Porsche 911 is more complete than ever, but it takes time to discover its character”
Read review

Model reviewed: 911 Carrera coupé
Score: 9 / 10
“It’s a struggle to think of directly comparable rivals for the 911. Considerations are Aston Martin’s V8 Vantage at £120,900, and the £104,195 Mercedes-AMG GT. Both have the measure of the 911 for character, but for usability and price the Porsche still has the edge.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 911 Carrera Cabriolet
Score: 9 / 10
“The compromises are small with the new 992 Porsche 911 Cabriolet – it’s a brilliant open-air 911.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: 911 Cabriolet range
Score: 9.4 / 10
“Soft-top 911 is closer to the Coupe than ever”
Read review

Model reviewed: 911 coupe range
Score: 9.6 / 10
“Porsche’s raised the bar again with its iconic sports car”
Read review

The Sun

Model reviewed: 911 Carrera S coupé
“The beautifully engineered, iconic and heroically fast Porsche 911 is the ultimate sports car”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: 911 Carrera S
Score: 9 / 10
“Still the benchmark.”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 911 Carrera coupé
Score: 10 / 10
“If you’re buying a weekend or track day toy, you might desire a little more power. But if you all you want is an entertaining, involving and even vaguely practical day-to-day sports car, you need look no further up the 911 range than its entry-level model. The Carrera is still one of the best there is.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet
Score: 9 / 10
“Scoff about who might buy the 911 Cabriolet all you like, but the fact remains it’s a quite stunning sports car. It maybe wouldn’t be the first choice for a track-day enthusiast, but on the road you’ll never want for more from it in terms of handling, comfort and blinding speed.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 911 Carrera S coupé
Score: 10 / 10
“A classic replacement for a classic supercar. With the wealth of new supercars on sale it’s easy to forget how much fun, how practical – and just how fast – Porsche’s 911 is. And this, the eighth incarnation, is one of the best.”
Read review

Top Gear

Score: 9 / 10
“The 911 is still definitive, stretching the poles of a sports car’s abilities without putting a foot wrong.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 911 Carrera S automatic
Score: 9 / 10
“This is a car that pulls off the rare trick of being crushingly competent but still brimming with charm. Fastidiously honed and developed, but not at the expense of fun. The world’s greatest sports car? I’m not going to argue with that.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

As of October 2025, the Porsche 911 range has not been crash tested by Euro NCAP.

Given that previous generations of 911 have never been tested, we’re not expecting this one to be put through the Euro NCAP programme, either.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of October 2025, the Porsche 911 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

Due to its price and exclusivity, it is unlikely to have its emissions tested in the future.

Running cost rating

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

Fuel consumption	Average	Score
Petrol models	28 mpg	E

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	257 g/km	E

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	50	F

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£579	E
Year 2	£1,262	E
Year 3	£1,931	E
Year 4	£2,389	E
Year 5	£2,990	E
Overall	£9,151	E

Unsurprisingly, the Porsche 911 is a pretty expensive car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

The car’s insurance premiuns sit in the highest possible bracket, and the 911’s service and maintenance costs over five years of ownership are higher than the market average too.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 80
Average repair cost: £1902.91
Last updated: April 2025

Reliability score

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

As of June 2025, the overall Porsche 911 family has a very poor reliability rating of 12%, according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner MotorEasy. This applies to both the current 911 range and previous generations.

Also worth noting is the very high average repair cost for 911 repairs, at nearly £2,000. In most categories, the average repair bills are significantly higher than normal, but the most notable is engine repairs, which is the most common problem area and also the most expensive. The average repair bill for faults with the famed Porsche flat-six engine was almost £3,500.

If you own a Porsche 911 or are interested in buying a used 911, make sure that any used car warranty covers all these critical areas.

Warranty rating

New car warranty information for the Porsche 911 range

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

Porsche’s new car warranty is generally average, with a duration of three years and no mileage limit. In addition to the standard new car warranty, the new 911 Hybrid has an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery components.

Warranty on a used Porsche 911

If you are buying an ‘Approved Used’ Porsche 911 from an official Porsche dealership, you will get a minimum 12-month warranty included.
If you are buying a used Porsche 911 from an independent dealership, any warranty offered will vary and will probably be managed by a third-party warranty company.
If you are buying a used Porsche 911 from a private seller, there are no warranty protections beyond any remaining portion of the original new car warranty.

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

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the current Porsche 911

2024

2023

2021

2019

Date: March 2024
Recall number: R/2024/140
Model types: All
Build dates: 07/2020 to 02/2024
Number of vehicles affected: 2,032
Defect: It is possible that the front and rear window panes were not manufactured in accordance with specifications and their bonding to the body is therefore insufficient.
Remedy: The front and rear windows on the affected vehicles must be checked and, if necessary, replaced.

Date: November 2023
Recall number: R/2023/319
Model types: All
Build dates: 03/2021 to 10/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 1,048
Defect: The side airbag installed in bucket seats may be activated unnecessarily.
Remedy: Recode the airbag control unit.

Date: September 2021
Recall number: R/2021/317
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2018 to 04/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 4
Defect: The screw connection of the pressure input rod of the brake booster may not have been tightened according to regulations.
Remedy: The brake booster must be replaced or reworked depending on the vehicle type.

Date: December 2019
Recall number: R/2020/108
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2019 to 12/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 581
Defect: There is a possibility that the hazard warning lights will not be activated after pressing the button in the centre console.
Remedy: Re-program the operator control unit in the front centre console.

As of September 2024 (our most recent data point), there have been four DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the 992-era Porsche 911 range to address different issues.

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

If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used 911, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.

Everything you need to know about UK vehicle recalls

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Porsche 911 has received

2025

Autotrader Awards – Best Luxury Car
News UK Motoring Awards – The Sunday Times Legend Car

2023

News UK Motor Awards – The Sunday Times Car of the Year (Sport Classic)

2020

Auto Express Awards – Best Performance Car

2019

Auto Express Awards – Best Performance Car
News UK Motor Awards – The Sunday Times Car of the Year

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Fiat 500X (2014 to 2024)

Stuart Masson

-

8 April 2019

0

Summary

The Fiat 500X was a small SUV/crossover hatchback. Although it shared a family resemblance to the Fiat 500 city car (along with most of its name), it was actually a completely different and much larger vehicle.

The 500X was launched in 2014 and received a substantial mechanical update in Summer 2018, although visual changes were minimal. It ended production in 2024, being replaced by the Fiat 600.

The Fiat 500X received mostly average to poor review scores throughout its life from the UK motoring media. It was praised for being stylish and decent to drive, while criticisms centred around its practicality and space compared to rivals.

From Spring 2022, the 500X became available with a mild hybrid petrol engine, which improved fuel efficiency and (unlike most mild hybrid motors) was able to provide a very small amount of electric power to move the car under limited conditions. However, its electrical assistance was much less than that found on a regular hybrid car, which can travel some distance and at normal urban speeds on electrical power alone.

As of February 2026, the Fiat 500X holds a Used Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 65%. It scores top marks for its reliability record, while its running costs and CO₂ emissions are also better than most cars. However, its safety score is now poor as its Euro NCAP safety rating has long expired, and its media review scores are very poor.

More Fiat ratings, reviews, news and features

Key specifications

Body style: Small SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol
Price when new: From £28,515 on-road

Launched: Summer 2014
Last updated: Spring 2022
Replaced: Winter 2023/24

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: 7.6 / 10
“Purely on specification and quality, the latest Fiat 500X cannot overcome major rivals. But it beats them hands down for style, both inside and out.”
Read review

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Fiat 500X is one of the more style-focused offerings in the small SUV/crossover class. It does a good job of extending the iconic design cues of the 500 city car into this segment. Not everyone will fall for the cutesy looks, but those who do will find it a practical lifestyle accessory.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Sport
Score: 7 / 10
“The Fiat 500X Sport is a welcome addition to the line-up. A largely style-focused upgrade, it hits its brief and offers the kind of cool BMW and Audi buyers have been lapping up for years.”
Read review

Car

Score: 8 / 10
“Put it up against other style-led crossovers such as the Mini Countryman, Renault Captur, Citroën C3 Aircross and Peugeot 2008 and it makes a lot of sense. Nothing about the 500X’s looks is at the expense of its performance. It drives well, it’s usefully roomy, it looks after you and feels like it will put up with a good amount of abuse from kids and pets.”
Read review

Car Keys

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Everything that made the original Fiat 500X an appealing, stylish and characterful crossover remains on this latest version. It faces some fierce competition, but the improved new engines and enhanced look are enough to make sure the 500X should still be on your crossover shortlist.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Sport range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Fiat 500X Sport is an ideal model for those wanting a sporty-looking model but without the high running costs or impracticality, as despite its performance styling it remains spacious and easy to live with.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Score: 5.8 / 10
“The Fiat 500X is a stylish and affordable compact SUV which is also great fun from behind the wheel.”
Read review

Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Fiat 500X has chic styling and a choice of cheap-to-run and willing petrol engines, but alternatives feel more solidly put together, have more space and better infotainment systems.”
Read review

Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“We like the Fiat 500X. It’s quirky and characterful, with a bold interior and feel-good factor by the bucket loads. Rivals might be better to drive and more practical, but the Fiat 500X represents very good value for money.”
Read review

Honest John

Score: 8 / 10
“In our view, the 500X is one of the best Fiats to emerge in recent years. It’s easy to drive, fun and will return the same economy as a typical family hatchback. It has more than enough rival the likes of the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur, although those wanting all-wheel drive might be put off by the considerable hike in price.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7.6 / 10
“Low-cost Italian SUV that doesn’t look like an SUV”
Read review

The Sun

“The 500X is a small SUV; it’s what happens when your favourite Fiat 500 grows up.”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Score: 6 / 10
“If you really want to say at parties you drive a 500, there’s a better plan. Buy a Skoda Yeti, then simply remove the badge and screw a Fiat logo to the boot instead.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual City Cross
Score: 6 / 10
“This isn’t the most polished of these diminutive SUVs; if space, practicality and safety are priorities, you’ll probably want to look elsewhere. But these new engines have given the 500X a much-needed lift, and its big personality will be enough to convince many buyers.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 6 / 10
“The 500X perfectly illustrates why the world is being taken over by crossovers.”
Read review

Score: 7 / 10
“Not the most utilitarian choice, but this is exactly what buyers want from a Fiat crossover.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 4 stars
Date tested: April 2015
Date expired: January 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 86%
Child protection: 85%
Vulnerable road users: 74%
Safety assist: 64%

Notes on safety rating

The Fiat 500X was awarded a four-star safety rating from Euro NCAP back when this model was launched in 2012. However, this rating expired in January 2022 as the 500X no longer met the requirements for a four-star car. 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 Fiat 500X 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 Fiat 500X was not tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 20
Average repair cost: £337.97
Last updated: April 2025

Reliability score

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

The Fiat 500X range has a very good reliability rating of 89%, according to extended warranty data from our commercial partner MotorEasy. The only caveat to this score is that it currently comes from a small number of data points, so could shift significantly as more claims are added to MotorEasy’s database.

The average repair cost to date is just under £340, with warranty claims being relatively affordable across the board to date.

Running cost rating

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

Fuel consumption	Average	Score
Petrol models	49 mpg	C

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	143 g/km	C

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	19	A

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£180	B
Year 2	£502	B
Year 3	£806	B
Year 4	£996	B
Year 5	£1,342	B
Overall	£3,826	B

The Fiat 500X is a relatively affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Servicing and insurance bills are likely to be better than almost anything else in its class, with an outstanding set of A-grade scores. Unfortunately, fuel consumption is only average for the 500X, and that’s the largest running cost of all. You’ll probably find that similar cars from other brands will cost less in petrol bills each month.

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DS 7 (2018 to 2025)

Stuart Masson

-

8 April 2019

0

Summary

The DS 7 (originally the DS 7 Crossback) was a medium-sized SUV/crossover that is also currently the flagship of the DS Automobiles range. It was sold in the UK from 2018 to 2025.

The DS 7 shared its platform with several other models in the PSA family, such as the Peugeot 5008 and Citroën C5 Aircross, but its price and equipment were positioned above its sister brands.

Launched back in early 2018, this was the first SUV from DS Automobiles to be sold on the European market, although it had sold other vehicles in China previously. It was also the first all-new car for DS, as previous models had simply been rebadged Citroëns.

A plug-in hybrid version of the DS 7 Crossback was added to the range in the middle of 2019, alongside a single diesel engine option – traditional petrol models were discontinued.

A mid-life facelift arrived in the UK in late 2022. It brought the usual styling tweaks and trim changes, and DS decided to drop the car’s ‘Crossback’ tag to simplify things.

The DS 7 received average to good scores from UK media sources. It was praised for its comfort and quality, but criticised for an uninspiring driving experience. “The DS 7 ticks the boxes regarding quality and comfort”, said Car‘s Dave Humphreys. “It leaves a bit to be desired on the dynamic front, but so long as you’re not hunting down apexes, it’s a comfortable cruiser.”

As of February 2026, the DS 7 holds a Used Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 58%. It scores top marks for its low CO₂ emissions (thanks largely to the plug-in hybrid model). However, its safety score and running costs are only average, while its media reviews are poor.

More DS Automobiles Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features

DS 7 highlights

Attractive exterior looks
Spacious and comfortable cabin
Well-equipped as standard
Refined and economical engines

DS 7 lowlights

Some cheap interior materials
Key rivals are cheaper to buy
Uninspiring driving dynamics
No seven-seat models

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Engines: diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price when new: From £38,810

Launched: Winter 2017/18
Last updated: Winter 2022/23
Discontinued: Autumn 2025

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 DS 7 Crossback is a well-built, spacious SUV that is knocking on the door of premium. But while it replicates much of what an Audi or BMW can do, it doesn’t do it to the degree that will likely sway those who normally buy Audis or BMWs.”

Score: 7.2 / 10

Read full review

The Car Expert

Andrew Charman

“The DS 7 competes in a market sector that’s chock-full of talented rivals, but it doesn’t boast class leading qualities in enough areas to be considered a serious contender. It’s an interesting car with a well-appointed, classy interior and plenty of eye-catching features.”

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 6 / 10

Read full review

Auto Express

Steve Walker

More reviews

Auto Express

Model reviewed: E-Tense 360 4×4 2023
Score: 6 / 10
“The DS 7’s sharper styling is almost certain to be more palatable to the typical premium SUV buyer, while the car’s most interesting and strongest aspect – its interior – is thankfully largely unchanged. The driving experience still has its drawbacks though, namely an inconsistent ride quality.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 225 Performance Line+
Score: 7 / 10
“The exterior and interior changes have improved the DS 7 225 noticeably, and the extra range from the enlarged battery is nice to have. It’s a shame that DS has left the suspension of all but the new range-topping 360 model alone, though, as the ride remains an issue. It’s not cheap, either.”
Read review

Model reviewed: E-Tense 4×4 360
Score: 6 / 10
“DS has done a great job of making this new DS 7 range-topper a competent back-road carver, but it’s a strange place for the brand to focus so much energy when cars lower down the pecking order are crying out for improved suspension. The interior and exterior tweaks across the line-up are welcome, though.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid E-Tense Ultra Prestige
Score: 7 / 10
“Price apart, the E-Tense is now the pick of the DS 7 Crossback range. It’s swift, smooth enough, and the Active Scan suspension seems to work better here than in the standard car.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The DS 7 Crossback, a medium SUV, becomes the simpler DS 7 with this wide-ranging update including improved tech and performance from the hybrid engine options. It’s characteristically French, comfortable and different, but also somewhat pricey.” (Erin Baker)
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6.8 / 10
“The DS 7 Crossback offers a stylish interior, plenty of sophisticated equipment and quiet cruising. However, the diesels are a bit noisy and unresponsive in automatic form, rear legroom is limited, the ride quality is unremarkable and the pricing a bit high for a relatively unknown brand.”
Read review

Business Car

Model reviewed: Opera E-Tense 4×4 300
Score: 6 / 10
“While the stylish DS & does offer some good points, from a hard-nosed financial point of view it’s difficult to recommend.” (sean Keywood)
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“If you’re looking for a premium mid-size SUV that’s a bit leftfield, the DS 7 ticks the boxes regarding quality and comfort. It leaves a bit to be desired on the dynamic front, but so long as you’re not hunting down apexes, it’s a comfortable cruiser, and it certainly looks the part.” (Dave Humphreys)
Read review

Model reviewed: PureTech 225 petrol automatic
Score: 6 / 10
“The least expensive Performance Line trim is the best flavour for the PureTech 225 DS 7, not least because it looks more contemporary with satin grey trims in places of the tszujed-up chrome bling on the Prestige versions.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The DS 7 Crossback is the first French luxury SUV, with suspension that looks out for bumps, and even night vision. It’s also economical and practical.” (Andy Goodwin)
Read review

Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The DS 7 Crossback is a stylish alternative to more conventional German SUVs. It’s practical and comfortable to drive, but the infotainment system may send you loopy and you can’t get it with seven seats.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid E-Tense Ultra Prestige
“The DS 7 Crossback E-Tense is a plug-in hybrid version of the quirky-looking DS 7 Crossback SUV. It’ll do 83mph and travel 31-miles in electric mode.”
Read review

Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre diesel manual Prestige
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The DS 7 Crossback looks good, is well equipped and offers lower emissions figures than rivals’, but is priced a bit high, especially for the higher trims.”
Read review

Daily Mail

Score: 8 / 10
“Here we have a fun, comfortable and different alternative to the current crop of endless SUVs, which lacks a bit of class in the tech stakes, preferring instead to err on the side of daring haute couture.”
Read review

Daily Mirror

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol automatic Ultra
“In a market full of top-level SUVs, this one really stands out – mostly because it’s not one of the usual suspects.”
Read review

Discover EV

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid E-Tense
Score: 7 / 10
“While it’s a few quid more than the BMW X3, the DS 7 Crossback E-Tense undercuts the Audi Q5 and the Volvo XC60. That said, DS Automobile’s plug-in SUV isn’t as polished in terms of refinement, driving experience and infotainment, so it ultimately comes down to budget.”
Read review

Evo

Score: 6 / 10
“The DS 7 Crossback offers much in the way of luxury, space and moderately quirky design but it’s not an inspiring drive.”
Read review

Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid E-Tense Ultra Prestige
Score: 8 / 10
“The DS 7 Crossback E-Tense is a petrol plug-in hybrid that offers an electric driving range of up to 40 miles, the potential of 200mpg, the practicality of a 4×4 SUV, and the unique styling of DS.”
Read review

Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“If you like the idea of a prestige SUV, but you’re one of those people who wants to plough your own furrow in life, what do you do? Well, DS Automobiles might have the answer with the DS 7 Crossback.”
Read review

Honest John

Score: 6 / 10
“Unfortunately for DS, while the DS 7 Crossback has more redeeming features than the DS 4 and DS 5, we suspect it’s going to remain quite a niche model.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Quirky alternative to a Q3 or GLA – nice details, comfy, but so-so to drive”
Read review

The Sun

“The DS 7 Crossback feels, for the most part, acceptably upmarket, delivers some nice party tricks and will guarantee a degree of exclusivity.”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Score: 6 / 10
“There is much to like about this car. But it is very expensive and it was fitted with a battery that couldn’t hold its charge. Yes, it’s a lovely place to sit and wait for the AA, but I’m not sure that’s what people really want. So I’m afraid that overall it has to be a no.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic
Score: 6 / 10
“A curate’s egg of a car, which offers something genuinely different and luxurious, but is far removed from the avant-garde approach that was first promised by DS.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“DS 7 is perfectly well-enough executed as a vehicle to barge its way into the mosh pit of rivals.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

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

Adult protection: 91%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 73%
Safety assist: 76%

Notes on safety rating

The DS 7 (or DS 7 Crossback, as it was then called) was 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 DS 7 or DS 7 Crossback 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 DS 7 was not assessed by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of February 2026, we don’t have enough reliability data on the DS 7 to generate a reliability rating.

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

As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the DS 7, we’ll publish the results here.

Running cost rating

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

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	158 g/km	C
Diesel models	144 g/km	C
Plug-in hybrid models	33 g/km	A

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	36 miles	E

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	37	D

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£264	C
Year 2	£625	C
Year 3	£983	C
Year 4	£1,237	C
Year 5	£1,646	C
Overall	£4,755	C

Running costs for the DS 7 are pretty much average, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

We don’t have independently verified fuel consumption data, but the CO₂ levels (which are linked closely to fuel consumption) are nothing too exciting. The plug-in hybrid looks great on paper, but that’s due to the woeful EU/UK goverment lab tests that are completely useless at measuring a plug-in hybrid…

Insurance costs are middle of the road, while servicing and maintenance over the first five years are also average. So while there’s not a lot to get too excited about here, it’s likely that other premium rivals are going to be just as expensive – if not even dearer – to run.

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Buy a DS 7

If you’re looking to buy a new or used DS 7, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car.

Find your next used car with Motors. Find out more

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

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Subscribe to a DS 7

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Explained: London’s new Ultra Low Emission Zone

Stuart Masson

-

8 April 2019

0

Explained: London’s new Ultra Low Emission Zone

A new Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)has come into force in central London today. Aimed at helping reduce emissions in the city, which exceed legal limits in several areas, it’s in addition to the existing congestion charge and is likely to affect many drivers.

Here, we take a look at everything you need to know about the new zone (ULEZ) and what it may mean for you.

Where is the new Ultra Low Emission Zone?

Initially, the ULEZ – which replaces the T-Charge – will apply to the same area as the existing London congestion charge – that is, inside the Inner London Ring Road.

From October 2021, it will extend out to the area within the North and South Circular Roads. The congestion charging zone, however, will remain the same as it does today.

Map showing London ULEZ and CCZ areas — A map of the new London ultra low emissions zone (ULEZ)

When does it operate?

The ULEZ zone will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year.

This is in contrast to the congestion charging zone, which only operates from 7am to 6pm on weekdays and doesn’t operate on public holidays and between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day inclusive.

What will it cost me to drive in the zone?

If your vehicle is liable for the ULEZ, the fee is £12.50 a day for passenger cars – that’s on top of the existing £11.50 a day that motorists already pay for the congestion charging zone.

Large lorries and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes will have to pay much more – the daily charge is £100 – and penalties are much higher as well.

Which cars have to pay?

It’s older, more polluting cars that will be hit. To be exempt from the charge, petrol cars, vans and minibuses must meet Euro-4 emissions standards, while diesels will have to comply with more recent Euro-6 levels. Motorbikes must be Euro-3 classification or later.

It means that you’ll only be able to enter the zone without being charged when behind the wheel of a relatively new diesel or a petrol model in the region of 13 years old.

Are any vehicles exempt?

Some vehicles won’t be liable for the charge. Black taxis are first and foremost. Cars registered with ‘disabled’ or ‘disabled passenger vehicle’ tax classes will also be exempt – until October 2025 at least. In addition, people who currently pay residents’ congestion charge payments will be given some time to replace their vehicles for ULEZ-standard models if they haven’t already.

Of course, electric vehicles and any that exceed Euro-6 standards won’t be stung for the charge either.

What are the penalties?

Failing to pay the ULEZ fee will be treated similarly to the congestion charge. You’ll be given a penalty of £160, which is reduced to £80 if you pay within 14 days. Of course, you’ll be able to appeal against the fine if you believe Transport for London has made a mistake, but you won’t be able to cite ignorance as a defence – the ULEZ will be clearly signposted at all entrances and exits.

For lorries and other large vehicles, the fine is much more severe – £1,000, reduced to £500 if paid within 14 days.

How do I check if my vehicle meets the ULEZ standard?

Go to tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone/vrm-checker-ulez and enter your vehicle’s number plate details to find out if you’ll have to pay the charge.

Peugeot 508

Stuart Masson

-

7 April 2019

0

Summary

The Peugeot 508 is a medium-sized liftback and estate model. The current version was launched in 2018, and is considered a big step up from its predecessor. The liftback body style was launched first, with the SW (estate) versions arriving about six months afterwards.

The 508 has received a wider range of scores than usual from the UK media, ranging from average to outstanding. Particular praise has been given to its striking design, comfort and safety levels, while criticisms have been made regarding its driving experience and practicality compared to rivals.

A mid-life facelift for the Peugeot 508 arrived in the UK in late 2023. This is an update to the current model, rather than a significantly new vehicle. There are some minor styling and trim changes, along with some interior technology updates.

As of September 2025, the Peugeot 508 holds a New Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 63%. It scores highly for its low average CO₂ emissions (thanks to the plug-in hybrid). However, its safety rating and media review scores are only average, while running costs, the 508’s historic reliability record and Peugeot’s new car warranty coverage are all poor.

Key specifications

Body style: Mid-sized liftback and estate
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £34,020 on-road

Launched: Spring 2018
Last updated: Autumn 2023
Update due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

Featured reviews

“The Peugeot 508 SW is a car to turn the heads of those looking for a premium estate, offering striking visuals, efficient engines and plenty of technology.”

Model reviewed: 508 SW GT estate

Score: 7.9 / 10

Read full review

The Car Expert

Andrew Charman

“The sharply-styled Peugeot 508 is a stylish family car alternative, offering efficient plug-in hybrid tech and plenty of standard kit.”

Model reviewed: Liftback range

Score: 8 / 10

Read full review

Auto Express

More reviews

The Car Expert

Score: 8.4 / 10
“The Peugeot 508 surprises in many areas. It’s highly attractive and offers quality in both construction and performance. It’s a worthy consideration as an alternative to a premium-market car.”
Read review

Auto Express

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol-electric hybrid 225 GT Premium (facelift)
Score: 7 / 10
“The tweaks to the Peugeot 508 are subtle and haven’t changed the core of the car, which is not without its flaws (some infotainment issues and a tight rear cabin), but still delivers on many fronts in hybrid form. It’s a comfortable, efficient, refined and practical machine that can cut it with the best the VW Group brands have to offer.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid Allure liftback
Score: 8 / 10
“The Peugeot 508 plug-in is pricey, but low running costs should help offset this. Its dynamics are fine, if not fun, while the level of kit in Allure trim is great. However, while there’s lots of tech, some of it could be better thought out and executed.”
Read review

Model reviewed: GT Line 1.5 BlueHDi 130 EAT8 SW
Score: 8 / 10
“The sloping roofline hides a deceptively versatile body, with a flexible and spacious interior trimmed in some of the finest materials on the market.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 508 SW estate
Score: 8 / 10
“Given its average boot size, the Peugeot 508 SW is a car you’ll have to purchase with your heart rather than your head.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol auto GT
Score: 7 / 10
“Handsome, frugal and good to drive, the Peugeot 508 offers plenty to the large family car class. There are rivals that are more spacious, but little comes close in terms of style. We’d avoid this top-spec petrol GT model, though, as there are more affordable yet well-equipped options lower down the range.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel auto GT Line
Score: 8 / 10
“The all-new Peugeot 508 is exactly that: all new. It shares so little with its predecessor, in fact, that it’s difficult to fathom why the firm kept its name. While it can’t match the badge appeal of its German rivals, it puts up a fair fight in a highly competitive class.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: 2023 facelift liftback range
Score: 8 / 10
“Cheap to run, comfy, good-looking and unusual, the Peugeot 508 is a proper premium alternative.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2023 facelift estate (SW) range
Score: 9 / 10
“Although consumer preference these days is for an SUV, there’s still a lot to recommend about a really good family car – and the Peugeot 508 is one of the best. Revised looks keep what has always been one of the better-looking cars on sale as handsome as ever.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 10 / 10
“If you want a spacious family car with good looks that isn’t an SUV, then the 508 Station Wagon could be up your street. It’s spacious, has a quirky interior with lots of good tech, drives well and comes in petrol, diesel and hybrid forms.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: 508 SW estate
Score: 8 / 10
“The Peugeot 508 SW is an unusually good-looking estate car with the extra merit of being instantly recognisable among the hordes of brand-themed German rivals.”
Read review

Score: 8 / 10
“To these eyes, the Peugeot 508 GT is the best-looking front-wheel drive executive car from any mainstream car maker, or ‘high-end generalist brand’ as Peugeot defines itself. It has a likeable, easygoing character, with a decent ride/handling balance and compelling civility. And the digitised cockpit is a knockout.”
Read review

Car Keys

Score: 8 / 10
“The Peugeot 508 has glamorous styling and is comfortable and refined.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic GT liftback
Score: 10 / 10
“The Peugeot 508 is the best car to come from the firm in a long time. With stunning looks, an impressive chassis and bags of technology on offer, there’s every reason to consider a 508 over established German rivals. It’s not flawless, but none of the issues are earth-shattering.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Peugeot 508 SW is a stylish and practical estate car.” (Ben Hodges)
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Peugeot has upped its game with its latest 508, a big hatchback that could give premium rivals a fright.” (Andy Goodwin)
Read review

Carwow

Model reviewed: 508 SW estate range
Score: 7 / 10
“The Peugeot 508 SW is a seriously stylish estate car with a lovely looking interior and plenty of cool tech, but alternatives are more spacious and more fun to drive.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Liftback range
Score: 7 / 10
“The Peugeot 508 has its alternatives licked on looks both inside and out, plus is comfy to drive, but it’s not as spacious or practical as other family cars.”
Read review

Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre diesel automatic Allure liftback
Score: 7.9 / 10
“An impressive and head-turning design, the Peugeot 508 also manages to back up the style with substance in terms of RV, emissions and quality, although it’s far from cheap.”
Read review

Daily Mirror

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid automatic estate SW Allure
Score: 10 / 10
“There are some negative bits, like the eccentric tiny flat-topped and bottomed steering wheel. But if you’re as taken by the Peugeot 508’s styling as I am, and you want a new practical and spacious family car, this is it.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre diesel automatic GT Line SW estate
Score: 10 / 10
“Any sensible person would buy this new Peugeot 508 SW – and anyone with an eye for style too.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre diesel automatic GT Line liftback
Score: 8 / 10
“It looks great, drives well and had a certain amount of fun that you don’t get with the rivals. On top of that it’s something to impress the neighbours – they won’t even know it’s a Peugeot.”
Read review

Driving Electric

Model reviewed: 508 plug-in hybrid
Score: 8 / 10
“The Peugeot 508 plug-in hybrid executive car is a good effort, hitting all the right notes for company users – but it seems too expensive for private buyers.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 508 SW plug-in hybrid
Score: 7 / 10
“Practical, good looking and frugal (provided you plug it in), the 508 SW Hybrid is a compelling alternative to similarly specified SUVs.”
Read review

Evo

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7 / 10
“A declining market it may be, but the new 508 is good (if not thrilling) to drive, attractive and comfortable.”
Read review

Fleetworld

Model reviewed: Hybrid 225 GT liftback
Score: 8 / 10
“The same smart looks, combined with added useful electric range and lower running costs – but it is expensive.”
Read review

Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre diesel manual Allure liftback
Score: 7 / 10
“The new Peugeot 508 looks good, it feels agile to drive, and it’s economical, but is let down by turbo lag and too many controls on the touchscreen.”
Read review

Heycar

Model reviewed: Liftback range
Score: 7 / 10
“If the Peugeot 508 was a chair it would be Ame Jacobsen’s Egg Chair. Designed in 1959 for the Radisson hotel in Copenhagen it showed that everyday items could be jaw-droppingly stylish if you don’t mind sacrificing a little bit of practicality and paying a premium for the privilege.”
Read review

Honest John

Score: 8 / 10
“The 508 represents the pinnacle of PSA’s attempt to move the Peugeot brand upmarket and in this it succeeds admirably. It’s not quite in the same league as the BMW 3 Series or Jaguar XE in terms of driving dynamics, but it’s pleasant enough for most drivers.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 508 SW estate
Score: 10 / 10
“The 2019 Peugeot 508 SW enhances the theme established by its hatchback sibling. Great looking. Comfortable. Terrific to drive. Full of all the latest tech. And, for cynics of French cars, outstanding, almost unbelievable quality and refinement.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: SW estate range
Score: 6 / 10
“The Peugeot 508 isn’t the most practical estate car. If you want that, head straight to Skoda as the Octavia Estate and Superb Estate models both offer vast loadbays and more interior space at lower cost. But as an alternative to a BMW 3 Series Touring, Audi A4 Avant or Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake, the 508 is genuinely worth a look as an interesting alternative.”
Author: Keith Adams
Read review

Model reviewed: Fastback range
Score: 8.2 / 10
“Stylish Fastback looks great and drives well”
Read review

The Sun

“Peugeot’s 508 keeps the faith in saloons and is a mighty fine car with its sporty exterior and minimalistic interior.”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 508 SW GT
Score: 6 / 10
“Fast, but noisy; wafty at speed but fidgety around town; smart inside but not all that spacious. The 508 SW GT might look good on paper, but in the flesh it feels confused and unresolved. If you want this rakish estate’s good looks and slick interior, a lesser model will feel more rounded – and cost much less.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 508 SW estate 2.0-litre diesel automatic
Score: 6 / 10
“The Peugeot 508 is a good looking car and, for the most part, a fine-riding one. But there’s a few too many slips in development, not everyone will like the i-Cockpit and rivals offer more for less.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol automatic liftback
Score: 8 / 10
“The company is approaching this the right way, not discounting, protecting buyers’ investment, and there is rather a lot to like about this great-looking car, particularly the sporting handling and lovely interior. The forthcoming estate might be a better all-round bet, however.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: SW (estate) range
Score: 6 / 10
“Not the most rounded family estate, but the big Peugeot 508 SW oozes desirability. Much cooler than a 3 Series.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Liftback range
Score: 7 / 10
“A big French saloon might be an oddball choice, but the 508 looks bold, feels good and drives (mostly) well.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2018
Date expired: January 2025
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 96%
Child protection: 86%
Vulnerable road users: 71%
Safety assist: 79%

Notes on safety rating

The Peugeot 508 was tested by Euro NCAP back in 2018 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2025 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

Although the rating has now expired, the score is still useful if you are comparing a used 508 to vehicles of similar age – whose ratings will have probably also expired.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of September 2025, the Peugeot 508 has not been assessed by Green NCAP.

Running cost rating

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

Fuel consumption	Average	Score
Petrol models	46 mpg	C
Diesel models	48 mpg	C

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	141 g/km	C
Diesel models	134 g/km	B
Plug-in hybrid models	31 g/km	A

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	32 miles	E

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	29	C

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£183	B
Year 2	£503	B
Year 3	£792	B
Year 4	£986	B
Year 5	£1,303	B
Overall	£3,767	B

The Peugeot 508 is about average in terms of its running costs, according to five year cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

The plug-in hybrid looks great on paper, but that’s due to the woeful EU/UK goverment lab tests that are completely useless at measuring a plug-in hybrid…

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 61
Average repair cost: £620.25
Last updated: April 2025

Reliability score

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

The Peugeot 508 has a reliability score that’s very worse than average, according to exclusive workshop and extended warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy. This score covers both the current-generation 508 and the original (pre-2018) version.

The average repair bill to date has been a bit over £600, although gearbox repairs have been very expensive with an average of almost £2,000.

If you’re looking at a used Peugeot 508, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.

Warranty rating

New car warranty information for the Peugeot 508

Overall ratingD31%
Petrol or diesel modelsE17%
Electric or hybrid modelsC56%
New car warranty duration3 years
New car warranty mileage60,000 miles
Battery warranty duration8 years
Battery warranty mileage100,000 miles

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

In addition to the standard new car warranty, hybrid versions of the 508 have an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery components.

Warranty on a used Peugeot 508

If you are purchasing an ‘Approved Used’ 508 from an official Peugeot dealership, you will get a minimum six-month warranty included.
If you are buying a used 508 from an independent dealership, any warranty offered will vary and will probably be managed by a third-party warranty company.
If you are buying a used 508 from a private seller, there are no warranty protections beyond any remaining portion of the original new car warranty.

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

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Peugeot 508

2021

2020

Date: August 2021
Recall number: R/2021/275
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2018 to 06/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 3,376
Defect: The accessory roof rack for the Peugeot 508 saloon could detach from the vehicle if used to carry items other than a roof box.
Remedy: A full refund will be offered by the selling retailer (return of the roof rack and receipt) and recommend the customer purchase another solution to transport bicycle(s).

Date: November 2020
Recall number: R/2020/331
Model types: All
Build dates: 04/2019 to 07/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 959
Defect: The filtering performance of the diesel particle filter (DPF) may not meet the required specification.
Remedy: Replace the DPF on affected vehicles.

Date: February 2020
Recall number: R/2020/052
Model types: All
Build dates: 10/2019 to 01/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 78
Defect: Certain rear suspension fixing bolts may not conform to specification, which could cause them to break.
Remedy: Replace the affected bolts.

As of September 2024 (our most recent data point), there have been three DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the current Peugeot 508 range to address different issues.

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

If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used Peugeot 508, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.

Everything you need to know about UK vehicle recalls

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Peugeot 508 has received

2019

Business Car Awards – Best Upper-Medium Car

2018

Carwow Awards – Style Award
International Automobile Festival – Most Beautiful Car of the Year

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Peugeot 508 SW review

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The ten safest new cars for 2019

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Peugeot 508 review

Peugeot reveals 508 SW estate in Paris

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Buy a Peugeot 508

If you’re looking to buy a new or used Peugeot 508, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car.

Find your next used car with Motors. Find out more

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

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

Lease a Peugeot 508

If you’re looking to lease a new Peugeot 508, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal.

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

Personal contract hire deals from Carwow. Find out more

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

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Lexus ES

Stuart Masson

-

7 April 2019

0

Summary

The Lexus ES is a large executive saloon, which was launched in the UK in 2019 to replace the discontinued GS model. The ES had not previously been sold in Europe, although it has been offered for many years in the USA.

In the UK, the ES is only available with a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain. No conventional petrol or diesel models are offered.

The Lexus ES has received generally good to very good reviews from UK media sources. Consumer titles have rated it highly for its build quality, comfort and refinement, while performance-oriented titles have criticised its driving dynamics.

This generation of ES has now ended production, ahead of an all-new model arriving in the UK in the summer of 2026.

As of March 2026, the Lexus ES holds a New Car Expert Rating of C with a score of 61%.

More Lexus ratings, reviews, news and features

Key specifications

Body style: Large executive saloon
Engines: petrol-electric hybrid
Price: From £40,000 on-road

Launched: Winter 2018/19
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

Featured reviews

“Hybrid cars remain a niche choice, but the Lexus ES will be a serious executive contender when the majority of car buyers plug into the electric revolution.”

0Read full review

The Car Expert

Ryan Hirons

More reviews

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Lexus ES is a very comfortable and refined executive saloon with impressively low running costs.”

Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol hybrid automatic Takumi
Score: 7 / 10
“Lexus’s digital wing mirrors add expense to its top-spec ES Takumi model, yet the tech is flawed for a few reasons. Otherwise, it’s business as usual for the Lexus ES, which means it’s high quality, refined and efficient, but not quite as comfortable or as good to drive as the best in the class.”
Read review

Score: 8 / 10
“The Lexus ES is a very comfortable and refined executive saloon to rival the BMW 5 Series and Volvo S90 with impressively low running costs.”
Read review

Score: 7 / 10
“The new Lexus ES may leave a BMW 5 Series with little to worry about when it comes to fun, but it offers a lot more for those wanting to transition into a hybrid executive car. “
Read review

Auto Trader

Score: 8 / 10
“It’s not the most enthralling car you’ll ever drive, and it could be a shade more practical, but it’s a very credible alternative to the established elite.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: F Sport
Score: 8 / 10
“If you’ve always been keen to do the opposite of what everyone else does, this new Lexus ES could be right up your street.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“With its hybrid engine and focus on comfort, the Lexus ES saloon is likely to attract cost-savvy drivers looking for a relaxed drive in classy surroundings.”

Carwow

Score: 6 / 10
“The Lexus ES comes to the UK for the first time as a stunning alternative to the traditional German mainstream, but its roomy cabin is let down by a confusing infotainment system.”
Read review

Eurekar

Model reviewed: ES 300h Premium
“With impressive refinement and imposing styling, the Lexus ES offers big car drivers an opportunity to transition into electric power with a minimum of hassle …ie it’s a petrol hybrid which is self-charging, so no worries about range and no need to plug in.”
Read review

Evo

Score: 6 / 10
“It’s unlikely to tempt people from their BMW 5 Series, but the Lexus ES does have merits.”
Read review

Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Comfy, quiet, almost too understated”

Honest John

Score: 8 / 10
“If you want something that’s going to turn heads, will no doubt last forever and be very comfortable in the process, the Lexus ES could be a very sensible purchase.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7.8 / 10
“Luxurious, refined and well-equipped executive saloon”
Read review

The Sun

“Lexus should be commended for keeping things simple with just one engine, while the exterior styling is head-turning.”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: ES 300h F Sport
Score: 8 / 10
“An executive saloon that stands out from the crowd.”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: ES 300h
Score: 6 / 10
“While this new front-drive hybrid performs and drives better than we have a right to expect, its dynamics still fall far short of rivals’ which is to do with weight and the peculiarities of the Toyota system. Like most attempts to take on the Germans in their home territory, the ES is likely to remain a rare sight.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Lexus ES is a big, quiet, interesting-looking saloon with attractive pricing. But it’s nowhere near as satisfying to drive as the cars it competes against.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: October 2018
Date expired: January 2025
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 91%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 90%
Safety assist: 77%

More safety recognition

Euro NCAP rated the new Lexus ES as Best Large Family Car and Best Hybrid & Electric Car in 2018
Thatcham Research rated the Lexus ES one of the ten safest new cars for 2019

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of March 2026, the Lexus ES has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of March 2026, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Lexus ES to generate a reliability rating.

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

Running cost rating

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

Fuel consumption	Average	Score
Hybrid models	51 mpg	C

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Hybrid models	121 g/km	B

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	33	D

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£239	C
Year 2	£618	C
Year 3	£1,013	C
Year 4	£1,221	C
Year 5	£1,656	C
Overall	£4,747	C

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

The hybrid’s fuel consumption is more conservative than the average car, and it’s insurance premiums aren’t likely to be higher than the market average. Even better news is that servicing and maintenance costs are predicted to remain affordable over the course of five years of ownership.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Lexus ES has received

2018

Euro NCAP Best Cars of 2018 – Best Large Family Car + Best Hybrid & Electric Car

Similar cars

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Buy a Lexus ES

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

Find your next used car with Motors. Find out more

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

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

Lease a Lexus ES

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

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

Personal contract hire deals from Carwow. Find out more

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

Subscribe to a Lexus ES

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

Car subscriptions from Cocoon.
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Volvo XC40

Stuart Masson

-

7 April 2019

0

Summary

The Volvo XC40 is a small SUV/crossover, and the first generation of its kind from Volvo. It has won several awards, including European Car of the Year in 2018.

The XC40 range is available with either a petrol engine or plug-in hybrid powertrain. A diesel engine was previously offered but has been dropped, while a fully electric version called the XC40 Recharge (later changed to EX40) joined the range in early 2021. We have a separate page for that model. Confusingly, the ‘Recharge’ name is also used for the plug-in hybrid versions.

The Volvo XC40 has received particular praise for its build quality, refinement, styling and extremely high safety standards. The main criticisms have related to its fairly average driving dynamics and an underpowered entry-level T3 petrol engine.

As of October 2025, the Volvo XC40 currently holds a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 66%. It scores top marks for its media review scores and reliability record, while its CO₂ emissions are also low. However, its safety rating score has now expired due to age, its running costs are high and Volvo’s new car warranty coverage is poor.

Key specifications

Body style: Compact SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £35,830 on-road

Launched: Winter 2017/18
Last updated: Summer 2020
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: XC40 Recharge T5 plug-in hybrid
“The Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 is a very likeable thing. From the moment you silently set off in electric mode, it’s clear that refinement was high on the agenda for the plug-in hybrid model, and it succeeds for the most part.”
Read review

Score: 8.2 / 10
“It’s becoming increasingly difficult to find aspects of modern Volvos to criticise – each is a step forward in comfort, practicality, style, economy, performance and particularly safety.”
Read review

Auto Express

Model reviewed: B3 MHEV 2023
Score: 8 / 10
“The updates to this newer XC40 aren’t that sizeable but by installing a new, noticeably more refined engine and a gearbox that’s a match for it, plus some newer, smarter technology, Volvo has kept the XC40 feeling fresh. “
Read review

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volvo XC40 is a strong contender in the market for small premium SUVs. It’s not a revelation on the road, but it strikes a decent blend of comfort and cruising refinement, and offers premium SUV appeal in a small-car package.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Volvo XC40 is a comfortable and stylish small SUV that has some pleasing practical touches and a lot of Swedish cool.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: T5 plug-in hybrid
Score: 8 / 10
“The small SUV sector is one of the hottest in the market and packed with talented players. The Volvo XC40 is among the more appealing too, thanks to its stylish design inside and out, quality feel and plug-in hybrid running costs. It’s not the cheapest of its type but you arguably get what you pay for.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volvo XC40 is one of the most appealing compact SUVs we can think of, thanks to a practical cabin full of clever features, exemplary safety credentials and wealth of standard equipment. It’s far from cheap, but neither are the XC40’s key rivals and it’s worthy match for any of them.”
Read review

Business Car

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic T5
Score: 7 / 10
“The entry-level petrol engine in the Volvo XC40 range might only have three cylinders, but it has plenty of go despite its size.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel manual D3 Momentum Pro
“For casual town driving and motorway cruising, the Volvo XC40 D3 is pretty flawless, with a supple suspension, road-domineering high-riding position and loads of safety kit for peace of mind, from emergency autonomous braking to lane keep assist – which are thrown in as standard.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic T5 First Edition
Score: 8 / 10
“The T5 is certainly fun, but the Volvo XC40 is a good car no matter which engine it comes with, so the cost-conscious will surely default to the less powerful engines.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic Momentum
Score: 8 / 10
“Although entry-level, the Momentum trim is highly specced as standard. In fact, there is a huge selection of standard specifications that would otherwise feature as options on competitors.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid
Score: 6 / 10
“The Volvo XC40 PHEV is a hard car to recommend. If you’re fortunate enough to be able to use its electric range often, the price won’t seem as steep as you won’t be filling up as regularly. But, if your lifestyle allows for that, you’re probably better off with the electric model anyway.” (Luke Wilkinson)
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volvo XC40’s interior is very good, with neat details everywhere, from hooks in the boot to huge door bins up front. There’s decent room for four adults, or two adults and three kids. Dynamically, it doesn’t shine, but that’s par for the class. The exterior is striking but not radical. It feels good to be in, and it will look after you.” (Colin Overland)
Read review

Car Keys

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid T5 Recharge
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volvo XC40 Recharge is a very appealing thing, with the refinement and comfort of this model especially shining through thanks to the silence that can be achieved in electric driving. If the batteries are topped up, it will also be rather cheap to run.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic T4
Score: 9 / 10
“The Volvo XC40 continues to tick all of the boxes buyers of an entry-level premium SUV — its effortless to drive, looks smart and delivers plenty of equipment at a reasonable cost.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s not the most sporty SUV to drive, but the Volvo XC40 is stylish, comfortable and loaded with safety features.” (Ben Custard)
Read review

Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Volvo XC40 is a spacious small SUV with smart styling and a comfortable drive. Some of the interior trims aren’t quite up to scratch and you might find the infotainment system fiddly.”
Read review

Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid T5 Recharge Inscription Pro
“It’s a pricey option, but our 2020 Compact Premium SUV of the Year is a high-quality and good-looking vehicle that is now available in its most tax-efficient form.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic D4 R-Design Pro
Score: 8.3 / 10
“A car without any considerable weakness, the Volvo XC40 is an appealing alternative to the existing premium models at the forefront of the sector.”
Read review

Daily Mail

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid T5 Recharge R-Design
“I drove the upmarket ‘R-Design’, which accounts for about 30 per cent of sales. It’s civilised, especially when gliding around feeling smug in pure mode, with sufficient oomph in hybrid mode on motorways.”
Read review

Eurekar

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid Inscription
“As well as being comfortable, passengers also travel in some style in the XC40 – particularly with the high-grade Inscription spec of our test car. Volvo is now firmly established as a premium brand and interior quality is a match for anything the German brands which dominate the sector can offer.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic B5 Inscription Pro
“Anyone looking for a high-performance Volvo XC40 will be impressed by the acceleration time of the latest B5 AWD R-design Pro version. But a glance at the car’s top speed on the spec sheet might leave them thinking it’s a misprint. From now on its 112 mph, no matter which model Volvo you buy.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid T5 R-Design Pro
“The plug-in Volvo XC40 is another outstanding addition to the company’s portfolio. It looks impressive, is packed with technology and delivers on the performance front too, making it quite the all-rounder. And those low emissions will result in plenty of tax benefits too.”
Read review

Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid T5 Recharge
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volvo XC40 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T5 offers chunky SUV styling, all the refinement and comfort of a Volvo, and an electric driving range of 26-28 miles.”
Read review

Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Volvo XC40 is a family-friendly SUV with ample appeal and few weaknesses. It’s easy to see why it sells so well, and is so sought-after on the second-hand market. This is an SUV that does it all, with a welcome dose of style and upmarket luxury to boot.”
Read review

Honest John

Score: 10 / 10
“Inside and out, the XC40 is refreshingly different yet achingly on-trend, and is about the best car in its class, which is saying something given that it includes rivals like the BMW X2, Range Rover Evoque, Jaguar E-Pace and Audi Q3. It’s even a pleasure to drive and, provided you stay away from the options list, makes sense financially.”
Read review

Motoring Research

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“A near-faultless take on the compact SUV recipe”
Read review

Motors

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“With excellent build quality throughout and a range of high-end materials used, the Volvo XC40 feels every bit a premium SUV, with buyers also given the option to inject some extra flair into their cars with a range of coloured carpets and mats to choose from.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8.6 / 10
“Popular family SUV is easy to like”
Read review

The Sun

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid T5 Recharge
“We are Swede on the XC40 T5, but your economic forecasts need to ensure you get the benefits of that electric running before you splash the cash.”
Read review

“The XC40 packs a significant wallop and has an elegant exterior, which offers a pleasant driving experience.”
Read review

Model reviewed: R-Design
“The XC40 has all the brilliant qualities from the XC60 and XC90 but possesses something much more edgy, personalised and sleek.”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: XC40 D4 2.0-litre diesel automatic AWD R-Design
Score: 8 / 10
“Premium small SUV with a Swedish sense of style.”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid T5 Recharge
Score: 8 / 10
“If you’re buying privately, the Volvo XC40 T5 Recharge is comparatively well priced for what it is; indeed, you won’t find a plug-in hybrid with this combination of pace, class and quality for less. That you pay no practicality penalty compared with the standard car is the icing on the cake.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic T3 R-Design
Score: 10 / 10
“Volvo knocked it out of the park with the XC40, and this newly upgraded T3 only enhances its smallest SUV further. It looks great, feels terrific and drives brilliantly, even in this R-Design form. Want a compact, comfortable, upmarket SUV? Then look no further.”
Read review

Model reviewed: D4 AWD R Design automatic
Score: 8 / 10
“If you can live without a sporty driving experience there’s little not to like about the Volvo XC40. It is roomy, very comfortable, thoughtfully designed and powered by a good range of engines. In fact, we’d go so far as to say it’s one the most desirable SUVs on sale.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Volvo has made something nicely distinctive here. It’d be impressive even if they’d been practising for years.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: July 2018
Date expired: January 2025
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 97%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 71%
Safety assist: 76%

Notes on safety rating

The Volvo XC40 was tested by Euro NCAP back in 2018 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2025 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

Although the rating has now expired, the score is still useful if you are comparing a used XC40 to vehicles of similar age – whose ratings will have probably also expired.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

Model tested: T5 2.0 4×4 Auto

Overall score: 1 stars
Date tested: February 2019
Read the full Green NCAP review

Clean Air Index: 6.8 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 2.3 / 10

The petrol-engined Volvo XC40 T5 was tested by Green NCAP in 2019, and the score above relates only to that engine.

Running cost rating

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

Fuel consumption	Average	Score
Diesel models	49 mpg	C

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	152 g/km	C
Diesel models	158 g/km	C
Plug-in hybrid models	48 g/km	A

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	28 miles	E

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	26	C

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£271	C
Year 2	£724	D
Year 3	£1,098	D
Year 4	£1,344	D
Year 5	£1,758	D
Overall	£5,195	D

Running costs for the Volvo XC40 range are higher than average, according to data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our commercial partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Fuel economy is around the market average for diesel-engined versions – we are yet to receive consumption data for petrol-only and plug-in hybrid models.

The battery range of the plug-in hybrid model is rather poor when compared to most rivals, with a reported 28 miles of real-world all-electric driving.

Compared to the rest of the SUV sector, the car’s service and maintenance costs are pretty average. Insurance costs are pretty average too, based on data from the UK’s insurance group assessor, Thatcham Research.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 12
Average repair cost: £317.20
Last updated: April 2025

Reliability score

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

As of October 2025, the Volvo XC40 has a very good reliability record; however, we must caveat that by pointing out that this is currently only based on a relatively small number of repair claims.

Unsurprisingly, engine problems have been the most expensive issues to date, with an average bill of nearly £500. However, as the XC40 gets older, we will see more data coming in and we’ll continue to update this information.

Warranty rating

New car warranty information for the Volvo XC40

Overall ratingD31%
Petrol or diesel modelsE17%
Electric or hybrid modelsC56%
New car warranty duration3 years
New car warranty mileage60,000 miles
Battery warranty duration8 years
Battery warranty mileage100,000 miles

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

In addition to the standard new car warranty, the XC40 plug-in hybrid version has an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery components.

Warranty on a used Volvo XC40

If you are buying an ‘Approved Used’ Volvo XC40 from an official Volvo dealership, you will get a minimum 12-month warranty included.
If you are buying a used Volvo XC40 from an independent dealership, any warranty offered will vary and will probably be managed by a third-party warranty company.
If you are buying a used Volvo XC40 from a private seller, there are no warranty protections beyond any remaining portion of the original new car warranty.

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

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Volvo XC40

2024

2023

2021

2020

2018

Date: January 2024
Recall number: R/2024/012
Model types: All
Build dates: 10/2022 to 12/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 18,755
Defect: Due to a software error the left rear indicator may stop working. Should this happen it will be an intermittent issue and a message will be shown in the driver display. By turning the indictor off and back on again the indicator should return to full functionality: if the warning message is no longer displayed the indicator has full functionality.
Remedy: Solution is to upgrade the software.

Date: September 2023
Recall number: R/2023/263
Model types: All
Build dates: 05/2021 to 06/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 13,701
Defect: During driving or idle, the O-Ring may become twisted or break. Should this occur, there could be an oil leak a message for low engine oil level displayed in the vehicle or an unusual smell in the cabin. In a worst-case scenario, this could cause a thermal event.
Remedy: Replace O-Ring.

Date: January 2023
Recall number: R/2023/025
Model types: All
Build dates: 08/2022 to 01/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 10,197
Defect: There may be a potential software error in the brake control module.
Remedy: Update the brake control module software.

Date: December 2021
Recall number: R/2021/429
Model types: All
Build dates: 10/2017 to 04/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 1,954
Defect: The starter motor may engage incorrectly and this may lead to a noise when starting the engine or even non-start.
Remedy: Download modified software.

Date: September 2021
Recall number: R/2021/331
Model types: All
Build dates: 10/2020 to 12/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 28
Defect: There may be an insufficient or missing welding connection in the Hydraulic Unit of the Brake System.
Remedy: Replace the Hydraulic Unit.

Date: February 2021
Recall number: R/2021/060
Model types: XC40 Recharge
Build dates: 03/2020 to 02/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 134
Defect: High voltage contactors may open during driving, resulting in a risk that the high voltage system may be unintentionally disconnected, causing a loss of propulsion.
Remedy: Software upgrade to be carried out.

Date: January 2021
Recall number: R/2021/025
Model types: All
Build dates: 10/2020 to 12/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 28
Defect: There may be an insufficient or missing welding connection in the Hydraulic Unit of the Brake System.
Remedy: Replace the Hydraulic Unit.

Date: January 2021
Recall number: R/2021/017
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2020 to 12/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 5,173
Defect: A cable harness in the engine compartment may be assembled in the incorrect position.
Remedy: The cable harness is to be secured in the correct position.

Date: September 2020
Recall number: R/2020/269
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2020 to 05/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 1
Defect: Bolts in the Battery Disconnect Unit (BDU) [a component of the High Voltage (HV) Battery] are not torqued according to specification and a bolt may come loose.
Remedy: Replace the High Voltage Battery.

Date: March 2020
Recall number: R/2020/073
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2018 to 03/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 56,385
Defect: The Automatic Emergency Brake System a function of the IntelliSafe system may not always engage increasing the risk of a collision.
Remedy: Affected vehicles must have new software downloaded.

Date: March 2020
Recall number: R/2020/071
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2019 to 02/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 224
Defect: On affected vehicles one of the nuts securing the brake booster to the firewall is missing.
Remedy: Fit the missing nut.

Date: November 2018
Recall number: R/2018/314
Model types: All
Build dates: 10/2017 to 10/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 7,322
Defect: There may be a software issue in the Vehicle Connectivity Module.
Remedy: Upgrade software in the Vehicle Connectivity Module.

Date: August 2018
Recall number: R/2018/224
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 15
Defect: The rear seat back lock strikers may be missing on both sides of the seat, which could cause the backrest not to remain in the upright position.
Remedy: On affected vehicles, install the missing striker plates.

As of September 2024 (our most recent data point), there have been 13 DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Volvo XC40 model range to address different issues.

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

If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used XC40, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.

Everything you need to know about UK vehicle recalls

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Volvo XC40 has received

2025

News UK Motoring Awards – Best Used Car

2022

Auto Trader New Car Awards – Best Car for Towing
Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Premium Crossover

2021

The Car Expert Awards – Small SUV Class Champion
Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Premium Crossover
Fleet World Awards – Best Medium SUV

2020

Auto Express Driver Power – Best Premium Small SUV
Business Motoring Awards – Best Hybrid
Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Premium Crossover

2019

UK Car of the Year Awards – Best Small Hatch
Business Car Awards – Best Compact SUV
Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Premium Crossover
Honest John Awards – Car of the Year + Best Premium Crossover
Motor Trader Awards – New Car of the Year
News UK Motor Awards – Small SUV/Crossover of the Year
Fleet News Awards – New Company Car of the Year
Towcar of the Year Awards – Overall winner + Winner, Caravan Weight 1,350 – 1,500kg category

2018

European Car of the Year
Auto Express Awards – Best Small Premium SUV
BBC Top Gear Magazine Awards – Best Sensible SUV
BusinessCar Awards – New Company Car of the Year + Best Compact SUV
Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year – Winner, Caravan Weight 1,350 – 1,500kg category
DieselCar and EcoCar Top 50 Awards – Car of the Year + Best Medium SUV
Tow Car Awards – Best Family SUV
Women’s World Car of the Year Awards – Supreme Winner

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Skoda Karoq

Stuart Masson

-

7 April 2019

0

Summary

The Skoda Karoq is a medium-sized SUV/crossover, which was launched in late 2017 as a replacement for the previous Skoda Yeti model. It shares its platform with several other models in the Volkswagen group, such as the VW Tiguan, SEAT Ateca and Audi Q3.

The Karoq has received generally good to very good reviews from the UK media, and is one of the top-ranked mid-sized SUVs. It has been particularly praised for its practicality and value for money, while the only real criticisms have been that the Karoq is rather bland and characterless.

The Karoq was given a mild mid-life facelift in early 2022, consisting of small exterior design tweaks, new interior trim detailing and new on-board tech additions. As of March 2026, the Skoda Karoq holds a New Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 61%. It gets good grades for its media review scores and low running costs, but its CO₂ emissions are now only average. In addition, its safety rating has now expired due to age and Skoda’s new car warranty offering is poor.

Karoq highlights

Plenty of cabin space
Impressive interior fit and finish
Easy and relaxing driving experience
Value for money entry-level model
Capable off-roader

Karoq lowlights

Charmless looks
Top models can get pricey
Bland performance

Key specifications

Body style: Five-door SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £27,470 on-road

Launched: Winter 2017/18
Last updated: Spring 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 Skoda Karoq finds a way to nestle itself right amongst the mid-sized SUVs that are good to look at, practically spacious and fuel-efficient. It’s not the cheapest petrol SUV out there on the market, but it makes a great play for being one of those offering the best value for money.”

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic Sportline

0Read full review

The Car Expert

Cat Dow

“If you want a well-built small SUV with plenty of space, the Skoda Karoq is well worth a look. Just don’t expect to be wowed by how it looks or the way it goes around corners.”

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 9 / 10

Read full review

Carwow

More reviews

The Car Expert

Score: 8.2 / 10
“If you don’t actually like cars and just want something to get you from A to B with comfort and practicality, and without breaking the bank, the Skoda Karoq is pretty much perfect.”
Author: Stuart Masson
Read review

Auto Express

Model reviewed:
Score: 9 / 10
“It might be a little plain looking, but the Skoda Karoq offers a smart and sophisticated image that sits well with its pragmatic ability to soak up the rigours of day-to-day life.
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Skoda Karoq condenses the appeal of the seven-seat Kodiaq into a smaller crossover package.”
Read review

Score: 7 / 10
“The large wheels on the Karoq Sportline harm ride comfort and ruin refinement, while the high list price means other models in the range represent far better value.”
Read review

Score: 8 / 10
“The Karoq Scout, like the rest of the range, is among the best all round family cars on the market. Practical, easy to live with and impressive to drive, there’s very little to fault.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: Velo
Score: 8 / 10
“As a package of tech though the Karoq Velo certainly made our four day shredathon very comfortable indeed, even if the custom livery led other riders to believe we were sponsored by Skoda. A Kodiaq Velo would be a better shout for those of us with larger mountain bikes, though.”
Read review

Score: 8 / 10
“It excels in the areas it needs to – comfort, practicality, durability and value for money – and puts in a solid display in all other categories. If you want a practical family car but don’t need the sheer heft of the Kodiaq, its lookalike sibling does the job very well indeed.”
Read review

Car Keys

Model reviewed: Range overview (facelift)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Skoda Karoq remains just as practical and useful as always, but the new additions mean that it feels even more upmarket than ever. With an efficient range of engines to accompany it, we can only see the Karoq’s desirability going upwards, despite the increasing number of rivals that it has to contend with.” (Ted Welford)
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel manual Scout
Score: 9 / 10
“Scout trims take the already impressive hallmarks of the Skoda Karoq and adds an extra sense of rugged styling. It’s not off-road brute, but it looks cool and the tougher additions haven’t detracted from its comfortable ride, impressive practicality and leisurely drive.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Score: 8.6 / 10
“The Skoda Karoq is fun to drive, loaded with features and very practical, making it an ideal choice for families.”
Read review

Evo

Score: 7 / 10
“Skoda’s new small SUV is certainly capable, but lacks the character and spirit of its Yeti predecessor.”
Read review

Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol SE L
Score: 8 / 10
“The Skoda Karoq is a very competent all-rounder. It’s good to drive, it can be efficient, and it’s decent value. It’s also practical, with the Varioflex seating system genuinely helping in this area, giving either a large boot, or good legroom for rear seat occupants.”
Read review

Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“If you’re looking for a family SUV that puts comfort and practicality over pretty much everything else, the Skoda Karoq knocks it out of the park. All models are well-equipped and, providing you avoid the glitzier high-spec trim levels, none will break the bank.”
Read review

Honest John

Score: 8 / 10
“While there’s no shortage of choice if you’re after a family crossover, the Karoq manages to stand out. It feels a quality vehicle, the interior is excellent and it’s good to drive too. Top models are pricey but the Karoq competes well with rivals like the Peugeot 3008 on price and standard specification.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8.8 / 10
“The Skoda Karoq is a supremely practical family car”
Read review

The Scotsman

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic
Score: 8 / 10
“Practical touches and a great petrol engine make the Skoda Karoq a smart choice for family buyers looking to avoid paying the hybrid or BEV premium.”
Author: Steven Chisholm
Read review

The Sun

“The Skoda Karoq comes with practical features that parents will love. It’s like a Swiss Army Knife on wheels and offers better value than its cousins.”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual SE L
Score: 10 / 10
“If you’re in the market for a family SUV, and you can live with the fact it looks a bit dull, then my advice is simple: buy this one.” (Alex Robbins)
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Skoda Karoq might have lost its predecessor’s personality but, on every other front, it’s a better car than the one it replaces. It’s a deeply worthy, sensible, inoffensive car that will go about family life in a faithful and fuss-free way without any major gripes or annoyances. We very much like the Karoq overall. It’s just sometimes a bit tricky to remember exactly why.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

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

Adult protection: 93%
Child protection: 79%
Vulnerable road users: 73%
Safety assist: 58%

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Skoda Karoq has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP. If the Karoq is put through the Green NCAP lab testing programme, we will publish the results here.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of April 2025 (our most recent data point), we don’t have enough reliability data on the Skoda Karoq to generate a reliability rating.

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

Running cost rating

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

Fuel consumption	Average	Score
Petrol models	45 mpg	C
Diesel models	54 mpg	B

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	146 g/km	C
Diesel models	144 g/km	C

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	18	A

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

While the fuel consumption for both petrol and diesel models sits at around the market average, the Karoq’s insurance premiums are estimated to be cheaper than many of its mainstream rivals.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Skoda Karoq has received

2023

Caravan & Motorhome Club Awards – Best Towcar

2022

Auto Express Awards – Used Car of the Year

2021

Company Car CCT100 Awards – Best Crossover

2020

Auto Trader Awards – Best Car for Dog Owners

2019

UK Car of the Year Awards – Best Family Car
Auto Express Awards – Mid-Size SUV of the Year
Carwow Awards – Value Award
Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Crossover

2018

Auto Express Awards – Mid-Size SUV of the Year

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Buy a new or used Skoda Karoq

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Find your next used car with Motors. Find out more

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Lease a new Skoda Karoq

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BMW 3 Series

Stuart Masson

-

6 April 2019

0

Table of contents – BMW 3 Series

Summary

The BMW 3 Series is a medium-sized saloon and estate model, and has long been considered the benchmark for the compact executive saloon class. The latest generation was unveiled in late 2018 and went on sale in the UK in early 2019.

The estate (known as Touring) models were launched several months after the saloon versions. Additionally, the high-performance M3 saloon arrived in the UK in early 2021, joined by a Touring version in 2023.

The 3 Series received a mid-life facelift in the summer of 2022, with further updates in the summer of 2024. This was most noticeable inside the cabin, which received much larger display screens for both the driver and in the central dashboard.

The BMW 3 Series has received very high scores from the UK media. As with previous generations, particular praise has been directed at how well the BMW 3 Series drives compared to its rivals. The quality and design of the interior are better than previous models, although other cars are just as good or better.

As of July 2025, the BMW 3 Series holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 70%. It scores top marks for its strong media reviews and low CO₂ emissions, while its safety score is still good. However, like most BMW models, the overall rating is dragged down by a poor reliability record and high running costs.

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

3 Series highlights

Still the best car in its class to drive
Interior a significant improvement
Petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid options available
Cabin space now a match for rivals

3 Series lowlights

Battery range on older plug-in hybrid models not great
Ride firm on models with sports suspension
Digital display not as good as those on rivals on pre-facelift cars

Key specifications

Body style: Mid-sized saloon and estate
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £40,220 on-road

Launched: Winter 2018/19
Last updated: Summer 2024
Replacement due: 2026

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

Featured reviews

“As plug-in hybrids go, the BMW 330e is a good one. It starts off with the major advantage of the 3 Series itself, a car that has dominated the wish lists of particularly company drivers for very many years. The car is enjoyable to drive, although most owners will likely rate the experience and the tax savings more highly than the little bit they are doing towards encouraging greener motoring.”

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid 330e xDrive M Sport Touring

Score: 8.1 / 10

Read full review

The Car Expert

Andrew Charman

“It may be something of a predictable choice, but there’s a reason that the BMW 3 Series is still held in such high regard — it’s a brilliant all-rounder. Hybrid versions lose a lot of boot space, though, and options can get pricey.”

Model reviewed: Saloon range

Score: 9 / 10

Read full review

Carwow

Neil Briscoe

More reviews

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel auto 330d M Sport Touring
“Based on our initial launch drive, the BMW 3 Series Touring comes perilously close to being all the car you could ever need.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel auto 320d Sport saloon
“Both inside and out, the 3 Series feels like the rounded and accomplished product that it’s always been, and there’s little doubt this latest model will be just as successful as the one it replaces.”
Read review

Auto Express

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid 330e M Sport
Score: 10 / 10
“Better than ever, there really is little reason to consider anything else if you’re in the market for a plug-in hybrid car that’s as comfortable to sit in as it is to drive. The BMW 330e plug-in hybrid really does represent the best of both worlds for those wanting to dip their toe into the world of electrification but not yet ready to commit to a full EV. Keep it charged and there’s no better EV-lite driving experience currently on sale.”
Author: Richard Ingram
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“The BMW 3 Series offers the perfect blend of performance, driving dynamics, low running costs, technology and improved refinement.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The sixth-generation BMW 3 Series is a thoroughly polished product that’s great to drive, and now has one of the best infotainment setups in its class. While the 330e plug-in hybrid is likely the top pick for company car drivers, the M340i xDrive is seriously fast and a better all-rounder than the M4 for many owners.” (Andy Goodwin)
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 320d Touring
Score: 9 / 10
“Upgrades to the BMW 3 Series Touring’s cabin have added a welcome boost in technology and interior quality to its excellent driving dynamics. It’s as practical as many people will ever need, and this 320d would be a terrific choice for anyone after a spacious, comfortable long-distance cruiser. “
Read review

Model reviewed: Touring range review
Score: 10 / 10
“Great to drive, cheap to run and filled with high-tech kit – this is Bavaria at its best.”
Read review

Model reviewed: M340i xDrive
Score: 8 / 10
“This is, without a doubt, a very fast car with trademark BMW six-cylinder prowess – and a meticulously engineered hot 3 Series at the same time.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 330e plug-in hybrid
Score: 9 / 10
“Provided you have regular access to a charge point, it’s a high quality plug-in hybrid that could easily match a 320d for rock-bottom running costs. For private buyers it may even be the 3 Series to go for if you have a garage space or driveway to recharge it from every evening.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 10 / 10
“Still the driver’s choice in this family-oriented segment, nothing can match the BMW 3 Series Touring from behind the wheel.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 320d M Sport with Sport automatic
Score: 10 / 10
“We followed the journey of the BMW 3 Series as it made its way to production, and now it’s here we’re even more sure that it’s the best car in its class.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 330e plug-in hybrid
Score: 9 / 10
“Even given the inevitable price premium, the 330e is likely to prove an affordable alternative to a 320d for lower-mileage business users. It’s not just a convincing plug-in; it could be one of the best members of the new 3 Series family.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Saloon range (facelift)
Score: 8 / 10
“Sporty, stylish and updated with the latest tech, the BMW 3 Series remains the benchmark premium saloon for those who enjoy their driving.” (Dan Trent)
Read review

Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 8 / 10
“Arguably a benchmark for the sector, the BMW 3 Series has maintained its reputation for sporty handling and fine dynamics. There are engines to suit every need and a huge amount of technology to support your driving, even if the best of it remains on the options list or confined to fancier trim levels.”
Read review

Score: 7.8 / 10
“It’s worth test-driving as close a model as possible to the one you’re considering, as wheel sizes and suspension set-ups have a large effect on how comfortable the 3 Series is. Some will find it too firm over bad surfaces for their liking.”
Read review

Business Car

Model reviewed: 330e
Score: 8 / 10
“If you can’t go full EV, the BMW 330e remains the benchmark by which other rivals should be judged.” (Martyn Collins)
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: Saloon range (2022 update)
Score: 8 / 10
“If you’re worried BMW’s spoiled its success story of a saloon with this latest update, rest easy. The 3 Series is still the go-to baby executive for those looking for a sharper driving experience, and the technology refresh keeps it up to date with Merc’s latest C-Class.” (Jake Groves)
Read review

Model reviewed: Estate range overview (2022 update)
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s still arguably all the car you could ever need. While the BMW 3 Series Touring isn’t perfect, it’s immensely practical for its size, well-built and still steers like a BMW should do: i.e. with a degree of sharpness and excitement. Regardless of what engine you pick, you’ll benefit from a handsome baby executive estate.” (Jake Groves)
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid 330e saloon
Score: 8 / 10
“The word that springs most readily to mind here is ‘impressive’ – BMW’s big-selling plug-in hybrid certainly doesn’t fall down as a box-ticking exercise, with plentiful performance, extended electric range and some clever tricks.” (CJ Hubbard)
Read review

Model reviewed: 330d xDrive Touring
Score: 8 / 10
“As a driver’s tool it blows away most opposition in this sector, it’ll satisfy any tech fetish, and the practicality improvements reaffirm that this estate is much more than just a pretty face.”
Read review

Score: 8 / 10
“This 3-series sets a new dynamic benchmark for the executive saloon market, as well as featuring the very latest of BMW’s tech, and a promising, if not yet complete, range of engines and transmissions.”
Read review

Car Keys

Model reviewed: Range overview (facelift)
Score: 10 / 10
“The BMW 3 Series remains a car that’s truly at the top of its game, with few rivals able to get close to its combination of quality and sportiness. With its huge range of engines and the choice of two bodystyles, it feels like there’s a 3 Series to suit all. The addition of its new more modern interior has only elevated it further and ensured the 3 Series remains at the top of this class.” (Ted Welford)
Read review

Model reviewed: 330e
Score: 9 / 10
“The 330e is likely to be another hit for BMW, as more drivers seek to make the switch to electrified motoring and reduce their running costs. The biggest positive about this car is that there are very few downsides next to the normal 3 Series.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic estate 330d Touring
Score: 10 / 10
“With the saloon being such a well-praised model, it was almost inevitable that the Touring model would be just as appealing. In 330d form, it could be all the car most will ever need. It’s fast, relatively cheap to run, practical, comfortable – this list could go on.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: 330e plug-in hybrid saloon
Score: 8.6 / 10
“The BMW 330e plug-in hybrid is not only cheap to run, it’s also as good to drive as any other 3 Series.” (Andy Goodwin)
Read review

Model reviewed: Facelifted estate range
Score: 8.8 / 10
“The BMW 3 Series Touring is practical, easy to live with and great to drive.” (Andy Goodwin)
Read review

Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 8.8 / 10
“Brilliant BMW 3 Series is the pace-setter for executive saloon handling and performance.”
Author: Andy Goodwin
Read review

Carwow

Model reviewed: Touring estate range
Score: 9 / 10
“The BMW 3 Series Touring is a great all-rounder offering plenty of practicality, while also being comfortable and great fun to drive.”
Author: Jamie Edkins
Read review

Company Car Today

Model reviewed: BMW 330e Touring PHEV
“This BMW 330e Touring PHEV offers useful practicality to match the tax and fuel efficiency (when charged as often as possible), and the performance.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric automatic plug-in hybrid 330e M Sport
“The new 330e will prove more popular than ever in the current tax regime, and rightly so when it’s as good, and as cost-effective versus a 320d, as the new car is. Just make sure that fleet policies incentivise or require the car to be charged and used on electric mode as much as possible.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 318d Sport
“In isolation, the 318d is another winner of a BMW 3 Series, and there’s very little to criticise. Just make sure you never drive a 320d and you won’t know what you’re missing.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 8.5 / 10
“The BMW 3 Series makes improvements in the key areas that were required without losing the driver and badge appeal that put it at the top of the class.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 320d xDrive M Sport saloon
“The new BMW 3 Series builds on the previous car’s strong points and adds more tech, better interior quality and increased efficiency to keep it at the forefront of the compact executive sector.”
Read review

Daily Mail

“Despite all the sensible stuff, the 3 Series remains a sprightly engaging drive.”
Read review

Daily Mirror

Model reviewed: 320d M Sport
“Apart from its dramatic looks the new car isn’t a massive leap forward and that’s very much down to the fact that the previous car was very good and had every gadget and accessory you’d need. That the old model is smaller actually makes it more desirable to me. Bigger isn’t always better.”
Read review

Electrifying.com

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid 330e
Score: 8.5 / 10
“The plug-in hybrid BMW 3 Series is the best compact executive car you can buy. That’s regardless of whether you’re looking for super-cheap running costs, company car tax, or both.”
Read review

Evo

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“Entertaining manners, strong engines, good build quality and a premium image that shows no sign of being significantly diluted even when the 3-series is now such as ubiquitous part of the motoring landscape.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 320d M Sport
Score: 8 / 10
“New BMW 3-series has more of everything, but gives away a little of its satisfying precision in the process.”
Read review

Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: 330e Touring xDrive M Sport
Score: 10 / 10
“Unlike a two-tonne plug-in hybrid SUV, the BMW 330e Touring is actually very efficient on a long journey. It’s also sporty, comfortable, quiet, luxurious and practical. With xDrive all-wheel drive, it’s also very capable in all weathers (especially with the right tyres).”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol plug-in hybrid automatic saloon 330e M Sport
Score: 10 / 10
“The BMW 330e plug-in hybrid delivers the rear-wheel drive handling of a touring car, the ride comfort of a BMW 5 Series, the performance of a sports car, and the zero emission driving ability of an electric car. What’s not to like?”
Read review

Model reviewed: 320d M Sport
Score: 9 / 10
“The industry is moving towards electric cars, but the BMW 320d shows that diesel isn’t dead yet. If you cover lots of miles up and down the UK’s motorways, then the 320d has to be one of the most efficient ways to do that. It’s also comfortable, it has rewarding handling, the infomedia and satnav systems are excellent, and there really are very few faults with the overall package.”
Read review

Heycar

Model reviewed: Touring (estate) range
Score: 9 / 10
“Practical, comfortable and brilliant to drive, the BMW 3 Series Touring is one of the best premium family cars.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 9 / 10
“The archetypal premium sporting saloon, the BMW 3 Series defines the segment it competes in against its key German rivals like the Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.”
Read review

Honest John

Model reviewed: 320d xDrive M Sport
“There’s little to criticise – it looks the part, in our opinion, and the interior is a very cosseting place for long journeys.”
Read review

Motoring Research

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The current BMW 3 Series is a car at the top of its game. It’s practical, packed with tech, quick and efficient… and a great driver’s car.”
Read review

Motors

Score: 9 / 10
“The BMW 3 Series comes with brilliant driving dynamics, intuitive technology; and a good range of frugal and punchy powerplants.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: saloon range
Score: 9 / 10
“The BMW 3 Series is still the best compact executive saloon”
Read review

Model reviewed: 33e plug-in hybrid
Score: 8.4 / 10
“Plug-in BMW 3 Series is an excellent, tax-efficient all-rounder”
Read review

Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 9 / 10
“A brilliant all-rounder that’s great to drive with some clever practicality features.”
Read review

The Sun

“The cabins are modern and clean and beautiful . . . but just a little boring. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the craftmanship or the tech, it’s just not as plush as an Audi or Mercedes.”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic 330d xDrive M Sport
Score: 9 / 10
“Do-it-all premium estate is a more comprehensive package than ever.”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: Facelift range
Score: 10 / 10
“In an automotive world where everything is changing, the new BMW 3 Series maintains a dignified competence and all-round unflappability. Calm, capable and seemingly well built, the standard models are lively and the faster ones blistering, but all have that BMW approach to efficiency with every single part honed to provide that bit more real-life economy and performance.” (Andrew English)
Read review

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic M340i xDrive Touring
Score: 10 / 10
“As a performance car that can also carry the family and their bags, it’s superb. Yes, it’s expensive, but you’d be hard-pushed to find this combination of practicality, driving excitement and sheer pace for less.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Estate range
“Comfortable, quick and commodious, the BMW 3 Series Touring is more useful (but complicated) than before and there seems little reason to doubt BMW’s prediction that it will continue to sell about 10,000 a year in the UK – lucky people…”
Read review

Model reviewed: 330e PHEV plug-in hybrid
Score: 8 / 10
“After the previous BMW 3 Series hybrid, this feels like an all-new generation despite the same drivetrain, with more spritely performance and a whole set of better figures in terms of range, fuel consumption and EV operation. Expensive, but none of this type of car is cheap and the PHEV BMW is one of the best of the breed.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 320d 2.0-litre diesel manual
Score: 8 / 10
“Shame it had to get bigger, but the new 3-series is a much more assured drivers’ car than its predecessor, though that comes at the cost of ride quality on M-Sport cars. The new twin-turbocharged diesel is powerful and economical and while the cabin is beautifully made it is a bit dull.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: M340d Touring estate
Score: 9 / 10
“The best car BMW makes? Besides being ‘good’, it’s also cool. So much more suave than an X2 or a 2 Series Active Tourer or an X4 or an X6 or a 6GT or an X7 M50d, but not as flashy as an 8 Gran Coupe. If this is diesel’s last hurrah, then we can say it went out on a high, in one of the finest subtle superwagons ever built.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Touring (estate) range
Score: 8 / 10
“For the vast majority of us, the BMW 3 Series Touring is all the car we could use or want.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 8 / 10
“Rivals keep it from a better score, but the new 3 is still one of the benchmarks for this class.”
Read review

Model reviewed: M340i xDrive
Score: 9 / 10
“It’s not just a normal xDrive 3-er. The persons from M have had a go.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

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

Adult protection: 97%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 87%
Safety assist: 76%

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

Model tested: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 320d saloon

Overall score: 2 stars
Date tested: November 2020
Read the full Green NCAP review

Clean Air Index: 6.2 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 6 / 10

The rating above only applies to the 320d saloon, which is powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine with an automatic gearbox. It does not apply to any other engine/gearbox combination.

Overall, the BMW 3 Series range performs well in terms of low CO₂ emissions across most engines in the range.

Running cost rating

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

Fuel consumption	Average	Score
Petrol models	41 mpg	D
Diesel models	54 mpg	B
Plug-in hybrid models	314 mpg	A

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	156 g/km	B
Diesel models	138 g/km	B
Plug-in hybrid models	21 g/km	A

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	59 miles	D

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	33	C

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£259	B
Year 2	£603	B
Year 3	£985	B
Year 4	£1,282	B
Year 5	£1,672	B
Overall	£4,801	B

The BMW 3 Series is a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to running costs. Fuel consumption for the petrol models is worse than average, while the diesels are better than average.

The plug-in hybrid models look great on paper, but this is entirely unrealistic. That’s not BMW’s fault, but rather the way that the EU/UK regulations are written. The battery range for the plug-in hybrid also looks poor, but is actually not too bad for a plug-in hybrid car.

Insurance costs are about average, while scheduled servicing and maintenance costs are average to good.

Warranty rating

New car warranty information for the BMW 3 Series

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

BMW’s new car warranty is only average, and not as attractive as some other cars in a similar price bracket as the 3 Series.

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

In addition to the standard new car warranty, the 3 Series plug-in hybrid models have an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery components. The overall rating above is a mix of the different models.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 2124
Average repair cost: £778.07
Last updated: April 2025

Reliability score

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

As of April 2025 (our latest data point), the BMW 3 Series is very poor when it comes to reliability with a rating of E and a score of just 32%, according to workshop and warranty data provided by our commercial partner, MotorEasy. This covers both the current model (2019 onwards) as well as earlier generations.

Based on a large number of warranty repairs, the average repair costs is also quite high at nearly £800. That’s a lot more than the cost of a used car warranty, which is certainly worth considering if you own a 3 Series or are thinking about buying one.

The most common problems reported for the 3 Series relate to its engine, and unfortunately these are also the most expensive faults, with an average repair bill of about £1,600. Gearbox problems are also similarly expensive to repair, but appear to be less common. Repair bills for electrical system, engine and suspension are more competitive, thankfully, averaging less than £400 for each.

The current BMW 3 Series has also had 15 recalls to date, which is a very high number (see ‘Recalls’ section below) and covers a range of different problems.

Make sure that any used car warranty you are purchasing covers all of these potential problem areas.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the BMW 3 Series

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

Date: December 2023
Recall number: R/2023/354
Model types: All 3 Series Touring estate
Build dates: 01/2023 only
Number of vehicles affected: 26
Defect: On affected vehicles ingress of transmission fluid may occur to the integrated transmission control unit within the mechatronic module.
Remedy: On affected vehicles the transmission mechatronic module will be replaced.

Date: June 2023
Recall number: R/2023/071
Model types: All 3 Series saloon
Build dates: 07/2022 to 10/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 538
Defect: On certain vehicles the Body Domain Controller (BDC) control unit may have an incorrect setting applied to it.
Remedy: Conduct a check of the settings and if necessary perform a reset on the BDC control unit.

Date: November 2022
Recall number: R/2022/323
Model types: All 3 Series Touring estate
Build dates: 09/2022 only
Number of vehicles affected: 7
Defect: It is possible that a damaged seat belt may have been installed into the vehicle during production.
Remedy: The front left upper seat belt will be replaced on affected vehicles as a precaution.

Date: October 2022
Recall number: R/2022/297
Model types: 3 Series saloon
Build dates: 01/2021 only
Number of vehicles affected: 1
Defect: The safety recall relates to a problem with a cell module within the high-voltage battery.
Remedy: Replace the affected high-voltage cell module.

Date: June 2022
Recall number: R/2022/255
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2019 to 06/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 322,745 (including other BMW models)
Defect: Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold.
Remedy: The engine management control unit (DDE) will be programmed with improved software incorporating the latest OBD functionality

Date: March 2022
Recall number: R/2022/089
Model types: All 3 Series Touring estate
Build dates: 01/2022 only
Number of vehicles affected: 2,018
Defect: The micro gas generator within the front seatbelt’s retractor may have been damaged and may not act according to the specification in the event of an accident.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the front seatbelts will be checked and replaced if they are found to have been damaged.

Date: August 2021
Recall number: R/2021/288
Model types: 3 Series saloon
Build dates: 04/2019 only
Number of vehicles affected: 1
Defect: The fault involves the tandem vacuum/oil pump fitted to the engine. On affected vehicles it is possible that the engine rotates in the opposite direction than it is meant to on start-up causing the tandem pump to fail.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the control unit (DME) will be programmed to prevent the failure from occurring.

Date: May 2021
Recall number: R/2021/168
Model types: All
Build dates: 09/2020 to 03/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 60
Defect: The screw connection of the front seat belt buckle assembly to the seat frame may not be tightened properly.
Remedy: On affected vehicles the screw connection of the lower belt of the front seats will be checked and if necessary reworked.

Date: March 2021
Recall number: R/2021/085
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2021 to 02/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 705
Defect: Affected vehicles may be fitted with brake discs which were not produced according to the specifications
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the brake discs will be checked and if necessary replaced

Date: January 2021
Recall number: R/2021/015
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2020 to 10/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 388
Defect: The battery cables on the 48V starter generator may not have been sufficiently secured during the production process.
Remedy: Check the screw connection of the 48V positive / negative battery cables on the starter generator and rework if necessary.

Date: December 2020
Recall number: R/2020/283
Model types: All
Build dates: 03/2020 to 09/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 2,665
Defect: A possibility of impurities contained in the HV batteries may cause short circuit.
Remedy: Testing of battery charge cycles and replacement of the HV cells where necessary.

Date: October 2020
Recall number: R/2020/298
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2020 to 09/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 871
Defect: In very rare cases welding beads were not always completely removed in the cleaning process during battery production.
Remedy: Test and replace the High Voltage batteries if affected.

Date: August 2020
Recall number: R/2020/219
Model types: All
Build dates: 10/2018 to 03/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 4,542
Defect: A steering tie rod with an earlier design configuration can become broken in the ‘kink’ groove area of the rod.
Remedy: Both of the steering tie rods will be replaced on the affected vehicles.

Date: April 2020
Recall number: R/2019/290
Model types: All
Build dates: 10/2018 to 03/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 1,737
Defect: The rear center head restraint interlock was not welded according to specification.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the center rear head restraint will be replaced.

Date: December 2019
Recall number: R/2019/368
Model types: All
Build dates: 03/2019 to 07/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 53
Defect: The engine counterbalance shaft bearing bushing into the crankcase may be out of specification.
Remedy: Replace the engine of affected vehicles.

As of September 2024 (our latest data point), there have been 15 DVSA vehicle safety recalls on this generation of the BMW 3 Series. The recalls are sometimes only for the saloon or Touring estate, and cover engine components, seat belts, steering tie rods, head rests, batteries and brakes. Affected models can range from simply one, to thousands in need of a recall.

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

If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used 3 Series, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the BMW 3 Series has received

2023

EcoCar Electrified Top 50 – Best Plug-In Hybrid Large Car + Best Plug-In Hybrid Large Estate Car
Fleet News Awards – Most Reliable Company Car

2022

Business Car Awards – Best Premium Car
Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Compact Executive Car
EcoCar Electrified Top 50 – Best Compact Executive Plug-in Hybrid
Fleet World Awards – Best Compact Executive Car

2021

The Car Expert Awards – Medium Car Class Champion, petrol/diesel
Auto Trader New Car Awards – Best Hybrid (330e)
Business Car Awards – Best Premium Car
Business Motoring Awards – Best Medium Car + Best PHEV
Carwow Awards – Best Family Hybrid Car (330e)
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2020

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Business Car Awards – Best Premium Car
Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Car of the Year + Best Compact Executive
DieselCar & EcoCar Top 50 – Best Compact Executive Car
Fleet News Awards – New Company Car of the Year + Best Premium Car
Fleet World Awards – Best New Fleet Car + Best Fleet Compact Executive Car
Parkers New Car Awards – Best Company Car (330e)

2019

Auto Express Awards – Best Compact Executive Car
Business Car Awards – Best Premium Car
carwow Awards – Car of the Year + Best Family Car

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Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Stuart Masson

-

5 April 2019

0

Summary

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a mid-size SUV launched in 2017 as the brand’s first entry into the premium SUV market. It received a minor update in early 2023, but the core model is now several years old in a fast-moving segment.

The Stelvio has consistently been praised by UK media for its sharp steering and engaging handling, offering a more driver-focused experience than many similarly sized SUVs. Engine performance has also been well received, particularly in higher-output versions.

However, interior material quality and infotainment technology have never fully matched the strongest competitors in the class, and the overall cabin design now shows its age. Running costs are relatively high compared with newer rivals, particularly in petrol form.

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio originally achieved a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, but that result has now expired under current testing protocols due to the model’s age.

As of February 2026, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio holds a New Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 57%. Media review scores and CO₂ emissions are only average, while high running costs and an expired Euro NCAP safety rating significantly reduce the overall result.

Stelvio highlights

Engaging handling for a mid-size SUV
Strong engine performance options
Distinctive Alfa Romeo styling
Comfortable ride quality
Wide model range including performance variants

Stelvio lowlights

Interior quality below key premium rivals
Infotainment system now dated
High running costs
Euro NCAP safety rating expired
Design and technology now showing their age

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol
Price: From £52,000 on-road

Launched: Summer 2017
Last updated: Summer 2023
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

Featured reviews

“Minor irritations apart, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is an effective new entrant to the SUV market. It is generally well built, and offers a combination of attractive looks and sporting prowess that many rivals do not.”

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre 280 Q4 Speciale

Score: 8.2 / 10

Read full review

The Car Expert

Andrew Charman

“The Alfa Romeo Stelvio looks great and is loads of fun to drive for an SUV – but the interior materials don’t feel as luxurious as in similar cars and the suspension is on the firm side.”

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 7 / 10

Read full review

Carwow

Darren Cassey

More reviews

Auto Express

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The handsome Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a sporty SUV that’s good to drive, but it’s expensive to buy and run compared to some rivals.”
Author: Ellis Hyde
Read review

Model reviewed: 2023 facelift
Score: 8 / 10
“The mid-life refresh couldn’t really have come any later, because for all the updates, the Stelvio is starting to feel its age in some areas. If you want a family-sized SUV that’s both fun to drive and comfortable, though, the Stelvio should definitely be on your shortlist.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 9 / 10
“A good SUV made even better.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Nero Edizione
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s suitably spacious inside, and more fun to drive than its rivals.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: (2023)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Stelvio remains one of the sportiest SUVs you can buy, fresh updates to trim and tech keeping it competitive.” (Dan Trent)
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Alfa Romeo definitively put an Italian twist on the SUV formula with its bold and distinctive Stelvio and it’s always impressed with its combination of spirited driving dynamics and practicality.”
Read review

Business Car

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic Veloce (2023 facelift)
Score: 7 / 10
“In the SUV segment, it’s hard to excuse shortfalls in economy and practicality for driving dynamics and style, since the latter are inevitably compromised anyway. In a competitive class, it’s difficult to recommend overlooking the Alfa Romeo Stelvio’s flaws.” (Sean Keywood)
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s a great car in its own right, but given it is Alfa’s first SUV, it’s borderline brilliant on first acquaintance.”
Read review

Score: 8 / 10
“If you want a crossover that sacrifices as little of the conventional-car driving experience as possible, then the Alfa Romeo Stelvio should be given serious consideration. It’s a great car in its own right, but given it is Alfa’s first SUV, it’s borderline brilliant on first acquaintance.”
Read review

Car Keys

Model reviewed: 2.2-litre diesel automatic
Score: 8 / 10
“There’s a much-needed lift given to the Alfa Romeo Stelvio in this round of upgrades. Its interior is certainly much better than before, and the infotainment is a step forward too. The driving experience hasn’t been altered either — the Stelvio remains one of the best-driving cars in its segment.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“You have to admire Alfa Romeo, it has gone from producing somewhat disappointing hatchbacks to producing excellent cars such as the Stelvio and Giulia in just a couple of years. The Stelvio is great to drive, offers excellent levels of practicality and is packed with some impressive engines.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV blends good looks, a great drive and real quality at a competitive price.”
Author: Andy Goodwin
Read review

Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 2.2-litre diesel automatic 210hp Super
Score: 7.8 / 10
“Great looks, excellent efficiency and very keen pricing are all strengths, and in this sector of the market those things are considered important to company car drivers.”
Read review

Daily Mail

Score: 8 / 10
“In its debut outing, Alfa has immediately taken the fight to the established SUV titans.”
Read review

Evo

Score: 8 / 10
“Impressively dynamic and desirable SUV undone by quality niggles and odd styling.”
Read review

Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic Milano
Score: 8 / 10
“It is tempting to say go and buy a Stelvio while we’re in a period of the Treasury discouraging the purchase of low-emission diesels, and while there isn’t an electric alternative; make the most of the opportunity to own a Stelvio while you can.”
Read review

Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“All in all, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a good all-rounder, doing a thoroughly decent job in all areas and a really good job in some. It might not be one of the best SUVs, but if you like the flamboyant styling, and you enjoy your driving, it’s definitely worth considering.”
Read review

Honest John

Score: 8 / 10
“The Stelvio manages to capture Italian charisma and enjoyable handling in a practical, family-friendly package. It’s not as flawlessly executed as a pricier Audi Q5, but it has plenty of appeal – especially if you want a dose of style with your family SUV.”
Read review

Motoring Research

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Regardless of the engine or spec, few SUVs are as nice to drive as the Stelvio, particularly if you opt for Q4 all-wheel drive. It corners sharply, has a sweet eight-speed transmission, and boasts ride characteristics more akin to a sports car. It is a 4×4 fit to wear the illustrious Alfa Romeo badge.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7.4 / 10
“The first Alfa Romeo SUV is a stylish and sporting option.”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Score: 8 / 10
“Because it’s a big, practical car with a huge boot and folding seats and lots of cubbyholes that’s also an Alfa Romeo – it’s the only SUV that’s quite tempting.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“Alfa Romeo has built a very good car. Like the Giulia, the Stelvio offers a compelling alternative in a market dominated by ordinary German models.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“All things considered, Alfa has done an admirable job on converting its value into an SUV package. Perhaps it isn’t as stirring as Alfas of the past, but this time who knows, you might actually buy one.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

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

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

Notes on safety rating

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio was originally tested by Euro NCAP back in 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 Stelvio to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of February 2026, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

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

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
Diesel models	46 mpg	C

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	195 g/km	D
Diesel models	162 g/km	C

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	36	D

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£339	D
Year 2	£895	D
Year 3	£1,484	D
Year 4	£1,798	E
Year 5	£2,436	E
Overall	£6,952	E

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio can be quite an expensive car to run depending on the model you choose, according to data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Petrol models offer 33 mpg on average, which is lower than petrol equivalents in the rival BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC model lines. Diesel models offer around 46 mpg on average, making them a more economical choice.

Insurance premiums are fairly average when compared to the market as a whole, as are service and maintenance costs for the first five years from new.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 10
Average repair cost: £723.45
Last updated: April 2025

Reliability score

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

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio has a middling reliability score, according to workshop and extended warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, MotorEasy. However, it’s worth noting that this score is based on very few cars to date, so it could change for better or worse over time.

Warranty rating

New car warranty information for the Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Overall ratingC51%
New car warranty duration5 years
New car warranty mileage75,000 miles
Battery warranty duration0 years
Battery warranty mileage0 miles

Alfa Romeo’s new car warranty is better than average, and better than several premium brands in a similar price bracket as the Stelvio.

The duration is five years, with a limit of 75,000 miles.

Warranty on a used Alfa Romeo Stelvio

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

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

Recalls

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

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Awards

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

2018

Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Premium SUV of the Year

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Alfa Romeo adds new trim to Giulia and Stelvio line-ups

Alfa Romeo updates Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio

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Buy an Alfa Romeo Stelvio

If you’re looking to buy a new or used Alfa Romeo Stelvio, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car

Find your next used car with Motors. Find out more

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

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

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

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Mulliner appeal for Bentley Bentayga SUV

Model update

Andrew Charman

-

5 April 2019

0

Mulliner appeal for Bentley Bentayga SUV

Bentley has unveiled a Design Series limited edition version of its V8-powered Bentayga SUV.

The new variant gains bespoke exterior and interior elements from Mulliner – Bentley’s in-house customisation brand – to create what the brand describes as a more ‘distinctive road presence’.

Based on the Bentayga V8, which uses a 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged engine, the Design Series comes with the SUV’s Blackline specification as standard, adding a lower front bumper and twin tailpipes finished in gloss black.

New seven-spoke ‘Paragon’ wheels have also been added, finished in Palladium Grey with polished accents, and with the signature self-levelling ‘B’ badge at the centre.

Inside, the Design Series is available with one of four colour themes – Pillar Box Red, Orange, Mulliner White and Klein Blue. Each provides different accenting and is paired with Bentley’s ‘Beluga’ leather upholstery as well as Piano Black and carbon-fibre panels with again a bespoke weave pattern.

A Breitling clock has also been fitted to the centre console, which features a mother-of-pearl face and diamond jewelling.

‘Design Series’ badging is included on the seats and on the exterior of the Bentayga V8.

With its recently introduced V8 petrol engine the luxury SUV, which develops 550hp and 770Nm of torque – completing the 0-60mph sprint in 4.4 secondsand capable of hitting a maximum speed of 180mph.

Prices are yet to be confirmed, but will no doubt t see a significant increase over the standard Bentayga V8’s £136,200 starting price.

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