Find an Expert Rating: 
Home Blog Page 131

Redex trial progress report

Stuart Masson
-
0
Redex trial progress report

I’m running a three-month trial of Redex fuel system additives to see if I can feel any increase in my car’s performance or any measurable difference in its fuel economy.

I’m now at the halfway point of my three-month Redex trial, and I’ve been fielding a few questions from people along the way whenever I’ve mentioned it. Mostly, “What is it?” and “What does it do?”

Different kinds of fuel additives

The particular type of fuel additives that I am trialling are cleaning agents that claim to reduce build-up on your engine’s fuel injection system., meaning that the correct amount of fuel is being injected into the important bits of the engine and not being wasted. By de-clogging the fuel system, fuel flows more freely and should improve both performance and economy.

It’s probably easiest to think of these system cleaners as a bit like drain de-clogging liquids, or de-scaling agents for your coffee machine or kettle or iron or washing machine, etc. The end result should be a sparkling clean system of tiny pipes that allow the fuel to flow more freely into the important bits of the engine, and should improve both performance and economy.

Of course, to notice any improvement, the system needs to have been clogged up to start with. A brand new engine is already clean and shiny, so a cleaning agent won’t really give you any benefit. You’re far more likely to see noticeable benefits from older, higher-mileage cars.

There are other kinds of additives that are specifically designed to improve your car’s performance by adding a bit of extra kick to the fuel. These are usually called “octane boosters”, but they’re a different thing from what we’re reviewing on this trial. They are more like vitamins or other dietary supplements. Everybody’s different in terms of their diet, their lifestyle and their own genetic makeup, so taking a daily multi-vitamin tablet may benefit one person yet have no noticeable impact on another person.

The trial process

The trial commenced by adding a 500mL bottle of Redex “5-in-1 Advanced Fuel System Cleaner”. This is a concentrated cleaning product, and is recommended as a first step and then again every few months. You simply add it to your tank before putting in your petrol.

For each subsequent fill-up, I have been adding a 90mL bottle of regular Redex “Petrol System Cleaner”. The company produces specific products for both petrol and diesel engines, so make sure you’re using the right one for your vehicle.

At every fill-up, I’ve also been recording my mileage and the amount of fuel added so I can work out the fuel consumption. This has also allowed me to compare my actual results with the number suggested by my car’s trip computer.

Obviously, this is not a laboratory trial conducted in perfect conditions using perfect scientific methods. That means there will inevitably be variations due to traffic conditions, weather, different journey types and speeds, and so on. However, I’m doing what I can to keep things consistent. My car is a 2013 Mazda MX-5, and it only ever carries me (and sometimes by toddler son if I’m doing the nursery run). Plus the boot’s tiny. That means that there’s minimal variation in weight across the course of a tank.

Unless it’s raining, the top on my car is always down when I’m driving – and we really haven’t had much rain in the last six weeks. Having the top down all the time is not great for fuel economy because it messes up the car’s aerodynamics, but at least it’s consistently down every day.

I fill up every time at the same petrol station, using regular 95-octane unleaded petrol.

My driving journeys have basically been the same for the last six weeks, which is my usually 25-mile round trip to work every day. The only variation in that has really been traffic along the way, and over the last month there has been a lot of congestion due to an HGV diversion in the next town. That’s meant a lot more big trucks and coaches on my commute, and traffic has been frankly awful for about a month. The good news is that’s finally coming to an end shortly.

Fuel economy results so far

Prior to starting my Redex trial, my fuel economy tended to hover around the 30mpg mark depending on circumstances. My car was serviced a couple of months before the trial started and only has 30,000 miles on the clock, so I haven’t had any great expectations of seeing substantial movement on my fuel consumption figures.

My first fill-up with the 5-in-1 advanced system cleaner was then followed by a 150-mile motorway trip, although a fair bit of that was crawling around the M25. Anyhow, the first tankful saw an overall result of 34mpg; a good start, but probably affected by the motorway run.

Since then, I have filled up another three times using the small 90mL bottle of regular petrol system cleaner. My driving has purely been the daily commute, but as mentioned the traffic has been rubbish. The numbers show fuel consumption of 30, 28 and 30mpg for each tankful, so it’s much the same as I’d normally expect. Again, traffic conditions will have played a part, this time negatively influencing the result.

I filled up the car again a couple of days ago, and have also noticed that traffic is much better this week. Hopefully, that means the next tank’s results will be a bit more indicative of my usual driving circumstances.

Performance observations

We’re not doing any performance testing on this trial, so it’s simply been a case of me trying to detect any noticeable improvements in performance.

I think that the car has probably been running a bit smoother after using the 5-in-1 cleaner. Once or twice in recent months, I had noticed a very slight cough when accelerating hard. It was nothing really significant, only happened very occasionally and I had just put it down to a bit of gunk in the fuel. I haven’t noticed anything similar since I’ve started using Redex, so I’d say that the cleaning agents have been doing their job and keeping the fuel system running properly.

At this stage, I’d have to say I really haven’t felt that the car is performing any better. Obviously, I’m not doing any timed acceleration runs on a drag strip, but the car doesn’t feel to be performing any differently than before I started using Redex.

To be fair, this isn’t really the main point of these particular products; if I wanted to try and increase the car’s performance, I’d try the Redex Petrol Power Booster or just use premium unleaded fuel, both of which increase the octane level of the fuel for a bigger bang in the cylinders.

Other observations

Incidentally, taking proper fuel consumption measurements has allowed me to compare the actual results with the on-screen information in the car’s trip computer. It seems that my Mazda is about 0.5 mpg optimistic in its read-out as every time I’ve filled up, the results have been about that much worse than the average fuel consumption readout in my dashboard. This is pretty normal for most cars, and the fuel economy numbers on the screen should only be considered a guide anyway.

The only other point of note is that the Redex bottles have a really annoying inner seal, like most bottles these days. It’s particularly difficult to remove, and usually I just end up stabbing it with my car key to puncture  the seal and tear most of it off. That’s fine for my Mazda, as it still has a proper key that goes in a proper ignition barrel. Most newer cars no longer have that, however, so you’d need to have your house key or some other sharp implement handy to get the stuff out of the bottle.

I’ll be continuing to run my Redex trial for another six weeks, so I should have a final report for you by the end of August.

The review is sponsored by Redex.

Volvo and Ford earn five-star safety praise

Andrew Charman
-
0
Volvo and Ford earn five-star safety praise
The Volvo XC40 and Ford Focus have both earned five-star crash-test ratings from safety body Euro NCAP. And the 97% adult occupant protection score achieved by the Volvo puts it among the top five cars tested by Euro NCAP in the last three years. The crash testers were most impressed by the active safety systems which come as standard on both cars. Both the XC40 and Focus are fitted with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), and both systems detect pedestrians and cyclists. The Volvo also offers emergency lane-keeping (ELK) technology, keeping the car on its side of the road and hoping to prevent head-on collisions.
You may also like:
Such figures have seen Volvo maintain an enviable safety record – all of its current model range have earned five-star safety ratings. The XC60 was named the overall best-performing large off-roader and the best overall performer in Euro NCAP’s 2017 Best in Class safety awards, and its larger sister the XC90 received the same accolade in 2015. Welcoming the results, Ford’s Focus vehicle line director Helmut Reder argues that driving hasn’t become any less demanding since drivers first took their test and they have become more accustomed to pressure. “Technologies such as Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection will reduce the demand on drivers, helping them focus their attention and be more confident at the wheel,” he says. Euro NCAP secretary general Michiel van Ratingen is delighted that manufacturers, both mainstream and premium, appear to be responding to the stricter safety requirements introduced for this year by fitting the latest active safety technologies. “Technologies like AEB and ELK deliver immediate safety benefits but they are also enabling technologies for the autonomous vehicles of the future,” van Ratingen says. “Euro NCAP’s roadmap sets a series of demanding tests for each of these ‘milestone’ technologies seeking to ensure that their performance saves lives today as well as tomorrow.” Ford Focus crash test The Car Expert

Ford Ka+ Active review

Andrew Charman
-
0
Ford Ka+ Active review

60-second summary

What is it? The Ford Ka+ Active is an SUV-styled version of the brand’s smallest car. Key features SUV styling, five-door only, revised chassis Our view The Ford Ka+ Active adds a dose of SUV-style to the small car without going the full SUV route, and in the process becomes the most satisfying version of the Ka+ range. Against other muscled-up city car rivals the Active holds its own, but it becomes more difficult to justify against similarly-priced proper small SUVs such as the Suzuki Ignis. Similar cars Suzuki Ignis, Vauxhall Viva Rocks, Kia Picanto X-Line
Ford Ka+ road test 2018 | The Car Expert
The Ford Ka+ Active adds a dose of SUV style to the regular Ka+

Full review

Introduction

Ford launched the Ka+ in 2016 as a more focused version of the previous Ka. The new model responded to increased competition in the city car sector and in the process dropped the three-door variant. Now as part of a programme of updates for the Ka+ range, we get the Active model. Put simply, this is part of a new bid by Ford to cash in on the still-mushrooming popularity of SUVs. The Blue Oval is doing this by offering versions of its mainstream range with the SUV elements buyers like – basically bolder styling and elevated driving positions. The brand doesn’t worry about such traditional SUV features as all-wheel-drive powertrains, because the buyers don’t want the complications – or the costs – that come with such things. Very, very few SUV buyers will ever intend to take their car even slightly off the blacktop… So the Ka+ Active lines up alongside the recently announced Fiesta Active in showrooms and before long they will joined by an Active version of the next Focus, coming later in 2018.

Buying and owning a Ford Ka+ Active

When Ford launched the Ka+ it effectively tried to make the car more mainstream and therefore more effective, killing off the somewhat cheeky styling of the previous Ka and replacing it with a five-door model that could be marketed purely on its value for money. Part of the specification of the new Active mirrors the updates being applied to the rest of the Ka+ range to maintain that place in the market. The interior gets an upgrade, and the technology a major update as part of the current frantic march of such systems into even the smallest cars. Active becomes a trim level in the Ka+ line-up, sitting at the top of the range but according to Ford’s suits, set to attract a different kind of customer. We are told that Active is for those energetic types who like to be outside rather than sitting at home watching TV, walking the dog on the beach and such like.
Ford Ka+ Active front 3/4 view 2018 | The Car Expert
The Active model sits at the top of the Ka+ range
Said suits are equally keen to point out that the Active is not for proper off-roading – they see these models as a bridge to the brand’s proper SUVs such as the Ecosport and Kuga. And it will be an important bridge, possibly accounting for 30% of all Ka+ models sold. So the emphasis is on looks. New front and rear bumper designs, body side mouldings and silver roof rails help to get across that SUV message, as does a raised ride height, the car sitting 2cm higher up. The 15-inch alloy wheels are bespoke to the model, as is the availability of a bronze metallic paint dubbed Canyon Ridge. In terms of powertrains, Active buyers have a choice of two. A recently-launched 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine replaces the previous four-cylinder unit and has 85hp on tap.  Or, and unusually compared to rivals, buyers can go for a 1.5-litre diesel with 95hp. Ford expects the oil burner to take just 4% of sales, but insists that diesel is still the right choice for some buyers, especially those doing high mileages or who want the wider torque spread. Where the Ka+ has fallen down compared to rivals is in its safety package – a Euro NCAP crash test in 2017 awarded it a mere three stars. You won’t find such tech as autonomous emergency braking, or even ISOFIX child seat belts, on even the options list for this car.

Inside the Ford Ka+ Active

Inside sees a quite extensive makeover as part of the Ka+ update, with the Active version adding ‘more durable’ finishes in a dark charcoal colour to reflect its lifestyle. There remains a fair amount of scratchy plastic compared to some rivals, though the chrome scuff plates are a nice touch, as is the bespoke leather steering wheel. This includes switches for the cruise control. The major technology upgrade is the addition of Ford’s Sync3 infotainment system, supplied as standard. Based around a six-inch tablet-style touchscreen atop the centre console, it includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility, and voice commands. The Active may be a range-topper, but much of the car’s significant tech requires delving into the options list. For the first time, a heated windscreen is available on the Ka+ as part of a £300 ‘Winter Pack’ that also includes heated seats. Auto headlamps and wipers and keyless entry and start form a Technology Pack for £350, and if you want rear parking sensors, then that’s £350 for the City Pack that also includes heated electrically folding door mirrors and electric rear windows. The Ka+ continues to do the basics rather well – the rear offers plenty of room for two, especially above the head, though like any city car it’s a bit tight for three. And the boot space of 270 litres is almost to supermini standards.

Driving the Ford Ka+ Active

Ford Ka+ on the road
Generally the Ka+ Active rides well and is easy to manoeuvre
The major chassis difference between the Active and its fellow Ka+ models is that 2cm hike upwards, and to cope with this Ford has added what it describes as ‘rough road suspension’. This basically means retuning the dampers with a ‘hydraulic rebound stopper’ to help smooth out the jolts of rough surfaces before they reach the cabin, and thickening up the anti-roll bar to reduce any tendency for the jacked-up body to lean over in corners. The ESC also boasts ‘Active Rollover Prevention’ to help in this area, particularly if the roof rails are loaded with bikes or such like. The Ka+ Active does lean a bit in corners, but not in any way to cause alarm, and generally it rides very well – we’d go so far as to say better than any other Ka+ variant. In tight urban streets it is really easy to manoeuvre, while on a twisty B road it turns into corners in a precise manner that makes it quite fun to drive. The slightly higher viewing position of the road ahead is comfortable without harming the on-road dynamics to any significant degree. The engine is surprisingly quiet for a three-cylinder, quite enthusiastic but not as eager as some turbocharged rivals. Generally, however, it suits the package, combining enough potency with agreeable economy and emissions returns.

Summary

If you like the Ford Ka+, you will very likely find the Ka+ Active even more appealing. The model adds some useful extras, without compromising the good points of the mainstream small Ford. In terms of price it competes fairly squarely on with rival small cars to which have been added ‘SUVness’ (Ford’s phrase, not ours…) and offers a little more character than most of them. However if looking for a small car with SUV pretensions then for the same money one can have a Suzuki Ignis. Designed as a proper SUV from the start, the Suzuki offers just about all that the Ka+ Active does, plus a little more provenance – it feels a more complete package.

Key specifications

Make & model Ford Ka+ Vauxhall Viva Suzuki Ignis
Specification Active Rocks 1.2 SZ3 Dualjet MT
Price (on-road) £12,950 £11,940 £11,499
Engine 1.2-litre petrol 1.0-litre petrol 1.2-litre petrol
Power 85 hp 73 hp 90 hp
Torque 115 Nm 95 Nm 120 Nm
0-62mph 13.6 sec 13.1 sec 12.2 sec
Top speed 104 mph 106 mph 106 mph
Fuel economy (combined) 56.5 mpg 54.3 mpg 61.4 mpg
CO2 emissions 114 g/km 118 g/km 104 g/km
Insurance group TBA 4E 9E
Euro NCAP rating 3 stars (2017) 3 stars (2017) 3 stars (2016)*
TCE score 6.6 / 10 5.6 / 10 8.2 / 10
* 5 stars if fitted with the optional safety pack

The five safest used cars for new parents

Stuart Masson
-
1
The five safest used cars for new parents
Nothing focuses your mind on car safety more than the thought of having to take your newborn child home from the hospital, so it’s not surprising that 60% of parents-to-be change their car ahead of their new arrival. That surprisingly large percentage comes from research conducted by Co-op Insurance. What’s less surprising is that almost half of those buyers cited better safety as the main reason for changing cars. More than 40% of parents surveyed classed driving their baby home from hospital as the most stressful driving experience of their lives, ahead of their driving test and the journey to their wedding. In conjunction with Thatcham Research, the Co-op has been running the Safest Used Car Awards since 2016. In addition to the overall results released today, the duo has also put together a list of the five safest used cars for new parents, using a formula specifically devised to highlight child protection in crash tests and the ease of fitting child seats into the back row. This is over and above their usual Safest Used Car Award criteria of having a five-star Euro NCAP score and autonomous emergency braking available as either standard or optional equipment, plus be available to buy on the used car market for no more than £15,000.
You may also like:
So without further ado, here are the five safest used cars for new parents, which should all be at the top of your pre-baby car buying shortlist.

1. Mazda CX-5

Mazda CX-5 safest used car for new parents 2018 The Mazda CX-5 was highly rated by the motoring media when it was launched back in 2012, and it continues to be a good choice as a used car in 2018, being ranked as the safest used car for new parents. Mazda doesn’t sell as well as most of the European brands, but it’s well worth taking a look at a CX-5.

2. Volkswagen Touran

Volkswagen Touran (top ten safest used cars 2017) It might possibly be the most boring car in the world, and it is made by a lying and corrupt organisation. But when it comes to child safety, the 2015 Volkswagen Touran is a solid choice. Just remember that the company tried to hide the level of toxins it has been pumping into your new child’s planet when you’re driving it.

3. BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (top ten safest used cars 2017) Traditionalists may still not like the idea of a front-wheel drive BMW people carrier that shares a lot of its underpinnings with a MINI, and it’s certainly not the prettiest car that BMW has ever built. However, the 2 Series Active Tourer has certainly brought new customers to the brand and those customers’ children are riding in a very safe car.

4. Nissan Qashqai

2017 Nissan Qashqai - front The Qashqai has been the success story of the British car industry for the last decade, and it’s not just the Sunderland economy that’s being saved. The current-shape Qashqai launched in 2014 and has featured in all three of the annual Safest Used Car lists in overall terms since 2016. It’s now also considered one of the safest used cars for new parents as well.

5. Toyota RAV4

Toyota RAV4 2015 | Safest used cars for new parents The Nissan Qashqai may be considered the pioneer of the family crossover here in the UK, but the real inventor of the category was Toyota. First launched in 1994, the RAV4 has become smoother and more sophisticated with each new model. The current model arrived in 2013, although it’s been facelifted and tweaked a couple of times since then.

Summary

You’ll probably have noticed that three of the five cars above (Mazda, Nissan, Toyota) are mid-sized SUVs, although they’re actually all based on conventional hatchback underpinnings. Parents do tend to love the idea that rugged-looking SUVs are safer than regular cars, but that’s simply not true. If you prefer a normal five-door hatchback to a faux-by-four, then this year’s Safest Used Car Awards includes seven choices within the top ten. But regardless of what sort of car you’re looking for, the best advice you’ll find comes from Thatcham’s director of research, Matthew Avery: “Our advice to potential car buyers is to do your research, identify what is important to you and what safety features you want. And what is non-negotiable is whether your child car seats fit and can be safely secured.  If not, walk away.  Child safety is too important to compromise.”

Volvo V40 wins safest used car award (again)

Stuart Masson
-
1
Volvo V40 wins safest used car award (again)
The Volvo V40 has been awarded the title of Safest Used Car by Co-op Insurance and Thatcham Research for the third year in a row. The Safest Used Car Awards were launched by Co-op Insurance in 2016 and are based on a ranking formula devised by the Co-op and Thatcham Research, the UK’s independent car safety authority. Last year, there was a specific list for the safest first used cars, and this year Co-op and Thatcham have come up with a list of the safest five used cars for new parents. The minimum criteria for consideration in the Safest Used Car Awards are: a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating; CO2 emissions of no more than 120 g/km; and the car must be available to purchase on the second-hand market for no more than £15,000. The long list of cars is then whittled down to a Top Ten by evaluating specific ratings for adult, child and pedestrian protection, as well the availability of autonomous emergency braking as either standard or optional equipment. The final ten cars to make the list are as follows:

1. Volvo V40 (with safety pack)

Volvo V40 wins safest used car award 2018 The Volvo V40 remains undefeated in the Safest Used Car Awards, with its third victory in three years. However, it is important to note that the ranking is based on the car being fitted with the optional Driver Assist Pack, which adds extras like blind spot assist and adaptive cruise control. This was a £2,000 option on a new V40, so only a minority of used cars on the market will be fitted with this comprehensive safety-enhancing package.

2. Honda Civic

Honda Civic 2015 | The Car Expert After dropping out of the top ten last year, the Swindon-built Honda Civic has certainly bounced back. Jumping back up into second place partly reflects pricing. The previous-generation Civic was replaced last year by an all-new model, which means that used car prices for high-spec versions of the older model have now fallen under the £15,000 threshold to be eligible.

3. Hyundai i30

Hyundai i30 hatch 2014 | The Car Expert The Hyundai i30 is another new entry in this year’s list. This model ran from 2012 to 2017, with a facelift appearing in 2015. This era of i30 was a key model in Hyundai stepping up from being a budget brand to a serious mainstream player in the UK market.

4. BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

BMW 2 Series Active Tourer review (The Car Expert) The 2 Series moves up a spot in this year’s Safest Used Car Awards. Traditionalists may still not like the idea of a front-wheel drive BMW people carrier that shares a lot of its underpinnings with a MINI, and it’s certainly not the prettiest car that BMW has ever built. However, it has certainly brought new customers to the brand and those customers are driving a very safe car.

5. Mazda3

Mazda3 on road The Mazda3 still tends to fly under the radar here in the UK, which is a shame as it’s a very good car and better than many better-selling vehicles. It’s dropped back three spots from last year’s runner-up result, but it’s still worth a look. Skip the entry-level models that don’t get autonomous emergency braking, and look to the higher-spec models that also offer extras like lane departure and blind spot warnings.

6. Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf, Co-Op Safest Used Car Awards 2018 Volkswagen may have been exposed as a company with zero moral values in recent years, but it still knows how to build a good car – and it can’t cheat the Euro NCAP crash tests, so customers can at least be sure that its five-star safety rating is valid. The Golf moves up one place over last year’s rankings.

7. Kia Rio

Kia Rio 2014 | The Car Expert The fourth new entry on this year’s list is the Kia Rio. Launched in 2011 and replaced last year, the third-generation Rio hatchback represents excellent value for money as a safe used car and is the top-ranked supermini on this list. So if you were thinking about a used Ford Fiesta (the most popular used car in the country), you should give the little Kia a look.

8. Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai (top ten safest used cars 2017) The Qashqai has been the success story of the British car industry for the last decade, and it’s not just the Sunderland economy that’s being saved. The Qashqai has featured in all three of the annual Safest Used Car lists, hanging onto its eighth position from last year’s Safest Used Car Awards.

9. Nissan Pulsar

Nissan Pulsar 2015 | The Car Expert Conversely, the Nissan Pulsar hasn’t had anything like the success that the Qashqai has seen. It’s worth tracking one down, however, as it’s another new entry in this year’s list.

10. Vauxhall Astra

Vauxhall Astra, top ten 2017 The latest-generation Vauxhall Astra rounds out the top ten list of safest used cars. Launched in 2015, the current Astra is dramatically better than the previous model, with safety one of the big improvements.

Summary

So there you have it. If you’re looking for a used five-door family hatchback then you’ve come to the right place, as seven out of the top ten fill that very category. If you’d prefer a car that looks a bit more rough and tough (even if it isn’t really), then today’s list of the five safest used cars for new parents includes three mid-size SUVs. But regardless of what sort of car you’re looking for, the best advice you’ll find comes from Thatcham’s director of research, Matthew Avery: “Our advice to potential car buyers is to do your research, identify what is important to you and what safety features you want. ”

McLaren to go all-hybrid by 2025

Andrew Charman
-
0
McLaren to go all-hybrid by 2025
The Car Expert Best of British horizontal banner McLaren Automotive intends to launch 18 new models between now and 2025 – and every one will be powered by a hybrid engine. Unveiling the new McLaren 600LT at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, chief executive Mike Flewitt also announced the ‘Track 25’ business plan – a £1.2 billion update of the Track 22 plan revealed at the Geneva motor show in March 2016. Taking McLaren to its 15th anniversary, the plan will see hybrid power plants employed across the entire range of both sports and supercars, while the brand will also develop a lighter, ‘super fast’ charging, high-power battery system for use in performance applications. This pack will be able to offer 30 minutes of full electric power on a race track.
You may also like:
McLaren is soon to open a £50m Composites Technology Centre as part of its drive to keep its cars lighter than all rivals. Once the centre opens Flewitt says that 57% of each McLaren will be sourced from the UK.
McLaren Mike Flewitt The Car Expert
CEO Mike Flewitt will oversee major growth for McLaren Automotive.
Included in the 18 new cars or derivatives of existing models to be launched between now and 2025 is a successor to the McLaren P1 – this was unveiled five years ago and at the time was the first petrol-electric hybrid hypercar. As a result of the new models, production at McLaren’s factory in Woking, UK, will increase by almost 75 per cent. The brand intends to produce 6,000 cars a year by 2025 and will also increase its current 86 dealer outlets globally to 100, targeting major new markets in Russia, India and central and eastern Europe. McLaren also released further technical details of the 600LT at Goodwood, describing the car as the ‘lightest, most powerful and quickest road-legal Sports Series McLaren’. Its mid-mounted engine producing 600hp and 600Nm, the car also makes use of a new design of carbon-fibre bodywork. The combination of front splitter, side sills, extended diffuser and fixed rear wing helps the car achieve 100kg of downforce at 155mph, while also contributing to a 100kg weight saving over the 570S coupe that it is evolved from. As a result, the 600LT will match the Super Series McLaren 675LT to 62mph, crossing the mark in 2.9 seconds, and passing 124mph in 8.2 seconds. All McLaren road cars are built in Britain.
McLaren The Car Expert
Already dubbed the fastest-growing UK car brand, McLaren intends to add to its dealerships in several new markets.

‘Most capable’ Jeep Wrangler on sale in September

Andrew Charman
-
1
‘Most capable’ Jeep Wrangler on sale in September
The new Jeep Wrangler will go on sale in September, pitched as the most capable version of the traditional 4×4 yet. Jeep says that the latest generation of its signature model has been completely renewed, while still directly evolved from the wartime vehicle that began the Jeep story. The brand claims that its Wrangler, a direct rival to Britain’s Land Rover, is ‘the undisputed off-road champion.’ The new model maintains the go-anywhere ability with the availability of two 4×4 systems depending on how extreme the terrain it will be used in. Sport and Sahara models use the Command-Track version while the Rubicon model, the most off-road variant, is fitted with a more robust system dubbed Rock-Trac. Command-Trac units include a two-speed transfer case and four driving modes, from two-wheel-drive through auto and part-time 4WD to a low range 4WD. The Rock-Trac version has a more off-road pitched low range, as well as heavy-duty front and rear axles and locking differentials. The suspension offers longer travel and the front anti-roll bar can be electronically disconnected to allow the wheels to move further on the most challenging surfaces. Jeep Wrangler The Car Expert Further off-road credentials of the Wrangler include the ability to traverse water up to 76cm deep, an approach angle of 36.4 degrees, breakover angle of 25.8 degrees, departure angle of 30.8 degrees and ground clearance of more than 25cm (on Rubicon models). Engine choices will range across a 2.0-litre turbo petrol and 2.2-litre turbo diesel unit, both with start-stop technology and with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Outside Europe a 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine will also be offered in the Wrangler. Both two and four-door body styles will be available. Two-door Wranglers can tow up to 1,500kg, four-door variants 2,500kg. Jeep is emphasising the technology upgrades on the new Wrangler, particularly in terms of safety. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection and a reversing camera will be available, while the electronic stability control will include a roll mitigation program. Depending on the model, owners will also be able to choose one of three pinch-and-zoom touchscreen infotainment systems, of either five-, seven- or eight-inch size and all including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Jeep also expects owners to want to personalise their Wrangler. More accessories will be available under the Mopar brand. Jeep Wrangler The Car Expert

New car sales: 2018 half-year report

Stuart Masson
-
0
New car sales: 2018 half-year report
It’s half-time in the 2018 new car sales race, and a chance to look back at the first six months of the year to see which brands are flying and which are floundering. Private new car sales are down about 5% on the first half of last year, although a lot of that was during the first three months when compared to a record first quarter in 2017.  The last three months have seen more stability, and are likely to more realistically predict what’s in store for the rest of the year. The main news topic continues to be the collapse of diesel in the new car market. Despite the ongoing howls from industry lobbyists, it looks like the diesel ship has sailed, and an ever-increasing number of car manufacturers have announced that they will be discontinuing diesel models in coming years. Interestingly, diesel’s market share has stabilised in the last couple of months after about two years of steady falls. From a high point of as much as 55% of total market share, diesel sales have fallen down to a low of 30.6% in April and recovered to about 32% in the last two months. It seems likely to stay at this sort of level for the time being, but is unlikely to return to anywhere like its previous level. Within the industry, there are brands enjoying a successful start to the year and others who are suffering. Let’s have a look at the ten biggest winners and losers from the first half of 2018. It’s important to note that the official numbers always refer to registrations rather than sales, because many manufacturers will play various self-registration games to boost numbers when it suits them (eg – dealer demonstrators, loan cars, “management cars” and pre-registered vehicles)

The ten biggest winners of 2018 so far:

1. MG (up 115%)

MG ZS SUV, June 2018
MG ZS. Another sports car brand joins the SUV set.
MG is enjoying the sales benefits that have come from finally joining the SUV sector, with the ZS model joining the GS model in the brand’s line-up. Registrations to date are more than double those from last year.

2. McLaren (up 48%)

McLaren 570S and 720S June 2018
McLaren 720S (left) and 570S (right). Either will be fine, thanks.
Small-volume brands like McLaren see a lot of fluctuation because they don’t have many models, so when they launch a new one their sales will skyrocket for a while. McLaren’s latest 720S supercar is helping the company achieve some great numbers at the moment, which will naturally slow down over time, while the entry-level Sports Series models like the 570S (pictured) are helping build volume.

3. Abarth (up 33%)

A cluster of Abarth 124 Spiders
A cluster of spiders… Abarth 124 Spiders, that is.
Good news for Abarth, Fiat’s performance sub-brand, with a 33% increase on last year’s numbers and a steadily-growing community of Abarth enthusiasts. As we’ll see later, Fiat’s own models would love that sort of success.

4. SEAT (up 22%)

SEAT SUV sales June 2018
I don’t know what the collective noun for a number of SEAT vehicles is.
Volkswagen’s Spanish brand is going from strength to strength, and a 22% increase on last year’s result is more good news for SEAT. Once again, it’s SUVs leading the way, although the all-new Ibiza supermini is doing it’s bit for the cause as well.

5. Porsche (up 17%)

Porsche pop-up at Harrods
Nothing says ‘sports car company’ like flogging SUVs from Harrods.
German SUV manufacturer Porsche has registered 17% more new cars in 2018 than at the same point last year. Some of those registrations may be sports cars like the 911 or Cayman, but the majority are 4x4s to ferry the kids to expensive schools in Surrey.

6. Subaru (up 15%)

Subaru XV
Subaru XV sales are finally giving the company some traction in the UK.
Subaru continues to fly under the radar in the UK, but its numbers are 15% better than this time a year ago. The new XV crossover has been a big help, so we’ll see whether Subaru can sustain this growth for the rest of the year. It’s a good recovery, as this time last year Subaru was on the other side of this list as one of the worst performers in the industry.

7. Mitsubishi (up 14%)

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, June 2018
Just the thing if you need to go off-road electrically (for a fairly short distance).
Another brand that has turned its performance around from where it was 12 months ago, Mitsubishi has enjoyed a 14% improvement over last year in the year-to-date sales figures, after a 15% fall in the previous year. The Outlander is still the country’s favourite plug-in hybrid SUV, but as more rivals start to offer plug-in alternatives, will Mitsubishi be able to maintain this performance?

8. Lexus (up 7%)

Lexus RX L, June 2018
How to play the long game: 1) Shun diesel, commit to hybrids. 2) Wait a decade for the market to come to you.
Having stuck to its hybrid strategy for a long time now, Lexus is well placed to benefit from the shift away from diesel cars. Plus it’s growing range of SUVs will be helping, and should be boosted further by the arrival of the small UX model later this year.

9. Volkswagen (up 5%)

Greenpeace Volkswagen demonstration, V&A Museum, London
Greenpeace subtly conveying its disapproval of Volkswagen’s behaviour. Image (c) Greenpeace.
Any publicity’s good publicity, eh? Given that the global anti-diesel mood has largely been created by Volkswagen’s Dieselgate scandal, it’s ironic that the monkey-gassers from Wolfsburg are selling more cars than ever. Volkswagen registrations are up 5% on this time last year, and the company is by far the biggest brand to see growing sales figures in 2018. Proof, if it was needed, that the public really is gullible.

=10. Hyundai and Kia (up 2%)

Hyundai i30 N - June 2018
Hyundai i30 N – taking on the GTI/Type R/ST hot hatches
Hyundai just pipped sister brand Kia into tenth place on this list, but the results are so similar that we’ve grouped them together. Both brands recorded almost identical registration numbers both this year (51,000 and change) and last year (50,000 and a bit), and almost identical growth of just under 2%. The Korean collective continues to solidify its place at the top table of global car manufacturers. Next page: The ten biggest losers of 2018 to date

Government reveals ‘Road to Zero’ strategy

Andrew Charman
-
0
Government reveals ‘Road to Zero’ strategy
Half of all new cars sold in the UK by 2030 will be ultra-low emission models, if the Government has its way. The ‘Road to Zero’ strategy has been unveiled, with the Government pledging to take steps to enable a massive roll-out of infrastructure to encourage motorists into electric vehicles. Currently, there are around 150,000 ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs) on UK roads. New car sales are running at around 2.7 million a year, with ULEVs claiming just over 2% of the market. The Government wants to see such vehicles claim at least half of the market by 2030, and preferably 70%, along with 40% of new vans. The strategy also confirms that hybrid vehicles will be exempt from an already-announced ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars planned for 2040. Announcing the Road to Zero strategy, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling confirmed a Government ambition to “make the UK the best place in the world to build and own an electric vehicle”. “The Road to Zero Strategy sets out a clear path for Britain to be a world leader in the zero-emission revolution – ensuring that the UK has cleaner air, a better environment and a stronger economy,” he said.
Electric car charging point.
The strategy calls for a vast increase in the number and variety of electric charging points.
New measures revealed as part of the programme include a push for charging points to be installed in newly built homes, and in lampposts, which will greatly increase the charging network available to plug-in car owners and help to kill off the range anxiety that currently holds back sales growth in electric cars. Owners of electric vehicles who install a charge point in their home will be able to claim grants of up to £500 towards the cost, and grant aid to companies who install charge points for their employees will be increased. A £400 million Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund will be launched, backing companies that make and install charge points, while a £40 million programme will pay for the development and trials of low-cost wireless and on-street charging technology. The Government’s Plug-in Car and Van grants, which effectively reduce the price to the buyer of new plug-in vehicles by between £2,500 and £4,500, will continue at their present rates until at least October of this year, and in some form until at least 2020.
Millions of charging points will be needed to make all of the UK car's electric
Owners who install charge points at home will be able to claim grants against the cost.
Industry body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) backed the ambitions of the Strategy, but added that huge challenges around consumer demand as well as refuelling and charging infrastructure need to be addressed for the transition to zero-emission vehicles to be a success. The SMMT also cast doubt on whether the figures for ultra-low emissions are ownership are achievable in the timescale. “We are concerned about targets for ULEV penetration that go far beyond the high levels of expectation proposed by the European Commission,” said SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes. “Achieving 50% market share would require a nearly 23-fold increase in uptake from the current position of just 2.2%… We need realistic ambition levels and measures that support industry’s efforts, allow manufacturers time to invest, innovate and sell competitively, and provide the right incentives and infrastructure to take the consumer with us,” Hawes added. Hawes also welcomed the Strategy’s recognition of the progress in making conventional engines, including diesels, cleaner, saying they will continue to play a vital role in the transition to 2040 and beyond – a message constantly related by the SMMT in recent months in the face of slumping sales of cars with diesel engines. “The latest advanced diesels meet the world’s toughest emissions standards, helping to reduce climate change and improve air quality – while also providing affordable mobility to millions of motorists, particularly those that travel longer distances and deliver our essential goods and services,” Hawes said. “Consumers should now have the confidence to purchase the car that best meets their driving needs – whatever the technology – secure in the knowledge there are no bans.”
The choice of electric and plug-in hybrid cars is growing – but sales will need to rocket to meet Government ambitions.

£19K price tag for sporty Vauxhall Corsa GSi

Andrew Charman
-
0
£19K price tag for sporty Vauxhall Corsa GSi
Prices for the new Vauxhall Corsa GSi variant have been announced, starting from £18,995. Dealers are now taking orders for the sports-pitched version of the supermini, with first deliveries expected in September. Effectively the GSi is a significantly less hardcore sister model to the Corsa VXR, built on a similar chassis and powered by a 1.4-litre turbo engine with a short-ration six-speed manual gearbox. Power output is 150hp with 220Nm of torque compared to the 205hp and 280Nm of the VXR. This results in an 8.9-second 0-62mph time and a maximum speed of 129mph – the VXR hits 62mph from rest in 6.8 seconds and goes on to 143mph. GSi buyers will also see an advantage in economy and emissions. The car is quoted under the new Euro 6d-TEMP figures at 49.6mpg combined cycle fuel economy and with CO2 emissions of 139g/km – a significant improvement over the 37.7mpg and 174g/km of the VXR. Standard equipment on GSi models will include 17-inch bi-colour cut alloy wheels, a rear roof spoiler, sports front grille and a bespoke air dam/bumper and side sills. Dark tinted rear windows, a carbon effect on the door mirrors and grille bar, and LED daytime running lights complete the exterior effect. Inside the car gets sports-style front seats, a leather-covered flat-bottom steering wheel and Vauxhall’s Navi R4.0 IntelliLink infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Buyers can also add the GSi Plus Pack. Costing £1,900, it replaces the alloy wheels with 18-inch diamond cut versions, and the seats with full Recaro leather variants. Bi-xenon headlights with a cornering function are also included. Vauxhall Corsa GSi The Car Expert  

Mitsubishi Outlander the UK’s fastest-selling used car in June

Michael Dalton
-
0
Mitsubishi Outlander the UK’s fastest-selling used car in June
The Mitsubishi Outlander SUV (2015 diesel automatic) was the UK’s fastest-selling used car in June, according to data from Auto Trader, taking an average of 19 days to turn. The Auto Trader results are based on how long used cars take to sell. The Outlander’s average of 19 days compares to the industry-wide average of 63 days, or a little over two months. Mitsubishi’s success marked a popular month for larger vehicles, suggesting that bigger may indeed be better. Closely behind the Mitsubishi in the national top ten list was the Mazda CX-5 SUV, Audi A4 Avant and in fourth place, the manual version of the Mitsubishi Outlander. Breaking down the results by region, it was a similar story across the country. Of the 13 regions monitored, seven of the most popular cars were either an SUV, MPV or an estate car. In London and the South, it was the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV plug-in electric hybrid automatic, while in the South West and Wales it was the 2015 Ford Kuga diesel manual. In the East Midlands, the 2015 Volkswagen Passant in diesel manual proved most popular, while in Scotland it was the 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The data also shows that while new diesel registration may be falling, with a 28% drop in June, used diesels are faring much better. Karolina Edwards-Smajda, Auto Trader retailer &consumer products director, commented: “Despite what has been at times a turbulent first six months of the year, as we enter into the second half of 2018 it’s reassuring to see that consumer demand for quality used cars remains strong.” Auto Trader fastest-selling used cars for June 2018

Fiat 500 “Spiaggina ’58” marks special birthday

Michael Dalton
-
0
Fiat 500 “Spiaggina ’58” marks special birthday
60 years after the introduction of the exclusive Fiat 500 Jolly, known as the “Spiaggina”, the car is making its return in the form of the new Fiat 500 “Spiaggina ’58” special series. It will be a limited edition with only 1,958 cars available, all of which will be in the 500C convertible model. The Spiaggina ’58 pays tribute to both the year 1958 as well as the 60th anniversary of the first special series of the Fiat 500. The new Spiaggina sports vintage-style Fiat badges and wheel designs, a white belt line and a new colour exclusive to this moded called Volare Blue. Inside there’s a two-tone colour scheme using the same shade of blue, and more vintage Fiat branding. Fiat has produced a video starring the new Fiat 500 Spiaggina ’58 to the notes of the song “Volare”, the Italian classic which also appeared for the first time in 1958.

Spiaggina by Garage Italia concept

Furthermore, Garage Italia and design firm Pininfarina have marked the anniversary by producing a “Spiaggina by Garage Italia” show car, based on a Fiat 500C. Lapo Elkann, chairman and creative director of Garage Italia – as well as being the grandson of legendary former Fiat boss Gianni Agnelli – said: “I fell in love with the car when I was a boy, and as I grew up I was determined to bring it back to life. “I am so happy about the model’s relaunch, and hope it will convey the dreams and the magical years of the post-war economic boom and the Italian way of enjoying life.”  

‘Back diesel’ call as car sales slump 6% in 2018

Andrew Charman
-
0
‘Back diesel’ call as car sales slump 6% in 2018
Registrations of new cars in the UK fell more than 6% in the first half of 2018, the slide blamed on lack of consumer confidence and a continuing diesel backlash. Latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) showed a 3.5% decline in registrations in June. This reversed a 3.4% rise in May, which itself was blamed on a ‘blip’ in the May 2017 figures caused by changes to road tax. So far in 2018, the market is down 6.3% on the same point last year, with 1.3 million cars registered. The past six months have seen strong growth in petrol car demand, up more than 11% to 812,535, and also growing interest in alternatively-fuelled cars such as plug-in hybrids and EVs. These have climbed 24% with 72,847 registered, buyers reacting to the greater choice in the market as more manufacturers turn to these technologies. However, these growth areas cannot compensate for a continuing slide in diesel demand, registrations down 30% in the last six months to 428,612. The diesel figures are now almost half those of petrol whereas for most of the past five years the two have seen almost equal demand. SMMT June The Car Expert SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes is again calling for diesel to be given a fair chance in the market. He urges a ‘technology neutral’ strategy from Government and more backing for the latest-technology cleaner diesel engines after what he describes as “a rocky first six months” for the industry. “It’s great to see demand for alternatively fuelled vehicles continue to rise, (but) given these cars still represent only one in 20 registrations, however, they cannot yet have the impact in driving down overall emissions that conventional vehicles, including diesels, continue to deliver,” Hawes says. “Recent government statements acknowledging the importance of petrol and diesel are encouraging – however, we now need a strategy that supports industry investment into next-generation technologies and puts motorists back in the driving seat, encouraged to buy the car that best suits their needs – whatever its fuel type.” The Ford Fiesta continues to dominate the new car top ten, its 56,415 registrations in 2018 more than 14,000 ahead of the second-placed Volkswagen Golf. Notably, two Mercedes-Benz models make the top 10 including the C-Class, long-time rival in the premium market to the BMW 3 Series. SMMT top Ten June The Car Expert

Volkswagen T-Cross to be ‘among safest small SUVs’

Andrew Charman
-
2
Volkswagen T-Cross to be ‘among safest small SUVs’
A new teaser image of the forthcoming Volkswagen T-Cross small SUV has been released, ahead of the car’s public debut in the Autumn. First seen as a concept at the 2016 Geneva show, the T-Cross will become Volkswagen’s smallest SUV model. It will line up in showrooms alongside the existing T-Roc, Tiguan, Tiguan Allspace and Touareg. Safety will be a major part of the T-Cross sales message with it claimed to be one of the safest vehicles of its class. While all its safety features are yet to be revealed, the car will be supplied with what is described as a suite of driver assistance systems, and ‘Front Assist’ autonomous braking and lane-departure warning will be standard. Technical details of the newcomer are currently scarce but its creators say it will be 4107mm long, built on the brand’s new MQB A0 modular platform that has already underpinned the VW Polo hatchback and the SEAT Arona, effectively a sister to the T-Cross. Volkswagen is also confirming that the car will be front-wheel drive only.
You may also like:

Bold looks

Primarily rivalling the Nissan Juke, the T-Cross will seek to meet the growing trend for city-based SUVs popular for their bold visual presence and interior space over any perceived off-road capability. The teaser sketch suggests that it will have muscular styling though this is expected to be less bold on the production model. The T-Cross will be marketed under the strap of ‘I am more than one thing,’ Volkswagen describing it as “At home in the city, and ready for the small and large adventures both inside and outside the urban jungle.” Volkswagen is expected to fully reveal the T-Cross in the summer, before its likely public debut at the Paris Motor Show. It is set to go on sale early in 2019 and while prices are yet to be revealed, industry sources predict they will start from around £17,000.
T-Cross Breeze, a 2016 Geneva show concert, hinted at the new model.

Hyundai Kona electric and diesel priced up

Andrew Charman
-
0
Hyundai Kona electric and diesel priced up
Choices available to buyers of the Hyundai Kona SUV will increase as diesel and electric variants go on sale alongside the petrol model launched in December 2017. Orders are now being taken for the diesel model while order books for the electric version will open on 3rd August. The Kona diesel costs from £19,750 – compared to £16,450 for the cheapest petrol version. It employs the 1.6 CRDi engine with a choice of two power outputs, 115 or 136hp, and can be bought with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual clutch auto transmission. Best CO2 emissions output is quoted at 111g/km. The Kona Electric will cost from £29,495, though the Government’s plug-in-car grant for buyers of electric vehicles will cut £4,500 from the price.
You may also like:
1806 Hyundai Kona electric The Car Expert
Electric model offers two power outputs and charging times.
A core part of Hyundai’s plans to offer 18 new electrified vehicles by 2018 and joining the Ioniq and soon-to-launch Nexo in showrooms, the Kona Electric is being offered in two versions – with output of 39kWh (135hp) or 64kWh (204hp). The lower-powered model accelerates past 62mph in 9.7 seconds and goes on to 96mph, while the 64kWh version achieves a 7.6-second 0-62mph time and 104mph. Hyundai also quotes a potential driving range between charges of up to 300 miles for both variants. The larger capacity of the more powerful model results in a longer charging time, quoted at 9hrs 35 minutes using a 7kW wallbox whereas the 39kWh version takes 6hrs 10 minutes. However, both can be charged to 80% using a public 50kW charger in 75 minutes. Both the diesel and electric versions of the Kona will be offered in Hyundai’s familiar three trim levels of SE, Premium and Premium SE. Standard equipment on entry-level versions of both includes a seven-inch display audio, including DAB digital radio, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, rear parking sensors with a rear-view camera, Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel controls and a leather steering wheel. 1806 Hyundai Kona diesel The Car Expert

£185K McLaren 600LT takes Sports Series top spot

Andrew Charman
-
2
£185K McLaren 600LT takes Sports Series top spot
The McLaren 600LT has been unveiled – the fourth model to carry the ‘Longtail’ designation and the new range-topper for the brand’s entry-level Sports Series. Based on the 570S Coupé, the 600LT weighs in at 96kg lighter despite its extended rear bodywork adding 7cm in length. More than 23% of the 570S components have been changed in the new model, with extensive use of carbon fibre helping to shed the pounds. The composite material is used on a new and extended front splitter, side sills, extended diffuser and a fixed rear wing, also adding greater downforce.
You may also like:
Power for the 600LT is provided by the 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine used by the 570S, but uprated to produce 600hp and 620Nm – a 30hp and 19Nm improvement. The unit also gains an uprated cooling system and McLaren quotes a power-to-weight ratio for the lightest dry weight variant of 481hp/tonne. Further weight savings are provided by the exhaust which is a bespoke system with top-exit pipes – shortened and with reduced back pressure. And additional upgrades taken from McLaren’s Super Series cars include forged aluminium double wishbone suspension and lightweight brakes. Even the tyres are specific to the car, the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R rubber designed with an emphasis on track performance. McLaren 600LT The Car Expert Similarly, the interior design is angled towards track driving– carbon-fibre race seats first employed on the McLaren P1 ultimate series car are used again, along with Alcantara trim material that also helps with the weight reduction. Even further weight saving is available through McLaren’s Special Operations department, which can add a carbon fibre roof, cantrails and vented carbon fibre front wings. McLaren adds that the 600LT will be produced in strictly limited numbers. Production will begin in October and last for around a year. The £185,500 price includes a Pure McLaren Road Owner Track Day experience with driver training. The first McLaren Longtail was the GTR race version of the original McLaren F1 that debuted in 1997. The McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’ won five of the 11 rounds of the 1997 FIA GT Championship and finished first and second in the GT1 class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. McLaren Automotive revived the name with its 675LT Coupe launched at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, and followed it with the open-top 675LT Spider. The entire 500-strong production run sold in two weeks.  

Style and detail changes for the Audi A4

Andrew Charman
-
0
Style and detail changes for the Audi A4
The Audi A4 has undergone a mid-life refresh focused on subtle styling updates and equipment changes. Applied across both the saloon and Avant estate variants, the visual changes are designed to give the BMW 3 Series rival a more striking external appearance. SE and Sport models gain a new front and rear bumper design, more pronounced side skirts and a bespoke finish for the grilles. Avant versions add a roof edge spoiler, while other rear-end modifications include a rear diffuser flanked by a revised finish to the exhaust tailpipes. SE versions gain a new design for their 17-inch diameter alloy wheels while Sport models now have 18-inch versions. The more upmarket S Line and Black Edition grades will now employ a 3D-look single-frame front-end design with a honeycomb grille, edged by wedge-shaped bumpers with large air inlets, the design helping to guide some front-end airflow past the now 19-inch wheels. These, too, have been revised, as have the rear tailpipes and diffuser.
You may also like:
Audi A4 19my The Car Expert Black Edition buyers can also now select a new exterior body colour option, dubbed Turbo Blue. SE models now come with navigation as standard. The five-inch monochrome driver’s information green has been replaced by a seven-inch colour version while the buttons on the steering wheel now access more functions. Sport specification upgrades include four-way lumbar adjustment for the driver and front passenger seats. S line and Black Edition models gain the high beam assist function for automatic toggling between dipped and high headlight beams as required, while all A4 versions now include automatic electrically folding door mirrors. Order books for the new A4 versions, dubbed the 2019 Model Year, open later this summer ahead of first deliveries towards the end of 2018. Audi is yet to confirm any pricing changes. Audi A4 19my The Car Expert

Aston Martin DBS Superleggera “fastest ever”

Andrew Charman
-
0
Aston Martin DBS Superleggera “fastest ever”
The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera has been unveiled and dubbed the British supercar brand’s ‘fastest and most-powerful ever.’ The new model replaces the Vanquish S as Aston Martin’s most potent car and returns the DBS designation to the line-up for the first time since 2012. The Superleggera suffix, first used in 1967 on the original Aston Martin DBS, is Italian for ‘Super Light’ and was originally used by an Italian coachbuilder. Expected to target the likes of the Ferrari 812 Superfast, the DBS Superleggera will cost from £225,000 and is evolved from the DB11. The new model employs the same 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 engine as the DB11, but tuned upwards to produce 725hp and 900Nm of torque compared to the 630hp and 700Nm of the fastest DB11 AMR. It is put to the road by a new rear-mounted ZF transmission with eight speeds. A mechanical limited-slip differential is fitted with torque vectoring to aid handling and a lower final drive. As a result, the DBS Superleggera offers a top speed of 211mph and a 0-62mph time of only 3.4 seconds – 0-100mph takes just 6.4 seconds. Aston Martin DBS Superleggera The Car Expert Body construction of the newcomer employs an updated version of the bonded aluminium structure used on the DB11 and clad in carbon fibre panels styled for a more muscular appearance. Aerodynamics that debuted on the DB11 have been retained for the new DBS, including the ‘curlicue’ and ‘Aeroblade’ downforce aids. The car also boasts Formula One-style double-diffuser aerodynamics combining to generate 180kg of downforce at full speed – the highest yet on a series production Aston Martin but according to its makers with no additional drag penalty. Suspension employs forged double wishbones at the front and a multi-link system at the rear. Aston Martin’s latest generation adaptive damping is fitted as standard, with three modes selectable by the driver – GT, Sport and Sport Plus change both chassis and powertrain settings accordingly. First examples of the DBS Superleggera are expected on UK roads in the Autumn of 2018.

Revised Hyundai i20 on sale at £13,995

Andrew Charman
-
1
Revised Hyundai i20 on sale at £13,995
Dealers have started taking orders for the refreshed Hyundai i20 supermini, at prices starting from £13,995. Most significant is the introduction of a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission on versions with the 100hp 1.0-litre petrol engine. This unit continues to be offered in 120hp form while there are also 75 and 84hp versions of a 1.2-litre unit. The Ford Fiesta rival’s mid-life refresh includes mild changes to the exterior look, including adopting the brand’s now signature ‘Cascading Grille’, revisions to the front and rear bumpers and a redesigned tailgate and rear lamps. Safety specifications have been improved from SE grade (the second of four trim levels). Standard safety equipment on these cars includes Autonomous Emergency Braking, lane-keeping assistance, a driver attention alert and auto high-beam headlamps. Automatic switching on of the headlamps is now standard across the range.

Seven-inch touchscreen standard

Inside, all versions of the new Hyundai i20 are new fitted with a seven-inch touchscreen offering smartphone compatibility through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus DAB digital radio, a rear-view camera and Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel controls. The entry £13,995 price buys the i20 S 5 door 1.2-litre 75hp with a five-speed manual transmission. It also includes manual air conditioning, a USB charger, rear door speakers, remote central locking, electric front windows and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors. From £15,495 the SE increases engine power to 84hp and adds a bespoke design of 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, LED daytime running lamps, projector headlamps, rear parking sensors, cruise control with a speed limiter and electric rear windows. Trim additions include a leather steering wheel and gear knob. The i20 Premium Nav starts at £16,245 and adds 16-inch alloy wheels, dark grey front grille, LED rear lamps, front and rear parking sensors, climate control, privacy glass, power folding mirrors, navigation, automatic wipers, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and front centre armrest. Finally, the Premium Nav SE tops the range at £17,295 and gains keyless entry and starting, a panoramic sunroof, and heated front seats and steering wheel. Hyundai i20 The Car Expert  

Porsche 718 Cayman GTS test drive

Jack Evans
-
0
Porsche 718 Cayman GTS test drive

What is it?

The 718 Cayman GTS is designed to be the sharpest version of Porsche’s baby two-door available. Thanks to a small hike in power, alongside a range of chassis tweaks and mechanical upgrades, the GTS should be one of the most capable compact sports cars on sale today. The regular Cayman’s controversial 2.5-litre flat four-cylinder remains, and though many Porsche purists continue to baulk at the powertrain’s existence, the Stuttgart manufacturer is sticking with it – whether it’s liked or not.

What’s new?

The GTS comes fitted with a range of equipment as standard for which you’d have to tick quite a few options boxes if it were on a lower-spec Cayman. Features such as a mechanical limited-slip differential and Porsche’s PASM damper system come as part of the GTS’ overall price, rather than via the options list – and they do help to turn the car into a more competitive overall package. Prices do start at a snick under £60,000 for the GTS – though our test car’s price was hiked up considerably thanks to a number of options.

How does it look?

The GTS gets a number of exterior touches that you can’t get on a regular Cayman. As such, you’ll see a black front apron and matching rear apron, along with smoked head- and tail-lights help to differentiate this car from the rest of the range. The effect is a success; the GTS genuinely turns heads wherever it goes, while it helps to give the car even more presence out on the road. The larger alloy wheels added to our test car helped with this too, though their inclusion on the car does harm its comfort levels somewhat.

What’s the spec like?

As standard the Cayman GTS gets a comprehensive list of standard equipment, with notable features including bi-xenon headlights, sports seats and Porsche’s excellent infotainment system; this latter feature is beautifully simple to navigate and, thanks to Apple CarPlay, integrates with your smartphone easily. Our test car featured a variety of optional extras including 20-inch alloy wheels (£758), parking assistance with reversing camera (£1,086) and optional sparkly paintwork (£1,658), which helped to bump up the car’s price up considerably – right the way up to £67,307 in fact. The point is worth putting across, however, that the Cayman GTS will be just as fun to drive without any of these additions – the standard-fit power upgrade and mechanical features are the factors that make the difference.

What’s it like inside?

Porsche 718 Cayman GTS - interior
(PA)
The cabin of the Cayman GTS is gloriously uncluttered. Everything is clear and well-made; the steering wheel compact and pleasingly thin-rimmed, while the seats are hugely supportive too. It’s also quite a spacious interior, with large windows and a wide windscreen helping to contribute to a general sense of airiness – not something you’d expect from a compact two-seater. It’s practical, too. You’ve got a well-sized boot (or ‘frunk’) at the front of the car, offering up 175 litres of space, while the rear storage section has a decent 275 litres to play with. It means that the Cayman can be used for long weekends away, or on road trips where additional luggage space is needed. That said, longer items won’t fit – so you may have to leave the golf clubs at home.

What’s under the bonnet?

As mentioned, the GTS is powered by the same four-cylinder unit as found in the regular Cayman, however here it’s been boosted – though don’t expect any huge increase; just 15hp is added to the car’s power outputs. Torque is up too, with a total figure of 430Nm representing a decent amount of shoving force. The result of that smaller, turbocharged engine is efficiency, with Porsche claiming 31mpg on the combined cycle, and we’d have to agree – 30mpg was regularly achieved during our test, along a mixture of motorway and country road driving. Power here is sent to the rear wheels via Porsche’s PDK double-clutch automatic, though an excellent six-speed manual is available too – this would be our personal choice, thanks to its ability to deliver an ever-so-slightly more involving driving experience.

What’s it like to drive?

There’s no way about it; the Cayman GTS is pretty tremendous out on the open road. It corners, steers and accelerates just as you’d want it too, while the addition of the mechanical limited-slip differential helps to give the car just a little bit extra in the bends. Traction is immense too, even in poorer conditions. The GTS gets a 1cm drop in ride height over the regular Cayman, while our test car came with optional sports suspension, pushing the ride down by a further 1cm. When coupled with the large 20-inch alloy wheels fitted to our car, this did result in a slightly harsher ride than we’d like – albeit an issue which could easily be rectified by optioning smaller wheels. The decrease in ride height does give the Cayman added agility in the corners, but it reduces its comfort on a day-to-day basis – and this the opposite of what you want from a genuine road-focused car like the GTS.

Summary

The Cayman GTS is a bit of cracker. It’s sharp, nimble and brilliantly suited to the UK’s roads – and it gets better the harder you drive it. Yes, the optional sports suspension and larger alloy wheels do add a harsher edge to the car’s ride, but even with these, it’s still a properly accomplished car. Though some may have criticised the car’s use of a four-cylinder, you can’t take away from how effective it is – and it is the perfect accompaniment to the GTS’ beautifully balanced chassis. In all, it’s a bit of a home run from Porsche.

Similar cars

Alfa Romeo 4C, Alpine A110, Jaguar F-Type

Key specifications

Model as tested: Porsche 718 Cayman GTS Price (on-road): £67,307 Engine: 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic Power: 366 hp Torque: 430 Nm Top speed: 180 mph 0-60mph: 4.4 seconds Fuel economy (combined): 31.4 mpg CO2 emissions: 205 g/km

Ford Fiesta Active review

Andrew Charman
-
0
Ford Fiesta Active review

60-second summary

What is it? The Ford Fiesta Active is the first launch in a new SUV-inspired trim level from the brand. Key features Raised ride height, ‘slippery’ drive mode, extra body mouldings. Our view The Ford Fiesta Active might be regarded as a ‘faux’ SUV with the emphasis on appearance rather than capability, but many buyers buy such vehicles for that very reason. Ford has done a good job of adding a more muscular style and raising the ride height without ruining the Fiesta’s much-praised handling, and the resultant car will likely attract significant numbers of buyers – those who would like an SUV, but not the weight or cost that comes with them. Similar cars Peugeot 2008, Nissan Juke. Hyundai i20 Active
Ford Fiesta Active exterior
Ford has done a good job of adding SUV style and raising the ride height without ruining the Fiesta’s handling

Full review

Introduction

The latest Ford Fiesta launched in early 2017 and simply replaced its predecessor at the top of the UK best-seller charts, so in now reviewing the Ford Fiesta Active, are we focusing on a mere new trim level? Yes we are, but one which Ford considers will widen its potential customer base. Active is a major launch that goes beyond just the Fiesta – a similar version of the Ka+ launches alongside the Fiesta and we’ll be reviewing that shortly, while the next Ford Focus coming later in 2018 will include an Active variant. So what is it? Well, Ford will tell us the range is designed to appeal to those buyers who like the look of an SUV but don’t want the perceived compromises, such as running costs and expense. This is yet another car designed, we are told, to appeal to “outdoor and adventurous” types, who prefer to be outside walking the dogs along a beach than inside watching TV. So it gains elements, but only elements, of ‘SUV-ness’ (Ford’s word, not ours…). Ford’s marketing types add that Active models are to the brand’s proper SUVs, the EcoSport and Kuga, like the ST-Line trim level is to the full-house ST hot hatches – elements of the proper cars, “in a more accessible package for a wider selection of drivers”. To make a Fiesta Active one takes the standard version, raises the ride height (though not by that much), adds ‘muscular’ body mouldings and roof rails, plus a more hard-wearing interior, and a couple of bespoke exterior colours. Yes, basically this is a faux SUV, a lot cheaper than developing a full-house model line, especially as Ford is confident that what is not exactly that radical an upgrade package will earn the Active 15% of the Fiesta’s gargantuan sales mix.

Buying and owning the Ford Fiesta Active

The arrival of the Active sees the Fiesta range now available in five distinct lines (with sub trims within each). Entry level is Zetec, Titanium is the core best-seller, ST-Line the sporty version, Vignale the luxury angle, and now we have Active for the – well active… There are three versions of the new model, dubbed Active 1, Active B&O Play and the range-topping Active X, each separated by £1,100. The pricing is on a par with the mainstream ST-Line and Titanium models, which Ford says is to give customers a direct choice between the three different formats. Common to all the Active models is a ride height raised by about 2cm over the stock Fiesta, together with a 1cm wider track. This is combined with retuned suspension – according to Ford, the hydraulic rebound stops are designed to produce a better ride over the rougher roads this car is intended to traverse. Be clear, this is not an off-roader, and it’s certainly not all-wheel-drive, but Active customers are expected to want to drive down muddy tracks, uneven surfaces and the like, and the suspension will be expected to smother the inevitable bumps and jolts. Also as a result, the cockpit-selectable drive modes on versions with the six-speed manual transmission gain an extra setting, ‘Slippery’. This changes the Electronic Stability Control and traction control, as well as making tiny throttle and brake adjustments to maintain grip on surfaces such as mud, snow or ice. Equally on Ford’s mind, of course, will be not compromising the road-holding and handling for which the Fiesta is renowned… Other Active additions include bolder body mouldings – plastic spats on the wheels and on the front, back and sills, plus the silver-finish roof rails. The exterior effect is completed by a dark mesh grille and bright scuff plates, bespoke 17-inch alloy wheels and the availability of exclusive body colours, ‘Lux Yellow’ and ‘Silver Fox.’ One major plus for the Active models is that choosing one does not mean missing out on the elements that make the Fiesta the UK’s number one car. This includes the safety package. The Fiesta boasts a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, and the technology available for it includes frontal collision warning and autonomous braking, pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition, rear parking cameras and the like. Note, however, that much of it will require delving into the options list.

Inside the Ford Fiesta Active

Just over a year ago when we first drove the seventh-generation Fiesta we were impressed by the revolution inside the car. It remains a cosy supermini in the rear, and of course the Active model doesn’t change any of that, but the big change was in the dash which was sensibly laid out with intuitive placing of the vital controls. In the Active the main change is to the surfaces, which we are told now consist of more hard-wearing fabrics, developed in a new testing facility at Ford’s Dunton centre in Essex and aimed at owners with muddy boots and soggy passengers. Ford expects the entry Active 1 to be the big seller in the line-up but choose the more expensive versions and the extras include interior upgrades – B&O Play models gain colour detailing, the Active X partial leather trim. Dominating the top of the centre console is the touchscreen of the Sync3 connectivity system. This comes as standard on all models, but whether you get a six-inch or an eight-inch screen depends on which model chosen. Sync3 is a definite plus of the model – it includes DAB radio and smartphone compatibility through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, plus voice-activated commands of a range of smartphone apps. Further tech is also available, such as the MyKey, which helps make loans of the car to the kids a painless experience by restricting just how enthusiastically they can drive it.

Driving the Ford Fiesta Active

One compromise that won’t need to be made by going Active is in powertrain choice. Depending on version, the car is available with 85, 100, 125 and 140hp petrol engines, all of them variations on the 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit. While many superminis can’t be bought with a diesel engine these days, Ford offers two, both of 1.5 litres and with 85 or 120hp. Finally, both six-speed manual and auto transmissions are available across the range. The 85hp engines, petrol and diesel, are only offered with the Active 1, but it is the 100hp unit that is expected to take the biggest slice of sales, and it is this version that The Car Expert drove on the launch event. This is a proven engine with a string of awards behind it, and it is no surprise to find that it is refined in use and up with the competition in acceleration times, economy and emissions. It is a unit well suited to its surroundings. Where the Active is likely to most differ from its Fiesta siblings is in its ride and handling, due to the jacked-up suspension. But the elevation is not radical and does not harm the much-heralded ride comfort of the car – in fact the Active feels just a little more cosseting on less than perfect surfaces. In corners this model perhaps rolls just a little more than a stock Fiesta, but not to any degree that is a concern – everything is well controlled, the car as placeable as ever and the steering well weighted.

Summary

Ford might have taken a perceived cheaper option in turning the Fiesta into a sort-of-SUV but one gets the impression that buyers won’t mind one bit. The Fiesta Active adds a little bit of SUV style and some nice-to-have extras, but crucially does not harm any of the attributes that have made the Fiesta the car that everyone wants to beat. Perhaps the scariest aspect of the Fiesta Active is its cost. Prices for the range start from £17,795 and our Active 1 test car with the 100hp engine has a list price of £18,095. However, our cars also boasted a few options – metallic paint, the useful Driver Assistance Pack, rear parking sensors, the B&O Play sound system and curiously a CD player. All this lot pushes the price to £20,640. Yes, the £20 grand supermini is becoming a norm, but it still seems to be a lot to pay for a small car…
Ford Fiesta Active badge
Is there a sizeable market for a muscled-up Fiesta?

Key specifications

Make & model Ford Fiesta Active Peugeot 2008 Nissan Juke
Specification Active 1 Allure Acenta
Price (on-road) £18,095 £17,950 £17,100
Engine 1.0-litre petrol 1.2-litre petrol 1.2-litre petrol
Power 100 hp 82 hp 115 hp
Torque 170 Nm 118 Nm 190 Nm
0-62mph 11.0 sec 13.5 sec 10.8 sec
Top speed 112 mph 105 mph 111 mph
Fuel economy (combined) 56.5 mpg 57.6 mpg 49.6 mpg
CO2 emissions 114 g/km 114 g/km 128 g/km
Insurance group TBA 10E 11E
Euro NCAP rating 5 stars (2017) 5 stars (2013) 5 stars (2011)*
* rating expired January 2018; no longer valid.

Goodbye Avensis – hello Toyota Camry

Andrew Charman
-
0
Goodbye Avensis – hello Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is to return to the UK, as a hybrid model to take on rivals including the Ford Mondeo Hybrid. The large Toyota saloon will replace the current Avensis, which is set to be dropped from the Toyota line-up after persistently declining sales. Camrys have not been sold in the UK since 2004, but the model is a major part of the Toyota line-up in other markets and the world’s best-selling saloon. The car enjoys a high reputation and profile in the US  – Toyota Camrys have won two of the last three championship titles in NASCAR, America’s biggest motorsport series. When the Camry goes on UK sale in 2019 it will be offered only with a hybrid drivetrain. This will effectively be the same unit already offered in the hybrid version of the RAV4 SUV, combining a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor. The car’s arrival will extend Toyota’s hybrid choices to eight, stretching right across the Japanese brand’s model range. Toyota is not providing any specification or pricing details of the 2019 Camry yet, but says it expects the car to ‘maintain the company’s presence in the large and executive saloon market.’ The current Camry uses the Toyota New Global Architecture platform that also underpins a host of Toyota’s latest European models. It is a larger car than the Avensis that it will replace, and is expected to be more attractive to buyers, especially in the fleet market, as a result.
The Toyota Camry’s US profile is helped by constant success in NASCAR racing, Kyle Busch here celebrating with a burnout after winning the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on 27th May. (Photo: Sarah Crabill/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Volvo S60 unveiled – with its new US factory

Andrew Charman
-
0
Volvo S60 unveiled – with its new US factory
The much-trailed new Volvo S60 has been revealed, at the brand-new American factory where it will be built. The new mid-sized model, which will join its already launched V60 estate sister in showrooms, will be the first Volvo manufactured in the USA, at a new plant in Charleston, South Carolina. The plant will begin production in the Autumn and from 2021 will also build the next-generation XC90. The S60 will also be the first Volvo in the modern era that will not be offered with a diesel engine option. Volvo says this is a clear demonstration of its commitment to electrification and a future beyond internal combustion engines – the brand announced last year that all its cars offered from 2019 will be electrified in some form.

Four engines, two hybrids

Buyers will choose between the traditional T5 and T6 petrol engines and a pair of hybrid petrol units with both turbocharging and supercharging – the T6 Twin Engine all-wheel-drive hybrid produces a combined 340hp, while the T8 Twin Engine version, familiar from the Volvo 90 series, offers 400hp. However, the brand is not yet saying whether all four engines will be offered in UK 60 models. Described as a ‘sports saloon,’and set to rival the mass-selling BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, the new S60 provides few surprises with its styling, both due to its estate sister already being on sale, and the fact that it is effectively a smaller version of the highly successful S90 series. Both the S60 and V60 are built on Volvo’s versatile Scaleable Product Architecture (SPA) platform and share their safety tech and infotainment systems – which again are all lifted from both the XC60 SUV and the 90 Series. Autonomous emergency braking is standard, and Volvo adds that its City Safety with Autobrake technology is the only system on the market to recognise pedestrians, cyclists and large animals. The Sensus Connect infotainment system offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 4G smartphone compatibility on a tablet-style screen., The S60 can also be specified with the Pilot Assist system, which can take a degree of steering, acceleration and braking from the driver at speeds up to 80mph. Volvo says this has been upgraded for the S60 with improvements to its cornering performance. Prices for the S60 are expected to be announced closer to its UK market launch likely early in 2019. It will also be available on the ‘Care by Volvo’ subscription scheme recently unveiled with the XC40 – this puts drivers in the car by means of a monthly flat-fee subscription, with no down payment, rather than ownership. The brand describes Care by Volvo as “making having a car as transparent, easy and hassle-free as having a phone.”  

Audi A1 Sportback targets Mini market

Andrew Charman
-
0
Audi A1 Sportback targets Mini market
Audi has unveiled the all-new A1 Sportback – a second generation and completely rethought version of the A1 with the aim of putting a bigger dent in sales of the Mini. Since its launch in 2010, the A1 has proven a strong seller for Audi and has become its third most popular model in the UK. But it only attracts around half the customers that the Mini does, and Audi wants a much bigger slice of that market – particularly younger buyers. So the new A1 – available to order from September and on the roads in November – is a completely new design from the ground up. For a start, it comes solely in Sportback form – which is Audi speak for having five doors. As a result, the body has grown in length by just over 5cm, the car now a tad more than four metres long. Combined with unchanged width and height of 1.7 and 1.4 metres, the result is a low-slung profile. Just as important in Audi’s eyes is a more sporty exterior look, again seeking that younger, fashion-led audience. So the single-frame grille is wide and placed as low as possible, while the three flat slits in the bonnet are said to recall the iconic Sport quattro rally car of 1984. The car boasts a contrasting and dark roof finish, this ending above the rear screen pillar and helping to emphasise the low look – in fact, all of the side styling is designed to draw the eye downwards. Audi’s familiar SE, Sport and S Line trim options will be offered on the A1 Sportback and the S line models will include styling elements to further emphasise the sporty image, among them larger air inlets, additional trim on the sills, a long slit between the grille and bonnet and a larger rear wing. Inside has seen a major rethink too – gone has gone the ‘signature Audi’ dash layout, in its place a fascia full of sharp angles and with the major screens angled towards the driver. All but entry-level A1s will include an MMI touchscreen, which depending on model can range up to ten inches in size and include the features of Audi’s much-admired Virtual Cockpit. At launch, the A1 Sportback will be offered with three engine options, all petrol. The 30 TFSI will employ a 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit with 116hp, there will be a 1.5-litre 150hp offering in the 35 TFSI, and a range-topping 2.0-litre unit with 200hp. This will come with a six-speed automatic transmission as standard, while the other two will offer a choice between a manual six-speed or seven-speed auto. Shortly after launch, a new entry-level model will join the A1 Sportback range – this will be powered by the 25 TFSI engine with 95hp. An S1 version is also in Audi’s plans with 250hp. There has been no mention of any diesel engine options. Prices for the A1 Sportback are yet to be announced – industry observers suggest they will rise closer to the £16,605 starting price of the MINI. Two ‘Launch Edition’ versions will also be available at launch – we are told they will be offered “in a range of vivid colours” with one having a design-led styling treatment and the other more sporty.

Jaguar Land Rover Classic factory tour

Stuart Masson
-
0
Jaguar Land Rover Classic factory tour
The Car Expert Best of British horizontal banner

Coventry has seen its fair share of new car production over the last 100 years. But a brand-new production facility opened last year that is building new cars unlike pretty much anything attempted in the area before, and last month I was lucky enaough to join a private visit for a tour.

This is a new Jaguar facility, it has already been put to good use building three of the company’s newest models: the E-Type, the XK SS and the D-Type… If those names sound suspiciously similar to some famous Jaguar models from about 60 years ago, let me explain. Jaguar Land Rover Classics is building limited-run “continuation” vehicles of some of its most famous models.

Jaguar lightweight E-Type continuation in production

New build, old style

The first of these was a run of six lightweight E-Type coupés, followed by nine XK SS roadsters, and now in production are 25 D-Type racing cars. All are brand-new vehicles, but built to exactly the same specifications as the original models from the 1950s and 1960s.

The continuation projects are quite controversial within the classic car world. Every single part of each vehicle is brand new, with nothing left from the original production runs. There is none of the original tooling and no-one involved played any part in the production of the originals.

Essentially the only difference between these cars and other third-party replicas is that they are built by a company owned by Jaguar Land Rover itself. Well, that and the price tags; the six E-Type continuations sold for a million pounds apiece, the XKSS pushed the price up to about £1.5 million and a new D-Types will set you back about £1.8 million.

Oh, and unlike the originals, the new ones are not street-legal as (unsurprisingly) they don’t meet any modern safety or emissions criteria. This is particularly ironic for the XK SS continuation models, which were originally created as road-going versions of the original D-Type racing car. So the XK SS continuation model is a track-only reproduction of a road-going version of a track-only car…

JLR Classic points out that original lightweight E-Type, XK SS and D-Type models have been changing hands for many millions of pounds in recent years, so these continuation models are not competing in the same marketplace.

In any case, all 40 continuation build slots were sold to hand-picked customers before they were even publicly announced, so Jaguar is not especially concerned by anyone’s disapproval.

Fortunately, the workmanship is commensurate with the price tag, and in reality much better than the original racing cars that were knocked up in a far more rapid and roughshod manner. The technicians go about their craft in spotless, brightly-lit and quiet work bays, with each car taking about three months to build.

More than continuation models

If you can’t quite stretch into seven figures for a classic Jaguar, JLR Classics has a range of other projects on the go, with Land Rover Series One restorations starting at about £65K and “reborn” Jaguar E-Type Series One models at about £270K.

There’s also a number of work bays dedicated to maintaining XJ220 supercars from the 1990s, and a programme of one-off bespoke vehicles like Project Dylan, a fully-electric Jaguar E-Type unveiled last year and recently famous as the wheels of choice for Harry and Meghan’s post-wedding escape. If you thought the continuation project was divisive, the electric E-Type was originally referred to within Jaguar as Project Marmite…

Behind the workshop is an immaculately-assembled collection of a few hundred classic cars – mainly but certainly not exclusively JLR models – from the last hundred years or so. We weren’t allowed to take photos in there on my recent visit, but the collection of assembled vehicles is simply mouth-watering. From pre-war (and pre-Jaguar) vehicles through to the C-X75 vehicles hand-built for the last James Bond movie, SPECTRE, there’s something for every genre of car enthusiast.

JLR Classics public factory tours are available from £49, and have proved very popular since the facility opened last June. It’s well worth a visit.

1...130131132...175Page 131 of 175

Automotive Website of the Year

Newspress Awards 2024 wide
Newspress Awards 2022 v2

Automotive Website of the Year

Automotive Website of the Year

Exclusive partner offers for you:

GAP insurance and warranty offers from ALA

Sell your car today with Motorway

Browse cars for sale from
Cazoo

Insurance and warranty offers from Motoreasy

New car leasing offers from Leasing.com

Check a car's history with carVertical

Expert Advice

Car buying
Car finance
Car ownership
Car insurance

Expert Ratings

All Expert Ratings
How our Expert Ratings work
License our Expert Ratings

Expert Info

About us
Media appearances
Partners
Advertising

Expert Family

The Van Expert
The Truck Expert
Immediate Network

Expert Knowledge

Would you like to stay up to date with all the latest advice, ratings, news and offers from The Car Expert?

Yes please

T&Cs | Privacy | Cookies
© 2026 Immediate Network Ltd.
All rights reserved