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Mitsubishi ASX review

Andrew Charman
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Mitsubishi ASX review

What is it?
The 2017 Mitsubishi ASX is a minor facelifted version of an underrated SUV.

Key features:
Subtle styling changes, new upholstery, equipment.

Our view:
The latest updates do not add much but the Mitsubishi ASX is still a good value SUV, particularly if you are looking for all-wheel-drive.

Mitsubishi ASX review - rear

Mitsubishi knows all about all-wheel-drive. Which is why around half of the customers who buy the Mitsubishi ASX small crossover choose to have traction from all the wheels. This is very unusual in today’s SUV market – less than five per cent of the segment-creating Nissan Qashqai sales, for example, are 4WD.

Those Mitsubishi buyers are quite savvy – the ASX is a good value vehicle with surprising space. But despite selling around 4,000 a year, its attractions are missed by many potential buyers, so a facelift aims to give 2017 models a sales boost.

Except that this revamp of a model sold in the UK since 2010 is not very exciting. Mechanically there are no changes at all – the ASX gained a new 1.6 diesel engine in 2015 and the latest updates focus on styling, interior tweaks and equipment.

  • Mitsubishi ASX 2017 01
  • Mitsubishi ASX 2017 02
  • Mitsubishi ASX 2017 03

The new exterior look brings the latest Mitsubishi design language, ‘Dynamic Shield’ to the ASX. Created by the brand’s European design studio established two years ago, the most obvious change is to the front end. This is now more sculpted with a double bonnet bulge and two strong chrome stripes on the nose. It is a definite improvement on its predecessor.

Otherwise the model gains a shark’s fin antenna on the roof, while inside there are some new seat fabrics – oh yes and the heated seat switches have been moved. There are new infotainment systems too, but only if you choose higher-spec models, more on which shortly.

But while there might not be a lot new to get excited about, the ASX is still worth checking out. On the outside it is pleasant to look at – this is a compact machine and boasts exterior lines that tend more towards family hatch than bulbous SUV.

Outside and inside

The Mitsubishi ASX effectively sits between two segments. It’s bigger than the likes of the Renault Captur, Skoda Yeti, Suzuki S-Cross, but smaller than a Nissan Qashqai, SEAT Ateca or Kia Sportage. All of which means lots of room and useful boot space of 419 litres, big enough for the traditional two sets of golf clubs, along with easy manoeuvring in tight spots.

The cabin is – okay. The dash is a bit dark and traditional, but the controls are easy to find one’s way round and the fit and finish adequate. The infotainment touchscreen is mounted high on a centre console that bulges towards the driver and this falls naturally to hand.

This is, of course, if one buys any but the entry-level ASX 2 trim. ASX 3 models have gained a new system that includes a reversing camera, while ASX 4 and the new ASX 5 trim get the latest multimedia system with satellite navigation – and aluminium sports pedals too…

Mitsubishi ASX 2017 10
Mitsubishi ASX 2017 11
Mitsubishi ASX 2017 12
Mitsubishi ASX 2017 13
Mitsubishi ASX 2017 14

On the road

Engine choices range across 1.6-litre petrol or diesel units with a manual gearbox and two-wheel-drive, a 4WD version of the diesel, and a 2.2-litre diesel that only comes with an auto gearbox and 4WD. Despite rumours, there is no sign yet of the ASX being given a plug-in hybrid powertrain of the type that has propelled its big sister the Outlander to best-selling Mitsubishi status.

The 2.2 proved a competent performer during our brief test drive. It offers three driving modes, most of the time operating in 2WD form. It can switch to a 4WD 70:30 torque split and the transmission can then be locked for a 50:50 split across both axles – enough to keep the ASX going through any situation likely to be found on UK roads.

The car is usefully swift and easy to handle, if occasionally a little rattly over less than perfect surfaces. Mitsubishi highlights the independent rear suspension fitted and in corners the ASX certainly stays upright and behaves itself. It’s all very neutral, which no doubt suits the generally mature customer base the car attracts.

Those customers will also likely be attracted by the specification. ASX prices start at £15,999 and include a safety package ranging across seven airbags, brake assist, hill-start assist and stop signals automatically activated in under emergency braking. All cars also come with a five-year warranty.

More attractive is the £18,349 ASX 3, which includes the touchscreen infotainment, auto lights and wipers, cruise control and those heated seats. Then it’s a big jump to 4 trim at £24,249, necessary to get 4WD. Other highlights include the sat nav, a leather interior and a panoramic sunroof. Finally the range-topping 5 trim, from £26,949, ups the quality of the leather, heats all the seats and liberally sprinkles LED lighting.

Verdict

The more expensive versions of the Mitsubishi ASX pitch it against some seriously tempting competitors. But the lower-end models especially are good value for someone wanting a no-nonsense crossover with plenty of space.

Mitsubishi ASX – key specifications

Price: £15,999, ASX 5 from £26,949
On sale: November 2016
Engines: 1.6 Petrol, 115hp, 154Nm. 1.6 diesel, 114hp, 270Nm. 2.2 diesel, 150hp, 266Nm.
0-62mph and max speed: 11.5sec*, 114mph*. 11.2sec*, 113mph*. 10.8sec, 118mph
Economy and emissions: 48.7mpg*, 135g/km*. 61.4mpg*, 119g/km. 48.7mpg*, 152g/km.
Key rivals: SEAT Ateca, Mazda CX-3, Suzuki S-Cross
Test date: January 2017.
* = 2WD, manual transmission

Mitsubishi ASX 2017 05

What to think about before buying a car

Stuart Masson
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1
What to think about before buying a car

More than two million new cars are sold each year in the UK, which averages out at about 5,500 new cars every single day of the year. Used car sales are about triple that. So in total, an average of over 20,000 people are buying a car each day in the UK. It’s big business.

Therefore, it’s obvious that a lot of people are considering the purchase of a new car at this very moment (and thousands of people are visiting this website every day, usually reading articles relating to buying a car and car finance). They might not buy it for a few days, weeks or months, but they are building up to it.

A car isn’t usually something you buy on the spur of the moment – it takes the average person about three months from first thought to signing a contract. So some quick maths tells us that there should be about two million people in the UK currently in the lengthy process of buying a car.

If you are one of those two million people presently pondering the purchase of a Peugeot or a Porsche, what things should you really be thinking about? What are the key considerations you need to have in mind to make sure you’re getting the best car for your budget and lifestyle?

Be brutally honest with yourself (even if you want to lie to everyone else) and answer these three questions:

  1. What is the real reason you want to buy a new car?
  2. How much can you really afford before it’s too much?
  3. What do you actually need this car to do?

If you can’t answer these questions, you are almost guaranteed to end up spending your hard-earned money on the wrong car.

You should also read this:
The Car Expert’s Ten Golden Rules for buying a car

So let’s look at these three questions in a bit more detail.

1. Why do you really want that car?

You can make up excuses to give your spouse/family/friends about buying a car if you don’t want to have to justify yourself to them, but make sure you understand your own motivation.

If you just want a new car because you’re really bored with your old one and you really, really like the look of that new Turbomeister Supersport GT, then that’s absolutely fine.  But don’t pretend it’s about fuel consumption or service costs.

Mid-life crisis? Fine! Current car too big/small/noisy/slow? That’s fine too! But pinpoint the key reason you are buying a car in the first place, and make sure your new car addresses that want or need (we’ll get to that shortly).

Why is this important?
Car dealers are professionals at selling you the car that they want you to buy, regardless of the car you actually want (especially if they don’t have the one you want in stock).

If you give them fake reasons for wanting a new Turbomeister Supersport GT, they’ll spend hours convincing you that you really need the Practicalo Familia Lux instead, because it does all those things better (and because they just happen to have one right here that they really need to get rid of).

And next thing you know, you’re driving a car you didn’t want because they made it sound like a great deal and you fell for their sales spiel. Yes, it will be economical and cheap to run, which is what you told everybody you wanted. But it wasn’t what you actually wanted, so you won’t enjoy it.

You should also read this:
Why does buying a car have to be so unfriendly?

Now you’ve got that straight, let’s talk about your budget.

2. How much can you really afford?

Regardless of whether you’re paying cash or financing your new car, everyone has a financial limit. Pushing beyond that limit because you really, really want that particular car is almost certainly a one-way ticket to Troubletown, and it happens all the time.

Cars cost a lot of money to buy, but people tend to forget that they also cost a lot of money to run. Petrol costs might be the most obvious expense, but there is also insurance, road tax, servicing and other maintenance, and the potential for expensive problems to suck your savings away.

Far too many people finance themselves to the hilt or blow all their cash to get their perfect car, and don’t leave themselves any room to pay for unexpected problems. What if you blow a tyre? It could cost you a couple of hundred pounds or more, and it’s not covered under warranty or insurance.

If the car is stolen or damaged, your insurance may cover most of the cost. But you could still have a hefty excess which you need to pay before they lift a finger to help you.  Do you have several hundred pounds kicking around to cover that at the drop of a hat? If not, you’re up for more money and inconvenience paying for bus tickets and taxi fares until you can pay the excess.

Why is this important?
The Car Expert gets loads of enquiries from car owners desperately trying to get out of their finance agreements because they can no longer afford the payments.

Unfortunately, there is rarely an easy exit and you are likely to lose a lot of money if you bite off more than you can pay for. Your credit rating could be destroyed or you could even end up in bankruptcy. Swallow your pride, set a very conservative limit and don’t go one penny beyond it.

You should also read this:
Before you apply for car finance…

Now we know your motivation and how much you can afford, all we need to do is find the right car for your needs.

3. What do you actually need the car to do?

Two-seat roadsters are pretty, and they’re usually great fun to drive. But they are absolutely no good at carrying more than one passenger or any reasonable amount of luggage. Therefore splashing out on a sports car is not wise if you need to run three kids around every day. Sounds obvious, I know, but apply the same thinking to every aspect of your driving needs.

If you’re doing a lot of motorway mileage, a diesel engine is very efficient. If you are only using the car at weekends and mainly for local trips, a petrol engine is probably a better choice. Saloons usually have bigger boots, but hatchbacks are more flexible in how their load space can be used. Lowered suspension and big wheels may look great, but if your local roads have lots of speed humps and potholes then your vertebrae and kidneys will be pounded by all the bouncing. Crossovers and SUVs are very popular at the moment, but they can be considerably more expensive to buy and run than the hatchbacks they are based on.

Why is this important?
Don’t rush into buying a car that’s not right for you. If the car you are looking at doesn’t fill all your needs, go find another one. There are plenty of cars for sale, so you’ll eventually find one that ticks all your boxes.

If the car doesn’t fulfil its key requirements for your life, you’ll end up wanting to get rid of it sooner rather than later. And potentially make the same mistake all over again.

You should also read this:
I bought a car and have now changed my mind…

Summary

Unless you are honest with yourself as to why you want a new car, how much you can realistically afford and exactly what sort of car you need, you are highly unlikely to get the right result.  And you will only have yourself to blame. So be a smart car buyer and make sure you know exactly what you’re doing any why before you start looking for that new set of wheels.

This article was originally published in July 2015, and was updated and expanded in January 2017.

Updates for Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Stuart Masson
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Updates for Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Mitsubishi has announced a number of minor improvements to its best-selling Outlander PHEV plug-in hybrid SUV for 2017. The 2017 Outlander PHEV now features an EV Priority Mode, which allows the driver to drive in electric-only mode without the petrol engine starting, as long as there is sufficient charge in the batteries. The suspension has been tweaked to improve ride comfort and reduce noise. An electric parking brake with an automatic hold function now replaces the manual handbrake. Electric-mode performance has been improved marginally, with the pure electric rage increased from 32 to 33 miles, and the regenerative braking system upgraded to deliver more charge to the battery when coasting or braking. Acceleration in electric-only mode is also improved. The changes have seen marginal improvements in the official economy and emissions figures, but it remains to be seen if these are noticeable in real-world driving conditions. Rapid charging time has also been slightly improved, with an 80% charge using a rapid charging system now claimed to take 25 minutes instead of 30. Safety systems on the Outlander PHEV have also been upgraded, with the optional autonomous emergency braking system gaining pedestrian detection ability. The mid-range 4h model now gets a blind spot warning system as standard, which also includes a rear cross traffic warning function.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio First Edition announced

Stuart Masson
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Alfa Romeo Stelvio First Edition announced

Alfa Romeo has unveiled the next model and engine in its new Giulia-based SUV model, with the announcement of the Stelvio First Edition.

Joining the Quadrifoglio version, which made its public debut at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, the Stelvio First Edition previews the volume models which will make up the bulk of the sales when the Stelvio hits the market this year.

The Stelvio First Edition is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine producing 280hp and 400Nm, driving all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Alfa Romeo claims a 0-62mph time of just 5.7 seconds, which is faster than the equivalent Porsche Macan.

The exterior is slightly toned down from the flagship Quadrifoglio model, but still boats 20-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, bi-xenon headlights with automatic high beam, automatic tailgate and privacy glass.

Inside sees heated and electrically-adjustable leather seats, woodgrain trim, reversing camera and an 8.8-inch infotainment system with satnav and DAB digital radio.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio First Edition grigio
Alfa Romeo Stelvio First Edition rear
Alfa Romeo Stelvio First Edition side

In terms of safety equipment, the Stelvio First Edition boasts autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, forward collision warning and integrated braking systems, as featured on its sister Giulia model.

The Alfa Romeo Q4 all-wheel drive system sends all the torque to the rear axle under normal driving conditions, but can transfer up to 50% to the front axle as required when the rear wheels lose traction.

Great anticipation surrounds Alfa’s new mid-size SUV, which is named after the world-famous Stelvio Pass in the Italian Alps – with over 75 hairpin turns along its 12-mile length, the Stelvio Pass is considered to be one of the most thrilling and daunting public roads in Europe.

UK pricing and specification has yet to be announced, and the full range of Stelvio models is expected to be on show at the Geneva motor show in early March.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio First Edition dashboard

New Mini Countryman is biggest yet

Andrew Charman
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New Mini Countryman is biggest yet

The all-new Mini Countryman is described as the biggest model ever launched in the 57-year history of the brand.

On UK roads in February, the new car is 20cm longer than its predecessor and 3cm wider, on a wheelbase extended by more than 7cm. As a result it includes five full-sized seats and according to its makers a clear increase in space and versatility.

The rear seats can also be adjusted forward and back by 13cm, depending on whether rear seat space or an increase in the standard 450-litre luggage volume is required. With the seats folded the volume climbs to 1,309 litres, 220 more than the previous Countryman.

First plug-in MINI in range

Also debuting in the new MINI Countryman is the brand’s first plug-in hybrid drivetrain. The Countryman S E ALL 4 draws on experience gained by MINI parent company BMW in its iPerformance range of electric vehicles. A three-cylinder 136hp petrol engine powers the front wheels while the rear axle is powered by an 88hp motor mounted under the floor, with the lithium-ion battery mounted directly ahead of the motor.

The total system output of 224hp produces a 6.9-second 0-62mph time, alongside combined cycle fuel economy of 134.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 49g/km.

MINI Countryman 2017 04
Touchscreen evident in this left-hand-drive car.

The full MINI line-up of traditional engines is also available. Countryman Cooper models use the same 1.5-litre 136hp petrol unit as the ALL4, while the Cooper S has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit with 192hp. Two versions of the 2.0 diesel engine are the Cooper D with 150hp and the 190hp Cooper SD.

The marketing push for the new MINI Countryman includes its high level of standard equipment – satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and an emergency E-call service are fitted to all models. Other features available include the first electronic tailgate control on a MINI, with touch-free opening and closing. Two-zone automatic air conditioning, a panoramic glass roof and a tow hitch with removable ball head are also on the options list.

MINI Countryman 2017 03
Equipment targeted at outdoor life.

Further debuts on the model include a touchscreen on the central dash instrument panel, and the MINI picnic bench, a foldout loading sill cushion on the luggage compartment lid designed for outdoor use.

Prices for the new MINI Cooper Countryman start from £22,465. Prices for the plug-in hybrid variant are yet to be announced.

MINI Countryman 2017 02

Vauxhall Crossland X targets family buyers

Andrew Charman
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0
Vauxhall Crossland X targets family buyers

The Vauxhall Crossland X crossover has been unveiled ahead of its showroom arrival in summer 2017.

The newcomer to Vauxhall’s SUV line-up will slot into the range alongside the existing Mokka X, with which it shares similar dimensions.

However Vauxhall says that the new car will be targeted at family buyers, whereas the Mokka X will be more suited to buyers ‘with a taste for adventure.’ The Vauxhall Crossland X sits 7cm lower than the Mokka X, on smaller wheels, and will not be offered in all-wheel-drive form as is its sibling. It also looks distinct from the Mokka X, primarily due to two-tone body finishes in similar style to the ADAM supermini.

Prime rivals to the newcomer will be the Renault Captur and the Peugeot 2008, whereas the Mokka X is benchmarked against the likes of the Nissan Juke and Skoda Yeti.

‘Tardis-like’ cabin

Vauxhall Crossland X 05

At 4.2m in length, the Vauxhall Crossland X is slightly shorter than the Mokka X and 16cm shorter than the Vauxhall Astra hatch. It is 10cm taller at 1.6m, than the Astra – according to the car’s designers the compact dimensions and an elevated seating position will make the Crossland X easy to manoeuvre, while the ‘tardis-like’ cabin will give an impression of great space on the inside.

Flexibility will also be a prime selling point for the Crossland X, including adjustable rear seats that will allow an increase in the standard luggage capacity of 410 litres.

Details of the Vauxhall Crossland X powertrain line-up are yet to be released, but as the car is mechanically similar to the Peugeot 2008, and shares a production line, it is predicted to use the same engines as the Peugeot. These petrol and diesel units range from 1.2 to 2.0 litres in capacity and offer a 180hp maximum power output.

Technology will feature heavily in the new model. Available driving aids include a 180-degree panoramic rear-view camera, park assist, forward collision alert with pedestrian detection and autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, speed sign recognition and side blind-spot alert.

Connectivity functions will be headed by the Vauxhall OnStar assistance service, alongside IntelliLink infotainment systems, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and operated through a colour touchscreen of up to eight inches.

Vauxhall Crossland X 02
The forthcoming Vauxhall Crossland X SUV is built in a joint project with PSA Group.
Vauxhall Crossland X 03
Vauxhall Crossland X 04

According to Vauxhall’s chairman and managing director Rory Harvey the Crossland X meets changing customer expectations.

“The timing is perfect for an additional model in the Vauxhall range, which caters for a new breed of buyer,” Harvey says.

“(The Vauxhall Crossland X) will appeal to buyers with families who demand agility and convenience in urban driving, but with enough comfort and performance to cover long distances at the drop of a hat.”

Vauxhall’s SUV line-up will grow further later in 2017 when a larger version of the Crossland X, the Grandland X, is launched.

BMW 4 Series gains new look and tech

Andrew Charman
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0
BMW 4 Series gains new look and tech

Facelifted versions of the BMW 4 Series will be displayed at the Geneva motor show in March.

The changes run across two-door Coupé, Convertible and four-door Gran Coupé versions of the car and form the first refresh since the initial BMW 4 Series launched in June 2013.

The 4 Series has since topped 400,000 sales globally, with the USA, Britain and Germany its top three markets. The Gran Coupé version takes half of these sales.

Subtle shift to styling

Styling updates are subtle, centring on mild tweaks to the grille, air ducts and the head and tail lamps – the twin headlamps are now full LED units with adaptive versions on the options list.

Customers can now choose from a wider range of 18 and 19-inch alloy wheels for their 4 Series, and two new exterior paint finishes are available – Snapper Rocks Blue and Sunset Orange.

BMW 4 Series Convertible

Inside the changes are again mild, such as electroplated finishes on the air vent surrounds and control panels mounted in the doors. Chrome is added to the air conditioning and audio controls, while other finishes in the cabin include high gloss black, and leather on the new design steering wheel. More interior colour options are available too.

BMW follows the current industry trend to technology updates – M Sport trim cars include a new Professional navigation system which comprises six tile-style icons over two screens. The driver can customise these to their preference.

A digital cockpit display is on the options list, while other upgrades include cable-free smartphone charging and Wi-Fi connection, the latter providing a hotspot for up to 10 internet devices.

M Sport BMW 4 Series models also now come with the brand’s personal digital assistant service, BMW Connected, offering a range of useful services to the driver.

Same engines, chassis changes

There are no new drivetrains for the 4 Series – new engines were added to the model in 2016. Three petrol and three diesel units are available and power outputs of the petrol variants range from 184 though 252 to 326hp. Diesel buyers can choose 190, 258 or 313hp, the top diesel also fitted with all-wheel-drive.

There have been suspension changes, the Coupé and Gran Coupé now boasting a stiffer setup and steering modifications. According to BMW the results are reduced roll, more neutral responses when driving at the limit, greater straight-line stability and precise steering.

Order books are now open for the revamped BMW 4 Series at prices starting from £32,525 – this is a £680 price increase over the previous version.

New Hyundai i30 pricing announced

Andrew Charman
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0
New Hyundai i30 pricing announced

The all-new Hyundai i30 will go on sale in March, priced from £16,995.

Described as the first in a family of new models, the third-generation Hyundai i30 was unveiled before the Paris motor show in September 2016.

The new car promises a more refined design, new powertrains and a major increase in safety technology. It is expected to continue the success of its two predecessors that have contributed a major part of Hyundai’s market growth in recent years.

Three-strong engine choice

Three engines will be available, the three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol unit of 120hp new to the i30 line-up and the 1.4-litre 140hp new to Hyundai. The third option is a 1.6-litre diesel of 110hp, while depending on model six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmissions are available.

Safety equipment standard across the Hyundai i30 range includes a Lane Departure Warning System, Forward Collision Warning System, Lane Keep Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking and Hill Start Assist Control. All cars will also be supplied with DAB radios and Bluetooth connectivity.

Five trim levels are on offer, S, SE, SE Nav, Premium and Premium SE. The £16,995 price buys the i30 S 1.0 T-GDi 120PS six-speed manual, and the car’s specification include 15-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, USB and aux connections on the DAB radio, steering wheel control of the Bluetooth, electric front and rear windows and driver seat height adjustment.

SE versions start from £18,695 – the alloy wheels grow to 16 inches, and added are front fog lamps, a five-inch touchscreen for the DAB, rear parking sensors with a camera and a leather steering wheel.

From £19,645 again with the 1-litre engine, SE Nav versions gain integrated satellite navigation with an eight-inch LCD touchscreen, voice recognition for the Bluetooth and wireless phone charging.

Options up the range

Hyundai i30 SE Nav versions or above can be specified with the 1.4 140hp engine, costing from £23,495, and the diesel at £21,545. A £1,000 option is the Visibility Pack, comprising dual LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels and dual-zone climate control.

Premium models start at £22,195 with the 140hp engine. The 17-inch alloy wheels with uprated Michelin tyres, LED headlights and the dual-zone climate control are standard, as are an electronic parking brake with auto-hold function, privacy glass and heated front seats with artificial leather/cloth seat facings.

Other additions include an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, a front and rear parking assist system and blind spot detection with rear cross traffic alert.

Premium SE tops the range from £23,495 and adds a panoramic sunroof, leather seat facings and a heated steering wheel.

Hyundai Motor UK CEO Tony Whitehorn expects the new i30 to continue the success of previous models that have sold more than 117,000 in the UK since the first generation launched in 2007.

“The original i30 was the model that sowed the seeds of our growth and we are confident that the New Generation i30 will again bring new customers into the brand with its great looks, technology and confident dynamic abilities,” Whitehorn says.

1701 Hyundai i30 third gen 01

Bentley plans to plug in entire range

Andrew Charman
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0
Bentley plans to plug in entire range

Bentley plans to offer plug-in hybrid versions of its entire range within a few years.

The first will be seen in the Bentley Bentayga SUV, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version launching in 2018.

Bentley Motors CEO Wolfgang Dürheimer revealed the plans during a speech to the Automotive News World Congress, held in Detroit alongside the North American International Motor Show.

According to Dürheimer, Bentley does not agree with the short life of PHEV powertrains predicted by other manufacturers, a stop-gap technology until full electric or fuel-cell vehicles become viable.

Range issues

Electric drivetrains may allow owners to drive their cars in urban areas where emissions laws may restrict the use of traditional petrol or diesel engines. But such units cannot currently offer the long-distance travel routinely undertaken by Bentley owners, without extended stops to recharge their batteries.

Durhëimer has clear views as to the future of Bentley powertrains.

“PHEV sometimes is mentioned as a transitional technology — it will be out of our way pretty soon – from my point of view, plug-in hybrid technology provides the best of two worlds,” Dürheimer said.

“To cover long distances and to make it from one city to another — and you travel long distances in the U.S. – I think the combustion engine will follow us for a long time.”

Speaking to Automotive News following his speech, Dürheimer revealed that the next Bentley Continental GT would follow the Bentayga down the PHEV route.

The new Continental GT is expected to be revealed in 2017 with the familiar W12 petrol engine. A V6 plug-in hybrid model will follow it and then the V8. Duerheimer also indicated that the PHEV version would match the power of the V8, the current version of which puts out 500hp.

Just before the Detroit show Bentley unveiled the fastest-accelerating version of the current Continental yet. The Bentley Continental Supersports produces 710hp from its W12 engine and a 0-60mph time of 3.4 seconds.

The CEO’s words are being seen as an indication that the brand is not pursuing rumoured development of an all-electric model.

Decade of transition

Dürheimer told the Congress that the next 10 years will be transformational for luxury car makers, and appeared to indicate that Bentley is not in favour of self-driving autonomous technology.

“We will see customer demographics broaden and change dramatically to incorporate millennials; the rising affluent in developing economies; and members of Generation ‘C’ – the connected generation where attitude, rather than age, is the defining characteristic,” he said.

“These future customers will have very different expectations and requirements to the luxury car buyer of today.”

Dürheimer added that to engage these new customers and future-proof the luxury British brand technology on its own would not be enough. “Technology in isolation is cold and can never be truly luxurious – we must never lose the human touch.”

Bentley Continental Supersports
Newly-unveiled Supersports is most potent Continental yet its successor will include a PHEV model.

Mazda 3 review

Andrew Charman
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Mazda 3 review

What is it:
The 2017 Mazda 3 is a mid-life update of the brand’s core family car.

Key features:
Styling tweaks, revamped cabin, updated technology.

Our view:
The refresh of the Mazda 3 adds even more appeal to an underrated car.

Crossovers may be all the rage these days but plenty of buyers still choose the traditional family hatch – the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra permanently occupy places in the UK’s top four best-selling. For those looking for a family hatch, however, a much-underrated rival is the Mazda 3.

We saw a new Focus not that long ago, a new Astra far more recently, while further pressure on Mazda 3 sales has come from all-new versions of other leading contenders such as the Renault Megane. So for 2017, Mazda has given the latest, third-generation Mazda 3 a significant update.

Mazda3 03

The current Mazda3 launched in 2014, and was one of the earliest cars to gain Mazda’s latest ‘Kodo – soul of motion’ design language and notably the SkyActiv efficiency technologies ranging across powertrains and chassis. The looks are evolved from the larger Mazda6 and give the 3 a strong presence. This is especially true of the fastback version, effectively a four-door saloon with a boot of 55 litres greater capacity than in the hatch.

SkyActiv is still considered up-to-date enough to be retained with little change in the new model, though the new car does debut a new area of the technology, dubbed ‘Vehicle Dynamics’. Like so many updates these days the Mazda3 refresh focuses chiefly on minor styling enhancements, revisions to the cabin and the addition of more technology – advances in such tech certainly not slowing down…

  • Mazda 3 04
  • Mazda3 05
  • Mazda3 05

Styling/Interior

The Mazda3 has always been one of the more distinctive family cars around – it boasts, bold, swooping lines running right along the car from grille to tailgate. Subtle updates to the 2017 model further enhance what is already pleasing to the eye.

A slightly differently shaped grille now has the Mazda badge in its centre, and the headlamps are modified. The rear bumper is reshaped with greater areas of body colour, there are revised turn indicators on the mirrors and such like. Two new options take the choice of exterior colours to eight.

Inside the refresh is more noticeable. The most obvious change sits between the seats, where the handbrake lever has been replaced by an electronic parking brake, freeing up space. The cup holders are bigger, but just as importantly everything looks and feels a little more upmarket. Mazda has upgraded the materials – there are more soft-touch items and delicate detailing that adds a lot to the impression of quality.

The tablet-style touchscreen persists atop the centre console, and while it still appears a little ‘stuck-on’ it remains very easy to use. This reviewer also considers Mazda’s Tom Tom-based navigation system one of the most user-friendly on the market.

So the cabin feels a nice place to be and it’s very practical too, at least in the front, The driving position matches the low exterior stance, being almost sporty, but the visibility is generally good – though the view directly out the rear window is not over generous.

Despite the door storage boxes having been extended in width, space remains good in the front. Matters are a little more cosy in the rear, but perfectly adequate even with the rearwards sloping roofline. Several rival cars offer more space, and larger boots, but the 364 litres of the Mazda3 is still close to 50 litres more than the family hatch best-seller, the Ford Focus.

Mazda 3 interior
Interior makeover has increased the quality.
Mazda3 dash
Big speed dial gives dash a sporty look.
Mazda3 SatNav
Touchscreen houses user-friendly navigation.
Mazda 3 boot
Boot not the biggest but beats the Focus.

Engine/transmission

Mazda3 buyers have a four-way engine choice, all SkyActiv Technology units and all with start-stop functions to aid efficiency. The SkyActiv concept eschews the industry trend to downsized, turbo engines in favour of more efficient packaging and particularly weight savings.

The petrol unit is of 2.0-litre capacity and offered in either 120 or 165hp power outputs. Our test car is fitted with the smaller of the two diesel units, of 1.5 litres and 105hp. Its larger sister is of 2.2 litres with 150hp.

Transmissions are six-speed manual as standard, though the 120 petrol and 150 diesel can be purchased with a six-speed auto ‘box instead.

Most Mazda3 sales are with the 120 unit but there is a lot to be said for our little diesel. Admittedly it is not as fleet of foot as its sister engines, which are all quite fast for the segment. However 11 seconds is still reasonable and in return for such patience one enjoys good efficiency. Combined cycle fuel economy of close to 75mpg and CO2 emissions of 99g/km, qualifying for zero road tax (so long as one buys before the bands change in April 2017) make these versions of the Mazda3 very fleet friendly.

On the road

Traditionally, every maker of a family hatch aspires to beat the on-the-road qualities of the Ford Focus. The Mazda3 does not match the Focus for its dynamics, but it comes a lot closer than do most rivals.

The Mazda3 is of course closely related to one of the most fun-to-drive cars around, the Mazda MX-5, and it shows. The car rides well, smoothing out road bumps, while enthusiastic cornering is rewarded with precise placing, superb balance and a pleasing upright stance – this is a very enjoyable car to drive.

Along with tweaks to anti-roll bar bushes and other subtle modifications, the latest cars add the first technology to be launched under the SkyActiv Vehicle Dynamics programme. G-Vectoring Control varies the torque delivery from the engine to each wheel, slightly cutting power to the front wheels under cornering and resulting in more effective turn-in and balance. You can’t tell the system is working but the car does produce an expertly-balanced cornering performance.

Other changes to the new Mazda include adding to the noise insulation – all of which makes for very refined progress.

Mazda3 on roadSpecification/equipment

The Mazda3 boasts a strong specification list when compared to rivals. All cars are supplied with alloy wheels, air conditioning, seat height adjustment for both driver and passenger, and electric windows all round.

Every car includes the seven-inch colour touchscreen, while DAB radio is standard, as is Bluetooth and a cloud-based connectivity system giving access to a range of internet-based infotainment services.

Our top-specification Sport Nav model boasts some attractive extras, such as a head-up display that now displays its information in colour. The touchscreen displays the images from a reversing camera, Smart keyless entry is included while the audio system is a quality Bose unit.

Summary

We have always liked the Mazda3 – it looks good, is well built and returns a quality on-the-road performance at a competitive price. Now with a well thought-out package of improvements added to the specification, there should be every reason for anyone considering a family hatch to take a serious look at this car.

Mazda 3 – key specifications

Test date: November 2016
Model Tested: Mazda 3 1.5 105ps Sport-Nav hatchback
Price: £22,145 (range starts
Insurance Group: 17E
Engine: 1498cc diesel
Power (hp): 105.
Torque (Nm): 270
0-62mph (sec): 11.0.
Max speed (mph): 113
Fuel economy (combined, mpg): 74.3 CO2 emissions (g/km): 99
Key rivals: Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra, Renault Megane

1701-Mazda3-02

Why are most street lights orange and not white?

The Car Expert staff
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Why are most street lights orange and not white?

Here’s a question you may have asked yourself many times but possibly not enough to go and find the answer. Why are most street lights orange rather than white?

Well, I thought I had the answer when I noticed that cars tend to have a yellow tint to their headlights. Halogen lights, as used in most cars for the last 40 years, burn with a slight yellow colour, which removes the blue-violet wavelengths from the projected light. Blue and violet light causes dazzle and glare.

You might recognise this when cars with xenon headlights are first switched on – the lights have a blueish tint until they warm up when they become much whiter. By removing blue-violet wavelengths, the quality of our vision is actually improved even though the overall brightness is somewhat reduced.

So if that’s true for cars, then surely that explain why street lights are orange? No – silly me. It turns out there’s a big difference between orange light and yellow light.

But let’s go back to the beginning.

The first electric street lights appear

Electric street lights have a long history dating back to the 1800s. The first electric street lights were developed by Russian-born Pavel Yablochkov in 1875, replacing existing gas- or oil-lit lighting. These were known as ‘Electric Candles’, or ‘Yablochkov Candles’ and were, in fact, carbon arc lamps that used an alternating current to ensure that both electrodes were used in equal parts. Before long, these inefficient types of light bulb were replaced with incandescent lights, much like the ones we still use today.

Electric street lights first came to the UK in 1878, when electrical arc lamps were installed along the Holborn Viaduct and Thames Embankment in London. The first street to be lit with modern electricity as we know it was the appropriately-named Electric Avenue in Brixton in 1880.

Initially called lightpoles, then lamp posts and then street lamps, these raised lights used on the edge of roads or pedestrian footpaths have now become an everyday part of modern day living. Many of today’s street lamps have light-sensitive photocells that automatically operate as and when light is needed. As the sky darkens, the lights come on and as dawn approaches and the sky brightens, the lights go off.

Orange light is actually not that helpful for our eyes

Municipal authorities worldwide eventually began to adopt sodium lamps, and these burn with that familiar orange glow when electricity is passed through them. High-pressure sodium lamps are still used around the world for street lights because they produce the greatest amount of light for the least amount of electricity required to power them. They’re not the best lights and don’t light up a street as well as other lights. They’re just cheap to run because they use less electricity.

Research has revealed that our eyes perceive an orange-lit street as darker than a white-lit street even when the same levels of light are provided. In fact, white light actually increases our peripheral vision by 100% and reduces our braking times by 25%, when compared to orange sodium lights. That’s a very big difference. So, forget what’s best for drivers, street lamps are orange not because they help us see better but because they’re cheaper to run.

New technology can make street lights whiter, brighter and cheaper

Having said that, many towns and cities around the world have started moving towards LED street lighting and high-intensity discharge lighting, which provides a cleaner white light which helps us to see better. And, thankfully, these types of light don’t cost a lot to power.

A comparison between metal halide and high-pressure sodium lamps has shown that at equal light levels, a street that’s been lit at night by metal halide lights is brighter and safer than the same street lit by high-pressure sodium lamps. The new LED, or induction lights, emit a white light that provides high light levels and lower wattages, so they provide a brighter light at a lower cost.

East Sussex County Council became the first local authority to roll out a major LED street light conversion project, converting more than 11,000 sodium street lights in Eastbourne and Hastings to LED lights. The Council expects to save nearly £300,000 per year from reduced electricity and maintenance costs. Several other councils have followed suit, such as Gloucestershire, which is in the middle of a project to replace 55,000 street lights for an anticipated saving of £17 million over 12 years.

Over in Italy, Milan has become the first major city to have switched completely to LED lighting.

An American organisation called the Civil Twilight Collective – dedicated to reducing energy emissions – has developed a lunar-resonant street light, which is a variation on a conventional LED street light. These street lights increase or decrease their intensity depending on the light of the moon. So instead of wasting energy, it uses light in a very smart way by tapping into the moon’s cycle.

This street light design reduces energy consumption and cuts down on light pollution. Maybe it’s the way we should be going here in the UK.

New Mercedes-Benz GLA starts at £25.9K

Andrew Charman
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New Mercedes-Benz GLA starts at £25.9K

Prices for the latest Mercedes-Benz GLA have been announced, just as the facelifted crossover makes its debut at the Detroit motor show.

Order books are now open for the updated car, which challenges the likes of the BMW X1. It will arrive on UK roads in April at a starting price of £25,880.

The changes centre on minor revisions to the styling and interior and more equipment. The car is also made to look more like an SUV by specifying off-road suspension as standard, raising the ride height by 30mm. Lowered suspension is on the options list

Five-strong engine range

Three petrol engines will be available, the entry-level GLA 200 producing 156hp and combined cycle fuel economy of 50.4mpg, with CO2 emissions of 131g/km. The GLA 250 and Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 both come with 4Matic all-wheel-drive, with the range-topping 45 boasting 381hp.

Two diesel variants are also on offer, both with 4Matic. The 200 d offers 136hp with 67.3mpg and 108g/km, while the 220 d has 177hp on tap.

Mercedes-Benz GLA 02

Like the previous SE, Sport or AMG Line trim levels are on offer for the Mercedes-Benz GLA. SE models now include Keyless-Go starting function as standard, Apple CarPlay compatability, a reversing camera and off-road comfort suspension.

Option packs on all cars include Premium at £1,695 and comprising Garmin satellite navigation, parking pilot and LED high performance headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist functions.

The Premium Plus package, at £2,995, also adds a Keyless-Go Comfort package and a panoramic sunroof.

Special editions add variety

Two special editions are also on offer. Prices for the WhiteArt Edition start from £31,260 on the GLA 200 – based on AMG Line trim, it adds the Premium Package, 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels with a high-sheen finish, black leather upholstery with white and crystal grey stripes and black floor mats.

GLA 45 models can be specified with the Yellow Night Edition, priced from £53,135. It adds an AMG aerodynamics package and Night package, 20-inch AMG 10-spoke alloy wheels with yellow-painted rims; body styling with painted yellow details, cosmos black metallic paint, the Keyless-Go Comfort package; an AMG performance steering wheel in Nappa leather and Dinamica microfibre and upholstery in Artico leather and Dinamica with yellow highlight stripes.

Mercedes-Benz GLA 03
The Yellow Night Edition pack is available for the range-topping GLA 45.

Skoda Octavia given new look, more tech

Andrew Charman
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0
Skoda Octavia given new look, more tech

The facelifted version of the Skoda Octavia has been unveiled, with changes to the exterior look and more technology.

Engine changes also feature in the line-up, with the top performance models gaining power.

The facelift, that runs across both the hatch and estate versions of Skoda’s global best-seller, includes a revised front end adopting the wider and more angular grille most recently seen on the new Kodiaq SUV.

New headlamps with a crystal-like finish are included, as are wider air inlets with honeycomb grilles and a more muscular bumper. LED lamps with adaptive lighting are available as options.

The rear also gains bumper modifications while the LED tail lamps offer two variants including C-shaped light signatures.

Skoda Octavia 02

While the basic shell remains the same, the changes add 11mm to the length of the hatch, and 8mm to the estate. The rear track also expands, by 20 or 30mm depending on engine choice.

Across the mainstream Skoda Octavia range there are two TSI petrol engines and three TDI diesels, with power outputs ranging from 115 to 184hp. An 86hp petrol unit is joining the line-up but won’t apparently be offered to UK buyers.

Most major engine changes are to the most powerful units fitted to the vRS models. The 2-litre TSI petrol now produces 230hp, up by 10hp on the current model, while the TDI diesel puts out 184hp. It combines this with combined cycle fuel economy of 62.8mpg and 115g/km of CO2 emissions.

Most of the range gets a choice of manual or DSG transmissions while buyers of the cars with the 2-litre TDI can also specify all-wheel-drive.

Infotainment upgrades

Changes to the interior styling are subtle, to the equipment significant. New-generation infotainment systems start with an eight-inch touchscreen and range up to the Columbus navigation system with a 9.2-inch display, Wi-Fi hotspot and Phonebox smartphone charging.

Connectivity now includes a range of streamed services, among them Infotainment Online, the Care Connect assistance feature and remote services using the Skoda Connect smartphone app. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink smartphone integration are all supported.

Drive assistance systems available for the Octavia have mushroomed in choice, new systems including Trailer Assist, the Predictive Pedestrian Protection function, Blind Spot Detect and Rear Traffic Alert.

And the signature Skoda ‘Simply Clever’ features have also been expanded. Two USB ports in the rear, folding tray tables on the back of the front seats, bottle holders that make the opening of bottles easier and a removable LED torch in the Estate’s boot are all available.

Facelifted Octavia models are expected on UK roads from March – prices are still to be announced but are expected to be slightly higher than the current car that starts at £16,660.

Skoda Octavia 03
Skoda Octavia 05
Skoda Octavia 04
Skoda Octavia 06

Detroit show: Volkswagen Tiguan stretches out

Andrew Charman
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Detroit show: Volkswagen Tiguan stretches out

Debuting at the North American International Auto Show is an extended version of the big-selling Volkswagen Tiguan SUV.

Presented at Detroit as the LWB (long wheelbase) the car will go on sale first in the USA and then China, before arriving in the UK late in 2017 as the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace.

It will be offered in both five-seat or optional seven-seat versions, though reports suggest that the rear two seats will not be very suitable for adults.

The standard Tiguan wheelbase is extended by 110mm, and the overall length by 215mm, creating a potential extra 115 litres of bootspace.

Other expected changes include minor exterior styling tweaks, chiefly to the bonnet and grille. The engine line-up is yet to be confirmed but will likely range across 1.4-litre TSI petrol and 2-litre TDI diesel units, with all-wheel-drive also available.

Volkswagen’s typical Trendline, Comfortline and Highline trim levels are expected on UK models, with prices starting around £3,000 more than the standard Tiguan.

Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace

Detroit show: Audi Q8 targets Range Rover

Andrew Charman
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Detroit show: Audi Q8 targets Range Rover
When the Audi Q8 launches in 2018, it will become the German brand’s flagship SUV model. And the looks of the newcomer have been revealed at Detroit on a ‘near-production’ concept. The Audi Q8 is expected to propel the brand into a new luxury market taking on the likes of the Range Rover. It is a large machine with striking exterior lines in a coupé style. The car will certainly make its presence felt – it sits on an enormous 23-inch wheels, with ceramic brake discs of 20-inch diameter behind them. A notable design element is the wide, flat rear screen pillar, continuing the style seen recently on the new Q2 mini SUV.

Four-seat interior

Inside four seats are fitted, the intention being to offer what Audi describes as an ‘extremely comfortable’ experience. A wheelbase of some three metres frees up interior space while rear-seat passengers are promised ample head and shoulder room despite the coupé looks. The driver’s surroundings are distinguished by large touchscreens, expanding the current Audi virtual cockpit, plus an analogue head-up display. All are incorporated into a gloss black wraparound cockpit design. The Audi Q8 will make use of a plug-in hybrid powertrain combining a 333hp 3-litre TFSI petrol engine and a 100kW electric motor. Total power is 450hp with 700Nm of torque., which produces a 0-62mph time of 5.4 seconds.Audi Q8 02 Total potential range is quoted at 621 miles, with 37 miles possible on purely electric power. The Q8 will also return combined cycle fuel economy of 122mpg and CO2 emissions of 53g/km. The production Audi Q8 is due to go on sale in 2018 with a likely starting cost of at least £60,000. Audi Q8 03

Detroit show: Coupé takes Mercedes-AMG to six

Andrew Charman
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Detroit show: Coupé takes Mercedes-AMG to six

Mercedes-Benz celebrates the 50th anniversary of its Mercedes-AMG performance division at the Detroit show with the unveiling of a new coupé model.

The Mercedes-AMG GT C Coupé is effectively a hard-top version of the already launched AMG GTC Roadster. It will join the range between the GT S and GT R models, extending the Mercedes-AMG line-up to six models.

Initial examples will be sold as special ‘Edition 50’ models to celebrate the golden jubilee of Mercedes-AMG.

The Mercedes-AMG GT C Coupé borrows several elements from its more expensive GT R sister, including the wider and more muscular rear end, extended by 57mm over the GT and GT S versions. The GT R’s rear axle steering is also fitted – aiding handling, it turns in the opposite direction as the front axle at speeds under 62mph, and in the same direction at higher speeds.

Power for the Coupé comes from the same 4-litre V8 petrol engine as in other GT variants, in the GT C roadster specification with 557hp and 680Nm of torque. Despite weighing 35kg more than the roadster the Coupé returns the same 0-62mph time of 3.7 seconds and will go on to 196mph.

Two colours for special edition

Edition 50 will be offered in two bespoke paint finishes: designo graphite grey magno and designo cashmere white magno. Both versions include black chrome highlights on the side skirt trim, the front splitter, the air inlet trim strips in the grille, the side air outlet fins in the front wings, the rear diffuser moulding and the exhaust tailpipe trims. The surfaces of the cross-spoke AMG forged wheels gain a similar treatment.

Inside there is silver pearl/black nappa leather with grey diamond-patterned contrasting top stitching, and a black steering wheel with grey contrasting top stitching. The AMG Interior Night package is fitted as standard – steering wheel spokes, shift paddles and door sill panels are finished in black, along with silver seat belts and black chrome trim.

Power gains across range

Meanwhile other GT models are gaining upgrades. The entry-level GT’s power goes up from 462 to 476hp and it also gets an extra 30Nm of torque. The GT S gains 12hp (522hp) and 20Nm.

Further changes see the Airpanel active air management system, standard on the range-topping 585hp GT R, being extended to all GT variants. An electric motor opens and closes vertical shutters in the grille, at one-second intervals, to constantly prove the exact amount of cooling needed.

UK prices of the Mercedes-AMG GT C Coupé are due to be announced shortly – first deliveries are set for summer 2017.

Mercedes-AMG GT C 03

Detroit show: Lexus LS range-topper debuts

Andrew Charman
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1
Detroit show: Lexus LS range-topper debuts

The new Lexus LS range-topping saloon unveiled at the Detroit show, has been dubbed “the definitive new generation luxury car” by its designers.

Destined to be sold in 90 countries across the glove, the new Lexus LS will target very strong rivals including the mass-selling Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Lexus claims to have imagined it was launching the brand all over again before creating the fifth generation of the model that launched the upmarket arm of Toyota in 1990.

The resultant Lexus LS is certainly distinctive. At 5.2m in length, it measures up 15cm longer than the car it replaces, on a wheelbase of 3.1m. This is 4cm longer than the long-wheelbase version of the current LS, and Lexus says the new car will only be offered in this form.

Coupe silhouette

It sits lower too – the ride height shrinks by around 2cm, the bonnet 3cm and the roof by some 4cm. Despite this and the coupe-like silhouette, Lexus promises both plenty of space and top quality inside the LS.

Lexus LS 03

The new Lexus design language is applied to the brand’s latest GA-L platform. Also used for the new LC coupe and extended for the LS, it is described as the stiffest architecture in Lexus history. Rear-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel-drive will be an option.

Lightweight materials are used throughout, including ultra-high-tensile steel and aluminium, helping to cut 90kg from the shell weight. Together with the extra rigidity and a lower centre of gravity significant handling improvements are promised.

These will be further aided by the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM). This oversees all of the car’s sub-systems including braking, steering, powertrain and suspension. Further input comes courtesy of active anti-roll bars the Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) system, which uses independent front and rear steering.

New 3.5-litre engine

The Lexus LS debuts a new powertrain, a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine matched to the first ten-speed automatic transmission in a luxury saloon.

With 421hp on tap and 600Nm of torque, the new twin-turbo V6 is significantly more potent than the V8 in the current LS – all-wheel-drive versions will boast a 4.5-second 0-62mph time. The unit is also said to offer significantly improved efficiency, though Lexus is yet to release figures.

The 10-speed auto debuted in the LC coupe. While a torque convertor unit, Lexus claims auto shift times to rival dual-clutch designs. Paddle controls allow the driver to shift manually if desired.

Industry observers also expect Lexus to produce a petrol-electric version of the LS drawing upon Toyota’s extensive hybrid technology. Its effective sister car the LC Coupe is offered in hybrid form.

Lexus LS 04

Lexus chief designer Koichi Suga claims that interior of the LS is like no luxury car ever previously seen. The front seats include 28-way power, heating, cooling and massage functions, also featuring on the rear seats to which particular attention has been paid.

Rear-seat passengers can specify an ottoman leg rest, and the seat behind the front passenger can be reclined by up to 48 degrees and raised up to 24 degrees to ease exit from the car.

Further interior highlights include new wood slicing and laser-cutting techniques for the trim and the latest generation of the signature Mark Levinson in-car entertainment system.

The Lexus LS is expected on sale towards the end of 2017, and Suga is in no doubts to its importance to Lexus, saying; “More than any other model, it embodies the history and image of Lexus and serves as a symbol for everything the brand stands for.”

Lexus LS 02

Detroit show: Volkswagen Camper goes electric

Andrew Charman
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0
Detroit show: Volkswagen Camper goes electric

Image revival is a factor in the Volkswagen I.D. BUZZ concept, unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The German brand’s reputation has been most heavily damaged in the USA, where the ‘Dieselgate’ scandal started in September 2015. And the crisis continues – a VW executive was arrested in Florida this week on his return from holiday.

The Volkswagen I.D. Buzz is the third of the brand’s MEB electric concepts, following the Budd-E and I.D. hatch both revealed in 2016. All are elements in Volkswagen’s bold plan to produce one million electric vehicles by 2025.

Volkswagen I.D. BUZZ 01

The latest concept reinvents the brand’s iconic Camper van that rose to fame in the ‘hippy era’ of the 1960s. However alongside its retro styling the car is a people carrier with seating for up to eight – Volkswagen believes it could appeal to ride-sharing companies such as Uber.

Range of the I.D. Buzz is up to 373 miles on one charge under EU testing standards. More strict US standards quote a range of 270 miles. The energy comes from a 111kW battery pack that can be charged to 80% in under 30 minutes.

First self-driving Volkswagen

Volkswagen I.D. BUZZ 02

Volkswagen describes the I.D. Buzz as the brand’s first concept that can be driven fully automatically and the world’s first fully-autonomous MPV. The concept includes the fully automated ‘I.D. Pilot’ mode, expected to go into production in 2025.

Under I.D. Pilot, a gentle push on the steering wheel moves it back into the cockpit panel, switching the car into the fully automated mode. The driver can then turn their seat to face the passengers in the back and enjoy a conversation or hold a meeting.

Meanwhile the car continues its journey using laser scanners, ultrasound sensors, radar sensors, area-view cameras and a front cameras to scan the surrounding area, with other traffic data being received via the Cloud.

Reaction of Detroit showgoers to the Volkswagen I.D. Buzz could decide its future – if the signs are positive, a self-driving production MPV could launch within five years.

Volkswagen I.D. BUZZ 03

Detroit show: Petrol future for Infiniti QX50

Andrew Charman
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Detroit show: Petrol future for Infiniti QX50

The Infiniti QX50 has debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in concept form.

The production version of the new SUV is expected to launch in the USA in 2018, and then go on sale in Europe at a date to be determined.

Biggest headline of the new Infiniti QX50 is likely to be its engine – the brand is targeting a launch for its VC-Turbo 2.0-litre petrol engine with the car.

This compact unit is the first production petrol engine with a variable compression ratio. Infiniti says it offers the power of a typical V6 petrol engine but with fuel economy some 27 per cent better and closer to diesel units. Nissan’s luxury brand has previously suffered in SUV sales by only being able to offer petrol engines.

The styling of the QX50 is evolved from the QX Sport Inspiration concept that Infiniti showed in 2016. The brand’s ‘Powerful Elegance’ design language combines with an interior design that is described as ‘driver-centric, passenger-minded’ .

‘Co-pilot’ driver aids

Infiniti Q50 02

Infiniti has also used the concept to preview autonomous driving technologies set to be rolled out by the brand on future models. Infiniti says that its technologies will act as ‘a co-pilot’ rather than taking full charge of the car, allowing drivers to retain control over their vehicle. More boring tasks, such as navigating stop-start traffic, will be carried out autonomously, leaving the more enjoyable aspects of driving to the driver.

Unveiling the QX50 Concept, Infiniti president Roland Krueger is not yet stating specifically that the production version is on the way. “With the unveiling of the QX Sport Inspiration at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show, we showed the future of Infiniti QX models,” he says.

“The new QX50 Concept evolves this concept further and shows how Infiniti could develop its future presence in what is the fastest-growing vehicle segment globally.”

Infiniti Q50 03

Detroit show: potent Audi SQ5 debuts

Andrew Charman
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Detroit show: potent Audi SQ5 debuts
A 354hp engine powers the new Audi SQ5, unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Like its predecessor, the first Audi Q model to gain a sporty S variant, the new SQ5 will again become the flagship version of the latest Audi Q5 range, which is set to arrive in showrooms in April. The new Audi SQ5 uses the brand’s V6 TFSI petrol engine, which also puts out 500Nm of torque and propels the car through 62mph from rest in 5.4 seconds. Efficiency improvements, mainly through a new combustion process that changes the amount of valve lift depending on the load, sees the car returning combined cycle fuel economy of 34mpg and CO2 emissions of 189g/km. Turbocharging replaces the supercharged unit fitted to the previous SQ5 – a twin-scroll turbocharger is mounted in the Vee between the two cylinder banks. This allows short flow lengths for the intake and exhaust and more efficient gas flow. The unit is also 14kg lighter than the unit it replaces and matched to an eight-speed tiptronic transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel-drive. Power biases slightly to the rear under normal driving but can be transferred to any axle that most needs it, with torque control that works on all types of surface. Slight braking of the inside wheels under cornering improves turn in, and this can be further enhanced with an optional sport differential. Mounted between the rear wheels it can increase torque to the outside axle when accelerating out of a tight corner. It can also cut understeer on turn-in. Five-link suspension is fitted at front and rear along with active dampers, their settings determined along with engine, steering and transmission by the cockpit-controlled Audi Drive Select system. Cast aluminium 20-inch wheels are fitted as standard, with 21-inch versions on the options list.

Driver aids feature

Equipment already offered on the new Audi Q5 range is extended to the SQ5, including an expanding selection of driver-assistance systems such as the pre-sense city aid that warns the driver of encroaching pedestrians and vehicles and can brake the car automatically if needed. Audi’s range-topping MMI navigation and infotainment system is also fitted as standard. Audi SQ5 orders open at the end of January with the first versions arriving in showrooms in the summer of 2017. Prices are to be announced but expected to be slightly more than the £52,300 of the previous version. Audi SQ5 03

Detroit show: Kia Stinger targets the Germans

Andrew Charman
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0
Detroit show: Kia Stinger targets the Germans

The Kia Stinger, unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, is a car charged with redefining the Korean brand’s image.

The Stinger is a fastback sports saloon, the highest-performance production vehicle in the history of Kia, and set to pitch the brand into battle against the performance versions of the premium German manufacturers’ biggest sellers, the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The car’s creators are promising that the car will shake up a segment dominated by European products.

Design of the four-door, five-seater has been overseen by Peter Schreyer, Kia Motors’ Chief Design Officer, and the brand’s Frankfurt design team. It was evolved from the GT concept first shown as long ago as 2011, and includes themes from the Stinger GT4 concept car from the Detroit show in 2014.

Potent GT version

Kia says that eventually the Stinger will be offered with ‘multiple engine and drivetrain configurations’, but currently two powertrains have been announced. Standard fit will be a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit with around 255hp and 346Nm of torque, but most interest surrounds the 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 unit which is targeting 365hp, 510Nm and a 5.1-second 0-62mph time. This will make the Stinger more potent than an Audi S4 and is expected to be offered in a range-topping GT model.

Both engines will be matched to a new eight-speed auto transmission with steering wheel paddle shifts, first released in Kia’s K900 luxury saloon, and a rear-wheel-drive transmission. Rear drive is considered essential for true performance cars while all-wheel drive will be available in some markets.

1701 Kia Stinger 03

The Stinger’s throttle mapping, transmission, suspension and steering will boast several driving modes selectable through an electronic system.

The car’s chassis has been developed by a team led by Albert Biermann, formerly at the M performance division of BMW. He describes the Stinger as “a special event,” for the Kia brand. “Because nobody expects such a car, not just the way it looks but also the way it drives – it’s a wholly different animal,” he says.

A large car

At 2.9m, the wheelbase of the Kia Stinger is longer than many mid-sized saloons such as the Audi A4, Infiniti Q50 and Mercedes CLS. The car also boasts greater length (4.8m) and width (1.9m) than much of the segment, and Kia promises spacious interior and boot space.

The chassis is 55% high-strength steel with a MacPherson Strut front suspension and a multi-link rear from which are hung 19-inch wheels. A first for Kia is Dynamic Stability Damping Control, adjustable electronically by the driver.

The production Kia Stinger will arrive in showrooms late in 2017. Prices are yet to be announced, but industry sources predict the GT version could cost around £43,000.

Kia Stinger 04
Kia Stinger 06
Kia Stinger 05

Vauxhall Mokka X review

Andrew Charman
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0
Vauxhall Mokka X review
What is it? The Vauxhall Mokka X is a major update to the four-year-old Mokka crossover Key features: Revised styling, improved interior, new name Our view: The updates add appeal to the model but the Vauxhall Mokka X is still overshadowed by rivals Type of review: Taster test
1701-Vauxhall-Mokka-X-review-03 The Vauxhall Mokka first appeared in late 2012 and while it has not exactly written many headlines, it has proved a major sales success for the Griffin brand. And while every manufacturer needs to be in the crossover market right now those already in it cannot sit back – new models and new rivals are appearing all the time. So rather than simply produce a typical mid-life refresh, Vauxhall has chosen to present the car as a new model. The extra ‘X’ sees the Mokka head up a new crossover line from Vauxhall and before the end of 2017 it will be joined by sister models the Crossland X and Grandland X.

What’s new – engines

Mechanically, the car gains an extended engine line-up, adding a more powerful 1.4-litre turbo petrol unit of 152hp and the 1.6-litre ‘whisper-jet’ diesel with 110hp. You can only buy the new range-topping petrol engine with all-wheel-drive and an auto gearbox. Current evidence shows, however, that the vast majority of buyers will be happy with front-wheel-drive – wanting the looks not the ability. And with more drivers turning back to petrol we opted instead to try a Mokka (sorry, Mokka X) fitted with the less powerful 1.4 unit of 140hp. This really is all one needs – it offers reasonable pace, hitting 62mph from rest in 9.9 seconds and returning combined-cycle fuel economy of 47mpg, though with the trade-off of 140g/km CO2 emissions. On the road it is reasonably refined, feeling pacey but not coarse, the six-speed manual gearbox more satisfying than the auto and the car riding well. Of course the diesels will provide greater fuel economy – the new unit returns combined cycle figures of up to 72mpg, its more powerful 136hp sister 69mpg, with CO2 emissions down to 103 and 106g/km respectively. But you will need to consider carefully whether your running cost savings will justify the price jump of close to £2,000.

What’s new – looks and equipment

The major changes to the Mokka X are to the exterior styling, and the quality of the interior. From the front you will easily tell an X from a Mokka – the new design is a definite improvement, the elements appear much more integrated. The creases are softer, the grille wider, the chrome add-ons are gone, and the headlamps are less dominating and with daytime running lights built in. The Mokka X also follows other Vauxhall models in being able to be specified with the optional AFL LED lights that adapt to driving conditions over nine different settings. At the rear you will need more assistance from the registration plate to identify a new Mokka X. The main differences are in the lower bumper area, notably much less obvious reflectors. Inside the Mokka X adopts the latest Vauxhall thinking on dash layouts as seen on the recent Astra. Now dominated by the seven-inch touchscreen of the IntelliLink system, the result is a decluttered, more user-friendly layout. The car also gains quite a lot of technology. The IntelliLink offers smartphone app integration through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as more typical features such as Bluetooth and audio streaming. The upper two of the four Mokka X trim levels see the IntelliLink screen grow by an extra inch and add extra features, including an integrated navigation system and the ability to watch videos when the car is at rest. OnStar, the Vauxhall personal assistant service, is also standard across the Mokka range. While headlined by its automatic reaction function in an emergency, for example alerting emergency services if the car crashes, OnStar also offers a wide range of additional features. These can range from navigation advice through one of the advisors contacted through a button in the cabin, to controlling functions such as door locking through a smartphone app. Vauxhall claims with some justification that OnStar is the industry leader in such connected services.

Verdict

The Vauxhall Mokka was due for an update and the Mokka X is a lot more than window dressing. The changes do not turn the car into a class leader – compare prices particularly in the higher trim levels and several perhaps more appealing rivals will compete for attention. But the entry-level models, in particular, are certainly worthy of consideration and the Mokka X should continue the line’s strong sales performance.

Vauxhall Mokka X – key specifications

Model tested: Vauxhall Mokka X 1.4T 140PS Price: From £18,310 (Range starts £17,590) On sale: October 2016 Engine: 1.4-litre petrol, 140hp, 200Nm 0-62mph and max speed*: 9.9sec, 120mph Economy and emissions*: 47.1mpg ,140g/km Key rivals: Nissan Juke, Honda HR-V, Renault Captur Test date: December 2016 * = front-wheel-drive version 1701-Vauxhall-Mokka-X-review-06

Next Nissan Leaf confirmed at electronics show

Andrew Charman
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Next Nissan Leaf confirmed at electronics show

The next Nissan Leaf electric car will be built with the brand’s newly-developed ProPilot technology, enabling autonomous driving on single-lane roads.

Plans for the car have been revealed as part of a keynote speech by Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

The new Nissan Leaf is expected to replace the current car (above) at a date that the brand will not currently reveal – industry sources suggest that 2018 is likely.

A next-generation Leaf will certainly offer a much greater range than the current car – based on the example of the IDS concept shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2015, a 340-mile capability is predicted.

The Leaf is the world’s best-selling EV with more than 250,000 sold. In the process its makers claim to have saved more than 497,000 tons of CO2 emissions – equivalent to those of 52,000 US homes.

Electric infrastructure

Nissan adds that it focusing on vehicle electrification and diversifying its powertrains and fuel systems to suit markets around the world. As well as the core electric vehicle (EV) technology it is developing e-Power hybrids and e-bio fuel-cell vehicles.

Nissan-SAM
SAM technology will help autonomous cars deal with situations such as this.

Other technology being explored includes using the batteries of EVs not just for driving but to store energy for a number of home and society uses.

Ghosn’s speech to the CES show, an event gaining increasing importance in the motor industry, focused mainly on autonomous technology and connected driving.

During the show Nissan demonstrated artificial intelligence in vehicles, by a link-up to a NASA research centre. Dubbed Seamless Autonomous Mobility (SAM) the technology is designed to allow millions of autonomous cars to operate safely and smoothly alongside each other.

SAM will ensure that autonomous vehicles do not make decisions on actions when they should not, for example if coming across an accident. Instead they will communicate with a human ‘Mobility Manager’ for advice, and in turn learn from the experience, while communicating with other SAM-equipped vehicles.

According to former NASA scientist Maarten Sierhuis, who is now director of the Nissan Research Center in Silicon Valley, the goal is to change the transportation infrastructure.

“We want to reduce fatalities and ease congestion – we need a huge number of vehicles out there,” says Sierhuis. “What we are doing at Nissan is finding a way so that we can have this future transportation system not in 20 years or more, but now.”

Advancing connectivity

Ghosn also announced that the Renault-Nissan Alliance is continuing its partnership on the development and deployment of advanced connected technologies.

These include Microsoft Cortana, an in-vehicle virtual personal assistant that will allow the vehicle to adapt to personalised driver settings. The system will even understand different driver preferences in a shared vehicle, making each driver feel like they are in their own car.

Nissan LEAF CES
The CES Show is becoming more important for car manufacturers to attend.

Winners and losers in 2016 new car showrooms

Stuart Masson
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Winners and losers in 2016 new car showrooms

The Ford Fiesta was the most popular new car in the UK in 2016 – as it has been for many years.

According to new figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT), a total of 120,525 Ford Fiesta models were registered in the UK over the year. This was more than 43,000 ahead of the runner-up in the new car top ten, the Vauxhall Corsa.

However the 77,110 registrations of the Corsa remain a strong performance in a year that saw Vauxhall fighting negative publicity resulting from at times misguided fire reports in older models.

The Ford Focus claims third place on 70,545 registrations, nosing ahead of its family hatch rival the Volkswagen Golf (69,492). And the Nissan Qashqai retains top spot in the booming crossover market, fifth overall on 62,682.

Meanwhile the SMMT figures highlight which manufacturers had a strong 2016 and which suffered. The highest growth in percentage terms came from Infiniti, the Nissan luxury brand up almost 142%. However its 2,891 cars registered represents a market share of only 0.1%.

Similarly registrations for Abarth, the Fiat performance brand, are up 45% but represent only 3,966 cars, 0.15% market share, while the 41% growth from Bentley sees the number of cars registered up by just 569 cars, to 1,948.

New-car-best-sellers
The 2016 New Car Top Ten table has a familiar look about it.

Much more impressive is the 45% rise recorded by Jaguar, which registered almost 11,000 more cars in 2016 taking the British manufacturer’s total to 34,822. Sister brand Land Rover was up 20% at 79,534.

Premium makes target volume

The figures tell a less rosy tale for the volume manufacturers. Ford registered more UK cars than any other manufacturer in 2016, at 318,316. This represents almost 12% of the entire market but is 5% down on 2015.

Second biggest maker remains Vauxhall with 250,955 registrations, down almost 7%. The 207,028 recorded by Volkswagen is a slide of 8%. And the clue could be in the next largest figures – the 182,593 registrations of BMW are up 9%, the 177,304 of Audi up 6%, and Mercedes-Benz with 169,828 up a very strong 17%. It seems more buyers than ever are realising they can own premium models previously thought of as unobtainable.

And the largest slide on the UK market? If one ignores Chevrolet, still recorded despite no longer being officially sold in the UK, the wooden spoon goes to Mitsubishi. The Japanese brand registered 18,237 cars in 2016, almost 20% fewer than in 2017.

Infiniti-sales
Infiniti is the brand seeing the greatest percentage growth in 2016.

UK new car market enjoys a record 2016

Andrew Charman
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0

More cars were registered in the UK than ever before in 2016, the market reaching almost 2.7 million.

Despite sales slipping in December, only the second month of the year to record a negative result, the market saw its fifth consecutive year of growth.

According to new figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT), 178,022 new cars were registered in December, 1.1% down on the same month in 2015.

However they contributed to a year-long total of 2,692,786 – 2.3% up on 2015 and a new record for the UK market.

The SMMT, which at the start of 2015 predicted that the market would “hold steady” in 2016 after soaring 6.3% in 2015, put the current strength in car sales down to fleet demand.

Fleet registrations grew to a record 1.38 million units, and while the private market remains high , with more than 1.2 million private buyers registering a new car in 2016, demand did fall after the first quarter of 2016.

December-car-sales
Sales slipped in December but did not prevent a record year.

Meanwhile the popularity of diesel cars is continuing to slip. They were down 6.8% in December, claiming 47% of the market compared to 49.8% a year before, and have slid back slightly over the year, holding 47.7% (2015 – 48.5%).

More buyers going electric

The appeal of alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs) is still climbing strongly, up 22.2% across the year. Plug-in hybrids and petrol electric hybrids, in particular, experienced significant growth, with demand up 41.9% and 25.1% respectively, while more than 10,000 motorists chose to go fully electric in 2016 – up 3.3% on 2015.

According to SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes, the market grew despite 2016’s political and economic uncertainties, and he puts this down to car makers offering “an incredible range” of innovative and high tech models.

“2017 may well be more challenging as sterling depreciation raises the price of imported goods but, with interest rates still at historic lows and a range of new models arriving in 2017, there are still many reasons for consumers to consider a new car in 2017,” Hawes says.

And continuing to focus on the Brexit process, Hawes adds; “Looking longer term, the strength of this market will rest on our ability to maintain our current trading relations and, in particular, avoid tariff barriers which could add significantly to the cost of a new car.”

New-car-sales-decade
After its post-recession lows the UK car industry is now soaring.
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