Skoda has announced full UK pricing and specification information for the all-new Skoda Fabia, which goes on sale at the end of September.
The fourth-generation Skoda Fabia is very different to its predecessor. It promises greater efficiency, more style and 50 litres more boot space.
Buyers will have a choice of four engine options, all petrol. The 65 and 85hp versions are combined with a five-speed manual gearbox, the 95hp with a six-speed version and the range-topping 110hp with a seven-speed automatic transmission.
There will be four different trim options available at launch, dubbed S, SE-L, Comfort and Colour Edition. A sports-styled Monte Carlo variant will be added in early 2022.
S versions start at £14,905 and include LED headlights, manual air conditioning and a seven-inch colour screen infotainment system with DAB digital radio.
The safety specification looks strong too, although the new Fabia has yet to be tested by independent safety body Euro NCAP. Standard across the Fabia range is autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian protection, and an advanced lane-assistance systen that also detects the road edge. Also fitted is a system that establishes an audio and data connection to a dedicated emergency call centre if sensors within the car detect a major accident.
Upgrading to SE Comfort costs an extra £1,800 and among the extra equipment are 15-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, rear parking sensors, leather steering wheel and extra front seat adjustment.
SE L versions, from £18,980, adds a host of extra trim, larger 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone air conditioning, front and rear electric windows and a 9-inch display screen with navigation.
The Colour Edition, from £17,495, is intended to be personalised – the car’s roof, wing mirror caps and alloy wheels can be finished in either metallic Graphite Grey or pearl-effect Magic Black to contrast with the main body colour.
Colour Edition models also get the Volkswagen Group ‘Digital Cockpit’ through a ten-inch screen, keyless start/stop and the signature example of Skoda’s ‘Simply Clever’ details, an umbrella mounted in the door pocket.
Dealers start taking orders for the new Fabia at the end of September, with first cars expected on UK roads before the end of the year.
The Land Rover Defender is truly an off-roader for the ages, which can trace its heritage back to the original Land Rover launched in 1948. It was designed under the premise of being an inexpensive, all-purpose vehicle that could conquer any terrain.
That original Land Rover evolved over the decades to become the Land Rover Defender, which continued the model’s success until finally ending production in 2016.
An all-new Defender finally entered production in 2020, bringing a new focus to the famous nameplate that is a far cry from the utilitarian role of the original Land Rover.
From its ancestry to the modern day, we take a look at the evolutions and revolutions of one of Britain’s most famous motor cars.
Series I (1948 – 1957)
The first Land Rover was launched at the Amsterdam motor show in April 1948. This model would later become known as the Series I. It had a 1.6-litre petrol engine from the Rover P3 that produced all of 50hp, and the first verions were built with a pick-up body style.
After a year, 8,000 had been built and the British Army ordered its first trial cars, while selectable two- and four-wheel-drive was added in 1951. In 1952, the engine was increased to a 52bhp 2.0-litre unit, while a new long-wheelbase version was added.
Series II (1958 – 1974)
The second generation model was introduced in 1958, featuring a lightly updated body and a 2.25-litre petrol engine. A facelifted version called the Series IIA, arrived in 1961 and brought a new 62bhp 2.3-litre diesel engine option.
Ever popular, it would be the Series IIA that would influence the British public’s perception of Land Rover for the decade to come. It’s remembered for both its rugged strength and its many appearances in popular films and television documentaries in the 1960s.
This popularity soon led to Land Rover production surpassing half a million vehicles in 1968. At around that same time, the headlights were moved out to the front wings to meet various new safety regulations around the world.
Series III (1971 – 1985)
The next evolution in the Land Rover story launched in 1971 with the Series III. This generation is recognisable by its plastic grille, flatter door hinges and a full-width dashboard. To demonstrate its increasing popularity, production hit 750,000 in 1971 and then one million by 1976.
In a small glimpse of what the future would hold, Land Rover started to offer new interior trim options with the release of the Series III, looking to attract buyers who wanted a more comfortable driving experience.
The Defender is born (1990 – 2016)
In 1983, the Series III underwent some modernisation, evolving into the new 90 (short wheelbase) and 110 (medium wheelbase) and 127 (long wheelbase) models being introduced. Coil springs replaced the original leaf spring units, along with new four-cylinder engines that connected to a full synchromesh five-speed manual gearbox.
In 1990, the range was renamed Defender, although the 90, 110 and 130 length designations remained. A new diesel engine was also offered. Gradually, more creature comforts were added and several special editions were released, all of which were more lifestyle models than workhorses.
The next major milestone for the Defender didn’t come until 2007, with a major overhaul that was largely aimed at complying with new safety and emissions rules. It consisted of a new four-cylinder diesel engine with a six-speed manual gearbox, updated dashboard, and minor body alterations.
In 2015, Land Rover celebrated ‘The Year of the Defender’ with three new Limited Edition models being launched, as well as recreating the Series I production line in Solihull. Production finally came to an end in January 2016 after nearly 68 years of gradual evolution.
The car’s design may have seemed static, but in reality it was anything but. By the time the Defender ended production in 2016, there were very few parts that could actually fit onto the older Land Rover Series I and Series II models as almost every component on the car had been redesigned over the years.
The end of production in 2016 genuinely marked the end of an era for both Land Rover and the British motor industry. It may have become most popular as a rather ridiculous urban SUV by the end of its life, but it remained a remarkably flexible vehicle design.
The number of different uses for adapted Land Rover Series I – III and Defenders was almost endless – fire tender, ambulance, military transport, recovery vehicle, emergency response, exploration vehicle and mobile workshop are just some of its many careers.
New Defender (2019 – present)
At the 2019 Frankfurt motor show, an new Defender broke cover, sporting an all-new platform, advanced off-road technology and a cool, retro-inspired look. The model hit UK streets in early 2020.
Some purists were disappointed to see the interior move upmarket as the traditional model was known for being easy to clean when being used as a true workhorse. But the new Defender boasts some of the most advanced off-road technology ever fitted to a production car to make it capable on any terrain, while also being pleasant inside for families who want a practical SUV.
Successes continue to mount for the ever-popular Defender. Among a string of local and international awards, it was recently named 2021 World Car Design of the Year at the annual World Car Awards.
Highlighting Land Rover’s ongoing ties to the silver screen, a new James Bond edition of the Defender has been unveiled in 2021, marking the release of the new Bond flick, No Time To Die.
Looking to the future, electric models will be the way forward for Land Rover and the Defender. In Summer 2021, Land Rover released the Defender P400e, the first plug-in hybrid model to be added to the Defender family.
The current Land Rover Defender is part of our industry-leading Expert Ratings index, where it has achieved an outstanding Expert Rating of 87% based on 34 reviews from UK media sources. Check out the Expert Rating for the Land Rover Defender here.
Buy or lease a Land Rover Defender
If you’re interested in a new Land Rover Defender, or a used Defender in either the current or classic shape, The Car Expert’s commercial partners have hundreds of cars to choose from.
Buy a car online from your sofa. We’ll deliver it. Find out more
We only have the best used cars from selected dealers. Find out more
There seems to be a belief among some car buyers that GAP insurance is only valuable for those customers buying a brand-new vehicle with some sort of finance. But it can be equally valable for used car buyers as well.
If you’re buying a cheap used car for a couple of thousand pounds or less, it may not be that beneficial. But if you’re spending more than that, and especially if you are borrowing money to help you pay for the car, GAP (guaranteed asset protection) insurance is well worth considering.
Over the last decade, the number of people buying used cars on dealer-sourced finance has tripled. According to data published by the Finance and Leasing Association (FLA), more than 2.1 million used cars have been financed through dealerships in the 12 months to July 2021. That compares to less than 700,000 used cars ten years ago in 2011.
As well as massive growth in the number of people financing a used car, the amount being borrowed has increased rapidly as well. Back in 2011, the average amount borrowed on a used car was just over £9,000. In 2021, that has increased to just under £17,000 – an 80% increase in value. And it’s accelerating as more consumers switch from new to used cars.
More borrowing means more debt risk
While the used car market used to be primarily a cash business, it’s now shifted to be dominated by car finance. That has increased the financial risk for car buyers.
Traditionally, used vehicles don’t depreciate at the same rate as new vehicles. But if you’re using a finance deal to purchase a used vehicle, you’re usually borrowing a lot of money and paying a significant amount of interest on top of your borrowing. That means GAP insurance for used cars is becoming an increasingly important consideration.
GAP insurance is the cover that bridges the gap between what your main insurer will pay out and what you paid for your vehicle, in the event your car is a total loss (ie – stolen or written off).
While your primary car insurance will pay out the market value for your car at the time it was stolen or written off, that’s a lot less than what you paid for the car originally. The cheque offered is also unlikely to cover your finance settlement completely, leaving you with no car and, potentially, a debt of thousands of pounds.
GAP insurance for used cars – your options
GAP insurance can be useful for any owner with a vehicle less than ten years old, whether the car bought is new or used. And even if you’re a cash buyer, if you’re particular about your vehicle being replaced like-for-like, you’ll still have to factor some depreciation in.
Return To Invoice GAP is traditionally the most common form of GAP insurance for used cars. If your car is a total loss, it covers the difference between your car insurance payout and the original purchase price.
Finance GAP covers the difference between your car insurance payout and your finance settlement, ensuring that any PCP hanging over you is completely paid off.
Vehicle Replacement GAP covers the difference between your car insurance payout and the replacement cost for a similar vehicle. This is helpful as used cars get increasingly more expensive, as a like-for-like replacement may cost a lot more in three years time than it does today, so you’re covered for any price increases.
Ultimately, insurance is there to get you out of a pickle when things go bad. While GAP insurance doesn’t suit all used vehicle purchases, given how intrinsic a car purchase is to a life of convenience, it’s worth considering all options.
No longer in production, the Citroën Grand C4 SpaceTourer was a rarity on the UK car market – a seven-seat MPV. Originally known as the Grand C4 Picasso, this model ultimately dates back to 2013.
The seven-seater Grand C4 SpaceTourer was based on the smaller five-seat C4 SpaceTourer model, which is also no longer on sale in the UK.
Despite its age, the car still sold in sufficient numbers up until it was finally discontinued in 2022, and continued to win awards as well. The people carrier received its final update in October 2021, though it was mostly about ‘streamlining’ the trim choices, with either a petrol or diesel engine each of 130hp.
Reviewers tended to like the Grand C4 SpaceTourer, with the body shape earning praise. “With modern, stylish looks, it shows an MPV doesn’t have to be boring,” said Carbuyer. Meanwhile, Eurekar dubbed the Grand C4 SpaceTourer “incredibly versatile” and “proof that there is still room in the market for a well-thought-out MPV”.
As of February 2026, the Citroën Grand C4 SpaceTourer holds a Used Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 61%. It gets good grades for its low running costs and low CO2 emissions. However, its reliability score and media reviews are only average, while its safety score is poor.
Body style: Large MPV Engines: petrol, diesel Price when new: From £28,630 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2018 Last updated: Autumn 2019 Production ended: Summer 2022
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “Bold Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer, formerly Picasso, mixes comfort, style, practicality and efficiency to great effect.” Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7 / 10 “MPVs aren’t as common as they used to be, but it’s hard to knock the Citroen Grand C4 Spacetourer for its blend of space and style. It’s as quirky as a Citroen should be and hugely roomy inside, and very affordable for this type of car.” Read review
Business Car
Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10 “The Citroën Grand C4 Spacetourer is a cost-effective and well thought out addition to a sector lacking in choice.” Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed: Score: 9 / 10 “It would also be impossible to find an SUV with the flexibility and versatility for the same price as in the Citroën Grand C4 Spacetourer.” Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8.6 / 10 “With modern, stylish looks, the Citroën Grand C4 SpaceTourer shows an MPV doesn’t have to be boring” Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: Score: 7 / 10 “The Citroen C4 Grand SpaceTourer is a spacious and very practical seven-seat MPV with a cool, futuristic design, but it’s not quite as good to drive as many alternatives.” Read review
Eurekar
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic Flair “The incredibly versatile Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer is proof that, despite the rise of the SUV, there is still a place in the family car market for a well-thought out MPV – especially when holiday time comes around.” Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview “Many seven-seaters can prove cramped, but the design of the longer wheelbase Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer is such that the middle row of three individual seats slide separately and even when fully slid back – which provides a huge degree of legroom – there’s still a substantial boot area.” Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic Flair “A touchscreen-heavy dashboard with too few buttons was an annoying demerit but the biggest windscreen in the business lets you enjoy passing cloud formations and a dash readout of 45.5mpg brought a feeling of contentment in a high-mileage session at the wheel.” Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic Feel “With all the versatility and practicality of a minibus but the light handling and easy driving capabilities of a large family car, the Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer is the ideal vehicle for an active family that needs to transport up to seven people in style.” Read review
Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre diesel automatic Flair Score: 7 / 10 “If you need a seven-seater people carrier that’s spacious, relatively efficient and affordable then the Citroën Grand C4 SpaceTourer could be your answer.” Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7 / 10 “The Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer is an MPV or multi-purpose vehicle, which is just another way of saying it’s a great family car. It’s one of the best. Perfect if you’re looking for a car that’s got loads of room, doesn’t come with eye-watering running costs and even manages to look relatively stylish.” Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview “Citroen renamed its Picasso range – with the Grand C4 SpaceTourer replacing the Grand C4 Picasso. It’s in a bid to bring the MPVs in-line with the SpaceTourer van-based people carrier.” Read review
Motors
Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10 “The Citroën Grand C4 Spacetourer is stylish, good value, and delivers a superb ride.”
Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “As a 7-seater, the Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer (Picasso) is not quite at the pinnacle of quality, and it’s by no means the best equipped, but we can see why it would be a popular choice among consumers.” Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: “If you are looking for bags of space without admitting you need a commercial vehicle, the Citroen SpaceTourer should be on your shopping list.” Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
The Citroën Grand C4 SpaceTourer was originally tested by Euro NCAP back in 2013 and awarded a five-star rating. It was then known as the Grand C4 Picasso, and the score applies to both the smaller C4 Picasso/SpaceTourer and larger Grand C4 Picasso/SpaceTourer
However, this rating expired in January 2020 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.
If you are comparing a used Grand C4 SpaceTourer or Picasso to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The Citroën Grand C4 SpaceTourer was not tested by Green NCAP during its production life.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 334 Average repair cost: £441.40 Last updated: April 2025
As of April 2025 (our most recent data point), the Citroën C4 family has a fairly average reliability record. That’s according to workshop and extended warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner MotorEasy.
The average repair bill to date has been about £450, which is better than average. Watch our for gearbox issues, however, which have an average bill of more than £1,200.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Citroën Grand C4 SpaceTourer has received
2022
Auto Express Awards – Best Used MPV
2020
Carbuyer Awards – Best Seven-Seat Car
2019
Carbuyer Awards – Best MPV
2018
Business Car Awards – Best MPV
Auto Express Awards – Best MPV
Carbuyer Awards – Best MPV
2017
Auto Express Awards – Best MPV
Carbuyer Awards – Best Seven-Seater
DieselCar Magazine ‘Top 50’ – Best MPV
Leasing.com Awards – Best MPV
2016
Auto Express Awards – Best MPV
DieselCar Magazine ‘Top 50’ – Best MPV
FleetWorld Awards – Best MPV
2015
Auto Express Awards – Best MPV
FleetWorld Awards – Best MPV
Fleet News Awards – Best Seven-Seat People Carrier
Telegraph Car Awards – Best Seven-Seater
2014
Auto Express Awards – Best MPV
DieselCar Magazine ‘Top 50’ – Best MPV
Scottish Car of the Year Awards – Best MPV
Tow Car Awards – Best MPV
UK Car of the Year Awards – Best MPV
2013
Top Gear Awards – Best Family Car
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Citroën Grand C4 SpaceTourer, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Rivals to the Citroën Grand C4 SpaceTourer have been falling by the wayside as buyers decamp to SUVs – we’ve lost prime contenders such as the Renault Grand Scenic, Volkswagen Sharan and SEAT Alhambra in recent years. Some remain, however, and among the most popular is the Ford S-Max.
Launched in 2021, the Audi Q4 e-tronisa mid-sized electric SUV and the fourth addition to Audi’s EV line-up.
Available in both SUV and Sportback versions, the Q4 e-tron built on one of Volkswagen Group’s dedicated electric vehicle platforms, just like the similarly sized Volkswagen ID.4 and the Skoda Enyaq.
The Audi Q4 e-tron offers plenty of choice, with two battery options and three power levels on offer. The entry-level 125kW ’35’ and mid-range 150kW ’40’ versions both have a single electric motor driving the rear wheels, while the top-spec 220kW ’50’ models are powered by two electric motors that drive all four wheels.
The Audi Q4 e-tron has been praised for its starting price but criticised for its costly options packages, which can take the price up to more than £65,000.
The Q4 e-tron Sportback is mechanically identical to the more conventional SUV version, with the main difference being a more sharply raked roofline that sacrifices some boot space and rear headroom for slightly sleeker styling. Top Gear concludes that there’s little point opting for the Sportback variant of the Q4 e-tron, saying that “the Sportback e-tron gives you less for more”.
Overall, the Q4 e-tron has had a lot of praise from across the media for its high levels of build quality, comfortable driving experience and roomy interior. Auto Express is impressed, suggesting that the Q4 e-tron will “become the German company’s biggest seller behind the A3 hatchback.”
As of February 2026, the Audi Q4 e-tron has an Expert Rating score of A for both new and used car calculations (with scores of 75% and 69%, respectively). The only caveat to this excellent set of results is that we don’t yet have any meaningful reliability data, as the model simply hasn’t been around long enough.
“The Audi Q4 e-tron is good to drive, has understated handsome looks and the interior is fairly posh, but top models aren’t that comfortable and alternatives have more range.”
Model reviewed: Sportback range Score: 8 / 10 “Most people will choose the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron for the way it looks. But the big news here is that if you want the sleek styling of a coupe SUV but aren’t prepared to compromise when it comes to space or practicality, then it comes alarmingly close to being a zero compromise family car.” Read review
Model reviewed: SUV range Score: 9 / 10 “The Q4 e-tron is an impressive EV and one of the best cars on the MEB platform yet. It answers the issues of ride comfort, build quality and iffy infotainment that blight VW’s own ID models in a really appealing package with a decent real-world range, too.” Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Sportback range Score: 6 / 10 “The Audi Q4 competes with the likes of the Polestar 2, Volvo C40, Tesla Model Y and Jaguar I-Pace, even if the Sportback can’t currently match any of them for power or performance. It’s more expensive and less practical than the standard Q4 e-tron as well, and for these reasons this would remain our pick of the two.” Read review
Model reviewed: SUV range Score: 7 / 10 “The Audi Q4 e-tron is Audi’s twist the shared electric platform used by relatives like the ID.4, Skoda Enyaq and Cupra Born. It’s got the image and performance to compete but the VW, Skoda and Cupra variations on the theme arguably offer more for your money for essentially the same car.” Read review
Business Car
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 9 / 10 “The Audi Q4 e-tron offers great build quality and long range, but high-end versions have lofty pricing.” Read review
Car
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The Audi Q4 e-Tron hits the trendy new targets of EV ownership (range over power, charging speed over top speed) with aplomb. Its footprint is small enough for it to pass as planet-friendly urbanite and to calm the social acceptance watchdogs.” Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed: Sportback range Score: 8 / 10 “This Sportback model brings extra style to what is already a very competent electric SUV. Managing to bring sleeker looks at a relatively mild price increase – and with no significant practicality disadvantage, it is a great option.” Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 9 / 10 “The Audi Q4 e-tron is another accomplished electric car that will easily slot into customers’ lives, and it feels like a turning point for this German firm as it starts to make EVs more accessible.” Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8.6 / 10 “The Audi Q4 e-tron is the first affordable electric model from Audi, boasting an upmarket interior and design to help set it apart from rivals.” Read review
Company Car Today
Model reviewed: Q4 40 e-tron 77kWh battery “The Audi Q4 e-tron does all the things it will need to in order to become one of Audi’s biggest sellers, especially with its impressive range figures.” Read review
Discover EV
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “Audi’s newest entry-level electric SUV is very good as an everyday car and in this guise it is an enticing prospect for anyone making the transition to electric – prioritising range over power, and charging speed over top speed.” Read review
Electrifying.com
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “Audi’s first electric car to be designed from the ground up takes all the best bits of VW’s new electric cars and puts them in a higher-quality package. It’s instantly desirable.” Read review
Fleetworld
Model reviewed: 40 Launch Edition Score: 8 / 10 “Refined, spacious and good to drive, the Q4 e-tron is exactly the mass-market EV we expected Audi to make.” Read review
Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 50 Sportback S line Score: 10 / 10 “The Audi Q4 Sportback 50 e-tron quattro 299PS 220kW S line is an excellent all-round car. It looks stylish, it’s good to drive, the interior is well designed, high quality and functional, and we particularly like the physical buttons for key controls on the dashboard.” (Paul Clarke) Read review
Model reviewed: Q4 e-tron 50 quattro 220kWh battery S line Score: 10 / 10 “The Audi Q4 e-tron 50 quattro is one of the best EVs that you can buy at the moment.” Read review
Model reviewed: Q4 40 e-tron 77kWh battery Score: 8 / 10 “Audi is right to be bullish about its latest electric SUV. While the Q4 40 e-tron is the model that obviously makes the most sense, the choices of two battery options and three power levels gives some great choice to EV buyers that’s impossible to fault.” Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Q4 Sportback range Score: 7 / 10 “We like the Audi Q4 e-tron, but what of the Sportback version? Well, you pay a bit more for a bit less practicality. But its still a well-sorted and high quality electric SUV that will make sense for a lot of people. Our Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron review delves deeper into it.” Author: Lawrence Allan Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The Audi Q4 e-tron is a thoroughly impressive premium, electric SUV. Buy one with the bigger battery and it’ll cover more than 300 miles between charges, while its plush interior justifies the price hike over the Volkswagen ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq iV.” Author: Andrew Brady Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “Audi’s premium electric SUV is expensive but lavishly kitted out. Its interior is almost unbeatable while a choice of drivetrains cater for a wide range of buyers.” Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Sportback range Score: 8 / 10 “Sleeker version of Audi’s electric SUV drives well and looks good.” Read review
Model reviewed: SUV range Score: 8 / 10 “Audi’s take on the electric family SUV is cool and classy.” Read review
The Independent
Model reviewed: Sportback range Score: 8 / 10 “The Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron is the stretched-out, more dynamically designed version of the Q4 e-tron SUV. It’s a very comfortable motorway cruiser, but can also hold its own on more testing roads.” Author: Maxine Ashford Read review
The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: 40 Launch Edition Score: 8 / 10 “like the Q5, the Audi Q4 e-tron exudes levels of quality that most other manufacturers can’t reach. It’s quiet, refined, well screwed-together and looks impressive inside and out. It can be recharged quickly and if you buy the larger battery model, it’ll go a long way between charges, too.” Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Sportback range Score: 8 / 10 “A coupe-ified SUV that isn’t massively less practical than the car on which it’s based. But you still want the SUV.” Read review
Model reviewed: SUV range Score: 8 / 10 “The Audi Q4 e-tron truly heralds the next generation of electric vehicles – not because of any new technology, or space age looks, but rather in its overwhelming ordinariness.” Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Clean Air Index: 10 / 10 Energy Efficiency Index: 9.2 / 10 Greenhouse Gas Index: 9.5 / 10
The Audi Q4 e-tron had its emissions tested in Summer 2022 – the top-of-the-line version receiving a full five-star rating. Compared to other electric SUVs, Green NCAP says that the Q4 “demonstrates high powertrain and climatization management efficiency together with an efficient charging process.”
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of February 2026, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Audi Q4 e-tron to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Q4 e-tron, we’ll publish the score here.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Battery range
Average
Score
Variation
Score
EV models
300 miles
B
Electrical efficiency
Average
Score
Variation
Score
EV models
3.9 m/KWh
C
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
41
D
Service and maintenance
Cost
Score
Year 1
£309
D
Year 2
£616
C
Year 3
£928
C
Year 4
£1,212
C
Year 5
£1,519
C
Overall
£4,584
C
Particularly when compared to petrol-powered Audi SUVs, the Q4 e-tron is pretty cheap to run, according to data exclusively provided by out technical partner Clear Vehicle Data.
It’s electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon for a petrol or diesel car) meets the market average, while insurance premiums should be good compared to upmarket rivals as well. But the even better news is that scheduled servicing costs for the Q4 e-tron are very good.
In addition, an official battery range of 313 miles (which varies from 198 miles to 328 miles, depending on which model you choose) is well above average. So you shouldn’t need to worry about running out of charge in normal day-to-day driving.
Date: May 2024 Recall number: R/2024/224 Model types: All Build dates: 04/2024 Number of vehicles affected: 7 Defect: On affected vehicles the electronic stabilisation control (ESC) unit may fail resulting in the loss of braking effort it may also affect the operation of the ESC and anti-lock braking system (ABS). If a red brake fault warning is displayed, safely stop the vehicle immediately the electronic parking brake (EPB) can always be used to stop the vehicle if required and do not use vehicle until obtained further advice from the manufacturer. Remedy: On affected vehicles, the electronic stabilisation control (ESC) unit will be checked and replaced if necessary.
As of September 2024 (our most recent data point), we are aware of only one DVSA vehicle safety recall on the Audi Q4 e-tron addressing various different issues.
Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Audi dealer.
If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used Q4 e-tron, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.
Electric crossovers are rapidly growing in number, and the Audi Q4 e-tron sits between a number of potential rivals that are slightly cheaper or slightly more expensive, or slightly smaller or slightly larger.
Safety body Euro NCAP has praised the safety technology being applied to new electrified cars after giving out top five-star ratings across its latest round of crash tests.
Five new models were tested and only one of them, the Subaru Outback, did not include some form of electrification in its powertrain.
The vehicles ratings published this week covered the new Audi Q4 e-tron, Subaru Outback and Toyota Mirai, all of which are now available in the UK.
Also tested were two new models from China, which will be going on sale in Europe as soon as next year and are expected to make their way to the UK at some point. The Lynk & Co 01 is available as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, while the Nio ES8 is a battery-powered electric vehicle.
High praise for Audi Q4 e-tron, Subaru Outback and Toyota Mirai
Unsurprisingly, the Audi Q4 e-tron EV replicated the top five-star ratings of its Volkswagen Group siblings, the Volkswagen ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq, and achieved similar scores across the board. Meanwhile, the Subaru Outback returned a 95% score in the Safety Assist category, dubbed “outstanding” by testers who highlighted its driver fatigue warning feature (one it shares with the Nio).
Attracting great interest was the Toyota Mirai, one of the first cars that has its electric motor powered by a hydrogen fuel cell rather than a battery pack. There have been some misgivings about the safety of fuel cell vehicles in an accident, as hydrogen is a highly explosive substance – even far more more than petrol.
“With a high-pressure tank storing the hydrogen, safety is of paramount importance and the latest generation Mirai ensures this with a top five-star rating,” Euro NCAP said.
The safety body paid extra attention to the crash and post-crash safety of the Mirai but found that its hydrogen powertrain had no effect on its inherent safety.
The hydrogen fuel-cell drivetrain of the Toyota Mirai has no effect on its strong safety performance.
Impressive results from latest Chinese models
Lynk & Co is owned by Geely, which also owns Volvo, and the 01 shares its chassis with the Volvo XC40. Crash-testers described the car’s results as “impressive” and added “its 96% score for adult occupant protection, including a maximum score for side impact, stands out.”
The car’s full specification of standard-fit active safety features were also praised.
The Nio ES8 also earned accolades for its active safety, with testers highlighting the “excellent results” for its autonomous emergency braking system. This helped it to earn a 92% score for Safety Assist.
The Nio ES8, seen here in the side-pole test, was also praised for its active safety.
Euro NCAP secretary general Michiel van Ratingen said that while some of the wave of new Chinese-built cars heading for Europe were less than transparent in their safety, “Lynk & Co and Nio show that ‘Made in China’ is not any longer a pejorative term when it comes to car safety.
“It’s clear that all manufacturers know that Euro NCAP will hold them to high standards if they want to sell cars in Europe and gratifying that they are prepared to make the investment to get the best safety ratings,” van Ratingen added.
While the drivetrains of these cars are driven by environmental concerns, Von Ratingen said, they also have some of the very latest active safety technology; “This, too, is part of a trend that has been going on for some time and will continue to do so, to save lives on Europe’s roads.
“The manufacturers of these cars don’t ask you to choose between saving the planet or saving your family, and nor should you be asked to,” he added.
It was another topsy-turvy month for new car sales, with shortages of crucial computer chips mking life difficult for car manufacturers.
August is also traditionally one of the quiestest months of the year, ahead of new number plates in September, so some manufacturers may have preferred to hold back a bit in order to have more stock available next month.
Some manufacturers have been coping with the chip shortage better than others. The Volkswagen and Hyundai groups have so far maintained sales at or ahead of the overall market, as have Toyota and Lexus. Others have not have such a good time – Ford and Renault are both big brands that have been well off the pace by their own standards.
We’ve published our normal report on the monthly new car registration figures, with plenty of detail that you won’t find elsewhere. So let’s now look at the mixed-up top ten results for August 2021.
The UK’s top-selling cars, August 2021
1. Ford Puma
The Ford Puma topped the charts in August, becoming the sixth different monthly sales champ in eight months of 2021 to date (only the Vauxhall Corsa has spent more than one month on top).
The Fiesta-based SUV’s success is coming at the direct expense of its hatchback sister, however, as the Fiesta endures its most challenging sales year in about a decade in looks ever-more likely to lose its tag as the UK’s best-selling car at the end of 2021.
Ford’s junior crossover has been popular with critics, currently holding a rating of 76% on our unique Expert Rating index. This has slipped a few points as a result of our algorithm update, but the Puma remains the highest-rated mainstream petrol small SUV, with only a couple of electric models and the more expensive Volvo XC40 ranked higher.
After topping the charts last month, it was another great month for the Volkswagen Polo to take second place in August. Once again, the Polo was helped by struggles for both the Vauxhall Corsa and Ford Fiesta, and presumbly some runout deals from Volkswagen Finance to help shift stock of the current model ahead of the updated Polo’s arrival in time for the September sales rush.
The Polo currently holds an Expert Rating of 76%, which makes it one of the top-rated small cars according to our industry-leading Expert Rating index.
Like the VW Polo, it was another great month for the Toyota Yaris in August despite dropping a place. Third in the best-sellers chart is still an excellent result for the Yaris and it retains eighth place in year-to-date registrations. However, September is a huge month so could turn everything on its head all over again.
The Yaris currently holds an overall score of 67% on our Expert Rating index, which has dropped from its previous rating of 76% since we updated our top-secret algorithm. This is a bigger fall than affected the Polo or Fiesta, but still keeps it four points above the Corsa.
Another fantastic result for another car in run-out mode. The current Kia Sportage has been around since 2015, and is set to be replaced by an all-new model before the end of 2021. The only downside for Kia was the the Volkswagen Polo had an even stronger month, so the Sportage has slipped back from sixth to seventh in year-to-date sales.
The Sportage currently holds an Expert Rating of 64% in our industry-leading Expert Ratings index, which has dropped three points from 67% as a result of our updated scoring system. That puts it firmly in the bottom half of the medium SUV sector, so Kia will hoping that its boldly styled replacment can improve on this score.
The BMW 3 Series is back in the top ten for the second time in three months. Fifth place this month has seen it re-take ninth in year-to-date sales over the Nissan Qashqai.
The 3 Series currently rates two points better than the electric Tesla Model 3 in our Expert Rating index, and a long way ahead of other petrol/diesel/plug-in rivals from Audi, Mercedes and others. As of September 2021, it has an overall score of 85%, which is exceptionally high.
The first new face in this month’s top ten is the all-new Hyundai Tucson. It edged out the Vauxhall Corsa for sixth place by a mere three units.
The new Tucson has drawn attention with its bold front-end styling, so it will be interesting to see if Hyundai can maintain this registration rate once we get into the big-sales month of September.
The Hyundai Tucson currently has an Expert Rating of 75%, which places it well in the top half of all of the medium SUV marketplace according to our industry-leading Expert Rating index.
Despite another poor month (although a lot better than last month, when it vanished from the top ten altogether), the Vauxhall Corsa has extended its year-to-date sales lead over the Ford Fiesta and looks ever-more likely to end the year as the UK’s most popular new car.
The petrol and diesel versions of the new Corsa currently hold an Expert Rating of 63% on our industry-leading Expert Rating index, as does the all-electric Corsa-e. That score puts it in the bottom half of the supermini class, suggesting that journalists are not as excited about the Corsa as customers seem to be.
The Puma’s success at the top of the sales charts will be bittersweet for Ford executives, because it’s at least partly responsible for the 12-year reign of the Fiesta as the UK’s most popular new car coming to an imminent end.
Eighth place in August is actually one place better than the Fiesta managed in July, but it still lost ground to the Vauxhall Corsa. With only four months to go, Ford will need a herculean effort (and plenty of supply of stock) to close a near-3,000 unit gap to its Vauxhall rival.
The Fiesta currently holds an Expert Rating of 78% in The Car Expert’s unique Expert Rating index, which aggregates reviews from 25 of the UK’s top motoring websites, which makes it one of the very best small hatchbacks on sale.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is another big-selling car that has run into sales problems over the last few months due to a lack of computer chips to supply vehicles.
Fortunately for Mercedes, the Volkswagen Golf performed even worse than than the A-Class, falling out of the top ten altogether. That means that the race for third place in overall 2021 new car sales is incredibly close, with the A-Class less than 300 units behind the Golf and less than 100 units ahead of the ever-improving Ford Puma.
The A-Class has an Expert Rating of 71% in The Car Expert’s unique aggregated Expert Rating index, which is a five-point drop as a result of our new calculations. It ranks highly for safety, winning awards from Euro NCAP and Thatcham over the years for its protective qualities.
The British-built Toyota Corolla makes its top ten debut this month, giving Toyota two cars in the best-sellers list for the first time in a long, long time. Maybe ever? We honestly stopped looking through old data after about 30 seconds. If you know the answer, please feel free to berate our ignorance on social media, as our comments section is currently down due to technical issues.
This also makes the Corolla this month’s biggest-selling British-built car, as neither the Nissan Qashqai or the Mini hatch made the list. The Mini usually does well in September, however, so the Corolla’s glory may be short-lived.
The Toyota Corolla has an Expert Rating of 66% in The Car Expert’s unique aggregated Expert Rating index, which is a nine-point drop as a result of our new calculations.
The fifth generation of the Kia Sportage has made its European debut at the Munich motor show, the Korean brand confirming that plug-in hybrid and pure hybrid powertrains will be available for the SUV.
The Sportage is sharing the limelight with Kia’s new EV6, also making its European debut, in a pod-like stand specially built outside in Munich’s Odeonsplatz.
The new Sportage is the first version of Kia’s highly popular SUV built specifically for the European market.
Its styling shows a strong family resemblance to the EV6, with a dominant full-face version of the signature ‘Tiger Nose’ grille and sharply pointed headlamps. The side profile is also distinctly different to older Sportage models without the windows in the rear screen pillars.
Plug-in hybrid models will pair a 1.6-litre petrol engine with a 13.8kWh electric motor, offering a combined output rated at 265hp. Electric-only range is expected to be close to 35 miles.
Petrol versions will be powered by a new 1.6-litre engine in either 150hp or 180hp output levels, both with mild hybrid technology to improve performance and economy. Two diesel variants are also available; a 1.6-litre engine with outputs of either 115hp or 136hp.
Kia apparently does not intend to offer a full-electric Sportage to avoid taking sales from the new EV6, which is a bespoke electric crossover model.
The interior of the Sportage is also inspired by the EV6, the front dominated by a pair of 12-inch touchscreens. It also features ‘multi-mode’ buttons which change their function according to which aspect of the car they are controlling.
The new Sportage will be available to order in the UK before the end of 2021 with the first cars expected to hit our roads early next year.
Chinese car maker Wey could be heading to the UK in coming years with a new plug-in hybrid SUV called the Coffee 01 as the brand eyes an expansion into Europe.
The brand, which was set up as an upmarket division of Chinese automotive giant Great Wall, intends to rival executive brands such as Audi and BMW.
Unveiled at this week’s Munich motor show, the Coffee 01 will go on sale in European next year, starting in Germany and then moving onto Spain, Italy and then the rest of Europe. The company plans to eventually open a European production plant for the Coffee 01.
The launch of the Wey brand marks a change in direction for Great Wall, which has previously tried and failed to establish itself in Europe, including the UK, by selling versions of the budget pick-up vehicles with which the manufacturer has topped the Chinese market for several years.
Sized between medium and large SUVs like the BMW X3 and X5, the Coffee 01 is intended to be Wey’s flagship model. It is powered by a 204hp 2.0-litre petrol engine combined with two electric motors, one on each axle to give the SUV all-wheel-drive capability, and a nine-speed auto transmission.
Combined output is said to be 475hp, the car boasting a sub five-second 0-62mph time, with an all-electric range of up to 93 miles.
The Coffee 01’s interior boasts the high-specification technology expected in the sector, including 5G wi-fi, facial recognition software and up to four touchscreens. The interior is also made from sustainable materials.
In case you are enthused by its unusual name – Wey has not confirmed that European versions of the SUV will retain the Coffee tag. Wey believes the Coffee phrase is recognisable around the world, but will poll potential buyers on the car’s final name before its international launch.
The march continues. Every month, every registration number change, every year: more and more UK drivers are switching to electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles.
As we have reported previously here at The Car Expert, motorists are very quickly coming to terms with this new form of transport: the speed and performance of a powerful EV, the lack of engine noise, the fuel savings, lower motoring taxes, the benefits to the environment.
Recent reports have shown the number of motorists now considering an electric vehicle as their next purchase rising by 32% in the last year, and when hybrid vehicles are included, the number of drivers anticipating opting for a low emission model for their next vehicle goes up to 37%.
Greater choice of charging points
Motorists’ fears about battery range and the number of places to charge their vehicle, if they owned one, are steadily diminishing. In short, the electric vehicle age has arrived – and probably earlier than expected, too.
The government has decreed that from 2030, all new cars will have to be either fully electric or plug-in hybrid models. Initially, many drivers thought: “that’s less than ten years away, what am I going to do?”
But as people come around to the fact that the electric charge is gathering pace, suppliers are also stepping up their game to bring greater supply and choice to the nation’s EV charging infrastructure.
So are you now happy that you would have sufficient charging options if you changed over to an electric vehicle? Do you already have an EV that you charge at home but are not sure what awaits you if and when you hit the A-roads and motorways? Or are you still unsure about charging a car at all, and can’t bear to consider that prospect at present?
Many who have taken to their electric car completely have a charger already installed at their home. Others are able to make use of one of charging points at their place of work. As petrol cars sit idle in the office car park, an electric car can be charged while it’s parked, giving the driver a useful additional boost to the battery range while they work.
Range worries driven off
With most electric vehicles now capable of driving ranges well beyond the regular day-to-day journeys undertaken by most drivers, worries about running out of electricity on a day-to-day basis have almost disappeared.
Recent findings by car benefit scheme experts Tusker, showed that the majority of UK motorists drive less than 100 miles a week and only undertake a journey of more than 100 miles once a month. So with the average range of an electric car currently standing at around 180 miles – and many cars being able to far exceed this – most commuters are comfortably within this range. For town users, their car might only need charging at home once a week.
Tusker, a carbon neutral business that’s committed to lowering emissions, actively encourages its customers to consider switching to an electric vehicle saying that, with the growing number of charging stations, range anxiety should now be a thing of the past.
The main issue for an EV owner is when they are faced with a much longer journey. It’s at that point that a bit of careful planning is needed. Even though there are now more than 16,000 electric vehicle charging locations in the UK, compared with about 8,000 petrol station locations, it’s still not as quick or convenient to pull up to a charger on the motorway as it is to pull into a service station for a tankful of petrol or diesel.
Fee not free
Where charging points were once free to top up at, suppliers have now introduced fees for their use. Charging for charging, in other words. It’s not surprising when you consider how many more people are looking to top up their cars with electricity. However, this increased cost, compared with plugging in your car at home, has put many drivers off using shopping centre, motorway service areas and town centre chargers.
There are, at least, steps being made to make charging up away from home easier for everyone. The government has asked for rapid chargers to be made payable by contactless card, taking away the need for drivers to have different accounts and cards with several suppliers.
The best way to find a charging point on your route is to use an App such as ZapMap or Opencharge Map. Other planning tools such as Google Maps also include the option of finding charging points. Some car manufacturers, such as Tesla, also have charging point locations built into their satnav software and can even plan you a route, stopping off at the correct times for a charge.
Charging points can be gategorised as slow, fast or rapid. Slow chargers, either from a mains point (at 3kWh) or via a specially fitted wall box (7kWh), are commonly used at home or work, as an electric car can be left to trickle away for hours using cables supplied as standard by the manufacturer. There are grants of up to 75% of the cost available to help you pay for these.
Depending on your electricity supplier and tariff, it will cost you about 14 pence per kilowatt hour (kWh) to charge at home, according to Zap-Map. That results in about £5 to £10 to fully charge a car overnight, depending on your car’s battery size and your electricity tariff.
Fast chargers and rapid chargers (which are faster than fast chargers) cost more money to use, reflecting their convenience factor. These are the ones you’re likely to find at public charging stations.
Charging points across the UK: who are the main suppliers and what do they cost to use?
To give you a quick comparison of the cost of charging with different providers, we’ll use a Tesla Model 3 – the most popular electric car in the UK in 2021. For the purposes of this comparison, we’re using the base model (called Standard Range Plus) with a battery capacity of about 50kWh that generates a real-world driving range of about 200 miles.
Charging costs are based on a complete battery charge from flat to 100% (which you’re unlikely to do very often). To fully charge the Tesla at home would cost about £7, so how does that compare with public charging prices?
BP Pulse (formerly BP Chargemaster)
BP subscription holders pay £7.85 per month (which is about £1.80 per week), which gets you tariffs starting at 16 pence per kilowatt hour (kWh) and free charging on selected BP Pulse points. New members get the first three months free. Pay-as-you-go tariffs start at 26 pence per kWh.
To fully charge our Tesla Model 3, you’d be looking at a cost of about £8 if you’re a subscriber and £13 on pay-as-you-go. if you’re a subscriber, you also need to add nearly £2/week to your cost.
Ecotricity
Ecotricity’s Electric Highway chargers are usually found at motorway service areas, with more than 300 charging points across the UK. The charge is 15p per kWh if you are an Ecotricity home electricity customer and double that if not, accessed via a smartphone app.
So if you have an Ecotricity account, charging the Tesla would cost £7.50. If not, it’s £15.
Gridserve
Gridserve operates the Electric Forecourts, which have multiple rapid chargers powered by renewable solar energy, starting from 24 pence per kWh.
No membership is required and users can pay with contactless cards at the charging point. A membership scheme is planned but there’s no obligation to sign up.
To fully charge our Tesla up at Gridserve, you’d be looking at £12.
Ionity
This joint, pan-European venture between several car makers has 335 ultra-rapid charging points across the continent and has linked up with Octopus Energy to provide more in the UK’s motorway service areas.
Ionity’s chargers operate at a much higher output than most other providers (350 kW compared to the average of 22kW at most public charging points), but not every car is compatible with such a rapid charging input.
No contract is necessary and you charge your vehicle and pay directly with a smartphone. The cost is 69 pence per kWh. MSP (Mobility Service Providers) customers can access and authenticate payments directly from the service’s smartphone app.
A full charge of the Tesla Model 3 from Ionity would cost about £35. Yes, that’s a lot pricier than other providers, but the charging is quite a bit faster as well.
InstaVolt
The company claims to have the simplest EV charging network in the UK. Its rapid chargers cost 40 pence per kWh on a pay as you go basis.
There’s no connection fee nor a membership fee, and payment can be made with contactless card. Charging points can be found on a map on its website.
To fully charge our Model 3 with InstaVolt would set you back about £20.
Pod Point
Pod Point charging centres can be found at supermarkets and shopping centre car parks and are sometimes free to use. Their rapid charge points cost around 17 pence per kWh and feature at busy travel sites such as motorway services.
A full charge of the Tesla with Pod Point is about £8.50.
Shell Recharge
Shell’s network is now made up of 108 charging points with plans for 200 by the end of 2021 and 5,000 points by 2025. You can use a Recharge card, a contactless payment card or Shells App to use them.
They cost 41 pence per kWh with no subscription, which means charging our Tesla would cost about £20.50.
Tesla
The world’s most famous electric car company operates two nationwide networks for the exclusive used of its own brand vehicles. The famous Supercharger network costs around 28 pence per kWh and the chargers are very fast (up to 150kW compared to the average of 22kW of most public chargers). These chargers are found on well-travelled routes, such as motorways.
Tesla’s other network is called Destination, and its charging points feature at popular places such as hotels, restaurants and shopping centres. The price will vary depending on the venue, and it’s often free. These charge your Tesla at a more sedate 22kW
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has suggested that the company may open up its charging network to non-Tesla vehicles in the future, but it remains to be seen if or when this happens.
Charging the Tesla with a Supercharger will set you back about £14, with the added bonus that it’s much faster than most public charging. Destination charge pricing will vary – it may even be free, although you’re normally spending money at the venue where you’re charging anyway.
Zero Carbon World
Zerco Carbon World’s ZeroNet network of pay-as-you-go charging points is available for the hospitality industry such as pubs, clubs and hotels. There are no subscriptions or access fees and many chargers are free to use. Others will vary according to the venue’s owners.
Because there is no fixed pricing, the cost to fully charge your car will vary from free to similar pricing to other charging points.
Summary
So, to travel about 200 miles in a Tesla Model 3 will cost you anywhere from £7 if charging at home to £34 using the most expensive charging provider – with a usual public charging price of about £10-£15.
By comparison, a similarly sized petrol car, like a BMW 3 Series or Audi A4, will probably cost you about £35-£40 in fuel to go the same distance.
The Maserati Quattroporte name dates back to 1963 and has always been applied to the Italian luxury brand’s flagship saloon with quattro porte – four doors. The last and sixth generation launched in 2013, with production ending at the end of 2023.
This generation of Quattroporte was a considerably larger car than any of its predecessors and shared its mechanical underpinnings with the smaller Ghibli.
Three versions of the Quattroporte were offered, all rear-wheel-drive. The entry-level GT and Modena models employed a V6 engine of 350hp and 430hp, respectively, while the range-topping Trofeo offered a 203mph top speed from its Ferrari V8 powerplant of 530hp. When first launched there was a diesel option but this disappeared midway through the model’s life.
Some reviewers argued that Maserati traded on its motorsport heritage, the Sunday Times commenting; “the luxury sports saloon car has been known for its elegant styling, wonderful engine note, power and – some would say – soul,” but added that the latest Quattroporte is the best yet, particularly with updates made since its launch.
Opinions were split on the road dynamics – The Telegraph commented that the car “has a more settled ride than the smaller Maserati Ghibli… but it’s nowhere near as good as a BMW 7-series or Mercedes S-class at dealing with larger bumps – these send shudders through the car’s structure.”
No longer on sale, the Maserati Quattroporte holds a Used CarExpert Rating of E, with a score of 41%. This is well off the pace of contemporary rivals like the Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series.
Body style: Large saloon Engines: petrol Price when new: From £87,900 on-road
Launched: Spring 2013 Last updated: Summer 2019 Production ended: Autumn 2023
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 6 / 10 “If you want a sporty limousine, the Maserati Quattroporte offers something distinctly different.” Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 6.4 / 10 “Both in terms of the way it looks and how it drives, the Maserati Quattroporte is a thoroughly distinctive executive saloon. Trouble is, we think some of its weaknesses are in areas prospective buyers will consider must-haves, while the things it offers are not things people in this part of the market want.” Read review
Car
Model reviewed: GranSport S Score: 8 / 10 “Pore over the statistics and the Maserati Quattroporte is unlikely to vanquish the competition. Fortunately, the Quattroporte’s appeal is one to the heart rather than the mind. Factor in exclusivity, and that feel-good factor of owning a Maserati, and your head will soon get on board.” Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overiew Score: 6.8 / 10 “The V8 Maserati Quattroporte is a great driver’s luxury saloon, with sharp handling and blistering performance, but it’s starting to feel its age.” Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 6 / 10 “The Maserati Quattroporte is a stylish luxury saloon with a pair of smooth V6 engines but its interior can’t hold a candle to the more tech-savvy German alternatives.” Read review
Evo
Model reviewed: GTS GranSport Score: 6 / 10 “Maserati’s limousine is more competent than it’s ever been, but still has faults and lacks the character of its predecessor.” Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “Maserati’s Quattroporte name doesn’t sound as exotic when translated into English, simply meaning ‘four door’. Yet, this is one high performance luxury saloon that has all the Italian charisma and style you’d expect from the famous brand.” Author: Andrew Brady Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The Maserati Quattroporte brought a sporting side to the luxury car market long before anyone else.” Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “Luxury Italian saloon offers something a bit different” Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic “The Maserati Quattroporte is all about the driving experience. From behind the wheel, you feel like you’re playing a part in The Godfather or Sopranos. With three wing air vents and sleek profile, it has the feel of a machine gun.” Read review
The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10 “Not the best in any one area, but in a class of its own.” Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 6 / 10 “Plenty of luxury saloons are quieter, more comfortable and cheaper to run, while some are also better to drive. And yet the Maserati Quattroporte’s mix of space, pace and style gives it definite appeal. It’s a car you buy with your heart more than your head, but we can see why you might be tempted.” Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7 / 10 “The entertaining and imposing Maserati Quattroporte could be our limo of choice.” Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
No safety rating
The Maserati Quattroporte was not tested by Euro NCAP during its production life.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The Maserati Quattroporte was not tested by Green NCAP during its production life.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of March 2026, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Maserati Quattroporte to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.
As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Quattroporte, we’ll publish the results here.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption
Average
Score
Petrol models
25 mpg
E
CO₂ output
Average
Score
Variation
Score
Petrol models
268 g/km
E
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
50
F
Service and maintenance
Cost
Score
Year 1
£637
E
Year 2
£1,540
E
Year 3
£2,304
E
Year 4
£2,723
E
Year 5
£3,625
E
Overall
£10,829
E
The Maserati Quattroporte is an unsurprisingly expensive car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
We don’t have independently verified fuel economy data, but the CO2 emission scores are poor, and those are closely linked to fuel economy.
Insurance costs are likely to be high as the Quattroporte is categorised in the highest group 50, while servicing and maintenance over the first five years is also expensive.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Maserati Quattroporte, you might also be interested in these alternatives
It will be offered with two power options, either 96kW (130hp) or 160kW (218hp) and a choice of battery capacities – the 40kWh version will give a driving range of 186 miles and the 60kWh is claimed to go for 292 miles between charges.
The battery pack is a brand-new design which is 40% smaller than the existing battery used in the Renault Zoe – at just 11cm high it is claimed to be one of the thinnest in the market. It has been specially designed to fit the Renault Group’s new electric car platform, which also makes its debut with the new Megane E-Tech.
As well as its smaller dimensions freeing up interior space and weight, the battery also offers improved charging – the Megane will be available with multiple charging methods and using a 130kWh fast-charger will be able to recover up to 186 miles of range in 30 minutes.
While taking the Megane name, the newcomer is slightly shorter than the traditional family hatch, but with potentially more interior space due to the wheels being placed closer the car’s corners with much shorter overhangs.
The interior is distinctive too, the instrument panel and centre console screen joined in an L-shaped arrangement with both the driver’s screen and the centre touchscreen measuring 12 inches. Sustainability is highlighted with most models using fabric seats completely made from recycled plastics.
One new safety feature is ‘Fireman Access’ – developed by Renault in collaboration with the French fire service, it allows a battery fire to be doused in just five minutes, where typically it can take more than an hour.
The new Renault Megane E-Tech is predicted to cost from around £30,000 and take on such cars as the Peugeot e-2008.
Volkswagen has unveiled the ID. Life concept at the Munich motor show, previewing a new compact crossover member of the German brand’s electric vehicle line.
The ID. Life is expected to appear in production form by 2025, most likely as the ID.2, and it will likely have a UK price range between £17,000 and £22,000, which is cheaper than many other EVs.
Volkswagen adds that the ID. Life is aimed firmly at younger buyers – “the car of the future will be about lifestyle and personal expression,” says VW CEO Ralf Brandstätter. “The customer of tomorrow won’t simply want to go from A to B, they will be much more interested in the experiences that a car can offer – the ID Life is our answer.”
The car’s visual appearance has certainly attracted comment. The family resemblance to other ID models is clear but it is more boxy. This has split options, some observers not liking it while others say it demonstrates the greater design freedom offered by compact electric drivetrains.
A minimalist treatment is applied to the body shell with no detailing, and both the exterior and interior mirrors are replaced by cameras. The concept also boasts a detachable roof which is very unlikely to reach production.
The car sits on a new electric vehicle platform that will also be used for new models from VW group brands Skoda and Cupra. It uses a smaller version of VW’s existing electric car platform.
Its electric motor is rated at 172kW (234hp), fed by a 57kWh battery pack, giving the car a range between charges of 248 miles. It also has a 0-62mph time of 6.9 seconds.
Inside the ID. Life, the minimalist treatment of the exterior is replicated. Most of the controls are built into the steering wheel, and the infotainment operated through a smartphone magnetically attached to the dashboard.
The cabin is designed to be converted for various uses – the concept comes with a projector installed enabling it to be used as cinema or a video-games console.
New car registrations slumped 22% last month to record their worst August performance in nine years, according to figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT).
August is always a quiet month for sales, with buyers preferring to wait until the registration plate change on 1st September. But this year’s figures have also been affected by the worldwide shortage of semiconductor chips, forcing manufacturers to slow their production lines and leading to supply issues.
Fleet registrations contributed to most of the August decline, down nearly 28%. Private sales, in contrast, were down by only 15%. However, the industry will be eagerly awaiting the traditional September sales surge to try and claw back lost ground.
Source: SMMT
Yet another worst-ever result for diesel
The figures continued to show the advance of electrified vehicles in the market, particularly plug-in hybrids which were up 72% on last August. Battery-electric cars also climbed 46% in yet another good month, while regular hybrids were up 48%. Eight months into 2021, electrified vehicles now account for 30% of all new-car registrations.
The big loser has again been diesel. Just under 8,400 diesel-powered cars were registered in August, which is another crashing decline – less than half of the numbers from the same month last year.
Good month, bad month
The relative success or failure for each brand in August will largely be down to securing supply of vehicles and deciding whether to sell stock in August or wait for September. But, as we’ve seen a lot over the last year, there was significant variation in performance across the industry.
Once again, Volkswagen and Audi sat at the top of the table for manufacturer registrations. But it was yet another miserable month for Ford (down 52%) and Renault (down 76%), continuing their struggles from the last few months.
Puma hits the top
After steadily rising up the charts this year, the Ford Puma small SUV hit the #1 spot in August, edging out the Volkswagen Polo by a mere 40 units.
As in recent months, the semiconductor shortage in the new-car market has continued to play havoc on the best-sellers list. The BMW 3 Series turned up in fifth place, just ahead of the Hyundai Tucson. Meanwhile, the Vauxhall Corsa and Ford Fiesta both had another subdued month, while the Volkswagen Golf fell out of the top ten altogether.
We’ll have our usual analysis of the top ten in coming days.
The Ferrari Roma was first unveiled in late 2019 and went on sale in 2020. Initially available as a 2+2 coupe, the range grew with the Roma Spider convertible model in 2023. It was replaced by an updated model called the Ferrari Amalfi later in 2025.
Both versions of the Roma were powered by a 3.9-litre V8 engine that produces 620hp, achieving a 0-62mph in a time of about 3.4 seconds.
Despite the potency of its turbocharged V8 engine, Ferrari pitched the car as a comfortable grand tourer, dubbing the Roma ‘La Nuova Dolce Vita’ – Italian for ‘The Sweet Life’ – and representing the carefree atmosphere in Rome in the 1950s and ‘60s. Certainly, there were styling nods to several past classic Ferraris, including the 250 GTO.
Reviewers liked the visuals; The Car Expert suggests the Roma looks like nothing else Ferrari offers today, “with a classically designed front grille making a real impression,” while Evo called it “the cleanest-looking Ferrari for a generation.”
While several testers highlighted the reasonable space for two adults and two children, and the equally generous boot, the Roma’s GT credentials did come into question. TheTelegraph asked whether a £170,000-plus “612bhp missile” could really be considered a comfortable grand tourer, but adds that the interior was “charmingly designed, opulent and extremely high-tech.”
However, the Telegraph’s reviewer was not the only one to be frustrated trying to operate the ‘Human Machine Interface’ (HMI), which controlled driving modes and numerous other functions.
The Roma’s potency was not in question, though the Daily Mail’s Ray Massey described its acceleration as “smooth and sophisticated, not rocket-like.”
The car also scored points for its comfort – Carbuyer said “In its comfort drive mode, or with the ‘bumpy road’ suspension setting chosen, the Roma’s ride is surprisingly supple for such a fast car.”
As Massey concluded, “it mixes potency with practicality, a wonderful car to prowl around in with an elegance that lies short of showing off.”
As of March 2026, the Ferrari Roma holds a Used CarExpert Rating of D with a score of 58%. It scores top marks for its strong media review scores, while Ferrari’s four-year new car warranty is above average. Inevitably, however, the cost of ownership drags the overall Expert Rating down. We don’t expect that any prospective Roma customers will be too disappointed by this…
“The Ferrari Roma displays the level of usability and comfort that a GT car needs but blends it with Ferrari’s characteristic sports car feel. The chassis is brilliant in its poise and balance, while the new eight-speed DCT gearbox is a perfect partner for the explosive engine.”
Model reviewed: “The Roma is a car that serves to show just what Ferrari can do when it is on tip-top form. Encapsulating some of the energy and edge from its more hardcore supercars and transplanting it into a useable GT car could have been difficult, but Ferrari has achieved it in all-encompassing fashion.” Author: Jack Evans Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Score: 10 / 10 “The Roma is a relatively affordable car by Ferrari standards but doesn’t disappoint with its style, sense of drama or performance and in no way dilutes what makes the brand special.” Read review
Car
Model reviewed: Roma coupé Score: 10 / 10 “This is a true Ferrari, one that feels impeccably timed to shine a light on the marque’s glorious past, just as cars like the SF90 forge into the future. The Roma’s the Ferrari we didn’t know we wanted but, now that it’s here, want it we most certainly do.” Author: Ben iller Read review
Carbuyer
Score: 8.2 / 10 “The Ferrari Roma is a stylish, comfortable GT that feels like a sports car when you want it to” Read review
Daily Mail
Model reviewed: “The Roma is a gorgeous car to gaze upon and a delight to drive too. It harks back to a more elegant era of Ferraris which the firm says is designed to evoke the spirit of a new ‘La Dolce Vita’ – good or ‘sweet’ life – in the manner of the famous 1960 Federico Fellini movie of the same name which was also set in the Italian capital.” Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Score: 9.2 / 10 “Beautifully styled coupe mixes old school charm with cutting edge tech.” Read review
The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: “A Ferrari that’s fun, not totally bonkers.” (Jeremy Clarkson) Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 3.9-litre petrol automatic Score: 8 / 10 “Good looking, fast and comfortable, the Ferrari Roma is a blast from the company’s past; a front-engined two-plus-two gran turismo. It’s expensive (naturally), but offers an exclusivity that some rivals don’t and has a terrific combination of refinement and performance that will likely ensure its success.” Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10 “It might be a more ‘accessible’ Ferrari, but don’t be fooled – something of an assassin still lurks within.” Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Notes on safety rating
The Ferrari Roma was not tested by Euro NCAP during its production life
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The Ferrari Roma was not assessed by Green NCAP during its production life.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of March 2026, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Ferrari Roma to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.
As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Roma, we’ll publish the score here.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption
Average
Score
Petrol models
25 mpg
E
CO₂ output
Average
Score
Variation
Score
Petrol models
255 g/km
E
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
50
F
Service and maintenance
Cost
Score
Year 1
£1
A
Year 2
£1
A
Year 3
£1
A
Year 4
£1
A
Year 5
£1
A
Overall
£5
A
The Ferrari Roma is a very expensive car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
The good news is that all new Ferraris include seven years of scheduled servicing and maintenance, which means there’s no excuse for owners not to get their cars serviced on time, every time.
After that, however, the Roma gets more expensive very quickly. The official fuel economy of 25 mpg is fairly poor, which means more frequent visits to the petrol pumps, and that’s assuming you’re driving it the same way that EU/UK lab testers do – which you won’t because no-one does and you’re driving a Ferrari…
Insurance premiums are inevitably in the most expensive bracket, so you can expect your annual premium to be very high.
Warranty Rating
New car warranty information for the Ferrari Roma
Overall rating
C
55%
New car warranty duration
4 years
New car warranty mileage
Unlimited miles
Battery warranty duration
0 years
Battery warranty mileage
0 miles
Ferrari’s new car warranty is better than average, and comparable to other manufacturers operating in the same stratospheric levels of the new car market.
The duration is four years, with no limit on mileage – although, in reality, the mileage numbers are likely to be fairly irrelevant as most Ferraris cover far fewer miles per year than the average family car.
The Roma is a purely petrol-powered Ferrari, so it doesn’t get the enhanced new car warranty that plug-in hybrid models like the 296 and SF90 get.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Ferrari Roma has received
2021
Esquire Car Awards – Best-Designed Car
2020
Car Design Awards – Best Production Car
Red Dot Awards – Outstanding design quality
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Ferrari Roma, you might also be interested in these alternatives
The Dacia Jogger is set to become the cheapest seven-seat car on the market when it launches in November, and from 2023 will be the Romanian brand’s first hybrid model.
Replacing the Logan, the Jogger is according to its makers designed to combine the best attributes of different types of vehicle – offering the the length and practicality of an estate car and the spaciousness of an MPV, plus SUV styling and perceived protection.
The Jogger is built on the same new platform as the latest Dacia Sandero, but measuring up at 4.5 metres will become the Renault-owned brand’s longest model. Its 2.9-metre wheelbase (30cm longer than the Sandero’s) allows the inclusion of a third row of seats – Dacia claims the Jogger will carry seven adults in comfort or by folding the middle seats and removing the rears up to 1,819 litres of cargo.
Initial powertrain options will range across a 1-litre three-cylinder petrol engine of 110hp, or a 100hp Bi-Fuel version allowing the same engine to run on LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). Dacia is continuing its commitment to this fuel, largely abandoned by other manufacturers.
The Bi-Fuel engine automatically switches between LPG and petrol as required. Running on LPG cuts the car’s average CO2 emissions by 10% compared to the equivalent petrol engine, to 121g/km. And by combining the 40-litre LPG tank and 50-litre petrol tank the Jogger offers a maximum range of 621 miles, with WLTP-certified combined cycle economy of up to 37.1mpg.
In 2023 a hybrid version of the Jogger will join the range, with Dacia claiming it will be the most affordable petrol-electric seven-seater on the market. It will combine a 1.6-litre engine with two motors and an auto transmission. Dacia adds that the car will spent 80% of its time on urban roads in full electric mode, saving 40% in fuel.
There appear no current plans for a plug-in hybrid version though Dacia personnel admit that to add a PHEV version would not be difficult.
The Jogger standard safety specification will include autonomous emergency braking – Dacia clearly does not wish to repeat the wrath it felt from safety body Euro NCAP, which gave the Sandero a two-star safety rating due to the lack of standard-fit autonomous brakes.
Dealers start taking orders for the Jogger in November with first deliveries by Spring 2022. Prices are still to be announced – industry sources suggest they could start as low as £13,000.
The eighth generation of the Vauxhall Astra family car will for the first time include a battery-electric version.
The company’s family hatch used to be a regular in the new car sales top ten, but has fallen out in recent years. Petrol and diesel versions of the eighth-generation model go on sale in October, with first deliveries starting in Spring 2022, but buyers will have to wait until 2023 to buy the electric Astra-e.
Vauxhall is not yet releasing any powertrain details of the Astra-e, though the brand has already established a major electrified presence with the Corsa-e and several light commercial vehicles. Vauxhall’s UK factory at Ellesmere Port is set to be repurposed as an electric vehicle manufacturing centre from 2022.
Two plug-in hybrid versions of the Astra will also be available from launch, alongside two petrol and a single diesel engine. Power outputs range from 110 to 225hp and are matched to six-speed manual or eight-speed auto transmissions depending on model.
The top plug-in variant offers power of 225hp while there is also a 180hp version. Both claim official eco figures of more than 200mpg and CO2 emissions between 24 and 31g/km – as with all plug-in hybrids, these figures are somewhat meaningless to all but company-car tax payers, though the car will have an electric only range of up to 35 miles.
The new Astra is almost exactly the same length as its predecessor, but with a slightly longer wheelbase that Vauxhall promises will lead to more interior space. Boot space is also a very competitive 422 litres.
The exterior design follows the styling treatment employed on the Mokka, Crossland and Grandland SUVs, with the Astra being the company’s first hatchback to gain the latest Vauxhall family look.
The interior is being highlighted as a major advance, the driver’s instrument panel dumping all of its analogue dials in favour of a fully digital ‘pure panel.’ The touchscreens extend across to the passenger’s side and, according to their designers, can be operated just like a smartphone.
Vauxhall plans to add the Sport Tourer estate versions to the new Astra range in late 2022.
The McLaren GTS (originally known as the McLaren GT) is a more comfort-oriented sports car than the Artura or 750S models, despite still being powered by a mid-mounted twin-turbo V8 engine.
Having the engine immediately behind the driver gives the GT/GTS a very different feeling from a traditional front-engined GT like an Aston Martin DB12 or Ferrari Roma. However, it does makes ticking the practicality boxes, such as reasonable boot space, more difficult.
McLaren solves this by making the engine and all its surrounding paraphernalia as compact as possible, freeing up a reasonably large but shallow boot space under the glass rear deck. This is complemented by storage space under the front hood.
The name change from GT to GTS came as part of a mid-life update that was announced at the end of 2023. This update includes a bit more power, a bit less weight, some revised styling, new alloy wheels and a few cabin upgrades.
The looks divide opinion – some testers regard the GT/GTS as visually stunning, others question whether it is bold enough. “We just wish McLaren had done more to distinguish the GT from the rest of the range,” says Auto Express. “It’s a great car but it could have been a bit more special.”
Yet the GTS will make up a quarter of McLaren sales, according to Car, which adds, “look at it as a mid-engined Porsche 911 Turbo and you can see the appeal.”
As of August 2025, the McLaren GTS currently holds a New CarExpert Rating of E with a score of 52%. This score is a combination of data from both the GTS and GT versions. Inevitably, the rating is dragged down by high running costs and CO2 emissions, as is usually the case with these sorts of cars. But the McLaren’s score also suffers from merely average media review scores and new car warranty coverage.
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Featured reviews
“A true GT? Not as we know it. But it just manages to avoid feeling like a dumbed-down supercar, too. A used Ferrari GTC4 Lusso T might speak more to all those south-of-France gran turismo fantasies and fit a couple of extra passengers, too. But on those roads above Cannes, Nice and St Tropez, the McLaren GT is more at home.”
“The McLaren GT is a softer, comfier sort of McLaren, but that doesn’t mean it’s as smooth and soothing as some other high-speed grand tourers. It’s more fun to drive than most, but that does come at the cost of some refinement.”
Model reviewed: GT (pre-facelift) “The McLaren GT feels a little muddled. It’s not as sharp as other McLarens in the range but only feels slightly more comfortable than the 570S, and in out-and-out cross-country sumptuousness, it’s trumped by rivals. That’s not to say it’s a bad car as a whole – far from it – it just feels like McLaren introduced it because it felt it needed to, rather than because it wanted to.” Author: Jack Evans Read review
Auto Express
Score: 8 / 10 “The McLaren GT is an easier-to-live-with supercar designed for crossing continents in comfort and tackling B-roads with relish.” Read review
Model reviewed: Range review Score: 8 / 10 “But a big part of the GT’s attraction is the extra practicality it affords over other models in the range.” Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10 “McLaren is not known for its softer, lifestyle-focused cars, so don’t expect this GT, which stands for grand tourer, to be like other GTs in the market. Comfort and space are all relative when it comes to powerful, lightweight McLarens…” Read review
Car
Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10 “What the GT does do is speak to people who really do want a supercar, but can’t justify it because the lack of practicality and refinement means it won’t be used enough.” Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10 “The McLaren GT is very refined, quick and luxurious – it’s the company’s answer to the Bentley Continental GT.” Read review
Daily Mail
Model reviewed: “McLaren GT is the British supercar-maker’s most useable and engaging model to date for everyday.” Read review
Daily Mirror
Score: 10 / 10 “This elegant beauty is closest you’ll get to driving the Batmobile” Read review
Eurekar
Model reviewed: “Although it can be hurtled around a track with enormous gusto, and not inconsiderable pace, it is more than content to be driven to the circuit rather than trailered, and even to call in at Tesco on the way home for a few groceries.” Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: “McLaren’s supercar formula in a more practical package” Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: “The McLaren GT is light-switch fast, beautiful and perfectly balanced – but it lacks function.” Read review
The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: “Ever since the template for mid-engine two-seaters was laid down by the Ferrari 308, it’s been nigh-on impossible to make one that is anything less than stunning. Yet, somehow, McLaren has managed it, and got the front end all wrong. It looks limp.” (Jeremy Clarakson) Read review
Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10 “The McLaren GT offers something a bit different, and looks sensational.” Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Score: 7 / 10 “It drives like a McLaren sports car should, but a GT should probably be more practical.” Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
No safety rating
As of August 2025, the McLaren GTS has not been crash-tested by independent safety authority, Euro NCAP. Having to buy a few McLaren supercars for testing would probably blow Euro NCAP’s budget for the whole year, so it’s unlikely to ever happen.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of August 2025, the McLaren GTS has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. Again, we’re not expecting it to happen anytime soon – so you’ll have to use your imagination to work out how environmentally friendly a luxury GT with a twin-turbo petrol V8 engine from a supercar might be.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption
Average
Score
Petrol models
24 mpg
E
CO₂ output
Average
Score
Variation
Score
Petrol models
270 g/km
E
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
50
F
The McLaren GTS is a very expensive car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
The car’s fuel economy of 24 mpg is one of the poorest fuel consumption stats in our Expert Rating Index, and insurance premiums are in the most expensive bracket too. All of this will come as absolutely no surprise to anyone in the fortunate position of being able to buy a McLaren GTS.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of August 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the McLaren GT and GTS to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.
As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the GTS, we’ll publish the results here.
Warranty rating
New car warranty information for the McLaren GTS
Overall rating
C
41%
New car warranty duration
3 years
New car warranty mileage
Unlimited miles
McLaren’s standard new car warranty is fairly basic, running for three years – albeit with no limit on mileage. McLaren does offer extended warranty options up until the car is 12 years old, but this is at extra cost.
Warranty on a used McLaren GT or GTS
As of August 2025, any used McLaren GTS will still be under new car warranty as the car only hit UK roads in early 2024. As such, the first GTS models won’t reach the end of their factory warranty until early 2027.
If you are buying a ‘Qualified Pre-Owned’ GT (pre-facelift model) from an official McLaren dealership, you will get a minimum 12-month warranty included.
If you are buying a used GT from an independent dealership, any warranty offered will vary and will probably be managed by a third-party warranty company.
If you are buying a used GT from a private seller, there are no warranty protections beyond any remaining portion of the original new car warranty.
If you’re looking to buy a used car that is approaching the end of its warranty period, a used car warranty is usually a worthwhile investment. Check out The Car Expert’s guide to the best used car warranty providers, which will probably be cheaper than a warranty sold by a dealer.
Date: March 2022 Recall number: R/2022/060 Model types: All Build dates: 08/2019 to 06/2021 Number of vehicles affected: 141 Defect: The connection between the driver airbag and the occupant restraint controller may not be fully engaged. Remedy: Check resistance values. If necessary, remove the airbag and ensure that the secondary locking tab is correctly engaged.
Date: August 2021 Recall number: R/2021/289 Model types: All Build dates: 07/2019 to 03/2020 Number of vehicles affected: 8 Defect: The banjo bolt that is fitted between the flexi-hose and the caliper within the brake assembly on each corner of the vehicle may not function properly. Remedy: Disassemble the brake hose assembly, remove the banjo bolt and inspect it. In the event the banjo bolt is defective, it will be replaced. The brake hose assembly will then be reassembled and the brakes bled.
Date: August 2021 Recall number: R/2020/127 Model types: All Build dates: 08/2019 to 03/2020 Number of vehicles affected: 1,411 Defect: The Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH) foam pad underneath the fuel tank may retain moisture and corrode the fuel tank, potentially causing a fuel leak Remedy:Remove the NVH foam pad from the vehicle and inspect fuel tank. Repair or replace the fuel tank if necessary.
As of September 2024 (our most recent data point), there have been three DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the McLaren GT.
Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local McLaren dealer.
If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used Artura, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.
You won’t find many mid-engined cars claiming to be GTs so the perceived rivals to the McLaren are rather more traditional front-engined models, such as the Aston Martin DB11, Bentley Continental GT or even a BMW 8 Series. But like most cars at this end of the market, the GTS will mostly be bought not because it’s a Grand Tourer, but because it’s a McLaren.
Next time you visit a petrol station, you’re likely to see information on the pump saying that E10 petrol is replacing E5 petrol. But what is the difference and why is the change in fuel grades being introduced?
E5 petrol is what you’ve been filling up your petrol car with for several years now, and E10 is its replacement. It’s already rolling out across the UK.
E10 consists of 10% ethanol (hence the name E10) and 90% oil-derived fuel. Based on the name, you can probably guess that the previous standard fuel grade E5 only had 5% ethanol mixed with 95% of oil-based petrol.
Ethanol produces less CO2 than regular oil-based petrol, so increasing ethanol content in our petrol from 5% to 10% should see the UK’s vehicle fleet emitting less CO2. In fact, the government expects CO2 emissions to be reduced by 750,000 tonnes.
This is equivalent to taking 350,000 cars off the road and aims to help the UK meet climate change targets prior to the ban on the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles in 2030.
Will my lease car be okay using E10 petrol?
The government states that 95% of petrol cars on the road today can use E10. All cars built after 2011 are compatible, meaning your lease car will be fine.
It is expected that classic cars, specifically models from the early 2000s, and mopeds are the only vehicles which could be impacted by the change to E10.
New vehicles manufactured from 2019 onwards should have a label within the filler cap showing the fuel grades they can use.
Although cleaner than E5 petrol, it is expected that E10 will slightly reduce fuel economy in your vehicle. However, the reduction is only equal to half a tank per year for the average driver, according to the AA.
My fuel tank isn’t empty. Can I mix E5 and E10 petrol?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to mix the two in the same tank. If you added half a tank of E10 petrol (10% ethanol) to half a tank of E5 petrol (5% ethanol), you’d effectively get a mix of 7.5% ethanol so it’s absolutely fine.
Can I still buy E5 petrol?
E5 petrol will still be available on petrol forecourts, but it will only be 97+ octane premium unleaded petrol.
This fuel is traditionally more expensive than regular petrol, and is mainly used with high-performance sports cars to increase efficiency.
When will E10 petrol be introduced?
The fuel will be available at petrol stations in England, Scotland and Wales from September 2021.
In Northern Ireland, the introduction is expected in early 2022. This is subject to legislative approval.
Get in touch with Hippo Leasing if you want to discuss new vehicle leases, or visit their website if you have more questions about whether car leasing is the right option for you.
The demand for electric vehicles is continuing to accelerate. The target of 2030 has been set for an end to the production of petrol and diesel powered cars, paving the way for electric vehicles to completely take over our roads.
Motorists across the UK are coming round to the idea of an electric superhighway even quicker than most of us perhaps imagined. And there are many reasons for this.
Technology is improving and electric vehicles (EVs) are already going further per charge, there’s a greater and increasing number of charging points across the country, the cars and vans are simple to plug in and charge, and increasing numbers of people are investigating getting a home charging point fitted.
Motorists are generally becoming more accepting and less wary of EVs, and increasing numbers are overcoming any worries they might have had about vehicle range. Cost is a big factor and for thousands, the 1% benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax charge for EVs is a major incentive – exactly as it was designed to be.
The number of motorists now considering an electric vehicle as their next purchase has risen by 32% in the last 12 months, according to recent research by automotive servicing and repair company Kwik-Fit. The study suggests that 11% of drivers expect their next car to be electric while, if hybrid vehicles are included, the number of drivers considering a low emission model next time rises to 37%, up from 33% compared with the previous year.
If you’re buying privately, the cost of a new EV is usually higher initially than its petrol or diesel cousin. If you’re salary sacrificing or taking a company car, the low BIK tax rate can potentially make an EV cheaper each month than a fossil fuel car. And once you take into account running costs – particularly in terms of fuel use – it can rapidly bring the overall cost of ownership down, especially the more driving you do.
The recent Covid-19 lockdown months left many EVs sitting silently on their owners’ driveways, offering little or no financial gain but, now that lockdowns have been eased, the benefits of going electric are starting to be seen again.
EV running costs are cheaper across the board
Research by price comparison website Compare The Market has shown how much cheaper electric cars are to run than their petrol or diesel equivalents for vehicles at all price points. We’ve highlighted a few below.
As well as saving on fuel (electricity is much cheaper than petrol or diesel), you also save on road tax and usually on your car insurance as well. Servicing can also be cheaper, as there are fewer complicated moving parts to maintain.
For example, let’s look at 2021’s best-selling car, the Vauxhall Corsa. If you buy the electric Corsa-e, your running costs would be an average of £502 less each year than for a petrol version. That’s based on an average saving £59 on your car insurance, £180 on road tax and £263 on fuel. Obviously your own results will depend on your own circumstances, but it gives you a good starting point for your calculations.
Factor in that EVs are usually more comprehensively equipped and are seen as ‘better’ cars, plus you can have the convenience of charging your car at home overnight, plus you’re helping the environment as well, it’s no wonder the electric car movement is gathering pace so fast.
Compare The Market cost calculator (average saving, including insurance, fuel, VED):
Car benefit company Tusker organises salary sacrifice schemes for clients and actively encourages new owners to opt for an electric vehicle, citing many advantages in addition to cost.
With the greater tax implications associated with a salary sacrifice scheme, which takes the lease fee from your salary each month before you are paid (so you don’t pay income tax on that portion), the financial benefits of having an electric car in this way are even greater.
“We are seeing more electric vehicles being ordered than ever before as salary sacrifice and the savings available make EVs affordable for all,” says Paul Gilshan, CEO of Tusker.
“This shift towards EVs and hybrids is accelerating as we head towards the 2030 deadline.”
Business car leasing deals can be a fantastic option for companies that are looking to save money or offer their employees benefits like company cars.
Companies have the opportunity to make huge VAT savings on their monthly payments by taking out a business lease deal, while they also come with a host of additional tax benefits.
Whether it is an electric van lease for a construction company or a Tesla business lease, there is a wide range of options available to suit any business.
By leasing a car, you also free up cash flow that simply would not have been possible if you were to buy a car outright. Having a clear understanding of the exact money being paid towards a company car each month can give business owners financial peace of mind and a hassle-free driving experience for them, their team and their fleet.
If you are a limited company, you can use your monthly lease payments to offset your corporation tax. If you are a sole trader or partnership, you can also offset your lease costs against your annual tax bill.
However, the amount you can offset will depend on the car that you lease. Your vehicle will only be completely tax-deductible if the car in question emits less than 110g/km. For vans, you can offset 100% of the cost regardless of the lease van’s emissions.
Cars that emit 111g/km or more still qualify as tax-deductible, but only up to 85% of its value. A rule that was introduced in 2018 saw a 15% tax disallowance placed on vehicles with higher CO2 emissions.
Be aware that capital allowance cannot be claimed on a leased car as you are not the vehicle owner and are not buying outright.
Claim back VAT on your car lease payments
One of the major benefits that come with business leasing is the ability to reclaim VAT on your initial and monthly payments. However, this is only possible if you are VAT registered.
If you use the vehicle solely for business purposes and has no personal use outside of work, you can claim 100% VAT back against your monthly cost. If your business lease car is used for personal journeys outside of work, you can claim up to 50% VAT.
Should you plan to use your car for personal journeys alongside work, you will be faced with Benefit in Kind tax (BIK). Selected Audi lease deals – a popular choice among business customers – can be as little as 13%. BIK rates can vary between manufacturers and are a worthwhile consideration when searching for your next business lease deal.
Whether you’re expanding your fleet or looking to offer company cars to your employees, Carparison offers a wide range of business lease deals.
After being unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt motor show, the Rolls-Royce Dawn arrived on UK roads in early 2016 as a luxury two-door convertible.It was removed from sale in Spring 2023.
With the subsequent discontinuation of the Phantom Drophead Coupé, the Dawn was the only open-top model on offer from Rolls-Royce during its time on sale. It was based on the Wraith coupe and powered by a 6.6-litre V12 engine that puts out 571hp in standard form – a Dawn Black Badge model launched in 2018 uprated the power to 601hp.
Like most Rolls-Royce models, there were regular special edition and bespoke models that went above and beyond the already extensive specification of the regular versions.
Reviewers were highly positive about the Dawn, a car Parkers described as “highly impressive automotive art as well as a means of getting from A to B.”
At more than five metres long it was a massive car, which meant plenty of room for four adults to travel in ultimate luxury. Pity the driver however, because you couldn’t squeeze this giant into a typical supermarket parking space.
The car was considered elegant in looks, the electrically folding soft top exquisite in operation, and the interior top-class. “This is feelgood motoring with a capital F,” said Car. “The interior has a clear focus on pampering: the seats are huge and plump and upholstered in the finest leather front and rear.”
There were some minus points – for an adult, getting into that roomy rear was not that easy, while some of the tech grates a little, interior details such as the drive controller and key rather too reminiscent of the BMW 7 Series they are evolved from. “While Rolls has added its own fonts and colours to the infotainment system, fundamentally, it’s still BMW’s iDrive,” said Auto Express.
Overall, however, the Dawn was considered a one-off experience, summed up by Top Gear; “It’s not for shrinking violets and is a jaw-dropping thing to behold in the flesh: needless to say, the quarter-million pound price tag is just the starting point.”
No longer on sale, the Rolls-Royce Dawn holds a Used Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 55%. While motoring journalists loved it, the Dawn obviously scores very poorly for running costs and CO2 emissions, which drag down its rating. Potential Rolls-Royce customers are unlikely to be concerned about either, however.
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10 “The Rolls-Royce Dawn is the brand’s most opulent and extravagant drop-top ever, but such luxury doesn’t come cheap.” Read review
Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10 “The Rolls Royce Dawn manages to mix complete luxury with surprisingly adept driving manners.” Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10 “There are plenty of luxury convertibles on offer these days, but none quite like the Rolls Royce Dawn. Hand-built from the finest materials, and with the on-road character of a luxury limousine, the Dawn is a car with virtually no direct rivals.” Read review
Car
Model reviewed: Score: 10 / 10 “The Rolls Royce Dawn has real substance behind it – with quality, roominess and a fabulously hushed drive to make you feel special every single day.” Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Score: 7.6 / 10 “The Rolls-Royce Dawn is incomparable to any other convertible in its luxury and extravagance.” Read review
Daily Mail
Model reviewed: Score: 10 / 10 “When you travel in such luxury, in such a marvellous machine, you feel like you’ve died and gone to heaven.” (Chris Evans) Read review
Model reviewed: “If you could bottle up sex appeal from a motor car, Rolls-Royce could be on course to make a mint from the Dawn convertible.” Read review
Eurekar
Model reviewed: “The Rolls-Royce Dawn is a superbly elegant long-distance tourer powered by a 6.6-litre turbocharged V12 that whisks it effortlessly and silently to 62 miles per hour in just five seconds. Despite its size, the Dawn handles superbly. There is a little body roll but it’s all beautifully controllable.” Read review
Evo
Model reviewed: “The Rolls Royce Dawn blends the very best in refinement with the finest of opulence.” Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: “The Dawn is the most elegant recent Rolls Royce.” Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Score: 9 / 10 “Cabriolets don’t come more luxurious than the Rolls Royce Dawn.” Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: “The Rolls-Royce Dawn is truly special and as calm and relaxing as a spa. It has four full-size seats lavished in butter-soft leather, sumptuous carpets, the finest wood and a fabric silk-lined roof that opens and closes in complete silence.” Read review
The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10 “The Rolls Royce Dawn is in a class of its own.” Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: Score: 10 / 10 “The Rolls-Royce Dawn represents a crushing demonstration of luxury motoring, easy-yet-invigorating to drive, beautiful to behold and an event to even be around, let alone travel in. Sublime.” Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Score: 9 / 10 “Another incredible achievement from Rolls. The Dawn is immeasurably fine.” Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
No safety rating
To absolutely no-one’s surprise, the Rolls-Royce Dawn was never crash-tested by independent safety authority, Euro NCAP. Having to buy a few Dawns for testing would probably blow Euro NCAP’s budget for a whole year.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The Rolls-Royce Dawn was not lab tested by Green NCAP, so you’ll have to use your imagination to work out how environmentally friendly an enormous convertible powered by a 6.8-litre petrol V12 might be.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Rolls-Royce Dawn has received
2017
UK Car of the Year Awards – Best Luxury Car
2016
Telegraph Cars Awards – Best Luxury Car
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Rolls-Royce Dawn, you might also be interested in these alternatives
There really is no obvious rival to the Rolls-Royce Dawn. Buyers spend this kind of money because they want a Rolls-Royce and they choose the Dawn because they want a soft-top with the Spirit of Ecstacy badge.
The nearest luxury offering, the Bentley Continental GT Convertible, is a very different kind of car and if you are looking for ‘proper’ four-seat convertibles you go to the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz – and you could buy two or three or four for the price of a single Dawn…
The Aston Martin DBS was unveiled in 2018 in both coupe and two-seat convertible form, as the famous UK brand’s V12 GT flagship. Originally known as the DBS Superleggera, from summer 2021 it was simply called the DBS. Production ended in 2023.
Replacing the Vanquish, it was based on the DB11 but with bespoke details that make it worthy of both one of Aston Martin’s most renowned nameplates, DBS, and the name of a company that worked with Aston in the 1960s-70s to make the cars lighter in weight.
The 5.2-litre engine pumped out 725hp, producing a 0-62mph time of just 3.4 seconds and 0-100mph in 6.4 seconds – in the Sunday Times, Jeremy Clarkson described it as “almost too fast – treat the throttle with extreme caution.”
The power was almost twice as much as a basic Porsche 911 and came with considerable weight savings over the Vanquish from replacing most of the aluminium panels with carbon fibre.
Auto Express liked the look of the DBS, stating; “Matching the impressive performance with striking styling gives the Aston real presence next to super or even hypercars.” And the ability of the car to eat up the miles was not lost on testers; “It is a disarmingly easy supercar to get to know, and live with every day,” said Evo.
However, considering the special status of the DBS, and a price more than £70,000 higher than a DB11, some of the interior trim was disappointing and plasticky.
Auto Express added that the DBS was not perfect; “There are a few niggles, but these are dwarfed by the positives – the overall result is a car well worth remortgaging the house for.”
In the summer of 2021, Aston Martin announced that the car would henceforth simply be known as DBS, presumably because the marketing department got tired of being asked how to spell ‘Superleggera’ all the time…
The DBS came to the end of its life in late 2023, with a limited-edition model called the DBS 770 Ultimate that concluded the model’s production. An all-new V12 flagship was launched in late 2024, which saw the return of the Vanquish name.
As of February 2026, the Aston Martin DBS holds a Used Car Expert Rating of E, with a score of 52%. Although it has received excellent reviews from the media, its enormous ownership costs weigh down its scores in our calculations.
Body style: Coupé and convertible Engine: petrol Price: From £161,500 on-road
Launched: Summer 2018 Last updated: N/A End of production: Summer 2023
Image gallery
Concorde Edition
OHMSS Edition
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 9 / 10 “The DBS Superleggera spearheads Aston Martin’s assault on the luxury performance car market with huge capability and sense of occasion.” Read review
Model reviewed: Volante Score: 9 / 10 “While it’s not the most spacious and nor is the cheapest car of its type, there’s no denying the Volante is a seriously impressive car and reveals Aston Martin is currently at the top of its game.” Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Volante “The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante is a halfway house between savagery and everyday usability. Fun to drive, engaging and really responsive – this car can make you feel special driving anywhere and at any time.” Read review
Car
Model reviewed: Volante Score: 10 / 10 “Aston’s drop-top flagship is both a bellowing statement of intent from the marque and a hugely impressive car in its own right.” Read review
Model reviewed: Coupé Score: 8 / 10 “Aston doesn’t want this to be a rival to the Ferrari 812, rather an alternative. But in doing so, although the DBS is definitely a step on from the DB11, it seems to tread on that car’s toes first and foremost.” Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Volante Score: 7.8 / 10 “The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante is the ultimate four-seater convertible” Read review
Model reviewed: Coupe Score: 8 / 10 “The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera is a super GT with incredible performance and effortless cruising ability; it feels exactly like an Aston should.” Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: Coupé Score: 8 / 10 “The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera delivers huge, ear-splitting performance, yet comfort when you want it. Quality is patchy inside, though.” Read review
Daily Mail
Model reviewed: Volante “The powerful and sumptuous new £247,500 drop-top super grand tourer is not for the faint-hearted, nor sadly at those prices, for those of more modest income.” Read review
Model reviewed: coupé “The DBS Superleggera replaces the Vanquish S at the top of the Aston Martin pile. It’s a worthy successor to Aston Martin’s beefy long-distance cruising models which over nearly fifty years have been driven on the big screen by British secret agent 007. And ultimately the best of the bunch.” Read review
Evo
Model reviewed: Coupé Score: 8 / 10 “The Aston Martin DBS offers crushing performance paired with impressive long-distance comfort and an old-world GT charm. It’s Aston at its best.” (Adam Towler) Read review
Model reviewed: DBS Volante Score: 8 / 10 “The lack of a roof only adds to the DBS’s appeal as an immensely fast and super GT.” (Adam Towler) Read review
Model reviewed: DBS 770 Ultimate coupé Score: 9 / 10 “More than ever, driving a car like this feels like a privilege, an experience to be savoured while we can. Frankly, I can’t imagine an electric supercar ever feeling this visceral and emotive. Whatever comes next, the DBS 770 Ultimate has earned its place among the Aston Martin greats.” Author: Tim Pitt Read review
Model reviewed: Coupé range Score: 9 / 10 “The DBS Superleggera is Aston Martin’s answer to the Ferrari 812 Superfast. On the road, it is a relentless and extraordinary performer.” Read review
The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Volante “The DBS Superleggera is almost too fast. On wet roads you would be well advised to treat the throttle with extreme caution or you will have a crash.” (Jeremy Clarkson) Read review
Model reviewed: Volante Score: 9 / 10 “Aston’s ‘brute in a suit’ rips off its top and reminds us why super GTs rule.” Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: DBS Superleggera coupé Score: 8 / 10 “The car that epitomises Aston’s brand values better than any other. Massively potent twin-turbo V12 up front, rear-drive, 2+2 layout inside.” Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
No safety rating
The Aston Martin DBS was not tested by Euro NCAP during its production life. This is not unusual, given the car’s price and exclusivity.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The Aston Martin DBS was not tested by Green NCAP during its production life.
It’s a high-performance supercar powered by a V12 petrol engine, so it’s pretty safe to assume that it wouldn’t have scored too highly if it was ever lab tested by Green NCAP…
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of February 2026, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Aston Martin DBS to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.
As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the DBS, we’ll publish the results here.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption
Average
Score
Petrol models
21 mpg
E
CO₂ output
Average
Score
Variation
Score
Petrol models
306 g/km
E
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
50
F
It will come as no surprise to anyone that the Aston Martin DBS is a very expensive car to run, with fuel economy, emissions and insurance figures that are some of the most expensive on the market. Mind you, this news is unlikely to put off any potential customers.
We don’t currently have servicing data for the DBS, but it’s highly likely to be just as expensive.
Date: October 2020 Model types: All DBS, DB11 and Vantage Build dates: 08/2016 to 05/2019 Number of vehicles affected: 20 Defect: Certain fixings on the front seat airbag may not have been tightened to the correct torque. Remedy: Examine the front seat airbag fixings and if necessary secure the fixings.
Date: November 2019 Model types: All DBS, DB11 and Vantage Build dates: 11/2017 to 02/2019 Number of vehicles affected: 15 Defect: Vehicles may not have had their passenger airbag fixings tightened to the correct torque specification. Remedy: Examine the passenger airbag fixings and if necessary secure the fixings.
As of September 2024 (our most recent data point), there have been two DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Aston Martin DBS, which also affect the DB11 and Vantage models. These cover airbag mountings.
Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Aston Martin dealer.
If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used DBS, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Aston Martin DBS has received
2019
Sunday Times Motor Awards – Best Sports Car
2018
Sunday Times Motor Awards – Best-Designed Car
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Aston Martin DBS, you might also be interested in these alternatives
There are several alternatives to the Aston Martin DBS, including one from the same brand – the (less powerful) DB11. The McLaren 720S rivals the DBS on price as does the Ferrari 812 Superfast, though a very different car, while convertible buyers can have a Bentley Continental GT for less money.
Car subscriptions offer an alternative to financing methods such as PCP or leasing, but as a representative from a subscription service would tell you, subscriptions offer the flexibility that a leasing or PCP contract is not designed to provide.
As the names suggest, a leasing contract (PCH) or contract purchase (PCP) is a legally binding contract that provides you with a particular car for a particular length of time, where you agree not to exceed a particular mileage each year.
You may or may not choose to include maintenance in the contract. In exchange you agree to pay the monthly rental and other costs associated with the contract, each month.
If you decide you don’t like the colour, or that a different model would be better for you several months into the contract and choose to end it, you could face some significant penalty charges for breaking the contract.
A more flexible option
If you choose a subscription instead, it’s likely to offer considerably more flexibility than a traditional lease or PCP. You might only need a car for a month or so, perhaps associated with a particular job or family circumstances. Or you might decide that you’d like a convertible for the summer months and a more practical car for the winter months. A subscription service would allow you to do that without leasing penalties.
So, what’s the catch? There’s really only the obvious one. Combine the words “flexibility” and “contract” in the same sentence and it usually means only one thing – a subscription is almost certainly going to cost you more each month than a PCP or lease contract.
“You’re not locked in for two, three or four years. There is an opportunity to get out,” explains Duncan Chumley, CEO of subscription provider Mycardirect, one of our commercial partners here at The Car Expert.
“It came from speaking to customers about the growth of contract hire. As people started to enter into personal contract hire, then more customers would come to us and say, ‘I want to change my car.’ Well unfortunately, you can’t, because you’ve taken a three- or four-year lease and you are committed to it for that period of time.
“If you want to upgrade or downgrade, then you have to exit your lease and in most cases it’s quite expensive to exit a personal lease, there’s no easy get-out clause. And of course, as you don’t own the car, you can’t just sell it.”
Chumley is the former chief commercial officer of Daimler Fleet Management and former managing director of Free2Move Lease, so knows the ins and outs of leasing and PCPs well.
“I thought that if I could create a product that allows people to upgrade, downgrade, move cars, swap cars, it would give them the opportunity to really change as they might require, or if anything went bad within their life, they could just hand the car back and they knew what everything was from day one.
“Everything is included in your monthly payment, so if you choose a Peugeot 3008 at £500 a month, all the maintenance is included, your tyres are included, your roadside assistance is included, VAT is as advertised, we don’t advertise excluding VAT – just talking about cars for the moment.
“There’s an initial refundable deposit that the customer pays, but if they return the car in line with the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) return conditions, they get that money back. Then there’s just a little security deposit – no up-front payment.”
Perhaps not surprisingly, Mycardirect is seeing high demand for electric cars, running at approximately 20% of total subscriptions. It offers a way to sample one or more electric cars for a short period of time to see if they work well for the customer.
A range of choices to keep on changing
Customers can choose from a range of options from Mycardirect. If you really want to change your car every few weeks, a rolling month option allows you to change your car every month.
There are also subecription options for 6, 9, 12 or 24 months for the car that you choose. If you decide you want to change cars, you need only pay the difference – either the increase or reduction in subscription for the car you want – as long as you keep to the original subscription period.
On the other hand, if you choose to opt out during the subscription, it is possible to hand the car back, giving the agreed one month’s notice and all that the customer would be liable for is the difference between the 24-month subscription payment and the six-month subscription payment.
Let’s use the Peugeot 3008 as an example. Say that over 24 months, it would cost £500 per month, while for six months it would be £550 per month. The opt-out fee would just be the £50 per month difference that the customer would have to pay for each month of your subscription up until cancellation.
As Chumley explains, this is simply to stop customers signing up for 24 months to get the lower long-term rate and then only keeping the car for a month.
Ideal for van users as well
The system works in the same way for the company’s Myvandirect business. The target customer for the van business is small SME operators, as Chumley is not planning to take on the big leasing providers.
“Businesses that run maybe five to ten vans. For some of these businesses, contracts change, they upscale and downscale and of course some of the smaller businesses that might have a van then suddenly think they need a car.” It could be that the business is seasonal and the customer needs a van for part of the year and a car otherwise.
Fleet users and rental
Mycardirect also includes a car rental business, mainly to ensure as high a utilisation rate as possible for the vehicles on the fleet. “It just gives us the flexibility to maintain a big subscription fleet,” says Chumley.
A big fleet matters to Mycardirect because the subscription business is based around providing a car with specific trim and engine options. If those vehicles are not being used for the subscription business, they can then provide a second revenue stream through rentals.
*Mycardirect is a commercial partner of The Car Expert.
Genesis has unveiled the GV60, the new Korean executive brand’s first model designed specifically as an electric vehicle (EV).
Genesis is effectively to Hyundai what Lexus is to Toyota, and the GV60 is built on the Hyundai Motor Group’s new electric vehicle platform also used by the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.
The brand is only launching in the UK this summer with the G80 saloon and GV80 SUV, but has plans for a rapid move toward electrification and intends to launch three electric models within its first year. The GV60 will be the second, following an EV variant of the G80.
According to Dominique Boesch, Managing Director for Genesis Motor Europe, the GV60 will provide “a totally new experience”, Boesch describing the car as “a luxury electric vehicle based on our unique brand identity (that) will also benefit from our unique customer-focused offering where service comes before sales.”
No powertrain details for the Genesis GV60 have yet been revealed, but the Hyundai platform is designed to accept single and multi-motor formats and several variations in battery size. It will also allow ultra-rapid charging at 350kWh.
The Genesis GV60 is most likely to follow the specification of its Hyundai Ioniq 5 sister, which would mean rear-wheel-drive single-motor and all-wheel-drive two-motor variants and battery options giving a maximum range between charges in excess of 300 miles.
The car debuts the latest evolution of the Genesis design language dubbed ‘Athletic Elegance.’ The coupe-like exterior is designed to be sleek, employing video cameras instead of rear-view mirrors and pop-out flush door handles.
Distinctive features are the quad headlamps, split by a body line, and the first use by Genesis of a clamshell one-piece section incorporating the bonnet and front wings. A fixed rear spoiler emphasises the coupe shape.
The interior follows the clean theme with the centre console in a floating design. A signature element is the transmission control– this is in the form of a sphere that lights up when the car is not working to provide interior mood lighting.
Genesis is yet to reveal UK launch dates or pricing for the GV60 – industry sources suggest the car could appear before the end of 2022.
