The Car Expert

Britain’s best-selling cars, July 2020

Car industry news

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6 August 2020

It was a pleasant change to read the monthly new car registration report and see a significant improvement in most numbers, and a timely shot in the arm for the beleagured automotive industry.

Overall, the new car market was up by 11% compared to the same month last year, with private buyers leading the way as they did last month as soon as showrooms re-opened. Scottish and Welsh dealers had a particularly good month, which is not that surprising since their showrooms were closed for weeks after those in England had reopened.

The top ten list looked rather more normal than in recent months as well, helped by a significant increase in fleet orders compared to recent months. This pushed more familiar names back into the top ten, while consumer darlings like the Tesla Model 3 dropped out.

The UK’s best-selling new cars, July 2020

1. Vauxhall Corsa

Top spot for the second month in a row went to the new Vauxhall Corsa, holding on by the narrowest of margins over the Ford Fiesta – just 34 units separted the two superminis in July. It’s also the fourth month in a row that the Corsa has outsold the Fiesta, which will please Vauxhall’s management. The Corsa also overtook the Volkswagen Golf in year-to-date sales, and currently sits in third place.

The petrol and diesel versions of the new Corsa currently hold an Expert Rating of 71% on our unique aggregator scale, based on 23 reviews we have gathered so far. That puts it in the bottom half of the supermini class, although the all-electric Corsa-e does score better with an Expert Rating of 76%.

2. Ford Fiesta

Ford Fiesta (2017 onwards) Expert Rating

After years as the undisputed best-selling car in the UK, the Ford Fiesta has had a tougher time of it over the last year. July was the fourth month in a row that it was outsold by the Vauxhall Corsa, even if there was hardly anything between them. Against a market that was up 11% compared to last July, Fiesta registrations were down by 9%. The Ford still holds a handy 3,000+ unit lead in year-to-date registrations, but it’s no longer a given that the Fiesta will top the charts at the end of 2020.

The Fiesta currently holds an Expert Rating of 84% in The Car Expert’s New Car Ratings database, which compares reviews from across the UK motoring media. This is higher than any other car in the supermini class – just ahead of the SEAT Ibiza – so it seems that motoring journalists still prefer it over the Corsa, even if customers haven’t over the last four months.

3. Ford Focus

The Ford Focus improved one spot in July, outselling the Volkswagen Golf by more than 1,000 units. It was also about 1,000 sales more than the Focus achieved for the same month last year, so good news for Ford’s mid-size family hatch.

In year-to-date registrations, however, a new threat is looming as the new Vauxhall Corsa is closing in fast for second place. Plus, of course, the new Golf will be hitting its stride by the time new number plates arrive in September. This could be a close battle all the way to the end of the year.

The Ford Focus currently holds an Expert Rating of 80% in our Expert Ratings database, which is better than most rivals but still 5% off the all-new Volkswagen Golf based on its reviews to date.

4. Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf (2020 onwards) Expert Rating

The Volkswagen Golf jumps from sixth last month to fourth this month, as the new Mk8 model starts to become more reily available and the outoing Mk7 model starts to run out. The Golfs only just pipped the Mercedes-Benz A-Class for fourth place, with just 25 units separating the two.

We’re gradually seeing more local reviews of the new Golf being published in the UK media, and it currently holds an Expert Rating of 83% in our database, which makes it the top-ranked car in its class.

5. Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback | Expert Ratings

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class resumed its customary fifth place in the best-seller list in July, just pipped for fourth by only 24 units by the Golf. Having a plug-in hybrid option presumably helps sales of the little Mercedes as well, and it’s the best-selling car this month with a plug-in version available.

The A-Class has an Expert Rating of 77% in The Car Expert’s unique aggregated Expert Rating system. It ranks highly for safety, winning awards from Euro NCAP, Thatcham and What Car? for its protective qualities.

6. Nissan Qashqai

2019 Nissan Qashqai wallpaper | The Car Expert

The Nissan Qashqai is still holding on, despite being in the twilight of its life. Sixth place this month is a couple of rungs up the ladder from last month, and it also reasserts the Qashqai as the top-selling British-built car – although it only edged out the Mini hatch by 65 sales.

The ageing Nissan Qashqai currently holds an Expert Rating of 74% in our New Car Ratings database, which is midfield for the compact crossover segment and in the bottom half of scores for a top ten-selling car. A replacement is due to be revealed later this year, although the timeframe may be subject to change in light of the chaotic economic conditions currently enveloping the industry.

7. Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo (2018) - ratings and reviews | The Car Expert

The Volkswagen Polo made its first appearance since February, sitting in the middle of a very tight sales battle with the Nissn Qashqai, Mini hatch and Volkswagen Tiguan. It’s the third of four superminis in the top ten chart this month, although as usual it has only about half the numbers sold by the Corsa and Fiesta.

The Polo holds an Expert Rating of 80% in The Car Expert’s New Car Ratings calculator, which is good but still a few points behind the class-leading Fiesta and the Polo’s Spanish cousin, the SEAT Ibiza.

8. Mini hatch

Mini three-door hatch (2018) ratings and reviews | The Car Expert

It was another good month for the Mini hatch, eighth in July after being fifth last month and still holding seventh place in year-to-date registrations. The electric model has now launched as well, which certainly won’t do any harm.

The Mini hatch holds a very solid score of 80% in our Expert Ratings aggregator, which is better than most cars in its class despite being much older than many of its rivals. We’re currently aggregating data for the Mini Electric, and will be publishing an Expert Rating analysis on that in the next few days so check back soon.

9. Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan 2016 - ratings and reviews | The Car Expert

Two months in a row in the top ten for the Volkswagen Tiguan, which is the first time it’s managed that for a long time. It’s also the third VW to make the list this month, and that hasn’t happened for a while, either. The current Tiguan has been on sale for four years now, which means there is presumably a facelift in the works that’s due to pop up any time soon.

The Volkswagen Tiguan holds a strong Expert Rating of 79% in our Expert Ratings aggregator, which is not quite the best in class but certainly among the leaders.

10. Ford Kuga

Rounding out this month’s top ten is the new Ford Kuga. It’s possible that the numbers will include the last remaining stock of the old Kuga, as well as the all-new model.

The new Kuga’s Uk launch was just prior to lockdown, so there haven’t been too many media reviews for us to analyse yet, and all of those have been the plug-in hybrid version rather than the traditional petrol or diesel models. Based on the initial reviews, the new Kuga has received generally good scores and currently holds an Expert Rating of 80% – however, you can probably expect that to shift by a few points as we get more reviews of the whole range in coming months.

Fuel prices up for second month in a row

The Car Expert staff

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5 August 2020

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Average petrol and diesel prices both rose by 3p per litre in July, new figures show.

The average cost of a litre of petrol increased from £1.11 to £1.14 while diesel was hiked from £1.15 to £1.18, according to RAC Fuel Watch data.

That added nearly £2 to the cost of filling up a typical 55-litre family car.

It was the second consecutive monthly fuel price rise, and means petrol is now 7p per litre more expensive than it was at the end of May.

The RAC believes retailers should be cutting forecourt prices by a few pence per litre within the next fortnight as the wholesale cost of fuel fell by 2p per litre for petrol and a fraction of a penny per litre for diesel last month.

The organisation’s fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: “July was another bad month for drivers with a 3p-a-litre rise in the price of fuel.

“This means petrol’s 7p a litre more expensive than it was at the end of May and diesel is 6p more, something drivers will no doubt have noticed as each complete fill-up is costing almost £2 more.

“The higher prices at the pump have been driven by the cost of oil increasing steadily to around 42 US dollars a barrel from a low of 13.21 US dollars in April.

“But drivers may well be given some respite as oil producers are planning on ramping up production despite the risk of renewed lockdowns around the world.

“This could easily lead to supply outstripping demand and therefore a reduction on the forecourts of the UK.

“There is some scope for retailers to already be reducing their prices. If they play fair with drivers we ought to see 2p a litre come off the price of unleaded and nearer 4p come off diesel.”

New car sales bounce back in July

Car industry news

Stuart Masson

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5 August 2020

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For the first time in a long time, the monthly new car registration report is full of positive news – although no-one’s expecting that it’s the start of a long-term resurgence.

Private new car sales were up by more than 20% compared to July 2019, while fleet registrations were also 5% up. This meant an overall increase of just over 11% on the same month last year, according to the data published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). It’s a welcome boost to the car industry, although no-one’s getting too excited just yet.

Industry figures have been quick to attribute the strong results to pent-up demand from consumer and fleet customers who have been waiting for months to get behind the wheel of their new cars. Many of July’s registrations numbers will be for cars that were ordered before the coronavirus lockdown started, helped along by strong offers on new cars since dealerships reopened in June.

Further data from the SMMT shows that the strongest growth was in Scotland and Wales, where registrations were up by 36% and 39% respectively. England saw registrations increase by 8%, while Northern Ireland’s were up by 17%.

As we have repeatedly said here at The Car Expert, about 80% of all private new car sales are paid for by PCP car finance agreements, which effectively force customers to keep buying cars every three or four years. With dealerships closed for 2-3 months between March and June, it’s likely that more than 100,000 PCP deals would have expired. That basically creates an automatic demand for a similar number of new (or near-new) cars, so that will have made a big contribution to July’s results – and will probably do so again in August and September.

The increase in fleet registrations is also welcome news, even if it is again largely due to old orders being fulfilled rather than new orders post-lockdown. Industry expectation is that fleet sales will take longer to recover than consumer sales, with so many businesses across the UK hit hard by the national shutdown and fearful that another lockdown may be on the way as winter approaches.

Electricity still flowing as sales increase

The sales figures for hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full-electric cars were still strong in July, which is more positive news. Fleet buyers still tend to favour petrol and diesel cars more than consumers, so it’s not surprising that stronger fleet registrations saw a small improvement in diesel’s market share compared to last month. But the combined sales of electrified vehicles in July were still not far of the sales of diesel cars, so we could easily see that happen by the end of this year.

Year-on-year results for July, as well as year-to-date sales, show the strong growth of both electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles continues.

What’s in store for August?

August is usually one of the two weakest months of the year (along with February), as it falls right before the new number plate month of September. This year may be somewhat different if manufacturers and dealerships are still clearing a backlog of customer orders, although they may decide to try and hold as many over to September as possible.

There is obviously concern that we could all be plunged back into a second lockdown later in the year, which may impact on new car sales. This could go one of two ways: there could be a bit of a rush to buy new cars before another lockdown hits, or fears about an economic crash and job losses could cause people to put off new car purchases. Based on everything that’s happened already this year, who really knows what will happen?

Good month, bad month

Despite the good news overall, there was quite a variation in the fortunes of different car brands. BMW, Dacia, Fiat, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, MG, Mini, Porsche, Renault, SsangYong and Toyota all saw registrations that were at least 10% ahead of the overall market.

On the downside, things weren’t so good for Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Alpine, Citroën, DS Automobiles, Hyundai, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, SEAT, Smart, Subaru, Suzuki, Vauxhall and Volvo, who all performed at least 10% worse than the overall market.

Corsa stays on top in July

Hatchbacks dominated the top ten list in July, taking seven of the ten best-selling places. The otehr three spots were filled by crossover models. The only saloon in sight would be a small percentage of Mercedes-Benz A-Class sales.

It was month to celebrate for the Vauxhall Corsa, which narrowly pipped the Ford Fiesta to top spot by just 34 units. The Corsa has now also overtaken the Volkswagen Golf for third place in year-to-date sales, and is just 25 units behind the Ford Focus, which took third in July. The new Golf was fourth, just edging the Mercedes A-Class.

Sixth place, and the top British-built car once again, was the Nissan Qashqai – although it was very close between the Qashqai, Volkswagen Polo, Mini hatch and Volkswagen Tiguan. At the bottom of the top ten was the new Ford Kuga, which probably also helped contribute to strong plug-in hybrid registration figures in July.

As usual, we’ll have a more detailed look at the top ten in the next couple of days.

More car industry news and analysis at The Car Expert

Land Rover Defender 110 test drive

Darren Cassey

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5 August 2020

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When discussing the greatest off-road-capable cars ever produced, few can come close to the classic Land Rover Defender. The iconic 4×4, which has its roots way back in the 1940s, became the go-to vehicle for those who need off-road capability and nothing else.

However, as buying habits changed and rivals became more capable, the traditional Defender needed shaking up. Revealed last year, the new Defender has burst onto the scene with a cool new look, better-than-ever off-road abilities – but a new-found air of luxury, comfort, and driveability on the road.

Some purists have decried the fact it’s no longer the rugged, utilitarian 4×4 of the past, but by keeping its traditional abilities while appealing to a new, more lifestyle-focused audience, does Land Rover have a massive hit on its hands? We put the new Defender to the test on urban streets, country roads, boggy forests and boring motorways to find out.

As usual, you can compare our thoughts with the rest of the UK motoring media by heading over to our Expert Rating page for the new Defender. So far, we have 19 reviews of this Land Rover Defender 110 long-wheelbase version in our dtabase, and that number will continue to grow as the rest of the range is rolled out later this year.

More Land Rover reviews, ratings, news and features

Land Rover Defender 110 review

What’s new about the Land Rover Defender?

The new Defender is so far removed from the car it replaces that it’s not even worth comparing the two. It sits on a vehicle platform that’s ’95% new’ compared with the current Land Rover range, and made from lightweight aluminium that’s been upgraded for ‘extreme’ capabilities. It’s three times stiffer than traditional designs, features independent suspension and can integrate electrified powertrains.

It also gets the latest version of Land Rover’s Terrain Response, which is now configurable so that off-road experts can tweak settings to their own preference, while the latest Pivi Pro infotainment system is also introduced, including over the air software updates.

There’s also that all-new look, the latest engines (including a plug-in hybrid later), 90 (three-door) and 110 (five-door) body styles as well as a commercial version… the list of newness is endless.

2021 Land Rover Defender 110 - front view

2021 Land Rover Defender 110 - rear view | The Car Expert

How does it look?

One of the toughest jobs for any car designer is reimagining an icon, but when the new Defender was revealed there can’t have been many who were disappointed with how it turned out.

Its boxy, upright stance remains, with enough chunky design features to give it the rugged looks its abilities deserve. There are nods to the old model to keep aficionados happy, too, while that side-opening rear door gives it real character and allows for a full-size spare wheel to be attached.

There are two body styles available – three-door (90) and five-door (110) – with the latter commanding a slight premium. There’s some more cool charm attached to the three-door, but for family life, the Land Rover Defender 110 five-door’s extra space and practicality can’t be ignored.

What’s the spec like?

At launch there are four trim levels available: Defender, Defender S, Defender SE and Defender HSE. There are also two separate models, called First Edition and Defender X.

The entry-level Land Rover Defender 110 starts at £43,385 and includes 18-inch steel wheels, LED headlights, fabric upholstery, sat nav and all the off-road technology you could require. Upgrade to the S from £46,840, and you get 19-inch alloy wheels, part-leather upholstery, and an integrated driver display.

SE starts at £50,690 and adds 20-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with the signature DRL and LED taillights, front fog lights, a leather steering wheel and the upgraded Meridian sound system. The HSE, from £55,515, gets different 20-inch alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights, a folding fabric roof, and full leather upholstery.

First Edition models start at £55,220 and add electronic air suspension, configurable terrain response, a heated steering wheel and khaki leather upholstery. And finally, the Defender X, starting at £75,510, gets more advanced off-road abilities, a sliding panoramic roof, and two-tone leather upholstery.

In terms of safety specification, the new Land Rover Defender 110 has not yet been tested by Euro NCAP. This is almost certainly thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, as all Euro NCAP and Green NCAP testing was put on hold for the first half of this year. We expect that the Defender will be tested eventually and our Expert Rating page will be updated with the data as soon as it is published.

It’s a similar story for Thatcham Research’s new security assessment programme, which rates new cars on their anti-theft abilities. This has been a sore point for many Range Rover and Range Rover Sport owners in recent years, with these models proving ridiculously easy for thieves to steal in a matter of seconds, so hopefully the new Defender will prove more robust in this regard. gain, we’ll publish the results as soon as we have them.

What’s the Land Rover Defender 110 like inside?

The interior has been one of the most contentious issues among enthusiasts, but for the general public, there’s nothing to complain about. Land Rover has managed to give the cabin a touch of luxury, with some expensive-feeling materials, chic design, and the new infotainment system, while keeping a more rugged look in places.

For example, there are exposed bolts in the door cards, and a metal structural element is visible in the dashboard. These have been integrated in a way that doesn’t detract from the premium feel while also hinting at its tougher abilities.

Gone are the days of cramped interiors, too. While classic Defenders were famed for having little room up front, the new one feels big and spacious inside. If you’re looking for a family car it’ll do a fantastic job of carrying multiple people and all their things.

What’s under the bonnet?

The plug-in hybrid engine is arguably the biggest news, but since that’s not available at launch we’ve been testing the D240 engine, which will likely be the most popular.

It’s a twin-turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel unit from the latest family of JLR Ingenium engines. Its stats are 240hp, 430Nm of torque, fuel economy of up to 31.7mpg and CO₂ emissions up to 253g/km.

For a car like this, that torque figure is arguably the most important, because when you’re on a boggy forest track you need it to help pull you out of trouble. On the road, it’s impressively quiet, while power is more than adequate for most situations.

What’s the Land Rover Defender like to drive?

There are two aspects to the driving experience – on-road and off-road. This being a Defender, let’s start with the latter. We tested the new Land Rover Defender 110 in the forests surrounding Eastnor Castle, not far from JLR HQ and the place where the car was tested during production.

There are three tyre options: the standard road tyre, an off-road tyre, and a compromise between the two, which is what our test car was fitted with. You wouldn’t have known it.

While the Defender unsurprisingly found little issue with dry, dusty paths – no matter how steep the inclines and declines – at times the route would turn to a gooey, chalky mess. The Defender never hesitated. There was barely any slip, with the on-board technology taking over and giving pure confidence that any terrain is passable, even without the top-spec tyre.

And when the road became narrow or sharp crests appeared, the on-board cameras made them a breeze to navigate. It was almost boringly easy.

On the road? Excellent. Again, you’d expect a lot of tyre noise from the ‘compromise’ tyre, but if you didn’t know you’d think it was quiet enough to be a road-focused tyre. The ride is sublime, too, ironing out bumps to make for carpet-like comfort, while wind and road noise is minimal at motorway speeds, too.

There are a couple of complaints. Although it’s fantastically comfortable, that high centre of gravity and soft suspension does lead to a lot of head wobble when the road gets particularly bumpy. Meanwhile, the gearbox is frustratingly slow to respond to inputs, which is likely related to hitting emissions targets. Overall, though, it drives much better on the road than any car this good off-road should.

Verdict

The Land Rover Defender had an almost impossible task on its hands, appealing to those who have long loved its no-nonsense ruggedness as well as those looking for a practical, characterful family runaround.

After a day behind the wheel of the Land Rover Defender 110 five-door, which is going to comfortably outsell the shorter three-door Defender 90, it’s fair to say it has succeeded in its task. Our tricky off-road route was mere child’s play for the Defender, yet when we took it to the Tarmac it was quiet, refined and comfortable with fantastic entertainment technology on-board.

The high-spec versions are too plush and too expensive to be considered for a truly workhorse lifestyle, but there are more affordable options at the bottom of the range, not least the forthcoming commercial version.

It’s safe to say Land Rover has nailed the brief.

More Land Rover reviews, ratings, news and features

The Car Expert’s unique Expert Rating system

It’s not just Darren who loves the new Defender. Based on 19 reviews we’ve aggregated so far – all of which are this 110 long-wheelbase model, and mostly with the same D240 dieel engine – the Defender currently holds an Expert Rating of 92% as of August 2020.

That ranks the Defender equal fourth out of nearly 200 cars that we have analysed over the last 18 months, so clearly the British motoring media are impressed with the big new Land Rover. However, it’s important to note that most of these reviews have been of the same model (110 long-wheelbase and D240 diesel engine) and took place at the same launch event. Once we get more reviews of more specifications in more varied environments, that score could change by a few points.
Stuart Masson, Editor

Similar cars

Key specifications

Model as tested: Land Rover Defender 110 D240 S
Price (on-road): £52,110
Engine: 2.0-litre diesel
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 240 hp
Torque: 430 Nm

Top speed: 117 mph
0-60mph: 9.9 seconds
Fuel economy (combined): 31.7 – 29.3 mpg
CO₂ emissions: 234 – 253 g/km
Euro NCAP safety rating: Not yet tested (as of August 2020)
TCE Expert Rating: 92% (as of August 2020)

SEAT Mii Electric (2019 to 2021)

Stuart Masson

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3 August 2020

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Summary

The SEAT Mii Electric was a small city car-class hatchback, which (as its name suggests) was powered by an electric motor rather than a petrol engine. It was launched in the UK in late 2019 with the first cars arriving in early 2020.

The Mii Electric was an electric version of the original petrol SEAT Mii, which had been around since 2012 and was taken off sale in early 2019. So although it may have been launched in 2019, it was far from an all-new model. The Mii Electric was basically the same vehicle as the Volkswagen e-Up and Skoda Citigo e iV, with only minor cosmetic and trim differences across all three vehicles.

Based on the reviews analysed, the SEAT Mii Electric was praised for being one of the more affordable options in the electric car market. However, it’s was not really suited outside an urban environment, and it’s sub-par three-star Euro NCAP safety rating was off the pace of newer rivals.

More SEAT Expert Ratings, reviews, news and features

Mii Electric highlights

Great value for money
Good battery range for this price
Agile in urban areas
Comfortable and easy driving experience

Mii Electric lowlights

Concerning Euro NCAP safety rating
Rather dated interior
So-so exterior looks
No touchscreen infotainment

Key specifications

Body style: Small five-door hatch
Motor: electric, battery-powered
Price when new: From £19,800 on-road

Launched: Winter 2019/20
Last updated: N/A
Discontinued: Autumn 2021

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

Auto Express

Score: 7 / 10
“The SEAT Mii Electric offers zero emissions and extremely low running costs. It’s also comfortable, well equipped and easy to drive.”
Read review

Score: 7 / 10
“The new SEAT Mii electric has plenty of plus points, but is ultimately let down by its price.”
Read review

Car

Score: 8 / 10
“This is a thoroughly successful evolution of the city car, and one that – together with its Skoda and Volkswagen stable mates – seems likely to set the pattern for the future of a class that suits electrification probably better than any other.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Score: 8 / 10
“The SEAT Mii Electric shares much with the Volkswagen e-Up! but offers buyers some extra style and better value.”
Read review

Carwow

“The SEAT Mii Electric is just as small as the standard Mii, but it’s even easier to drive in cities thanks to its perky electric motor. Alternatives can travel further on a single charge, though.”
Read review

Discover EV

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The SEAT Mii Electric makes a persuasive case for the city-dwelling market, who want affordable, fun motoring while being mindful of the environment. The move to an electric powertrain is perfect for this little city car, and if you can live with the range it is a great choice.”
Read review

Honest John

“Based on the SEAT Mii city car, the Mii Electric has an 83hp electric motor along with a 37kWh lithium-ion battery pack providing up to 161 miles of range from a charge.”
Read review

Motoring Research

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The SEAT Mii Electric is a zero-emissions city car. It’s a likeable and relatively affordable way into the world of EV motoring.”
Read review

Parkers

Score: 8.4 / 10
“Great small electric car for people who don’t want to shout about it.”
Read review

The Sun

“The SEAT Mii Electric is wonderfully affordable, fun to drive and your kids will love it”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: Electric
Score: 6 / 10
“An impressive first effort, but it won’t be for everyone.”
Read review

Top Gear

Score: 8 / 10
“SEAT’s take on the VW Up & Skoda Citigo is a damn good EV. Though of the three, it’s not the one we’d have.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 3 stars
Date tested: December 2019
Date expired: January 2026
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 81%
Child protection: 83%
Vulnerable road users: 46%
Safety assist: 55%

The petrol SEAT Mii was originally awarded a five-star rating by Euro NCAP way back in 2011*. However, this rating expired in 2018 when the car no longer met the relevant criteria for a five-star vehicle. The electric version was tested by Euro NCAP in 2019*, when it was awarded the three-star rating shown above.

*the actual vehicles tested in each case were the Volkswagen Up! in 2011 and the Volkswagen e-Up! in 2019. The Volkswagen is structurally identical to the SEAT Mii and the Skoda Citigo, so the same rating applies to all three brands.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The SEAT Mii Electric was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life

The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the Mii Electric would have been likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing if it had ever taken place.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of April 2025 (our most recent data point), we don’t have enough reliability data on the SEAT Mii Electric 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 Mii Electric, we’ll publish the results 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	155 miles	C

Electrical efficiency	Average	Score	Variation	Score
EV models	4.4 m/KWh	B

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	12	A

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

We don’t have five-year servicing cost data on the Mii due to its age, but its electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of fuel economy) and insurance group are very competitive. The battery is quite small, however, so the driving range is going to be less than a lot of other electric cars.

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the SEAT Mii Electric, you might also be interested in these alternatives

The SEAT Mii Electric is essentially a re-badged version of the Volkswagen e-Up. Most of the other cars listed above are all a bit larger and/or more expensive, and are classed as superminis rather than city cars – although, realisitically any small electric car is best suited to city and urban driving.

More SEAT ratings, reviews, news and features

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Tesla Model S

Stuart Masson

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31 July 2020

0

Summary

The Tesla Model S was a large electric saloon (well, technically it’s a liftback) that was the flagship of the Tesla range. It was sold in the UK from 2014 until the early 2020s, but after a major mid-life update it was only available in left-hand drive until finally being discontinued in 2026.

The Model S was launched in America in 2012, but didn’t arrive in the UK until 2014. It received a facelift in 2016, but Tesla operates on a different basis to other manufacturers, so all vehicles received significant software updates after launch. These were usually delivered ‘over the air’, being downloaded directly to the vehicle from Tesla.

A further updated Model S was launched in 2022, but it was only built in left-hand drive and was available by special order in the UK.

The Tesla Model S was a pioneering vehicle for the image of electric cars, almost single-handedly changing the perception of electric vehicles having poor performance and range. It received widespread praise for its performance, with acceleration that bettered many supercars, and overall practicality for a broad range of potential customers.

However, the Model S was plagued by quality and reliability issues in its early years, and build quality was not considered a match for similarly priced saloons from the likes of Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Audi. Which? magazine has been publicly calling for the Model S to be recalled for years, as its pop-out door handles are reported to have failed on one in five vehicles.

After being taken off-sale during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Model S finally returned to the UK market in summer 2023, but is now only available in left-hand drive and in ultra-fast Plaid trim.

As of March 2026, the Tesla Model S has a Used Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 57%. It has excellent scores for safety, tailpipe emissions (which are zero, being an electric car) and media reviews. The two areas of concern for buyers are running costs (largely insurance) and reliability (which was poor on early cars but has improved over the years).

More Tesla Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features

Model S highlights

Styling generally admired
Praiseworthy performance and driving dynamics
Reliability has proved better than most rivals

Model S lowlights

Interior quality not to German standards
Infotainment system is also sub-par
Residual values can’t match best in class
Now only available in LHD

Key specifications

Body style: Large saloon/liftback
Powertrain: electric motor and batteries
Price: From £124,990 on-road

Launched: Summer 2014
Last updated: Summer 2023
Discontinued: Spring 2026

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

Featured reviews

“If the logistics of owning and charging an electric car work for you, then the Tesla Model S is a fantastic car. If you don’t have convenient and regular access to rapid charging facilities, the Model S will never be a realistic option.”

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 8.6 / 10

Read full review

Stuart Masson

“The all-electric Tesla Model S is more impressive than ever, but it’s left-hand drive only and new rivals mean it’s got a fight on its hands.”

Model reviewed: 2023 update range

Score: 8 / 10

Read full review

Auto Express

Ellis Hyde, Richard Ingram

More reviews

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Plaid
Score: 9 / 10
“The Tesla Model S is back and better than ever – if you can forgive the fact it’s now left-hand drive only. And actually, given the level of tech and driver assistance systems on board, that’s easier to do than you might think.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Long Range
Score: 8 / 10
“The all-electric Tesla Model S has been updated for 2019, gaining boosted efficiency and dynamics.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 75D
Score: 8 / 10
“The Tesla Model S remains one of the most convincing EVs you can buy, and this entry-level 75D model is certainly the pick of the line-up. It has nearly as much range as its significantly more expensive siblings, is almost as fast and keeps all the best attributes of the Model S intact.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 100D
Score: 8 / 10
“The 100D is the latest version in the Tesla Model S range, and it boasts a range of 393 miles – better than any other EV currently on sale.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Tesla Model S is a familiar sight these days, but the Best Green Car in our 2019 New Car Awards is still one of the most remarkable, revolutionary cars on the market.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: Plaid
Score: 8 / 10
“You buy a Tesla Model S Plaid for that mighty performance and getting the best possible thing you can out of the Tesla ecosystem. It’s the ultimate EV play-thing; capable of squirting up a drag strip or countryside backroad quicker than you can say Elon Musk, streaming whatever you like from it as you hook up to a Supercharger.” (Jake Groves)
Read review

Model reviewed: 2020
Score: 10 / 10
“Still a gamechanger. It won’t be long before the EV will be viable for most people – and you can thank the pioneering Tesla Model S for accelerating that process.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Score: 8.2 / 10
“The Tesla Model S is fast, refined, well equipped and practical. It also doesn’t come with as many compromises as some other electric cars.”
Read review

Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Tesla Model S is a remarkable electric car, blending high performance with luxury, a high-tech cabin and zero emissions. One of its few downsides is that it’s quite a bit more expensive than your average upmarket saloon.”
Read review

Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 75D
“It’s still not cheap, and premium rivals are starting to appear, but the Tesla Model S offers high-performance, high-quality, long-distance electric mobility, and the entry 75D is far from the runt of the range.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
“Tesla is at the cutting edge of zero-emission motoring, and the Model S looks great, has a range unrivalled by any other electric car, and is a bit of a technological masterpiece.”
Read review

Daily Mail

Model reviewed: P85D
“The Tesla Model S is the electric car that confounds stereotypes. It can hit 60mph as fast as a Lamborghini, is as spacious as a luxury saloon and its Autopilot feature can even spare you the pain of a drive back into town.”
Read review

Discover EV

Model reviewed: Long Range
Score: 8 / 10
“While the latest Tesla Model S is very similar in some fundamental ways to the car that was launched five years ago, in many ways it’s much better. Greater range and charging ability, improved comfort and sharper dynamics than before, it is a very accomplished electric car indeed.”
Read review

Evo

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Tesla Model S exudes the benefits an electric car has over fossil-fuelled alternatives; Supercharger network makes it more usable than ever.” (Yousuf Ashraf)
Read review

Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: 100D
Score: 10 / 10
“All these years since its introduction and the Tesla Model S is still an excellent car. It’s rapid, quiet, refined, spacious, it has an excellent driving range of over 300 miles, you can recharge it easily, quickly and reliably at Tesla’s Supercharger network, and of course it has zero tailpipe emissions.”
Read review

Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s unlike anything else on sale and shows the world that electric cars can be enjoyable, useable and desirable. It might be expensive – and there are a few question marks over fit and finish in places – but it’s still an amazing piece of technology and a great car.”
Read review

Motors

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Tesla Model S has incredible performance, long real-world range and good practicality. On the downside, build quality is disappointing, it’s expensive to buy and it’s not very involving to drive.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.4 / 10
“Groundbreaking Electric Vehicle now with free Supercharging”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: 60D
Score: 8 / 10
“It was while I was Autopiloting up the M4, just west of Heathrow, that the conclusion became inescapable. The Tesla Model S 60D is quite simply the greatest car I have ever not driven.”
Read review

Model reviewed: P90D
Score: 10 / 10
“The car that gets better with age”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Tesla Model S is by no means perfect, but it does address many of the drawbacks of other electric cars, as well as providing thrilling performance, class-leading space and very low running costs. If it fits into your lifestyle and you can afford the price, it makes a compelling case for itself.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Arguably the biggest step forward for EVs since the Prius, the Tesla Model S shows cylinders may have had their day.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 94%
Child protection: 91%
Vulnerable road users: 85%
Safety assist: 98%

The Tesla Model S was tested by Euro NCAP back in November 2014 and awarded a five-star safety rating. However, this rating expired in January 2021 and is no longer valid.

The Model S was then re-tested by Euro NCAP in November 2022, renewing its five-star safety rating with an impressive set of individual safety scores.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Tesla Model S was not assessed by Green NCAP during its production life.

The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the Model S is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing if and when it ever takes place. Check back again soon.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 105
Average repair cost: £712.57
Last updated: April 2025

Reliability score

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

The Tesla Model S has a very poor reliability score of 19% as of April 2025 (our most recent data point), according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, MotorEasy.

The most common problems don’t relate to the car’s electric motor or battery pack, but to other systems like suspension, electrical system (wiring and accessories, rather than the electric motor) and brakes.

As noted above, there is a lot of owner-reported information about reliability problems on owners’ forums and consumer sites. The Model S has improved in terms of build quality throughout its decade-long production life, but it appears to still lag behind the best in the business.

Awards

Significant trophies and awards that the Tesla Model S has received

2022

DrivingElectric Awards – Best Used Large Electric Car

2021

Carbuyer Awards – Best Used Large Electric Car

2019

Auto Trader Awards – Best Green Car

2016

Business Car Awards – Best Luxury Car

2013

World Car Awards – World Green Car

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Mercedes-Benz reveals prices and specs for updated E-Class

Model update

Jack Evans

-

31 July 2020

0

Mercedes-Benz reveals prices and specs for updated E-Class

Mercedes-Benz has announced full details for its facelifted E-Class, with prices starting from £39,130.

Available in both saloon and estate guises, the E-Class arrives with a variety of trim levels and engine options.

That entry-level price applies to the E200 Sport saloon, rising to £41,460 for the estate version with the same powertrain.

The E300e AMG Line Edition saloon plug-in hybrid, meanwhile, is priced from £46,230, while the range-topping Mercedes-AMG E63 S comes in at £98,370 and £100,370 for the saloon and estate versions respectively.

Four trim lines will be available from launch – Sport, AMG Line, AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Night Edition Premium Plus. Even entry-level Sport cars boast Merc’s latest MBUX infotainment system, a twin-screen infotainment setup made of up two 12.3-inch displays, as well as 17-inch alloy wheels and front and rear parking sensors.

AMG Line adds 18-inch alloy wheels and a sports bodykit, while AMG Line Premium brings larger 19-inch alloys wheels, keyless entry and a 360-degree camera. Finally, AMG Line Night Edition Premium Plus brings 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof and electrically adjustable front seats – among other features.

All of the four- and six-cylinder engines in the range now feature 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, while full hybrid versions combine a 2.0-litre petrol engine with a 13.5kWh battery capable of driving the E-Class for up to 35 miles on electric power alone.

All versions of the E-Class are on sale now, with first deliveries expected in the autumn.

Nip and tuck for Mercedes-Benz’s unsung hero

The E-Class saloon is really the unsung hero of the Mercedes-Benz family. It’s technically overshadowed by the flagship S-Class and outsold by the smaller C-Class, and often viewed as little more than a chauffeur’s car. But the E-Class (and its forebears) have always been some of the best cars that the company produces, and the current generation is no different.

Launched in 2016, the current E-Class is – as of July 2020 – the highest-rated Mercedes we have analysed to date, with an Expert Rating of 84%. That’s a few points behind the BMW 5 Series, which is still regarded as a better driver’s car, but a very good score nonetheless.
Stuart Masson, Editor

KGM Korando

Stuart Masson

-

30 July 2020

0

Summary

The KGM (formely SsangYong) Korando is a mid-sized SUV/crossover that sits between the smaller Tivoli and larger Rexton in the KGM SUV family. The current model was launched at the 2019 Geneva motor show and arrived in the UK in the summer of the same year.

The Korando has been widely praised for being a significant improvement over the previous model and other models in the KGM range. Before its manufacturer dropped the SsangYong name, it was also the brand’s first model to receive a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP. However, it’s no longer really a budget option and there are plenty of other choices that offer better quality and resale value at a similar price.

The Korando has received reasonable reviews from the UK motoring media, ranging from average to very good. Its overall New Car Expert Rating of C and score of 61% (as of March 2026) places the car in the midfield of the mid-sized mainstream SUVs.

More KGM ratings, reviews, news and features

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £19,995 on-road

Launched: Summer 2019
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

Featured reviews

“Major improvements in refinement, quality and equipment levels mean the SsangYong Korando is no longer just for those who want an SUV but can’t afford one.”

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel automatic Pioneer

Score: 7.7 / 10

Read full review

The Car Expert

Andrew Charman

“What the Korando lacks in flair it makes up for in being a sturdy, dependable and practical choice in the family SUV market.”

Score: 7 / 10

Read full review

Auto Express

Antony Ingram

More reviews

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Ultimate 1.5 petrol
Score: 7 / 10
“As it stands, the petrol is the pick of the new SsangYong Korando range.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The SsangYong Korando isn’t the best car of this type or size, but it is very affordable, and comes loaded with equipment. It’s also very practical, with lots of space inside for people and their things, and it has a stonking warranty.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 6 / 10
“Well-equipped, striking to look at, half-decent off road and with the best on-road manners of any SsangYong to date, the new Korando is an impressive effort and it’s night-and-day better compared to its direct predecessor. The rebirth is genuinely impressive.”
Read review

Car Keys

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel automatic Ultimate
Score: 8 / 10
“This all-new Korando is completely transformed over the car it replaces. With new levels of refinement and a high-quality cabin, it moves SsangYong into line with more mainstream manufacturers.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.4 / 10
“If you don’t mind a sedate driving experience, the SsangYong Korando is an appealing and practical family car with some impressive features.”
Read review

Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overview
“The SsangYong Korando is an affordable yet practical SUV with bold styling and decent standard equipment, but alternatives are more economical and look posher inside.”
Read review

Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic Ultimate
“The Ssangyong Korando provides good space and kit at a decent price, but is let down by the way it drives and its efficiency.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel automatic Ultimate
“This top-spec 4×4 automatic diesel isn’t the heartland of the range, but despite the cost it shows how far the brand is coming, though the SsangYong Korando isn’t exactly the budget option any more.”
Read review

Daily Mirror

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel automatic
Score: 6 / 10
“At great value, with a 150,000 mile/seven-year warranty and a likely five-star safety rating, the Ssangyong Korando is worth serious consideration.”
Read review

Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The genuinely ‘all-new’ SsangYong Korando offers good looks, an impressively high-quality interior, latest generation infotainment, six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions and a choice of two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.5 GDI-T
“While it’s not as polished to drive as SUV rivals, it represents good value for money – and the brand’s reputation for reliability (along with a generous seven-year warranty) makes it a very sensible purchase.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6.2 / 10
“Reborn SUV is an improvement in all areas except value.”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“Rivals should be worried.”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel automatic
Score: 8 / 10
“The SsangYong Korando is a very good car in its own right, and represents some of the best value that can be had in this crowded segment. It’s practical, spacious, reasonably good to drive and competent enough off-road to meet the needs of country and equestrian folk.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 5 / 10
“Cheap, but doesn’t always feel it. The SsangYong Korando is coming of age.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

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

Adult protection: 88%
Child protection: 85%
Vulnerable road users: 68%
Safety assist: 74%

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of March 2026, the KGM Korando has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of March 2026, we don’t have enough reliability data on the KGM Korando 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 Korando, 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	36 mpg	D
Diesel models	43 mpg	C

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	179 g/km	D
Diesel models	173 g/km	D

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	23	B

The KGM Korando can be expensive to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

This is mostly due to the car’s fuel consumption. Petrol models offer poorer fuel economy than the market average, with diesel models typically conserving a bit more fuel. On the other hand, insurance costs should be pretty manageable.

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Morgan Plus Four test drive

Car reviews

Jack Evans

-

30 July 2020

0

This is the Morgan Plus Four and, make no mistake, it’s an altogether new thing. Sitting atop the firm’s latest aluminium architecture and powered by one of BMW’s sharpest engines, it’s a car which has been designed to follow on from the successful Plus Six.

The previous Plus 4 – note the numerical change in the naming structure – was one of Morgan’s best-sellers, so this latest one really needs to be rather good. We’ve been behind the wheel to see if things have gone to plan.

More Morgan news, reviews and features

Morgan Plus Four review 2020

What’s new?

There’s a lot going on here. As we’ve already mentioned, the Plus Four sits on Morgan’s latest architecture – called CX – which has a bonded aluminium structure. Rather than the old steel-based chassis, this new setup allows the Morgan to be stiffer, stronger and lighter. In fact, this two-seater only weighs just over a tonne, yet still incorporates wood into its design.

Elsewhere, we’ve got a classic interior with some modern tweaks, but this really is about blending the old and the new.

How does it look?

Well, it looks like a Morgan, doesn’t it? In terms of styling it’s like nothing else on the road today, and wherever the Plus Four goes people stop to stare and look. There’s no animosity towards this car, however. On occasion, there can be a certain amount of distaste levelled at gaudy supercars or loud, barking sports cars, but there’s none of that here. A Morgan is a British, cherished car and one which people genuinely seem pleased to see.

The long, sculpted arches have been passed down through Morgan’s various generations, while the wire wheels on our car were brought smartly up to date with colour-coded green paint to match the body work.

What’s the spec like?

There’s no dual-screen infotainment setup or wireless smartphone connectivity to speak of here. The Plus Four isn’t bristling with the latest tech, though Morgan has fitted a new, compact, screen ahead of the steering wheel to display the heating and ventilation settings, as well as key information such as speed. It’s a small update – first seen on the Plus Six – but a welcome one.

At £62,995 the Plus Four certainly isn’t cheap, and after a few choice options such as the aforementioned wheels and air conditioning, our test car came in at close to £75,000.

What’s it like inside?

The cabin of the Morgan is an illustrious mix of high-end materials and old-school ergonomics. There’s more room inside the Plus Four than you may expect, with enough space to stretch out. It feels far less constrictive to sit in than, say, a Caterham Seven, which does open the Morgan up to slightly longer journeys. The sports seats are nicely padded and feature a lumbar support control which uses a small rubber bulb under the chair to either pump air into the seat or let it out. It’s a rudimentary way of doing things, but it works.

The steering wheel sits up close to your chest, and though the wheel itself may be a slight detachment from the wheels fitted to Morgan cars of old, it’s nice enough to hold. When it comes to luggage space, there’s a small area behind the seats which can be packed with softer bags, but that really is about it.

What’s under the bonnet?

The Plus Four makes use of a compact yet punchy 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine which comes courtesy of BMW. It’s got 225bhp and – impressively for a car of this size – 400Nm of torque. It means that this Morgan will crack 0-60mph in 4.6 seconds and carry on to a top speed of 149mph.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox – an automatic is available but we’d keep with the stick – and you’ll not find a suite of driver aids and assistance systems coming into play here. An added bonus of this new powertrain is efficiency; Morgan claims up to 40mpg and CO2 emissions of just 159g/km. It gives the Plus Four far greener credentials than you might expect.

What’s it like to drive?

Drop into the Morgan’s padded yet supportive seat and you’re initially met with a slightly higher driving position than you may expect from a car of this type. It gives you a good view ahead, with the long, louvred bonnet stretching right out in front of you. It’s one of the best windscreen sightlines in the business, we’re sure.

Thumb the new starter button and the engine kicks into life with a pleasantly old-school grumble (our car had an optional sports exhaust fitted) and at slow speeds, the car chatters away merrily.

Pick up a bit of speed – something the Plus Four does remarkably well – and the whole car bristles. It’s not a car which likes to be overly rushed; this gearbox needs to be given time and you need to get the whole car settled before whisking it through a corner. But show it some large, flowing bends and it’s at its whooshing, all-encompassing best. Compared with the old 4, the new car presents a vast and striking improvement – it simply rides, turns and handles like a completely new car.

Verdict

Given the number of accomplished rivals which accompany the Plus Four at this price point, it could be said that this Morgan has an even more difficult job on its hands than ever before. However, the real draw to the Plus Four is the sheer sense of occasion, and that’s something which others struggle to nail down.

For many, the Plus Four won’t make sense. But we’d argue for plenty of people only a Morgan will scratch the itch. And given this latest car’s performance, looks and improved everyday driving manners, we’d argue that it’s an itch well worth scratching.

More Morgan news, reviews and features

Key specifications

Model as tested: Morgan Plus Four
Price as tested: £74,949
Engine: 2.0-litre petrol
Gearbox: Six-speed manual

Power: 260 hp
Torque: 400 Nm
Top speed: 149 mph
0-60mph: 4.6 seconds

Fuel economy (combined): 40 mpg
CO₂ emissions: 159 g/km
Euro NCAP safety rating: Not tested
TCE Expert Rating: Not yet rated (July 2020)

New MG 5 estate car coming to UK

New model

Jack Evans

-

28 July 2020

0

MG Motors has announced that it will be bringing its new electric MG 5 estate car to the UK.

Set to sit alongside the firm’s existing ZS EV, the new MG 5 will have a range of 214 miles.

It’s believed that the MG 5 is an updated version of the Roewe Ei5, a car sold exclusively in Chinese markets. That car utilises a 52.5kWh battery pack and electric motor, delivering a range of 261 miles, albeit under older and less stringent NEDC tests. The latest and stricter WLTP emissions cycle testing is the reason behind the new 5’s smaller claimed range for the same drivetrain.

The MG 5 is set to be the first fully-electric estate car on sale in the UK. With a length of just over 4.5 metres – roughly similar to estate versions of the Vauxhall Astra or Toyota Corolla – it sits on the more compact end of the estate car spectrum. It’s expected to be priced competitively however, with prices likely to be around the same as the £25,495 charged for the firm’s ZS EV.

Despite its compact size, it’s likely to feature a 578-litre boot with up to 1,456 litres of space made available with the rear seats folded down. There’s also a strong chance that it will come with the same seven-year warranty as found on other MG vehicles.

MG is currently the fastest growing car brand in the UK, buoyed on by a flourishing dealer network and the popularity of the aforementioned ZS. Difficult economic conditions also tend to help budget brands at the expensive of more mainstream rivals – during the last financial crisis, Hyundai and Kia made huge strides at the direct expense of Vauxhall, Renault, Peugeot and the like.

In June, MG new car registrations were up by 88% despite a 35% decline for the overall new car market.

More MG news, ratings, reviews and features

New car finance rules will save you money – but not until 2021

Stuart Masson

-

28 July 2020

6

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has confirmed that new rules set to save customers an estimated £165 million a year have been signed off – but they won’t come into force for another six months.

The new rules will stop car dealers or finance brokers from being paid commission based on the interest rate they charge the customer. Currently, some finance companies reward dealers with more commission if they charge you a higher interest rate, which is called discretionary commission. This obviously encourages dealers to sell customers finance packages at higher interest rates, with most customers completely unaware that they are able to negotiate the interest rate just as they can negotiate the price of the car.

Today’s announcement follows a consultation that the FCA initiated in October last year, with the new rules coming into force on 28 January 2021. The FCA has decided to be generous to finance companies under pressure from the coronavirus pandemic to allow them time to implement the new measures, which would otherwise have come into effect at the end of October.

Discretionary commission models will be banned, and the rules around disclosure of commission earnings will also be tightened to make sure dealers/brokers are giving consumers more relevant information.

What does it actually all mean?

The new rules are good news for car buyers when taking out car finance. Currently, a finance company might give the dealer discretion to set your interest rate between, say, 5% and 10%. If the dealer sets it at 10%, they pocket extra commission from the finance company while your payments go up by several pounds each month.

If dealers no longer earn money by pushing up interest rates, the theory is that they should all default to the lowest rate available to help them get your business. They will still earn commission for selling you a finance agreement, and commissions will still be linked to the amount borrowed (so they will earn more commission if you borrow more money), but they will no longer profit by making you pay more interest.

The new rules are likely to provide most benefit to used car buyers, as interest rates tend to be significantly higher than on new cars. Car manufacturers also tend to offer low-rate deals packaged up with deposit contribution offers on many of their new cars anyway, with little to no scope for dealers to vary the offers.

What sort of car finance agreements are affected?

The new rules will apply to personal contract purchase (PCP), hire purchase (HP), lease purchase (LP) and conditional sale finance agreements.
They do not apply to personal contract hire (PCH) or other forms of leasing, as these are rental agreements rather than borrowing money to purchase a car.

How much will customers really benefit?

The FCA estimates that the new rules could save customers £165 million in interest payments each year. However, that rather assumes an ideal world where people all borrow the same money but pay less interest. In the real world, things may be different.

Most car finance customers tend to look at their overall monthly budget and whether they can afford the car they want within that figure. If the dealer can’t get extra profit from charging more interest, they are likely to try and find other ways to earn extra money. So expect renewed efforts for them to flog you overpriced car cleaning kits, GAP insurance and extended warranties…

Another point to bear in mind is that the new rules don’t apply to leasing, which doesn’t work on an interest rate basis as you’re not borrowing money. It could be that dealers and brokers simply try to shift customers from PCP car finance to PCH leasing if it’s more profitable for them. The FCA has indicated it will monitor this to ensure customers are not being misled or switched to a different type of funding agreement.

Industry reaction

The new regulations have been welcomed by the finance industry’s representative body, the Finance and Leasing Association (FLA). Adrian Dally, head of motor finance at the FLA said: “This is a welcome announcement from the FCA as it provides clarity for the industry.

“We are also pleased that the regulator accepted our point about the need to monitor the consumer hire market as the ban on discretionary commissions does not extend to personal contract hire agreements.”

More car finance news, information and advice at The Car Expert

Mitsubishi preparing to pull out of Europe?

Car manufacturer news

Stuart Masson

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27 July 2020

0

Mitsubishi preparing to pull out of Europe?

Mitsubishi has revealed that it is freezing the launch of new models in Europe, in a move that is likely to precipate a withdrawal from the market altogether.

The move, announced today, is part of cost-saving measures and a revamp of the company’s overall global operations.

The sales of existing models will continue in the UK for the time being, as will aftersales services.

The Japanese carmaker – creator of the popular Outlander PHEV – has ambitions to reduce its fixed costs by at least 20% over the next two years. It’s putting most of its emphasis and resources into the ASEAN (Australian and South-East Asian) region, where the company has a market share of more than 6%. That compares with only 1% per cent share of the European market.

The restructuring plan, called “Small but Beautiful”, looks to concentrate its resources on ‘core regions and technologies’.

Takao Kato, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, said: “We will shift our strategy from all-round expansion to selection and concentration.

“First of all, we will complete our structural reforms and further strengthen our competitive areas – ultimately to build a corporate structure that can surely generate profits during this mid-term period.”

A separate statement from Mitsubishi announced that the company is expecting its global sales to fall by 25% this year, with an operating loss of ¥140 billion (approximately £1 billion) and an extraordinary loss of ¥220 billion (approximately £1.6 billion) for restructuring, for a total annual net loss of ¥360 billion (approximately £2.7 billion).

Another car brand pulling out of Europe?

Although Mitsubishi has not confirmed any longer-term plans, this announcement could well represent the start of Mitsubishi’s move away from Europe. The current economic environment is putting car manufacturers under enormous pressure, as Mitsubishi’s financial forecasting above shows, and a marketplace that is over-saturated with competitors is likely to be unsustainable for several of them.

Mitsubishi’s existing models are mostly getting old and uncompetitive with new rivals. In fact, the ASX small crossover and Shogun Sport SUV have the two lowest ratings we have analysed to date with our unique Expert Rating system, which aggregates new car reviews from 21 different UK sources. The company’s best-seller is the Outlander plug-in hybrid SUV, but that car has achieved its success over the last few years largely to a lack of competition – a situation that is rapidly changing.

A freeze on new models suggests that current offerings are unlikely to be replaced when they cease production or no longer comply with new EU emissions regulations, suggesting that this could be the first announcement in the firm’s exit from the market.

More Mitsubishi news, ratings, reviews and features

Addtional reporting by Jack Evans, PA Media

Motorway speed limits past roadworks to rise to 60mph

The Car Expert staff

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27 July 2020

0

Speed limits past motorway roadworks in England will be increased to cut journey times and ease drivers’ frustrations.

Highways England announced that the typical 50mph restriction where work is being carried out will rise to 60mph.

The government-owned company responsible for motorways and major A roads in England made the decision after carrying out trials over the past 18 months which showed the safety of motorists and road workers can be maintained despite the 10mph increase. It found that more drivers stay within the limit when it is 60mph.

Average time savings ranged from 8% to 14% at the eight sites tested. At one pilot scheme – the M1 between junctions 13 and 16 – drivers typically shaved 68 seconds off their journeys due to the increased limit.

For several years motorways such as the M1, M4, M6 and M20 have had stretches where the standard 70mph limit has been reduced to 50mph for roadworks due to the roll-out of smart motorways.

The change in policy does not mean limits will be immediately increased at every set of roadworks. Depending on the road layout and the work being done, 40mph and 50mph restrictions will continue to be used in places.

Highways England chief executive Jim O’Sullivan said: “All of our research shows that road users benefit from 60mph limits in roadworks. They have shorter journey times and feel safe.

“Road users understand that roadworks are necessary, but they are frustrated by them. So testing 60mph has been about challenging the norm while ensuring the safety of our people working out there and those using our roads.

“We have a huge programme of work planned, so being able to use 60mph where safe will continue to improve everybody’s experience of our roads.”

Anthony Smith, chief executive of watchdog Transport Focus, described the introduction of 60mph limits as “a welcome step”.

He went on: “We know road users want speed limits in roadworks to be no lower than necessary to maintain safety.”

AA president Edmund King said being able to reach 60mph in roadworks “is often safer than driving at 50mph”.

He explained: “Sticking at 50mph often leads to other drivers tailgating in order to try to force vehicles to pull over. The speed limit for HGVs over 7.5 tonnes travelling on dual carriageways or motorways is also 60mph, so sometimes this leads to tailgating in 50mph limits.

“Plus we have very long stretches of roadworks such as the 32 miles being converted to smart motorway on the M4 between junctions 3 and 12, where 60mph would seem much more appropriate.”

Rebecca Ashton, of road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, said: “IAM RoadSmart welcomes Highways England’s common sense solution to keeping traffic moving safely and smoothly at roadworks.

“Previous research showed that drivers felt less stressed when the speed limit was increased in motorway roadworks. Allowing cars to travel at 60mph will help to separate traffic, avoid bunching, giving a quicker and less stressful journey.”

More driving news, information and advice at The Car Expert

New spec for Volkswagen Polo, T-Cross and T-Roc models

Model update

Jack Evans

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25 July 2020

0

New spec for Volkswagen Polo, T-Cross and T-Roc models

Volkswagen has added a new United trim level to its Polo, T-Cross and T-Roc models, bringing more equipment and some subtle styling upgrades.

Based on the existing SE specifications, United specification brings 15-, 16-, or 17-inch wheels depending on the model, as well as a voice control function in the cabin and a winter pack. This latter feature adds heated front seats and a low washer fluid warning light.

T-Cross and T-Roc models also benefit from a set of heated windscreen washer jets, while the Polo’s technology levels are boosted through the introduction of an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a light and sight pack which adds an automatic dimming rearview mirror, automatic headlights and a rain sensor.

All three receive grey and blue seat fabric as well as brushed stainless steel pedals and a variety of decorative interior inserts.

All cars also get rear tinted glass fitted as standard, while the T-Cross boasts front and rear parking sensors fitted as standard. The larger T-Roc, however, also brings United branding which is displayed on the floor by puddle lights.

The Polo is available with the choice of a 1.0-litre engine in one of two outputs, while the T-Cross also arrives with an engine of the same capacity in two power options.

The T-Roc, meanwhile, can be fitted with either a three-cylinder petrol engine or a more powerful four-cylinder petrol, which is available with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG automatic transmission.

Prices start at £17,350 for the Polo, £20,410 for the T-Cross and £23,550 for the T-Roc.

More Volkswagen news, ratings, reviews and features

Renault announces prices and specs for updated Megane

Model update

Jack Evans

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25 July 2020

0

Renault announces prices and specs for updated Megane

An updated Renault Megane will go on sale next month, the French manufacturer has announced.

The facelifted Megane now comes with a slimmed down range of specifications with just two trim levels available to choose from.

The first, Iconic, brings LED headlights, a range of driver aids and a seven-inch touchscreen system. Front and rear parking sensors are also included.

Sportier RS-Line – which replaces the outgoing GT-Line specification – cars benefit from a larger screen – now nine inches – as well as a sportier exterior line which takes inspiration from Renault’s performance RS range.

The exterior of the car remains much the same as the outgoing Megane, albeit with a few subtle tweaks. There’s a new LED lighting signature at the back, while the front and rear bumpers have been redesigned. The turn indicators are now integrated into the C-shape lights at the front now, too.

The revised Renault Megane doesn’t pick up any new safety features as part of this update. The car has a five-star rating from Euro NCAP, although this dates back to 2015 when the current model was first launched.

The Megane RS range has also been tweaked, with the entry-level RS 280 now dropped. From now, all models will be powered by the same 300hp engine while Trophy and Cup chassis options remain the same.

A new ten-inch digital driver display is another new addition to the Megane’s technology offerings, giving users a high-tech way of viewing key information about their vehicle as well as traditional readouts such as speed and revs.

For the first time, a plug-in hybrid variant of the Megane joins the ranks too. Only available in estate layout to begin with, this model combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine lined with two electric motors for a combined output of 160hp. A range of up to 30 miles on electric power alone is possible, while Renault claims up to 217.3mpg combined and CO₂ emissions of just 30g/km.

All models of the new Megane will be available to order from August, with pricing starting at £20,740 on-road.

More Renault news, ratings, reviews and features

Will coronavirus kill off the diesel car?

Stuart Masson

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25 July 2020

3

Will coronavirus kill off the diesel car?

Like most industries right around the world, the car industry has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. Many big car companies have been haemorrhaging cash for months as production ground to a halt and dealerships closed all around the world.

Although things have been slowly re-starting in recent weeks, the long-term implications of what has happened in the first half of 2020 will be felt for a long time – and that’s without considering what may still happen if the virus returns in a second wave.

Car companies are already having to make tough decisions about how to ensure they survive, yet alone return to profitability. Inevitably, that’s going to mean that they make some deep cuts to their current business models.

Some brands have already been cutting the number of models they sell. Renault has announced this month that it is dropping its Koleos SUV and Grand Scenic people carrier from sale in the UK, and other companies are likely to follow suit with any slow-selling models.

But as well as specific models or even brands that could face the chop, there is one area of the car industry that seems likely to suffer across the board – the diesel engine.

Falling customer demand for diesel cars, growing environmental pressure and new emissions laws have badly hurt diesel sales in recent years, but enormous coronavirus-related financial losses could be the trigger for many car companies to kill off their diesel models sooner rather than later.

Diesel sales in freefall

Sales of new diesel cars in the UK have been declining for about five years. Concerns about air quality had been starting to gain traction, and then bombshell revelations about Volkswagen cheating emissions tests detonated. Unable to engineer certain diesel vehicles to both comply with emissions laws and still provide reasonable performance, Volkswagen engineers programmed their cars to just switch off all the anti-pollution equipment. This allowed the cars to spew toxic fumes directly into our air, and it happened in millions of cars all around the world.

The full impact of the Dieselgate scandal took a while to sink into the public consciousness. Although the cheating was publicly exposed in September 2015, it probably took at least a year for the general public to really understand the significance of what Volkswagen had actually done. The scandal brought the problem of diesel emissions onto the front pages of newspapers and the top of TV news bulletins over a long period of time. Scientists were repeatedly interviewed to explain it all, but the clear overall message was that diesel cars were bad news.

Diesel’s slow fall from favour began to accelerate. From 50% market share in 2015, it fell to 48% in 2016 and then 42% in 2017. Things really crashed in 2018, when diesel’s market share slumped to only 29%, but there was more than just Volkswagen’s Dieselgate actions behind this.

The EU reacted to Dieselgate by fast-tracking tougher emissions regulations, which also tried to prevent Volkswagen-style cheating. This added even more complexity and more expense to diesel cars. Dozens of diesel models from different brands were pulled from sale during 2018 as car companies had to extensively modify them to meet the new laws. There may have been falling demand, but those people who wanted a diesel car often still had to wait several months to get one.

Some car companies looked at the cost of upgrading their diesel engines (while simultaneously trying to develop new hybrid and electric vehicles), looked at the falling sales for diesel cars, looked at government plans around the world to ban new petrol and diesel cars over the next 10-20 years, and decided it wasn’t worth the effort. They dropped their diesel models for good. Volvo was the first mainstream manufacturer to declare that no future new models would be offered with diesel engines (although models already on sale would continue to offer them), and others have quietly followed suit.

There was a further slip in 2019 as diesel’s market share fell to about 25%, with private new car buyers leading the exodus away from diesel towards hybrids and full-electric vehicles. Then, just when you thought diesel sales couldn’t fall any further, along came the coronavirus.

The overall new car market was down about 35% for the first half of 2020, largely as a result of shutdowns from March onwards. Fleet sales (down 52%) have fallen harder than private sales (down 45%), which recovered to some degree in June when showrooms reopened. Fleet buyers tend to buy more diesel cars than private consumers, so diesel sales are being particularly hurt by a lack of company car orders.

As a result, new diesel car sales are down about 60% for the first half of the year, from almost 350,000 units to just over 140,000. This is a massive collapse and, with the growing popularity of electrified cars only likely to accelerate (electric new car sales have almost tripled this year to date), it’s unlikely to recover.

Falling demand also hurts used car values, which in turn makes financing or leasing new diesel cars more expensive, which in turn reduces demand even further. So the downward spiral continues until it simply becomes uneconomical for car companies to keep offering them.

A national lockdown of almost everyone in the UK meant that businesses in almost every industry came to a standstill. Slashing costs and saving every penny has become paramount, which means ordering new company cars for employees has suddenly become much less of a priority – especially since so many of them are currently working from home and may well be doing so for months to come.

Air quality in big cities improved dramatically in April with no cars, buses or taxis clogging the streets. Environmental groups latched onto this quickly, lobbying goverment to offer greater subsidies for electric cars and/or more taxes on diesel cars and diesel fuel. The car industry has been lobbying for a repeat of the 2009/10 scrappage scheme, but the fact that very few electric cars are built in the UK may scupper the chances of that.

End of the line for diesel?

The eventual demise of diesel is inevitable anyway, as governments around the world draw up plan to ban the sale of new combustion-engined cars (ie – petrol and diesel) over the next 10-20 years. The UK sits roughly in the middle, with plans to ban them by 2035. Ahead of those deadlines, market forces and model cycles were expected to mean that diesel cars would gradually disappear from most new car showrooms over the coming decade.

However, this timetable may now have gone out the window as car companies start looking for ways to urgently cut costs. No car company can afford to be building and selling vehicles that customers won’t buy, and in the current environment many brands may choose to cut their losses immediately and kill off their diesel cars as soon as possible.

There will still be demand for diesel vehicles in the short-term future, but it is likely to be far smaller and more niche than previously. If you do a lot of long-distance motorway driving, a diesel engine is usually far more economical than an equivalent petrol unit and much more practical than an electric car that spends hours recharging all the time.

If you tow or carry heavy loads, a diesel motor is still far superior to a petrol one – which means big SUVs will probably soldier on with diesel for a while yet. However, demand for those currently popular vehicles may start to slow down if costs keep escalating. Buses and trucks will still rely on diesel for the forseeable future as well, as there are no viable alternatives currently on offer for them.

But for suburban new car purchases for day-to-day commuting and family duties, diesel’s days are definitely numbered.

We advise car buyers to think very carefully before buying a new diesel car in 2020, even if the deal on offer sounds fantastic. You may find that your resale value plummets while the cost of road tax and fuel increase over your ownership cycle, so any savings you’re getting now could be outweighed by losses down the road.

More car buying news, analysis and advice at The Car Expert

Honda e test drive

Jack Evans

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24 July 2020

0

This is the new Honda e, and it’s what the Japanese manufacturer calls an ‘urban commuter’ car, designed for those who are undertaking regular, but shorter journeys. So while you’ll find no headline-grabbing range or huge battery pack here, the e positions itself as a car which is more than happy at dealing with the day-to-day of driving.

The question is, is it any good? We’ve been out behind the wheel of the Honda e to find out.

More Honda reviews, ratings, news and features

Honda e review

What’s new about the Honda e?

Make no bones about it, the Honda e is a completely new thing. You’ll find no platform sharing here, with the e underpinned by a bespoke platform unique to the dinky little Honda. So instead of being moulded around a preexisting base, the e has been designed from the ground up and this allows for a little more freedom when it comes to packaging.

So while the vast majority of EVs currently on sale are either front- or all-wheel-drive, the e sends power to the rear wheels. Why’s that? In order both free up space in the cabin and allow for a much smaller turning circle since the front wheels can turn to a much sharper angle without an engine or motor to compete for space with.

How does it look?

With its cutesy styling, you’ve got to say that Honda has nailed the tie-up between futuristic and retro with the e’s design. The way the front lights mirror the rears, the shortness of the overhangs and the rounded, ‘bubble’ nature of the way the e looks turns it into a real head-turner.

It’s clearly inspired by the original Honda Civic of 1972, but avoids the outright retro look of a Fiat 500 or Mini. During our time with the car, there were very few people who didn’t stop, stare and point at the little Honda e as it went past.

Against rival offerings, it’s a genuinely exciting alternative and one we’re sure will be a hit with buyers. It’s a real testament to the original design that this road-going Honda looks so similar to the concept we first saw at the Geneva motor show three years ago.

What’s the spec like?

It’s when it comes to equipment that the Honda e really moves things forward. It’s a car practically bristling with technology incorporated into nearly every area of the vehicle. The main infotainment setup, for instance, combines two 12-inch high-definition screens in the middle of the dashboard; in total, there are five screens. It’s here where you can access information about the car’s battery status, as well as media controls and satellite navigation. It operates much like a smartphone, with configurable panels making tailoring the display to your own needs easy. The passenger can also take control of the screens too.

The Honda e also includes a futuristic side camera mirror system that displays rear view information onto two screens inside the car, one on either side of the vehicle. These use cameras located on the outside of the vehicle to display an image of what’s behind to the cabin. It’s not a feature reserved for tip-top versions – this is a bit of tech which all e models get, regardless of trim. It’s an exceptional level of equipment and represents a genuine step-change in the segment.

As yet, the Honda e has not faced crash testing by Euro NCAP or anti-theft testing by Thatcham Research. Like most things, these testing programmes have been put on hold by the coronavirus pandemic, and are expected to start resuming during the second half of 2020.

What’s it like inside?

The cabin of the e has been executed extremely well and though it’s dominated by the technology described above, the general standard of fit and finish is very good indeed. Wood trim pieces blend well with the high-tech elements, while the relatively high up driving position and flat dashboard allow you to have an extremely clear view of the road ahead. Visibility out of the back is good, too.

If you have any reservations about the side camera mirror system, we can report that it works very well in practice and takes almost no time to adjust to.

Space in the rear of the e isn’t bad for a car of this size, but because of the battery located at the rear of the car, the boot is quite small. At 171 litres it’s enough for a weekly shop, for sure, but not large enough for family’s luggage.

What’s under the bonnet?

The Honda e uses an electric motor with 153hp (or 113kW in EV-speak) which is powered by a 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery. It helps the e to go from 0-60mph in just under eight seconds, while flat-out it’ll do 100mph. Honda claims a range of 125 miles from a single charge; it’s a figure which is a fair bit under rival EVs, but likely to be enough for daily commutes.

Charging-wise, it’ll take just half an hour to complete a full charge via a 50kWh CCS fast charger, or just over four hours when using a standard AC home wallbox. Thinking of charging your e with a regular three-pin plug? That’ll take about 19 hours.

Given the speediness of a quick charge, however, it won’t take long to significantly boost the e’s range when out and about. The charging port is located on the front of the car too, underneath the black accent in the middle of the ‘bonnet’.

What’s the Honda e like to drive?

Take a glance at the e’s short overhangs, compact proportions and relatively brisk performance figures and it’s easy to see that it has been designed with the city in mind. And fortunately enough, it’s superb in urban environments. The acceleration is zippy and ideal for darting in and out of spaces, while the button-small turning circle makes u-turns an absolute breeze. Dinky dimensions will make it less of a headache to park in areas where spaces are at a premium, too.

But there’s fun to be had here too. The steering, which is well weighted and positive, enables you to have fun in the corners while the rear-wheel-drive setup gives the e plenty of balance through the bends. Even out on the motorway it’s hushed and refined, while only the smallest amount of jarring was transferred through to the cabin, likely as a result of the 17-inch wheels fitted to our higher-spec test car.

A single pedal driving system means you rarely need to go near to the brake as the car’s regenerative system slows the car down. You can adjust how much regenerative braking you want, in fact, via the steering wheel-mounted paddles.

Verdict

Given the amount of interest in the original concept, it could’ve been that the production Honda e arrived as a bit of a damp squib. However, that simply isn’t the case. It’s a groundbreaking little car, this, and one which will undoubtedly prove immensely popular. Yes, you could say that the range restricts it, but for those who want a car which is easy to nip here and there in – charging on the fly – then it more than fits the bill.

It’s simply so desirable as an object too, which is an attribute which rarely graces the EV segment. One thing is for sure – the e is going to prove to be a popular electric car option.

More Honda reviews, ratings, news and features

Similar cars

Key specifications

Model as tested: Honda e Advanced
Price as tested: £29,160
Engine: Electric motor + 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery
Gearbox: Single speed automatic
Power: 113 kW (153 hp)
Torque: 315 Nm

Top speed: 100 mph
0-60mph: 7.8 seconds
Range: 125 miles
CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km
Euro NCAP safety rating: Not yet tested
Thatcham security rating: Not yet tested

Should I buy a pre-registered car?

Stuart Masson

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24 July 2020

25

If you are out and about looking to buy a car, you may hear a car salesman trying to talk you into a pre-registered car, usually with the spin that it’s done zero miles but was registered a few weeks ago. It’s a brand new car but amazingly much cheaper!

But what’s the real story? Is it really as good a deal as you are being led to believe?

What is a pre-registered car?

A pre-registered car is one that has been registered by the manufacturer or dealer to itself (not to a customer) but not actually used. This is called self registration, and is done to add extra ‘sales’ to their quarterly/annual results, even though the manufacturers or dealers have simply sold these cars to themselves rather than to genuine buyers.

Because they don’t have customers for these extra cars, they sit around in a storage yard or paddock somewhere (sorry, a “secure storage facility”) until eventually being sent to dealer forecourts and sold as ‘pre-registered’ cars. ‘Eventually’ might be anywhere from three to many, many months.

In simple terms, it means that the manufacturer and dealers can’t sell these cars new because nobody wants them, so they register them to themselves to make their sales numbers look good, lock them up for a few months and then have another go at selling them at a lower price. As such, it tends to only happen to models that are not selling in adequate numbers, and is a last resort rather than part of an overall plan.

Industry analysts have been reporting for years that the number of cars being pre-registered is continuing to increase, and is skewing the official sales results being reported by manufacturers and the UK industry body, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The SMMT is very careful to report monthly ‘registrations’ rather than ‘sales’, and that’s because there’s often a giant difference between the two.

As with most industries, the coronavirus pandemic may have a significant impact on the practice of pre-registration, depending on how the new car market fares as the UK’s economy changes and how well the manufacturers revise their sales targets accordingly. We may see an increase or a decrease in pre-reg activity, but (as with pretty much everything to do with Covid-19), no-one really has a clue what’s going to happen.

Why register a car that hasn’t been sold?

As we have discussed before here at The Car Expert, everyone in the car sales world has targets that they need to hit – every month, every quarter, every year. The factory needs to build a certain number of cars to make a profit, so it sets a sales target for each market or country. Ultimately, this trickles down to every single dealership and every single salesperson having a target number of cars that they must sell. These targets are measured in the number of cars registered with the DVLA (or equivalent transport department in other countries).

If a brand doesn’t hit its targets here in the UK, there can be huge financial penalties from the company Head Office (which may be in Europe, Japan or the USA). So if a brand has an annual target of 100,000 cars but only actually sells 90,000 to genuine buyers, they may well register another 10,000 cars just to hit their targets.

At any point, there are thousands of cars standing around in fields across the UK, waiting for an accountant at a car company to decide that it’s time to sell them as ‘pre-registered’ cars.

So is a pre-registered car a new car or a used car?

Despite what a car salesman may tell you, a pre-registered car is not the same as a new car. It might have negligible mileage and might look for all the world like a new car, but it’s not. A pre-registered car is most definitely a second-hand car.

The car was originally registered to the manufacturer (often through its finance company or fleet department) or the dealership. They are the original owner of the vehicle, and will be listed as such on the vehicle logbook (registration document, known as the V5 or V5C in the United Kingdom). You will be the second owner. It might not sound that important, but if you sell the car sooner rather than later, the value will be less than if the car had only had one owner. If you keep the car for a number of years, this won’t be important.

The date the car was first registered is also the date that the New Car Warranty started, not the date when you bought the car. This means that you will have less warranty cover than on a new car – potentially several months less. Many new cars also come with breakdown cover for the warranty period, and obviously that is reduced as well.

It is also common for pre-registered cars to be older specification vehicles, even if they are basically ‘zero miles’. When a manufacturer updates a model, they inevitably struggle to sell remaining stock of the old model, so these cars are prime candidates for pre-registering. So despite being described as being “just like a new car”, they may not be the same specification as the model sitting on the showroom floor.

Also be aware that new car finance offers will not normally apply to a pre-registered car, since it’s not a new car, so the interest rate on the finance could be much higher than on a new car, and there may not be any deposit contribution either. This means that although the cash price might be thousands of pounds cheaper, your monthly finance payments might not be much cheaper at all.

How much cheaper should a pre-registered car be?

As we have discussed before, new cars take a savage depreciation hit as soon as you drive out the door. The market price of a car that is less than a year old is always going to be a lot less than the brand new price, and this applies to pre-registered cars as much as it does to other used cars.

As a rule, a pre-registered car shouldn’t be significantly dearer than an equivalent used car or demonstrator model. It certainly shouldn’t be even close to the new car price, just because the mileage is small. If you are selling a used car with very low mileage, a dealer won’t give you much more money than if it had average mileage, so the same works in reverse – you shouldn’t be paying more if they wouldn’t do the same.

As for the argument that the car’s condition is ‘as new’ – even if it’s true, it still adds precious little actual value to the car, so it shouldn’t add anything to the price tag. A similar age demonstrator should be in excellent condition (after all, that’s what they use to sell new cars to customers), so the only key difference should be mileage. And in three years’ time, that difference will be inconsequential.

Summary

The constant push from car companies to sell more and more cars each year means ever-escalating sales targets for dealerships. When the economy stumbles (or falls off a cliff, as is happening now), more and more new cars go unsold, leading to more pre-registrations. Ultimately it’s not good for anyone, since the cars are sold at basically no profit (or even a loss) and the residual values for the model range take a hit as the market is oversupplied with cars it doesn’t really want.

While a pre-registered car can appear to offer a good saving off the official new car price, the likelihood is that there will be plenty of new car deals about, especially if you are taking the manufacturer’s finance plan offer. And the car’s resale value in three year’s time is likely to be pretty poor as well.

Remember that pre-registered cars are unwanted cars – if there was enough demand for them in the first place, the car company wouldn’t need to be registering thousands of unsold cars…

This article was originally published in May 2015 and most recently updated in February 2026.

Traffic returning to pre-pandemic levels

The Car Expert staff

-

24 July 2020

0

Road traffic is quickly approaching pre-pandemic levels, new figures show.

The amount of vehicles on Britain’s roads on Monday was 88% of an equivalent day in early February, according to Department for Transport (DfT) data.

That is up four percentage points week-on-week.

The figures were even higher over the weekend, at 94% on Saturday and 98% on Sunday.

A breakdown of the data shows that on Monday the number of cars on the road was 85% of what it was before the coronavirus outbreak, with vans and lorries at 97% and 99% respectively.

Latest confirmed data for trains show demand on July 13 was only 22% of what it was pre-lockdown.

On Monday, bus use outside London was at 33%, London Underground use at 23% and cycling in England at 146%.

Road traffic fell to 23% of pre-pandemic levels in mid-April, as people were urged to stay at home to tackle the virus.

Steve Gooding, director of motoring research charity the RAC Foundation, said: “The national figures suggest that we are fast heading for pre-lockdown traffic levels in the round, but not necessarily at the same times of day.

“With many office staff still working from home, schools only re-opening to a limited extent and delivery vans stopping us driving to the high street, we’ve escaped the full misery of the morning rush hour.”

Mr Gooding predicted that many people embarking on staycations and long-distance trips to visit friends and family could decided “the best option for travel is the car”.

This would create “far more pressure” on roads during traditionally quieter periods, he warned.

Drivers have also been hit by a rise in fuel prices as the lockdown eased.

Government figures show average prices at UK forecourts are £1.12 per litre of petrol and £1.17 per litre of diesel.

This is the most expensive fuel has been since March 30, reflecting rising oil prices in recent weeks.

Fuel dropped to as low as £1.05 per litre of petrol and £1.12 per litre of diesel in May, as oil prices collapsed due to lower demand.

Skoda Fabia (2015 to 2021)

Stuart Masson

-

23 July 2020

0

Summary

The Skoda Fabia is a small car in the supermini class, available as either a five-door hatch or – unusually for this segment – an estate. This Fabia is the third generation model, which was launched in the UK in early 2015 and received a mid-life facelift in 2018. It has since been replaced by an all-new Fabia, which arrived in late 2021.

The Fabia was only available with a 1.0-litre petrol engine with various levels of performance. There was previously a diesel engine as well earlier in its lifespan, but this was discontinued as diesel fuel has rapidly declined in popularity.

Throughout its production lide, the Fabia received generally good reviews from the UK motoring media, although its scores started to decline as it has got older and had to contend with newer and more sophisticated rivals. The estate version tended to receive scores that were pretty much identical to the hatch.

The Fabia was praised for its value for money and practicality, with good space for both people and luggage. Critics generally pointed out that it’s a rather unexciting car to both look at and drive.

No longer on sale, the third-generation Skoda Fabia holds a Used Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 66%. It scores top marks for its low running costs and CO₂ emissions, however its overall rating is dragged down by a poor reliability record and a safety rating that expired a few years ago.

Key specifications

Body style: Five-door hatch and estate
Engines: petrol
Price: From £14,280 on-road

Launched: Spring 2015
Last updated: Summer 2020
Replaced: Winter 2021/22

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: Hatchback range
“The Skoda Fabia remains a competitive buy in the small car market – but its rivals have caught up.”
Read review

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“It might be showing its age ever so slightly, but the comfortable, practical Skoda Fabia remains hard to fault.”

Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Skoda Fabia Estate is a spacious supermini that features lots of equipment as standard and promises low running costs.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“What the Skoda Fabia lacks in driving panache and, arguably, style, it more than makes up for in comfort, practicality and value. The 2018 facelift to this model is minimal, but it keeps the Fabia up-to-date against newer rivals and means that overall it’s still one of the best small hatchbacks around.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The Skoda Fabia Estate is pretty much in a class of its own. It’s a little more expensive than the hatch equivalent and it’s not exactly glamorous but as a no-nonsense, practical car it fits the bill and embodies Skoda’s good value, no-nonsense image.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual hatchback
Score: 6 / 10
“The Skoda Fabia is ageing graciously. If you want a sensible supermini, it’s worth a look. Just remember that those who enjoy driving, cutting-edge style and standing out in a crowd may prefer to shop elsewhere.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual Monte Carlo hatchback
Score: 6 / 10
“Save for the well-judged styling touches, the Monte Carlo is a standard Skoda Fabia underneath with identical engines and the same everyday usability. If you’re not fussed by the cosmetics, just buy the regular Fabia and save yourself some money.”
Read review

Car Keys

Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 9 / 10
“The updated Skoda Fabia isn’t much more than a facelift, but small changes and revised equipment have kept the Fabia competitive against arguably more modern rivals. It’s not the most engaging car in its class to drive, but it’s ideal and fantastic value for money as well.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 9 / 10
“The Skoda Fabia pretty much ticks all the boxes you want from a supermini. It’s good to drive, practical and is well-equipped. Sure, it might not have the badge appeal of more premium rivals, and it’s not overly stylish, but this latest refresh has proven that the Fabia is still one of the best in its class.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8.8 / 10
“The Skoda Fabia is a supermini, but it has lots of interior space and luggage room for a car in this class.”

Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 8.4 / 10
“The Skoda Fabia Estate is a practical, affordable and generously equipped small family car.”
Read review

Carwow

Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 6 / 10
“The Skoda Fabia Estate is one of the roomiest small estate cars you can buy, but it’s far from exciting to look at and many conventional hatchbacks are more fun to drive.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 6 / 10
“The Skoda Fabia is a small car with a decent amount of space in the back and a fairly roomy boot, but alternatives are more exciting to look at and to drive.”

Evo

Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 6 / 10
“There are one or two reasons to buy a Skoda Fabia, but a fair few more to not.”

Honest John

Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Skoda Fabia has always been a sensible choice of small car and the latest incarnation keeps up the tradition.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Skoda Fabia Estate is a winner, ultimately, in that whatever one you choose you’ll get a comfortable and practical small estate with low running costs and excellent build quality.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual hatchback
“While the latest Skoda Fabia doesn’t look all that different to the outgoing model, it continues to be an excellent car for those who aren’t fussed about being seen in the latest must-have small car.”
Read review

Motors

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Skoda Fabia has a practical and ergonomic cabin – albeit with some cheap-feeling plastics – and is comfortable to drive. However, the engine choice is limited and the top-spec models can be expensive.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“Cheap to buy and run, with lots of equipment and space”

Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 7.8 / 10
“A brilliant small estate car with bags of room”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual Monte Carlo hatchback
Score: 6 / 10
“Worth a look over the Polo but still not the class leader.”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: Hatchback range
“A mild facelift struggles to boost desirability.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“More spacious than its rivals and slightly cheaper than most of them, too, the Skoda Fabia is sure to please those looking for a practical, versatile car that won’t break the bank. Just remember that a Ford Fiesta is more fun to drive.”

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 7 / 10
“Great option for someone who doesn’t really care about cars or driving.”

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2014
Date expired: January 2021
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 81%
Child protection: 81%
Vulnerable road users: 69%
Safety assist: 69%

No safety rating

The Skoda Fabia was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 2014 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2021 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

However, if you are comparing a used Skoda Fabia 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

Model tested: 1.0 TSI PETROL 4X2 MANUAL

Overall score: 3 stars
Date tested: February 2021
Read the full Green NCAP review

Clean Air Index: 6 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 6.5 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 5 / 10

The Skoda Fabia 1.0-litre petrol manual hatchback received a three-star rating from Green NCAP in February 2021.

Green NCAP said: “The third generation Škoda Fabia is tested here with the three-cylinder 1.0-litre turbocharged direct injection engine. In the past, such engines might have had issues with the number of particulate they emitted but a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) takes care of the problem, and to good effect.

“Emissions of particulates are never excessive, even in the more challenging tests. Emissions of NO_x and CO are very well controlled, especially in the road tests. The story remains good when we look at energy efficiency, with the small engine emitting low values of CO₂. This serves the car well in the Energy Efficiency index too, and excellent control of laughing gas, N₂O and of Methane, CH₄, contribute to a good index of 5 in this part of the assessment.

“Overall, the average index is only a little short of gaining the Fabia an extra half-star but it emerges from the tests with a very creditable three-star rating.”

This rating only applies to the 1.0-litre petrol (TSI) manual hatchback version of the Skoda Fabia, and does not imply similar ratings for other engine and gearbox combinations in the range (although there will be no significant difference between estate and hatchback body styles).

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 128
Average repair cost: £625.96
Last updated: April 2025

Reliability score

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

As of April 2025 (our most recent data point), the Skoda Fabia has an average reliability rating with a score of 61%. This covers not only this model but also older (pre-2015) generations.

The average repair cost of £600 is fairly high for this segment of car, and certainly more than the cost of a used car warranty. Certainly worth bearing in mind if you currently own a Fabia or are thinking about buying a used Fabia.

Engine repairs have proved particularly expensive to date, with an eye-watering average repair bill of £1,200, and are also the most common kind of fault on the Skoda Fabia. Gearbox repairs have been even more expensive, although have not been as common.

If you’re looking to buy a used Skoda Fabia, make sure that any used car warranty you purchase covers all of the potential problem areas shown above.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Skoda Fabia has received

2017

Auto Express Driver Power Survey – Best Small Car

2016

Carbuyer Awards – Best Small Car

2015

Fleet News Awards – Best Small Car
Red Dot Awards – Product Design Award

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Jeep launches new Renegade plug-in hybrid

Model update

Jack Evans

-

21 July 2020

0

Jeep launches new Renegade plug-in hybrid

Jeep has introduced a new plug-in hybrid version of its Renegade.

Badged Renegade 4xe, this latest model kicks off a new offensive of electrified models for Jeep as the firm looks to incorporate electric powertrains across its range.

Priced from £32,600, the Renegade 4xe is set to arrive in showrooms this September.

Utilising a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine which is linked to an 11.4kWh battery and electric motor, the Renegade 4xe can travel up to 26 miles under electric-only power at speeds of up to 81mph. Two different powertrains will be offered from launch – 190hp and 240hp – while three trim levels, Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk give buyers a variety of specification options. That final trim – Trailhawk – is geared up towards more comprehensive off-road situations, while the other pair are better suited to urban driving.

The Renegade 4xe, regardless of specification, brings four-wheel-drive with power sent to the wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox. Jeep’s own Selec-Terrain response system comes as standard, with different driving modes such as Auto, Snow and Mud there to choose from. A new mode – Sport – debuts on the new 4xe.

Jeep says that the Renegade 4xe should return between 123-124mpg while emitting less than 50g/km of CO₂ in hybrid mode.

The cabin features a full satellite navigation system accessed through an eight-inch touchscreen which also incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Land Rover Defender

Stuart Masson

-

20 July 2020

0

Summary

The Land Rover Defender is a large SUV that is inspired by, but completely unrelated to, the long-serving Defender model that could trace its lineage back to the first Land Rover in 1948. The new model shares a lot of its architecture and components with other models in the Jaguar Land Rover family, and carries over nothing from the old Defender.

The new Defender was launched in late 2019 and went on sale in the UK in early 2020. Initially it was only available in long-wheelbase (110) form, with the short-wheelbase (90) version arriving in the second half of 2020 and an extra-long-wheelbase (130) model completing the line-up in 2022. A plug-in hybrid version also reached showrooms in late 2020.

Unlike most models in the Land Rover range, which are built in Britain, the Defender is built alongside the Land Rover Discovery at a factory in Slovakia (so it doesn’t get our “Best of British” badge).

It has received high praise for its combination of off-road and on-road abilities, practicality and vastly improved infotainment system compared to other Land Rover models.

The main criticisms are directed at fairly poor fuel economy and the car’s high price – with a long list of expensive options, a Defender 110 can easily breach £100k.

As of March 2026, the Land Rover Defender holds a New Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 61%.

More Land Rover ratings, reviews, news and features

Defender highlights

Talented performer on and off the road
Spacious and luxurious interior
Impressive infotainment
Slow value depreciation
Excellent safety features

Defender lowlights

Hefty pricing for top models
Poor fuel economy
’90’ models have a small boot
Brand has poor reliability track record
Slightly sluggish handling

Key specifications

Body style: Large SUV
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £57,540 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2019
Last updated: Autumn 2020
Next update due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

Featured reviews

“The Land Rover Defender remains one of the most desirable SUVs around, offering a combination of genuine off-road ability, style and practicality.”

Model reviewed: Defender 110 range

Score: 9 / 10

Read full review

Auto Express

Alastair Crooks, Max Adams

“The new Land Rover Defender is a cool-looking, well-equipped and extremely capable off-roader, but top-spec models are quite expensive.”

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 9 / 10

Read full review

Carwow

Tom Wiltshire

More reviews

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic Defender 90 X P400
“The Land Rover Defender 90 is fantastically comfortable on the road and ridiculously capable off road. It’s a little less practical than the 110, but if you’re not always popping kids in the back seats the extra charm of the three-door’s styling could make it a winner.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 110 D240 S
“Despite appearing to have an impossible task on its hands, the new Land Rover Defender 110 has succeeded beyond expectations.”
Author: Darren Cassey
Read review

Auto Express

Model reviewed: 75th Limited Edition (2023)
Score: 7 / 10
“For die-hard Defender fans, the 75th Limited Edition car might make sense as a celebration of the model line, but the style won’t be to all tastes. For everyone else, there’s better value elsewhere in the line-up.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic 130 D300
Score: 8 / 10
“Does the world need an eight-seat Land Rover Defender when a seven-seater already exists? Perhaps that’s the question we’re still struggling to answer, but one thing’s for sure: the Defender 130 does provide a generous dollop of additional practicality over the already cavernous 110, and it does this without sacrificing any on-road or off-road manners. For an admittedly niche buyer, it’s a well-thought-out vehicle.” (Alastair Crooks)
Read review

Model reviewed: Land Rover Defender 90 D250 2021
Score: 8 / 10
“There’s no denying the Defender 90 packs masses of personality, and with Land Rover’s new mild-hybrid D250 six-cylinder diesel engine, the powertrain is torquey, smooth and refined, even if it’s not all that quick.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic Defender 90 P400 X
Score: 8 / 10
“Mild-hybrid power comes with a hefty price premium in the Land Rover Defender 90. The shorter Defender feels every bit as special as its 110 stablemate – and that middle front-row seat should help to make it practical enough for many buyers.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic Defender 90 P300 SE
“We still need to try the Defender’s simplest mechanical spec on road, but any fears that this version might lack the trail-conquering prowess of the rest of the range are unfounded. The ability to go pretty much anywhere is still here, present and correct. And, it must be said, at a usefully lower price.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic 110 P400 SE
Score: 9 / 10
“The new Land Rover Defender P400 is the fastest Defender on sale and it’s a lot of fun, but the cheaper diesel models make more sense.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Defender 90
Score: 8 / 10
“The Land Rover Defender 90 is more style statement and plaything than the more family-friendly five-door 110, and a lot less practical. But if that fits your lifestyle, it’s a quirky alternative to the usual midlife crisis sports car, if an equally extravagant one.”
Author: Dan Trent
Read review

Model reviewed: 110 range
Score: 9 / 10
“The new Land Rover Defender has huge boots to fill and a vast range of expectation to satisfy, from traditional 4×4 fans to modern SUV buyers craving the latest tech. Its distinctive looks, undoubted off-road credibility and arch combination of style and practicality are a promising start.”
Read review

Business Car

Model reviewed: P400e X-Dynamic S
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s still expensive, and you’ll have to keep the Land Rover Defender charged to make the most of the running cost savings.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Defender 90 D250 SE
Score: 8 / 10
“As with any three-door car, accessing the rear seats isn’t the most dignified of processes, but leg room is not too bad once you’re there. There is also a noticeably more unsettled quality to the ride on uneven surfaces as a result of its shorter wheelbase.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 110 D240 SE
Score: 8 / 10
“Compare it with its nearest rivals on price and ability – the Toyota Land Cruiser and the Jeep Wrangler – and the Land Rover Defender feels more comfortable and more up to date. But it isn’t missing any real off-road credentials – they’ve merely been modernised. And about time.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: P400e plug-in hybrid
Score: 8 / 10
“The Defender P400e remains one of the most convincing hybrids in the JLR line‑up. Despite its two‑year production run, it still feels fresh, because it delivers a rare blend: true plug‑in practicality within genuine off‑road pedigree. If you live in a charge‑able area and want Defender prestige with lower running costs, it’s hard to beat.”
Author: Jake Groves, Keith Adams
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“The Defender’s off-road ability is peerless at this price point. Land Rover would never live it down if it were any other way. But most importantly, and for the toughest test of all – working out for the family – it passes with flying colours, offering space, tech and cool appeal to work on so many levels.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.8 / 10
“The Land Rover Defender has returned with an incredible repertoire of talents, including a strong range of plug-in hybrid, petrol and diesel engines.” (Ben Custard)
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 110 D240
Score: 10 / 10
“The new Land Rover Defender 110 had a big name to live up to and it’s succeeded in all areas. The design, technology and engineering make it one of the most competent cars you can buy today. It’s unexpectedly fun to drive on the road, with all of the off-road ability you’ll ever need.”
Read review

Company Car Today

Model reviewed: Defender 90 D250 SE
“Big pricing combines with big emissions to make a problematic company car tax equation on a classy, capable and good-to-drive premium off-roader, although boot space is extremely limited in this 90 version.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic D240S 110
“A really very impressive and long overdue all-new Land Rover Defender struggles only in the area of its poor efficiency. A comfortable do-anything off-roader, but drivers paying BiK will be well advised to wait a few months for the PHEV version.”
Read review

Daily Mail

Model reviewed: Defender 90 range
“The smaller three-door Defender 90 is set to become a favourite not only among the country casuals, but also with city slickers who can bling-up and customise their ride around town.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic D240 110
“It does what you expect a Defender to do. Sorts it. I felt fully confident. Not once did I feel it wouldn’t cope.”
Read review

Daily Mirror

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic D240S 110
Score: 10 / 10
“We’ve waited a long time for the new Defender but it’s been worth it.”
Read review

Driving Electric

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid P4003 110
Score: 8 / 10
“The electrified version of the beloved Land Rover Defender off-roader is more efficient and less polluting than its petrol and diesel siblings, but costs significantly more than them, too.”
Read review

Eurekar

Model reviewed: Defender 110 range
“Land Rover has really pulled it off when it comes to reinventing a motoring icon. It has something of the spirit of the original about it and, while in some ways it’s a world away from its predecessor, it’s an impressively capable and comfortable on-road vehicle that would be very easy to live with every day.”
Read review

Evo

Model reviewed: Defender V8
Score: 5 / 10
“It feels a little undernourished – a ruse to confidently and consistently sell six-figure Defenders, not to mention one that’ll use up however many AJV8s they have lying around in various storage units across the midlands.”
Read review

Model reviewed: P400 X
Score: 8 / 10
“Land Rover’s all-new Defender proves to be worth the wait and is now as capable on-road as it is off it. It’s no driver’s car but as a do-everything machine it’s hard to fault and we wouldn’t be embarrassed to have one share garage space with a more traditional evo car.”
Read review

Fleetworld

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic D240 S 110
Score: 9 / 10
“Land Rover has pulled off the unthinkable and dragged the Defender badge kicking and screaming into the modern world, while retaining its charm and function. It’s a five-star vehicle in almost every way, and a huge achievement for Land Rover.”
Read review

Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: P400e plug-in hybrid 110 X-Dynamic S
Score: 8 / 10
“The Land Rover Defender 110 P400e Plug-in Hybrid feels like a quality product, is excellent to drive on the road, and is amazingly capable off-road. Many people might say that it should tick all those boxes due to its price. It’s so big that it’s not ideal for use in urban areas, but if you do drive it in such environments, our main complaint is that it needs to be engineered to start in electric mode rather than on the petrol engine.” (Paul Clarke)
Read review

Heycar

Model reviewed: 90 range
Score: 8 / 10
“Replacing the original Land Rover Defender is a challenge that could be likened to giving Coronation Street a millennial revamp, or putting a modern twist on the traditional roast dinner. It’s not a task that should be taken lightly – and, no matter what you do, it’ll attract more than its fair share of criticism.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 110 range
Score: 8 / 10
“Rugged 4×4 with modern twist”
Read review

Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The 2020 Land Rover Defender 110 is leagues ahead of its predecessor in almost every way. Not only is it a comfortable SUV, loaded with technology and surprisingly good to drive, it remains immensely practical and unstoppable off-road.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Defender 130 range
Score: 7.8 / 10
“Unless you regularly need to transport your entire extended family up a Cumbrian fell, the Land Rover Defender 130 is probably overkill for most people’s needs. The Defender 130 trades on its feel-good factor – and, despite its high price tag, ridiculous proportions and atrocious fuel consumption, we grew quite fond of it by the end of our week of testing.”
Author: Luke Wilkinson
Read review

Model reviewed: 90 short-wheelbase range
“Land Rover claims this is the best off-roader it’s ever made – enough said?”
Read review

Model reviewed: 110 long-wheelbase range
Score: 9.4 / 10
“An off-road great, re-imagined for the 21st century”
Read review

The Sun

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 110
“The new Defender is finally here — tough, trendy and hi-tech.”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 5.0-litre petrol automatic 110
Score: 6 / 10
“The Land Rover Defender V8 is costly to run, over-engined and, frankly, pretty silly. Even sillier when you learn the price, which for this long-wheelbase version is £101,105. Unless you’ve got money (and fuel) to burn, I’d look elsewhere in the Defender catalogue.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic 90 P300 SE
Score: 10 / 10
“Time and Land Rover’s reliability will determine how the Defender 90 goes down with the company’s traditional commercial markets, but on this evidence it should be out there doing the tough jobs for years to come.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic D240 S 110
Score: 10 / 10
“The Land Rover Defender is much more expensive than the car it replaces but it’s a much more capable and versatile vehicle. Land Rover’s reliability record isn’t exactly peerless but we’ll have to give this car the benefit of the doubt – and it’s got to be better than its predecessor.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“If you can make use of it, there’s nothing to match it”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2020
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 85%
Child protection: 85%
Vulnerable road users: 71%
Safety assist: 79%

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of March 2026, the Land Rover Defender has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

Running cost rating

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

Fuel consumption	Average	Score
Petrol models	20 mpg	E
Diesel models	33 mpg	D
Plug-in hybrid models	101 mpg	A

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	320 g/km	E
Diesel models	226 g/km	E
Plug-in hybrid models	63 g/km	A

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	30 miles	E

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	46	E

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£362	D
Year 2	£737	D
Year 3	£1,193	D
Year 4	£1,502	D
Year 5	£1,988	D
Overall	£5,782	D

It should come as no real surprise to learn that a large, heavy SUV has high running costs, and the Land Rover Defender will cost you a fair chunk of change to live with.

Fuel consumption is unsurprisingly poor, regardless of whether you choose a petrol or diesel version. Don’t be fooled by the impressive-looking economy figures of the plug-in hybrid models – every plug-in hybrid on the market scores an ‘A’ for fuel economy, which is the result of the unrepresentative EU/UK lab tests that car manufacturers have to follow.

Insurance is also likely to be expensive, with several versions of the Defender in the top insurance group (group 50). Scheduled servicing costs are actually the most reasonable results here, and even then they are only average.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 29
Average repair cost: £899.10
Last updated: April 2025

Reliability score

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

The Land Rover Defender has a poor reliability score as of April 2025 (our most recent data point), according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, MotorEasy. This score only applies to the ‘new’ Defender, rather than the ‘classic’ Defender, and to date it’s only based on a relatively small number of vehicles.

Average repair bills overall are £900, which is higher than most cars. To date, the biggest bills have been related to engine issues, with an average repair cost of about £1,800.

Given the cost of repairs (and Land Rover’s historically poor reliability record), if you own a Land Rover Defender or are interested in buying a used Defender, a used car warranty could be a good idea. Make sure it covers all of the areas listed above.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Land Rover Defender

2024

2023

2022

2021

Date: June 2024
Recall number: R/2024/255
Model types: All Defender models
Build dates: 11/2023 to 02/2024
Number of vehicles affected: 590
Defect: The incorrect specification of plastic was used to manufacture the oil filter housing. This housing may over time and with vehicle use crack. This could result in oil under pressure leaking and coming into contact with hot components of the engine which may result in a fire. Additionally oil may leak onto the road surface posing a skid hazard.
Remedy: Replace the oil filter housing complete with filter and associated O-rings.

Date: March 2024
Recall number: R/2024/147
Model types: All Defender models
Build dates: 04/2019 to 02/2024
Number of vehicles affected: 47,815
Defect: The manufacturer has developed a software enhancement to further increase vehicle security.
Remedy: The software enhancement will deploy this update and reduce the theft risk.

Date: March 2024
Recall number: R/2024/145
Model types: All Defender models
Build dates: 07/2019 to 01/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 15,408
Defect: The manufacturer has developed a software enhancement to further increase vehicle security.
Remedy: The software enhancement will deploy this update and reduce the theft risk.

Date: October 2023
Recall number: R/2023/293
Model types: All Defender models
Build dates: 07/2023 to 09/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 770
Defect: On plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models, it is possible that the internal combustion engine will not start when required. This may occur whilst the vehicle is in motion and the vehicle will operate in electric vehicle (EV) Mode only. When the EV system is no longer able to propel the vehicle the vehicle will unexpectedly slow down and no drive is possible.
Remedy: Software update to the Powertrain control module.

Date: June 2023
Recall number: R/2023/135
Model types: Defender 130 models
Build dates: 07/2021 to 01/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 318
Defect: On affected vehicles there is an issue involving the seat latch in the area of the third row of seats for where injury in the event of an incident cannot be ruled out.
Remedy: The third-row seat back latch operation will be checked. Where the seat latches operate correctly no further action is required. Where a latch does not operate properly the seat frame and associated components will be replaced.

Date: May 2023
Recall number: R/2023/087
Model types: All Defender models
Build dates: 07/2020 to 01/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 18,151
Defect: The water pump pulley drive belt can become damaged leading to detachment or destruction. Where water pump pulley drive is lost, this leads to a loss of coolant flow in the engine.
Remedy: Affected vehicles will have the engine coolant elbow replaced. In addition, a turbocharger feed coolant pipe will be replaced.

Date: May 2023
Recall number: R/2023/044
Model types: All Defender models
Build dates: 08/2022 to 01/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 499
Defect: For certain 2023 Model Year 3.0-litre vehicles, a small number of engines the cam carrier oil gallery hasn’t been fully drilled. As a result, the oil channel could be blocked leading to accumulation of oil against the pressure control valve rubber membrane and subsequently an external oil leak or increased oil carryover into the air intake system.
Remedy: The engine cam carrier will be inspected and where an incorrectly machined cam carrier is found replace it with a correctly machined component. Depending on mileage and engine conditions further associated components may require replacement.

Date: August 2022
Recall number: R/2022/222
Model types: All Defender models
Build dates: 12/2021 to 05/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 2,981
Defect: Damaged front seat belt pretensioner tube may have been installed on the seat belt retractor.
Remedy: Inspect the seat belt pretensioner tube for damage and if damage is identified the seat belt retractor will be replaced.

Date: October 2021
Recall number: R/2021/333
Model types: All Defender models
Build dates: 07/2020 to 08/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 509
Defect: The front passenger seats were manufactured without the occupancy detection sensor system (ODS) installed.
Remedy: Fit the occupant detection sensor to the front passenger seat.

Date: August 2021
Recall number: R/2021/247
Model types: Defender 90 models
Build dates: 12/2020 to 04/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 1,025
Defect: The fixings connecting the exhaust downpipe to the catalytic converter may not have been tightened to the specified torque value.
Remedy: Inspect the exhaust downpipe to catalytic converter joint. If the fixings are present torque them up to the required torque specification. If any fixings are missing they will be replaced and torqued to the required specification.

Date: April 2021
Recall number: R/2021/137
Model types: All Defender models
Build dates: 11/2020 to 03/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 4,002
Defect: The front seat track end stop bracket may become deformed.
Remedy: Replace the front seat tracks with a modified part.

As of September 2024 (our most recent data point), there have been ten DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Land Rover Defender to address 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 Land Rover 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 Defender, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.

Everything you need to know about UK vehicle recalls

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Land Rover Defender has received

2023

EcoCar Electrified Top 50 – Best Plug-In Hybrid Luxury SUV

2022

Motor Trader Awards – Best Used Car
News UK Motor Awards – Best Adventure Car
Parkers New Car Awards – Best Off-Roader

2021

The Car Expert Awards – Large SUV Class Champion
UK Car of the Year Awards – Best Large Crossover
Auto Express Awards – Best Mid-Size Premium SUV
Carwow Awards – Best Large SUV
DieselCar and EcoCar Top 50 – Best Luxury SUV
Parkers New Car Awards – Best Off-Roader
News UK Motoring Awards – The Sunday Times Legend Award

2020

Auto Express Awards – Best Mid-Size Premium SUV
News UK Motor Awards – Best Adventure Car + Best Dog-Friendly Car
Business Car Awards – Driver’s Choice
Northern Group of Motoring Writers – Northern Car of the Year

2019

Carwow Awards – Design Award

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Buy a Land Rover Defender

If you’re looking to buy a new or used Land Rover Defender, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car

Find your next used car with Motors. Find out more

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Lease a Land Rover Defender

If you’re looking to lease a new Land Rover Defender, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal

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Subscribe to a Land Rover Defender

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Maserati unveils new Ghibli Hybrid

Model update

Jack Evans

-

18 July 2020

0

Maserati has kicked off its electrification plans with the new Ghibli Hybrid.

The executive saloon ditches its old V6 engine in favour of a new, more efficient 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine linked up to a mild hybrid system.

The exterior has been tweaked to showcase the car’s greener credentials, with blue details and a grey colour which is unique to the electrified model. Two trims will be available from launch – sporty GranSport and high-end Gran Lusso.

Maserati claims that the new powertrain will match its predecessor’s performance, but with a significant reduction in emissions. As such, the Italian firm claims CO₂ emissions as low as 192g/km and economy figures from 33.2mpg. Despite this, the Ghibli still pushes out 330hp and should be able to cover the 0-60mph sprint in 5.5 seconds. Its top speed stands at a claimed 158mph.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox. The electrification part of the process sees a 48-volt system integrated into the car’s powertrain, with a belt-driven starter/generator fitted to help recover the energy usually lost during braking and deceleration. It then sends this energy to a battery located in the boot.

This energy can then be used to fill in gaps in torque prior to the turbocharger spooling, resulting in sharper and more effective acceleration.

The new Ghibli Hybrid is available to order now with prices starting from £58,220, while first deliveries are expected in the late autumn.

More Maserati news, ratings, reviews and features

Subaru Forester (2019 to 2024)

Stuart Masson

-

17 July 2020

0

Summary

The Subaru Forester is a medium-sized SUV/crossover that sits above the smaller XV in the Subaru family. This model is the fifth generation, which went on sale in the UK in 2019 before being replaced by a new generation Forester in 2025. It was only available with a 2.0-litre petrol engine that also incorporates a small hybrid system.

The Forester received mixed reviews from the UK motoring media, with mostly poor to average scores. No longer on sale, it holds a Used Car Expert Rating of B with a score of 66%, which puts it firmly in the lower middle of the mid-size SUV section in our Expert Rating Index.

The Subaru Forester was highly regarded for its safety features and its off-road ability, both of which are considered as good as – if not better than – anything else in its class. However, its on-road comfort and performance were criticised as being off the pace of other SUV rivals, while several sources pointed out that its hybrid system does not deliver competitive real-world fuel economy.

More Subaru ratings, reviews, news and features

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol
Price when new: From £36,335 on-road

Launched: Summer 2019
Last updated: Winter 2019/20
Replaced: Winter 2024/25

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic e-Boxer
“The Subaru Forester e-Boxer is a likeable and comfortable SUV, but it’s let down by a pointless attempt at hybridisation.”
Read review

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Subaru Forester is a hard-wearing, over-engineered SUV, but average fuel economy and sluggish performance count against it.”
Author: Paul Adam, Alastair Cooks
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0i e-Boxer
Score: 6 / 10
“The Subaru Forester isn’t built for buyers looking for a sleek and stylish SUV. Instead, it trades on its ability to traverse mountains, and it’s built to last long after its rivals have been scrapped.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Subaru Forester is an impressively capable and practical SUV, and it’s nicer inside than Subarus of the past, too. The performance isn’t as impressive as in some hybrid rivals, but the ride and handling are good, and it’s got a tonne of clever safety kit.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed:
Score: 7.2 / 10
“Thanks to its boxy looks, the Subaru Forester is tough, practical and reliable, but now gets a much improved interior.” (Andy Goodwin, Alastair Crooks)
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.2 / 10
“Despite its boxy looks, the Subaru Forester is good-to-drive, practical and now mixes sturdiness with an improved interior.”
Read review

Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The rather utilitarian Subaru Forester is one of the last remaining rugged SUVs. It’s great off-road and had a sturdy interior, but most family SUV buyers will prefer the more luxurious interiors and more comfortable drive of its myriad alternatives.”
Read review

Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol (mild hybrid) automatic E-Boxer XE Premium
“E-Boxer powertrain is behind the times in terms of hybrid capabilities, and doesn’t offer enough efficiency to bring the Forester into sensible consideration. Which is a shame for an otherwise competent and decent car.”
Read review

Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Stoically traditional in its approach to being an SUV, the Subaru Forester is a niche choice for those who need dependable off-road ability.”
Author: Richard Aucock
Read review

Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“With its high ground clearance and soft suspension, the Subaru Forester does tackle bumpy or broken roads very well. A trade-off of this is that it’s not as sharp to drive as rivals, with quite a lot of body lean in corners. There’s loads of grip, though, and it’s also very capable off-road.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“It’s a shame about those bland looks and that drab interior because, underneath, the Subaru Forester is a capable car that’s likely to build upon the previous model’s strong reliability record.”
Read review

The Sun

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic mild hybrid e-Boxer
“Subaru Forester e-Boxer hybrid is tough, fun and extraordinary value for £36k”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: e-Boxer
Score: 6 / 10
“A capable companion, but let down by its pointless hybrid range.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: January 2020
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 97%
Child protection: 91%
Vulnerable road users: 80%
Safety assist: 78%

Note on safety
The Subaru Forester is very highly regarded for the level of safety it provides, both in terms of active safety (helping you avoid an accident) and passive safety (protecting you in the event of an accident). In addition to a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, the safety organisation also rated the Forester as Best in Class for 2019 in the Small Off-Road/MPV category. Its four safety scores were all outstanding, and in particular the Child Occupant score is the highest-ever result in its class.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Subaru Forester was not assessed by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 10
Average repair cost: £207.06
Last updated: April 2025

Reliability score

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

The Subaru Forester has a very good reliability score of 92% as of April 2025 (our most recent data point), although we currently have relatively little data to date.

In addition, the average repair cost of £200 is very low compared to most cars. So all in all, the Forester has been good value to date, although we will keep adding more data as we get it.

Running cost rating

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

Fuel consumption	Average	Score
Hybrid models	35 mpg	D

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Hybrid models	185 g/km	D

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	23	B

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£245	C
Year 2	£593	C
Year 3	£1,017	C
Year 4	£1,201	C
Year 5	£1,659	C
Overall	£4,715	C

The Subaru Forester is a relatively affordable car to maintain, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

The hybrid’s fuel consumption is below average though, particularly when compared to other partially-electrified options of this size. That said, its insurance bracket is on the cheaper side, and its service and maintenance costs over five years of ownership are good.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Subaru Forester has received

2020

4×4 Magazine Award – Best Small SUV

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Buy a Subaru Forester

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

Find your next used car with Motors. Find out more

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Lease a Subaru Forester

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

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

Personal contract hire deals from Carwow. Find out more

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

Subscribe to a Subaru Forester

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Nissan reveals dramatic new Ariya

New model

Jack Evans

-

15 July 2020

0

Nissan has unveiled its new electric Ariya to the world following several concepts and teasers.

The Ariya, which comes as Nissan’s first electric ‘coupé crossover’, is built on a platform developed by the wider Renault-Nissan Alliance, and is set to deliver a claimed electric range of up to 310 miles in top-spec trim. Less powerful models return a claimed 211 miles.

The Ariya will be available with one or two electric motors (for front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configurations), with power outputs ranging from 217 to 394hp. Battery capacity is available in either 63kWh or 87kWh capacities. In total, there will be five different versions of the Ariya available in the UK.

When using the twin-motor, all-wheel-drive setup, the Ariya includes an all-wheel control system called e-4ORCE. Nissan claims that this technology is a direct descendant of that fitted to the GT-R sports car and the intelligent four-wheel-drive system used on the firm’s Patrol off-roader. It manages power output and braking performance and, by doing this, is able to travel along the ‘driver’s intended line’ whatever the conditions.

“By taking advantage of e-4ORCE’s precise motor control response, we’re able to control vehicle motion as soon as the brakes are applied, giving all occupants – especially passengers – a stable, smooth ride,” said Ryozo Hiraku, expert leader of Nissan’s powertrain and EV engineering division.

Ariya models in 63kWh specification come with a 7.4kW charger on-board charger for home use, while the 87kWh model comes with a 22kW three-phase charger for even quicker charging at home. Not only that, but all models are rated up to 130kw for fast-charging. Getting from 0-60mph in the most powerful Ariya models will take just over five seconds, while less powerful variants will achieve it in around 7.4 seconds.

The Ariya also utilises Nissan’s latest ProPilot advanced cruise control and lane guidance system, which now uses navigation systems to automatically detect when the car should be slowing down or speeding up. It can even slow the car if it knows that a sharp bend is coming up.

Not only will the Ariya be able to perform on the road, but it’s rated to tow up to 1,500kg, which helps to strengthen its appeal even further.

Inside, the Ariya features a 12-inch digital display ahead of the driver as well another 12-inch screen in the middle of the cabin. However, the pair have been placed alongside one another to form one single ‘plane’ that helps to give the screens a seamless, one-piece appearance.

Boot space is also on a par with rivals, with two-wheel-drive models offering 466 litres of space and all-wheel-drive versions slightly less at 408 litres.

More details on further specifications and pricing for the Nissan Ariya will be announced in the coming months.

More Nissan news, ratings, reviews and features

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1. Vauxhall Corsa

2. Ford Fiesta

3. Ford Focus

4. Volkswagen Golf

5. Mercedes-Benz A-Class

6. Nissan Qashqai

7. Volkswagen Polo

8. Mini hatch

9. Volkswagen Tiguan

10. Ford Kuga

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What’s the Land Rover Defender like to drive?

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