Table of contents for 1798 in Auto Express

sean_carson@autovia.co.uk ● Third-generation family SUV revealed ● Efficient engines include new PHEV THERE’S no better indication of how important the Tiguan is to Volkswagen than the fact that over just two generations the brand has sold more than 7.5 million cars. And that’s why the German firm has reinvented the formula for this all-new, third-generation Tiguan SUV, with fresh engine options, improved technology, more space and practicality and a sharper design. Key to this and VW’s electrification push are upgraded plug-in hybrid powertrains that offer up to 62 miles of electric range (an increase of as much as 30 miles when compared with its predecessor) thanks to a larger 19.7kWh battery. There are two eHybrid specifications, both featuring the same battery and 113bhp electric motor, plus a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol…

New batteries will boost Toyota EVs TOYOTA EVs will offer up to 497 miles of range by 2026, thanks to tech the firm is developing. A ‘performance’ lithium-ion battery will deliver this, while an even higher-performance battery offering up to 621 miles of range will be available from 2027. Beyond this, Toyota is working on solid-state batteries, expected to offer up to 746 miles of range in time. Govt told to be clearer on self-driving cars GOVERNMENT proposals that self-driving vehicles should be ‘as safe and competent as a careful driver’ are too vague and should be replaced with clearer, more challenging guidance, says a new Transport Select Committee report. MPs also warn self-driving vehicles could increase congestion and pose cybersecurity risks, and say more joined-up thinking is needed around…

FORD will increase the powertrain options for its Ranger pick-up from 2025 with a new plug-in hybrid option. This combines a 2.3-litre petrol turbo engine with an electric motor and battery, for a targeted all-electric range of more than 28 miles. Ford says the Ranger PHEV’s towing capability will be up to 3,500kg – the same as the regular model’s – while it will offer vehicle-to-load functionality for users to power off-board power tools and other equipment, including accessories for camping The Ranger PHEV will look identical to its ICE siblings, apart from a new set of 18-inch alloy wheels.…

THE following provide help with motoring problems. Some services are free, others charge a fee or operate on premium-rate lines (p), while some offer advice for members only (m) Legal AA: 0345 850 1130 (m) RAC: 0330 159 1446 (m) Citizens Advice Consumer helpline: 03454 040506 Local Trading Standards Local Citizens Advice Bureau Used car inspections AA: 0800 056 8040 RAC: 0330 159 0720 Technical advice AA: 0370 142 0002 (m) Driving licences DVLA: 0300 790 6801 Car registration/history HPI: 0113 222 2010 AA: 0800 316 3564 DVLA: 0300 790 6802 RAC: 0808 164 1923 Traffic information AA: 0906 888 4322 RAC: 09003 444999 (p) Problems with dealers The Motor Ombudsman: 0345 241 3008 Consumer Ombudsman: www.consumer-ombudsman.org RMIF: 0845 305 4230 Scottish Motor Trade Assoc. 0131 331 5510 Problems with…

Jordan_Katsianis@autovia.co.uk @JordanKatsianis MASERATI GTs are synonymous with the sound of a throbbing V8, so your first reaction may be that there’s something uncomfortable about hearing the grumble of a V6 in this latest GranTurismo. It’s perhaps the most major change in a car that, despite its familiar looks, is all new. The chassis is wider and longer than the old GT’s, yet it’s barely any heavier at 1,795kg. Some may find the design a little less sophisticated than before, but it is certainly more aggressive, with carbon-fibre highlights and staggered 20 and 21-inch wheels. Inside, Maserati has used the lush and aromatic leather you’d expect of an Italian GT, applied to a far more modern design. Dominating the dash are two touchscreens on a single angled panel familiar from other…

John_McIlroy@autovia.co.uk @johnmcilroy Range/charging 265 miles 88kW (30-80% in 29 mins Performance 0-62mph/top speed 7.0 seconds/100mph WE’RE still waiting for BYD to make the first big gaffe of its European onslaught. The Atto 3 small SUV got proceedings off to an encouraging start for the battery giant turned car manufacturer, and our recent drive of the Seal shows the firm has a proper Tesla Model 3 rival on the way later this year. But what of the Dolphin? Could BYD’s baby be the one to trip up? It’s time to find out how it fares on UK roads. To recap, the Dolphin is a compact hatch that tries to break a few conventions on the combination of vehicle size, battery capacity, range, standard kit and pricing. Even base versions of the…

510bhp Powertrain 3.0 litre 6cyl PHEV 67 litres Fuel tank £102 fill up 5.2 secs Performance 155mph 525 litres Boot space MODEL TESTED: S 580 e L AMG Line Premium Plus Executive PRICE: £121,295 POWERTRAIN: 3.0-litre 6cyl in-line turbo, e-motor/510bhp BRAND loyalty among S-Class buyers is incredible, with roughly 80 per cent of European owners going on to either buy another or at least stay within the Mercedes brand. But with the arrival of the new 7 Series, is this the time for owners to reconsider? Tech highlights THE S-Class has long had a reputation for being a technological tour-de-force, and for this generation, that extends to the plug-in hybrid powertrain, too. Power comes from a 362bhp 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine, which works alongside a 148bhp electric motor. Combined, they…

IN the context of a pair of cars that will set you back a six-figure sum over the course of three years, the difference in cost between the two is pretty much negligible. Dive into the numbers, and the 7 Series is the less expensive option on a three-year PCP agreement; place £10,000 up front and, on a deal which allows for 10,000 miles per year, the BMW costs £2,190 per month compared with £2,291 for the Mercedes. While both are PHEVs, the Mercedes is the more frugal of the two. Not only can it drive further on a charge, but when the battery is depleted, it’s also more efficient. This is reflected in our test figures of 36.3mpg for the S-Class and 34.1mpg for the BMW. That’s only a…

LUXURY LIMOS These high-end machines are the last word in luxury and refinement, and showcase future technology “IF you like to shout about your wealth just a little louder, then the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS are luxury seven-seat SUV alternatives. The £181,755 Maybach GLS 600 gets a superb active air suspension set-up, but lesser models don’t; without it, the X7 is the better car.” “WHILE BMW offers a fully electric version of the 7 Series, the i7, the all-electric Mercedes EQS is a distinct model. It’s certainly quiet and efficient, but the cabin ambience and quality, especially in the back, can’t compete with the superb standards of the S-Class.” “YOU’D think it’d be hard to make the looks of the new 7 Series any more divisive, but BMW has…

John_McIlroy@autovia.co.uk @johnmcilroy Running costs Official range/tax 260 miles/£0 Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 440/1,338 litres WE’RE not averse to visiting car dealers with our long-term test vehicles at Auto Express – particularly when there’s a new look or a new part of the experience that we know customers are going to go through too. But for our BYD Atto 3, actually finding a showroom to visit is still something of a challenge, because there aren’t many. BYD is a global giant in battery production and, more recently, the manufacture of EVs and PHEVs, but it’s a relative minnow in the UK. Its first dealership only opened back in March, a few months adrift of a self-imposed schedule that actually targeted UK sales in the final quarter of last year. Increasing numbers…

Alfa Romeo Tonale Issue 1,796 Audi TT Issue 1,797 BMW iX New arrival BMWX1 Iss 1,772, 1,781, 1,789, 1,795 BYD Atto 3 Issue 1,789 Cupra Formentor Issue 1,792 Dacia Duster Issue 1,794 Lexus RZ Issues 1,791, 1,795 Mazda CX-60 Iss 1,758, 1,764, 1,779, 1,792 MG4 Issues 1,788, 1,793 Peugeot 408 Issue 1,796 Range Rover Issues 1,774, 1,782, 1,791 Skoda Karoq Issues 1,781, 1,790 Toyota Corolla Issues 1,788, 1,797 VW Caddy Cargo Issue 1,782, 1,794 VWT-Roc Issues 1,777, 1,784 Your ultimate guide to buying and owning an electric car…

Got a query? products@autoexpress.co.uk THE short answer is yes and no but, as always, there is more to it than that. Having suffered driving a car this summer without working air-conditioning, I’m still surprised some drivers believe using it is a bad idea. The experience of sweating excessively or getting buffeted with the windows open makes it easy to see why some marques don’t sell cars without air-con. But a few drivers still believe it is not necessary or should only be used in extreme temperatures. A prime reason is that air-con increases fuel consumption when it is used. This is because extra power is needed to drive the compressor, but the difference is likely to be less than five per cent. So while it’s definitely worth considering, you should…

NEW PRODUCT Clarke CMSTRT Mechanics’ Utility Seat Price: £59.98 Rating: Contact: machinemart.co.uk THIS seat is smaller than the others and the lower height means it feels very stable. Unlike its rivals, the top isn’t padded, but it was surprisingly supportive and will be more resistant to wear and tear. The seat’s party trick is the ability to pull the top off and use it as a kneeler. While this may be more comfortable than kneeling on gravel or concrete, the top is hard, so the benefit is limited. Under the seat is a metal tray, which is divided into four for keeping smaller screws and fixings safe. Higher up there’s a small shelf, which can hold screwdrivers and other tools.…

Join the debate now at autoexpress.co.uk/opinion SO how many billions of dollars did the world’s largest car companies make in post-tax profits during the last financial year – after you might have shopped with them for your cars, finance, vehicle parts, accessories and more? BMW (including MINI) did best with a lovely jubbly $18.9bn. Following closely behind were Toyota and Lexus with $18.1bn, then the Stellantis clan ($17.7bn), Mercedes ($15.3bn), Volkswagen Group ($15.2bn), Tesla ($12.6bn), General Motors ($9.9bn), Hyundai ($5.7bn), Honda ($4.8bn) and Kia ($4.2bn). Not only does BMW beat every other car manufacturing group in terms of profitability, it now ranks as the 30th most profitable company in the world, period. The likes of Toyota and VW Group have to be deeply miffed by this – not least because…

John_McIlroy@autovia.co.uk @johnmcilroy ● New supermini will sell alongside electric R5 and R4 models ● Potential for Clio to continue beyond 2030 as a pure EV RENAULT is pushing ahead with plans for an electric rebirth of its iconic 5 and 4 models, but the company isn’t about to forget its regular supermini, the Clio. Auto Express can reveal that work has started on a new generation of the popular model, complete with petrol-based powertrains. The supermini market has been shaken up dramatically in recent months, not least by the disappearance of the Ford Fiesta, one of the Clio’s traditional rivals. Renault itself has switched the facelifted version of its current offering to hybrid power in several key markets, including the UK, and in the longer term the brand has committed…

Chris_Rosamond@autovia.co.uk ● £900k paid out for claims ● Total damage bill is £16bn ENGLAND’S pitted, potholed and poorly maintained roads damaged the cars of nearly half the nation’s drivers in the past 12 months, according to a new survey. Of the 45 per cent who reported damage to their vehicle, 27 per cent blamed potholes specifically for the issue they experienced and said it cost an average of £922 to fix. The total damages bill caused by poorly repaired roads amounts to an estimated £16bn, with £7.5bn attributed directly to pothole damage, according to a survey of 2,000 drivers carried out by Censuswide for Halfords. However, a Freedom of Information request also made by Halfords reveals only a tiny proportion of drivers are receiving the compensation they should be entitled…

Alastair_Crooks@autovia.co.uk @AllieCrooks THE design of Alfa Romeo’s new small SUV – rumoured to be called the Brennero – has been leaked online, with our exclusive image above turning the grainy shots into a close representation of what Alfa’s new crossover could look like. Set to be based on the CMP platform used by sibling brand Jeep for its Avenger, Alfa’s new baby will be revealed early next year with a price tag of about £35,000. The all-electric model will be powered by a 54kWh battery feeding a 154bhp motor for a range of around 250 miles. There could also be a mild-hybrid petrol model, but it’s not yet clear if this would be sold in the UK; Jeep’s Avenger comes with ICE power in some markets, but the UK only…

sean_carson@autovia.co.uk BMW development boss Frank Weber has confirmed that the firm’s next M3-sized performance saloon – and potentially an estate – will go all electric. It will be based on the firm’s Neue Klasse platform, with the new electric M car set to arrive as early as 2027, “not too far away from the initial launch of the Neue Klasse as a product line”, according to Weber. Speaking at the launch of the new 5 Series and i5 electric saloon, and musing on whether BMW needs a halo model once a production saloon car based on the Neue Klasse platform goes on sale from 2025, Weber confirmed: “The next M3 will be fully battery electric – and will have ‘the heart of joy’ [referring to a new ECU package]. “This…

THE all-party parliamentary group of cyclists and walkers (APPGCW) has called for police forces to remove the ‘10 per cent plus 2mph’ tolerance for speed limits, allowing drivers to escape prosecution if caught driving at 35mph in a 30mph zone. The group also wants compulsory re-testing for drivers banned for any offence, including causing injury by careless or inconsiderate driving, or driving on drugs. Also in the group’s sights are repeat offenders, and the report calls for a range of escalating penalties, pointing to evidence from 2017 showing that 47 per cent of those convicted of driving while disqualified had at least one previous conviction for the same offence, and 30 per cent had two or more convictions.…

Alastair_Crooks@autovia.co.uk @AllieCrooks Running costs 42.8mpg (off icial) £88 fill-up WHILE the sixth-generation Honda CR-V now comes with plug-in hybrid power, the Japanese firm has sensibly decided to retain a full-hybrid option. We were a little underwhelmed by the PHEV when we drove it in Issue 1,793, so is this model any better? It’s certainly priced like a premium offering. Entry-level Elegance starts from £45,895 and our car in Advance trim kicks off at £48,995. That’s still some £5k less than the PHEV model, though. At least the CR-V is pretty well equipped. As standard it comes with a panoramic glass roof, leather and heated seats, a powered tailgate, rear-view camera, automatic headlights, a drive mode system, wireless smartphone charging, keyless entry and Honda’s Sensing 360 safety technology. Step up to…

WINNER BMW 7 Series 1st THE Mercedes is the long-standing king of the luxury limos, but for this latest contest, the 7 Series steals its crown. It does so because it beats the S-Class on the qualities that matter most for a luxury car: ride comfort, refinement and smoothness. Beyond that, it’s a limo that, as long as you’re looking at it from the inside, feels truly special, expensive and bespoke. The Mercedes is a luxury car that will slip into your life seamlessly; the 7 Series is one that is distinctive enough to enjoy. ● Ride quality● Performance● Handling● Build quality ● Divisive looks● Steeper depreciation than S-Class● 750e is just as luxurious● Pricey extras INTERESTED? Scan the code for further information RUNNER-UP Mercedes S-Class 2nd STYLE is a…

SAME CLASS Maybach S-Class IF you want a sense of occasion, but don’t have six figures to spend, then the previous-generation S-Class is a great pick, especially if you can find an ultra-rare Maybach. We saw a 2015 model with 60,000 miles on the clock for half the price of our contenders. While its 6.0-litre V12 will likely drink twice as much fuel, it’s on the money for performance and refinement. Luxury? Rear passengers get a drinks fridge, which says it all. ● Silky, powerful V12● Sumptuous cabin ● Astronomical running costs● Lacks the latest gadgets SAME MONEY Rolls-Royce Ghost THE Ghost is the baby of the brand’s line-up, but is still 5.4 metres long. Plus the British marque has crammed unmatched levels of opulence and luxury inside its beautiful…

Running costs 42.9mpg (on test) £73 fill-up, 32% BiK tax Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 445/1,290 litres IT was entirely fitting that our T-Roc finished its six months on our fleet with just the kind of long-distance journey where it’s at its most comfortable. I’ve done the six-hour round trip to Ring’s Leeds HQ before in the T-Roc, but this time it was for our annual headlamp bulb test (scheduled to appear in Issue 1,800). The slog up the A1 from my Essex home was completed with no problem, but reinforced my love-hate relationship with VW’s most popular model – something echoed in our 2023 Driver Power new-car owner survey, where the T-Roc finished in 28th place with a very mixed bag of scores. On the plus side, the seating position…

ARE you sitting comfortably? If you are working on a car, the answer is rarely going to be ‘yes’, unless you’ve invested in a mechanic’s seat. These special stools are designed to make working on wheels, brakes and suspension less of a pain, because they mean you won’t need to kneel for long periods while fixing or cleaning the lower parts of your car. The seats also include places to store tools, fluids and components, so they are close to hand and less likely to get left behind. In our last multitest we gave the Best Buy prize to the Hilka Pro-Craft, with Sealey a close second. Now they have new competition from Clarke with its CMSTRT Utility Seat. The new rival is close in price to the others, is…

mail@autoexpress.co.uk THIS year’s Driver Power survey highlights that Kia’s top-rated EV pleases its owners as much for its styling and practicality as it does for its driving characteristics. The EV6 ranks highly for its powertrain, ride and handling, with top-20 scores for every attribute in both categories, including a 17th for driving pleasure and fifth for smoothness. Owners love the car’s style, rating the design of its body fifth, and the cabin sixth. There is a sixth place for seat versatility too, as well as for child-friendly features, while the rear-seat legroom bags first place in the survey. Safety features are ranked 11th for quantity but only 45th for ease of use, while reliability is a disappointing 63rd, and value comes in at 50th. WE SAID “Family buyers looking for…

Alastair_Crooks@autovia.co.uk @AllieCrooks THE British Touring Car Championship is heading into its closing stages with just two events left, and the penultimate round takes place this weekend at Silverstone. An impressive showing by championship leader Ash Sutton last time out at Donington Park saw the NAPA Racing Ford Focus ST driver extend his lead to 42 points. Sutton has shown searing pace throughout the season and looks set to take his fourth BTCC title, having won the championship in 2017, 2020 and 2021. Silverstone hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for him, however, because he’s never won there in touring cars. His nearest challenger in the title race is Tom Ingram, who has six BTCC victories at the Northamptonshire circuit. With three podiums in his last four races, including a win…

22-PAGE SPECIAL Rover vs new Kona Our first cover car meets 2023’s Car of the Year as we celebrate 35 years. Including year-by-year highlights and our top 10 ‘game-changers’ ● 16-PAGE SPECIAL MG past, present and future PART II MG4 meets past hits, plus a ride in the Cyberster and a look at MG’s history ● TEST SPECIAL Towcar of the year 2023 revealed We join Caravan and Motorhome Club to name UK’s top haulers on sale Wednesday 27 Sept…

Richard_Ingram@autovia.co.uk @rsp_ingram ● Swedish SUV is shaping up to be comfy, quick and composed BIG electric SUVs aren’t the cash cows people think they are. These halo products draw in the crowds, but it’s the more affordable cars that make the money. So while Volvo’s hotly anticipated EX90 may demonstrate everything the brand is capable of, it’s the entry-level EX30 that’ll sell in bigger numbers. That’s especially true given that the mini-Volvo’s sub-£34,000 starting price undercuts not only its electric rivals, but plenty of petrol SUVs with significantly higher whole-life costs, too. First customer cars aren’t due until February, but to see if the small EV will be worth the wait, we’ve ridden shotgun in a dual-motor EX30 on a variety of roads at Volvo’s Hallered Proving Ground in Sweden.…

THE EU has launched a trade investigation into cut-price imported Chinese EVs that could result in consumers paying higher prices. Brussels believes Chinese state subsidies are distorting sales in the EU, and endangering the current market leadership of its home-grown makers. The probe was announced in a speech by European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, who claimed “global markets are now flooded with cheaper Chinese electric cars” and that their costs are being kept artificially low by “huge state subsidies”. If true, World Trade Organisation rules allow for the imposition of major tariffs that could make Chinese cars more expensive.…

We want to hear your views. Send your questions or opinions to the E-mail address below mail@autoexpress.co.uk @AutoExpress FROM: Dominique Blondeel MY Matrix IQ LED lights are bright and very smart with the automatic high beam, but they can create problems for oncoming traffic, such as trucks that have their headlights positioned low, and aren’t spotted by the car’s camera. FROM: Paul Swift NO doubt these are great headlamps, but I’ve bought cars for less than these cost. I can imagine some cars being written off by insurance firms because some lowlife decides smashing a few lamps would be fun after having several drinks. Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk ■ “One headlight on my Audi costs 10,000 Euros to replace. That is a ridiculous amount.” Pål Eide ■ “I cannot…

Dean_Gibson@autovia.co.uk @DeanGbsn Electric motor Power/range 154bhp/249 miles IT’S not far off the mark to say that the Jeep Avenger is a significant model for the US firm. While the company is known for its off-road exploits, the Avenger is tasked with changing perceptions of the brand as an electric car maker. If this was to be achieved by its looks alone, then the Avenger would be on to a winner. This is the first Jeep to use all-Stellantis running gear, courtesy of the eCMP platform that’s shared with cars such as the Peugeot e-2008 and Vauxhall Mokka Electric, but it’s been draped in a body that’s unmistakably Jeep. The Avenger features short overhangs front and rear, chunky wheelarches and boxy lines that pay homage to Jeep’s heritage, while 200mm of…

John_McIlroy@autovia.co.uk @johnmcilroy YOU certainly can’t accuse Citroen of forgetting its family SUV, the C5 Aircross. The French company facelifted the model only last year, but now there’s a fresh mild-hybrid edition. Called the C5 Aircross Hybrid 136, the latest variant features a new version of Stellantis’s 1.2-litre three-cylinder PureTech petrol engine, producing 134bhp and 230Nm of torque. This unit is paired with a 48V mild-hybrid electric motor that adds up to 12bhp and 55Nm. It’s integrated into an all-new six-speed dual-clutch gearbox that’s been designed to work with hybrid systems. Citroen claims users could save as much as 15 per cent in fuel consumption over a regular PureTech 130 auto, and the official combined economy figure is up to 53mpg, with 129g/km of CO2, compared with the non-hybrid model’s 148g/km.…

563bhp Powertrain 3.0 litre 6cyl PHEV 65 litres Fuel tank £99 fill up 4.3 secs Performance 155mph 525 litres Boot space MODEL TESTED: BMW M760e xDrive PRICE: £119,305 POWERTRAIN: 3.0-litre 6cyl in-line turbo, e-motor/563bhp AS standard, the M760e xDrive is loaded with the best tech that BMW can throw at its range-topping saloon, so it comes with a hefty price tag to match. In addition, our car featured the £23,000 Ultimate Pack, which takes the total to £144,905. The S-Class tested here is in top-spec Premium Plus Executive trim, and aside from one or two colour and upholstery options, the £121,295 you see is what you’ll pay. Tech highlights EVEN when compared with its sizeable predecessor, the seventh-generation 7 Series has grown a little larger. At 5,391mm, it’s 130mm longer,…

SAME CLASS Audi A8 TFSI e OF the big three German brands’ offerings, the Audi is the most understated of the luxury limousine segment. If you want to pass by unnoticed, the subtle-yet-handsome A8 is the way to go. It’s also a similar story inside, where there’s no doubting the luxury on offer, but it doesn’t have the glamour – some might say chintziness – of the Mercedes or BMW. It’s impressive on the road, with superlative comfort, punchy performance and strong refinement. Yet the A8 can’t quite match the 7 Series or S-Class when it comes to offering a sense of occasion, plus the 60 TFSI e PHEV can’t travel as far as either on electric power alone. ● Understated luxury● Excellent comfort● Cruising refinement ● PHEV tech lags…

Hot Wheels says this B-EAST is a beauty THE UK leg of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour has been won by a 1979 MGB GT, called The B-EAST. It features a 3.0-litre Jaguar V6, a propshaft from a Range Rover, a Reliant Scimitar axle, Triumph motorcycle throttle bodies, Nissan S14 brakes and old jeans for the seat upholstery. The car is a labour of love for Michael Wallhead, who’ll face the Legends Tour semi-final and grand Global Final in November, putting him in with a shot of having his car immortalised as a Hot Wheels model. Stereo upgrades for Tesla pair from Focal AUDIO brand Focal has unveiled four kits for Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y as part of its Plug & Play range of upgrades. These are two-way…

The Atlas of Car Design Jason Barlow (Phaidon, phaidon.com) Price: £100 Rating: THIS huge book assembles 650 models, documenting the development of car design. Though mainly focused on Western Europe and North America, there are plenty of designs from elsewhere, and each has a superb photo plus a short, detailed description. Fantastic to flip through, with each car having its own story. Citroen DS: French Design Classic Lance Cole (Pen and Sword Books, pen-and-sword.co.uk) Price: £16.99 Rating: BIG Citroens are typically both beautiful and interesting, and the DS is the best of both worlds. This title isn’t comprehensive enough to do the car justice, but it’s a good introduction for anybody who’d like to begin their research journey. It’s also a great start for younger enthusiasts. Top Drives Available for:…

Trusted Reviews | Owner Opinion | Expert Advice CO2/tax 229g/km £325 Running costs 27mpg (Turbo) £76 fill-up Performance 0-62mph/top speed 5.5 seconds/143mph SOON after Audi had axed its quattro, Subaru introduced the next generation of turbocharged four-wheel-drive supercar. As with the quattro, few people realised just what a machine the Impreza would be, but soon this four-door saloon was making its mark on rally stages around the globe. Just like the quattro, the Impreza wasn’t simply a competition machine, and there was a road-going version available, which offered a greater level of usable performance than virtually any car previously offered. Better still, the Impreza was attainable, even if its running costs were steep. The Subaru has now moved into classic territory, but it offers the same thrills and practicality that…

Toyota backs FIA wish for Subaru rally return FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has spoken of his desire to get Subaru back into the World Rally Championship, and it looks like his sentiment is shared by Toyota. Speaking to Auto Express during the Acropolis Rally in Greece, Tom Fowler, technical director of Toyota Gazoo Racing (above), said: “Toyota wants more competition and Subaru has a history of motorsport, particularly in rally. Akio (Toyota’s president) has said he’d like them to come and Toyota holds a share in Subaru, but ultimately it’s Subaru’s decision.” This sparks questions about what Subaru’s WRC entry would look like and how much influence Toyota would have. “In order for it to work, Subaru would need as much independence from Toyota as possible,” Fowler told us.…