Table of contents for 1826 in Auto Express

FORGIVE the indulgence, but please hear me out long enough to know how excited I am to be introducing myself as the new editor of the giant that is Auto Express. My predecessor Steve Fowler’s legacy is an automotive magazine and website in brilliant shape, producing world-class content that breaks the latest news, delivers verdicts on every important new model and fights on behalf of you – the UK motorists who love, enjoy and rely on their cars. And that’s without even mentioning the industry-leading product tests and a wealth of knowledge in our numerous guides, best-car rankings and advice online. I’m thrilled to lead Auto Express (and Carbuyer, DrivingElectric and Driver Power) into this new era. While our goal of bringing you the best, fastest, most accurate, most informative…

Ellis_Hyde@autovia.co.uk @EllisDrives Will go on sale later this year No changes to engine line-up “The styling takes its cues from the all-electric Scenic E-Tech and features Renault’s redesigned logo” RENAULT’S updated Captur is now here with a dramatic new look and Google-powered on-board technology. The refreshed small SUV follows hot on the heels of the updated Ford Puma and lightly revamped Nissan Juke. The big styling change is the Captur’s less rounded front end, which features a complex grille design that we mocked up in a set of exclusive images earlier in the year (Issue 1,812). The styling takes its cues from the all-electric Scenic E-Tech; the brand’s redesigned logo is included, along with new vertical lighting strakes on either side of the revised front bumper. The rear has received…

Chris_rosamond@autovia.co.uk Almost 90 per cent of UK drivers think car headlights are too bright and now the Government says it’s looking into the matter THE UK Government has announced that it will launch an investigation into glare from car headlights. The news follows a survey published earlier this year that revealed 89 per cent of drivers feel car headlights are too bright. In case you need a bit of context, the RAC released a study in January, which surveyed 2,000 drivers. This found that not only do the “overwhelming majority” of drivers feel that the problem of headlight glare is a prevalent one, but roughly 85 per cent also think the issue is getting worse. In response to the investigation, as well as a petition which, at the time of…

WHILE the Volvo XC40 is still available with mild-hybrid petrol power, the all-electric version has been rebadged as EX40. It’s available to order now, with prices starting from £45,955. Buyers get a choice of powertrains, but the main news is the inclusion of a bigger-battery option in conjunction with the single-motor layout. The Single Motor Extended Range, as it’s known, has an 82kWh battery that boosts the EX40’s range to 343 miles. Opting for this version adds £1,750 to the price. Core, Plus and Ultra trims are offered, but all EX40s feature LED headlights, a nine-inch touchscreen, 12-inch driver’s display, built-in Google apps, a powered tailgate, reversing camera and lots of safety kit. Meanwhile, top-spec models add a panoramic roof, 360-degree cameras and a Harman Kardon stereo. The changes also apply…

Yousuf_Ashraf@autovia.co.uk @ashrafoncars 1,020bhp Porsche Turbo GT 0-62mph in 2.2 seconds NO matter how you brace yourself in the new Porsche Taycan Turbo GT’s carbon-fibre bucket seat, the ferocity when you release all 1,020bhp from a standstill takes your breath away. With a chirp from the tyres, the saloon slingshots forward and piles on speed at a rate that’s hard to process. Activate launch control, and you’ll rocket from 0-62mph in 2.3 seconds. An optional Weissach Package ditches the rear seats, saves 70kg and trims a tenth of a second from that sprint. We’d question if this compromise is worthwhile; the lightest Turbo GT still weighs a colossal 2,220kg. But how does all that feel? In a word: brutal. The Turbo GT pulls so much performance out of the track that,…

mail@autoexpress.co.uk THE Imp could have been a real winner for the Rootes Group. No, scrub that – it should have been a winner. With a free-revving, all-alloy, overhead-cam powerplant, agile independent suspension all round, affordable pricing and a family-friendly design, the Hillman should have sold like hot cakes. But when this rear-engined wonder was launched 61 years ago, the Mini – on sale for four years by then – was already a runaway success in showrooms, on rally stages and on the race track, too. The Mini had not only become a common sight on our roads, it had also ushered in a new era of space efficiency, usability, economy and manoeuvrability. The Imp was going to have its work cut out trying to compete, and – as things transpired,…

Dean_Gibson@autovia.co.uk @DeanGbsn Running costs 61.4mpg (official) £53 fill-up Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 402/994 litres AFTER many years of producing a safe line-up of premium SUVs and saloons, Lexus is going all-out to diversify its range. The LC coupé started the expansion, while the LM MPV offers something unique in the large luxury-car sector. At the smaller end of the market, Lexus is downsizing the premium SUV with its compact LBX. LBX stands for Lexus Breakthrough Crossover, and this is only the second offering from the firm to feature a three-letter name (the first being the LFA supercar). It’s the Breakthrough part that’s important, because the LBX is the smallest car the brand has ever built, but it comes with the premium quality and technology that have made the company’s larger…

Alastair_Crooks@autovia.co.uk @AllieCrooks Running costs 38.2mpg (official) £109 fill-up Performance 0-62mph/top speed 7.9 seconds/137mph “Early upchanges mean your passengers will rarely have to put up with any diesel clatter at high revs” NO model signifies the power of the Mercedes badge like the V-Class does. You might think a van-based people-carrier would dilute the prestige of the three-pointed star, but with the V-Class, it reinforces Mercedes’ premium appeal. You would hope so, too, considering the MPV costs near enough £75,000 in entry-level form. With this mid-life facelift, we have seen base AMG Line trim become a £3,950 optional extra, replaced by the Premium version in order to comply with Mercedes’ goal to drive its brand even further upmarket. With this in mind, we got behind the wheel of the Exclusive range-topper…

SAME CLASS MG4 WE’RE fans of the MG4, and it’s not hard to see why, with its surprisingly fun driving dynamics courtesy of a rear-driven chassis, plus excellent range figures and a bargain price. There’s a selection of power outputs, with 168bhp for the entry-level SE, 200bhp for the Long Range, 242bhp in the Extended Range, and topping out at 429bhp with the dual-motor, four-wheel-drive XPower. Even the least powerful model offers a pretty pacey 7.5-second 0-62mph time. Range for the 51kWh battery model stands at 218 miles, but the 77kWh version can do 323 miles on a charge, according to official WLTP figures. ● Generous equipment● Cheaper than rivals● Good to drive ● Small boot● Frustrating infotainment● Questionable cabin quality SAME CLASS Volkswagen ID.3 JUST as the Astra Electric…

Got a query? products@autoexpress.co.uk WE asked expert Richard Tipper from Perfection Detailing for advice. He says: “Starting with the moss, it’s going to be much easier to deal with this using a pressure washer, if you have one. Make sure the car’s trim and paint aren’t too delicate, though, and don’t be tempted to get too close with the nozzle. “If that doesn’t shift the moss on its own, you might need to use a multi-purpose cleaner. Gently agitate the moss with a soft brush, before rinsing. In order to help prevent the issue happening again, avoid parking under trees, because this is where you will get the most debris and fall-out.” For the mould inside the car, this is generally caused by either damp or the remnants of food…

ALTHOUGH cordless drills can drive sizeable wood screws, a powered screwdriver is the weapon of choice where a little delicacy is required in compact spaces. Ryobi included one in its new-for-2023 4V range, and to see how the Cordless Pivoting Screwdriver fares, we tested it against two rivals: another newcomer – this time from Laser – and Bosch’s big-selling seventh-generation IXO. We assessed the spec of each tool, plus its comfort and ease of use. Power was tested by driving different-sized screws into wood and finally we checked what you get in the box and factored in price. It’s easy to see why the Bosch is a big seller because it just does everything right, and so takes the win. The Ryobi is close behind, but is a little short…

mail@autoexpress.co.uk MAGIC seats can be relied upon to give the Jazz a boost for practicality, where it scores 15th. There’s also a 14th for rear legroom, 11th for driver visibility and 13th for cabin quality, which contribute to a strong rating for the interior overall. There’s a similarly upbeat 15th position for reliability, but the Jazz really comes to the fore on running costs, with an excellent eighth overall. That includes a third place for servicing, and seventh for economy. But the Jazz ranks a poor 71st for handling and the same for driving pleasure. Owners don’t like the exterior styling, given that it ranked 69th, but the interior style and quality are much more popular, with 24th and 13th places respectively. WE SAID “The Honda Jazz aims to attract…

NEVER lose sight of the fact that in the vehicle manufacturing, selling and buying game, the most important players are consumers spending their own money on new cars. Without them, those running the production lines, transport/shipping firms, retail outlets, workshops and related businesses, couldn’t exist. Neither would the circa 800,000 automotive jobs in the UK. Also, could our Government cope without those billions (or is it trillions now?) it grabs by slapping its 20 per cent VAT ‘surcharge’ on car purchases? I think not. So whether these buyers put their hands in their pockets, find the funds from their small business accounts, or rely on their company/corporate coffers, what are they choosing to purchase this year? The best way to fully answer that question is for me to come back…

Jordan_Katsianis@autovia.co.uk Nineties badge to make comeback on value-driven SUV Smart newcomer will get petrol and EV power, but no 4WD VAUXHALL has delved into its archives and dug out the classic Frontera badge for its latest SUV, which later this year will be joining the range as a value-driven Nissan Qashqai rival sitting beneath the existing Mokka and new Grandland. The newcomer will be sold in both petrol and electric forms right from launch, replacing the ageing Crossland with a slightly larger body and more rugged style in the process. The Frontera’s underpinnings use the Stellantis Smart Car platform, which will also be used under the forthcoming Citroen ë-C3. In fact, look closely, and you’ll notice a selection of shared design cues, with the Vauxhall featuring a similarly upright stance…

Jordan_Katsianis@autovia.co.uk New hardware for hot hatch Merc A 35 rival gets 328bhp HOT on the heels of the revised Audi A3 (Issue 1,822) is a new S3, which is said to pack some impressive high-performance hardware. Audi’s hot-hatch rival for the Mercedes-AMG A 35 has a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that now produces 328bhp. This is backed up by 20Nm more torque (now 420Nm), which helps the new S3 rocket from 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds – one-tenth of a second faster than before. In addition to the on-paper improvements, however, Audi is also keen to talk about the engine’s more aggressive demeanour. This starts with the mapping, which can keep the turbocharger spinning to help in-gear response. There’s also a Dynamic Plus mode, which runs the engine at a higher…

LAND Rover has announced a super-exclusive take on its flagship Range Rover. Just 10 examples of the SV Burford Edition will be built, with prices expected to start from more than £200,000. The maker says the Burford Edition “represents the pinnacle of Range Rover personalisation” and is “the ultimate statement of luxury”. It’s based on the SV P615 V8 Long Wheelbase car and uses the same 606bhp 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8. There’s bespoke Aether Grey satin paint and metal script badging on the outside, while the cabin is covered by a two-tone colourway made from Light Cloud and Cinder Grey woven textiles, with matching scatter cushions.…

mail@autoexpress.co.uk @Autoexpress We want to hear your views. Send your questions or opinions to the E-mail address below Grins guaranteed at reasonable speeds? FROM: Ged Shields YOUR review of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N (Issue 1,824) describes the car, which can do 0-62mph in only 3.4 seconds, as “performance and fun in a family package”. However, it fails to point out whether such fun can still be had if driving within legal speed limits. Pricey repairs for 69-plate Peugeot FROM: Douglas Lee I’VE just received a £6,500-plus repair bill after my 69-plate Peugeot 3008’s rocker cover blew and contaminated the whole EGR system. I can’t believe a car of this age needs this kind of money spent on it – which, after a valuation, is more than half its selling…

PREDICTABLY, rust has destroyed most Imps. Rot can break out anywhere, but various high-quality new (repro)panels are available, including some made of plastic for greater durability. Theall-alloy engine is a lot stronger than its reputation suggests, although oil leaks are common. The key is to maintain anti-freeze levels; once they are weakened, corrosion sets in, the alloy breaks up, and the radiator gets blocked, so everything overheats. A stronger block on post-1966 engines is much less prone to heat deformation. The four-speed box should be a joy. If changes aren’t slick, the nylon ball cup at the base of the stick needs to be replaced. It’s simple to do, and cheap. Interior trim is scarce, although some used parts are available. Later, moulded seats aren’t easy to repair, but earlier…

John_McIlroy@autovia.co.uk @johnmcilroy Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 703/1,662 litres Performance 0-62mph/top speed 8.1 seconds/109mph Electric motor Power/range 204bhp/287 miles KGM consumed SsangYong properly only last year, but the Korean conglomerate isn’t hanging about on the new-product front. There’s a pick-up on the way, playing to the old brand’s strengths, but KGM is also aiming for EV adopters with an electric version of its Torres SUV. The Torres EVX, to give it its official title, is a 4.7 metre-long family car with the same beefed-up design as the petrol-powered version. The cars share a platform that KGM claims is new, although given that work started on this car before the takeover, it’s likely to be linked to older SsangYong tech. The same certainly can’t be said for the EVX’s powertrain. KG Group…

THE Government’s Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate is forcing car makers to sell more electric models, and it means they’re coming up with big deposit contributions to get customers behind the wheel. Vauxhall and Cupra offer dealer discounts of £3,500 and £4,000 respectively, while the Born’s lower list price results in its monthly repayments on a three-year PCP with a £4,000 deposit and 10,000-mile annual limit being £39 less a month. If you want to buy the Born at the end of the term, it’s slightly more expensive, at £17,747. In terms of other costs, it’s give and take between the two, with the Astra costing more in servicing and electricity, based on our test figures, but the Born is pricier to insure. As well as financial incentives, both makers…

ELECTRIC HATCHES The Born pips the Astra in this test, but what do our experts think about these family-car competitors? “CHOOSE either of these cars in a more basic trim level and you won’t feel short-changed on kit, with LED lights, navigation and adaptive cruise control as standard across both ranges. However, it’s the wider choice of powertrain options that puts the Born ahead for me.” “VAUXHALL recently reduced the prices of its Corsa and Mokka Electrics with the introduction of a new Griffin trim level. This knocks around £7,000 off the price of the Mokka, and I wouldn’t be surprised if there are similar savings in the pipeline for the Astra Electric.” “IT’S impressive that the Astra Electric can still take on the Born even though it’s based on…

Chris_rosamond@autovia.co.uk Performance 0-62mph/top speed 7.9 seconds/108mph Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 380/1,322 litres Running costs 48.7mpg (official) 31% Benefit-in-Kind tax OVER the years, I’ve enjoyed getting to know a wide range of cars on extended ‘long-term’ test loans, from superminis to V10-powered muscle coupés, and everything in between. But one of my all-time favourite loaners is something of an oddity – namely the futuristic-looking Honda Insight coupé, which introduced the first generation of the brand’s hybrid tech, in the form of Integrated Motor Assist. Compared with the latest iterations of hybrid technology from Honda and others, this IMA set-up seems almost laughably simple today. A 13bhp electric motor on the crankshaft gave the Insight’s 67bhp three-cylinder engine a boost under acceleration, powered by a pack of 120 D cell NiMH batteries…

FIRST TEST Vredestein Ultrac Pro Price: £133.17 (255/35ZR18 94 Y) Rating: Contact: vredestein.co.uk IT’S a giddying, banzai lap alongside ex-F1 star Giancarlo Fisichella in a Ferrari 488, punctuated by impossibly late braking that somehow takes us to the precise apex of tight corners with the ABS pulsing and the tyres squealing, instantly followed by maximum acceleration and a jink of oversteer. Yet even after a day of full-attack lapping, the tyres on Fisi’s Ferrari still look good, and it’s the tyres we’re here to try. Vredestein says the new Ultrac Pro is a genuine breakthrough in UUHP (Ultra Ultra High Performance) tyres, because it’s the first to offer class-competitive grip and class-leading comfort. Think Michelin Pilot Sport 4S for grip, and Michelin Primacy for ride comfort, and you get the idea.…

Farina MG and Riley Saloons Neil Cairns (Amberley, amberley-books.com) Price: £15.99 Rating: SLIGHTLY rambling but with plenty of good info on this range of cars. Photography is a combination of period pictures and some more modern ones, but the latter aren’t of a particularly high quality. Owners will love the depth of info on offer, which may tell them something new about their cars. Drivers on Drivers Philip Porter & others (Porter Press, porterpress.co.uk) Price: £30 Rating: THIS is a compendium of some fascinating interviews with great racing drivers. Nothing beats the horse’s mouth, and it’s hugely interesting to read what these greats have to say about their favourite races, teammates and rivals. A must-read for racing fans, and with proceeds benefitting cancer charity Hope For Tomorrow, it’s well worth…

CO2/tax 146-153g/km £180 Running costs 48-53mpg (420i coupé) £85 fill-up Performance 0-62mph/top speed 7.5 seconds/149mph FOR a long time now, BMW has offered a wide model range, with many of its cars class leaders when it comes to efficiency, build quality and dynamic ability. There was a time when the firm’s vehicles were also graceful and stylish, but in recent years the brand has moved towards designs that are more divisive, and the 4 Series is just such a car. The looks alone prevent the 4 Series from being added to the shortlist of many potential buyers, but if you can get on with its overly flared nostrils, there’s a lot to love about this impressive GT. The BMW 4 Series is available in three forms: a coupé and convertible…

Morgan updates look to marque’s heritage BRITISH sports car maker Morgan has updated its Plus Four with a range of design, dynamic and technological enhancements, said to be “informed by over 70 years of evolution”. There’s a subtly tweaked design (above), with new lights, mirrors and trim, plus a Dynamic Handling Package with new springs and adjustable dampers. The Plus Four still uses a BMW 2.0-litre engine. It costs from £62,500. Temerario next to join Lamborghini line-up? LAMBORGHINI has applied to register the Temerario name with the European Union Intellectual Property Office – including a badge in its familiar font with bullhorns on either side. We expect the name be used for the forthcoming successor to the Huracán, slotting into the range as the maker’s new entry-level plug-in hybrid supercar.…

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 makers The Motor Ombudsman: 0345 241 3008 Financial problems Financial Ombudsman: 0800 023 4567 Safety concerns/recalls www.check-mot.service.gov.uk…

Alastair_Crooks@autovia.co.uk @AllieCrooks Different winner in each of first five races All bids are off as series heads to Misano LAST time out, the Tokyo Grand Prix dramatically shook up the order of the Formula E championship, with Pascal Wehrlein retaking the top spot in the table and Nick Cassidy falling into second place. The two championship contenders finished outside the podium places, however, allowing others to make up ground. The big winner was Maserati’s Maximilian Günther, who took his first victory of the year – ensuring each of the opening five races have seen a different winner. The 26-year-old German’s best finish was seventh last year, and he’s now sitting pretty in fifth. Günther managed to conserve his energy in second place behind polesitter Oliver Rowland for much of the…

Practicality Boot (7/5/2-seat mode) 187/616/2,011 litres “This facelift has done a lot to address the few issues we had with the previous model” KIA’s all-electric EV9 flagship may be the brand’s pin-up model right now – fresh off the back of its World Car of the Year win – but the Sorento (now in its 21st year) is still hugely important for the firm. Indeed, with its recently announced facelift, it could vie for an award itself – that of the best-value SUV on sale. We got an early first drive of the new Sorento in the US last month, and although the 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol version won’t be available in the UK, there is enough commonality between cars sold there and those over here, to see that this facelift…

Alex_Ingram@autovia.co.uk @AxleIngram Performance 0-62mph/top speed 5.6 seconds/112mph Electric motor Power/range 302bhp/259 miles COUPE-SUVs have been around for quite some time now. And while they baffled many on their initial release, with the all-electric age now in full swing, they are starting to make a little more sense. Thanks to their gently sloping rooflines, they tend to be more aerodynamically efficient than an equivalent regular SUV. And when eking out every last yard of range from a high-voltage battery is so important to some buyers in this market, that counts for quite a lot. In the case of the BMW iX2, it boasts a drag coefficient of 0.25cd from its sleek body, making it marginally more slippery than the iX1 SUV on which it’s based. And that design really is new,…

WINNER Cupra Born 1st A BESPOKE EV platform really helps the Born’s practicality, and when you combine that with an excellent drive, you’re onto a winner. It doesn’t quite live up to its hot-hatch billing, but there’s fun to be had, while a lower list price and better efficiency mean that the Cupra also appeals to the head. Frustrations with the infotainment system and ergonomics could be a stumbling block for many people, although if you can manage to look past this, the Born is an excellent compact family EV. ● Stylish looks● Well equipped● Two battery options● Engaging dynamics ● Annoying touch controls● Some hard cabin plastics● No under-bonnet storage● Road noise on big wheels INTERESTED? Scan the code for further information RUNNER-UP Vauxhall Astra 2nd KUDOS goes to…

SAME MONEY Polestar 2 Long Range CREATING a sub-brand can be tricky, but as with Cupra, Volvo’s all-electric Polestar spin-off is doing very well. That’s thanks to the Polestar 2, a lifted fastback that takes on a few different segments with its practicality, interior quality, range and refinement. For less money than the Cupra or Vauxhall you can get a one-year-old model with the 82kWh dual-motor set-up that provides a 367-mile range and a stonking 415bhp. ● Eye-catching design● Long driving range ● Firm ride● Not the biggest boot SAME MONEY BMW i4 eDrive40 IF you want something with a premium badge, excellent build quality and better range than either of our two test competitors, the BMW i4 looks like a fabulous used buy. The eDrive40 has an 83.9kWh battery…

Andy_Pringle@autovia.co.uk Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 385/1,267 litres Performance 0-62mph/top speed 7.9 seconds/99mph READ any review of the Volkswagen ID.3, and in no time at all you’ll realise that there is one major complaint. It seems everybody moans about the infotainment system – and, in particular, how laggy it is. It’s something I noticed as soon as the car arrived, but the beauty of a long-term test is that it would let me see if I could learn to live with the issue. And, if you’ll forgive me cutting to the chase, yes, the set-up isn’t great, but there’s no deal-breaker here. Indeed, the system in this 2023 model year car is far better than that fitted to the first ID.3. But we know a better set-up – shared with the…

NEW PRODUCT Disklok Diamond Edition Price: from £260 Contact: disklokuk.co.uk PHYSICAL security specialist Disklok claims the “best just got better”, with the launch of its Diamond Edition. Disklok, producer of one of the toughest steering-wheel locks we’ve tested ever since the nineties, says the latest device is the only one on the market with a Sold Secure Diamond rating. It enhances the same basic design with unique Diamonite material. This better resists attacks using the new generation of cordless angle grinders, and can also withstand and surpass five minutes of hand and power-tool onslaught, including from axes, saws, crowbars, drills and lock picks. Unlike most rivals, all Diskloks enclose the wheel rather than grip it, thwarting most conventional attacks that involve leverage or cutting. The anthracite-coloured newcomer, which has the police-backed…

Back to the future for Cambridge Audio CAMBRIDGE Audio has partnered with the DeLorean Motor Company to release a special edition of its Evo 150 music centre (above). The DeLorean Edition’s body can be customised with two magnetic chassis – one inspired by the legendary DMC-12’s grille, the other with the logo of DeLorean’s upcoming sports car. The centre can deliver radio and streaming services, with a 150W amplifier and a phono stage to link it to a turntable. It costs £2,099, and two acoustically matched Evo S speakers can be added for £699. Visit cambridgeaudio.com for more info. New tech will warn of loose wheel nuts SUMITOMO Rubber Industries, owner of Falken Tyre, has developed new tech capable of detecting loose wheel nuts, and warning drivers long before any…