Table of contents for 1836 in Auto Express

Ellis_Hyde@autovia.co.uk ● Full details on new Grande Panda to be revealed next month ● Hybrid and electric models will be offered from around £18k @EllisDrives IT’S finally happened: the new Fiat Panda has been revealed – although this time, it’s called the Grande Panda. The name may make it sound like an overly complicated drink from Starbucks, but the design of the just 3.99-metre-long new supermini is clearly inspired by the original Panda from the eighties. The bold, wedge-like shape of the Grande Panda, its vertical front end and sloped rear windscreen are all nods to its ancestor, which was famously designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro. More subtle callbacks you might be able to spot include the X pattern of the 17-inch alloy wheels and ‘Panda’ lettering along the sides –…

Ellis_Hyde@autovia.co.uk @EllisDrives ● Potential 220-mile range for EV ● Inster to rival e-C3 and Spring THE Dacia Spring and Citroen e-C3 had better watch out, because the brand-new Hyundai Inster is getting ready to muscle in on their low-cost EV ambitions. Arriving later this year, the new electric city car is set to offer a range of up to 220 miles and cost from around £22,000. Hyundai’s new entry-level EV will be unveiled on 27 June at the Busan Mobility Show in South Korea, but to tide us over until then, the manufacturer has shared some official teaser images. Prior to these pictures, however, we already had a very clear idea of what the Inster will look like, because it will be based on Hyundai’s Casper – a baby SUV…

mail@autoexpress.co.uk @AutoExpress Pricey repairs lead to high insurance costs FROM: Bob Matt I READ your recent motoring manifesto with interest and can say that high insurance is a result of inflated repair costs. My two-year-old Porsche Panamera had a very small dent in the rear bumper, and the dealer quoted me £7,200. No wonder insurance costs are so high! Any interior colour, as long as it’s black FROM: Michael I FULLY agree with what John Rason (Issue 1,31) says about claustrophobic car interiors. We looked at a large selection of cars, but we were put off due to their dark cabins. This is despite advertising showing lighter interiors, which don’t seem to be an option in the UK. Will someone stand against luxury VED? FROM: Bob Jackson EVERYONE appears to…

Jordan_Katsianis@autovia.co.uk THE Artura was meant to be a new era for McLaren: new engine, new hybrid assistance and a heightened focus on quality, reliability and desirability. Yet as with any new generation, the coupé hit its fair share of roadblocks, something this Spider might have worked its way around. That’s because the Spider introduces not just a new open-top layout, but also a fundamental update with improvements across the board. On both the coupé and Spider, peak power has gone up by 20bhp to 690bhp, thanks to the combined efforts of the V6 engine and its hybrid module. The engine itself is McLaren’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre unit, optimised to integrate a hybrid powertrain. Peak torque is unchanged at 720Nm (585Nm of that coming directly from the engine), and the various parts…

WINNER Renault Scenic 1st THE margins between these two rivals are very slim – where one car edges ahead in one area, the other has an advantage elsewhere. Lower monthly costs help the Scenic nudge ahead. The fact you can buy a top-spec model for less than the entry-point to the Ioniq 5 line-up speaks volumes about Renault’s pricing. The Scenic is not without its faults, the main ones being the firm ride and poor rear visibility. If you can live with those, though, it’s a user-friendly electric family SUV. • Smart looks • Efficient powertrain • Long range • Quick infotainment tech • Firm ride • Poor rear visibility • Unruly power delivery • Lack of rear foot space INTERESTED? Scan the code for further information RUNNER-UP Hyundai Ioniq…

SAME CLASS Mercedes EQB SEVEN-seat EVs are still very thin on the ground, but if the benefit of that extra versatility means a lot to you, then the Mercedes EQB makes a huge amount of sense. Not only do you get three rows of seating (the back pair of chairs will squeeze small adults inside at a push), but it’s also still compact on the road, so it’s easy to drive. Strong performance and a classy cabin are other pluses, but refinement and charging speeds could be better. • Seven-seat versatility • Strong performance • Slow DC charging speeds • Unsettled ride SAME MONEY Kia EV6 IF the Ioniq 5’s looks aren’t quite to your tastes, then Kia offers a more swoopy alternative. The EV6 uses much of the same…

John_McIlroy@autovia.co.uk @johnmcilroy Running costs Official range/tax 249 miles/£0 Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 355/1,053 litres Performance 0-62mph/top speed 9.0 seconds/93mph “Its compact dimensions and typically nippy EV performance made it ideal for the school run” IT’S a problem of their own making, frankly, but car companies face a tricky task when developing a new baby SUV. Lots of people still like the idea of a small car, but in reality there’s always that nagging desire for it to be able to do more – that occasional moment when you wish for a larger boot, better rear legroom, and so on. And if a car can’t make a decent fist of coping with those situations, it’ll fall short – compact dimensions and funky styling or not. And so, as we say goodbye…

New mat marks Laser Racing’s first decade LASER Tools is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its motorsport brand, Laser Tools Racing, with an updated version of its non-slip wing cover. Designed to protect paintwork from marks or scratches during maintenance and repair, it can also double as a desk mat. It features the latest livery of MB Motorsport’s BMW BTCC car with Laser Tools branding. The mat measures 900 x 600mm, has a rubber backing for grip, and costs £28.97. For more details visit lasertools.co.uk. Pirelli partners with Ferrari for Enzo tyre IF you own a 22-year-old car, you might not expect to be able to equip it with the very latest in bespoke tyres. Unless that car is a 2002 Ferrari Enzo, because Pirelli and Ferrari have collaborated on…

Jordan_Katsianis@autovia.co.uk ● Petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrain options due ● Bold new exterior design paired with minimalist interior THIS is the all-new BMW X3, the firm’s mid-size premium SUV. The three previous generations have become main profit drivers for the German brand globally. Now, this model has been redesigned from the ground up to suit combustion and plug-in hybrid powertrains exclusively; an all-electric iX3 won’t be offered, leaving space for the Neue Klasse SUV that’s due next year. Pricing will kick off at £46,800 in the UK, with the first cars arriving by the end of 2024. The new X3 will initially be offered with a range of four engines, which kick off with a base turbocharged four-cylinder petrol option featuring a 48V mild-hybrid system. Badged xDrive20, it produces…

JAGUAR Land Rover has ramped up its fight against car criminals by committing to invest “more than £1million” into assistance for the UK’s police force. The British company has come under scrutiny in recent times after some of its products were deemed “uninsurable” by insurance companies, because of a rise in keyless car thefts. Despite JLR recalling several models to update security software – a process that itself cost more than £15million – even the company’s own insurance scheme still won’t cover some of its customers’ cars. The fresh cash is designed to help police get a grip on criminal gangs that are succeeding in stealing both Land Rovers and models from other brands, then shipping them out of the country. It will provide resources to respond to vehicle thefts…

AUDI has revealed the heavily updated e-tron GT, featuring a new look, upgraded battery tech and a hefty power boost. The new model will be available in three forms: S, RS and RS Performance, the last being Audi’s most powerful road car ever. The e-tron GT is closely related to the Porsche Taycan, sitting on the same J1 platform and sharing its sister car’s battery tech and many of the underlying chassis components. As a result, Audi has taken advantage of developments made on the platform, introducing a more powerdense 97kWh battery pack and lighter, more powerful electric motors. Headline figures for the RS Performance sit at 912bhp, 0-62mph in 2.5 seconds and a maximum speed limited to 155mph. The standard RS isn’t far behind, with 844bhp and a 2.8-second…

Q. Even after Brexit, will the UK be forced to comply with these tariffs? A. THE UK will not be forced to comply with EU tariffs, but it may very well follow them. Actually, post-Brexit the UK is in a vulnerable position on this issue, because both the EU and US are imposing tariffs, as well as other barriers to market entry by the Chinese companies and also to vehicles produced in China by non-Chinese firms (Tesla, Renault etc). Q. Are there any differences between the left and right of the political spectrum on this matter? A. IN Europe there are no obvious right/left divisions on this issue, and the same applies to the UK in terms of the major political parties. I would say, though, that there is a…

THE following provide help with motoring problems. Some 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 makers The…

John_McIlroy@autovia.co.uk @johnmcilroy Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 640/1700 litres THE Skoda Octavia is known in the UK as a VW Golf and Ford Focus rival – but it’s actually a bigger seller as an estate on these shores, and overwhelmingly so across continental Europe. So the stakes are pretty high for this new facelifted version of the Skoda Octavia Estate. The wagon gets the same basic upgrades as its hatchback cousin – which add up to a neat bit of restyling and some useful additions to the standard kit list. The new design extends to revised daytime-running lights and matrix-LED headlights, a more sophisticated front bumper with cleaner surfacing, new taillights complete with animated ‘welcome’ functionality and some fresh alloy wheels and colour options. There’s a notable tweak in the Octavia…

Jordan_Katsianis@autovia.co.uk Running costs 31.7mpg (official) £96 fill-up Performance 0-62mph/top speed 3.9 seconds/155mph MERCEDES-AMG has once again diverged from ‘business as usual’ for one of its core models, introducing a high-performance plug-in powertrain for the new flagship of the E-Class range. The E 53 4Matic+ is destined to be the most powerful edition in this generation, but as the name suggests, this is not a full-fat 63 S model with cars like the BMW M5 or Audi RS 6 in its crosshairs. Instead, it’s a new kind of powerful, efficient and rounded model sitting below the old flagship’s rivals. The new E 53 4Matic+ can come across as a little bewildering, because under the bonnet is a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine mated to an electric motor and a 25.4kWh battery…

MODEL TESTED: Renault Scenic E-Tech Iconic Long Range PRICE: £45,495 POWERTRAIN: 1x e-motor, 217bhp/87kWh battery 217bhp Powertrain 1x e-motor 87kWh Battery/range 369 miles 7.9 seconds Performance 105mph 545 litres Seats up/down 1,449 litres COMPETITIVE pricing has been a philosophy at Renault for a few years now, and the new Scenic E-Tech benefits from prices that undercut most similarly sized rivals. Here we’re testing the top-spec 87kWh Iconic Long Range, which, at £45,495, costs £1,450 less than the entry-level Ioniq 5 Premium with the Long Range battery. Tech highlights BACK when the original Renault Scenic MPV was launched in 1996, it started life as a derivative of the Mégane, and today the new Scenic SUV shares its running gear with the latest Megane E-Tech. Both use the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s CMF-EV platform,…

SAME CLASS Volkswagen ID.4 VOLKSWAGEN’S ID cars got a bit of a hard time from us when they were first released. One of the early ones was the ID.4; while it rated very highly in some areas, most notably comfort, space and efficiency, in others we hoped for more of a car created by the might of VW. The mid-life updates have improved some areas that underwhelmed us initially. The new infotainment system is faster and more intuitive, and the interior quality is better, even if the Renault is still a nicer place to be. Four-wheel-drive ID.4s can charge at up to 175kW (up from 135kW), and software tweaks have increased the already-long EV range. • Smooth ride • Spacious cabin • Efficient powertrain • Some ergonomic irritations • Flat-footed…

Got a query? products@autoexpress.co.uk AS the demand for electric and plug-in hybrid cars increases, the number of home charge-point suppliers is growing too. This means there is a huge choice, ranging from a basic socket that will get power into your battery with the minimum of fuss, to designer units packed with technology. Even the cheapest is likely to cost around £700 once fitted, so before choosing one, you will need to think carefully about the features you want now and might need in the future. For example, will you want to use it to take power from your solar panels? If so, then you will want to choose a charge-point that is compatible with them and can divert the homegenerated power into the car’s battery. If you have an…

SO many car problems are electrical these days that a multimeter has become an essential tool for the DIY enthusiast, and there’s a new kid on the block from Laser. We tried it alongside our current choice from Draper. Our test is based on the most used functions for DIY-ers, measuring voltage (ideally both DC and AC), current and resistance, and checking continuity. We want to see a temperature probe plus auto ranging, where the meter selects the parameters automatically, making it simpler to use for the non-professional. A case is useful, while a stand or hook is handy for workbench use. We looked for a clear, backlit display and a freeze function. Build quality was also assessed. The well built, feature-rich Draper stays at the top of the tree,…

mail@autoexpress.co.uk THE Mk4 Ford Focus was designed to look a little bit sportier than the model it replaced, and it came with greatly updated tech and a luxury Vignale trim. Owners don’t appear to have engaged much with the styling though, and driving pleasure is rated in a lowly 48th place. A 27th spot for rear-seat legroom is the Focus’s best sub-category rating, followed by 34th for servicing costs. Boot space is close behind, and the Ford is 38th for its audio system and 41st for the balance between physical and touchscreen controls. But it’s one place off the bottom for reliability and quality, while infotainment, safety features and cabin versatility don’t fare much better. WE SAID “The well judged chassis delivers a composed, comfortable and enjoyable drive, the engines…

FOR Reliability is excellent. This is one distinctive-looking city car that has very user-friendly infotainment AGAINST The insurance group is a bit steep, it’s not as much fun to drive or as comfortable as the Kia. There is only one engine option ALSO sold as the Citroen C1 and Peugeot 108, the Aygo was made on the same production line as its cousins, but it has a more daring design than them – and the Picanto, too. It also has a more wide-ranging and impressive infotainment system, while its dash design has a little extra flair. But it isn’t quite as user-friendly, so you might prefer it – or you might not. Our vote goes to the Kia in this regard. The Toyota is also something of a mixed bag…

FOR those struggling to survive while feeling isolated, skint and unloved, the unlikely trio of Dacia, Kia and MG might just be in a position to offer a little hope and inspiration. Within the past quarter century, these three firms hit rock-bottom and in effect became homeless orphans but, thankfully, found new parents to adopt them and provide much-needed nurturing and financial stability. The result? Dacia, Kia and MG went from lonely no-hopers to celebrated winners. How so? Because all three have not only found the talent, products and confidence to take on some of the biggest and best car makers in the world, they’ve also sometimes beaten them at their own game. Who’d ever have thought it, eh? Dacia is one of the finest examples of a zero-to-hero company…

Jordan_Katsianis@autovia.co.uk ● New dash and infotainment ● M2’s power up to 473bhp BMW has had a busy week, because in addition to the X3, it has also given its 2 Series Coupé a general nip and tuck right across the range. All new 2 Series models, whether the standard coupé or hot M2 performance variant, will pick up a new interior shared with the recently updated 3 and 4 Series. This incorporates a revised dashboard, updated infotainment system and a new flat-bottomed steering wheel. The 2 Series coupé will continue with two four-cylinder models, called the 220i and 230i, both of which are rear-wheel drive. Then there’s the M240i, which features BMW’s clever xDrive four-wheel drive system. All have an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. Prices for the 220i will…

Jordan_Katsianis@autovia.co.uk ● Up to 217bhp from e-motor ● Significant chassis upgrades THE next step in Alpine’s modern era has been revealed in the form of an all-electric hot hatchback with concept-car looks and a feisty front-wheel-drive chassis. Called the A290, the new MINI JCW rival shares much of its technical underpinnings with the Renault 5, but Alpine has swapped that car’s electric motor for a more potent unit that is available in two states of tune, offering 178bhp and 217bhp. This is fed from a 52kWh battery pack that Alpine says is good for up to 235 miles of range, which is only just down on the equivalent Renault 5 with the same battery. Peak charging speeds are capped at 100kW on a rapid charger, and it’ll top up from…

Tesla Model Y on top of global sales charts THE Tesla Model Y was the world’s best-selling car in 2023, it has been confirmed – marking the first time an EV has topped the global sales charts. The Model Y (above), which has also been the best-selling electric car in the UK for the past two years, knocked Toyota’s RAV4 SUV and Corolla off the top spot during 2023, with total sales in excess of 1.2 million units. Seal PHEV will start at £33k, BYD announces BYD has confirmed pricing for its first plug-in hybrid model in the UK. The Seal U DM-i, a family-sized SUV that can manage up to 50 miles on electric power alone, will cost from £33,205 in single-motor, 215bhp guise. By comparison, Hyundai’s Tucson costs…

Tom_Jervis@autovia.co.uk @thomaswjervis ● Investigation claims “unfair subsidisation” from Beijing ● China calls investigation “a typical case of protectionism” THE European Commission is threatening additional tariffs of up to 48 per cent on Chinese electric cars, following an investigation into what it calls “unfair subsidisation” by Beijing. The Commission’s inquiry found that such subsidies pose a “threat of economic injury to EU BEV producers”. China was the largest global exporter of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in 2023, shipping as many as 10 billion Euros’ worth (£8.4bn) worldwide and doubling its market share to eight per cent. Therefore, from 4 July, an additional import tariff will be applied to EVs built in China, on top of the existing 10 per cent levy “should discussions with Chinese authorities not lead to a solution”. According…

John_McIlroy@autovia.co.uk @johnmcilroy Octavia is at its best covering long distances, which is what most of its buyers tend to need THE Skoda Octavia is a practical car, regardless of whether it’s an estate or a saloon. But can you pick a model right at the bottom of the range and still feel like you’re getting a satisfying product? This evaluation of the entry-level petrol model should give us a good idea. SE Technology is the starting point for new Octavias, and as we’ve noted in our review of the Sportline estate, it doesn’t exactly want for equipment. Climb aboard and yes, you might find the front cabin lacks a few of the visual flourishes that you get in posher versions, but there’s still a neat finish on the dash. Indeed,…

MODEL TESTED: Hyundai Ioniq 5 Premium Long Range PRICE: £46,945 POWERTRAIN: 1x e-motor, 225bhp/77kWh battery 225 bhp Powertrain 1x e-motor 77kWh Battery/range 315 miles 7.3 seconds Performance 114mph 527 litres Seats up/down 1,587 litres THE Hyundai Ioniq 5 caused quite a stir when it arrived, and we crowned it our 2021 Car of the Year. Three years on, it’s still a distinctive family car, but prices are higher than they are for the Renault, with the Premium model – the entry point to the range – costing £46,495 with the 77kWh long-range battery. That’s £1,450 more than the highest-spec Scenic. Tech highlights THE Ioniq name was originally used by a forgettable hatchback that rivalled the Toyota Prius, but taking that badge and adding the 5 suffix was just the start…

THESE two models are among the front-runners in the electric family SUV class, and with such close margins between them, the finance numbers are a crucial part of the equation when it comes to making a decision between them. The advantage that the Renault has over the Hyundai is that you’re getting behind the wheel of the top-spec Iconic model for less than the cost of the entry-level Ioniq 5 with the Long Range battery. On a three-year PCP with a £5,000 deposit and a 10,000-mile annual limit, the Scenic costs £579 a month, which is £36 a month less than the Hyundai. At the moment Renault is also offering zero per cent APR finance to get drivers behind the wheel. Come up with a chunky £1,649 deposit, and the…

ELECTRIC SUVs Our experts offer some more food for thought if you’re currently in the market for a new electric SUV John McIlroy Editor-at-large “RENAULT has long been no stranger to punchy finance deals, and that’s what works most in the Scenic’s favour here. If you can stump up a hefty £11k deposit, then you can get the base model on a two-year PCP deal interest free. That comes to just £244 a month.” Rich Ingram Deputy editor “RENAULT currently has an SUV-heavy line-up to the point of confusion. But most of those are hybrids of varying descriptions. At least when it comes to EVs, there’s the Scenic and the smaller Megane hatchback, still a great EV in itself if you don’t need the Scenic’s space.” Dawn Grant Picture editor…

Paul_Adam@autovia.co.uk Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 388 litres/NA Performance 0-62mph/top speed 10.2 seconds/105mph STUDIES have shown that we form a first impression within fractions of a second, our brains making immediate judgments about whether we’re going to like something or not. Things got off to a good start when the nice man from Toyota dropped off my new C-HR test car; the small hybrid SUV arrived in range-topping Excel spec and finished in attractive Midnight Teal bi-tone paint that complements the car’s strong lines and dramatic creases. C-HR actually stands for Compact High Rider in Toyota speak, but in the metal it has a squat, sporty appearance that works well – albeit with the slightly elevated ride height that buyers seem to crave nowadays. Nonetheless, the C-HR is a good-looking car,…

A Visual History of Caravans Andrew Jenkinson (Pen and Sword Books, pen-and-sword.co.uk) Price: £25 Rating: WHETHER you’re a keen caravanner or just spent holidays in a van, there’s a lot of nostalgia to be had here. It’s also interesting to see how the caravan has evolved from a metal box with a two-burner hob and a toilet, to a luxurious and sophisticated home on wheels. Classic Cars Forever: Compact GTI’s from the 80’s Fernando Martinez (Independently published, amazon.co.uk) Price: £17 Rating: IT’S hard to get past the typos, misspelt words, awkward phrasing that hasn’t quite translated from the original language, or bits that have totally missed translation. It’s a shame, because this is quite nicely produced and the author very clearly knows his onions. It’s Literally Just Mowing Available for:…

CO2/tax 24-32g/km £180 Running costs 108mpg (4 E-Hybrid) £115 fill-up Performance 0-62mph/top speed 4.1 seconds/175mph FOR some enthusiasts, the only proper Porsche is a coupé with an engine in the back – even better if it’s an air-cooled flat-six. But Porsche moved on from there many years ago, with the mid-engined Boxster, the front-engined (and big-selling) Macan and Cayenne SUVs, plus the Panamera four-seat luxury saloon. The latter was launched in 2009, and while its exterior design was challenging, the car sold well. The Panamera was such a success that an all-new model went on sale in 2016, with a sleeker exterior, more efficient engines, a much-improved interior and even greater dynamic abilities. The Mk2 was so good that the Mk3, which has just been launched, is in effect a…

FOR The Picanto has a more grown-up interior design with higher quality, it’s better to drive, and roomier, too AGAINST It looks and feels a bit staid compared with the Aygo, and its steering isn’t as sweet. Prices start higher, too WHEN the Picanto Mk2 arrived in 2011, it was such an improvement over the Mk1, and such a talented city car, that it made things very hard for Kia when it came to creating the Mk3. Sure enough, that Picanto wasn’t such a big advance, but that was no problem, because it still had a grown-up feel. We tested the Mk3 in entry-level 1.0-litre form, which was perfect for new drivers due to its low insurance group and relatively cheap running costs, while those diminutive proportions make it easy…