Table of contents for 1819 in Auto Express

Ellis_Hyde@autovia.co.uk @EllisDrives ● Main updates focus on infotainment and interior quality ● Racier N-Sport trim has been added to the line-up THE Nissan Juke is one of the UK’s bestselling cars, finishing well within the top 10 in the sales charts in 2023. But the brand thinks it’s time to give its small SUV a midlife refresh to keep it competitive with the all-conquering (and also updated) Ford Puma. Improving the second-generation Juke’s interior has been Nissan’s top priority, in terms of both quality and connectivity. The company says it has refined the fit and finish, while introducing new materials to its Peugeot 2008 and Kia Niro rival. But the biggest change is the new 12.3-inch central touchscreen – a significant increase over the current eight-inch display. It’s been angled…

Jordan_Katsianis@autovia.co.uk ● Upmarket supermini revealed ● Still no word on a UK arrival FOLLOWING a series of teaser images and leaked pictures of the all-new Lancia Ypsilon hatchback, the maker has finally pulled off the covers, revealing the petrol and electric small car in full. Lancia’s kicking off a new era with its new Ypsilon supermini. Initially launching in Italy, the car’s well documented pre-reveal activities have left little room for surprises, but that doesn’t stop it being an intriguing model that could yet find a home in the UK. The new Ypsilon is based on the same Stellantis platform as the Peugeot 208 and Vauxhall Corsa, but shares no body panels or interior elements with either. The Lancia’s design-led aesthetic is obvious from every angle and starts with the…

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) AA: 0345 850 1130 (m) RAC: 0330 159 1446 (m) 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…

ABARTH is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a limited-edition version of its petrol-powered hot hatch, the Abarth 695. The Abarth 695 75° Anniversario edition gets a bespoke black-and-gold livery, complimented by the unique 17-inch gold alloy wheels, plus a Record Monza Sovrapposto exhaust and Koni suspension. Only 1,368 examples are being made – an homage to the car’s 1,368cc T-Jet engine – and fewer than 200 are expected to reach the UK. The car costs £32,895, nearly £3k up on the current range-topper.…

WHILE it’s more famous for its 1,000-kilometre race in October, Bathurst plays host to the opening round of this year’s 12-round Australian Supercars championship, on 24 and 25 February. The Bathurst 500 takes the form of two 40-lap races over the weekend, with the full circuit being used a week after the 12-hour GT endurance event. As per last year, two manufacturers – Ford and Chevrolet – are taking part with their respective Generation 3-spec Mustang and Camaro racers, with 25 entries confirmed for the season. Controversially, 2023 Supercars champion Brodie Kostecki is sitting out the opening round for undisclosed reasons surrounding him and his team, Erebus Motorsport. With the reigning title holder on the sidelines, and three-time champion Shane van Gisbergen switching to Nascar in 2024, the door looks…

John_McIlroy@autovia.co.uk @johnmcilroy SEBASTIEN Loeb is on the verge of notching up his half-century, but don’t think for a second that his competitive streak has diminished in any way. As Auto Express catches up with the nine-times World Rally Champion at the launch of Dacia’s first-ever Dakar campaign, the Frenchman admits that victory in the classic endurance event is now his absolute focus. “It’s a little personal now,” admits Loeb, who was a gymnastics champion before his talent behind the wheel was spotted by then-Citroen team boss Guy Fréquelin. “My main discipline now is cross-country, and the main race is Dakar. So yes, victory is my objective. But it’s not an easy goal.” That’s a remarkable admission from a man who used to make winning in rallying – arguably one of…

Alex_Ingram@autovia.co.uk @AxleIngram A RACETRACK wouldn’t be the first place we’d choose to launch a 2.5-tonne SUV, so we admire the confidence of Jaguar Land Rover, because that’s where it let us loose in the new Range Rover Sport SV. As it turns out, that confidence was entirely justified. That will come as a surprise to anyone who experienced the last Range Rover Sport SVR. It had a big personality, but lacked the sharpness or sophistication to be mentioned in the same breath as the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT and the Aston Martin DBX 707. There’s no debate that the standard Sport is superbly comfortable, but it doesn’t really live up to the ‘Sport’ part of its name. To turn the SV into a keen driver’s car, the changes are extensive,…

Buying Advice “You can’t be quite as picky at this price as with a bigger budget, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some great bargains to be had. Be diligent, and this is as close to free motoring as you’ll get.” Chris Rosamond Current affairs editor ESTATE Ford Mondeo Mk3 Years produced: 2007-2015 Engines available: 1.6, 1.6T, 2.0, 2.3, 2.5 petrol, 1.8, 2.0, 2.2 diesel BY the time the third-generation Mondeo arrived in 2007, Ford’s rep special was selling in tiny numbers compared with the Mk1. But there was still a huge range, with lots of engines, transmissions and trims, plus three bodystyles. By this point the Mondeo was a big car compared with its predecessors and it’s not as much fun to drive as a result. But for two…

Buying Advice “This is where things start to get really interesting – £10k reveals a host of electrified cars, which are not only smoother and quieter to drive then their petrol equivalents, they should also be far cheaper to run.” Richard Ingram Deputy editor SUPERMINI Renault Clio Mk4 Years produced: 2013-2019 Engines available: 0.9T, 1.2, 1.2T petrol, 1.5 diesel THE Clio was always a likeable car, but when the Mk4 arrived in 2013, Renault really moved up a gear. Bigger and only available in five-door form, the car was built to a far higher standard than its predecessors and was much more grown-up to drive. Diesel-engined versions were part of the line-up, and these can make a lot of sense if you cover loads of miles. But the 0.9 and…

Buying Advice “At this price point you might be considering a new car, but shifting your focus to something second-hand could save you a small fortune. Many of the cars listed here will have shed almost half of their new value.” Alastair Crooks Senior news reporter PLUG-IN HYBRID Volvo XC60 T8 Years produced: 2017 to date Engines available: 2.0T PHEV VOLVO has moved upmarket in recent years, with cars that are more desirable, but ever more expensive. The Mk2 XC60 is a case in point; it’s significantly safer, better to drive and more handsome than its predecessor, but there are few bargains to be had. The 385bhp T8 Twin Engine is a fine plug-in hybrid powertrain, with a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine, plus a punchy electric motor. A…

BUYERS will expect to pay more for an Audi than a Volkswagen, but thanks to some very competitive current finance offers from VW, the gap between this pair is pretty vast. Place an order on a Touareg via a three-year PCP finance agreement, and you’ll benefit from a whopping £8,000 deposit contribution, compared with the £3,000 that Audi offers. At 7.9 per cent APR, the VW’s interest rate is also two percentage points lower, and that all adds up; place a £10,000 deposit on a three-year deal with a 10,000-mile annual limit, and the Touareg comes to £841 per month, undercutting the Q8 by £335 per month. That’s just over £12,000 in three years. Elsewhere, costs are largely similar. The more frugal VW will save you a little over £100…

PREMIUM SUVs The MLB platform offers plenty of variety, but there are even more options beyond that “AUDI is set to unleash a huge model onslaught over the next year or so, which will see the overwhelming majority of its cars either overhauled or replaced completely. So while Audi didn’t win this contest, it’s set to be a hugely exciting 2024 in Ingolstadt.” “LARGE electric SUVs are going to steal the limelight from diesels, and one of the best we’ve tried in recent months is the Kia EV9. The big Korean challenges the Germans for cabin quality, while its 380bhp twin-motor set-up helps it outsprint the Q8 on the way to an official 313-mile range.” “IT’S really worth doing the sums before choosing between the diesel and PHEV versions of…

Steve_Walker@autovia.co.uk Range/charging 309 miles (official) 130kW (10-80% in 35min) Practicality Boot (seats up) 408 litres “Our Ariya has just over 8,000 miles on the clock and, as you’d hope, it’s holding up very well” REMEMBER 2022? It seems such a long time ago, and in the fast-paced world of the electric-car market, it really is. Back in the summer of 2022, the Nissan Ariya was crowned as the Auto Express Car of the Year. It stood out thanks to its high-quality cabin, comfort and refinement, not to mention the strong performance and 309-mile official range from its electric powertrain. Fast forward to 2024 and the market for electric family SUVs has filled out massively. So does the Nissan Ariya still justify its two-year-old accolade in today’s market? A long-term test…

Starting From The Back Of The Grid Kris Henley (Pitch Publishing, pitchpublishing.co.uk) Price: £25 Rating: THIS is a highly amusing look into the more chaotic side of Formula One. Both the world of F1 and the author’s brush with the TV business that follows it are covered, and fans will enjoy his take on some of the drivers and the legends that you’re familiar with. It’s packed with insight. A Dream In Red: Ferrari By Maggi & Maggi Stuart Codling (Welbeck, welbeckpublishing.com) Price: £40 Rating: AN absolutely gorgeous coffee-table book filled with photos of some of the most iconic and beautiful Ferraris captured by specialist Ferrari photographers Maggi & Maggi. The photos are the real highlights here, but if you can tear your eyes away, you’ll find the text is well…

CO2/tax 144-148g/km £180 Running costs 42-44mpg (TCe 130) £65 fill-up Performance 0-62mph/top speed 10.6 seconds/121mph THERE was a time when SUVs were big, bulky and rather cumbersome for British roads, but over the years the choice of Sports Utility Vehicles got much bigger as some of those choices got much smaller. The smallest is the B-segment SUV, which is the size of a supermini, but with a raised ride height for better forward visibility, as well as easier entry and exit. The first of these micro-SUVs was the Nissan Juke, which arrived in 2010, and it was only a matter of time before Renault introduced its own take on the formula, because the French brand is allied to the Japanese one. Sure enough, the original Renault Captur arrived in 2013…

IN the market for a factory-fresh car for less than £30,000? If so, it’s got to be safe, well built, credible, versatile and properly kitted out, correct? And what’s not to like about a combination of maximum metal for your money at purchase, followed by an almost-guaranteed strong residual value come resale time years later? If you relate to that figure and those requirements, I offer three words: sports utility vehicle. Yup, I know what you’re thinking – decent SUVs often cost two or three times more. In the case of JLR’s top-tier Range Rover, £100,000-plus is needed just to get a foot on the ladder, with highest-spec examples costing nearer £200,000. Gulp. So can a proper but inevitably smaller, less luxurious SUV really be had for under £30,000? Er,…

John_McIlroy@autovia.co.uk @johnmcilroy ● Budget EV’s arrival in the UK coincides with range updates ● Up to 130 miles of range from 26.8kWh battery DACIA is on a roll, with record sales and an all-new version of its brand icon, the Duster, on the way. Now the value car maker is planning to shake up the UK electric-car market with a fresh version of its zero-emissions city car, the Spring, and it could potentially start from less than £16,000. The Spring has been available in Europe since 2021, but UK customers have had to wait until this major mid-life refresh. It gets a chunky look, complete with a redesigned front end that brings it into line with the latest Duster, and plastic cladding that can be covered with easily replaceable stickers…

NISSAN’S engineers are already hard at work on the next-generation Juke, which will mark a switch to all-electric power when it arrives by 2026. Stéphane Gandy, Assistant Chief Vehicle Engineer for the model, told us, “We will monitor market trends and legislation, and can make technical tweaks to the current car where needed. But for full electric, you’re looking to the next generation.” As revealed by Auto Express last year, the next-generation Juke – previewed in our concept-based image below – is one of several Nissans that will move across to the AmpR Small architecture, which will be shared with the reborn Renault 5. The Juke is expected to be joined on that platform by the returning Micra supermini, along with the third-generation Leaf, which will feature a more crossover-style…

PORSCHE has announced the return of V6-powered E-Hybrid models to the recently updated Panamera line-up. This includes an entry-level 4 E-Hybrid and a faster 4 S E-Hybrid, both sharing the same heavily revised plug-in powertrain. This has a 45 per cent larger 25.9kWh battery and a stronger 187bhp electric motor that will allow for up to 60 miles of pure electric range. Porsche has also uprated the charging capability with an 11kW on-board charger, which will top up the battery in just over 2.5 hours. Both models combine this plug-in module with Porsche’s twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6. Peak combined power figures are 463bhp and 536bhp for the Panamera 4 and 4S respectively, and the latter can sprint from 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds. All these are big improvements over the previous generation,…

Steve_Walker@autovia.co.uk ● Double cabs now face car BiK rates ● Comes into effect on 1 July “Their effective reclassification as cars will mean huge tax hikes for drivers of company-owned pick-ups” FOR years the popularity of the double-cab pick-up truck has been fuelled by favourable tax legislation. But from July 2024, new models with a 1,000kg-plus payload capacity will no longer be classified as commercial vehicles for Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) company car tax purposes. The appeal of the double-cab truck is built on the fact that these five-seat vehicles, often with well appointed carlike interiors, can be used for private mileage by employees and company directors paying only the flat commercial vehicle rate of tax. Their reclassification as, in effect, cars will mean huge tax hikes for drivers of company-owned pick-ups,…

DOES the closing of the tax loophole mark the demise of the pick-up? I’d say no. Most of the people that were using this peculiarity of the UK tax system to cut their bills would have switched to EVs long ago, so what you’re left with are the truck buyers who appreciate the usability that these double-cab models provide. We’ll see a surge in sales before 1 July, followed by a significant fall, but the bigger change in the medium term is likely to come with users moving away from high-spec variants, whether that’s a switch to a more basic trim to help mitigate their tax costs, or changing to a more versatile and efficient double-cab van, such as the Transit Custom on Page 15. Manufacturers are already looking to…

Chris_rosamond@autovia.co.uk ● Only 1.43 per cent of car thefts result in criminal charges ● As 98 per cent of cases are closed with police citing “evidential difficulties” or “no suspect identified” HOME Office data has revealed the extent of the neglect police forces apply to car theft, with the latest monthly figures from July 2023 showing that just 1.43 per cent of car thefts result in criminal charges. That shocking statistic has led to some suggesting that car theft has in effect been “decriminalised” in the UK. While that’s a view the police would surely take issue with, members of the public could be forgiven for thinking car crime has become another indicator that we’re living in an increasingly broken Britain. Indeed, much of today’s car crime is investigated in…

Tom_Jervis@autovia.co.uk IT’S not often that you get invited out to sunny Barcelona to drive a rare classic with a powertrain developed by Porsche and bodywork by ItalDesign – a company that’s now a maker of seven-figure hypercars. But 2024 marks the 40th anniversary of the car in question, the original SEAT Ibiza. And although it’s not necessarily a model that will set motoring enthusiasts’ hearts racing, there’s no doubt that the Ibiza represents something of a landmark in the Spanish brand’s history. When the marque was founded back in 1950, it first found its feet by selling rebadged versions of the Fiat 600 for its home market of Spain. However, this partnership with Fiat grew sour over the years, resulting in a messy court case that involved SEAT spray-painting one…

Richard_Ingram@autovia.co.uk @rsp_ingram Electric motor Power/range 556bhp/440 miles Performance 0-62mph/top speed 3.7 seconds/128mph NEW brands are landing in the UK on what feels like a weekly basis. There’s a wave of tech-focused manufacturers, mostly from China, hoping to change the way we look at and live with our cars forever. One stands out from the crowd. Hailing from California not Chongqing, Fisker is looking to take the electric-car market by storm with its big batteries and brash styling, plus a healthy helping of self-belief. The Ocean, then, is a Tesla Model Yrivalling electric SUV with a £37k starting price, and a range of up to 440 miles. Not placing its eggs in one basket, Fisker has more affordable models on the way, as well as a pick-up and a triple-motor sports…

Buying Advice “You’ll be amazed how much more of the market opens up if you’ve got around £5,000 to spend. Whether it’s a supermini or sports car, there’s so much choice on the second-hand market.” Dean Gibson Senior test editor SUV Honda CR-V Mk3 Years produced: 2006-2012 Engines available: 2.0 petrol, 2.2 diesel YOU might have to search a bit to find your ideal third-generation Honda CR-V for five grand, because these cars are sought after and many of those available within this budget are Mk2 editions built between 2002 and 2007. It’s worth seeking out a Mk3, though, because the later car has a roomier cabin, higher levels of safety kit and better road manners, as well as more refinement. Expect typical Honda reliability, although steering racks can fail…

Buying Advice “It almost goes without saying that the more you’ve got to spend, the greater your chances are of bagging a fine used car. But £15k is arguably the sweet spot – there are some great models to choose from at this price point.” John McIlroy Editor-at-large ESTATE Mercedes C-Class Mk4 Years produced: 2014-2021 Engines available: 1.6T, 2.0, 2.0T, 3.0T, 4.0T petrol, 1.6, 2.0, 2.1 diesel, 1.5 hybrid MERCEDES’ products are more accessible than ever, and while that’s partly down to some judicious cost cutting, Mk4 C-Classes are still superbly built, safe, well equipped and easy to live with. There was a bewildering array of petrol, diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, all of which are affordable with a £15k budget. By far the most common is the 2.1-litre…

Buying Advice “Here, we’re getting into the premium categories, where you’ll be able to bag a bargain luxury car for a fraction of what it cost new. Beware, however, pricey new cars often cost a lot to run, so be sure to budget for this.” Jordan Katsianis Senior staff writer HOT HATCH Mercedes-AMG A 45 Years produced: 2013-2018 Engines available: 2.0T petrol WITH a massive 360bhp on tap, the A 45 AMG featured the world’s most powerful four-cylinder engine when it arrived in 2013. But that was just the start of the story, because the German hot hatch deployed that power to great effect, thanks to its standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch auto gearbox. With hatchback usability and typically excellent Mercedes build quality, this is one of…

WINNER Volkswagen Touareg 1st IF you’re able to overlook the Volkswagen badge at this price point, then you’re really getting the best tech that the Group has to offer without the inflated price of more desirable brands. The Touareg is comfortable, its diesel engine is strong, while both interior and boot space are great. Cabin quality has improved slightly (one of the few appreciable changes from before) and prices are stronger than ever, which means that it’s an appealing large SUV for those who don’t want to shout about it. • Smooth ride• Incredible practicality• Refined diesel engine• Long-distance efficiency • Dull handling• Seats don’t suit all• Thirsty around town• Facelift has changed little INTERESTED? Scan the code for further information RUNNER-UP Audi Q8 2nd THE sporty nature of the…

SAME MONEY Bentley Bentayga FOR the same price as our two new contenders, you can get your hands on the most luxurious interpretation of MLB. The Bentayga is opulent inside and has unmatched levels of comfort and refinement. For £70k you could get a 2018 model with around 40,000 miles on the clock and diesel power. There’s no V6 here, though; the Bentley gets a 4.0-litre V8 with 429bhp and 900Nm, which is one of the finest diesels ever produced. • Gorgeous cabin• Performance and refinement • Running costs• Limited used choice SAME CLASS Lamborghini Urus IF any marque under the VW umbrella was going to turn MLB up to 11, it would be Lamborghini. The Urus is a supercar on stilts; sharp angles and a cropped roofline make this…

Steve_Fowler@autovia.co.uk @stevefowler Performance 0-62mph/top speed 4.6 seconds/155mph Practicality Boot (seats up/down) 500/1,750 litres THE BMW iX has been playing my tune for the past six months, but now’s the time to look back rather than forward, with the BMW having – sadly – just left our fleet. The iX is one of those cars that really gets under your skin, its breadth of talents is so deep. It’s not only an enjoyable car to drive and own, but also very easy to live with, and that comes down to the clever thinking that’s evident in so many ways. Even the sound the car makes has been thought through, with BMW getting the help of Hollywood film score composer Hans Zimmer. He has produced a sound that doesn’t try to replicate…

Get kitted out with Hispano Suiza range HISPANO Suiza, the Spanish firm responsible for the Carmen hypercar, has launched an online boutique. Its first collection is now available, all displaying the brand’s stork emblem. Buyers can choose from short-sleeved polo shirts, white shirts with a French collar, a grey sports jumper and a pair of brown sunglasses. There’s also a waterproof briefcase that can hold a 15.6-inch laptop and features a USB charging port. Prices start from 40.50 Euros (£34.58 approx) for the sunglasses. More items will be added to the store shortly. Visit hispanosuiza.boutique. Continental tyre hits design gold standard CONTINENTAL has won a Gold award at the International Design Awards for its UltraContact NXT tyre range. The tyres are made from up to 65 per cent renewable, recycled,…

Q This is obviously a more significant facelift than normal. Did you enjoy the opportunities that gave you? A “Yes, there was more we could do here, and the design team always has ideas – but that also brought challenges. There are many things we looked at where doing them would have taken us away from the Dacia philosophy, and pushed up the price of the car. We had to remain true to that, but I think we’ve done it.” Q Can you give us an example of that? A “We decided to put a graphic in the C-pillars. We stamped the indent for this into the panel itself, but then we’ve used a sticker there instead of a plastic part. That would have introduced more complexity into the build…

Jordan_Katsianis@autovia.co.uk ● More versatility and space ● Up to 426 miles of range HOT on the heels of the all-electric Volkswagen ID.7 hatch, the company has revealed the ID.7 Tourer, an estate version of a car that’s already changing perceptions of the company’s EVs. The Tourer’s most important feature is its boot, which is rated at 565 litres with the rear seats in their normal position, rising to 605 litres with the seatbacks at their most upright. With them folded flat, this increases to 1,714 litres – bigger than an MG 5, but shy of the latest Passat Estate, which trumps the ID.7 by 200 litres with the seats down. There’s additional storage under the boot floor, but there’s no Tesla-style frunk for charging cables. Fans of the ID.7 hatch…

Plug-in hybrid C-HR will cost from £39k TOYOTA has named its price for the plug-in hybrid version of the C-HR (above). The new PHEV will be available in three trim levels, starting with the Design variant, priced from £39,145 – a premium of around £4,400 over the equivalent regular hybrid model. Above it in the line-up sit the Excel (£42,555) and the GR Sport (£43,485). The base Icon spec will not be offered as a PHEV. All plug-in C-HRs can travel up to 41 miles on electricity alone. Mild-hybrid models added to Astra range VAUXHALL is adding 48v mild-hybrid models to its Astra and Astra Sports Tourer line-ups. The new powertrain, which is already available in the Corsa and Grandland, pairs a 134bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine with a 28bhp electric…

Richard_Ingram@autovia.co.uk @rsp_ingram ● New badges bring EX40 and EC40 into line with other Volvo EVs ● Performance pack and Black Edition models also introduced THE Volvo XC40 and C40 electric cars have been rebadged EX40 and EC40 respectively, bringing the popular compact SUVs into line with the maker’s other EVs, the EX30, EX90 and EM90. The XC40 name will continue to be used for the petrol and hybrid versions of Volvo’s BMW X1 rival. Björn Annwall, the Swedish brand’s Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy CEO, said: “By aligning our trailblazing first electric models with the rest of our electric-car portfolio, we simplify choice for consumers as we continue to electrify our line-up.” The name changes come as part of a suite of model-year 2025 upgrades for the Volvo range, as…

mail@autoexpress.co.uk @AutoExpress This is why EV range is important to me FROM: Andy Howlett GLYNN Davies questions why we are asking for an EV range of 600 miles for daily driving (Issue 1,817). We’re not. But twice a year we drive 200-300 miles, and it’d be nice to get there without having to stop for an hour for a coffee we don’t want, and with some range to spare. When will the penny drop with car firms? FROM: Edward Kelly A RECENT article by Toyota’s CEO said future plans were to manufacture no more than 30 per cent EVs, because 70 per cent will be ICE and hybrid models. This is from one of the world’s biggest car firms. How long will it take for other makers to realise that…

Alastair_Crooks@autovia.co.uk @AllieCrooks ● New faces hit the Formula 2 grid ● All-new car aims to provide stepping stone to F1 “Dallara’s F2 car comes with a new engine and chassis package” WE’VE seen all 10 Formula One cars revealed for 2024, and now it’s the turn of the cars and drivers for the Formula Two category to be announced, ahead of the opening race in Bahrain. The biggest news is that 2023 champion, Frenchman Theo Pourchaire, has left the series to compete in Japan’s Super Formula Championship. Replacing him at ART is British driver Zak O’Sullivan, who finished second in last year’s Formula Three championship with Prema Racing. As for Prema’s F2 outfit, the 2024 season sees one of the hottest young prospects in racing join them, in the shape…

Category 1 and 2: Alarms and immobilisers “CAT 1 are combined alarms and immobilisers typical of the systems you’d purchase in the early nineties, when cars didn’t have a great deal of security,” says Steve. Cat 2 is just the immobiliser element, but since 1996 it’s been mandatory for all new cars to have at least a transponder chip in the key. A ‘2 to 1’ Thatcham upgrade adds the missing alarm element, which Steve says could be advantageous on an older car. Category S5 and S7: Trackers “S5 is vehicle tracking, where you have a driver-identification tag or fob,” says Steve. “If the vehicle’s on the move without the tag, you will get a phone call from a call centre to say ‘is that right?’.” An S5 tracker will…

John_McIlroy@autovia.co.uk @johnmcilroy IF you’ve been wondering, as many have, at which point a MINI grows so much that it’s no longer a MINI, get ready to take another deep breath. Because for its third generation, the BMW-owned British brand’s Countryman SUV has expanded once more, and in every direction possible. The Countryman is now a genuine family-sized SUV – at 4,433mm, it’s almost eight centimetres longer than the Hyundai Kona, and around a centimetre lengthier than a Nissan Qashqai. The newcomer is even taller than a Range Rover Evoque. Of course, the idea is for the Countryman to stretch MINI’s range once more, freeing up space for the five-door Aceman to slot in below it (from 2025), but above the regular three and five-door MINI Coopers. If anything, the proportions…

Ellis_Hyde@autovia.co.uk @EllisDrives JEEP originally said that its chunky Avenger would only be an EV in the UK. But within a few months of the launch, it changed its mind – and now pure-petrol and mild-hybrid versions are coming. The addition of these variants has brought the car’s starting price down to £23,600 – more than £11,000 less than the most basic all-electric version, and cheaper than the recently facelifted Ford Puma, too. Our first taste of a petrol Avenger comes in one of the UK’s 500 limited-edition Altitude+ models. Those quick enough to scoop one up are treated to a lengthy kit list that includes 18-inch rims, dual 10.25-inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, heated front seats, an eight-speaker JBL sound system, a wireless smartphone charging pad,…

Buying Advice “You might not think a budget of £7,500 is enough to buy an electric car, hybrid or hot hatch, but there’s more and more choice appearing by the time you get to this price point.” Alex Ingram Chief reviewer SUPERMINI SEAT Ibiza Mk4 Years produced: 2008-2017 Engines available: 1.2, 1.4, 1.4T, 1.6 petrol, 1.2 diesel THE Volkswagen Polo is brilliant, but you don’t need to pay VW prices for the same package in a better-looking body. Using the Polo’s oily bits and tech, the Mk4 SEAT Ibiza was in production for almost 10 years, but it hardly dated, thanks to regular revisions. Modern, eye-catching, good to drive and cheap to run, the Ibiza still stands out in a segment full of bland rivals. New drivers will be reassured…

Buying Advice “Some of the cars we’ve picked out in the sub-£20k category still have some of their original warranty remaining, which should help keep a lid on any unexpected ownership bills.” Steve Fowler Editor-in-chief SPORTS CAR Mazda MX-5 Years produced: 2015 to date Engines available: 1.5, 2.0 petrol THE Mazda MX-5 became the world’s best-selling sports car a long time ago, and for good reason. Well, for many good reasons, in fact. It’s affordable and useable, and the key selling point is that it’s a blast to drive, plus superbly reliable and cheap to run. While the MX-5 isn’t blisteringly fast, it’s a tactile sensation, so you only need the base 1.5-litre version. The 2.0-litre is easily attainable for £20k and has quicker acceleration. The MX-5 comes in soft…

SAME CLASS Porsche Cayenne IT’s a stretch to call a full-size SUV a driver’s car, but if we had to hand that title somewhere, it’d go to the Cayenne. Revamped for 2024, the Cayenne gets a heavily revised interior and matrix-LED lighting, but also refinements to what was already one of the best-handling SUVs. Whether you go for the steel springs with adaptive dampers or the new two-chamber air suspension, there’s a broader spread between the drive-mode settings, allowing for a smoother ride or sharper handling. There’s no diesel option, but the new PHEV gets a 25.9kWh battery (up from 17.9kWh), which gives an EV range of up to 56 miles. • Performance• Handling• Cabin quality • Ride a little firm• Not as spacious as Touareg• Expensive options list SAME…

YOUR car doesn’t have to be that old for it to lack the latest infotainment essentials such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While you may have been able to do without MP3 players when CD players were still common, or streaming while your system had a wired connection, the smartphone platforms bring so much more. Many once-household, or at least workshop, names have left the market for replacement head units, but they remain an option – and the most comprehensive and user-friendly fix without needing wireless dongles or additional displays. Including existing car controls into new infotainment can also make swapping head units tricky – and that’s what we faced with our 2015 VW Polo test car, which had buttons around the screen for a wide range of car…

CLEANING glass adds the finishing touch to any car-care routine, and it’s crucial to get it right, because any smears or streaks will be immediately obvious. They might even cause a distraction, especially at night, when dirt will cause extra glare from other cars’ headlights. But cleaning glass can be a bit of a pain, so you’ll want help from a product that gets a clear result with as little effort as possible. On modern cars you’ll also want a fluid that is safe to clear fingerprints off your pride and joy’s touchscreens and shiny trims. Our previous champion was 4Detailer Crystal Glass, and it is still a great product. If you are sensitive to strong smells or mainly want to clean the inside of cars, then it would still…

mail@autoexpress.co.uk CITROEN’S C3 supermini has a handful of placings in the top third of the Driver Power new-car tables, with its driving manners giving the greatest satisfaction. It’s fifth overall for ride quality, 15th for engine sound and 23rd for acceleration. Steering response and road handling are in the top third, too. While the cabin and interior aren’t highly rated, there’s a lot of love for front-seat comfort, which rates ninth. The Citroen’s servicing costs aren’t great, at 52nd, but 23rd for fuel economy and overall value is pretty good. The audio system is 16th, but the user-friendliness of the C3’s controls and touchscreen rank close to the bottom of the table, as do the number of safety features and their effectiveness. WE SAID “The C3 stands out from the…