Table of contents for 1828 in Auto Express

Ellis_Hyde@autovia.co.uk @EllisDrives ● Range of up to 252 miles on offer ● Prices starts from £31,220 MINI has beefed up its Countryman model for a new generation (we compare it with the Volvo XC40 on Page 34), and that has freed up space in the firm’s range for this all-new pure-electric Aceman. Designed to fill the gap between the larger model and the regular three-door MINI Cooper, the Aceman faces a sea of rivals, including the Jeep Avenger, Renault Megane E-Tech and Volvo EX30. The Aceman borrows a few styling cues from its larger sibling, including unusually shaped headlights and black A and B-pillars that give a floating-roof effect. It’s not a carbon copy, however; the Aceman’s wheelarches are boxier and more pronounced, and this contributes to its more purposeful…

ALTHOUGH the EU’s revised tests have achieved results that are slightly more real-world, there’s still a way to go. But I do have some sympathy, because the same driver doing the same journey is unlikely to achieve the same efficiency twice in a row, so no test is ever going to give an accurate real-world figure. And that’s exacerbated for PHEVs, where some people use as much battery as possible, while others never plug in. The official figures are fine if you’re comparing Car A with Car B, so are useful, but they should be achievable for someone driving with optimum efficiency in mind, and that’s clearly not yet the case.…

Jordan_Katsianis@autovia.co.uk BMW has refreshed its 4 Series Gran Coupé in both petrol and electric i4 forms, introducing a selection of design tweaks and a brand-new interior. Being upgraded alongside one another, the two models get the same new dashboard and centre console, which features slimmer air vents than before, and new trim elements. BMW’s massive dual-screen infotainment and instrument set-up is now fitted as standard across the range, complete with the company’s latest digital interface and an optional augmented-reality view for the navigation system. There’s a fresh steering wheel design, plus new upholstery finishes. Outside, the changes are more subtle, but there are new adaptive LED headlights, plus the laser rear lights that were first seen on the hardcore M4 CSL a couple of years back. There’s also a range…

Alastair_Crooks@autovia.co.uk @AllieCrooks ● Electric motor for each wheel ● 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds MERCEDES previewed an all-electric version of its iconic G-Class off-roader with a concept back in 2021 – and now the German brand has taken the covers off the real thing, the ‘G 580 with EQ Technology’. Not much has changed on the outside from the original EQG show car. The G 580 retains the distinctive boxy design of the newly facelifted, combustion-engined G-Class. But given that aerodynamics are more important for an EV, the new model features a blanked-off grille, an updated front bumper, new covers on the A-pillars, revised wheelarches and a taller bonnet. The electric G-Class will be built alongside the ICE models at Magna Steyr’s factory in Austria, where its EV components will be…

mail@autoexpress.co.uk @AutoExpress YOUR VIEWS This week’s letters Polestar bulk weighs heavily on my mind FROM: Paul Mangan WHEN I drove a Polestar 2, I was surprised to find it weighs in excess of two tonnes. If we all bought electric cars, how would multi-storey car parks cope with the increased weight? I’m sure when such structures were first built, the average weight of cars was much lower. Potholes putting me off changing my car FROM: Leslie Bignall I CHANGE my car every three years, but given how bad the roads are in the UK, why would I this year? Whether you spend £15k or £150k on a car, heaven knows what damage hitting a pothole would do? You also don’t know how many potholes a used car has hit either.…

Jordan_Katsianis@autovia.co.uk Running costs 50.4mpg (official) £75 fill-up Performance 0-62mph/top speed 8.4 seconds/127mph THE Audi A3 has long found favour with UK buyers, due to its slick styling, high-quality interior, decent tech and premium image. Yet while the latest-generation car is certainly popular, it hasn’t always embodied all of those elements – something Audi is hoping to remedy with a mid-life update. Changes for the A3 include a sleeker exterior design with new lighting elements, colour and trim options, plus a subtly refreshed interior and tech package. But, while this may all seem inconsequential, they add up to a marked difference. There are fewer on-paper changes under the skin, but there have been a few subtle tweaks to the model’s tuning and software. Audi will launch the A3 Sportback and Saloon…

FIFTY years after the debut of the Lamborghini Countach, the influence of wedge design lives on, as the sharp lines of the Honda 0 Series concept revealed in January demonstrated. Wedge cars were dramatically angular vehicles, with the most high-profile designs often, but not exclusively, the work of two legendary Italian designers, Marcello Gandini (who died last month) and Giorgetto Giugiaro. Everyone has their own opinion on what makes a classic wedge, but these are our favourites. Lancia Stratos HF Stradale FOR many, the Stratos is among the coolest cars ever. It’s hard to imagine a model more defiantly ‘wedge’ than the Stratos Zero concept (above), which arrived in 1970 and preceded the production model. Although the Zero inspired the HF, it had little in common other than a shared…

OUR representative finance price for the Countryman is for a car without the Level 3 pack featured on our test model. Removing it doesn’t detract from the MINI’s overall appeal and means the car is competitive when compared with the XC40, which comes with an attractive £4,000 deposit contribution. Based on a three-year PCP with a £4,000 deposit and a 10,000-mile annual limit, the Countryman works out at around £70 a month less than the XC40, while the optional final payment to keep the car is less, too. Other outgoings are similar between the two. The MINI costs less to insure by £300 over three years, but if you match our fuel economy figures on test, the Volvo will be cheaper to fill up by a small margin. Servicing costs…

SMALL PREMIUM SUVs This sector is packed with choices, but every single one comes with some sort of compromise “IF you can make it work with your regular driving routine, then the electric Countryman could be a better option. Since it doesn’t feature the petrol car’s lacklustre gearbox, it eliminates our main gripe with the MINI. A claimed range of up to 287 miles is useful, too.” “AS with the MINI, the XC40’s electric alternative, the EX40, offers an even smoother drive than the petrol variant. Of course, price is a significant factor, with the EX40 starting at £45,955, which is £9,270 more than the petrol. In comparison, the electric Countryman starts from £42,080.” “THE eight Experiences on offer in the Countryman seem a bit excessive when the basic Core…

Steve_Walker@autovia.co.uk OUR Nissan Ariya is still the best part of two years short of its first MoT test, but you can’t be too careful, especially not when eBay offers you a free pre-MoT check. The global auction powerhouse set up a pop-up garage at Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire as part of a push to promote its car parts and accessories retail operation. The Ariya passed with flying colours, as you’d hope for a 13-month-old, 9,000-mile EV, and the Walker family got to see some monkeys. There was one blot in the car’s copybook when the technicians reported “slight wear on the front brake discs”. EVs are generally supposed to be fairly light on their braking consumables, by virtue of the strong regenerative braking systems that mean you have to…

Audi TT Issues 1,797, 1,804, 1,822 BYD Dolphin New arrival Citroen C4 X Issues 1,804, 1,813, 1,824 Genesis GV70 Issues 1,814, 1,818, 1,824 Honda CR-V New arrival Hyundai Kona Issues 1,817, 1,823 Jeep Avenger Issues 1,814, 1,820 Mazda 3 Issues 1,812, 1,821 Mercedes EQE Issues 1,816, 1,823 NissanAriya Issue 1,819 Renault Clio Issue 1,823 Renault Kangoo Issues 1,808, 1,816, 1,821 Skoda Enyaq Issue 1,827 Vauxhall Astra Issues 1,817, 1.827 VW ID. Buzz Issue 1,823 VW ID.3 Issues 1,806, 1,826…

Design & Desire Keith Helfet (Porter Press, porterpress.co.uk) Price: £39 Rating: A LOOK into the work of a car designer is always interesting, and even more so when it’s the man behind delights such as the Jaguar XJ220. With a portfolio that covers vehicles, products and even medical equipment, Helfet’s career is intriguing, and he’s an engaging writer too. Jaguar Cars 1946 to 2008 Nigel Thorley (Veloce Publishing, veloce.co.uk) Price: £22.5 Rating: AS with other books in this series, this one takes the form of a detailed reference title covering every Jaguar made since World War II, with a brief history of the firm’s pre-war past as a sidecar maker. Photos are mainly of cars at shows and are presented fairly small, so it’s not the most visual title. But…

mail@autoexpress.co.uk THE SEAT Ateca delivers strong value for money, but owners don’t find much else to get excited about, it seems. There are mid-ranking scores for the interior, but in all other categories the SUV slips into the lower half of the table. Digging deeper for highlights, we find a decent 22nd place for the climate-control system, and 26th position for rear legroom, but it’s easier to find results where the Spanish car doesn’t do so well. The built-in sat-nav is ranked 70th by owners, there’s a 64th place for driving pleasure, and the flexibility of the seating is rated in 69th place (as are the ride comfort and acceleration), which is not impressive for a supposedly practical SUV. WE SAID “The impressive space, sharp design, general air of solidity,…

Alastair_Crooks@autovia.co.uk @AllieCrooks ● New car based on proven Renault running gear ● Bargain pricing should start from around £18k OTHER car manufacturers must be wondering just how Dacia’s business model works. The Romanian firm has made a name for itself as the go-to value-driven brand, taking a huge 8.4 per cent share in the European retail (non-fleet) market in 2023. And while the temptation may be to make its cars more premium (and more profitable), Dacia’s feet are on the floor. The latest Duster is a good example of this. According to Dacia, it should start at “well under £20,000” when it arrives in the UK later this year. That’d represent only a marginal increase on the outgoing car’s bargain £17,925 price tag. With 2.4 million Dusters sold since the…

Alastair_Crooks@autovia.co.uk @AllieCrooks ● New model joins C3 supermini ● Prices may start below £20k “The new Aircross has a more traditional SUV shape that’s chunkier than the old model” CITROEN is refocusing its approach to become one of the value brands within the wider Stellantis group – and the new C3 Aircross is among its boldest statements yet, with a sharp new look and seating for up to seven. As expected, the new arrival’s front end looks familiar to that of the forthcoming C3 supermini, which was revealed in October last year. But a longer, larger rear end and a raised ride height give the Aircross a more traditional SUV shape that’s chunkier than the outgoing generation. Citroen says the C3 and the new C3 Aircross incorporate “style language elements”…

THE M25 will shut again next month – the second of five closures in 2024 for the UK’s busiest motorway. The seven-mile stretch between Junctions 9 (A243 Leatherhead) and 10 (Wisley) will be closed from 10-13 May. It’s only the second planned daytime closure of the M25 since it opened in 1986; the first was in March between Junctions 10 and 11. This closure will facilitate the installation of 72 concrete beams that will eventually support a brand-new bridge. A 19-mile diversion will be set up, with traffic redirected via the neighbouring A3 and A243.…

VW wagon to cost just £690 more than hatch VOLKSWAGEN is putting only a modest premium on its new ID.7 Tourer estate, compared with the equivalent hatch. The EV wagon (above) is available to order now in just one trim level – Pro Match – and at £52,240, it costs just £690 more than the hatch. The Tourer’s boot measures 565 litres, rising to 1,714 litres with the second row folded down. A Tourer Pro S and a rapid Tourer GTX version will arrive in the summer. Solid-state Nissan EVs “within five years” NISSAN says it will start selling EVs with solid-state battery tech – widely tipped as the successor to existing lithium-ion cells – by 2029. The brand has said that it will develop prototypes and pilot production at…

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…

Running costs 38.2mpg (official) £99 fill-up Performance 0-62mph/top speed 6.6 seconds/155mph THE cabriolet market looks more shaky than ever, but Mercedes has gone all in with its new CLE Cabriolet. It’s offering four engines – two turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrols (badged 200 and 300), a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six (450) and a 2.0-litre turbodiesel (220 d). Then there are two powertrains, with the 300 and 450 only available with a variable four-wheel-drive 4MATIC+ system (the 200 and 220 d models are rear-wheel drive only). All versions feature 48-volt mild-hybrid technology and are equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder petrol cars are expected to be the UK’s big sellers, and while the 200 and 300 share the same engine and their outputs are closely matched – 200bhp vs 254bhp…

WINNER 1st MINI Countryman IN a world full of identikit SUVs, the MINI Countryman stands out. Yes it’s a far cry from the original Mini, but to focus on that misses the point of this car completely; it’s a model that takes the brand’s DNA and injects it into a small premium SUV to create a colourful and desirable family car with space to spare. It’s lost the driving fun that many associate with the current MINI brand, but makes up for this with a practical cabin with plenty of neat touches. It should be on anyone’s small premium SUV shortlist. INTERESTED? Scan the code for further information ● Great cabin design ● Lots of interior space ● Sliding rear seats ● Head-up display ● Slow-witted gearbox ● So-so performance…

SAME CLASS Mercedes GLB ONE practical premium SUV with a difference is the Mercedes GLB, courtesy of its seven-seat configuration. The rearmost row isn’t the most spacious, but it adds more versatility, while Merc’s petrol and diesel engines are efficient. At this price point a year-old model is within reach, with either the 200 petrol or 220 d diesel powerplants, while nearly all examples are in well equipped AMG Line trims. ● Seven-seat cabin ● Luxurious interior ● No fun to drive ● Noisy diesel engines SAME MONEY Porsche Macan IF you’re after a fun-handling SUV, then the Macan is within your grasp at this price point. There are plenty of 2.0-litre models available, but the real fun is to be had with a V6 version. You’ll have to pick…

Dean_Gibson@autovia.co.uk @DeanGbsn CONNECTIVITY is a wonderful thing when it works properly. But if it fails, it can be hugely frustrating and leave you wondering what’s the point of it at all. That’s what I’ve been asking myself after a few too many issues with the tech on board our Renault Kangoo van. Incorporating smartphone compatibility with the latest touchscreen tech is a great innovation that means even the most basic cars can now come with navigation. The Kangoo’s eight-inch Easy Link system doesn’t feature nav, but you can plug your phone into the USB socket on the front of the touchscreen to activate Apple CarPlay (or Android Auto, if that’s your operating system). That’s the theory, anyway. While the Kangoo’s system does activate and operate via the screen to start…

Michelin trio for Peugeot SUV range MICHELIN will exclusively supply OEM tyres for the new Peugeot 3008 and E-3008 SUVs. Three ranges of Michelin tyres will be fitted. Most will use the firm’s e. Primacy summer tyre, which is designed to promote maximum efficiency in electric and hybrid vehicles without compromising grip or lifespan. There’s also the CrossClimate 2 SUV, an all-season design wearing the 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake mark to indicate approval as a winter tyre. Outside of Europe, the Pilot Sport 4 SUV tyre will also be available. Follow Sam on her Caterham journey CATERHAM has launched a video series taking viewers behind the scenes of its Academy amateur racing championship. Following Samantha Parker, the series charts her journey from pre-season preparation right through to the racing and…

MOST pressure washers come with a snow foam attachment these days. These allow you to cover your dirty car in a layer of soapy suds, which will gently soften and loosen the grime before you blast it away with a jet of water. This makes cleaning your car easier and will be less damaging to your paintwork than rubbing the dirt around with a sponge. But even the attachments on high-end washers are likely to be small and basic, with limited adjustments. Using a dedicated snow foam lance could come as a revelation after these. The professional-quality cannons will allow you to get the foam consistency you want, and choose between a wide fan or a narrow jet of suds. With bigger bottles, they will also mean you’re making fewer…

Motoring’s most outspoken and opinionated columnist sounds off WHAT follows is my simple, timely, informal but potentially life-changing notification aimed primarily at teenagers in the UK: your country’s multi-billion-pound automotive industry needs you. I’m talking here about one of Britain’s largest, most vibrant and diverse employment sectors, which currently provides around 800,000 jobs for Brit-based men and women, many of them youngsters. These countless jobs in and around the breathtakingly busy business of vehicle manufacturing, importing/exporting, selling/buying, transporting, servicing, repairing and more, are comparatively well paid and long-term. Britain’s circa 40 million drivers aren’t giving up the keys for their cars, vans, trucks, taxis, buses or coaches in the immediate or distant future. Whether you’re a teenager contemplating what line of work to get into, or a parent, guardian, family…

DACIA will begin to embrace electric with the latest Duster. Not only does the base car get an MHEV system, the new SUV will also be offered as a full hybrid, which we drove briefly on and off road. Ultimately, going for the Hybrid is the only way to spec your Duster with an automatic gearbox. In the process you also get a more powerful four-cylinder engine and a bigger battery for longer periods of engine-off running. It won’t do miles and miles of zero-emission motoring, but it’ll happily cut the engine when moving around town or parking up in the dead of night. We found the two power sources interacted well with one another, with the engine dipping in and out almost imperceptibly. The gearbox isn’t as slick, however.…

Tom_Jervis@autovia.co.uk @thomaswjervis ● Findings of EU study published ● PHEVs had largest discrepancy A NEW study has found that, on average, fuel economy and CO2 emissions are roughly 20 per cent worse than the official WLTP figures suggest. The report, courtesy of the European Union, studied 600,000 cars and found that petrol models are typically 24 per cent more inefficient and polluting than their official WLTP ratings may suggest, while diesel models fall 18 per cent shy of their official emissions and MPG figures. Even worse are plug-in hybrid (PHEV) cars. According to the Commission, PHEVs typically emit three-and-a-half times more CO2 in real-world driving than what’s officially shown in the WLTP test results. To combat this, the EU is set to implement revised tests for PHEVs in 2025, which…

Stylish new Santa Fe names its price PRICES have been confirmed for the new Hyundai Santa Fe SUV (above). The seven-seater is available to order now and starts from £46,775; that pitches it between the base prices of the facelifted Kia Sorento and new Mazda CX-80 (below left). The Santa Fe is offered in three trims – Premium, Ultimate and Calligraphy – and comes with either full-hybrid or plug-in powertrains, both based on a 1.6-litre petrol engine. X marks the spot for special Subaru A SPECIAL-edition version of the Subaru Outback has been announced. The Touring X will be limited to 100 units in the UK, each priced from £43,635. The model is finished in exclusive Geyser Blue paint, while inside it has Nappa leather upholstery, heated front and rear…

ALFA Romeo has renamed the Milano small SUV less than a week after launch. It’s now called Junior, following an Italian government minister’s suggestion that it couldn’t be named after the city of Milan because it’s being built in Poland. Alfa said “there are bigger issues than a car name” but changed it “in the spirit of promoting mutual understanding”. Alfa CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato remained upbeat, saying: “The choice of Junior is completely natural, as it is strongly linked to the brand” – referring to the iconic 1966 GT 1300 Junior.…

Jordan_Katsianis@autovia.co.uk ● Shares platform with Peugeot ● Petrol and EV options at launch VAUXHALL has been playing catch-up with platforms and technologies since it became part of the vast Stellantis group. But with this all-new Grandland, the firm is getting in right at the beginning of a new architecture, and hopes are high that while this SUV shares a name with a previous model, it’ll be a huge leap forward. This Grandland uses Stellantis’s new STLA-M platform, as featured on the latest Peugeot 3008. And Vauxhall has used the switch to create its own distinctive style and presence, making this Grandland a more upmarket offering altogether. Designed under the leadership of Brit Mark Adams, the new Grandland takes Vauxhall’s existing styling elements to a new level. The most arresting element…

GWM Ora is trying to boost confidence in the insurability of its cars with a new battery-inspection and service initiative to help prevent cars being written off unnecessarily after light damage. The GWM Ora Funky Cat – now called the 03 – was highlighted in our report last month (Issue 1,821). This showed that certain EVs were becoming almost uninsurable, in part because a lack of technical information meant insurers had to write off cars with only light cosmetic damage, because no one could guarantee the batteries’ condition. The new GWM ORA battery-inspection and evaluation initiative comprises a mobile technical team that provides assistance and official guidance on the status and repairability of EV batteries after a collision or accident. The team can also transport the car to its UK logistics…

CAR designers work at the cutting edge of the industry. The talented individuals in studios worldwide never stop sketching and playing with shapes and proportions, as well as experimenting with new materials and different colours. But as in the fashion industry, the very best ideas can soon become a trend. It’s a cyclic business, but there are often times when a stance or a styling feature turns up on multiple vehicles. It’s a fine line for designers to walk, because no manufacturer wants its cars to look dated if they don’t keep up with the movement of the moment. Equally, no one will just follow the herd, because there’s always a risk that as it gathers pace, cars end up looking too similar. Aysar Ghassan is an expert in the…

Richard_Ingram@autovia.co.uk @rsp_ingram Electric motor Power/range 402bhp/380 miles Performance 0-62mph/top speed 5.2 seconds/137mph IT’S a special set of ingredients that makes a Porsche a Porsche. The recipe is ever-evolving, but the basic principles remain: a Stuttgart-spawned sports car must be the best-driving vehicle of its type. That’s a trait that also extends to the electric era. The Taycan is widely regarded as one of the sharpest saloon cars on sale – distilling much of what makes the 911 so successful into a zero-emissions executive express. You can even have one with a big boot, or jacked-up, pseudo-SUV styling. So after easing itself in, Porsche is turning its attention to the popular Macan SUV. The new BMW X3 rival is EV only, launching with a choice of dual-motor powertrains, both mated to…

John_McIlroy@autovia.co.uk @johnmcilroy THERE’S no standing still in the push towards electrification, so even newcomers are having to update their models more quickly than the normal schedule for petrol-powered vehicles. GWM is a case in point; its Funky Cat went on sale in the UK barely 18 months ago, but it already has a new name – the 03 – and now there’s this PRO+ version, promising more range and fresh tech. To recap, the Ora 03 is a small five-door family car with retro-inspired styling; there are elements of VW Beetle, Fiat 500 and MINI about the front end. This PRO+ version gets a 63kWh battery, of which just over 59kWh is usable; Ora claims a WLTP range of 260 miles, which puts the 03 PRO+ into the same ballpark…

SAME CLASS BMW X1 IT shares its running gear with the Countryman, but the BMW X1 is a slightly more compact vehicle than its sibling. It does have the same wheelbase, though, so cabin space should be on a par with the MINI, even if headroom is slightly smaller. BMW offers a wider range of engine options here than in the Countryman, including diesel, plug-in hybrid and high-performance variants. The X1 is a great all-rounder, although we’d avoid the M Sport models, because the overly firm ride spoils a package that is otherwise the best in this competitive class. ● Good engine options ● Most practical version yet ● User-friendly infotainment ● Firm ride in M Sport guise ● No manual option ● Expensive at top of range SAME MONEY…

Got a query? products@autoexpress.co.uk IF you’ve bought a car privately, it is unlikely to have been recently serviced and any claims that it has been should be supported with a receipt. If the car’s prudent to change fluids and filters, in the past few months. Brake fluid is not quite so cut and dried, because the service intervals are often longer – usually every two or three years. A quick look at the fluid in the reservoir can give a clue as to when it was last changed, although there are do-it-yourself testers available on the market to check if it is contaminated. These measure the amount of water in the fluid, which is key to how the brakes work. If there’s too much moisture, the pedal will feel soft…

MINI starter packs have taken over the role of jump leads, and Clarke has just added a new three-strong range to its line-up. Should it be the one to keep in your car? To find out we put the mid-range 10Ah version up against our current test favourite from MSC Overland. We used each on an ailing battery reading just 4V, on a 1.6-litre petrol engine. The test was to turn over the engine five times for five seconds. We logged the max amperage achieved and battery state at the end. We also checked the amp hour rating (Ah), instructions, socket covers, clamp size, cable length plus any accessories. Despite a very flat battery, both units performed perfectly, turning the engine over with ease. Although the MSC registered the best…