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CONTENTS News | New Cars | Features | Tests | Products | Buying cars | Sport 8 BMW’s next-generation 14 Polestar’s drop-top concept is a reality exec saloon previewed Newsweek COVER Inside story on next BMW 5 Series 8 12 ‘Evolved’ styling, hybrid engines, M5 and all-electric i5 14 16 Aston Martin DBR22 EXCLIUMSAIVGEE 18 AWARDS SPECIAL New speedster is a nod to Aston’s fifties sports cars 30 BRITAIN’S Polestar 6 to rival Tesla Roadster BEST USED O2 concept car paves the way for 2+2 production car CARS 2022 “UK’s focus needs to shift to hydrogen” WE NAME UK’S BEST BARGAIN BUYS IN 19 CATEGORIES Government’s BEV strategy criticised by H2 experts From city cars to SUVs, plus our champ Features COVER Self-charging EV: the Sono Sion German firm’s first car uses advanced solar-panel tech COVER The future of dashboard technology Holographic head-up display heading to your next car New cars 22 COVER Nissan Ariya 24 26 Entry-level version of our Car of the Year tested in the UK 28 COVER Porsche Macan T ‘T’ is for Touring, with tweaks to make it more engaging COVER Kia Niro EV Has the Korean firm done enough with its all-new SUV? COVER Ford Focus Estate Updated wagon now with big-screen infotainment 22 We drive Nissan Ariya on UK roads Used car Awards COVER Britain’s Best Used Cars 32 Our favourite second-hand models in every sector Road tests 74 COVER T-Roc vs CX-30 86 VW’s refreshed compact crossover against Mazda’s rival Our cars: Ford Ranger It’s goodbye to the pick-up after a year and 14,000 miles 28 Driven: Focus Estate in Active trim 32 Bargains you can get right now Products 91 Hot kit 93 TOMORROW’S WORLD NEW CAR TECH INSIGHT 95 New e-scooter created with JLR and F1 know-how 96 New on the shelves Christmas comes early thanks to Lego’s Ferrari Daytona SP3 Mini test: pressure washers Nilfisk newcomer vs Kärcher K5 Group test: spanner sets It’s a tight result as we put eight sets through their paces Buying cars 99 Your verdict on the Audi A3 100 18 Sono’s solar panel-covered Sion 30 Holograms enhancing the view ahead 104 74 Compact crossovers: T-Roc vs CX-30 You like its quality but not its infotainment Used-car guide: Lexus ES Exec saloon offers hybrid power and great reliability New car prices All the info you need before you head to the showroom Regulars 88 Get Auto Express every week How to net a great deal on your favourite magazine Sport 113 Can Rovanperä extend his lead as WRC heads to Belgium? Back chat 114 Mike Rutherford on Britain’s winners and losers Special Issue 5
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THISWEEK Visit autoexpress.co.uk for all the latest new cars news Editor-in-chief: Steve Fowler Will car makers taking control Deputy editor: John McIlroy of sales be a good thing? Executive editor: Stuart Milne News, reviews and tests Associate editor: Sean Carson News and reviews editor: James Brodie Chief reviewer: Alex Ingram Senior test editor: Dean Gibson Video content producer: Yousuf Ashraf Staff writer: Alastair Crooks Chief columnist: Mike Rutherford Consumer Consumer and features editor: Chris Rosamond Deputy consumer and features editor: Tristan Shale-Hester Products Products editor: Kim Adams Production Managing editor: Stuart Morton Chief sub-editor: Andy Pringle Sub-editor: Paul Alton Deputy executive editor: Matt Robinson Digital Group website editor: Steve Walker Web producer: Pete Baiden Online reviews editor: Paul Adam Managing editor, central content team: Ben Custard Content editors: Shane Wilkinson, Harry Waring, Charlie Harvey Carbuyer & DrivingElectric editor: Richard Ingram Carbuyer managing editor: Andy Goodwin Carbuyer content editors: Miles Goodson, Tom Jervis DrivingElectric content editor: Ellis Hyde Design & Pictures LET’S face it, the way we buy cars has hardly changed Creative director: Darren Wilson for generations. Okay, we’re doing more and more Senior designer: Victoria Coquet research online and some people are even clicking the button and buying digitally. But in most cases it’s the good Picture editor: Dawn Grant old-fashioned dealer who does most of the selling and Senior photographer: Pete Gibson dealing with customers. That’s about to change, though. In the battle to reduce costs, improve satisfaction and Film team be the owner of customers’ data, many manufacturers Head of video: Ethan Smale are changing their relationships with dealers. In short, Senior video producers: Greg Dowswell, Jack Joy you’ll do the deal digitally with the car maker, while Filmmakers: Michael Moreira, Tej Bhola existing dealers become more like demonstration and delivery centres. Dealers will also take care of after-sales, Video editor: Will Ward but even the value of your part-ex and your finance Special Contributors package are likely to be determined by the manufacturer. SteveSutcliffe,Vicki Butler-Henderson, Nicola Hume, Dr AndyPalmer, It’s called an agency model, where the dealers as we Andreas Conradt, Euan Doig, Sarah Bradley, Rob Keenan, Otis Clay know them will have an agency agreement rather than Advertising & Promotions be franchise holders. So will it be a change for the better? Client sales managers: Pierre Clements, Neale Salt I hope so, since I seem to be a magnet for poor service. Account managers: Demi Meredith, Miles Taylor Just last weekend I was in a Lexus dealership where, after Commercial publisher: Sarah Perks my wife and I were left sitting in an office while the sales Senior operations manager: Kerry Lambird manager and salesman discussed us in another room, I Senior production manager: Dan Stark wasn’t given a finance quote unless I committed to buy. Digital brand director: Amrit Baidwan They later apologised, cited “miscommunication” and Publisher: Holly Jerram said it wasn’t their normal practice. As did the Toyota Publishing manager: Sophie Valentine dealership I visited with my father a few weeks earlier Marketing manager: Luke Tutt after booking an appointment, only to find nobody at Head of PR and communications: Karen Parry all in the showroom to talk to. Maybe I’m just unlucky... Suzuki boss Dale Wyatt doesn’t believe in the new Autovia Limited agency model, though. Speaking to him this week, he’s Finance director: Kerry Okikiade fiercely protective of his dealers – many of them highly rated, traditional, family-run businesses. CEO Autovia: Nicola Bates Wyatt’s desire for Suzuki to be number one in the car CONTENT SYNDICATION SALES business for trust is built around his dealer network and Our content is available for syndication. its relationships with customers. Time will tell if that or E-mail [email protected] or call +44 (0)20 3890 3998 for more details. the agency model is the best route, but all I know from my Copyright © Autovia Limited 2022. All rights reserved. recent experience is that a good Auto Express is a registered trade mark. dealer can be hard to find. Auto Express is published weekly by Autovia Limited. Autovia is a trading name SEdTiEtoVrE-iFnO-cWhiLeEfR of Autovia Limited, registered in England and Wales no. 13018565. Registered address: 31-32 Alfred Place, London WC1E 7DP. VAT number 494616317. Neither the whole of this publication nor any part of it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written permission of the publishers. Registered as a newspaper at the Post Office. Pictures submitted to Auto Express are sent at owners’ risk. While every care is taken, neither Auto Express nor its agents accept any liability for loss or damage. Originated on Apple computers. Creative repro manager: Dave Kinnard Creative repro artworker: Renato De Araujo Printed by Walstead Bicester, Launton Road, Bicester, Oxon OX26 4QZ. Distribution: Marketforce (UK) Ltd, 121-141 Westbourne Terrace, Paddington, London W2 6JR. Tel: 020 3787 9101, Website: www.marketforce.co.uk AUTO EXPRESS ROAD TESTS All Auto Express tests are carried out at private proving grounds where cars are driven to the limit and performance tested using Racelogic VBox computer timing equipment. Auto Express also assesses the cars over many miles of mixed public roads before delivering its Road Test Verdict. DON’T WANT TO MISSAN ISSUE? Ifyou can’t always find a copy of Auto Express, help is at hand.Speakto your local newsagent and they’ll reserve an issue for you. Just ask! Auto Express is part of the Auto Bild Group networkof magazines The paper used within this magazine is produced from sustainable [email protected] fibre, manufactured by mills with a valid chain of custody. @ stevefowler www.autoexpress.co.uk
TOPSTORY BMW plays it safe withVisitautoexpress.co.ukforyourdailynewsupdates next 5 Series EXCLUSIVE E-Class rival won’t adopt the 7 Series’ bold cues, but will get mild-hybrid engines – plus an all-electric i5 ● Next-generation executive saloon arrives next year ● Radical new ‘Curved Display’ dash uses two widescreens James Brodie earlier this year. A new design language Avarvarii totally separate to the brand’s other [email protected] cars was introduced, with a full length EXCLUSIVE IMAGES @JPBrods kidney-grille sitting between a distinctive new split-headlight front end. However, STYLING BMW is preparing for what it’s billing this polarising style will not be employed as its most transformative project since on the new 5 Series. The new saloon will Slim tail-lights the sixties, which will see almost everything instead stick with a more conservative enhance the about the company’s cars change after design to appeal to a broader audience. new saloon’s 2025, from the way it builds them to the sleek looks way it sells them. But before then, one of Our exclusive images show how larger the brand’s biggest stars is due a revamp. headlights and more traditional trademark A new 5 Series will arrive to continue kidney grilles when compared with the the decades-long battle with the Mercedes 7 Series will crown a sportier-looking front E-Class – also due to be replaced next year end. After all, the 5 Series is the executive – and the Audi A6, which will be facelifted saloon that’s set the class benchmark for in 2023. This newcomer, codenamed G60, driving dynamics for decades – a 7 Series- will be one of the brand’s final new models based look would likely not cut it with the before its Neue Klasse-generation vehicles car’s usual customers. begin to arrive in the middle of the decade, likely led by all-electric replacements for The new 5 Series will grow slightly the 3 Series and the X5 SUV. compared with its G30-generation Although the next 5 Series can be predecessor, but its proportions will thought of as a swansong for the current- remain similar. At the rear, the tail-lights generation BMW line-up, it will still mark a will be slimmer than before. This visual huge departure from the current car and will transformation is previewed in our introduce a nameplate that has been the exclusive images, while we’ve also subject of on-and-off speculation since the highlighted how the i5 and M5 models introduction of BMW’s ‘i’ model line-up. could look. An estate-bodied Touring As part of BMW’s ‘Power of Choice’ version is almost certain to return to the strategy, the new 5 Series will offer multiple fold as well, and maybe even in M5 guise. powertrain options, including the option of a fully electric version, which will take on Inside, it’s highly likely that the new the i5 name. A new M5 flagship will also 5 Series’ cabin design will take inspiration be introduced, and for the first time it will from the latest models in the company’s be electrified. However, a core line-up of line-up, with a clear advance when it petrol and diesel models will still be the big comes to the technology on offer, too. sellers, making up the majority of the range. Due to be revealed next year, the As a result, the 2023 5 Series 5 Series has previously been spied in will embrace a new-generation cabin the hands of BMW engineers, having architecture that will probably adopt been testing on public roads since 2021. inspiration from the new 7 Series and And spy shots reveal that it will be a more the iX all-electric SUV. A pair of gently conventional-looking car than the most curved screens will blend seamlessly into recent addition to BMW’s saloon range. each other, spanning the area in front of The latest 7 Series made a splash with the driver and the centre of the dashboard. its bold new look when it was revealed And it’s likely that the new car’s switchgear and controls will appeal to newcomers and “A brand-new M5 will be BMW traditionalists, combining the brand’s introduced – maybe also iDrive rotary dial with the new touch- in Touring form – and sensitive BMW Interaction Bar introduced it will be electrified” on the latest 7 Series flagship. Ultimately, the arrival of the all-electric i5 model will catch the headlines at launch; just as the brand pushed the i7 to the front of stage when it revealed the new 8 Special Issue
BMW5Series TOPSTORY “BMW will use traditional headlights and a more conventional set of kidney grilles on new 5 Series”
TOPSTORY EXCLUSIVE IMAGE 7 Series earlier this year, the firm’s tMoetaanrgweht itlhee, iT5alyocoaknsTsuertbo Automedia ELECTRIC Mercedes EQE rival will be the big draw. SPIED The i5 will also be That’s not to say that the internal a saloon. It’s likely to combustion-powered options will be THE next big step in BMW’s M Performance version likely to be have a range of more a side show. In fact, it’s possible that the electrification plan will be a fully electric part of the line-up, badged i5 M50. than 250 miles and newcomer will arrive heralding a new offering in the 5 Series segment. There as much as 651bhp generation of engines, mooted as being in will be little differentiation, as is the Sharing the CLAR platform of the development by executives earlier this year. case with the 3 Series and the i4, with smaller i4 and the larger i7, it’s www.autoexpress.co.uk the latter effectively giving the 3 Series’ possible that the i5 could offer a wide Given this next-generation 5 Series will customer base with an EV option in the range of battery and motor options. probably be the last pure-combustion- shape of a coupé. The i5 will be an powered model sold, it will have to face electric 5 Series through and through, The i4’s 81kWh battery seems a solid stricter emissions legislation in the future, with a similar design to its ICE-powered bet, though, and this, combined with a so big efficiency gains have been targeted siblings and with the same footprint. 335bhp electric motor in the eDrive40 for the new version. The line-up will rely on model, enables a range of 365 miles. four and six-cylinder turbocharged petrol BMW CEO Oliver Zipse has confirmed and diesel engines making use of 48-volt we will see the i5 next year. As such, it’s Installing the electric motor system mild-hybrid technology. likely that BMW will introduce the i5 from the range-topping i7 M70 would alongside the new 5 Series. result in an i5 with a Porsche Taycan Plug-in hybrid drivetrains have slowly Turbo-rivalling 651bhp, although taken over much of the brand’s UK 5 Series Several variants are understood to the M5 (see above right) is likely line-up, and an expansion of this tech will be in the pipeline, with an all-electric to develop a higher power output include a plug-in M Performance model for than any electric version. the first time – likely to be badged M560e xDrive and carrying over tech from the M760e petrol-electric model. This six- cylinder PHEV set-up – packing up to 563bhp and 800Nm – is all but certain to remove V8 power from the non-M 5 Series line-up, while an 18.1kWh battery would provide an electric range of 50 miles. “The new 5 Series will still rely on a core of four- and six-cylinder turbo petrols and diesels” 10 Special Issue
FLAGSHIP BMW5Series TOPSTORY Muscular styling, M5 PHEV likely to top 700bhp including wider front and TESTING SPIED Automedia rear tracks, will reflect the M5’s performance Nürburgring prototypes with hybrid stickers indicate that the M5 could have more than 700bhp Avarvarii PERHAPS the most startling change which is paired with a 25kWh battery given that the next C 63 saloon has destined for the internal combustion and an electric motor that delivers a been confirmed with up to 670bhp – engine-powered 5 Series will actually hot hatchback-rivalling 194bhp on and that’s a smaller car that rivals feature on the next-generation M5. its own, plus 450Nm of torque. the M5’s baby brother, the M3. That’s because the performance Combined power in the XM stands As for the way the next M5 will icon is tipped to return as a plug-in at 644bhp and 800Nm, but BMW has look, there shouldn’t be too many hybrid, with an electrified drivetrain already confirmed that the system is surprises. Development cars have that could make it the most powerful engineered to deliver more. In fact, been spied lapping the Nürburgring BMW M car yet – a title currently held the Concept XM using this powertrain for some time now, complete with by the M5 CS, but soon to be was envisaged with 737bhp. ‘Hybrid Test Vehicle’ stickers. conceded to the XM SUV. It means that the next M5 could Wider front and rear track widths And it’s power from the XM that be set to move into fresh territory, are the most obvious differences will enable the M5 to deliver more challenging the new Mercedes AMG seen on the M5 test cars. More than 700bhp, should BMW’s M GT 4-Door 63 e Performance, which visual aggression will be added, division decide to turn the wick up packs 831bhp from a plug-in hybrid with deeper front and rear bumpers, beyond the new bespoke M SUV. V8 set-up. And looking at what else sportier door mirrors and chunky Mercedes has up its sleeve, the new alloys wrapped in performance tyres, The XM features a new 4.4-litre M5 may be forced into this territory, as previewed by our exclusive image. turbocharged V8, codenamed S68, Avarvarii www.autoexpress.co.uk EXCLUSIVE IMAGE Special Issue 11
NEWS Aston Martin DBR22 “The Q division is all about bespoke creations, so DBR22 buyers can go wild with customisation” STYLING MUSCULAR Carbon-fibre body shows clear nods to Car is made with Aston’s DBR1 and DB3S from the fifties as few panels as possible to create 12 Special Issue a sculpted look www.autoexpress.co.uk
NEWSAston MXaxrxtxinxxDxBxRx2x2x OFFICIAL iAnsstpoinrelonoekws Vto12itsropaadssttteor Sean Carson ● Marks 10 years of Q division ● Likely to cost from £1.5m [email protected] ASTON Martin is celebrating the and exposed carbon fibre. There’s an all- 10th anniversary of its ultra-exclusive new dashboard architecture, with two Q division with this, the DBR22 speedster. vertical air vents flanking a central screen. The British company has mated design Aston says it gives a cleaner and less inspired by Aston’s heritage to the most cluttered look, while the carbon-fibre modern technology and performance. seats allow a sporty driving position. Aston says the DBR22 “unashamedly speaks of tradition”, with clear nods to the The DBR22 features a unique chassis brand’s DBR1 and DB3S sports cars from set-up, with the car using bespoke bracing the fifties. The coach-built body is made panels to increase torsional rigidity. Aston up of a minimal number of carbon-fibre has also used 3D printing for the first time, panels for a sculpted, muscular look. with rear subframe components printed in A horseshoe vent in the bonnet, along aluminium before being bonded together with the DBR1-esque side vents in the car’s to save weight without any reduction in front wings, helps cool the engine. stiffness. The adaptive dampers’ calibration The DBR22 is powered by a 5.2-litre twin- is bespoke, while there’s also a pinned turbo V12 producing 705bhp and 753Nm of steering column to improve accuracy and torque. It drives the rear wheels through an deliver more detailed feedback. eight-speed automatic gearbox, and the car will streak from 0-60mph in 3.4 seconds, Of course, throughout its 10 years, the hitting a top speed of 198mph. Aston says Q division has also been about unique the engine gives the DBR22 “a manner and creations. So the DBR22 features a new delivery unlike any other model”. bespoke colour from Aston’s ‘Paint to The car’s lightweight 21-inch wheels Sample’ scheme, while the car’s buyers feature a unique 14-spoke design and can go wild with customisation. a motorsport-inspired centre-lock hub, while a full-width light bar and a diffuser The company says, “With an extensive that houses a central-exit exhaust system options palette available through the give a clean look to the rear. On top is a celebrated bespoke service, Q by Aston beautifully crafted one-piece body panel Martin offers customers the chance to that incorporates the DBR22’s buttresses. create something completely unique.” Inside, the car isn’t as bare bones as you might imagine, with liberal use of leather However, it’s likely that there’ll be only a few lucky DBR22 owners. It’s thought that www.autoexpress.co.uk Aston could produce as few as 10 cars to mark Q’s 10th anniversary, with a base price in the region of £1.5million. Special Issue 13
Alfa names its price for key Tonale crossover IT’S Alfa Romeo’s most important car in a entry-level Speciale once they’re sold out, CONNECTED generation, and the Italian brand has finally priced from £40,005. This spec gets 18-inch revealed UK pricing and specs for its Tonale alloys and gloss-black exterior styling, plus All Tonales have a 10.25-inch SUV. It’s on sale now, priced from £38,605 aluminium pedals and gearshift paddles. touchscreen featuring Apple for the limited-run Edizione Speciale model. CarPlay and Android Auto Veloce trim starts from £42,505. It adds connectivity. The Alfa is on Standard kit on every Tonale includes a a sporty bodykit, 19-inch wheels, Brembo sale now, priced from £38,605 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay brakes and adaptive suspension. The and Android Auto, wireless charging and a sporty upgrades are repeated inside with www.autoexpress.co.uk six-speaker stereo. Active cruise control, black and red Alcantara trim. two-zone climate control, a rear camera, keyless entry and a powered tailgate feature. Just one powertrain will be offered from launch, a 158bhp 1.5-litre turbocharged Edizione Speciale models also come with mild-hybrid petrol linked to a seven-speed 20-inch wheels and passive steel-sprung dual-clutch automatic gearbox. A plug-in suspension. Ti trim will take the place of the hybrid will join the line-up later this year. 14 Special Issue
innebwrisef NEWSKia EV9 SNAPPED Our spies saw a camouflaged EV9 undergoing development Porsche takes EV lap Range-topping Kia EV9 record from Tesla caught testing on track THE PORSCHE Taycan has dethroned Sean Carson SPIED the Tesla Model S Plaid at the Nürburgring, setting a new lap record [email protected] PRACTICAL for a production electric car. KIA is getting ready to crown its Vertical rear-light A laptime of seven minutes and electric line-up with a new large SUV, layout allows for 33 seconds for the Taycan Turbo S called the EV9, and we’ve spotted the car a wider tailgate, undercut the yet-to-be released undergoing development on track. to make loading performance version of Tesla’s saloon The brand’s production-spec EV9 was the boot easier by two seconds. The Taycan was previewed by the Concept EV9 prototype unmodified (save for a roll cage and at last year’s LA Motor Show, and we can Multi-mode panel which alters the interface increased to ensure a competitive range. racing seats), but it was fitted with a see from these latest spy shots that the for the climate and audio. With 800V electronics, expect a rapid- new Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control road-going car will sport similar sharp charge capability that will add 62 miles system only available in Germany. and solid surfaces along its flanks. The EV9 will be based on Hyundai-Kia’s of range in just five minutes. The battery The EV9 looks set to also carry over the E-GMP platform for EVs. The architecture could feed a dual-motor all-wheel-drive Bsarilteasinin’sruesveedrs-ceagrear concept’s lighting signature with vertical currently accepts a battery up to 77.4kWh set-up offering 321bhp, as per the EV6. LEDs at the extremes of the car’s front, in the firm’s EV6 crossover, which offers up THE UK’s used car market shrank by while at the rear the upright tail-lights sit to 328 miles of range. But given the extra Kia has confirmed the EV9 will go on 18.8 per cent during Q2 2022, with on the flared wheelarches to allow for a length in the EV9’s wheelbase, its less sale in the UK next year, so expect the 1,759,684 transactions taking place. wider boot opening to boost practicality. aerodynamic shape and likely higher car to be unveiled towards the end of The scale of the decline is artificially The production car should offer seating kerbweight, the battery size could be this year or early in 2023. inflated, however, by Q2 2021 having for seven people and we’d expect it to been the biggest second quarter on feature the Korean firm’s twin-screen record thanks to the easing of Covid infotainment set-up and innovative restrictions and pent-up consumer demand being released. Use of ANPR cams STYLING for ULEZ questioned The Society of Motor Manufacturers GT-Line models and Traders has said that used-car THE Surveillance Commissioner has have a sportier prices may begin to fall, but that the warned that the use of Automatic look and feel decline will be a gradual one. Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) inside and out, cameras to enforce clean air zones, such as well as a 12.3- NloeoxktsMseertctAo-bCelaEsVs as the London ULEZ, is of “questionable inch digital dash legality”. Prof Fraser Sampson said MERCEDES seems all set to give its there was “limited evidence” such Kia XCeed costs from £23k A-Class an electric future. There will methods benefitted society and could PRICES for the newly facelifted Kia XCeed wheels and privacy glass, while inside be a replacement model, after it was be considered “state overreach”. have been revealed, with the range there’s a 10.25-inch touchscreen, confirmed that the entry point to the kicking off from £22,995 for the 2 model dual-zone automatic air-con, along with brand’s range in the future won’t be Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is also with 16-inch wheels, an eight-inch heated front seats that feature electrical an SUV-only affair with the EQA. facing a legal challenge from Green infotainment system and cruise control. lumbar adjustment. The sporty GT-Line Party London Assembly member Siân models model is priced from £29,995 “We have talked about the Berry and privacy organisation Open Above this there’s the 3, priced from with a 12.3 inch digital dashboard. A-Class and we’re looking at it [a Rights Group over his decision to grant £25,495. The exterior features 18-inch replacement]. It won’t feature on EVA2 the Metropolitan Police access to the as that is for larger vehicles, but you ANPR camera network used to enforce can be sure we’ll see a vehicle in this the expanded ULEZ in the capital. segment,” Holger Enzmann, Project manager for the all-electric EVA2 Special Issue 15 platform, confirmed to Auto Express. www.autoexpress.co.uk
NEWS Hydrogen experts slam UK policy “UK Government’s shortsighted BEV strategy harming UK PLC” ● Policy shift needed for H2 mobility, says Riversimple founder ● “EV battery prices will rise, not fall, as demand increases” Chris Rosamond used to the flexibility of petrol and that’s “Putting all our eggs in one cSaorswchaant wsoerteoxfpHec2t? what you get with hydrogen.” basket is economically [email protected] dangerous, and it’s RIVERSIMPLE is developing its H2 fuel Spowers spoke to Auto Express days disastrous from a customer cell powertrain in a prototype model THE UK Government’s single-minded after the US introduced subsidies that will choice point of view” called the Rasa (pictured), while working drive towards battery-electric cars potentially reduce the production cost of on the specs of its first full production (BEVs) has been called out by a leading green H2 [hydrogen gas] to less than $1 HUGO SPOWERS Founder Riversimple car, which could be revealed in two exponent of hydrogen fuel cell technology, (82p) per kg. Analysts predict the move will years. It’s likely to retain the Rasa’s two- who says the strategy is economically be transformational in the development of door, fastback format, but with added dangerous and damaging for consumers. H2 distribution, and Spowers is calling for practicality – including space for a dog “The Government has a shortsighted the UK government to ‘walk the talk’ about in the revised boot compartment – and strategy that’s very bad news for the UK. technical neutrality and invest in H2 mobility a van derivative has also been mooted. They talk about technological neutrality but to the same degree as it’s doing with BEVs. they don’t live up to it,” said the founder A build site has yet to be confirmed, of eco car company Riversimple, Hugo “Some people say BEVs will become but production of 5,000 eco cars a year Spowers. The company aims to have its more affordable, but 80 per cent of battery is planned, along with additional hydrogen fuel cell-powered car ready in cost now is the raw materials. As demand construction facilities in other locations. two years, but Spowers says the focus for commodities increase, prices will go on batteries is a barrier to innovation. up, not down,” he said. Spowers promises the car will be fun “It’s detrimental to UK PLC,” said to drive and affordable, and will be Spowers, “We’re investing one tenth of “We’re not anti BEV, but as a nation we offered to customers on a subscription what China invested in battery tech 10 don’t argue about whether wind or solar model based around whole-life costs. years ago, and China controls around 70 per is the best form of renewable energy – we cent of the global raw materials required to accept the need for both. It should be the make them. We’ve missed the battery same with BEVs and H2 fuel cells,” he said. revolution and we can’t catch up.” Spowers maintains investing heavily in Spowers isn’t the only voice critical of the ‘gigafactory’ battery production to meet a government for its BEV bias. Tim Harper, the 55 per cent local content requirement and CEO of H2 distribution firm Element 2, told protect the UK car industry’s access to the us the UK’s BEV switchover strategy is “five European market post-Brexit is nonsensical, or six years behind the science”. and that the Government should instead be investing in emerging technologies. “We’ll likely see the production cost of “Fuel cells depend on technology and green H2 falling dramatically and $1-2 innovation, not access to raw materials,” he dollars a kg is feasible within five years. At said. “Putting all our eggs in one basket is £8.50 per kg we are already close to parity economically dangerous, and it’s disastrous at the pump with current diesel prices. from the customer choice point of view. “It doesn’t take a lot of market research “The UK Government made its to realise people are being dragged kicking assumptions that everything was going to and screaming to battery-powered cars. We’re be battery-electric but it’s the usual problem that technology moves much faster than “Hydrogen is the only policy. Four to five years ago, H2 wasn’t way you can get the really on the radar,” he said. roar of a V6 or V8 with zero emissions” As well as hydrogen fuel cell developments, Harper also points to TIM HARPER CEO, Element 2 the interest some car makers have in using H2 as internal combustion fuel. “Development is being led by luxury sports car makers and motorsport, as it’s the only way you can get the roar of a V6 or V8 with zero emissions,” he says. “A few years ago it wasn’t an option at all, as you couldn’t get hydrogen. Now you can.” Mercedes-AMG One hand-made in UK PRODUCTION of the Mercedes-AMG One – the hand-assembled as it travels down a production complex hypercar powered by an F1 engine for the line with 16 stations that encompass everything road – is now under way in Coventry, while its from a monsoon rain test to dyno runs and a visual engine is being built in Brixworth, Northants. First inspection. Part of the process involves the car deliveries are expected before the end of the year. being built twice: once so it can be checked for fit and finish, before it’s taken apart so individual While all AMG engines are built by hand, the components can be hand painted. AMG One goes a step further – the whole car is 16 Special Issue
MG’s all-new A5 Sportback Inbox Your views rival to rely on petrol power We want to hear your views. Send your OFFICIAL questions or opinions to the E-mail address below Contact Tristan Shale-Hester HOT TOPIC UK driving standards FROM: MCDS IF 72 per cent of drivers FROM: Piotr Reut MANY people haven’t say they’ve had a near-miss, I’m realised, but the UK is a brilliant place assuming the 28 per cent who say to drive. They would understand if they haven’t are actually oblivious they often drove in other countries. drivers who cause the near-misses. We have low accident rates here. It Driving to work feels like running the doesn’t mean there’s no room for gauntlet with these driving standards. improvement, however. MG is gunning for Audi with this, the 1.5-litre petrol engine that produces Nearly 75 per cent of UK new MG7, a cut-price alternative to 183bhp and 300Nm of torque and drivers have nearly had the German firm’s A5 Sportback. comes with a seven-speed dual-clutch an accident, according automatic gearbox. MG is also said to The sleek four-door coupé has be planning high-performance plug-in to a survey from a low nose, sharp headlights and hybrid models that we could see as Nextbase muscular rear wheelarches that, soon as next year. combined with the raked rear Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk roofline, give it a powerful stance. Given its eye-catching design, it’s perhaps unsurprising that the MG7 will ■ “Retests every five ■ “Everyone should have ■ “The best solution to But the MG7 isn’t an EV. It’s actually be used to promote the company’s new years is the only way, to take an advanced poor driving standards powered by a combustion engine, with Black Label Series nameplate, which plus a retest after any driving test; that would would be real cops in a choice of two options: the 405 VTGI will be reserved for high-end models. motoring conviction.” improve standards.” cars on the road.” Trophy model is reported to get a Colin Post Shaw Mick Paul LJ 2.0-litre petrol unit producing 254bhp However, given the British brand’s and 405Nm of torque mated to a EV-heavy launch plans for the European nine-speed automatic gearbox. market, it’s unlikely we’ll get the MG7 in the UK, despite new hybrid car sales Beneath this in the line-up sits continuing until 2035. the 300 VTGI variant, which uses a Engines include 1.5 and 2.0-litre petrols but the MG7 is unlikely to be sold here I can’t wait to see Set up a website to Aceman’s options report shady plates EV makeover for beach buggy FROM: Graeme Morgan HAVING read FROM: Andrew Wheatley I AM seeing THE iconic Meyers Manx beach buggy The Meyers Manx 2.0 Electric buggy is your article on the MINI Aceman more and more cars on the road with has been given an EV makeover to create said to have a range of up to 300 miles concept (Issue 1,739), which is darkened or shaded number plates. this: the Meyers Manx 2.0 Electric. supposed to signal the brand’s future Why doesn’t the DVLA or Government design language, I can only assume set up a website for reporting these It retains much of the icon’s looks, but the production car’s options list would illegal plates? The drivers who use while the original buggy had its engine include furry dice, a nodding dog and them could have a hidden criminal mounted in the rear, most of the Manx go-faster stripes down the sides. agenda, such as drug dealing. 2.0’s weight is under the floor with its battery, which will be offered in 20kWh Stellantis shows VW Emissions lawsuits and 40kWh sizes, giving a range of 150 Group how to do it look like greed to me or 300 miles. The company claims 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds. FROM: Chris Hanson MIKE Rutherford FROM: John Smith-Warren I NOTE there is right in that there’s not enough to are a number of highly advertised differentiate between Volkswagen, emissions-related lawsuits against car SEAT and Skoda (Issue 1,740). makers at the moment. If what they Stellantis is doing a better job at say is true, then the owners will only creating distinct identities between have benefitted from lower CO2-based its brands. I’m particularly impressed Vehicle Excise Duty rights. Why do they with the styling of the new Astra. want compensation? Seems greedy. UCosenftualcts THE following provide help Legal Used car inspections Car registration/history Problems with dealers Problems with makers with motoring problems. AA: 0345 850 1130 (m) AA: 0800 056 8040 HPI: 0113 222 2010 The Motor Ombudsman: The Motor Ombudsman: www.autoexpress.co.uk Some services are free, RAC: 0330 159 1446 (m) RAC: 0330 159 0720 AA: 0800 316 3564 0345 241 3008 0345 241 3008 others charge a fee or Citizens Advice Consumer DVLA: 0300 790 6802 Consumer Ombudsman: Financial problems operate on premium-rate helpline: 03454 040506 Technical advice RAC: 0808 164 1923 womwbwu.cdosnmsaunm.oerrg- Financial Ombudsman: lines (p), while some offer Local Trading Standards AA: 0370 142 0002 (m) Traffic information RMIF: 0845 305 4230 0800 023 4567 advice for members only (m) Local Citizens Advice Bureau AA: 0906 888 4322 Scottish Motor Trade Safety concerns/recalls Driving licences RAC: 09003 444999 (p) Assoc. 0131 331 5510 www.check-mot. DVLA: 0300 790 6801 service.gov.uk Special Issue 17
INSIDE STORY Tackling the motoring issues that matter Guy Bird GETTING A HANDLE ‘Made to share’ message on the STRAPPING large and heavy solar panels to the roof door handles underlines Sion’s of a car has historically been a nice, but flawed idea, plans for owners to rent our their based on similar and more workable precedents on domestic and commercial buildings. These harness our cars using a smartphone app world’s most plentiful resource, relieve our electrical infrastructure and reduce CO2 emissions. So, why not cars “The solar panels are then? Because most solar-roofed concepts presented more resistant than a over the past 20 years have been too small, too inefficient normal auto body. And or both, barely creating enough energy to run their own if real damage occurs air-con, let alone power themselves down the road. we can swap them panel by panel, with But new solar electric vehicle company Sono Motors no respray required” might be about to change that perception. Starting back in 2012, two entrepreneurial young Germans, Laurin JONA CHRISTIANS Sono CE0 Hahn, who studied electrical engineering, and Jona Christians (computer science and experimental physics) www.autoexpress.co.uk built their first solar car in three years before officially setting up Sono Motors in a Munich garage in 2016. Since then the pair has sensibly enrolled the help of a few thoughtful eco-minded car-maker veterans, including ex-Daimler strategist and Nissan Europe CEO Thomas Hausch as Sono’s chief operating officer, and also an ex-Volkswagen designer and ex-BMW finance expert, too. Flexible Why should anyone take notice of this startup with big dreams? Firstly, their forthcoming Sion car has 456 half- cell solar panels on the roof, bonnet, rear hatch and doors. They are covered in thin, flexible protective polymer layers that are two-thirds lighter than glass and can effectively capture the sun’s rays at different angles. Secondly, the self-developed and patented cells were designed from the outset for transport, not adapted from other industries. The energy generated is conservatively estimated to extend the Sion’s 190-mile range from its 54kWh battery by 70 miles a week on average. The battery can charge up to 75kW (DC) and 11kW (AC) and is of a lithium iron phosphate type which Sono says, unlike lithium-ion equivalents, requires no cobalt, nickel or manganese, is non-flammable and has a longer lifespan. The battery also has bi-directional charging capability and three top-up ports – located under a front-grille flap – including a CCS connector system and Type 2 connector as standard. Sono claims the Sion can recharge in 35 minutes via CCS. But perhaps the most compelling element of Sono’s story is that the Sion isn’t an elitist, high-price EV. At 4,290mm long, 1,830mm wide and 16,70mm high it has clear mini-MPV proportions and a net £21,000 price (25,126 Euros). As of 1 July 2022, Sono has a total of 19,000 private reservations, with an average £1,850 (2,225 Euros) down-payment made. The only colour available is black, which has been chosen to make the otherwise- dark solar panels blend in better. On dull days the whole car just looks matt black and on brighter days the solar panels appear blue-grey, revealing the car’s big eco-tech secret. What about all those solar panels in a crash situation though? “They’re actually more resistant than a normal auto body,” CEO Jona Christians says. “And if real damage occurs we can swap them panel by panel, with no respray required.” Independent service partners will be hired for that job to avoid dealer network costs, and sales are planned to be direct and online. Driving a late-2021 prototype around the perimeter of Sono’s Munich HQ with 18 Special Issue
SonoSion INSIDE STORY SHEURENCOKMEISNTHGE We head to Munich to see how German startup Sono is using solar power to help charge the firm’s first EV, the Sion, and look at its plans to develop the technology for use on commercial vehicles www.autoexpress.co.uk Special Issue 19
INSIDE STORY SonoSion POWER Sion’s solar panels are covered in lightweight polymer layers that capture sun rays from different angles COVERED The solar panels are fitted to the doors, roof, bonnet and bootlid to ensure as much energy can be harvested to top up the Sion’s 54kWh battery INTERIOR Living moss is visible under a dash panel and is used as part of the air-con’s filtration system a few bright cones put down for direction – this car isn’t optimised for the most common 12-metre public transport How the road-legal – you still get a good sense of the solar EV’s buses in Europe, including MAN and Mercedes, and offers make-up. It may only have average build quality and a complete retrofit solution for fleet operators by adding “I’m dumbfounded by panel gaps that need resolution, but that’s typical of about eight square metres of solar panels that are able to the clarity of Sono’s vision, an early prototype. It accelerates in reasonable EV partially power the large air-con needs of such vehicles. and when I retire I want fashion – Sono says 0-62mph takes 9.0 seconds – to be able to justify my and it definitely does so with more oomph than a Sono claims the kit can save 1,500 litres of diesel and career to my kids” Citroen Ami, if less rapidly and assuredly than a up to four tonnes of CO2 per bus, per year. Nineteen BMW i3. Manoeuvring via what looks like an off- companies have already signed up and Sono suggests THOMAS HAUSCH Sono COO the-shelf steering wheel is okay, but the turning a return on its investment in three to four years. circle is wide. Braking levels were fine at the low www.autoexpress.co.uk speeds tested, but high speeds were not safe to The company has also launched an app, which aims to let try in Sono HQ’s compact grounds. However, a top German owners rent out their Sions – like a cross between speed of 87mph is listed, with 163hp on tap from Airbnb and Zipcar – to utilise them fully. Customers set the the electric motor via a single-speed transmission. rental prices and gain income from the deal, while Sono takes a 20 per cent fee for each transaction. The prototype’s interior, while commendably using recycled plastic on the dash, feels a little grey and old- All of which makes Sono seem more credible than many school. It’s a big cabin, though, with room for up to three EV startups, which often tout expensive, small-run and child seats and a 650-litre boot that rises to 1,200 litres limited-use EVs. Unfortunately, in spite of recent record- with rear seats folded (plus an extra front boot, too). breaking sunshine, there are there are no plans for a right-hand-drive version of the Sion here in the UK. Despite the smart 11-inch colour infotainment screen, the stand-out cabin feature is arguably the air-con system, In the next few years we’ll just have to watch the firm’s where living moss is used as part of the air filtration. Its plan unfold from afar, but Sono and other solar-powered bright green but natural cloud-like structure is displayed transport startups could finally be a useful partial solution under a clear panel running across the dash and will feature to the currently low number of European charging points in the production version, although Sono’s interior designer and the pressure that increasing numbers of regular electric when we visited (who’s just joined BMW) told us the moss vehicles on the road will add to the power grid. might have to be processed with a few chemicals to stop it going mouldy. Still, it’s a distinctive detail – and could well Succeed or fail, it feels like Sono’s staff have their be a unique feature for a production car. hearts in the right place, as chief operating officer and auto industry veteran Thomas Hausch concludes: “I’m The 2022 production-ready model was revealed in July dumbfounded by the clarity of Sono’s vision, and when and looks to have considerably improved the quality and I retire I want to be able to justify my career to my kids.” design of the prototype we drove, despite having the same basic spec. Exterior changes include new front and rear lights plus cleaner surfaces. There is a new steering wheel and a different seat design front and back inside. Sono had earmarked 2022 to start production at the ex-Saab NEVS facility, but has now shifted this to Finland’s Valmet Automotive in 2023. The firm is also slated to make vehicles for another solar car brand, Lightyear (see page 21), and is already a well established supplier and contract- manufacturer, making the Mercedes A-Class and GLC. If all goes to plan, it aims to produce more than 250,000 Sion cars over seven years. But Sono won’t be just relying on Sion sales to pay the rent. As important to its business plan is diversification into other transport sectors. It recently launched a ‘Solar Bus Kit’ 20 Special Issue
SonoSion INSIDE STORY BLACK MAGIC Each Sion is finished in black so that the solar panels blend in DUTCH MASTER Lightyear’s O has panels on the roof and bonnet to charge the EV’s batteries using energy from the sun Bright outlook for solar-power EVs FREE MILEAGE DUTCH firm Lightyear also wants to harness future models, but it doesn’t want to stay the clean, free energy of solar rays. It might exclusive and small-run forever. It has Sono claims up to 70 miles not offer as many of its surfaces as the Sono signed a 5,000-unit deal with LeasePlan for a week can be added to Sion to the sun – only one long roof panel the Lightyear Two model due in 2024-25 for the Sion’s 190-mile range and another on the bonnet – but that still an as yet undefined but stated “affordable thanks to the solar panels, equates to five square metres. price point”. Lightyear is also investigating which can also be fitted to ride-hailing and sharing services to let more commercial vehicles (below) The design of its five-seat Lightyear 0 people use a solar-powered car. (formerly the Lightyear One) is sleeker Sono solar panels work than the Sion’s, courtesy of ex-Pininfarina Meanwhile, scientists from the University design director Lowie Vermeersch, now at of Central Florida (UCF) and NASA in the US Granstudio. Lightyear says the 0 (zero) can are working on lightweight solar materials harvest 14 miles of EV range by sitting in for transport applications on Earth and in good sun for two hours, or between 4,000- space. Likening it to the charged power suit 7,000 miles a year depending on climate. worn by Marvel Comics’ Black Panther, the The firm’s engineers are working towards a idea is that layered carbon-composite range-enhancing sub-0.20 drag co-efficient. material can clad cars, planes, drones and spacecraft while capturing solar energy. The Pioneer Edition 0 is likely to start at £100,000 (150,000 Euros) and is also built Prof Jayan Thomas, team leader in UCF’s by Valmet Automotive. It will be sold initially NanoScience Technology Center, says on the in selected continental European countries university’s website: “Our idea is to use the and will be followed by an even more body shells to store energy to supplement expensive £200,000-plus Limited Edition. the power in batteries. This composite can reduce the weight of your car and increase Lightyear has just signed a deal to work the miles per charge by 25 per cent.” with niche supercar maker Koenigsegg on www.autoexpress.co.uk Special Issue 21
NEWCARS Visit autoexpress.co.uk for the latest new cars and drives HANDLING Ariya is sharper and more responsive to drive than rivals, with quick and accurate steering “It’s more than fast enough FIRST DRIVE Entry-level version of our for a family SUV, helped by award-winner has a 250-mile range a chunky 300Nm of torque” Nissan Ariya Wind and road noise are kept to a minimum, for impressive refinement PRACTICALITY Boot space is fair, at 466 litres, while the car’s all-new platform means room in the rear seats is great. Despite the sloping roofline and raked windscreen, all-round visibility is good 22 Special Issue
24 PORSCHE MACAN T 26 KIANIRO EV 28 FORD FOCUS ESTATE German brand adds Korean EV strikes strong Mild-hybrid power and four-cylinder Touring first blow as rivals ready SYNC 4 infotainment for model to SUV line-up their challengers the refreshed wagon Essentials TECH Climate controls are touch-sensitive, EQUIPMENT Our test car was fitted with Nissan Ariya Advance but they’re not part of the main screen so are the optional £1,295 Sky Pack, which adds a Price: £43,845 easier to operate on the move – plus they’re panoramic sunroof. It’s a nice touch, but we’d Powertrain: 63kWh battery/e-motor illuminated softly at night time. The pair of save the money or spend it on one of the more Power/torque: 215bhp/300Nm 12.3-inch screens work just as well premium paint finishes with a contrast roof Transmission: Single-speed automatic, front-wheel drive 0-62mph: 7.5 seconds Top speed: 100mph Range: 250 miles Charging: 130kW (10-80% 35 mins) ONSALE Now Alex Ingram INTERIOR Materials feel high in quality [email protected] while the layout is spacious and minimalist, @AxleIngram with Japanese-inspired details lifting the cabin Electric motor FRESH from its victory at the 2022 Auto suspension set-up Express New Car Awards last month, is a little on the firm Power/range the Nissan Ariya has proved it has what it side, it still delivers enough compliance takes to cut it with premium EV players. to be comfortable overall. 215bhp/250 miles And a chance to reacquaint ourselves The Ariya is also surprisingly direct to with Nissan’s latest electric car has drive for a taller, heavier SUV. The steering only reinforced our opinion. is light and positive; like other EVs, the Verdict Despite its name, our Advance-spec test battery’s mass is kept low in the chassis, car is the entry-level point of the range – but even so, the Ariya is much more agile THE Ariya is a shining example of and range is as good a place as any to start and engaging to drive than its closest rivals. an EV done right. Predictable and when discussing an electric vehicle. Based on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s usable range, plenty of kit on even A 63kWh battery means an official range CMF-EV platform, the Ariya is much softer the entry-level model, quality, of 250 miles from a full charge; we got 235 than Renault’s Megane E-Tech Electric, space and style combine to make miles, which translates to roughly 3.7 for example, although it’s a bigger car so this a desirable car that’s backed miles per kilowatt hour. With 130kW there’s more space inside. Rear-seat space up by solid performance and superb rapid charging, an 80 per cent top-up is excellent and, despite the sloping roofline refinement. It also acquits itself takes just over half an hour. There’s and the £1,295 panoramic sunroof on our well dynamically. After its initial also a 87kWh battery car with a car, there’s no problem when it comes to EV exploits with the Leaf, Nissan range of 329 miles. headroom for those in the back seats. was left in the doldrums when it A clever EV menu on the At 466 litres, the boot’s volume is merely came to electrification, but the firm infotainment and sat-nav set-up okay, but it’s not far shy of that of Kia’s EV6, has really joined the race against can suggest charging stops on your which isn’t as roomy inside, and eclipses both mainstream and premium journey if necessary and condition the the Toyota bZ4X. There’s also plenty of competitors with the Ariya. battery so it’s in optimum charging storage, including a lidded tray on the condition when you arrive. Apple CarPlay elegant centre console. and Android Auto also come as standard; The Ariya delivers in every area, which owners might prefer to use these systems means it’s one of the most well rounded on the 12.3-inch screen, even though the electric cars on sale right now. Ariya’s native software is sound. That tech blends with fantastic material quality; wood-effect trim inlays house touch-sensitive climate controls. While we prefer physical dials and switches for ventilation, a gentle touch in the Ariya is registered with welcome haptic feedback. Nissan plays on its Japanese heritage, too. The ambient LED lighting is inspired by traditional Japanese paper lanterns, for instance. It’s a cool touch that adds an injection of personality that’s important in an EV. That’s partly because without a combustion engine, a big element of how a conventional car drives isn’t present. But we have no problems with performance. The Ariya’s 215bhp front- mounted electric motor delivers smooth acceleration and it’s more than fast enough for a family SUV, helped by a chunky 300Nm of torque that carries the car along in near-silent serenity. Refinement on the move is very good indeed, and while the Special Issue 23
NEW CARS Porsche Macan T Essentials BOOT Macan T features the same 488-litre PRACTICALITY Just like the boot (left), SOUND Although the V6-engined Macan S Porsche Macan T boot as the rest of the range, so there’s plenty the Macan T’s cabin is as spacious and as well sounds a bit sweeter, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder Price: £55,800 of practicality on offer, with not much of a lip to appointed as any other model in the line-up. motor in the Macan T still offers a purposeful Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo petrol lift bags over. A powered tailgate is also fitted There’s plenty of room for passengers, but a exhaust note that balances enjoyment and Power/torque: 261bhp/400Nm as standard for extra convenience Jaguar F-Pace is bigger still refinement in equal measure Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, four-wheel drive 0-60mph: 6.2 seconds Top speed: 144mph Economy: 28.0mpg CO2: 229g/km ONSALE Now EQUIPMENT Large central “The PDK gearbox’s quick changes add to touchscreen works brilliantly, the sportiness of the and haptic centre console is an driving experience” improvement over the original Macan’s button-heavy layout Alastair Crooks and it’s smarter and less confusing to use. Sport Chrono Pack, the 0-62mph time Porsch Above it sits a 10.9-inch touchscreen, which drops by 0.2 seconds to 6.2 in this car. [email protected] is slick and responsive. Our car also came FIRST UK DRIVE New To @AllieCrooks with £5,041 of optional kit, but we could Riding on Porsche’s PASM adaptive probably do without the £245 roof rails and suspension with steel springs, the T sits Lower ride height and drop in IN 1968 Porsche denoted its lightest £252 dimming interior and exterior mirrors. 15mm lower than the regular car, while weight sharpen responses of 911 as the 911 T and since then the the steering has also been tweaked. Macan T over standard car ‘Touring’ moniker has been bestowed on The T shares its 2.0-litre four-cylinder models from the brand that chase driver turbocharged engine with VW Group models These changes – along with that cut in www.autoexpress.co.uk engagement rather than lap times. such as the Golf GTI, only here it’s mounted weight – only deliver a marginal increase A pure driving experience isn’t something longitudinally. The smaller engine weighs in turn-in response and stability through you’d necessarily look for in a plush, family- 59kg less than the Macan S’s V6, and corners, which is not such a bad thing friendly SUV such as the Macan. However, removing that mass from the nose, Porsche because the standard Macan is one of the Porsche is confident that it deserves the T says, helps to improve cornering agility. best-handling SUVs. You can adjust its badge. It’s not only purists it’ll have to win line mid-corner and grip levels are never over, either, with the likes of Alfa Romeo’s It develops 261bhp and 400Nm of torque, troubled in the dry. Its steering is weighted Stelvio and Jaguar’s F-Pace to tussle with. with the latter available from 1,800rpm to brilliantly, too, and gives good feedback. Since we drove it in Italy earlier this year, 4,000rpm. That’s the same as in the entry- the Macan T has had its price bumped up level Macan, but thanks to the standard-fit Air suspension can be added for from £53,970 to £55,800, although it’s still £1,044, plus an uprated rear anti-roll £5,000 more than the entry-level 2.0-litre “You can adjust its bar, which allows for a further 10mm (or Macan and £1,000 less than the Macan S. line mid-corner and 20mm in Sport Plus mode) drop in ride The Macan T stands apart from the rest grip levels are never height. Whether you choose Comfort, of the range with subtle cosmetic details. troubled in the dry” Sport or Sport Plus mode, the Macan T Its grille, door mirrors, side blades, rear feels composed under hard cornering spoiler and badging are all finished in Agate and while the ride may get progressively Grey metallic paintwork, and the 20-inch busier, it’s never uncomfortable. We’ve alloy wheels come in a complementary said before, the air suspension is worth dark titanium shade. There are 13 exterior colour options to choose from, too. Inside, the Macan T gets a unique part- leather, part-‘Sport-Tex’ Alcantara-like trim, with silver contrast stitching and embossed Porsche logos on the headrests. A new centre console replaced the array of buttons with a touch-sensitive panel in late 2021 24 Special Issue
NEW CARSPorsche Macan T e Macan T Practicality Performance Running costs ouring model joins SUV line-up Boot (seats up/down) 0-62mph/top speed 28.0mpg (official) www.autoexpress.co.uk 488/1,503 litres 6.2 seconds/144mph £123 fill-up buying if you do lots of motorway miles – Verdict where the ride is slightly more refined – but otherwise, save the cash. Our opinion hasn’t CREATING a space for the driver- changed since driving the car in the UK. focused Macan T within Porsche’s sporty mid-size SUV line-up was The seven-speed PDK gearbox is flawless. always going to be a difficult task. It’s super-smooth and the quick changes It’s not the pick of the range, but add an extra layer of sportiness to the the T still manages to highlight the driving experience. The brakes are powerful Macan’s excellent driving dynamics and reassuring, even after heavy and at a lower price point. It’s biggest repeated use. From the point of view of problem? The even more exciting enjoyment and capability, we reckon that V6-powered S is only slightly pricier, many four-wheel-drive hot hatches are more but offers more character for just a credible rivals to the Macan T than the SUV small penalty in efficiency. alternatives, which is credit to the Porsche. Special Issue 25 Trouble is, the four-cylinder engine is effective but hardly bristling with character – something that afflicts this unit in other cars. While that flat torque curve makes the motor fairly flexible, it also means it isn’t particularly rewarding to rev out. The heftier V6 model sacrifices the last word in agility, but a richer sound and more muscular mid-to- high range seem like a fair trade, especially when the S and T are so closely priced.
NEW CARS KiaNiroEV Essentials Kia Niro EV Kia Niro EV 3 Price: £38,995 FIRST UK DRIVE New Korean EV strikes a Powertrain: 64.8kWh batt/1x e-motor strong first blow as rivals ready challengers Power/torque: 201bhp/255Nm Transmission: Single-speed automatic, Alex Ingram steering is precise. There’s a little too much road noise, but otherwise it’s fairly refined. front-wheel drive [email protected] 0-62mph: 7.8 seconds @AxleIngram There are five regenerative brake settings, Top speed: 103mph selected by flicking the two steering wheel- AT first glance, the on-paper stats of mounted paddles. These allow the driver to Range: 285 miles (WLTP) the all-new Kia Niro EV might come as a switch between anything from free coasting Charging: 72kW (10-80% 43 mins) surprise. That’s because the latest version all the way up to one-pedal driving. of the brand’s popular electric family ONSALE Now crossover has a range of 285 miles – just So is the largely unchanged range a three more than its predecessor. It’s not problem? We don’t think so – what’s more “The driver can choose the only figure that might look like a copy- important is the Niro’s impressive efficiency. anything from free coasting and-paste job from the old model, either. A mix of city, motorway and enthusiastic up to one-pedal driving” The battery capacity is still a little under B-road driving resulted in a return of 4.4 65kWh and the front-mounted electric miles per kilowatt hour, exactly matching motor still produces 201bhp. the WLTP-certified 285-mile range. Driving in Such is the rate of progress in the electric town, we got 5mi/kWh without even trying. car world, some might expect the Niro EV to go further and faster than its the car it We’d hoped for improved charging, replaces. But while the stats have hardly though. A 10 to 80 per cent rapid charge changed, there’s a lot that is new. takes 43 minutes – the same as in the old Most obvious is the sharper styling. e-Niro. Allowing drivers to make quicker top- The old car’s ageing looks have been ups not only reduces the time taken over ditched in favour of something altogether enforced breaks, but means they can spend more contemporary. There are hints of the less time occupying chargers, too. Sportage SUV in the Niro’s angular face, while the flanks draw your eye to the rear Prices for the Niro EV start from £36,245 with a dramatic C-pillar which, depending in 2 trim. Of the three spec levels, we’d go on the exterior colour you go for, can be for the mid-spec 3 model here. For £38,995 finished in a contrasting shade. you get 18-inch wheels, parking sensors, the 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone Platform charging, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, a blind-spot warning system The second-generation all-electric Niro sits and plenty more driver-assistance tech. on the new Hyundai-Kia K3 platform, and the body makes use of a greater proportion Those prices put the new Niro EV in the of high-strength steel in its construction, firing line of the upcoming Renault Megane The result is that it’s one per cent stiffer, E-Tech Electric, plus rivals such as the Cupra yet 20kg lighter – an impressive feat Born – both very capable EVs in their own considering it’s grown in size. right. It’ll be fascinating to see how the Niro competes with those two, but it’s certainly Step inside, and the family resemblance shown promise in the UK on this first test. with Kia’s flagship electric car, the EV6, is clear. The dashboard has a very similar layout to its bigger brother’s, and it gets the same twin-spoke steering wheel and clever dual-purpose touch panel that switches between the climate and infotainment functions. It’s a very slick system that works well, much like the 10.25-inch infotainment screen that sits above it. Material quality is decent enough – as long as you’re looking straight ahead. The door panels have an angular appearance that complements the dash, but they’re mostly finished in flat, hard plastics that feel a bit cheap to the touch. In the back, though, the Niro is impressive. Rear-seat space – particularly headroom – is great. The driving experience, meanwhile, feels more grown up than the last Niro. The electric powertrain is similar to before, and here a soft throttle response makes it a delightfully easy car to drive. The biggest change comes in ride quality: the brittle old set-up has been replaced with something much more relaxing. Body control is good on country roads, and the 26 Special Issue
KiaNiroEV NEW CARS CHARGING The Niro EV charges at a peak of 72kW, but many rivals are capable of faster charging rates. The nose-mounted port is well positioned for public charging points EQUIPMENT The larger 10.25-inch infotainment display is standard on this mid-spec 3 trim. Step up to the top-spec 4 model and luxuries such as ventilated front seats and vegan leather feature PRACTICALITY With a 451-litre boot, Niro EV is 15 litres up on old e-Niro; it grows to 1,392 litres with the seats down. Interior storage is decent, and while the door bins are small, it’s a minor point COMFORT The driving position offers Verdict plenty of scope for adjustment and the WHILE the figures suggest that not Niro EV’s cabin is smart. The back seats much has changed with the new are very roomy, and the flat floor means Niro EV, they didn’t need to. And there’s lots of space for feet, too the areas which did need some improvement – design, on-board www.autoexpress.co.uk tech and refinement – have all taken a step forward. The Niro is one of the most efficient EVs around, but we’d have hoped for faster charging – and it will face some very stiff competition over the coming months. Special Issue 27
NEW CARS Ford Focus Estate Ford Focus Estate FIRST DRIVE We try the new wagon with mild-hybrid power Steve Walker steering wheel, a 12.3-inch digital dash, COMFORT Vignale-equipped models Essentials full keyless go, all-round parking sensors, [email protected] plenty of safety and driver-assistance feature more upmarket upholstery; the Ford Focus Estate kit and cruise control are all fitted as biggest draw, though, is the facelifted car’s 1.0 EcoBoost mHEV 155 THE humble family estate has lost out standard, along with Ford’s clever improved technology, courtesy of SYNC 4 Auto Active Vignale to the SUV over recent years, but Ford QuickClear windscreen, which is great we’ve come to expect from any Focus still thinks there’s life in the formula yet in winter. But then, with an asking price model, proving that even a family Price: £31,500 because it’s returned to this sector with of £31,500 for this mild-hybrid 1.0-litre estate car can be fun to drive. Engine: 1.0-litre 3cyl petrol MHEV an updated version of its Focus Estate. EcoBoost 155 engine with a seven-speed Power/torque: 153bhp/190Nm As with the firm’s five-door Focus automatic gearbox, you’d be expecting Body control is brilliant and the Transmission: Seven-speed automatic, hatchback, this estate model features subtly that level of equipment. Focus’s steering is light, fast and revised styling, with new bumpers, fresh precise, offering great agility when front-wheel drive headlights and a tweaked grille that now The 153bhp unit is strong though, you opt for the scenic route home. 0-62mph: 8.6 seconds features an oversized Blue Oval logo at its with a small electrical (but pretty much Top speed: 128mph centre. There are some concessions to the imperceptible) boost helping to deliver While the new Focus’s tech has Economy: 53.3mpg appeal of an SUV with the car in our pictures smooth acceleration off the line and a definitely taken a step on, quality inside though, because the Focus Active Estate claimed 0-62mph time of 8.6 seconds. the cabin remains mixed. Materials are CO2: 127g/km adds cladding around the wheelarches With 190Nm of torque it also offers solid and it feels well built, but there and raises the standard car’s ride height enough flexibility that, combined with are still plenty of hard plastics scattered ONSALE Now by 30mm for a crossover-inspired look. the smooth-shifting automatic gearbox, here and there despite this high-spec Like any estate should, though, it majors makes it feel relaxed on the move. trim level’s different upholstery. So on practicality, with a total of 575 litres of despite the price tag it doesn’t feel all load space with the rear seats in place, More importantly, while it’s pricier, that premium, even if first impressions rising to 1,653 litres if you fold them down there’s no sacrifice when it comes to suggest it looks smarter. via levers in the boot. The boot floor can efficiency compared with the EcoBoost also be folded to keep loads in place. 125 MHEV automatic powertrain. Our car The rear seats offer plenty of space offers up to a claimed 53.3mpg, which for legs and heads, and there are lots of is actually 1mpg more than its sibling. storage options, with lidded trays, cubbies and generous bins dotted around the cabin. The Active model’s extra ground Active Vignale trim (Vignale is now rolled clearance helps give it a little more into various trim levels as an extra option suspension travel, but the Focus’s ride package, with plenty of kit) also includes is still firm compared with some rivals. a wireless smartphone charging tray, However, it doesn’t affect the overall plus Ford’s upgraded SYNC 4 touchscreen ride comfort too much, even on our infotainment system, which offers quick car’s 18-inch wheels, offering enough responses and plenty of features displayed composure over bumpy roads – and it on its huge 13.2-inch screen. delivers the same sharp driving dynamics Sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10-speaker B&O stereo, dual-zone climate “The Active model rides higher than the control, heated front seats and a heated regular Estate, but it’s still set up firmly” Active trim adds wheelarch cladding and raises the ride height by 30mm 28 Special Issue www.autoexpress.co.uk
NEW CARSFord Focus Estate PRACTICALITY Facelifted car’s 575-litre boot Verdict features a boot floor arrangement that can be raised FORD’S updated Focus Estate offers and clipped in place (inset), offering an area to store decent practicality, a sound blend of muddy boots or to stop shopping bags rolling around comfort and enjoyment, and it’s more stylish than you might imagine. The upgraded tech inside means it keeps pace with rivals, while this 153bhp mHEV model is more efficient on paper than lower-powered siblings. However, we’d steer clear of the pricier Vignale models because there’s better value lower down the line-up. ____b www.autoexpress.co.uk Special Issue 29
INSIDE STORY Future dashboard technology SAFETY NET “What we’re doing really Envisics’ system is holography: moving lets drivers see information through 3D space. That has some significant hazards and advantages – it all stems from indicates a the fact that we can mess with the speed of light.” safe distance to keep behind DR JAMIESON CHRISTMAS Founder Envisics the car in front Nathan Morgan LIGHATHYEEAADRS? Envisics firmly believes that holography will replace current www.autoexpress.co.uk car information displays. We got a taste of the future tech Steve Fowler laser here. They travel down these tubes, bounce off these light modulator things and combine here into a hologram.” [email protected] @stevefowler But head-up displays are nothing new, so what does Envisics’ tech do that other systems don’t? “The benefits NOT long ago, in a galaxy not that far away (just around are you can place the instrument cluster at exactly the right the back of Ikea in Milton Keynes, to be precise) a Star distance to ensure you’re always accommodating people’s Wars obsessive created a high-tech company to fight the vision and enhancing their situational awareness,” he adds. evil of information overload in our cars. Dr Jamieson Christmas is a self-confessed geek, but also “But more importantly it means you can place alerts – the founder, chief executive officer and chief technical officer particularly when you’re trying to enhance people’s of Envisics, a British company that aims to use holographics awareness of hazards in the urban environment – at the to transform how we interact with our cars. same location in space. So, there’s no focus adoption, Our first encounter with Envisics, which is based in a non- there’s no ‘where’s that supposed to be?’. It actually puts descript office, is on May 6. That’s just two days after ‘Star the information where it’s meant to be, so you immediately Wars day’ on May 4, so the offices are still bedecked with understand and recognise the hazards around you. Other Star Wars paraphernalia, while the rooms are also a nod systems simply don’t do that.” towards Christmas’s sense of humour: they’re named in reference to the TV series Blackadder. Envisics’ technology is also a car engineer and designer’s Christmas’s life and career have clearly been affected by dream, being smaller, lighter and much easier to package George Lucas’s Star Wars series, and he references scenes than existing head-up displays. “This unit is significantly from the films in his presentations on holography. Luke more compact than existing solutions,” says Christmas. Skywalker seeing what we all thought was a hologram of “Some of the existing boxes go between 16 and 18 litres Princess Leia in Star Wars – A New Hope back in 1977 – we’re down between eight and 10.” was not, in fact, a hologram, the Envisics boss tells us. “What we tend to see on our movie screens is pure science Efficiency is also key and where a traditional LED-based fiction, it’s not holography,” he says. “And what we often HUD unit draws 50W of power, Envisics’ uses only 1W. see in real life isn’t holographic, it’s basically a transparent screen with an image projected onto it. That’s really what’s But what about cost? “There’s no doubt we’re more happening with a conventional head-up display (HUD). expensive than competing solutions now because we’re not “What we’re doing really is holography: moving shipping these solutions in very large volumes – LCDs are information through 3D space. That has some significant everywhere so their prices are lower. Over the course of advantages – it all stems from the fact that we can mess time, that will come down,” Christmas explains. with the speed of light.” Christmas introduces us to a small, intricate component Information overload is a major concern for both car with what look like tiny mirrors inside – he refers to it as the buyers and car manufacturers, with real safety concerns Light Engine. “It messes with the speed of light,” he tells due to too much interaction with touchscreens. “This us. “We have a blue laser here, a green laser here and a red system will reduce blind flight time – the time when you’re interacting with a touchscreen; looking down as the car’s still moving,” Christmas tells us. “I’m not a huge touchscreen fan. I think we’ve reached ‘peak screen’ in a car. It’s got to significant levels of screen 30 Special Issue
INSIDE STORYFuture dashboard technology “As Dr Christmas promises, integrates well with the system, and guiding us with where we move away from the idea of ‘here’s a screen and info is displayed in precisely the a ‘light carpet’ into the right lane on a motorway. It’s you must populate it with information all of the time’. right place at the right time” hugely impressive, ground-breaking stuff. “Holography really does mean we present information in real estate – some cars have literally gone pillar-to-pillar And we’re not alone in being impressed. Envisics won the 3D, so we’ll be able to have effects where you might get in and it can be information overload. automotive tech category at car company Stellantis’ recent the car and a start button appears holographically that you Startup Awards. Ned Curic, Stellantis chief technology put your finger into. It then disappears and becomes a head- “What we’re seeing now is the industry questioning officer said: “Envisics has been a great partner to work with. up display showing an instrument cluster.” whether we can dial it back from that. And if you’re going We share the same determination to create new, innovative to dial it back, what do we replace it with and how do you products that can make a real difference for our customers.” So, could Envisics’ system replace all the data that we see make the user experience more compelling?” on a traditional touchscreen display? “The simple answer is Although Christmas won’t reveal which other car makers yes,” says Christmas. “But what you’re going to see is that Testing Envisics’ system on its in-house car interior mock- his company is working with, it’s a roster that is growing the nature of that information display is going to change. up shows a crystal clarity to the graphics and, as Christmas fast. The first customers to experience Envisics’ technology We can share your notifications quite easily, we can share promises, information displayed in precisely the right place for real will be in the US in the upcoming Cadillac Lyriq. your speed and navigation, but we do it more intuitively.” at the right time – something current systems struggle to do. And the system will continue to evolve, potentially using Envisics is a great British success story that has sprung Our demo takes us through country lanes and the streets software-over-the-air tech. “Given that this thing really does up in a matter of three years since its debut at the Las Vegas of London, highlighting hazards, showing how voice control manipulate light at the most fundamental level, we can Consumer Electronics Show in 2019. And it’s set to use tech change the characteristics of the display,” Christmas to become a major force in making our interaction with our explains. “We’ve got grand ambitions for the technology, cars’ tech simpler, safer and more enjoyable in years to come. www.autoexpress.co.uk Special Issue 31
AUSWEDACRADRS 42-PAGE USED CAR SPECIAL WINNERS 2022 UCBBRASEITAERSINDTS’S We reveal our favourite second-hand models across every sector Stuart Milne [email protected] THERE’S no shortage of new models launching onto the UK market, but with ongoing supply issues caused by the current chip crisis, more and more motorists are turning to the joys of the used- car forecourts to find a new-to-them car. Some 7.5 million used cars changed hands last year, compared with 1.65 million new-car registrations. It’s only right, then, that we celebrate the very best used cars on sale today. Over the next 40 pages, we’ll be presenting our award-winning used cars from myriad manufacturers and categories, with prices starting from less than £5,000, ensuring there are great choices for pretty much any budget. We’ve also highlighted some great left-field options, which start at just £1,000. Buying used still represents a great way to get more value from a car purchase, but particularly sought-after models of yesteryear have rocketed in price, while nearly new examples of more mundane cars are pricier than they once were. To get you started, here’s some advice on where to find your next used car and how to work out if you can afford it before you take that test drive. Can you afford it? from less than £5,000 – all quality-checked, less than eight “BuyaCar makes the process of years old and with fewer than 100,000 miles on the clock. purchasing your next motor almost THIS sounds like an obvious thing to ask yourself, but we’re as easy as ordering from Amazon” not just talking about the up-front cost or, if you’re financing, Also, eBay Motors is an increasingly visible player in the the monthly repayments. Make yourself aware of the road used car world, and many – particularly at the cheaper end to your door. The entire experience is often little more tax band, because the annual outlay could be more than of the market – are turning to Facebook Marketplace to involved than ordering from Amazon. expected – cars from March 2001 onwards are taxed avoid the fees charged by more established sites. according to emissions, and from 2006, the amount As well as thinking about which websites to search on, charged for the most polluting cars went up significantly. Regardless of where you look, you’ll really need to you also need to think about where, geographically, you’re do your homework when buying from a private seller willing to look. We’d always recommend going the distance Be sure to look up servicing costs and find out when a because there’s precious little comeback if you buy a if it seems to be the right car for the right price – ask for potential purchase last had work done, and when it’ll next dud (see our top buying tips, opposite, for more). more details or extra photos from the seller if you’re not need it. It’s also vital to get insurance quotes – if you’ll be sure, and you’ll soon get a feel for whether or not it’ll be switching an existing policy to the new car, your provider Where to buy? worth the risk of taking a long trip for nothing. will be able to tell you the premium difference either on the phone or online. Neglect to sort any of the above, and that MANUFACTURERS’ approved used car schemes at main www.autoexpress.co.uk bargain buy might end up being costlier than expected. dealers are still well worth a look, particularly for the additional levels of protection offered. They come Where to look? recommended, but you’ll pay for that peace of mind. THINGS have moved on from buying a printed collection Independent dealers generally have lower overheads, of classified adverts from the newsagent. There are myriad so are cheaper. And the ‘pile-em-high’ ethos of car websites used by both private sellers and dealerships, supermarkets is fertile ground for a bargain. Buying from including the ubiquitous Auto Trader, which says it lists any dealer will mean you’re protected by consumer around 400,000 vehicles at any time. Looking there is a legislation, but it’s still worth doing your own checks must, but it’s by no means the only place to search. Auto – not least researching other ‘trade’ ads in the classifieds Express’s sister site BuyaCar has almost 70,000 cars priced to ensure you’re getting a good deal. 32 Special Issue For fresher cars, there’s a growing number of online services, with BuyaCar aiming to take the hassle out of the process by offering quality-checked vehicles delivered
“Our award-winners start BEST USED CARS 2022 from less than £5k and there BOUUYRITNOGPTIPS are great choices for pretty much any budget” Know the prices There needs to be a very good reason why one car is priced more than another. Low-mileage cars with a good service history are often worth paying a bit extra for. Consider whether you really need all the toys fitted to a top-of-the-range model. Understand the finance So much of the purchase cost is wrapped up in the finance deal. Look for low APR rates, even if it means a larger deposit, and consider whether you want to keep the car at the end of the deal – if you do, hire purchase may be the best option, but go for PCP if you’re planning to swap. History check It’s vital to pay for a vehicle history check to avoid buying a car with a chequered past. Totalcarcheck is our current favourite. Organisations such as the RAC can perform mechanical checks for you or you can speak to a friendly local mechanic. Service history Look for a bulging file of invoices for work done – but remember much of it is now done digitally. Check for missed services and pay special attention to when the cambelt was last changed, because replacement is usually an expensive job. The test drive Check you’re fully insured and put the car to the test. The car should be free from unusual noises and the gearchange should be smooth. Test the car over a variety of roads, and if you regularly carry items such as child seats, make sure you can fit them. CHOICE Know before you go Car supermarkets have a massive selection of used motors, usually ARM yourself with knowledge in advance. Buyers’ guides (of which Auto Express has an expansive online archive) organised by make and model make for invaluable reading, pointing out all the common problem areas to check and the right sort of questions to www.autoexpress.co.uk ask the seller before being tempted to reach for your wallet. Find out what recalls your model of choice has been subjected to so you can ensure the work has been done, and read up on the service schedule to check against documents of the vehicle’s history to see if your potential purchase has been looked after properly. Looking up the MoT test history online is also a great way to work out how well cared for a car might have been, and what bills to expect in the future. Pay particular attention to the advisories – which of these on the latest test could turn into failures by the time of the next one? Are there any which have been neglected for a few years running? Also check online for faults specific to the car you’re looking at, and check it over from nose to tail – you’ll find guides for all the big-name models on autoexpress.co.uk. And if you’re not confident, several big-name motoring organisations offer paid-for mechanical checks. They’ll give you peace of mind, and any faults that are detected could be used as a bargaining chip during the haggle. Should anything not look right – or the numbers don’t stack up – don’t be afraid to walk away. There are plenty more cars out there, so don’t feel pressured into buying. Special Issue 33
BRITAIN’S BEST USED CARS 2022 COMMENDED Hyundai i10 Mk2 WITH a new i10 in showrooms, there’s never been a better time to buy its Mk2 predecessor. The compact Korean car isn’t as entertaining as the winning Skoda, but it’s easy to drive, nearly as practical and well equipped. More importantly, many examples will still have the balance of Hyundai’s generous five-year warranty. LEFT-FIELD Renault Twingo Mk3 THE original Twingo did things differently when it made its debut in the early nineties, and the Mk3 is no different. Closely related to the Smart ForFour, the Renault features a novel rear-engined layout and a tight turning circle that rivals that of a black cab. It’s surprisingly fun to drive, delivers decent practicality and costs less to buy than many rivals. 34 Special Issue
FINANCE OPTIONS CITY CARS FROM £2,600 THE Citigo is a sensible and INTERIOR affordable car – and that extends to its finance. If you can stretch Clearly laid out to a deposit of £3,000, monthly controls sit high payments on hire purchase are on the dash. just £76.40 on a four-year deal. Early cars featured Once you’ve made the last a removable instalment, the car is yours sat-nav unit to keep, trade in or sell for something else, and will have AUSWEDACRADRS cost £6,667 overall. This makes it a great-value option, whether WINNER 2022 you are able to pay cash up front or opt to purchase on finance. BSEKSOTDCAITCYITCIAGRO In association with SBEkSToUSdEDaCITCYiCtAiRgo OUR PICK 1.0 SE 60 5dr (2015, 65, 37k, £5,990) ONROTAHDE SECOND-hand city slickers don’t come any better COMFORT Although the Skoda is strictly a four-seater, there than the pint-sized Skoda Citigo. Combining grown- Skoda’s city car up driving dynamics, penny-pinching running costs and is enough space for two adults to sit comfortably in the back is equally at home surprising practicality, the Czech model should be your first choice if you’re looking for a compact machine. PRACTICALITY Citigo’s 250-litre boot is among the largest on urban streets The car’s popularity when new means there’s plenty of or the open road choice, and with prices starting from around £2,500, it in the city-car class, while folding seats add to its flexibility won’t break the bank, either. There’s also a nippy all-electric version that can cover more than 100 miles on a charge. But it’s the smooth and eager 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol that will suit most drivers. Available with either 59bhp or 74bhp, it can keep up with the flow of traffic, yet will happily return 50mpg even when worked hard. There’s also a slow-witted ASG automatic transmission option, but we’d stick with the light and precise five-speed manual. As you’d expect, the car feels right at home in the urban jungle, where its dinky dimensions and light controls let it tackle the tightest streets and parking spots with ease. Yet the Citigo is equally happy on the open road. Through a series of corners, the grippy and agile handling makes it great fun, while a smooth ride and decent refinement mean long-haul trips are far more relaxing than you’d expect. Any city car worth its salt has to cope with a busy family life, and the Skoda is no exception. There’s a choice of stylish three-door or versatile five-door bodystyles, while clever packaging means there’s comfortably enough room for four adults inside. Better still, the usefully shaped 250- litre boot matches models from the class above for size. Entry-level S versions feel a bit sparse, but SE models feature air-con and Bluetooth connectivity, while SE L and Elegance trims adds luxuries such as heated seats and nav. Buy a post-2017 facelift car and you’ll also get low-speed collision-avoidance kit. Factor in Skoda’s famed reliability and excellent customer care, and it’s easy to see why the Citigo is a sensational second-hand city car choice. Special Issue 35
BRITAIN’S BEST USED CARS 2022 FBEoSTrUdSEDFSUiePEsRMtIaNI OUR PICK EcoBoost 100 Zetec 5dr (2017/17, 29k miles, £10,495) INTERIOR AUSWEDACRADRS Soft-touch WINNER 2022 materials make Fiesta’s cabin BFOESRTDSUFIPEESRTMA INI feel posh, while the tablet-style infotainment screen has Ford’s SYNC 3 software with sat-nav on higher-spec trims THE Fiesta might have been knocked off the top of equipped. Zetec and Titanium models get all the equipment COMMENDED the new-car sales charts, but as a used choice it’s still that you’ll ever need, including the excellent SYNC 3 head and shoulders above its rivals. Brilliant to drive, well infotainment system. Elsewhere, the Vignale adds a touch Renault Zoe equipped and cost-effective to run, the family-friendly Ford of luxury and the Active some rugged crossover appeal. remains a second-hand supermini star. THE pioneering Zoe has been around for a decade, and At the heart of the Ford’s appeal are its sparkling driving And while the Fiesta isn’t as practical as a Skoda Fabia, with its cutting-edge electric drivetrain and modern dynamics, which deliver agile and engaging handling. Yet few families will have anything to grumble about when it looks, the radical Renault still feels ahead of its time. the Fiesta also has a cushioned ride and strong refinement, comes to room for people and luggage. With the seats up, The latest examples are faster, go further on a charge while its compact dimensions and light controls help take the boot capacity is 311 litres, but fold the backrests down and have slicker infotainment, but with early Zoes now the strain when driving on crowded city streets. and you’ll free up 1,093 litres of space to stow larger items. priced from around £7,000, few EVs are as affordable. Engines range from fuel-sipping diesels through to the thumping 197bhp turbocharged 1.5-litre in the fast and fun As always, there are loads of used examples on sale out DRIVING ST hot hatch. However, for most drivers it’s the 1.0-litre there, so you’re spoiled for choice. A budget of around EcoBoost petrol units that will represent the best bet, with £10,500 will get you into a pre-facelift example of the Fiesta’s sharp a winning blend of eagerness and efficiency. current-generation Fiesta with a relatively low mileage. driving dynamics A recent facelift has delivered a slightly smarter and more have long been a upmarket interior, but all versions are built solidly and well Better still, regardless of what you pay to purchase one, major part of the the Fiesta should be a dependable choice, and if there are model’s success, any mechanical maladies then it’s reassuring to know but the Ford is almost any garage in the land can fix Ford’s supermini. also comfortable and refined PRACTICALITY Boot capacity is 311 litres with rear seats REAR SEATS There’s more than enough head and legroom in place, but the 60:40 split backrests add extra versatility in the back so that even taller adults will be comfortable 36 Special Issue
SUPERMINIS FROM £10,495 LEFT-FIELD Audi A2 MUCH like Dr Who’s TARDIS, the A2 feels bigger on the inside than it looks on the outside. Thanks to clever packaging, the Audi rivals executive saloons for rear-seat space, yet its lightweight build and frugal engines mean it costs less to run than a city car. Used prices are rising, but just £2,000 will still land you a mint example. FINANCE OPTIONS IT was a huge seller on the new- car market, so you’re spoiled for choice when looking for a well specified used Fiesta in good condition. Seek versions with low cash prices to get the best hire purchase (HP) instalments. Monthly payments for the Zetec version pictured here cost £200 on a four-year HP contract, with a £3,000 deposit. That results in an overall cost of £12,588, with you owning the car once the last payment has been made. In association with Special Issue 37
BRITAIN’S BEST USED CARS 2022 BEST USED COMPACT FAMILY HATCH Volkswagen Golf OUR PICK 1.4 TSI Match Edition (2017/66, 52k miles, £12,597) DRIVING WITH nearly 50 years of development autonomous emergency braking and seven Accurate under its wheels, it’s no surprise the airbags brings peace of mind, too. handling and evergreen Golf still sets the compact family well weighted hatchback standard. That’s particularly true The Golf provides a first-class driving steering make of the Mk7 machine that arrived in 2012. experience. Well weighted steering and the Golf great to Smartly styled and spacious, it’s also great accurate handling make it reassuring from drive. It’s also a to drive and has one of the most varied range behind the wheel, while few rivals are as fine cruiser for of engines and trim levels in the business, so calm, comfortable and composed on a long longer journeys there’s something for all tastes and budgets. run. There’s also an engine for every occasion, A big part of the VW’s vast appeal is its from the zero-emissions all-electric e-Golf classy yet classless image. Its mix of rock-solid through to the fiery GTI and R models. Yet build quality and top-notch materials gives it’s the refined 1.4-litre TSI petrol that’s our the cabin real premium appeal. If you get one pick, combining punchy performance with of the facelifted cars from 2018 then there’s running costs that won’t break the bank. also the option of a TFT instrument display and a widescreen infotainment panel. There’s room for five people and a generous You’re also spoiled for standard kit, but 380-litre boot. And if you want more carrying it’s the mid-range Match that delivers all the capacity, there’s also a cavernous estate. features you’ll ever need. Highlights include adaptive cruise control, alloy wheels and auto With prices starting at around £4,000, the lights and wipers, plus Apple CarPlay and Golf is more affordable than you’d think, while Android Auto connectivity. The inclusion of stronger residual values than rivals means you’ll get back more when it’s time to sell. Factor in excellent reliability and it’s not hard to see why the VW is such a used-hatch hit. 38 Special Issue
COMPACT FAMILY HATCHES FROM £4,000 FINANCE OPTIONS MONTHLY payments for this Golf are £242 through BuyaCar.co.uk on a four-year hire purchase contract with a £3,000 deposit. This makes it an affordable second-hand choice in 1.4 TSI Match Edition form. At the end of the contract the Golf will be yours for £14,641 overall, which is less than the cheapest and most basic new petrol-powered Fiat 500, yet the Golf offers lots of space and standard equipment for the money. In association with PRACTICALITY There’s space for five people and a decent-sized 380-litre boot for their luggage. Dash is well laid out, with digital dials available on some cars AUSWEDACRADRS WINNER 2022 BVEOSLTKCSOWMAPGAECNTGFAOMLFILY HATCH COMMENDED Toyota Corolla Mk12 THE Corolla used to be a four-wheeled proxy for dependable but dull motoring, but that changed with the current 12th-generation machine. Head-turning looks and nimble handling make it genuinely desirable, while its hi-tech hybrid engines are smooth and very frugal. It’s not as roomy as the best in the class, but it’s a well built, reliable and attractively priced used choice. LEFT-FIELD Subaru XV SUBARU rarely does things by the book, and the XV is a prime example of this. As much a crossover as a family hatch, the Japanese machine features raised suspension and four-wheel drive for genuine go-anywhere ability. The limited engine choice includes a punchy diesel and a thirsty petrol unit, while inside the car trails rival models for space and quality. Yet for rugged, all-weather peace of mind nothing else comes close to the Subaru XV. Special Issue 39
COMMENDED Skoda Superb IT can’t quite match the Vauxhall in terms of value for money, but the Superb is still a sensational family car. Few rivals are as spacious and it feels far more nimble on the road than you’d believe. The Skoda also has a wide range of engines, is packed with kit and boasts an unrivalled reputation for reliability. LEFT-FIELD Hyundai i40 OFTEN overlooked when new, the i40 is a smart used buy if you’re looking for a stylish family saloon on a shoestring budget. An emphasis on comfort means the Hyundai isn’t as entertaining to drive as some rivals, but its roomy interior is well built and dripping with standard kit. 40 Special Issue
FAMILY CARS FROM £6,500 INTERIOR Spacious cabin is well made and rivals some exec models. It’s also well equipped COULD this be the used-car bargain of the decade? much cash. However, it’s the mid-ranking turbocharged The huge rise in the popularity of SUVs and premium petrols that make the best buys, with their mix of eager brands means the values of mainstream family hatchbacks acceleration and low running costs helping deliver the best have plummeted like a stone, and few have suffered more of both worlds. There are no plug-in or mild-hybrid options, than the Insignia. While that may be bad for Vauxhall, it’s but for private buyers this won’t make any difference because great news for used buyers, with many examples now on there aren’t the same tax savings on offer that made these forecourts for less than half their price when new. machines so popular with company car drivers when new. A glance at the Vauxhall promises plenty for your money. Originally known as the Insignia Grand Sport when it was While the Insignia is not the most glamorous, exciting revealed in 2017, the sleek hatchback shape covers an or desirable choice around, at this price you’ll be willing interior that rivals larger executive models for space and to make a few sacrifices when it comes to kerb appeal. premium appeal. It’s very well equipped, too, while the Crucially, look past the slightly dowdy image and you’ll slick touchscreen infotainment features Apple CarPlay find an extremely capable machine that’s now won back- and Android Auto for seamless connectivity. to-back Auto Express Used Family Car honours. The Insignia’s comfort and refinement impress on the AUSWEDACRADRS move, with its supple ride and low noise levels leaving you relaxed and refreshed on long journeys. Yet head WINNER 2022 out on your favourite twisting back road and you’ll find the accurate steering, strong grip and good body control BVEASUTXFHAMALILLYINCSAIRGNIA make the Vauxhall a surprisingly engaging companion. The diesel models are smooth and frugal, while the rapid GSi editions serve up an enticing amount of flash for not ORONATDHE BOOT SPACE Insignia has a capacity of 490 litres with the On top of all its 40:20:40-split rear seats up, or 1,450 litres with them folded other talents, the Insignia is also a good car to drive, with grippy handling and a composed ride REAR SEATS Access is a little compromised by the flowing roofline, but once inside, head and legroom are plentiful Special Issue 41
BRITAIN’S BEST USED CARS 2022 AUSWEDACRADRS WINNER 2022 BSEKSOTDEASTOATCETAVIA FINANCE OPTIONS WINNER FEW cars offer so much space With its range of for such low monthly payments. engine options, This Skoda Octavia Estate strong kit list and represents great value on huge amount of BuyaCar.co.uk, at just £254 per space on offer, month with a £3,000 deposit the Octavia Estate on a four-year hire purchase is a solid choice contract. This finance deal for any family means that you’ll own the motorist car at the end of the term for £15,184 overall. That’s several thousand pounds less than the cash price of even the most basic new Skoda Fabia. In association with COMMENDED LEFT-FIELD VW Passat Estate Mk7 Citroen C5 Mk2 HANDSOME, good to drive and with a big 650-litre CITROEN’S rich history of spacious estate boot (1,780 litres with the rear seats folded), the cars ended when the C5 was dropped in 2018. Passat is ideal for buyers after a load-lugger with However, the stylish wagon is a great used a dash of premium appeal – it’s comfy, composed buy, with robust quality and prices from just and beautifully built. The range includes the plug- £1,000. Flagship models get self-levelling in hybrid GTE, which mixes strong performance hydropneumatic suspension, which keeps with an electric range of around 30 miles. the car on an even keel regardless of load. 42 Special Issue www.autoexpress.co.uk
ESTATES FROM £5,000 SBEkSToUSdEDaESOTATcEtavia OUR PICK 1.0 TSI SE Technology (2018/18, 45k miles, £13,495) KIT Equipment levels are good, with post-2017 facelift models getting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity IF you want to load up on value, then look no further all the gadgets and gizmos you’ll need. If you can make your than the Octavia Estate. With its blend of family- cash stretch, then it’s worth seeking out a post-2017 facelift friendly versatility, eye-catchingly attractive prices and car, which gets far more advanced infotainment with a larger enviable reputation for reliability, this spacious Skoda screen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. is one of the safest places for your used-car cash. Of course, for most estate car buyers carrying capacity is Yet the Octavia isn’t all work and no play. Quick steering, king, and the Czech machine doesn’t disappoint. Open the crisp handling and a composed ride mean it’s satisfying to large tailgate and you’ll discover a class-leading 610 litres drive, and there’s a wide range of punchy, refined and frugal of space, while lowering the rear bench using the handy petrol and diesel engines. There’s even a hot vRS model or, levers liberates a cavernous 1,740 litres. Better still, the if you fancy heading off the beaten track, a rugged Scout Skoda’s boot is packed with thoughtful touches, such as version with raised ride height and four-wheel drive. hidden storage and load dividers to stop items moving. Passengers are just as well catered for, with those in the However, the really good news is that you don’t have to rear getting the sort of head and legroom normally reserved spend big to bag one of the best estate cars in the business. for much bigger machines. And like all Octavia models, the Just £5,000 will buy you a tidy but well used early example. estate is crammed with standard kit, with SE models having Spend around £14,000 and you’ll have the pick of low- mileage facelifted examples powered by the eager 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine, and in desirable SE Technology spec. LOAD BAY A best-in-class boot capacity of 610 litres can PRACTICALITY Those sitting in the back get lots of head be extended to handy 1,740 litres with the rear seats folded and legroom, but the latter is tighter for the middle seat www.autoexpress.co.uk Special Issue 43
BRITAIN’S BEST USED CARS 2022 CBEiStTrUoSEDeSnMACLL3SUVAircross OUR PICK 1.2 PureTech 110 Flair (2018/18, 34k miles, £10,010) INTERIOR The front seats are comfortable and supportive; although the touchscreen isn’t the best, the rest of the dash has plenty of flair BOOT It’ll hold up to 520 litres REAR SEATS Slide them back with the rear seats slid forwards, (for boot space of 410 litres) and or you can fold them right down six-footers will be happy; optional to open it up to 1,289 litres sunroof limits headroom, though 44 Special Issue
SMALL SUVs FROM £8,000 FINANCE OPTIONS AUSWEDACRADRS ONROTAHDE A BASIC new C3 Aircross will set WINNER 2022 The 1.2 turbo you back a little over £20,000, petrol engine but a four-year-old, high-spec BCEITSTROSMENALCL3SAUIVRCROSS provides the version could cost you half that, at just £10,010. This low cash best mix of price means that you have less performance to finance, resulting in low and economy monthly payments of just £176 on a four-year hire purchase contract – and less interest to pay. At the end of the contract the car will be yours for an overall cost of £11,450. In association with HERE’S proof that you don’t have to abandon your the trade-off is that the Citroen isn’t as sharp to drive as sense of fun when shopping for an affordable family rivals such as the SEAT Arona or Ford Puma, but its light runaround. With its blend of quirky styling and a spacious controls and good visibility make it a doddle to drive and interior, the Citroen C3 Aircross is a distinctive and a piece of cake to park. There’s also a wide range of eager charming alternative to more straight-laced rivals. and frugal engines, but the torquey and refined 108bhp No matter which way you look at it, the flamboyant 1.2-litre PureTech petrol suits the Aircross. French small SUV stands out from the crowd, and the boldly designed interior is as sturdy as it is stylish. Not The Citroen manages to do all of this while undercutting only is it built robustly from solid materials, there’s also the opposition on price, yet it offers buyers more standard plenty of room and a host of family-friendly features. For equipment and an array of confidence-inspiring driver instance, the sliding rear bench allows you to choose safety aids at the same time. You’ll need just £8,000 to between extra space for luggage or legs, while there are get behind the wheel of C3 Aircross in entry-level but still also numerous handy trays, cubbies and storage bins. well equipped Feel trim, while the low running costs are And although the touchscreen infotainment’s software similar to those of the French firm’s C3 supermini. Being isn’t as responsive as the best rival systems, it’s easy to sensible has never been more stylish. navigate and packed with connectivity features. Get moving and it’s clear the C3 Aircross has been “The flamboyant Aircross stands developed with the Citroen’s trademark focus on comfort. out from the crowd, and the bold The forgiving seats also offer plenty of support, while the interior is as sturdy as it is stylish” soft suspension smothers bumps and potholes. Of course, COMMENDED SEAT Arona THE sharply styled SEAT can’t match the Citroen for space and versatility, but it’s a better car for keen drivers; quick steering and agile handling make it surprisingly engaging to drive, while the punchy engines deliver a fine turn of speed. Solid build quality, generous kit and good value are the icing on the cake. LEFT-FIELD Jeep Renegade IF you want a small SUV that’ll reach the parts others can’t, then look no further than the Renegade: the four-wheel-drive versions are genuinely capable when the going gets rough. The Jeep feels a little at sea on the road and its interior is a little cramped and plasticky, but prices are low and it doesn’t cost much to run. Special Issue 45
BRITAIN’S BEST USED CARS 2022 FINANCE OPTIONS BUYING a three-year-old Karoq could save more than £10,000 over a brand-new equivalent. That’s good for used buyers, who’ll pay less to purchase the car, but also means monthly payments of £333 on a four-year hire purchase contract with a £3,000 deposit. While the same amount could get a new entry- level Karoq on PCP, you’d face an £11,377 bill to buy it at the end of the term. With the used model on HP, you’d own it at that point. In association with AUSWEDACRADRS ORONATDHE WINNER 2022 Karoq provides a good mix of ride BSEKSOTDMAIDK-ASRIZOEQSUV and handling, with four-wheel COMMENDED drive available for more peace Dacia Duster Mk2 of mind WHILE the original Duster was a bit rough around the edges, the current car is a much more rounded and grown-up machine. It’s lost none of its rugged appeal, though, yet it feels more sophisticated on the move, and its roomy interior looks smart and features all the tech you’ll need. Better still, the prices of used examples have now dropped to below £10,000. LEFT-FIELD MG HS MG has come on leaps and bounds in the last few years, with the brand’s mix of low prices and a long warranty earning it lots of new fans. The HS is the firm’s flagship, and while it still feels off the pace in terms of driving dynamics and interior quality, it offers a lot of space and loads of kit for not much cash. There’s even a plug-in hybrid that’ll do 32 miles in EV mode. 46 Special Issue
MID-SIZE SUVs FROM £11,200 Skoda KaroqBEST USED MID-SIZE SUV OUR PICK 1.0 TSI SE Technology (2019/69, 33k miles, £16,250) INTERIOR Skoda focuses on value, yet the Karoq has a premium feel, with high-class materials and the latest tech SKODA has become something of an SUV specialist in system with smartphone connectivity, and safety aids such the last few years – and the capable Karoq is one of its as autonomous emergency braking add peace of mind. best offerings yet. Designed to replace the much-loved Yeti when it launched in 2018, the Czech machine quickly won There’s also ample space for a growing family plus loads over buyers with its style, space and sharp driving dynamics. of the firm’s trademark Simply Clever features, such as fold- The good news for used buyers is that the Karoq is now out picnic tables in the rear and a rechargeable LED torch in four years old, meaning early examples are hovering a little the boot. One option to keep an eye out for is the VarioFlex above the £10,000 mark. Spend another few thousand and rear bench, which features three individual seats that can you’ll get the keys to a well maintained, one-owner example slide and recline. And because this is a Skoda, there’s a big fitted with the responsive and efficient 1.0 TSI petrol. Given boot: the Karoq can swallow 521 litres of luggage. you’ll pay nearly twice that for a factory-fresh version, the used model is something of a bargain. Yet it’s not all about the sensible stuff, because with its Whichever edition you choose, you’ll get the same smart accurate steering and a suspension set-up that balances exterior and an interior that combines premium appeal with agility with comfort, the Skoda is genuinely good to drive. the latest tech. High-grade materials are used throughout, It’s backed by a line-up of eager engines that include while fit and finish is a match for more expensive machines. ultra-efficient diesels through to the hot hatch-baiting As standard, you get an intuitive touchscreen infotainment 197bhp 2.0-litre TSI. You can also have four-wheel drive for all-weather peace of mind. In fact, whatever your budget and needs, there’s a Karoq that will fit the bill. PRACTICALITY There’s plenty of room in the rear, but look BOOT Not only is the luggage space a generous size – 521 for a car with the optional sliding, reclining VarioFlex set-up litres in standard form – it’s also a nice and practical shape Special Issue 47
BRITAIN’S BEST USED CARS 2022 Volvo XC90LBAERSTGUESSEUDV OUR PICK D5 Inscription AWD (2015/65, 77k miles, £25,790) COMMENDED LEFT-FIELD Kia Sorento Audi Q7 Mk1 LAST year’s winner finishes as a runner-up IF your budget can’t quite stretch as far as an this time, but there’s still a lot to like. The XC90, then how about an original Q7? It still Sorento looks smart and has an interior that looks surprisingly fresh, while the interior is mixes space with upmarket appeal and loads spacious and well built, even if the technology of kit. It’s also comfortable and refined, plus is dated. Electrical glitches and neglect can there’s the lure of the balance of the brand’s cause problems, but the 3.0-litre TDI engine is brilliant seven-year warranty. bombproof and prices start at around £3,500. 48 Special Issue www.autoexpress.co.uk
FINANCE OPTIONS LARGE SUVs FROM £20,000 WITH prices starting at more INTERIOR than £60,000, a new XC90 isn’t cheap. However, with its styling Dashboard is having changed little since its dominated by launch, why not get a used the portrait-style model for less than half that? touchscreen that Monthly payments for this car still looks modern. are £557 on a four-year contract Classy materials with a £3,000 deposit through have stood the BuyaCar.co.uk. This is hire test of time purchase so there’s no large final bill, and once you’ve made the last payment, you’ll own the car for less than £30,000. In association with BOOT Fold the rear pair of seats and you can fit WHEN it comes to combining head-turning style and the 402bhp plug-in hybrid T8 can sprint from 0-62mph with seven-seat versatility, there are few machines in a sports car-slaying 5.6 seconds. However, unless you 775 litres in there; with them up it takes 356 litres that can match the excellent XC90. With the earliest live in a ULEZ zone, then the smooth and torquey D5 diesel versions now nearly eight years old, you can also add best suits the XC90’s easy-going nature, particularly ‘second-hand bargain’ to its long list of strengths. because it’ll return an easy 40mpg. Despite its advancing years, the Volvo looks as sharp as ever; its imposing stance and distinctive ‘Thor’s Hammer’ So how much will you have to pay for this desirable LED running lights help it stand out on the road. Inside, a and family-friendly SUV? Well, the good news is that prices mix of cool minimalist Scandinavian design, high-quality have finally ducked under the £20,000 barrier. And while finish and that trademark portrait-style infotainment screen examples at this price have done around 100,000 miles, means it still feels a cut above, even after a few years. Volvo’s reputation for robust quality and strong reliability Unlike many rivals, the XC90 is a genuine seven-seater; means there should be little to fear. What’s more, many are even adults won’t feel short-changed when riding in the cherished vehicles with a fully stamped service history. third row. Better still, those rearmost chairs fold away at the touch of a button, revealing a vast 775-litre boot Whichever way you look at it, a used XC90 represents behind the powered tailgate. And of course, thanks to a lot of car for the price of a new mid-spec supermini. its solid construction and wide array of hi-tech driver aids, few rivals are as safe as the Volvo. “Light steering and soft suspension Light steering and soft suspension mean the XC90 is built mean the XC90 is built for comfort, for comfort rather than agility, but the handling is accurate but the handling is accurate” AUSWEDACRADRS WINNER 2022 BVEOSLTVLOARXGCE90SUV REAR SEATS Space is generous in the front five seats; average-height adults can use the back two www.autoexpress.co.uk Special Issue 49
BRITAIN’S BEST USED CARS 2022 FINANCE OPTIONS THE Audi A4 isn’t the cheapest used car when it comes to cash prices, but it’s an enticing option for the money, especially because four-year-old examples are still less than half the price of a new equivalent. On a four- year hire purchase finance set-up, monthly payments are £377 after a £3,000 deposit through BuyaCar.co.uk. This means that it’ll cost just over £21,000 to buy the A4 this way and you’re free to keep it or trade it in. In association with Audi A4 CBOEMSTPUASCETDEXECUTIVE OUR PICK 2.0 TDI 190 S line S tronic (2018/18, 56k miles, £17,999) COMMENDED ORONATDHE Tesla Model 3 Precise steering and lots of grip, THIS all-electric model is far from a cheap combined with option, but you’ll get a stronger return on impressive your investment than with most alternatives. refinement, You’ll also get an upmarket EV that sets the make the A4 a standard for performance, tech and range. fine car to drive It’s good to drive and roomy, too, and allows access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. LEFT-FIELD Suzuki Kizashi SUZUKI’S ill-fated attempt to tackle this class makes a surprisingly savvy used buy. While the Kizashi doesn’t have the badge appeal of rivals, the smart four-wheel-drive saloon is well built, lavishly equipped and surprisingly good to drive. Most have been cherished by their owners, and few rivals are so exclusive. 50 Special Issue
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