What Car - December 2017 UK - tu coche a escala

Britain’s biggest and best car buyer’s guide December 2017

More cars � Bigger tests � Extra data and advice

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NEW NAME, NEW LOOKSBut is the Skoda Karoq any good?

NEW ARONA SUV DRIVENBrilliant Ateca gets a baby brother

HYBRID vs ELECTRIC POWERThe best green city car revealed

TOYOTA YARIS & RENAULT ZOENEW YETI TESTED SEAT’S JUKE RIVAL

We name the best and worst performers in every class

EXCLUSIVE

OWNERDATA BRITAIN’S MOST RELIABLE

CARS 2017

32 makes ● 169 models ● 14,208 surveyed ● 4 perfect scores

£5.99

*At the end of the agreement there are three options: i) pay the optional final payment and own the vehicle; ii) return the vehicle: subject to excess mileage andfair wear and tear, charges may apply; or iii) replace: part exchange the vehicle. With Solutions Personal Contract Plan. 18s+. Subject to availability and status.T&Cs apply. Offer available when ordered by 2nd January 2018 from participating Retailers. Excess mileage up to 8.4p per mile. Indemnities may be required.Offers are not available in conjunction with Scrappage upgrade scheme or any other offer and may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Accurate at time of publication.Freepost Volkswagen Financial Services. Standard EU Test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Model shown £32,785 RRP.

Official fuel consumption in mpg (litre/100km) for the Volkswagen Tiguan range: urban 31.0 (9.1) – 49.6 (5.7); extra urban 44.1(6.4) – 67.3 (4.2); combined 38.2 (7.4) – 60.1 (4.7); CO2 emissions 170 – 123g/km. Information correct at time of print.

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An utterly irresistible offer.

BUYER’S GUIDE

DATA

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whatcar.com December 2017 | 5

88 Audi A3 buying guideYou can now pick up our 2017 Family Car of the Year for as little as £6000

90 Fiat Panda vs Skoda CitigoStyle takes on sensibility as we compare these £5000 city cars

95 We reveal your best bets for every type of new car and every size of budget

115 Every variant of every model, plus key info and our all-important star ratings

36 Reader Test TeamDo you agree with our C3 Aircross verdict?

40 Reliability surveyWe asked you to tell us how reliable your cars have been in the past year. Now, we use your data to reveal which models can be trusted – and which can’t

48 How to spec a Nissan QashqaiWhat you should choose on your new SUV

50 #AskWhatCarYour motoring questions answered

82 Skoda KodiaqOur favourite large SUV begins family life

85 Dacia SanderoWe take a long drive to attend Dacia Day

87 Audi Q5, Suzuki IgnisCall of duty and pros of tiny proportions

CONTENTS December 2017

52 Nissan X-Trail vs Peugeot 5008 vs Skoda Kodiaq

Battle of the seven-seaters heats up with the excellent new 5008, updated X-Trail and class-leading Kodiaq

66 Kia Picanto vs Volkswagen UpCan Kia’s excellent new city car outsmart the multi-talented Up?

70 Audi SQ5 vs Porsche Macan vs Range Rover Velar Powerful V6 petrol Velar goes up against its best performance SUV rivals

78 Renault Zoe vs Toyota Yaris HybridPetrol-electric Yaris and battery-powered Zoe do battle for eco-hatch honours

29 NewsCar thefts on the rise as tech exploited

30 Deals of the monthIncluding £3925 off a Ford Galaxy

32 Coming soonVolkswagen T-Cross small SUV and more

8 Seat AronaGreat expectations of Ibiza-based SUV

13 Hyundai i30NBrand’s � rst hot hatch is a proper corker

14 BMW X3New version of this upmarket large SUV

17 Audi A8Luxury saloon has self-driving capabilities

18 Skoda KaroqYeti successor challenges the Seat Ateca

23 Kia StonicWhat can Kia bring to the small SUV table?

24 Citroën C3 AircrossPractical SUV replaces C3 Picasso MPV

25 Aston Martin DB11Grand tourer gets Mercedes-AMG V8

27 Kia Stinger Can Kia’s � rst � ve-door coupé beat BMW?

27 Vauxhall Grandland X Vauxhall utilises Peugeot tech for new SUV

FIRST DRIVES NEWS OUR CARS

USED CARSADVICE

COMPARISONS

FIRST LOOKS13 Suzuki Swift Sport

Affordable hot hatch goes turbocharged

17 Ferrari Porto� noNew entry-level Ferrari is 592bhp drop-top

WORTH £45

EditorialTel 020 8267 5900 Email [email protected] Media enquiries Andy Bothwell Tel 07825 703505

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For years, one of the few things politicians agreed on was that

diesel cars were the answer to our pollution problems. Now you’re more likely to hear them blaming diesels for all the world’s ills. As a result, demand has slumped, with sales down almost 22% last month compared with the same period in 2016.

But the truth is that a one-size-� ts-all fuel policy makes no more sense now than it did when diesel was the darling. The latest diesels are not only much cleaner than their predecessors but also continue to offer lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions than petrols, so they’re hard to beat if you do a lot of motorway miles.

On the other hand, if you spendmost of your motoring life intown, hybrid and electric cars make a lot more sense. But which of these powertrains is best? We’ve put that to the test from page 78.

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‘The truth is that a one-size-� ts-all fuel policy

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8 | December 2017 whatcar.com

Seat AronaSeat builds on the success of the Ateca with a smaller SUV that shares much with the excellent new Ibiza hatchback Price from £16,555 On sale Now

WAITING FOR SEAT to launch an SUV is a bit like waiting for a bus. We hang around for what seemed like forever and then three come along in quick succession.

First to arrive was the Barcelona brand’s answer to the Nissan Qashqai: the hugely popular and generally marvellous Ateca. And next year we’ll see an even bigger and more family-friendly seven-seater, the name of which is being voted for by the public.

Sandwiched between those launches is the smallest and cheapest of the trio: the Arona. Named after a small municipality in Tenerife (Seat has a long-standing tradition of naming its cars after places in Spain), it’s based on the latest Ibiza – the leader in the small hatchback class – so it’s roughly the same size as its closest

rivals, which include the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Suzuki Vitara.

Prices for the Arona start at just over £16,500, making it a fair bit pricier than those aforementioned peers, as well as the also-new Kia Stonic (see p23). However, it’s still much cheaper than the Audi Q2 and Mini Countryman, and even the cheapest version is powered by a 94bhp 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, so you shouldn’t need to venture far up the range to find an Arona that suits you.

That said, there are a total of five engines to choose from – three petrols and two diesels – in varying levels of spiciness, up to 148bhp.There are also six trim levels, so if you want snappy acceleration and lots of luxury equipment, you could easily find yourself spending well over £20,000 – or, in other words, the sort of money that would buy you a well-provisioned Ateca.

FUN TO DRIVEOne of best things about the larger Seat Ateca is how jolly good fun to drive it is – a rare quality among SUVs, especially at this end of the market. And the good news is that, on the whole, Seat hasn’t dropped the ball when it comes to the Arona.

In fact, because it’s lighter and a bit lower to the ground than its bigger brother, it changes direction with more gusto and leans less when it does so. Perhaps more to the point, it’s heaps more agile and entertaining than any of its direct rivals – not that the nervous Juke and sloppy Captur are exactly tough competition.

The FR, FR Sport and range-topping Xcellence Lux trim levels provide a feature called Drive Profile, which lets you vary the sensitivity of the accelerator pedal and the weight of the steering. Even in Normal mode, the steering in these models builds weight

FIRST DRIVE

Will [email protected]


1 All Aronas get Seat’s Front Assist automatic emergency braking system as standard

2 An 8.0in touchscreen infotainment system is standard on all but entry-level SE trim

4 There are many colour options for the roof, body and this dashboard strip

3 Centre console is angled slightly towards the driver, making it easier to see and use

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Kia Stonic

Just as new as the Arona; good to drive but doesn’t really stand out.

Nissan Juke

Looks distinctive, but pretty poor, with a jittery ride and limited space.

RIVALS

progressively as you turn the wheel, whereas the steering in cars without Drive Profi le is lighter and slower to build resistance. That said, the skinnier tyres fi tted to those models might account for some of that difference.

The suspension of our FR Sport test car, with its standard switchable dampers, ironed out smaller road ripples slightly better than versions with regular suspension, despite the former having bigger wheels. In either guise, there’s no doubt that the Arona rides more fi rmly around town than the Captur, but it’s far better tied down and more composed along bucking and rearing country roads.

We’ve tried two of the fi ve engines: the 114bhp 1.0-litre and 148bhp 1.5-litre units. Both are turbocharged petrols, and the latter, unsurprisingly, is punchier, smoother and quieter. The 1.0 is still more than up to the job, though, and usefully cheaper to boot.

Interior materials are satisfactory rather than indulgent ‘X’ etched on the rear window pillar signi� es ‘crossover’

Rear seats are comfy and spacious and split-fold 60/40


the Arona’s dashboard is constructed exclusively from hard, mostly grey plastic. The vinyl-wrapped dashboard face of range-topping models may seem like a small touch, but it’s a trick that Jaguar has been using for years and it really helps to lift the interior.

The driving position is definitely better suited to shorter people. If your height starts

with a six, there’s a good chance that you’ll wish the steering wheel had more scope for in-and-out adjustment. Still, the pedals line up neatly with the steering wheel, the seats are comfortable and you do at least feel you’re a little farther from terra firma than you would be in a regular small hatchback, even if Range Rover drivers still appear to be up in the clouds.

IBIZA INSIDEThe Arona’s close links with the Ibiza are patently obvious inside. Indeed, the interiors of both cars are pretty much identical. That means the Arona has a neatly ordered dashboard, with chunky, clearly labelled buttons and an air conditioning control panel that’s angled towards the driver to make it easier to use when you’re driving.

Also worthy of special mention is the 8.0in touchscreen infotainment system that’s standard on all trims but entry-level SE. It looks suitably posh, with pin-sharp graphics and excellent colour contrast, and it responds promptly when you prod it. It comes with plenty of features, too, including sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring and even wireless phone charging.

However, you won’t find any soft-touch materials inside the Arona. Like the Ibiza’s,

Boot is of a competitive size and has an adjustable �oorAll trims bar Xcellence Lux get 17in alloys as standard

‘The Arona is heaps more agile and entertaining to drive than any of its rivals’

Price £16,555Engine 3cyl, 999cc, turbo, petrolPower 94bhp @ 5000-5500rpmTorque 129lb ft @ 2000-3500rpmGearbox 5-spd manual0-62mph 11.2secTop speed 107mph Economy 57.6mpg (of�cial average)CO2, tax band 111g/km, 21%

£19,8953cyl, 999cc, turbo, petrol114bhp @ 5000-5500rpm148lb ft @ 2000-3500rpm6-spd manual10.0sec113mph56.5mpg (of�cial average)113g/km, 21%

£21,2704cyl, 1495cc, turbo, petrol148bhp tbc6-spd manual8.0sec (est)130mph (est)60mpg (est)tbc, 20% (est)

Seat Arona 1.0 TSI 95 SE 1.0 TSI 115 FR 1.5 TSI Evo 150 FRBUYER’S FILE

FIRST DRIVE


come as standard on range-topping Xcellence and Xcellence Lux trims, such as keyless entry, adaptive cruise control and climate control, push up the price considerably and make the Arona increasingly hard to recommend.

We reckon the Arona is quite possibly now the best sub-£20k small SUV on the market. But if you’re going to spend much more than that, which is easily possible, there are several bigger, classier options that deserve your attention – above all, Seat’s very own Ateca.

Family-friendly, good to drive and, in its lower trim levels, a contender for class leadership

SAYS

Given that the Ibiza is one of the roomiest small hatchbacks around, it’s hardly surprising that the Arona is anything but cramped inside. Four six-footers will fit easily, and those in the back will enjoy more head and leg room than they would in the Juke and even the Captur.

True, the Arona doesn’t have any clever practicality tricks up its sleeve, such as sliding rear seats or a folding front passenger’s seat, but its 400-litre boot dwarfs the Juke’s and is almost a match for the Captur’s. It also has a height-adjustable boot floor as standard.

KEEP IT SIMPLEStick to the 1.0-litre petrol engines and the bottom two rungs of the trim ladder and the Arona makes an awful lot of sense. Yes, it’s still slightly more expensive than the equivalent Captur or Juke, but there’s a good reason for that: it’s a better car.

Although we’re yet to try it in the Arona, the entry-level 94bhp 1.0-litre petrol could very well be the engine of choice. It’s a fine fit for the Ibiza, so there’s no reason it shouldn’t be in this car, too, and it keeps the Arona’s price suitably far south of the larger Ateca’s.

Keeping the price down is another reason why it’s hard to see past second-tier SE Technology trim. This gets you 17in alloys, cruise control, air conditioning and automatic emergency braking (AEB), items that are all standard on the entry-level SE, but also adds rear parking sensors and, crucially, that swankier 8.0in touchscreen infotainment system. The SE has to make do with a small, 5.0in screen.

The sportier styling of FR and FR Sport models will be too hard for many buyers to resist, but be aware that you’re mostly paying for trinkets. Likewise, the relative luxuries that

FIRST DRIVE


FIRST LOOK

Removable brace across boot �oor adds to body rigidity

New Swift promises better handling and acceleration

Darren [email protected]

THE RECENTLY DEPARTED Suzuki Swift Sport was a true champion. We rated it as the best hot hatch you could buy for less than £15,000, and considering that it had been around since 2012, that was a notable achievement. No other car in that price range could equal it in terms of driving fun.

With its successor, then, Suzuki is out to retain that honour, although it will have to contend with a new Volkswagen Up GTI.

The new Swift Sport has a far more aggressive look than its predecessor, with larger air intakes, a wider front grille, �ared door sills and larger tailpipes differentiating it from the regular Swift.

It’s also wider than the old Swift Sport, its front and rear axles are farther apart and it has wider tyres on its 17in alloys. All of this is designed to improve stability at speed.

The old Swift Sport was the last hot hatch to have a naturally aspirated engine – a 136bhp 1.6-litre petrol unit – but the new model has joined the rest, utilising the same 1.4-litre turbocharged engine that’s used in Suzuki’s Vitara small SUV. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard.

The new engine produces 138bhp, while torque has increased by a signi�cant 52lb ft, to 170lb ft, and comes in at much lower revs than before. For comparison, the Up GTI’s 1.0-litre engine produces 113bhp and the more expensive new 1.5-litre Ford Fiesta ST makes 197bhp.

With a kerb weight of just 970kg – 80kg less than its predecessor – the Swift Sport will be no slouch. Its 0-62mph time has been cut to 6.2sec – 0.5sec faster than the Fiesta ST – and top speed is 127mph.

Expect the same traits – engaging handling, a decent ride and a peppy but unintimidating engine – that made the old Swift Sport great.

The new Swift Sport will be priced from around £14,000 – as will the Up GTI.

Hyundai i30NHyundai has gone all out to ensure that its �rst hot hatch has serious driver appeal On sale January 2018 Priced from £24,995

THIS ISN’T JUST the launch of a new hot hatch; this is also the launch of a new performance brand. Audi has RS, Mercedes has AMG, BMW has M and now Hyundai has N.

Speaking of BMW, the man who developed the i30N used to be in charge at M division, and his experience has ensured that this is more than simply an i30 with a hunk of extra power.

It does still have that, mind, with 247bhp, or 271bhp in the Performance model, but there’s also been a comprehensive upgrade of the brakes, steering and suspension; the ride height is lower and adaptive dampers are fitted to the Performance.

Granted, the i30N isn’t as powerful as the class-leading 316bhp Honda Civic Type R or the 345bhp Ford Focus RS, but it’s still easily enough to excite, with near-instant accelerator response preceding a deliciously linear power delivery.

Select maximum-attack N from the five driving modes and you’ll enjoy the ferocious growl of the sports exhaust and the Tommy gun chatters that accompany the six-speed manual gearbox’s shifts, which are slick and blessed with sweet mechanical precision.

The i30N’s steering is beautifully weighted and progressive in its lightest setting, and the zeal with which the front-wheel-drive i30N darts into corners, combined with the grip and stability it delivers thereafter, is to be savoured. And the way the limited-slip differential, which is standard on the Performance, enables you to get on the power so early out of corners is wholly reminiscent of the Type R.

So good in every area that it’s nipping at the heels of much more expensive hot hatches

SAYS

In its softest mode, the ride is tolerable but not quite as easygoing as the Type R’s.

The i30N isn’t too different from the regular i30 inside, apart from figure-hugging sports seats. That means the driving position is good, and you get lots of kit, including an 8.0in infotainment touchscreen with sat-nav and smartphone mirroring.

Now, if you’re wondering why we haven’t yet mentioned closer-priced rivals such as the Ford Focus ST and Peugeot 308 GTi, it’s simple: the i30N is so far superior that it’s actually closer to the £4k pricier Type R and Focus RS. So, if you hanker after those but their cost is an issue, buy the i30N Performance. Seriously, it’s that good.

Suzuki Swift SportThird-generation hot hatch gets a turbocharged engine for the �rst time and sheds weight On sale Early 2018 Price from £14,000 (est)

Price £27,995Engine 4cyl, 1998cc, turbo, petrol Power 271bhp @ 6000rpmTorque 260lb ft @ 1500-4700rpmGearbox 6-spd manual 0-62mph 6.1secTop speed 155mphEconomy 39.8mpg (of�cial average)CO2, tax band 163g/km, 31%

Hyundai i30N Performance PackBUYER’S FILE

John [email protected]


BMW X3Revamped large SUV gets a higher-quality interior, sharper handling and a new petrol engine as it renews its battle with Audi’s Q5 On sale November Price from £37,980

IT’S ALMOST A given that you’ll have come across a BMW X3 on your travels. Indeed, BMW has managed to sell 1.5 million of them worldwide over two generations since the large five-seat SUV was introduced in 2003, and a good chunk of those have found their way onto driveways in the UK. But the outgoing X3, while still highly regarded, has fallen behind newer rivals such as the latest Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60, so BMW has been busy preparing this third-generation model to keep up with the class best.

Set to go on sale in November, the new X3 has had a comprehensive revamp, adding a new 2.0-litre petrol engine to its line-up and shedding weight in the pursuit of better efficiency and sharper handling. There’s also more space inside, upgraded interior quality, more standard equipment, up-to-the-minute safety tech and BMW’s latest iDrive infotainment system.

FLEXIBLE PERFORMANCEThe outgoing X3 was no slouch in terms of the way it drove, and the new one is even better. That goes for both the range-topping petrol M40i and

Rory [email protected] M40i’s ride is �rm in

town, but regular X3s are more comfortable


Rear seats split 40/20/40; leg room is much improved

diesel xDrive30d we’ve tried so far – although they are quite different from each other.

The M40i is powered by a 335bhp 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine and has suspension tuned by BMW’s sporting M division. Performance is breathtaking for a large SUV; the M40i is capable of cracking 0-62mph in just 4.8sec and going on to a top speed of 155mph.

The engine is fl exible in its power delivery, too, with a wide band of pull that begins low in the rev range. That, together with a slick eight-speed automatic gearbox, ensures you’re never left wanting for response or pace.

With the driving mode set to Sport, the M40i’s suspension is stiffened up, the accelerator and gearbox become more responsive and the steering gains weight. Confi gured this way, the M40i turns in to corners with real urgency, keeps body lean well in check and grips hard. Four-wheel drive is standard, with a rearward bias that can be felt when powering out of tight turns. The only downsides are that the steering could be more feelsome and the ride is fi rm in any mode around town, although it improves greatly at higher speeds.

The 261bhp 3.0-litre diesel xDrive30d is an altogether more relaxing car and would be our

1 Seats give good side support, but lumbar adjustment is an optional extra

2 Quality of materials has been lifted considerably over the previous X3’s

3 M40i comes with Professional iDrive infotainment; optional on SE and xLine trims

4 High driving position and deep windows afford great all-round visibility

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FIRST DRIVE

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Strong performanceis hindered by a lumpy ride and gruff diesel engines.

RIVALS

Audi Q5

The one to beat: re� ned, classy and spacious inside.

‘The 3.0-litre engine is impressively smooth and quiet for a diesel, even if revved hard’

pick over the M40i. It certainly makes more fi nancial sense. It’s not far behind the M40i in a sprint and, for a diesel, remains impressively smooth and quiet even when revved hard.

Fitted with optional adaptive dampers (£750) and in Comfort driving mode, the xDrive30d is far more comfortable when driven in town and seriously relaxing on the motorway. It’s refi ned, too; road and wind noise are very well suppressed. The trade-off is less agility than the M40i in corners, but the xDrive30d is more fun to drive than the equivalent Q5 or Mercedes-Benz GLC. That said, the Porsche Macan still has the best handling of any car in the class.

UP-TO-DATE QUALITYBy the end of its life, the outgoing X3’s interior quality was starting to lag behind that of its rivals. BMW has done a brilliant job of bringing it back among the best this time around, with softer plastics on the dashboard, sturdier trims and slicker switches. The X3 still can’t match the class-leading Q5 in this regard, but the margin is far smaller than before.

The front seats – particularly the sportier ones in the M40i – have plenty of side support to hold you securely in place in corners. There’s a good range of adjustability for the driver’s seat and steering wheel, too, although the fact that BMW doesn’t include adjustable lumbar support as standard remains frustrating. It’s an option we’d defi nitely consider adding.

Driving position is excellent, and there’s plenty of space

Sunroof is a £1190 option on our favourite SE trim


However, there’s nothing stingy about the space on offer; the X3 will seat four tall adults with ease. Seating three adults across the rear bench will be more of a squeeze, though, not helped by a raised floor in the middle.

Behind the X3’s five seats is a boot fit for a family. It’s no bigger than the previous model’s, at 550 litres with the rear seats in place, but it matches the Q5’s and is bigger than the XC60’s. It’s also square in shape, with very good access, and the X3’s rear seats can be split in a 40/20/40 configuration and folded flat.

The X3 continues to have an edge over all of its rivals with the latest version of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system. As standard, entry-level SE trim gets you a 6.5in touchscreen that can also be controlled via a rotary dial between the front seats, but BMW’s £680 Professional system upgrades this to a more impressive 10.3in screen. In either case, the system’s menus are extremely easy to navigate. It’s just a shame that BMW still doesn’t include Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring as standard or Android Auto at all.

Four trim levels will be available, starting with our pick: SE. It gets features such as 18in alloy wheels, leather seats, sat-nav, DAB radio, LED headlights and an electric tailgate. Next up is xLine, with 19in alloys, underbody protection and exterior trim changes, while

M Sport models get the Professional iDrive infotainment as standard, as well as stiffer suspension and more aggressive body styling. The M40i stands on its own with 20in wheels, bespoke suspension tuning and a hefty price tag to go with it.

A CLOSE BATTLEBMW has succeeded, then, in building not only a better

X3 but also a large SUV that is in with a good chance of stealing the class honours from the Q5. It’s priced to closely match the Q5 and GLC, and it has the interior space to worry both, as well as a dynamic ability that neither can live with.

We’ll know for sure whether the pecking order has changed once we drive our predicted favourite model, the four-cylinder xDrive20d, next month. But when you consider its superb infotainment system, the quality and roominess of its interior and its impressive engine line-up, the X3 could well shake up this class.

Better to drive than ever and strong on interior space and quality. Audi Q5, watch out

SAYS

FIRST DRIVE

As before, four-wheel drive is standard on all X3s, with a bias toward the rear

Excellent eight-speed automatic gearbox is standard

X3’s styling is a lot more angular than its predecessor’s

Boot is identical in size to the Q5’s and a practical shape

Price £44,380Engine 6cyl, 2993cc, dieselPower 261bhp @ 4000rpmTorque 457Ib ft @ 2000rpmGearbox 8-spd automatic0-62mph 5.8secTop speed 149mphEconomy 49.6mpg (of�cial average)CO2, tax band 149g/km, 31%

BMW X3 xDrive30d SEBUYER’S FILE


FIRST LOOK

Materials are top quality, as is 12.3in digital dial display

Hard-top can be raised or lowered on the move


THE VERY IDEA of an ‘entry-level’ Ferrari may sound contradictory, but the new Porto�no is the company’s most affordable model. Taking its name from a village in Italy, it’s the replacement for the California T and, like that car, is a convertible grand tourer, designed to carry two people and their luggage in comfort on long journeys.

The Porto�no is based on a new chassis that’s claimed to make it much lighter and more rigid than the California T. It has electric power steering that’s designed to feel lighter, making the car easier to drive, and new suspension that’s said to make the ride more comfortable and the handling more responsive.

Powering the Porto�no is a twin-turbocharged 3.9-litre V8 petrol engine that produces 592bhp – 40bhp more than the California T – and 561lb ft of torque. The Porto�no can accelerate from 0-62mph in a claimed 3.5sec and has a top speed of 200mph. Of�cial average fuel consumption is 27.0mpg and CO2 emissions are 245g/km.

Inside, the Porto�no looks similar to the California T, apart from a new 10.2in infotainment screen. An electrically deployable wind de�ector is said to reduce wind�ow into the interior by 30%, making the car quieter at higher speeds. The Porto�no’s folding hard-top roof can be raised and lowered while you’re driving.

There are two rear seats, but Ferrari itself admits these are only suitable for children to use on short trips.

Prices haven’t yet been con�rmed, but the Porto�no is expected to command a small premium over the California T, which was priced from £156,060. Rivals include the Mercedes-AMG SL63 and Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet, which are priced from £116,625 and £137,533 respectively.

Audi A8 New-generation luxury saloon aims to get the jump on its rivals with autonomous driving tech On sale Now Price from £69,100

PUTTING THE PROVERB ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’ firmly to one side, the new Audi A8 looks, with the best will in the world, a bit dull. Now, Audi’s flagship saloon has previously done well trading on its understated styling, but this new A8 needs to go far beyond what has gone before if it is going to lead the brand’s so-called design and tech revolution.

You see, this is no run-of-the-mill renewal. In fact, Audi claims the A8 is the first car to have been developed expressly for what it describes as “highly automated driving”. With a ground-breaking laser-guided system called Traffic Jam Pilot, the A8 can autonomously take control of acceleration, braking and steering at speeds of up to 37mph, allowing the driver to focus on other things, such as watching the onboard TV.

But hold your horses. None of this technology will be available from launch, due to the fact that its incorporation is wholly dependent on the clarification of the legal position in each individual market.

However, we did get to try a pre-production version of the parking and remote garage pilot, which enables you to park your A8 without being in it. It was far slicker than the equivalent system available on the Tesla Model S.

To drive, the A8 is a real step on from its predecessor. Standard air suspension delivers a class-leading ride and optional four-wheel steering makes the 5.2m-long Audi as easy to guide through town as it is to pound down a motorway. And, with a wonderfully smooth 3.0-litre diesel engine (now badged ‘50 TDI’ to indicate its power), progress is effortless.

A relaxing blend of comfort, performance and re�nement; a big step forward for the A8

SAYS

However, the best seats in the house remain in the rear. These recline electrically and can optionally be heated, ventilated and massaging. The front seats have those features as standard and are hugely adjustable.

Double-glazed windows minimise wind noise, and there’s virtually no vibration.Those up front also get to

enjoy Audi’s supremely slick new infotainment system, displayed on a 10.1in touchscreen.

All of this means that if you’re in the market for a chauffeur-driven saloon, it might be time to trade in your Mercedes-Benz S-Class. ‘Might’ being the operative word, though; Audi still needs to deliver on its autonomous technology if the new A8 is to be truly revolutionary.

Ferrari PortofinoConvertible grand tourer is the new most affordable route to Ferrari ownershipOn sale Early 2018 Price from £160,000 (est)

Price £69,100Engine 6cyl, 2967cc, dieselPower 282bhp @ 3750-4000rpmTorque 443lb ft @ 1250-3250rpmGearbox 8-spd automatic0-62mph 5.9secTop speed 155mphEconomy 50.4mpg (of�cial average)CO2, tax band 145g/km, 31%

Audi A8 50 TDI quattroBUYER’S FILE

Neil [email protected]


Skoda KaroqSkoda’s answer to the Seat Ateca majors on practicality and is more comfortable to boot On sale Now Price from £20,875

IT SEEMS THAT just having a range of SUVs isn’t enough these days; you need them to share a first letter, too. Don’t believe us? How about the Volkswagen Tiguan and Touareg, or the Seat Arona and Ateca?

With that in mind, the Yeti’s days were always going to be numbered as soon as Skoda announced the Kodiaq. Enter the new small Skoda SUV, the Karoq.

Externally, it looks every inch the modern Skoda, but under the skin is a platform shared with the Ateca and Tiguan. To make sure the Karoq doesn’t tread on any toes, it’s slightly smaller than the VW but more practical than the Seat. Compared with the Yeti, the Karoq is larger but arguably less distinctive. To some eyes, that will be no bad thing.

Under the bonnet is a familiar selection of engines, ranging from a 1.0-litre turbo petrol to Edition models get electric driver’s seat with memoryPlenty of rear head and leg room even for six-footers

FIRST DRIVE

1.6-litre and 2.0-litre diesels. You won’t find the 1.4-litre petrol unit from the Ateca, however. Instead, Skoda predicts the most popular engine will be a slightly larger 1.5-litre petrol that produces an identical 148bhp. Like the older 1.4, two of the engine’s four cylinders can be shut down under certain conditions to help emissions and fuel economy.

A slick-shifting six-speed manual gearbox is standard, but if you prefer an automatic, a seven-speed dual-clutch ’box is optional.

QUIET CRUISEROn the road, the new 1.5 TSI engine proves to be a great match for the Karoq, delivering punchy performance in a refined manner. There’s

Alan [email protected]


‘Simply clever’ touches include rubbish bins in the doors

‘Compared with the Yeti, the Karoq is

larger but arguably less distinctive’

4 Wireless charging in the central cubby is an option for cars below Edition trim

2 Big door bins and a number of cubbyholes mean lots of placesto stash your stuff

1 Digital instrument cluster is an option (although price has yet to be con� rmed)

3 Optional 9.2in infotainment system looks sharp and is easy to navigate

3

4

1

2

plenty of power from low in the rev range, so you don’t have to work the engine hard to make reasonable progress. The 0-62mph sprint takes a brisk 8.1sec, which is enough to whisk you and your family up to motorway speeds on all but the shortest slip roads.

The engine remains smooth throughout its rev range and even sounds a little sporty.

You wouldn’t know that it was running on two cylinders at times, either, if the colour information screen between the instrument dials didn’t tell you. At a cruise, the engine is barely audible, while road noise is very well suppressed. There is a bit of wind fl utter, but it’s unlikely to prove bothersome.

Unlike some rivals such as the Peugeot 3008, four-wheel drive is available on the Karoq. While you can have this with a couple of different engines elsewhere in Europe, you can only get it in the 2.0 TDI model at launch in the UK. That makes the car pricey to buy and pushes CO2 emissions up. Ultimately, we’d stick with front-wheel drive unless you really need the added traction for slippery surfaces.

Should the road get bumpy, you’ll fi nd the Karoq is a bit more forgiving than the Ateca. Softer springs lead to imperfections being smoothed out more effectively, even on18in wheels. That means the Karoq doesn’t corner with quite the same brio as the Ateca,

Volkswagen Tiguan

More room inside but costlier to buy if you want the same level of kit.

RIVALS

Seat Ateca

Sharp handling appeals, but the Karoq is more practical due to its VarioFlex seats.

although we expect families will prefer alittle more comfort over trying to be thenext Lewis Hamilton.

That’s not to say the Karoq handles badly; yes, there is a little bit more body lean than you’d experience in the Ateca, but it’s still well controlled and no worse than the competition. Grip levels are high and you can still hustle it through corners surprisingly swiftly.

A GOOD VIEW For those who enjoy the odd spirited B-road blast, adaptive damping is an optional extra that allows you to stiffen the suspension for crisper cornering. Regardless of your pace, you’ll appreciate the Karoq’s nicely weighted and precise steering, which makes it easy to place the nose where you want it.

The slender windscreen pillars and bigside windows provide impressive visibility.You sit high for a commanding drivingposition and there’s loads of adjustment for


FIRST DRIVE

Comfortable, classy and clever inside, the Karoq could very well be the small SUV to beat

SAYS

the steering wheel and seat. Should you want a bit of extra luxury, an electric driver’s seat with memory function is standard on top-spec Edition models and optional for mid-range SE L cars.

Borrowing styling cues from the Kodiaq, the Karoq’s dashboard feels more modern than those of the Tiguan and Ateca, while a few metal and piano black trims add a touch of class. You’ll find plenty of squishy plastics atop the dashboard and doors, while harder materials lower down have a good finish.

An 8.0in touchscreen infotainment system is your only choice in SE trim, but move up to SE L spec and this can be upgraded to a sharp 9.2in screen for £1250. Wireless phone charging is available via a plus-sized centre console cubby, and SmartLink smartphone mirroring (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink) is standard on all models.

A fully digital instrument cluster is available as an option on the Karoq, too. Like similar systems from Audi and VW, it allows you to switch between conventional dials, map displays and other information.

Move to the rear seats and even six-footers

shouldn’t have too much difficulty getting comfortable. There’s a good amount of leg room for the class, as well as plenty of head

room. While basic SE models make do with a fixed rear bench with a conventional 60/40 split as standard, SE L and Edition cars get VarioFlex seats like the Yeti. That gives you three individual rear seats that can slide backwards and forward, recline and be removed entirely independently. Although the seats are heavy to take out, we’re still big

fans of this system. It’s therefore reassuring to hear that it’s a £450 option for SE cars.

Even with the rear seats set for maximum leg room, the Karoq’s boot is among the biggest in its class. It’s a good, square shape with a large loading aperture, while an electric tailgate is standard on Edition models (optional on other trims). We also like the selection of handy hooks and trays to stop items from sliding

about if the driver does want to pick up the pace. We would recommend a variable boot floor to avoid a tall load lip, though.

If all that makes it sound like the Karoq is the small SUV to beat, that’s because there’s a real chance that it could be. Although it appears more expensive than the Ateca, it’s worth remembering that the Karoq range doesn’t get a bargain-basement S trim that makes the entry price for the Ateca look so appealing. Then there’s the interior; not only does it look and feel classier, but it’s far more practical as well. Factor in the more comfortable ride and you’ve got an SUV that could be the ideal family car. We can’t wait to get it back to the UK to see how it stacks up against rivals.

‘With a softer ride than the Ateca, the Karoq could be the

ideal family car’

Skoda Karoq 1.5 TSI 150PS SE LBUYER’S FILE

Price £24,515Engine 4cyl, 1498cc, turbo, petrol Power 148bhp @ 5000-6000rpmTorque 184lb ft @ 1500-3500rpmGearbox 6-spd manual0-62mph 8.1secTop speed 126mphEconomy 52.3mpg (of�cial average)CO2, tax band 123g/km, 23%

The boot is a useful shape, with a large loading aperture Hooks in the boot help to stop items from moving around

MG.CO.UK

A R E YOU R E ADYFOR A NEW ERAO F MG ?

RIVALS


KIA’S STRAPLINE MAY be ‘The power to surprise’, but in an era of soft-roaders, adding another small SUV to its range is no more of a bombshell than a weeping X-Factor contestant babbling: “All I’ve ever wanted to do is sing!”

Based on the Rio small hatchback, the Stonic is now the smallest SUV in Kia’s portfolio. Its petrol engine line-up is cherry-picked from the Rio and includes an entry-level 98bhp naturally aspirated 1.4 and a turbocharged three-cylinder 1.0 that puts out 118bhp. Alternatively, you can opt for a 1.6-litre diesel.

There are two trim levels, starting with 2, which has most things you’re likely to want, including a 7.0in touchscreen with Bluetooth, a DAB radio and smartphone mirroring. Continuing the haphazard naming policy, the top-level First Edition adds luxuries such as sat-nav and climate control, plus extra safety kit.

As with the Rio, the pick of the Stonic’s engine range is the 1.0 turbo. Sure, you hear it thrumming away when you rev it, but it has a pleasant, muted rasp, in contrast to the clatter of the slightly lethargic diesel. The 1.0 is peppy, too, with the mid-range urge to let you zip

around town or gallop up to motorway speeds, while a slick six-speed manual gearbox (an automatic will join the range next year) and light clutch ensure that smooth driving is easy.

The steering is well weighted and precise at higher speeds yet stays helpfully light around town, and despite its raised ride height, the Stonic handles relatively nimbly – more akin to the Suzuki Vitara than the softer-sprung Renault Captur. The trade-off is that the Stonic’s ride is firmer than the Captur’s around town, thumping and jarring over sharp ridges, although it does settle down at higher speeds.

You won’t want for head or leg room up front, but the driving position is unconventional. There’s enough adjustment to get comfortable, but you sit low with your legs stretched out – a little odd considering that one of the draws of SUV ownership is a lofty perch.

As with the Vitara, the interior is a sea of hard plastics, but it feels built to last and the controls are all easy to use, while the touchscreen has clear icons that are easy to hit while driving. In fact, it’s one of the best systems in the class.

Head room in the rear is fine, but there’s less leg room than in the Vitara, and the Stonic doesn’t have sliding rear seats like the Captur. The boot is only an average size for the class, but at least you get a height-adjustable floor on the First Edition.

While the Stonic doesn’t break any new ground, it’s a decent car in 1.0 petrol

form, with its handling and infotainment system the highlights. But most buyers in this market will be more interested in comfort and space, and the Captur better manages the former and the Vitara the latter. That said, if the 1.0 model in 2 trim falls at the lower end of the price range (£16,295 to £20,495), the Stonic might have the power to surprise after all.

Renault Captur

Smoother riding but not as wieldy as the Stonic on twisty roads.

Suzuki Vitara

Handles as well as the Stonic and has more space for rear passengers.

Good to drive, but not as roomy or comfortable as some of its main rivals

SAYS


Boot is 352 litres; Captur’s is 377 and Vitara’s is 375Infotainment is among best in class; materials are robust

Kia Stonic 1.0 T-GDi ISG 2BUYER’S FILE

Price £17,000 (est)Engine 3cyl, 998cc, turbo, petrolPower 118bhp @ 6000rpmTorque 127lb ft @ 1500-4000rpmGearbox 6-spd manual0-62mph 10.3secTop speed 115mphEconomy 56.5mpg (of�cial average)CO2, tax band 115g/km, 22%

Kia StonicKia builds on the competent Rio small hatchback to create a new compact SUV with a dose of style On sale Now Price from £16,295

FIRST DRIVE

Renault Captur

A recent facelift has improved interior quality, but some engines are weak.

Suzuki Vitara

Entertaining to drive and very frugal. Shame the interior is so drab.

RIVALS


FIRST DRIVE

Price £19,200Engine 3cyl, 1199cc, turbo, petrolPower 108bhp @ 5500rpmTorque 151lb ft @ 1500rpmGearbox 6-spd automatic0-62mph 11.8secTop speed 114mphEconomy 50.4mpg (of�cial average)CO2, tax band 126g/km, 24%

Citroën C3 Aircross 1.2 Puretech 110 EAT6 Flair

BUYER’S FILE

AS A MAKER of cars, you’d have to be a couple of baguettes short of a boulangerie to ignore the popularity of small SUVs. One of 2017’s many new entrants to this fast-growing class comes from Citroën, a firm with a history of distinctive design and impressive comfort – both important attributes in this type of car.

So, what does the C3 Aircross bring to the table? For a start, there’s the same range of frugal yet punchy petrol and diesel engines that are found in the C3 hatchback on which

it’s based, impressive seating flexibility and the availability of a wide range of safety kit. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, the array of personalisation options might.

The C3 Aircross may be based on the C3, but it feels much better developed. Instead of crashing and banging over bumps and potholes, it smooths over all but the worst obstacles, even on 17in wheels. But this is still no driver’s car. The steering is slow and there’s noticeable body lean when you’re cornering quickly.

There are three versions of Citroën’s turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine and two 1.6 diesels. We tried the mid-range 108bhp petrol with an automatic gearbox and then the higher-powered 118bhp diesel. The 1.2 is punchy enough for the majority of situations, only really struggling with a full car up steep slopes.

Refinement is decent for a three-cylinder engine, apart from some vibration through the steering wheel. The diesel is gutsier as well as more economical, but it’s coarser than the 1.2 and a fair bit pricier in like-for-like trim.

Just as important as how the car drives is

how practical its interior is. All models get a height-adjustable boot floor and 60/40 split-folding rear seats with reclining backrests, while the boot is one of the biggest in the class. An optional Family Pack (£490 on mid-spec Feel models, £350 in top-spec Flair trim) adds sliding rear seats and a fold-flat front passenger seatback. The

sliding seats are standard in Flair trim. With the rear bench slid all the way back,

even 6ft-tall adults should be able to get comfortable. Leg room is good, while head room is even better. Seating three adults side by side is a squeeze, though.

Up front, it’s easy for the driver to get comfortable, because there’s plenty of adjustment for the seat and steering wheel. At first glance, the interior looks funky enough, especially when fitted with a Colour Pack (a £250 option on Feel models and standard on the Flair). However, it’s dominated by hard, scratchy plastics that will no doubt be hard-wearing but aren’t as appealing as the richer materials found in the rival Renault Captur.

Citroën C3 AircrossReplacement for the C3 Picasso is a small SUV that continues to put the emphasis on practicality On sale November Price from £13,995

Alan [email protected]


Interior is fabulously appointed and the seats are comfyThe trade-off for an absorbent ride is soggy handling

Interior looks funky, but quality of materials isn’t great

Wireless charging is part of a £650 pack on Flair models

Aston Martin DB11Luxury grand tourer is now available with the 503bhp V8 engine from the Mercedes-AMG GT On sale Now Price from £144,900

IN RECENT YEARS, Aston Martin has made a habit of popping engines from other manufacturers into its cars. There’s the Jaguar-engined V8 Vantage, for instance, and the DB11 can trace its V12’s lineage straight back to Ford.

Well, Aston’s at it again, this time borrowing a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 from Mercedes-AMG to create the new DB11 V8.

In case there’s any doubt, this is a fabulous decision. Why? Because it’s one hell of an engine. And even though, at 503bhp, it’s around 100bhp down on the V12, it has a similar amount of torque, is £13,000 cheaper and is, crucially, 115kg lighter.

In this case, less is definitely more. Being less lardy helps the car’s handling, which becomes immediately obvious when you get behind the wheel and scythe through a series of bends. Compared with the V12 model, the V8 feels much nimbler and happier to change direction. At the same time, Aston’s added a little extra steering weight for better feel, making the V8 an easier car to place.

The V8 puts its power down more successfully, too. Compared with the four-wheel-drive Bentley Continental GT, the rear-wheel-drive DB11 feels pretty lairy – especially on wet roads – but that thundering V8 exhaust note eggs you on to keep pushing it regardless, at which point you discover that, yes, it’s twitchy, but it’s also enjoyably playful and relatively easy to control.

The DB11’s adaptive dampers kept the body locked down and stable. Set them to the softest

Lighter V8 sharpens the DB11’s handling, making it sportier to drive than the V12 and its rivals

SAYSPractical, well equipped and roomy for a car of this size, but rather dull to drive

SAYS

GT mode and there’s plenty of suppleness to keep you comfortable as the miles roll by – the DB11 is still a grand tourer, after all.

Technically, the V8 is slower than the V12. Yet the reality is, beyond pitting them against each other in a drag race, you’d be hard pressed to tell. And with its better-honed

handling, the V8 is without doubt the DB11 to buy. Which poses a question: should you buy one over the Continental GT or our favourite luxury coupé, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupé? If you want an extra great dollop of driving fun and can live with its comparative rear seat and boot space shortcomings, then yes.

Price £144,900Engine V8, 3982cc, twin-turbo, petrol Power 503bhp @ 6000rpmTorque 498lb ft @ 2000-5000rpmGearbox 8-spd automatic 0-62mph 4.0secTop speed 187mphEconomy 28.5mpg (of�cial average)CO2, tax band 230g/km, 37%

Aston Martin DB11 V8 BUYER’S FILEMid-range and top-spec models get a

7.0in infotainment touchscreen that’s fairly responsive but not class-leading. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring are standard, but you have to pay extra for automatic emergency braking on all trims.

Citroën doesn’t have much of a history of producing SUVs, but the C3 Aircross is certainly a credible competitor in a burgeoning class that includes the Captur, Suzuki Vitara and the new Kia Stonic (see p24). Although it could do with a slightly plusher interior, there’s no disputing the fact that it’s spacious and practical. Whether those attributes are enough to make it stand out against even stronger competition in the shape of the Seat Arona (see p8) is much less certain.


Find out what our readers think of it p36

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Kia StingerKia’s �rst �ve-door coupé undercuts its premium rivals, but is there any more to it? On sale January 2018 Price from £31,995

Largest Vauxhall SUV provides space, practicality and a comprehensive standard spec On sale January 2018 Price from £22,310

Great ride and handling and lots of kit. Just needs more ef�cient and re�ned engines

SAYS

Offers the same comfort and practicality as its Peugeot 3008 sister but isn’t as special inside

SAYS

The Stinger isn’t as roomy as the Arteon, but then again, neither are some concert venues. The Stinger can take four adults and a pair of large suitcases as happily as the A5 or 4 Series. The driving position is great: low and sporty, with perfectly aligned controls and standard

electrically adjustable seats and steering wheel.

Materials are plush on the dashboard but turn poor halfway down, so the interior just fails to impress by A5 standards. It is exceptionally well equipped, though – so much so that, of the three trims, entry-level GT-Line provides all you might need.

So, what’s the catch? It’s the powertrains. Not the smooth

Vauxhall Grandland X

FIRST DRIVE

VAUXHALL MAY SPECIALISE in family-friendly cars, but its SUVs are all X-rated, with the new Grandland X joining the big-selling Mokka X and recently introduced Crossland X.

As its name suggests, the Grandland X is the biggest of the trio, competing with cars such as Nissan Qashqai, Peugeot 3008 and Seat Ateca.

In fact, it and the 3008 were developed as part of a joint venture, so they share their

platform and engines. These are a 1.6 diesel and a 1.2 turbo petrol, which, despite its size, makes a decent 128bhp and is peppy and eager to rev.

The ride isn’t as comfy as the Qashqai’s, but it’s still good, smoothing over bumps that the firmer Ateca would thud over. However, there’s more wind noise and engine vibration, and the Ateca is more poised and precise in corners.

Practicality is hard to fault, with good room for five and their luggage, handles in the boot to

fold the rear seats and, unless you get the base SE model, a height-adjustable boot floor and powered tailgate.

The Grandland X comes fully loaded, with an 8.0in infotainment touchscreen, climate control and cruise control, but it needs to, because the entry-level Ateca and Qashqai cost £4000 and £3000 less respectively.

Of its rivals, only the 3008 has a similar starting price, and that car’s much classier inside. So, while the Grandland X is a worthy addition to the class, it doesn’t stand out in any way, nor do anything that will shock you.

eight-speed automatic gearbox, but the engines. The 197bhp 2.2-litre diesel should be the default choice, but it’s gruff and has woeful CO2 emissions, making it a poor choice for company car drivers. The 367bhp 3.3-litre twin- turbo petrol V6 is a hoot and sounds fab, but it holds limited appeal. That leaves the cheapest 244bhp 2.0-litre turbo petrol as the best option. Like the diesel, it’s comparatively inefficient, but it’s at least brisker and more refined.

Grandland X is front-wheel drive only; it has the Seat Ateca beaten for ride comfort, but its handling is less precise

Steve [email protected]

Price £23,665Engine 3cyl, 1199cc, turbo, petrolPower 128bhp @ 5500rpmTorque 170lb ft @ 1750rpmGearbox 6-spd manual0-62mph 11.1secTop speed 117mphEconomy 55.4mpg (of�cial average)CO2, tax band 117g/km, 22%

Vauxhall Grandland X 1.2T Tech NavBUYER’S FILE


“AMBITION IS THE path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in,” it was once said.Kia has been highly ambitious with the Stinger, but has it been persistent enough in developing this five-door coupé for it to smash the glass ceiling and compete in the premium market of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé, Audi A5 Sportback and Volkswagen Arteon?

In many ways, yes. You might have already read (on p13) about how the ex-boss of BMW’s M division has achieved great things with the Hyundai i30N hot hatch. Well, Hyundai is Kia’s sister brand, and he’s been fettling the Stinger, too.

Clearly he’s a dab hand. The rear-wheel-drive Stinger has the chassis balance and poise of the 4 Series and steers with a finesse hitherto unseen in a Kia. It’ll thrill keener drivers.

And yet the Stinger rides in a supple manner, even on bumpier roads.

Kia Stinger 2.0 T-GDi GT-Line

BUYER’S FILE

Price £31,995Engine 4cyl, 1998cc, turbo, petrol Power 244bhp @ 6000rpmTorque 260lb ft @ 1400-3500rpmGearbox 8-spd automatic 0-62mph 6.0secTop speed 149mphEconomy 35.8mpg (of�cial average)CO2, tax band 181g/km, 37%

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DYSON HAS REVEALED plans to develop and build its own electric car by 2020, after receiving £174m and support from the Government.

The company, best known for its vacuum cleaners, will invest £2bn in the car, which will target luxury models such as the Tesla Model S,rather than more mass-market offerings such as the Nissan Leaf and Renault Zoe. A wider range of Dyson models could follow later.

Dyson’s main advantage will be its use of solid-state batteries. These are much denser and quicker to charge than regular lithium ion batteries, as well as cooler while operating and potentially more powerful, so fewer are needed.

Company founder Sir James Dyson said he believed “electrically powered vehicles would solve our vehicle pollution problem”.

Some 400 people, including former Aston Martin and Tesla employees, are currently developing the car at Dyson’s headquarters in Malmesbury, Wiltshire.

BMW will become the world’s fi rst mass-market car maker to introduce wireless charging, initially on the new 5 Series 530e iPerformance plug-in hybrid. The technology will be rolled out next year. The fl oor-mounted pad can charge the 530e’s lithium ion battery in3.5 hours, claims BMW.

THE NUMBER OF vehicles stolen in the UK has risen by 30% in the past three years, from just over 65,700 in 2013 to almost 85,700 in 2016.

The worst region for car theft last year was London, with almost 26,500 thefts reported by the Metropolitan Police, an increase of 29% from 2013.

The BMW X5 is the most popular car to be stolen, followed by the Range Rover Sport and BMW M3.

RAC Insurance director Mark Godfrey said: “We fear that thieves

are now better equipped with technology that’s capable of defeating car manufacturers’ anti-theft systems. This is bad news for motorists, because it has the effect of causing insurance premiums to rise.”

Car theft used to be a much bigger problem, with more than 300,000 vehicles stolen in 2002. Technological advances in immobilisers, car keys and alarms have helped to reduce the number of thefts, which bottomed out in around 2013.

However, thieves are now able to hack into cars’ onboard diagnostics systems and take control of them.

The chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Mike Hawes, said advances in car security had helped to bring down theft, with less than 0.3% of vehicles in the UK being stolen, but he called for “stronger safeguards to prevent the sale of cloning technologies, signal blocking and other devices that have no legal purpose”.

Upsurge in UK car theftsMore than 85,000 vehicles were stolen in 2016 – a 30% rise from 2013

NEWS

Dyson’s had an eye on cars since the 1980s

The number of UK road accidents caused by defective

brakes in 2016, Department for Transport data shows

2.2% Year-on-year growth in UK

traf� c last year, the same DfT � gures show

£7562 The saving on an Outlander

PHEV, after Mitsubishi’s scrappage

scheme, the government plug-in grant

and our Target Price discount

83% Car buyers

who’ll haggle, according to Sainsbury’s Bank’s Car

Buying Index

THENEWSIN

NUMBERS

365

Dyson to build electric car with radical battery tech

Thieves have high-tech devices that allow them to beat car security

70,106DEALS

ONLINE NOW!


MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS ESTATE

C220d SEJust as comfy and well equipped as the C-Class saloon, but with masses of extra boot space.WHAT CAR? SAYS List price £32,725 Offer price £28,263

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SKODA YETI

1.2 TSI SIt’s about to be replaced by the Karoq, but the Yeti small SUV is still easy as pie to live with.WHAT CAR? SAYS List price £17,770 Offer price £16,073

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1.4 Multiair Pop StarThis butch small SUV is fairly practical and Pop Star spec gets you plenty of useful kit.WHAT CAR? SAYS List price £18,665 Offer price £16,665

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Ford S-Max 1.5 Ecoboost ZetecSpacious, good to drive and with reasonable running costs.What Car? says List price £26,445 Offer price £22,520


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320d Ef� cientDynamics Plus Step AutoThis is our favourite version of BMW’s comfy, luxurious and cheap-to-run executive saloon.WHAT CAR? SAYS List price £33,930 Offer price £31,287

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VOLVO XC90

2.0 D5 Powerpulse MomentumLuxury seven-seat SUV comes with plenty of kit, and this diesel engine is our pick of the range.WHAT CAR? SAYS List price £47,350 Offer price £44,554

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VAUXHALL ASTRA

1.4i 16V DesignA great all-rounder, this family hatchback is good to drive and comes with lots of kit.WHAT CAR? SAYS List price £16,535 Offer price £15,129

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PEUGEOT 3008

1.2 Puretech ActiveStylish small SUV offers a tech-heavy interior and our recommended petrol unit costs little to run.WHAT CAR? SAYS List price £22,495 Offer price £19,900

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Next month in

Volkswagen Golf vs rivalsFitted with a new engine, the Golf faces the Skoda Octavia and Peugeot 308

Volkswagen T-Roc drivenNew sub-£20,000 small SUV promises to outclass the Seat Ateca

New Renault KoleosWe pit Renault’s large SUV against the practical and classy Mazda CX-5

Car clocking returnsIs your car hiding its true mileage? We investigate the new wave of clocking

Small SUV shootoutSeat Arona takes on Citroën C3 Aircross and Kia Stonic in our 11-page comparison

On sale 23 November

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Fuel consumption in mpg (l/100km) Urban tbcExtra Urban tbc Combined tbc Co2 tbcg/km

BMWX1sDrive 18i SE 5dr

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Mercedes-BenzE Class Coupé220d AMG Line 2dr Auto

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BMW7 Series Saloon730d 4dr Auto

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VolkswagenAll New Polo1.0 TSI 95 Beats 5dr

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Fuel consumption in mpg (l/100km) Urban 54.3 (5.2)Extra Urban 76.4 (3.7) Combined 65.7(4.3) Co2 111g/km

£4,191 deposit contrib nfrom Mercedes-Benz i c udedif you take PCP fi nance at 4.9% APR

Mercedes-BenzC Class SaloonC200d SE 4dr Auto

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£1250 deposit contrib Audi included if you ta fi nance at 4.6% APR

AudiQ73.0 TDI 218 Quattro SE 5dr Auto

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Great savings on brand new vehiclesCall us today 01508 571385 | uknewcars.com

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These offers are valid for orders placed between 1 October 2017 and 31 December 2017. The car must be registered by 31 March 2018. Prices are based on current manufacturer offers which may be subject to change. Maximum PCP term is 4 years. Pictures are for illustration purposes only. Emissions fi gures are from the latest manufacturer literature available. Prices correct at time of going to press.

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VolkswagenAll New T-Roc1.0TSI 115 SE 5drFinance Price

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SMALL SUVsAudi Q3 Summer 2018Second-generation Q3 is bigger and roomier than the original and has sharper looks.

BMW X2 Early 2018A £30k coupé-styled SUV with 2.0-litre engines.

Citroën C5 Aircross Summer 2018Practical, circa-£20k Nissan Qashqai rival.

Honda CR-V DecemberBigger, with new engines and a hybrid model.

Hyundai Kona NovemberFuturistic looks and frugal engines from £15k.

Skoda Karoq DecemberYeti successor is good to drive and versatile inside; it will be priced from £20,875.

Volvo XC40 Early 2018Promises to beat the rival Audi Q2 and BMW X1 for safety and technology.

LARGE SUVsAudi Q8 Summer 2018Q7-based Range Rover Velar rival is a luxurious, high-tech � ve-seater, priced from around £55k.

BMW X7 Summer 2018Huge, £70,000 seven-seat Range Rover rival.

Range Rover PHEV January 2018Petrol hybrid with 30-mile electric-only range.

Seat seven-seater Early 2018Sister to the Skoda Kodiaq will cost about £30k.

Volkswagen Touareg Early 2018More luxurious interior and bolder styling.

FAMILY CARSLexus CT facelift January 2018Updated looks and new infotainment tech.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Summer 2018Bigger and roomier, with sharper looks and a plusher interior. Offers semi-autonomous tech.

ELECTRIC CARSAudi E-tron Summer 2018 Large SUV with a range of at least 310 miles.

Jaguar I-Pace Early 2018Five-seat SUV with a 310-mile-plus range and futuristic looks will cost from around £50k.

SMALL HATCHBACKHonda JazzThe MPV-like Jazz has been updated with revised styling, a refreshed interior and a new Sport trim level (pictured) that adds a front splitter and rear diffuser. There’s also a new 1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine with 128bhp, and the CVT automatic gearbox has been updated to make it more re� ned and linear under acceleration. Price £14,000 (est)

ALSO COMING SOON

Volkswagen sure is serious about small SUVs, with its third soon to arrive. Sitting below the Seat Ateca-rivalling Tiguan and the new Golf-sized T-Roc, the T-Cross will be the high-riding equivalent of the Polo hatchback and use that car’s small petrol engines. Like the T-Roc, it will have muscular styling and plenty of personalisation options. The T-Cross was previewed by a convertible concept (pictured) which could also make production. Price £16,000 (est)

Nissan Leaf Early 2018New hatchback gets Micra-inspired looks, is far better to drive and has a range of 235 miles.

EXECUTIVE CARSAudi A6 Summer 2018Has new underpinnings, revised engines and a plusher interior with two touchscreens.

BMW 6 Series GT NovemberSaloon looks and a practical hatchback boot.

SPORTS CARS AND HOT HATCHESFerrari Porto� no Early 2018Convertible entry-level Ferrari has a 592bhp V8.

Ford Fiesta ST Early 2018New 197bhp engine and three driving modes.

Toyota Supra Summer 2018Light, 400bhp-plus hybrid coupé from £35k.

Volkswagen Up GTI January 2018Hot city car with 113bhp; 0-60mph takes 8.8sec.

EXECUTIVE CARVauxhall Insignia GSiThe hottest version of the commendable new Insignia is available as both a saloon and estate. It has a 252bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine and an eight-speed automatic gearbox, while weight loss and four-wheel drive should make it more agile than regular models. Adaptive suspension, sports seats and four driving modes also feature. Price £30,000 (est)

EARLY2018

LATE2018

JANUARY 2018

SMALL SUV

Volkswagen T-Cross

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IRIS HILL

ADVICE


IT MIGHT SEEM odd that Citroën has replaced the C3 Picasso, a car near the top of the small MPV game, with a car in a different market. Really, though, the C3 Aircross small SUV represents more of a shift in perception than ethos. The C3 Picasso made its name with a cleverly packaged and spacious interior, a comfy ride and a big boot, and the C3 Aircross aims to further those qualities while being more image-conscious in order to tempt people out of a Nissan Juke or Renault Captur.

Practicality is met with above-average head and leg room, the availability of sliding rear seats and a big boot. Idiosyncratic looks and a myriad of colour combinations sort out style.

Engines are three 1.2-litre petrols (with up to 128bhp) and two 1.6-litre diesels, and both manual and automatic gearboxes are available.

The C3 Aircross will go on sale in November, with pricing ranging from £13,995 to £16,900.

Claire [email protected]

Age 68Job IT trainerDrives Honda Jazz

“I owned Citroëns for 25 years until I switched from a C3 Picasso to a Honda Jazz small hatchback two years ago.

“I found the C3 Picasso’s clutch and gearbox too heavy, and it was too cumbersome to park in the busy streets near my home, but I’ve not found the Jazz a perfect match either, because

We’ve just given this vibrant, ‘people-minded’ small SUV a three-star rating, but what does the public think?

Reader Test TeamCitroën C3 Aircross

Iris is concerned that parking might be dif� cult; rear visibility is a worry

it has too much of a bumpy and jittery ride. A comfortable ride is important to me, and it’s something that Citroën has historically been known for.

“The C3 Aircross is actually bigger than the C3 Picasso, which is a bit of a concern, and visibility out of the rear is very poor due to the thick window pillars.

The C3 Aircross’s gearbox and clutch are much lighter – both good things. It has the same high driving position as the C3 Picasso, too, which is something I’m looking for.

“I like the option of having door mirrors that automatically fold in when you turn the engine off; that’s good for street parking.

“I wouldn’t go for big alloy wheels on this car, though, because they’d be easy to kerb.

“The 7.0in touchscreen infotainment system is a big improvement on that of the C3 Picasso; it’s much more intuitive to use.

“Overall, the C3 Aircross, being priced from £13,995, looks like great value for money, especially compared with my Jazz.”

JULIA AND JEREMY WEBSTER

PAUL DONNELLY


Age 59Job IT consultantDrives DS 3

“I bought a DS 3 hatchback earlier this year, but I’m now looking for something roomier to replace it, so an SUV seems the best option.

“I’ve had lots of Citroëns over the years, and the brand’s quirkiness is something I love.

“The C3 Aircross’s chunky exterior design is lovely. I especially like the unusual touches such as the plastic venetian blind effect on the rearmost window pillars.

“This combines with the ‘face’ of the C4 Cactus, with separated headlights and daytime running lights, very well and really

differentiates this car from other small SUVs. From an aesthetic perspective, I’d say the C3 Aircross demonstrates that Citroën really has got its mojo back.

“I’m a big fan of the fact that buyers can personalise their car with contrasting colours for different areas, such as the roof and dashboard.

“This would be a good family car, too; it carries forward the outstanding practicality of the C3 Picasso. The interior is airy, the seats offer plenty of space and there are some great practical touches, such as reclining rear seats, which can also optionally be slid back and forth separately.”

Age 53 and 58Job Registrar (Julia)Drive Citroën

C3 Picasso

Julia: “We’re looking to replace our six-year-old C3 Picasso, but we’ve struggled to find a new car that’s frugal to run, easy to drive and comfy for four tall adults.

“We hope that the C3 Aircross can build on those qualities of the C3 Picasso while injecting some style into the formula.

“We go out as a family fairly often, so the C3 Aircross’s practical interior is perfect for us, as is its large boot.

“The driving position is good and the controls on the dashboard are well arranged.

“The quality of the interior materials isn’t that great, but it’s not too much of an issue.”

Jeremy: “I’m 6ft 4in tall and have long legs, so in many cars I have to have the driver’s seat pushed all the way back, impinging on leg room for those in the rear. However, I’m impressed with the C3 Aircross; there’s enough leg room in the front that I don’t have to slide the seat right back, and head room is comfortable.”

“This car is well thought out, with plenty of practical details, such as the sliding rear seats and slot for storing the parcel shelf when it’s not in use.

“I also like that it has a normal handbrake lever rather than an electric one, and that a rear-view camera is on the options list.

“Plus, the infotainment touchscreen is fairly easy to use.”

‘This car is well thought out, with plenty of practical details’ Jeremy Webster

Jeremy discovers that head room is far better than in rivals such as the Nissan Juke

The C3 Aircross’s class-competitive 410-litre boot is a big practicality boost for Paul

Our readers love the C3 Aircross’s unusual styling cues

Dash is well laid out and infotainment is easy to use

‘Squircle’ design theme is apparent throughout the car

If you’d like to be part of a future Reader Test Team, or have a question about a speci�c upcoming car,email us with your details at

[email protected]


Your verdict: how reliable is your car?

In our 2017 Reliability Survey, we asked more than 14,200 people to tell us about any faults their cars have suffered during the past year

ReliabilitySurvey

There are lots of reasons why people buy cars, from a change in circumstances, such as becoming a parent, to retiring. But when it comes to why people keep their cars and stick with the same brand year after year, there’s one factor that has the biggest in� uence: reliability.

If your car regularly breaks down and leaves you stranded, or even if it just suffers from a plague of minor faults that require regular trips to the garage, you’re far less likely to pick the same brand again.

That’s why we asked owners of 14,208 cars to tell us if their cars had suffered any faults in the past 12 months. Faults were classi� ed into 14 groups: battery, bodywork, brakes, engine, engine electrics, exhaust, exterior lights, fuel system, gearbox/clutch,

to tell us how much the repairs cost, from being � xed under warranty for free to more than £1500. This information was weighted according to the severity of the fault; those that cost the most and kept the car off the road the longest were penalised most.

The data has been used to create our What Car? reliability rating, which is the score you see beside each model.

Over the following pages, we’ve picked out the best and worst contenders in10 classes.

ADVICE

interior trim, non-engine electrics, steering, suspension and other.

For each fault, we asked the owner to identify time spent off the road using categories ranging from less than one day to more than a week. We also asked them

whatcar.com/news/reliability-survey

To view the full results for32 brands and 169 models, visit


NEARLY 29% OF Volkswagen Ups had problems. The most common were with the clutch/gearbox and non-engine electrics; two-thirdsof electrical faults related to the car’s digital radio. Around a fi fth of cars took more than a week to repair and not all were fi xed under warranty; a small percentage cost up to £1000.

Only 20% of Fiat Panda owners told us about problems, but they spanned some important areas, including engine, engine electrics and suspension. All faults were fi xed in less than a week, though, and most were carried out under warranty.

Even fewer Fiat 500 owners (15% ) reported faults, but those faults were serious and took more than a day to fi x. More than 7% had steering issues and 4% had engine problems.

ALMOST 36% OF Nissan Notes suffered a fault. Engine and engine electrics were problematic on 10% of petrol versions and, overall, almost 18% of all Notes had non-engine electrical faults and more than 14% suspension issues.

Petrol-engined Mazda 2s also had more than their fair share of non-engine electrical issues, many of them relating to the air-con system, while more than 10% of cars had fuel system problems.

Just over 20% of Volkswagen Polo owners reported faults on their cars and the most common by far was non-engine electrics (15%), with issues with the air-con accounting for half of their complaints. Other problematic areas included the engine stop-start system, the reversing camera and the infotainment screen.

IT’S FULL MARKS for Toyota’s Aygo, with owners reporting no faults with their cars. More than 13% cited reliability as what they liked most about their car, emphasising just how dependable it is.

Only 14% of Kia Picanto owners reported an issue; 10% related to bodywork and 5% were for non-engine electrics. Reassuringly, all were fi xed under warranty in less than a week.

Skoda’s Citigo isn’t far behind the Picanto. Again, 14% of cars suffered a problem, but this model lags slightly behind for reliability because the faults related to more serious areas, such as brakes, engine electrics and steering. On top of this, some cars were rendered not driveable and not all the faults were fi xed for free under the warranty; a small percentage of owners paid up to £300.

NOT ONE HONDA Jazz owner who completed our survey reported any faults with their car, giving the little Japanese hatchback a perfect reliability score. The previous-generation Jazz did well, too. It sits in fourth place in our table, only troubled by minor niggles.

The Toyota Yaris proves almost as dependable, with no faults reported by owners of the newest cars; only the oldest models suffered from minor bodywork issues.

The fi ve-door Sportback version of Audi’s A1 sits in third place, ahead of the three-door version, which went on sale a couple of years earlier. Only 17% of cars had a fault, and all cars remained driveable and were fi xed in less than a week. Again, faults were only reported on older cars.

City cars Small cars

Volkswagen UpWhat went wrong? Bodywork 3.6% Engine electrics 3.6% Exhaust 3.6% Gearbox/clutch 7.1% Interior trim 3.6%Non-engine electrics 10.7%

Nissan Note What went wrong? Battery 3.6% Bodywork 3.6% Brakes 3.6% Engine 10.7% Engine electrics 10.7% Interior trim 3.6%Non-engine electrics 17.9% Suspension 14.3%

Toyota Aygo What went wrong? Nothing

Honda Jazz What went wrong? Nothing

LEAST RELIABLE LEAST RELIABLE

MOST RELIABLE MOST RELIABLE

Fiat 500 2008-2015 85.2%Fiat Panda 2012-present 75.5%Volkswagen Up 2012-2016 74.8%

Volkswagen Polo 2009-2017 58.8%Mazda 2 2015-present 52.7%Nissan Note 2013-present 48.6%

Toyota Aygo 2014-present 100.0%Kia Picanto 2011-2016 89.6%Skoda Citigo 2012-2017 88.5%

Honda Jazz 2015-present 100.0%Toyota Yaris 2011-present 94.2%Audi A1 Sportback 2012-present 93.1%

Make and model Make and model


Reliability Reliability


0% of cars

had faults

28.6% of cars

had faults

0% of cars

had faults

35.7% of cars

had faults


NISSAN’S PULSAR WAS affl icted by more than its fair share of non-engine electrical gremlins, with owners citing air-con as the most blighted area. It took more than a day to fi x the majority of faults, but all the work was carried out under warranty.

Almost half (48%) of Volvo V40s had problems; the most common were on the engine and the exhaust system. Although most were fi xed for free, it took more than a day to fi x the majority of faults.

Overall, 28% of Mazda 3s had faults, with petrol-engined versions affl icted by more issues than their diesel counterparts. Suspension, steering and engine electrics were the more serious areas of concern with petrol models. Not all cars were fi xed under warranty and more than half spent more than a day in the garage.

JUST OVER 35% of Mercedes-Benz B-Class owners reported faults. They encompassed important areas – such as engine, engine electrics and gearbox/clutch – that rendered the cars undriveable and took more than a week to put right.

Electrical issues affected the Citroën C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso; 37% of cars had problems. Of those, 22% were non-engine electrical faults relating to areas such as air-con. The fairly high proportion of suspension faults (15%) is also a concern, along with the small percentage of repair bills that exceed £1500.

Volkswagen’s Touran isn’t susceptible to a lot of faults; only 20% of cars had problems. However, its service departments took more than a week to fi x 75% of cars, even if work was carried out under warranty.

NONE OF THE Lexus CT200h owners we surveyed reported any faults with their cars, giving this premium hybrid a perfect reliability score. Even when you look at the responses from owners of cars more than three years old, less than 10% said their cars had a fault.

Honda’s Civic may have exterior styling that divides opinion, but owners are in agreement about its durability; only 11% of cars had issues. Areas affected included the battery, interior trim, non-engine electrics and exterior lights. All problems were fi xed under warranty and most were corrected in less than a day.

The Hyundai i30 doesn’t lag far behind its Japanese rivals, with only 15% of cars suffering faults. These were only minor niggles and were fi xed under warranty in less than a week.

FORD’S B-MAX MAY not have styling that sets the world alight, but it partly makes up for that with good reliability. Only 17% of cars suffered faults and, while they spanned both minor and more serious issues, including the Quickclear screen and the steering system, all were fi xed under warranty.

Its big brother, the C-Max, is almost as robust, according to owners; 18% of cars had faults. These were mostly non-engine electrical problems that were minor enough to keep cars driveable. The majority of cars were put right fairly swiftly for free.

Volkswagen’s Golf SV isn’t quite as bulletproof; 23% of owners told us about a fault. However, the areas affected weren’t too serious and all cars were fi xed under warranty in less than a week.

Family cars MPVs

Nissan PulsarWhat went wrong? Battery 11.1% Bodywork 5.6% Engine electrics 11.1% Interior trim 5.6% Non-engine electrics 27.8% Other (front sub-frame) 5.6%

Lexus CT200h What went wrong? Nothing



Mazda 3 2009-2013 58.4%Volvo V40 diesel 2012-present 55.5%Nissan Pulsar 2014-present 48.3%

Volkswagen Touran diesel 2015-present 65.2%Citroën C4/Grand C4 Picasso diesel 2013-present 56.8%Mercedes-Benz B-Class 2012-present 46.2%

Lexus CT200h 2011-present 100.0%Honda Civic hatchback/Tourer 2012-2017 94.5%Hyundai i30 hatchback/Tourer 2012-2017 91.7%

Ford B-Max 2012-present 91.6%Ford C-Max Estate 2010-present 90.0%Volkswagen Golf SV 2014-present 83.2%





Ford B-MaxWhat went wrong? Non-engine electrics 8.3% Steering 8.3%

Mercedes-Benz B-ClassWhat went wrong? Bodywork 5.9% Brakes 5.9% Engine 5.9%Engine electrics 23.5% Exhaust 5.9% Exterior lights 5.9%Gearbox/clutch 11.8% Suspension 5.9%

0% of cars

had faults

50.0% of cars

had faults

16.7% of cars

had faults

35.3% of cars

had faults


NISSAN QASHQAI PETROL models gain the wooden spoon for small SUV reliability, with a 56% fault rate. Batteries, bodywork and non-engine electrics topped the long list of problem areas. The only good news is that most cars were fi xed in less than a week for free.

Owners told us that more than 33% of Fiat 500Xs have had a fault in the past year, with areas of concern split fairly evenly between bodywork and electrical issues (engine and non-engine). Although all were fi xed under warranty, most took more than a day to put right.

It may look rugged, but the Jeep Renegade isn’t the sturdiest SUV you can buy. Nearly 43% of cars suffered from faults and many centred on serious issues, such as the engine, engine electrics and braking systems. Some cars were off the road for more than a week.

WORRYINGLY, 60% OF Range Rover Sport diesels had problems. They spanned a wide range of areas, the most serious of which were the gearbox, drivetrain, engine and suspension. Not all cars were fi xed under warranty and some were off the road for more than a week.

Only just ahead is the Volvo XC90, with 53% of owners reporting faults. Owners had non-engine electrical and software system issues that were not always remedied on the fi rst visit to the garage. All repair work was carried out under warranty, though.

More than 40% of Land Rover Discovery Sport diesels had faults, mostly relating to bodywork and interior trim, and there were also some engine and non-engine electrical issues. All cars were fi xed for free, though, and most were back on the road in less than a week.

DIESEL-ENGINED VERSIONS of Volkswagen’s Tiguan outperform the petrols for dependability, with only 5% of owners telling us about faults. The only issue was non-engine electrical faults, which were fi xed under warranty in less than a week.

The Ford Kuga also proves impressively sturdy. Only 18% of the diesel versions we were told about had problems and they were mostly electrical issues with the air-con and the infotainment system. Some of these incurred hefty repair bills, though.

Skoda’s Yeti Outdoor isn’t quite as robust, with 31% of cars having problems, the most common of which related to non-engine electrics. But none lingered in the garage for more than a week and most were fi xed in less than a day and for free under warranty.

LESS THAN 10% of Outlanders suffered a fault; the areas affected were bodywork, brakes, engine electrics and non-engine electrics, all in equal measure. Almost 75% of cars were fi xed in less than a day and all were fi xed for free in less than a week.

The Porsche Cayenne is only marginally behind the Outlander, with 14% of vehicles encountering a fault. All problems were sorted out for free and in less than a day, too.

The Touareg is built alongside the Cayenne, so it’s no surprise that the Volkswagen version of this large SUV is almost as dependable. Less than 16% of cars had faults and all were minor things that took less than a week to fi x. The Touareg lost points compared with the Cayenne because not all the work was carried out in less than a day.

Small SUVs Large SUVs

Nissan Qashqai petrolWhat went wrong? Battery 18.0% Bodywork 16.4% Brakes 6.6% Engine 4.9% Engine electrics 11.5% Exhaust 1.6% Gearbox/clutch 3.3% Interior trim 9.8% Non-engine electrics 14.8% Steering 3.3% Suspension 3.3%

Range Rover Sport dieselWhat went wrong? Battery 10.0% Bodywork 10.0% Brakes 10.0% Engine 10.0% Engine electrics 5.0% Gearbox/clutch 15.0%Non-engine electrics 35.0% Steering 5.0% Suspension 5.0%

Volkswagen Tiguan dieselWhat went wrong? Non-engine electrics 5.0%

Mitsubishi OutlanderWhat went wrong? Bodywork 2.4% Brakes 2.4% Engine electrics 2.4% Non-engine electrics 2.4%



Jeep Renegade 2015-present 42.1%Fiat 500X 2015-present 32.3%Nissan Qashqai petrol 2014-present 28.9%

Land Rover Discovery Sport diesel 2015-present 43.8%Volvo XC90 2015-present 22.6%Range Rover Sport diesel 2013-present 14.5%

Volkswagen Tiguan diesel 2016-present 96.3%Ford Kuga diesel 2012-present 92.8%Skoda Yeti Outdoor 2013-present 92.7%

Mitsubishi Outlander 2012-present 91.2%Porsche Cayenne 2010-present 90.1%Volkswagen Touareg diesel 2010-present 87.1%





ADVICE

5.0% of cars

had faults

55.7% of cars

had faults

9.8% of cars

had faults

60.0% of cars

had faults

Multi-performance harmony

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Hankook Tyre UK LtdFawsley Drive, Heartlands Business ParkDaventry, Northamptonshire NN11 8UG

Tel: +44 1327 304 100 Fax: +44 1327 304 110

Be one with innovation

BE ONE WITH IT



ADVICE

JAGUAR’S DIESEL-ENGINED XEs let the side down, with 44% of cars experiencing faults. Non-engine electrical issues were the most common bugbear, but there were other problems, such as the bodywork, engine, fuel system, steering and suspension. All were fi xed for free in less than a week, though.

Owners of 40% of Volkswagen CCs said their car had a problem, many of them relating to non-engine electrics. Not all were fi xed under warranty and some were off the road for more than a week.

Volvo’s S60 and V60 sit in the bottom three because 38% of cars had a fault. The most common areas of concern were bodywork, engine electrics, exhaust system and non-engine electrics. However, most cars were fi xed in less than a day for free under warranty.

THE NEWER VERSION of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class didn’t perform as well as the older one, with 24% of cars suffering a problem. Interior trim and electrical issues (engine and non-engine) were the most commonly affl icted areas. Although all cars were fi xed under warranty, a small percentage spent more than a week in the garage.

Meanwhile, 34% of BMW 5 Series diesels had problems across a range of areas, from the engine and gearbox/clutch to the bodywork and interior trim. Owners also reported air-con and infotainment issues, and a small number told us about blistered alloy wheels.

Jaguar’s XF didn’t put in a terrible performance, with only 20% of cars suffering a fault. However, half the cars were not driveable and a third took more than a week to fi x.

PETROL VERSIONS OF Audi’s A3 Saloon don’t miss a beat, according to owners. Diesel models sit a little lower down the executive car reliability table, with a small percentage of them blighted by faults on their engine, engine electrics and brakes.

Just under 12% of Lexus IS models suffered a problem. These were evenly split between engine, engine electrics and non-engine electrics, and all were fi xed for free in less than a week.

Petrol-engined Jaguar XE saloons proved far more dependable than their diesel counterparts (see below), with less than 17% of cars suffering faults that were categorised in two areas: engine electrics and non-engine electrics. All the problems were fi xed under warranty in less than a day, too.

JUST 9% OF Mercedes-Benz S-Class saloons had a problem, with engine electrics the only area of concern. The cars remained driveable and all were fi xed for free in less than a week.

Audi’s A6 wasn’t far behind, with 10% of owners reporting faults that spanned bodywork, interior trim, non-engine electrics and the exhaust. All cars were repaired for free and put back on the road in less than a week.

Owners of the previous Mercedes E-Class reported faults on 26% of cars, with electrical problems the most common complaint, followed by interior trim, gearbox and suspension. That said, all repair work was done under warranty and most cars remained driveable and were back on the road in less than a week.

Executive cars Luxury cars

Jaguar XE diesel What went wrong? Battery 2.9% Bodywork 11.8% Engine 5.9% Engine electrics 11.8% Gearbox/clutch 2.9% Interior trim 5.9% Non-engine electrics 17.7% Exhaust 8.8% Fuel system 8.8% Steering 2.9% Suspension 5.9%

Mercedes-Benz E-Class saloon diesel (2016-)What went wrong? Battery 4.8% Bodywork 4.8% Engine 4.8% Engine electrics 9.5% Fuel system 4.8% Interior trim 14.3%Non-engine electrics 14.3% Steering 2.9% Suspension 4.9%

Audi A3 Saloon petrolWhat went wrong? Nothing

Mercedes-Benz S-Class saloon diesel What went wrong? Engine electrics 9.1%



Volvo S60/V60 2010-present 64.4%Volkswagen CC diesel 2012-2016 58.0%Jaguar XE diesel 2015-present 36.7%

Jaguar XF saloon diesel 2015-present 66.8%BMW 5 Series saloon/Touring diesel 2010-2016 62.2%Mercedes-Benz E-Class saloon diesel 2016-present 46.1%

Audi A3 Saloon petrol 2013-present 100.0%Lexus IS 2013-present 90.9%Jaguar XE petrol 2015-present 88.5%

Mercedes-Benz S-Class saloon diesel 2013-2017 93.2%Audi A6 saloon/Avant diesel 2011-present 92.1%Mercedes-Benz E-Class saloon/estate diesel 2009-2016 75.3%





0% of cars

had faults

44.1% of cars

had faults

9.1% of cars

had faults

23.8% of cars

had faults


ADVICE

PROBLEMS WITH BODYWORK, non-engine electrics and interior trim blighted the performance of the Mazda MX-5, with owners reporting faults on 32% of cars. Although all were fi xed in less than a week, only half were paid for under warranty, leaving a small percentage of owners with bills that ranged between £301 and £750.

Although 40% of Mercedes-Benz SLKs had a fault (with bodywork the biggest problem area), all cars were fi xed under warranty and back on the road in less than a week.

Similarly, while the Audi TT appears in the bottom three, its reliability isn’t terrible. More than 31% of cars suffered faults during the survey period, but they weren’t major and all were fi xed under warranty in less than seven days.

IN CONTRAST, NEARLY 38% of Tesla Model S owners reported faults, with issues split fairly evenly between bodywork, interior trim and the cars’ electric motors. Owners also told us about broken exterior door handles and other bodywork problems, as well as some faults with exterior lights. Although all cars were fi xed under warranty, some were off the road for more than a week.

Almost 32% of Renault Zoe cars had faults, with the most common area of complaint being non-engine electrics; owners mentioned broken heaters and air-con systems. They also reported issues with the bodywork and the cars’ charging systems. All faults were fi xed for free, though, and most were back on the road in less than a week. However, a few cars were rendered not driveable and lingered in garages for more than seven days.

AUDI’S A3 CABRIOLET isn’t just practical with plenty of space; it’s robust, too. Just 10% of cars had a fault; all related to non-engine electrics and were fi xed under warranty in less than a week.

The coupé and convertible versions of BMW’s 2 Series perform almost as strongly as their fellow German four-seater. Less than13% of cars had a problem, and although only half of those werefi xed in less than a week, most were minor and no charges were made for repairs.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet isn’t quite as sturdy, with 20% of cars having a problem. The convertible roof and fuel system were mostly to blame, with the latter keeping a small percentage of cars in the garage for more than a week.

THERE’S A DISTINCT divide between the best and worst electric vehicles. At the top of the heap is the Nissan Leaf with a reliability rating of 94%. Owners reported faults on less than 8% of cars in three areas: bodywork, brakes and non-engine electrics. All the problems were fi xed for free and most in less than a week.

BMW’s i3 isn’t far behind with a score of 89%. Less than 12% of cars had a fault and most were fi xed for free in less than a week. The areas affected were more serious, though, and included the battery, charge system, non-engine electrics and suspension.

Coupés and convertibles Electric vehicles

Mazda MX-5 ConvertibleWhat went wrong? Bodywork 21.1% Interior trim 10.5% Non-engine electrics 10.5%

Tesla Model SWhat went wrong? Bodywork 31.3% Electric motor 12.5% Exterior lights 6.3%Interior trim 12.5%

Audi A3 Cabriolet petrol What went wrong? Non-engine electrics 10.0%

Nissan LeafWhat went wrong? Bodywork 2.5% Brakes 2.5% Non-engine electrics 2.5%



Audi TT Coupé/Cabriolet petrol 2014-present 76.0%Mercedes-Benz SLK 2011-present 73.6%Mazda MX-5 Convertible 2015-present 71.0%

Renault Zoe 2013-present 65.1%Tesla Model S 52.4%

Audi A3 Cabriolet petrol 2014-2016 92.5%BMW 2 Series Coupé/Convertible 2014-2017 90.8%Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet 2013-present 85.0%

Nissan Leaf 2011-present 93.9%BMW i3 2013-present 88.5%





10.0% of cars

had faults

31.6% of cars

had faults

7.5% of cars

had faults

37.5% of cars

had faults

‘Owners of Nissan Leafs reported faults on less than 8% of cars’

OS ND LEAST RELIABLE SMALL CAR

MOST AND LEAST RELIABLE FAMILY CAR

MOST AND LEAST RELIABLE SMALL SUV


0% of cars

had faults

LONG-TERM DURABILITY is crucial if you want to own your car for more than three years or you prefer to buy second-hand. So we also gathered owner feedback on the reliability of cars aged four to 10 years old, spanning 28 brands. Then we compared the data with the performance of new cars to gain a broader perspective.

A small handful of brands stay strong as the years roll by, most notably Suzuki (a 100% reliability rating for four to 10-year-old models), Lexus (95%), Toyota (86%) and Honda (84%). Some brands manage to improve their standing for older cars; Nissan’s reliability rating soars from 53% for new cars to 77% for four to 10-year-old models. Mazda ups its score from 78% to 86%, Mercedes-Benz goes from 70% to 82% and Peugeot rises from 57% to 65%.

It’s not all good news, though, as some brands don’t age well. Among those that plummet in their reliability rating for older cars are Kia (from 81% to 63%) and Mini (from 80% to 63%).

So which cars will withstand the test of time? We’ve rounded up the best and worst four to 10-year-old models in three popular classes.

ADVICE

‘A small handful of brands stay strong as the years roll by, most notably Suzuki, Lexus, Toyota and Honda’

0% of cars

had faults

41.2% of cars

had faults

37.5% of cars

had faults

47.0% of cars

had faults

Suzuki Swift Reliability 100.0%What went wrong? NothingWhile some newer Swifts had issues with brakes and electrics, owners of older cars didn’t report any faults.

Honda Civic diesel Reliability 100.0% What went wrong? NothingDiesel Civics performed faultlessly, proving more reliable than their petrol-engined counterparts.

Skoda Yeti petrol Reliability 85.0% What went wrong? Engine 11.8% Brakes 5.9% Non-engine electrics 5.9%Petrol Yetis proved sturdier than diesels.

Renault Clio Reliability 54.2% What went wrong? Bodywork 5.9% Brakes 11.8% Engine 11.8% Exhaust 5.9% Interior trim 5.9% Non-engine electrics 17.6% Suspension 17.6%

Alfa Romeo Giulietta diesel Reliability 39.8% What went wrong? Battery 6.5% Engine 12.5% Engine electrics 12.5% Interior trim 12.5% Non-engine electrics 25.0%

Ford Kuga diesel Reliability 37.8%What went wrong? Bodywork 11.8% Engine 5.9% Engine electrics 23.5% Non-engine electrics 11.8% Steering 5.9% Suspension 17.6%

23.5% of cars

had faults

Reliability of older cars (4-10 years)Survey stats

14,208Total participants

51%Respondents who have

owned their car for more than two years

52%Diesel engines in the

study. Petrol accounted for 47% of responses and

electric vehicles were responsible for 1%

42%Cars that were bought new; 9% were bought

pre-registered, while 49% were bought used

65% Vehicles bought from a

franchised dealer. Other purchases came from

independent dealers (17%), private sellers (7%), online brokers/agencies (3%), car

supermarkets (3%) and auctions (2%). Company

cars accounted for 3%

60%Buyers who paid cash for their car. Meanwhile, 20% used PCP fi nance deals, 9% hire purchase agreements,

8% personal loans and3% personal leases

58%Cars in the survey that

were serviced by franchised dealerships; others were serviced by

independent brand specialists (27%),

independent non-brand specialists (12%), fast-fi t chains (2%) and online booking services (1%)

30%Owners who told us that their car has had a fault

in the past 12 months

ReliabilitySurvey


Toyota Aygo, Honda Jazz, Audi A3 Saloon

and Lexus CT200h are most reliable models

MakeRank Score

1 Lexus 92.1% 2 Mitsubishi 90.8% 3 Toyota 89.6% 4 Suzuki 86.6% 5 Alfa Romeo 85.8% 6 Honda 84.9% 7 Hyundai 84.8% 8 MG 83.4% 9 Ford 82.1% 10 Subaru 81.8% 11 Kia 81.3% 12 Audi 80.4% 13 Skoda 80.1% 14 Mini 79.6% 15 Porsche 78.3% 16 Mazda 77.9% 17 BMW 77.6% 18 Vauxhall 76.4% 19 Dacia 75.9% 20 Renault 75.4% 21 Seat 75.2% 22 Volkswagen 74.7% 23 Mercedes-Benz 70.4% 24 Fiat 70.2% 25 Volvo 62.3% 26 Jaguar 61.9% 27 Peugeot 56.7% 28 Citroën 55.2% 29 Nissan 52.7% 30 Tesla 52.4% 31 Land Rover 50.6% 32 Jeep 42.1%

If you’re buying new and want a car that’s the epitome of dependability, the high-ranking Japanese and Korean brands should be on your wish list. However, there’s more to picking a reliable car than that. Choose certain Nissan models and you

could be in for multiple trips to the service department.Opting for a premium brand won’t guarantee a durable

car, either. Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo all feature near the bottom of our brand table.

Look at reliability by model and four cars stand out: the Audi A3 Saloon, Honda Jazz, Lexus CT200h and Toyota Aygo all achieve a remarkable 100% reliability rating.

The most common faults in our survey were non-engine electrics, with air-con and sat-nav the most frequent complaints. This highlights the need for car makers to think more about build quality when adding ever-more equipment to their cars. Many models at the bottom of the league were also plagued by major mechanical issues that rendered them undriveable and, in a small percentage of instances, owners were asked to pay for costly repair work.

The notable contrast between the best and worst performers means it’s vital to check the reliability of any potential purchase before you buy.

Conclusion


My ideal car has always been one that’s completely quiet, so I’m considering buying an electric car. I would prefer a Volkswagen Group car, so I was keen to read your recent twin test of the BMW i3 and Volkswagen e-Golf and delighted with the result.

However, I was concerned to read that the real-life range you got from the e-Golf was just 78 miles. This is a long way short of the of�cial 120 miles and worryingly close to my 70-mile daily commute. Please can you give me more details on the range achieved in your test?

Also, I estimate that with a combination of Volkswagen’s scrappage scheme and the Government’s electric car grant I could get around £10,000 off the price of an e-Golf. Should I buy one or wait until 2020 for the Volkswagen ID electric hatchback, which promises a range of around 300 miles? Paul McCann

WHAT CAR? SAYSOur real-world range figures for electric cars are based on a road test that involves the cars being driven side by side around a set route that contains a high-speed section and hill and city routes. We turn the radios off but have the air

conditioning on, set to 21deg, then we drive the cars until their batteries are almost flat. This is how we got the 78-mile range for the e-Golf.

Our road testers say that, driven gently with the air-con off, the e-Golf could eke out 100 miles between charges. So, depending on the nature of your commute, it could be suitable.

The best way to find out if an e-Golf is viable for you would be to take one for a 24-hour test drive so that you can try your commute.

We’ve also tested the Golf GTE plug-in hybrid and found its electric-only range is just 15 miles.

If the e-Golf is a no-go, bear in mind that the advance of technology in the next few years is likely to make the ID far easier to live with.

Today, our favourite electric car is the Renault Zoe, which has a real-world range of 138 miles.

Claire [email protected]

Electric cars’ range discrepancy

‘Our real-world ranges for electric cars are taken from a side-by-side test on a set route’

ADVICE

#AskWhatCar

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Got a car-related problem that you can’t resolve? Get in touch with us at [email protected] with your name, contact details and what the problem is, plus photos, and we’ll try to help. Alternatively, go to Twitter and use the hashtag #AskWhatCar Get all the advice you need at


Check if a vehicle has been recalledgov.uk/check-if-a-vehicle-has-been-recalled

New car, service, repair and warranty issuesthemotorombudsman.org

Citizens’ Advice Bureaucitizensadvice.org.uk

Check a car has a valid MOT test certi� categov.uk/check-mot-status

What Car? new car buyer marketplacewhatcar.com/new-car-deals/

Trading Standardsnationaltradingstandards.co.uk

Financial Conduct Authority fca.org.uk

Check car crash safety ratings euroncap.com

Motabilitymotability.co.uk

What Car? advicewhatcar.com/advice/

Confusion over London T-Charge

Kia dealer incorrectly promises smartphone mirroring update

I drive a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe diesel and need to go into central London. I’ve read that from 23 October drivers of pre-2005

diesel cars will have to pay an extra £10 T-Charge on top of the existing £11.50 Congestion Charge, but I’m confused by online articles that state that the new fee applies both to cars built and � rst registered before the start of that year. My car was built before 2005, but it wasn’t registered until June of that year, so will I have to pay the T-Charge? Elizabeth White

WHAT CAR? SAYSThe T-Charge applies to all diesel cars that don’t meet the Euro 4 emissions levels, which became mandatory for all new cars sold from January 2005. Although your car wasn’t registered until after this date, it was built before it and, crucially, is only Euro 3 compliant, so you will have to pay the extra fee.

I purchased a new Kia Cee’d Sportswagon last year and was told at the time by the sales manager that the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring functions would become available via a software update at a later date. I was told this information had come from Kia UK.

However, the update never came, so I raised the issue with Kia. I even wrote to Kia’s COO to explain that I need CarPlay because my mother can only contact me via text messages since she had a stroke.

I got a reply saying CarPlay couldn’t be � tted to my car. The 2017 model comes with it, so I asked if a 2017 system could be � tted to my car, but I was told that it couldn’t because the wiring is different.

I then had an aftermarket infotainment system � tted at a cost of £1000, which I asked Kia to contribute towards. I was told that it wouldn’t do so. Since then, Kia has stopped responding to my complaints.

I think Kia should contribute to the cost of the aftermarket system. Can you help? Mick Newbury

WHAT CAR? SAYSWe spoke to Kia and received this response: “Kia UK is extremely sorry to hear of Mr Newbury’s unhappiness with the way his complaint about Apple CarPlay and Android Auto has been handled.

“Firstly, we must point out that at no point did Kia UK promise Mr Newbury that his vehicle could or would be able to be updated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto software. We understand that Mr Newbury states he was promised this by his selling dealer, but our dealerships are individual businesses and as such cannot make any promises on our behalf. We don’t disbelieve Mr Newbury, but if he was given this advice, we are afraid to say that it was incorrect.

“Since these systems became available, we have sought to introduce them to our new products

at the fi rst possibility and, wherever technically possible, to make installation available to existing customers. However, in some cases the hardware within a vehicle isn’t able to support the software and Mr Newbury’s is one such example.

“We would also point out that we advised Mr Newbury of this. He then contacted our European COO asking about Apple CarPlay and Android Auto updates. Kia’s customer service centre responded to Mr Newbury by email and voicemail, making it clear that the AVN unit in the car he was due to take delivery of wasn’t compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

“We’ve endeavoured at every opportunity to answer Mr Newbury’s complaints fully and honestly and advised him that he couldtake his issue to the Motor Ombudsman.

“We believe Kia UK has acted properly throughout this matter and although we regret Mr Newbury’s dissatisfaction, we are not prepared to accept responsibility for a matter that was clearly explained prior to Mr Newbury taking delivery of the vehicle.”

What Car? feels there were serious failures in communication between Mr Newbury and the supplying dealer over the possibility of his car getting the features he wanted. We’d advise anyone in a similar position to get written confi rmation of when the feature will be available, if there will be a charge for fi tting it and what will be done if it is not available. This could be used to back up a case for compensation of expenses incurred if the update wasn’t provided.

USEFUL CONTACTS


ADVICE

Our recommended N-Connecta model comes with most things you’re likely to need, including

all-round parking sensors,a surround-view camera system, keyless start and

a 7.0in touchscreenwith sat-nav.

2

Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi N-ConnectaList price £26,805Target Price £24,768Options we’d add Metallic paint (£575), Heat Pack (£295)Cost of recommended options £870

The Nissan Qashqai is consistently among the best-selling cars in the UK. In fact, more than 40,000 have been sold so far this year. And it’s easy to see why the Qashqai is popular; it is, after all, the car that kick-started the revolution for small SUVs and made buyers realise that they could have the looks and practicality of a 4x4 without their high running costs. It’s a former What Car? Car of the Year, too.

These days, it faces plenty of competition, most notablyfrom the Seat Ateca – our current favourite small SUV – and Volkswagen Tiguan. But, thanks toa classy interior and an effi cient range of engines, the Qashqai isstill thoroughly recommendable.If you’re thinking of buying one, here’s what we’d go for.

How to spec a Nissan QashqaiPhotography: John Bradshaw

BEST BUY

3

2

1

Metallic paint should improve the resale value of

your car, as long as you don’t opt for a particularly garish shade. At £575, it’s an option we’d choose, especially since perennially popular colours

such as silver and blackare available.

1


‘The Nissan Qashqai is the car that kick-started the revolution for small SUVs’

Nissan’s LED Pack gets you adaptive LED headlights

with an automatic self-levelling system. However, it

will cost you £495, so we’d only opt for it if you live in

the countryside or tow a caravan or trailer

regularly.

5

Nissan’s Heat Pack is well worth considering. Not only does this £295 option bring the luxury of heated seats,

but you also get a Thermaclear heated

windscreen, which should make short work ofearly-morning ice.

3

For £1208, you can get 19in alloy wheels. But since they don’t do the ride any favours,

we’d steer clear.

Although the Qashqai’s panoramic glass roof lets

extra light into the interior,it also hampers rear

head room signifi cantly. It’s available as part of a pack

that also includes a one-touch electric shade but is fairly

expensive at £450.

4

5

4


COMPARISON


THE PREVIOUS PEUGEOT 5008 was a practical car for those needing seven seats but was arguably the automotive equivalent of a moth: a humdrum-looking MPV. But ta-da: look at the new one. Transformed into a butterfl y with swashbuckling SUV style, the 5008 now has the borderline pizazz of a concept car. But is it a better choice than rivals?

First, we have an updated Nissan X-Trail to trial it against. Nissan says that, along with a subtle exterior makeover, it has giventhe interior upgraded materials and has improved safety to stop you banging bumpers outsidethe school gates.

Both have to beat the Skoda Kodiaq, our current Large SUV of the Year. It’s barely a year into its life and, during that time, we’ve rated it highly, thanks to impressive practicality, a good

The arrival of new large seven-seat SUVs from Peugeot and Nissan means the

pressure is on the class-leading Skoda Kodiaq. Let’s see how they stack up

Photography: John Bradshaw and Will Williams

First portof haul

NEW

NEW

THE CONTENDERS

Nissan X-Trail1.6 dCi 130 2WD Tekna 7st

List price £33,470 Target Price £31,833

Refreshed with subtle styling tweaks, an upgraded interior and new safety equipment.

Peugeot 50082.0 BlueHDi 150 GT Line


New 5008 sheds its MPV looks in favour of swish SUV style, with a

modern, swanky interior.

Skoda Kodiaq2.0 TDI 150 2WD DSG Edition 7st


Launched only last year,the Kodiaq is our current

favourite large SUV.


driving experience and reasonable running costs.

All three cars are lined up here in diesel form and in posh trim levels, and all have seven seats (optional in the Kodiaq and X-Trail, standard in the 5008). So, let battle commence.

DRIVINGPerformance, ride, handling, re�nement

All three cars could be termed ‘steady Eddies’ due to their adequate performance, but that doesn’t mean there’s no distinguishing them. The 5008 and Kodiaq make identical power (148bhp) from their 2.0-litre diesel engines, although the former has more low-rev pulling power.

The Kodiaq, with its rapid-shifting automatic gearbox (the only option in this trim; the 5008 and X-Trail, meanwhile, are manuals), may achieve 0-60mph in the quickest time, but how often are you likely to be involved in a drag race in your seven-seat SUV?

It’s on the multitude of occasions when you put your foot down at, say, 30mph in third gear that you need some welly, and the 5008’s extra low-end grunt means it responds more immediately. So, by the time the Kodiaq’s gearbox has jumped down the couple of gears needed to match it, the 5008 has hitched up its skirt and gone.

Where does that leave the X-Trail? Well, trailing in outright acceleration by dint of having the least potent (128bhp) 1.6-litre engine. But its manual ’box has lower ratios. These help to make up for the power deficit and, on paper, its in-gear acceleration times are competitive. Yet, in real-world driving, the X-Trail always feels more sluggish than its rivals.

There’s a drawback with shorter gears: the engine revs harder. At 70mph on the motorway, while the other two cars’ engines are spinning at 2000rpm, the X-Trail’s is racing at 2500rpm. The result: more engine noise. In the other cars, you can barely hear their mechanical hearts pumping away.

This, and the fact that the X-Trail generates the most tyre noise, makes it the least refined cruiser. The Kodiaq and 5008 keep tyre noise nicely at bay, although wind noise in the former can get quite intrusive. That makes the 5008 the most soothing mile-muncher.

What of refinement elsewhere? Around town, the X-Trail’s gruff engine sends the most vibration through its gearlever and pedals, and while the Kodiaq’s diesel isn’t as abrasive, it still booms slightly when you accelerate. You’re never in any doubt that the 5008 is a

COMPARISON

X-Trail is ponderous in corners and runs out of grip soonest; steering is short on feel

There’s not a lot in it, but the 5008 is softer and slightly less agile than the Kodiaq

For a big car, the Kodiaq is nimble through corners, and it steers and grips well

Acceleration30-70mph through the gears 10.6sec

30-50mph 3rd 4.2sec 4th 5.4sec 5th 10.3sec 6th 20.7sec


Braking30-0mph 9.0m 70-0mph 48.5m

Acceleration30-70mph through the gears 9.6sec




Acceleration30-70mph in kickdown 9.8sec

30-50mphin kickdown 3.8sec

50-70mphin kickdown 6.0sec


PERFORMANCE

PERFORMANCE

PERFORMANCE

NISSAN X-TRAIL

PEUGEOT 5008

SKODA KODIAQ

Weather conditions Dry

0

0

0

100

100

100

0

0

0

100

100

100

Noise at 30mph 64.9dB






Turning circle 11.2m



Topspeed

129mph0-60mph10.0sec

Topspeed


Topspeed

123mph0-60mph9.7sec

Nissan X-Trail vs Peugeot 5008 vs Skoda Kodiaq


diesel, either, but it’s the least invasive of the trio.

The 5008 has the nicer gearchange of the two manuals; the lever has a longish throw, but the well-defined gates tell you clearly which direction to head in for the next gear. The X-Trail’s light gearlever has a slightly glutinous feel between ratios.

Then there’s the X-Trail’s ride. On standard 19in wheels, it takes speed bumps with aplomb, but through an average British town, strewn with scruffy asphalt, it bobs and thuds annoyingly. To an extent, it settles the faster you go, but poor damping still means your head gets shaken from side to side.

The Kodiaq, also fitted with standard 19in wheels, is available with optional adaptive suspension in four-wheel-drive form, and that set-up delivers a relatively comfortable ride. However, our front-wheel-drive test car can be had only with the standard passive dampers, and the ride suffers as a result. It’s better damped than the X-Trail, so there’s less bounce over dips and crests, but on motorways the Kodiaq’s firmness means it picks up on every ripple. That’s less noticeable around town, where it’s smoother than the X-Trail but still no match for the 5008.

The 5008 is simply the most comfortable car to mooch about in; whether you are plodding along city roads or cantering up the motorway, it displays better composure than the X-Trail and less abruptness than the Kodiaq.

Handling is probably not the biggest concern to the average large SUV buyer, but the Kodiaq does corner tidily. It leans the least and changes direction the most crisply. It also has the most intuitive steering – not just in terms of accuracy, but also in the way it gives you a sense of available grip.

The 5008 isn’t far behind. The steering wheel is incongruously small, making the car feel oddly keen to dart into corners; it takes a bit of getting used to. But eventually you do and you’ll discover that the steering weights up nicely. And even though the 5008 leans a little more and doesn’t grip quite as tenaciously as the Kodiaq, it’s still a confidence-inspiring car to hustle along.

Hustling is the last thing the X-Trail responds well to. It sways from side to side as you change direction, while the lack of resistance in the steering has you guessing how much grip there is. One thing’s for sure: it runs out of grip the soonest. Put simply, it drives more like SUVs from a decade ago rather than one that’s just been updated.

‘Through an average British town, the X-Trail bobs and thuds annoyingly’

‘The 5008 is the most comfortable of the three to mooch about in’

‘The Kodiaq is smoother in town than the X-Trail but no match for the 5008’


BEHIND THE WHEELDriving position, visibility, build quality

Let’s start with the fundamentals: are they comfortable when sitting behind the wheel? Indeed, they all are. Their steering wheels have a range of height and reach adjustment. A multi-way electrically operated driver’s seat, including adjustable lumbar support, is standard in the X-Trail and Kodiaq but part of a whopping £1990 option pack in the 5008.

All three cars offer a high-up driving position, giving you good forward visibility. The Kodiaq and 5008 have large rear quarter windows that provide a decent over-the-shoulder view, but the X-Trail’s smaller rear quarter glass and thick back pillars are more obstructing. Still, it’s the only car here with a 360deg camera; the 5008 has just a rear-facing one, and even one of these is a £375 option in the Kodiaq. The Kodiaq does get rear parking sensors, but the 5008 and X-Trail come with sensors at both ends of the car.

Inside, the quirky 5008 goes about things differently. Peugeot’s i-Cockpit puts the standard digital instruments high on the dashboard, nearer your eye line and above that tiny steering wheel. Unlike in some of Peugeot’s smaller cars, where the steering wheel tends to obscure the dials, here the arrangement is better. Those digital dials are clear and can be confi gured in various ways to display the information you want, such as phone, navigation and trip data.

The other cars get traditional analogue dials, which are perfectly legible. Sandwiched between the two dials in both is a screen that displays much of what the 5008’s 12.3in digital instrument panel does, just not on the same scale.

It’s hard to pick fault with the layout of buttons and switches in our trio; most are logically positioned and easy to use. Exceptions are the 5008’s cruise controls (which are tucked behind the steering wheel) and its absence of physical climate control switches. Instead, you have to delve into the touchscreen.

However, the 5008’s interior makes you feel like you’ve arrived in the future. It’s characterful and distinctive; the mass of swoops, curves, chrome and textured cloth, mixed with soft dashboard facings, are top drawer. The 5008 doesn’t feel as robust as the Kodiaq, which looks more prosaic but feels like it will last until the end of time.

Although Nissan has upped the feel of the X-Trail’s interior in

COMPARISON

BESTDRIVINGPOSITION

2 But there are too many buttons on the steering wheel. These can be distracting until you’ve learned what they all do

2 …and that the cruise control buttons are tucked behind the steering wheel. But the digital dials are ace and show loads of info

2 The Kodiaq may not look quite as spectacular as the 5008, but it’s still very well � nished and feels the most solid

3 The seating position is sound, with plenty of adjustment to the powered seats, which include lumbar support as standard

3 Looks fantastic and the mix of materials are pleasing. Wide armrests on the door and centre consoleare comfy, too

3 We love neat touches such as umbrellas hidden in the front doors. The amount of space for oddments is plentiful

1 The dashboard inthe X-Trail is, on the whole, well laid out, giving you access to the major controls relatively easily

1 Two things detract from the 5008’s layout: the fact you have to operate the climate control from the infotainment screen…

1 We can’t fault the layout of the dashboard, which is very easy to use. Everything is clearly labelled and to hand

NISSAN X-TRAIL

PEUGEOT 5008

SKODA KODIAQ

1

1

1

2

2

2

3

3

3



places, it’s neither as special to sit in as the 5008 nor as consistently built as the Kodiaq. Close the door, for example, and you hear a tinny twang instead of the reassuring thud the other two cars emit.

SPACE AND PRACTICALITYFront space, rear space, seating �exibility, boot

Leg room is plentiful in the front of all three, so you’ll be able to stretch out even if you’re over six feet tall. Yet you might be conscious of your head hovering just below the rooflining in the X-Trail, due to its space-zapping panoramic sunroof. It’s a similar story in the 5008 if you choose the panoramic roof as an option. With no panoramic roof on our test car, head room in the Kodiaq is fit for a bishop’s hat. Even with one fitted, space is still acceptable.

All have a good amount of storage space to stuff your oddments into, but the Kodiaq offers the most. Its two decent-sized gloveboxes and huge door bins beat the X-Trail’s equivalents. The 5008’s glovebox is pokey, although a big cubby under the central armrest makes amends.

We’ve mentioned the head room issues created by the panoramic roof in the X-Trail and 5008, but it’s in the middle row that this is felt most acutely. You don’t have a choice in the X-Trail, because it’s standard, but think carefully about ticking this option in the 5008. Yes, it may flood the rear seat area with light, but taller adults will have their heads wedged against the ceiling. With or without this roof, there are no issues with head room in the Kodiaq’s middle seats.

The Kodiaq has the best middle-row leg room, even if the 5008 has the most space on paper, but

2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport

If you want a premium-badged alternative, you could have a two-year-old Discovery Sport in our favourite 2.2 TD4 HSE spec for about the same price as any of these three. Those rearmost seats are a bit cramped, but the car is classy inside, practical and good to drive, and it will surely cut you cred on the school run.

USED ALTERNATIVEBEST

SYSTEM

The X-Trail’s system is relatively easy to use via the physical shortcut buttons and touchscreen icons. However, it doesn’t respond as quickly as the Kodiaq’s system. The screen is the smallest here and the graphics look dated. There’s no smartphone interface, either, but you can use sites such as Facebook, Twitter and TripAdvisor using the NissanConnect app. The standard stereo sounds okay; you can’t upgrade to a Bose system on seven-seat models.

The 5008’s system is good but also frustrating. It has features such as SOS assist, which will call you after an accident and, if there’s no response, use GPS to direct help to you. Wireless charging and smartphone mirroring – which operates your phone’s apps via the screen – are standard and the optional Focal stereo sounds great. Here’s the ‘but’: the touchscreen is slow to respond and �ddly to use, plus the graphics aren’t nearly as crisp as the Kodiaq’s.

Edition trim has been updated; pictured here is the old 8.0in screen. Order one today and you’ll get a crystal-clear 9.2in screen with snappy menus that are dead easy to decipher. It’s a shame that the upgrade loses the rotary controls pictured, leaving more �ddly touch-sensitive buttons for the volume. It’s packed with the latest features, including online services from news to traf�c reports. The standard stereo is good, but a Canton 10-speaker upgrade is also available.

INFOTAINMENT

INFOTAINMENT

Standard Not available



Nissan X-TrailTekna

Peugeot 5008GT Line

Skoda KodiaqEdition

WHAT YOU GET

WHAT YOU GET

WHAT YOU GET

Displaysize

7.0in

Displaysize

8.0in

Displaysize

9.2in

Wirelessphone

charging

Wirelessphone

charging

Wirelessphone

charging

Android Auto

Android Auto

Android Auto

Sat-nav

Sat-nav

Sat-nav

Bluetooth

Bluetooth

Bluetooth

Speakers

6

Speakers

6

Speakers

8

Upgradedsoundsystem

Upgradedsoundsystem

£590

Upgradedsoundsystem

£400

DABradio

DABradio

DABradio

Apple CarPlay

Apple CarPlay

Apple CarPlay

Voicecontrol

Voicecontrol

Voicecontrol

EmergencySOS

assist

EmergencySOS

assist

EmergencySOS

assist

INFOTAINMENT


even that car is fi ne for those with lanky legs. The 5008 is the best at seating three in that row, though; it’s the only one with three individual chairs. In the others, the middle seat is a raised perch. And there’s no central tunnel along the 5008’s fl oor to rob foot space.

All three cars can seat seven by dint of two foldaway seats in their boots. These are easy to erect, but getting into them is a struggle for adults. To do so, fi rst you need to slide the middle-row seats forward in all the cars, compromising leg room for passengers there, and even then space is tight. The 5008 is the one you’d choose to sit in if you had to; the Kodiaq has limited head room and the X-Trail is cramped for leg room. All three are fi ne for kids, though.

With the rearmost seats folded away, the 5008 has the biggest boot; we managed to fi t 10 carry-on suitcases below its tonneau cover. The Kodiaq swallowed nine, while the X-Trail’s tally of just eight is a little disappointing for a large SUV. The 5008 is also the only car with three equally sized split-folding seats, compared with the Kodiaq and X-Trail’s less fl exible 60/40 arrangement.

With their rear seats folded down, all provide a long, fl at load deck and, with no lips at the boot entrances, sliding in heavy objects is made easier. A bonus with the 5008 is that you can fold the front passenger seatback fl at, creating up to three metres of space forextra-long loads.

BUYING AND OWNINGCosts, equipment, reliability,safety and security

At the time of going to press, no discounts were available on the 5008 – expect that to change

COMPARISON

Boot is smaller than the others’, but the X-Trail is the only car here to get a gesture-operated, powered tailgate, so you can open it even with your hands full

Easily the best boot here. At its narrowest point, the 5008’s load bay is the widest and also the tallest from � oor to ceiling, whileits � oor is the lowestto the ground

In � ve-seat mode, space falls shy of the 5008, but it has the most room with all seven seats up. There’s under� oor storage, plus cubbies behind the rear wheel arches

NISSAN X-TRAIL

PEUGEOT 5008

SKODA KODIAQ

Boot 135-1996 litres Suitcases 8



295-1780mm

345-1905mm

535-1935mm

415-795mm

525-800mm

460-710mm

1065-1300mm

1145-1195mm

1005-1375mm

*

60/40


* Incl hands-free gesture-controlled opening** Incl gesture control and keyless go/entry

Poweredtailgate

Under� oorstorage

Sliding/ reclining rear seats

Rear seat split-fold

Foldingfrontpass. seat

PRACTICALITY AIDSNissanX-TrailTekna

Peugeot5008

GT Line

SkodaKodiaq Edition

£750**

60/4040/20/40



BESTFRONTSPACE

Leg and elbow room are � ne for those in the front, but the Tekna’s standard panoramic sunroof robs head room. The problem is worse in the rear – a shame because leg room isn’t far off the Kodiaq’s. Third-row leg room is the tightest

As with the X-Trail, a panoramic roof limits head room badly. But it’s an option, so avoid it – then you get a good amount of space up front in the 5008, it’s the most comfortable for three in the middle row and it has the roomiest third-row seats

Most spacious in the front as it’s the widest, plus there’s acres of head room and good leg room. Same is true in second row, but the tall � oor tunnel makes it worst for a middle passenger. Third-row head room is tight for adults

950mm

875mm

980mm

1060mm

1070mm

1070mm

1440mm

1455mm

1470mm

857mm

860mm

920mm

895mm

890mm

1230mm

1275mm

1215mm

525-670mm

500-750mm

515-685mm

975mm

480-735mm

610-770mm

565-740mm

1425mm

1440mm

1455mm

BESTTHIRDROW

Boot

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www.whatcar.com/truempg/ www.nissan.co.uk/LEAF

WH AT C A R ? P R OMO T I ON

THE NEW NISSAN LEAF IS A BRILLIANT FAMILY HATCHBACKTHAT ALSO HAPPENS TO BE A ZERO-EMISSIONS CAR

TrueMPG

What Car? has tried the New Nissan LEAF, and was impressed by whatit found. “The Nissan LEAF’s interior has taken a big step forward… it feelsairier than before, and leg room in the rear is particularly good”. On the road,What Car? praised the LEAF’s “vastly better” driving range and “extra punch”.The final verdict: “With its strong performance, increased range and roomier,

more user-friendly interior, the New LEAF is a huge step forward for Nissan.Holding off on ordering that e-Golf or Zoe could be a wise move.”

What the experts think

elcome to a world where the car you drive can makea real difference – to you, and the people around you.The New Nissan LEAF takes the all-electric formula

that has made it so popular, and now adds even greater range.Even before you consider the advanced electric motor,

the sharply-styled five-seat LEAF would be a tempting choicefor your next family car. It has extra width and length toboost passenger comfort, a 435-litre boot that’s bigger thanthe Volkswagen e-Golf’s or the BMW i3’s, and particularlyspacious rear seats that tall people will really appreciate.The New Nissan LEAF is packed with cutting-edge

technology, while the driving experience is more engagingthanks to a revised chassis and suspension, and a new electricmotor which is nearly 30% more powerful. With 100% instanttorque, it trims three seconds off the 0-62mph time comparedto the previous model, lowering it to a decidedly brisk 8.0sec.

You also get a huge array of ‘intelligent mobility’driver aids that take 21st century motoring to a new level ofsafety and convenience. But here’s the best news. A bigger40kWh battery has increased the New LEAF’s driving rangeto 235 miles NEDC, which means you can do plenty ofcommuting and everday trips without having to recharge.It also means you can do London to Scarborough in one hit

– and who wouldn’t want to do that? In the 40 minutes or sothat it takes to tuck into a delicious fish and chip supper,the New Nissan LEAF will recover up to 80% of its batterycapacity when connected to a rapid charger. On the wayhome, the ingenious new e-Pedal feature – which lets youaccelerate and brake with one pedal – greatly simplifiesdriving and the battery regeneration process.There are plenty of reasons why the New Nissan LEAF is the

UK’s leader in electric vehicles. Now, there are plenty more.

W

TIME TO CHANGE

0 year 1 year

£16,075

£13,388

£14,998

2 years 3 years

Valu

e (£

1000

s)

25

30

20

15

Total£26,041

Total£23,828

£4329

£4530£1407

£1686£15,925

£1301

£280

£280

£1686£18,445

Nissan X-Trail

Skoda Kodiaq

Total£24,296£4407

£1507£1854£16,247

£280Peugeot 5008


COMPARISON

within the next month or two – but, even so, it’s the cheapest cash buy at £31,245. The maximum you should pay after haggling for the others is around £32,000.

But three years down the line, the X-Trail will have shed the most value. Both the 5008 and Kodiaq are expected to depreciate at much more respectable rates.

In our real-world fuel economy tests, all returned miles per gallon in the mid-40s, although the X-Trail is fractionally the most effi cient and the Kodiaq thirstiest. If you’re a business user, the 5008’s lower CO2 emissions drop your benefi t-in-kind tax payments by around £55 per month (for a 40% tax payer) compared with the other two. The 5008 is the most expensive to lease, though.

PCP fi nance quotes weren’t available for the 5008 at the time of writing, but with a £3500 deposit on a three-year term, driving 10,000 miles per year, the Kodiaq and X-Trail will both cost you around £430 per month.

Good news if you like your toys: all of our trio come well equipped. The X-Trail has the most luxuries, including a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats. Other than metallic paint, there’s nothing we’d suggest adding.

In the Kodiaq, we’d recommend front parking sensors (£350) and possibly adaptive cruise control (£300) if you do lots of motorway miles. The £1990 pack that offers an electric driver’s seat in the 5008 includes massaging and memory functions in that seat and nappa leather trim throughout (the others come with leather as standard), but that’s a lot of money. Try the standard seats and decide if you think the extra outlay is worthwhile. You might also want add keyless entry and a gesture-controlled, powered tailgate (for £750).

All three cars received fi ve-star ratings from Euro NCAP and have excellent levels of safety kit. This includes automatic emergency braking, blindspot monitoring and lane departure warning; the 5008 and Kodiaq will actually nudge you back into line as well. The X-Trail also warns you if you are about to reverse into the path of a crossing car, while the 5008 has an SOS emergency call button.

All prices correct at time of testing

WHAT THEY WILL COST

Nissan X-TrailThe poorest resale values, but the cheapest to lease

Peugeot 5008Much cheaper than both rivals as a company car

Skoda KodiaqCosts private buyers the least

over three years

� Nissan X-Trail � Peugeot 5008 � Skoda Kodiaq

List price £33,470 £31,245 £33,490Target Price £31,833 £31,245 £32,000

Company car tax £310, £332, £365, £376 £259, £279, £310, £321 £310, £332, £366, £377(until April 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021) Contract hire (per month) £354 £475 £406

PRICES

RESALE VALUE BY YEAR

� Depreciation � Insurance � Servicing � Road tax � Fuel (True MPG)

THREE-YEAR COST

PCP FINANCE COSTSThree-year term, £3500 customer deposit, 10,000 miles per year

Car Nissan X-Trail Peugeot 5008 Skoda Kodiaq

Monthly cost £432 na £427

Manufacturer deposit contribution £3000 na £2000

Optional � nal payment £12,471 na £16,692

Representative APR 3.99% na 5.6%

Excess mileage charge 8.0p per mile na 7.0p per mile

Other fees £0 na £10 option to purchase fee

Nissan X-Trail

Peugeot 5008

Skoda Kodiaq


EQUIPMENT

* Detachable ** 360deg camera ^ Includes electrically operated driver’s seat with massage feature, four-way lumbar adjustment, memory function and nappa leather seats ^^ Electric

Alloy wheel size

Sparewheel

Parking sensors

front/rear

Climate control

front/rear

Leather seats

Keyless start and

entry

Adaptive cruise control

Elec front seats

driver/pass

Rear-view camera

Towbar Adj lumbar support

driver/pass

Metallic paint

/

/

/ £300

£1990^

/

£1990^ /

/

£550*

£550*

£850^^

£575

£525

19in

18in

19in

/

/

/ £300

**

£375

/

£350

/

/

/

£350 /

(temp)

£100 (temp)



COMPARISON

Nissan X-Trail1.6 dCi 130 2WD Tekna 7st

Peugeot 50082.0 BlueHDi 150 GT Line

Skoda Kodiaq2.0 TDI 150 2WD DSG Edition 7st

4690mm 4641mm 4697mm

2705mm 2840mm 2791mm

2150mm 1995mm 2070mm

750mm 665mm 760mm

1740mm 1646mm 1676mm

STATS, SPECS AND RATINGS

ECONOMY & EMISSIONS

Engine 4cyl, 1598cc, dieselPeak power 128bhp @ 4000rpmPeak torque 236Ib ft @ 1750rpmGearbox 6-spd manual

Engine 4cyl, 1997cc, dieselPeak power 148bhp @ 4000rpmPeak torque 273Ib ft @ 2000rpmGearbox 6-spd manual

Engine 4cyl, 1968cc, dieselPeak power 148bhp @ 3500-4000rpmPeak torque 251Ib ft @ 1750-3000rpmGearbox 7-spd dual-clutch automatic

SAFETY

Euro NCAP crash rating All protection 86% 83% 75% 75%AEB Yes

Euro NCAP crash rating All protection 92% 77% 71% 54%AEB Yes

xxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxxxxxyxxxxxxy xxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxxxxxyxxxxxxy xxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxxxxxyxxxxxxyEuro NCAP crash rating All protection 86% 85% 67% 58%AEB Yes

POWERTRAIN

Nissan X-Trail 2.0 dCi 177 4WD Tekna with pearlescent Monarch Orange paint (£745), black leather, optional seven seats (£660)

Peugeot 5008 2.0 BlueHDi 150 GT Line with metallic Emerald Green paint (£525), nappa leather trim (£1990*), panoramic glass roof (£870), Focal hi-� system (£590), Visio Pack 2 (£450**)

* Includes nappa leather and electrically operated massaging driver’s seat with memory function; ** Includes 360deg camera and parking assist

Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 150 2WD DSG Edition 7 Seat with Quartz Grey metallic paint, black leather, electrically folding tow bar (£850), space saver spare wheel (£100), textile � oor mats (£80)

CARS PICTURED

DrivingPerformance Ride Handling Re� nement

Behind the wheelDriving position Visibility Infotainment Quality

Space and practicalityFront space Rear space Seating � exibility Boot

Buying and owningCosts Equipment Reliability Safety and security









OUR RATINGS

Overall rating

Average 45.1mpgTown 40.7mpgMotorway 39.9mpgRural 56.6mpgCost per 12,000 miles £1443



TRUE MPG TRUE MPG TRUE MPG

Of� cial average 55.4mpg Tank 60 litresCO2 emissions 133g/km, Euro 6



Width 2060mm Width 2100mm Width 2090mm

The 100% Electric Nissan LEAF. See how much you could s VISIT TRUEMPG.COM



It couldn’t have been closer between the Kodiaq and 5008, but there has to be a winner – and it’s the new 5008. Why? Well, practicality is a key reason people buy seven-seaters, so the fact that it edges the Kodiaq – provided you steer clear of that optional panoramic roof – is a big deal. The 5008 is also the most relaxing to drive.

That it was so close is proof that the Kodiaq is still an excellent choice. The main problem is that, in range-topping Edition trim with standard 19in wheels and no option to add the adaptive suspension available on four-wheel-drive versions, the ride is a little too � rm. Plus, the Kodiaq will cost you more than the 5008 to run as a company car.

As will the X-Trail, which ends up third. Despite its refresh, it feels like the oldest car here, and while it is well equipped, that doesn’t make up for its � aws: a choppy ride, sloppy handling, relative lack of boot space and below-par re� nement.

SAYS

Go to whatcar.com for all the latest comparison tests and keep up to date with the latest from What Car? on our social media channels

See how other large SUVs compare in our buyer’s guide on p107

1

3

2

youtube.com/whatcar

facebook.com/whatcar

@whatcar

whatcar_of� cial

Peugeot5008

Skoda Kodiaq

For Pliant ride; quietest cruiser; roomiest third-row seats and boot; cheapest company car tax

Against Dim-witted infotainment; poor head room with glass roof � tted; least well equipped

Recommended options Power tailgate/keyless go and entry (£750)

For Tidy handling; most spacious middle-row seats; sturdiest interior;best infotainment

Against Firm ride; wind noise; poor third-row head room; gearbox dithers in traf� c

Recommended options Reversing camera (£375), front parkingsensors (£350)

Nissan X-Trail

For Extremely well equipped; lots of safety kit; best real-world economy; cheapest to lease

Against Poor ride and handling; gruff engine; smallest boot; poor head room in middle row; tightest in third row

Recommended options Metallic paint (£575)

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COMPARISON

THE CONTENDERS DRIVINGPerformance, ride, handling, re� nement

Think of the Up as the Usain Bolt of the city car class. Okay, that’s perhaps a little generous, but it will easily outsprint any of its peers, including the Picanto. And because the tiny 1.0-litre petrol engine is turbocharged in this range-topping TSI model, you don’t even need to rev it hard to keep pace with some of the bigger boys of the road.

Swift progress in the Picanto isn’t so effortless. Venture onto the outside lane of the motorway or encounter a moderate incline on a faster A-road and you’ll fi nd yourself changing down a gear or two and using the lower reaches of the accelerator. Do that, though, and the Picanto isn’t actually that much slower than the Up.

Because you need to work the Picanto’s naturally aspirated 1.2-litre engine hard to get the best from it, this inevitably means

it can be quite vocal. However, the fact that it has an extra cylinder than its rival (four versus three) means it’s actually smoother; you feel fewer vibrations fi ltering up through the pedals and steering wheel. In fact, the Picanto is the quieter companion at a steady 70mph, although chatting with your passenger will still require raising your voice. Whisper-quiet limousines these cars most certainly are not.

You won’t grumble about heavy steering or wide turning circles in either of these cars, but venture onto a winding B-road and it’s the Picanto that feels more at home. It darts into corners with surprisingly little body lean and hangs onto the road willingly, and its steering is hard to fault for accuracy. By contrast, the Up sways about when asked to change direction and its steering wheel kicks back in your hand when you approach the limit of grip. On the plus side, its steering does provide you with a slightly

(or £180 a month on a PCP deal) and you’ll get fi ve doors, a willing petrol engine and a healthy roster of standard kit.

So, just how capable can the modern city car be, not just in town but also out on the open road? To fi nd out, we’ve lined up two of the most spacious, powerful and generously equipped cars in the class: the new Kia Picanto and the long-standing Volkswagen Up.

CITY CARS SEEM to be forgetting their place. Models in this class used to be slow, impractical and poorly provisioned, and really only suitable for buzzing around town. To be honest, easy parking and low costs were the only real reasons you might have considered one.

Well, you can still pick up a basic runaround for £7000, but push your budget to around £12,000

The Volkswagen Up is one of our favourite city cars, but it faces a tough challenge from the well-equipped new Kia PicantoPhotography: John Bradshaw and Will Williams

Up against it

Kia Picanto1.25 3


Volkswagen Up1.0 TSI 90 Beats 5drList price £11,905

Target Price £11,377

Latest Picanto has loads of equipment, including a swanky

infotainment touchscreen.

Funky new Beats edition packs a punchy stereo and a powerful

engine by city car standards.

Kia Picanto vs Volkswagen Up


KIA PICANTO BESTDRIVINGPOSITION

BESTHANDLING

INFOTAINMENT

VOLKSWAGEN UP

BESTSYSTEM

INFOTAINMENT

better sense of what the front wheels are doing.

The Up’s softer suspension gives it the more comfortable ride, too, no matter what speed you’re doing. That said, wider experience tells us that upgrading to 16in or 17in wheels (from the standard 15s) will have you wincing over sharp-edged bumps. And the Picanto isn’t at all fractious; it just jostles you around a bit more over minor road imperfections.

BEHIND THE WHEEL Driving position, visibility, build quality

You won’t relish spending hours behind the wheel of either of our

2

2

3

3

1

1

Up’s smoother brakes make it easier to drive at low speedsPicanto’s gearchange is light, but clutch could do with more feel

Kia Picanto

Volkswagen Up

Standard Not available Alloy wheel size

Apple CarPlay/

Android Auto

Cruise control

DAB/Bluetooth/

sat-nav

Front/rear electric windows

Rear-view camera

Metallic paint

Multifunction steering wheel

Front/rear parking sensors

Infotainment screen size

Climate control

Automatic emergency

braking

EQUIPMENT

* Via an app downloaded to your smartphone ** Part of Cruise and Park Pack *** Includes passenger airbag deactivation and automatic lights and wipers

/ /

/ / *

/

/ £135

7.0in

5.0in £375***15in £260

£495

£515

/

/£365** £160£365**

/

/

15in

The Picanto has the best infotainment system in this class.Its 7.0in touchscreen is bright and easy to use, and the fact that it’s positioned high on the dashboard means you don’t need to divert your eyes far from the road to see it. Sat-nav, a DAB radio and Bluetooth all come as standard, but best of all you get Apple and Android smartphone mirroring; just plug your phone into the USB port and you can control it using the car’s screen.

The biggest deal about this Beats edition is its powerful 300-watt sound system, which includes a subwoofer in the boot to give your favourite songs a punchier bassline. By city car standards, sound quality is very good. Unfortunately, the rest of the Up’s infotainment is rather basic. There’s a small screen, but if you want sat-nav, you’ll need to download a special app and use your smartphone. Thankfully, there’s a cradle for it on the dash.

2 Picanto has the better driving position; seat can now be adjusted for height

3 Four electric windows come as standard – unusual in this class

1 Chunky dials make the standard climate control system easy to operate

2 Chances are you’ll need to set the wheel unnaturally high to see the speedo properly

3 Up has bigger front door bins than the Picanto. Even a large water bottle will � t

1 Two-tone dashboard and quilted seats make Up’s interior feel fairly upmarket

5

10

0 year 1 year 2 years 3 years

Valu

e (£

1000

s)

£5313

£4524

Total£13,307

Total£12,748

£4059

£3621£797

£1197

£6853

£861

£280

£1155 £280

£6952

Kia Picanto

Volkswagen Up


COMPARISON

The Up’s rear windows can only be hinged ajar, while the Picanto’s slide up and down electrically.

Both boots are big enough for a few bags of groceries and both fi tted three carry-on suitcases below their parcel shelves in our tests, with the Picanto having slightly more space left for odds and ends. There’s a huge lip at the entrance of both boots, although the Up does have a height-adjustable fl oor to mitigate this.

BUYING AND OWNING Costs, equipment, reliability, safety and security

City cars are much more talented than they were just a few years ago, but they’re still nowhere near as roomy, good to drive or plush to sit in as cars from the class above. That means they need to be suitably cheaper to buy and run.

Monthly PCP costs are far more relevant than brochure prices here, because most city car buyers choose to buy on a fi nance agreement. So, the fact that the Picanto will cost you a tenner a month less on a three-year deal –assuming a £1500 deposit and 10,000 miles a year – is defi nitely a bonus. For context, a similarly well-equipped Seat Ibiza would set you back a further £30 or so per month.

If you are buying with cash, the Up will cost you signifi cantly less than the Picanto at the outset. However, add up all the bills you’re going to face if you sell after three years and there’s barely anything in it, because the Up is predicted to shed value quicker but is slightly cheaper to fuel and service.

However, the Picanto is more lavishly equipped, adding cruise control, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, rear electric windows and climate control over the Up’s kit list, so it defi nitely seems like better value for money. The Picanto has the edge for safety, too, with automatic emergency braking (AEB) coming as standard, whereas this is part of a £375 option pack on the Up.

contenders, because both have somewhat fl awed driving positions. For starters, neither car’s steering wheel offers any reach adjustment; you’ll need to fi nd a compromise between how close you are to the pedals and the steering wheel. To make matters worse, the position of the Up’s instrument dials means there’s a good chance your view of them will be blocked by the wheel’s rim.

The Up’s front seats aren’t as comfortable as the Picanto’s, either, mainly due to their shortage of lower back support. Height adjustment has recently been added to the Picanto’s driver’s seat, so it’s now on a par with the Up in this respect. Unsurprisingly, neither car is available with adjustable lumbar support, even as an option.

You won’t fi nd any squishy dashboard plastics in either car, but that’s not to say they feel overly cheap inside. In fact, the Up hides its bargain-basement roots remarkably well, especially in this Beats trim, thanks to its two-tone dashboard and quilted seats. The sheen on the Picanto’s grey dashboard makes it look less appealing than the Up’s, but its buttons, dials and switches are just as solid and pleasant to use.

SPACE AND PRACTICALITY Front space, rear space, seating � exibility, boot space

If you’re looking for maximum space for your money, it’s worth noting that the Dacia Sandero offers considerably more for considerably less. But as city cars go, these two are reasonably accommodating. Four six-footers will fi t inside, even though those in the back will have to put up with their knees wedged against the seat in front and, in the Up, likely their heads brushing the roof.

Seating three adults in the back of the Picanto is a serious squeeze, but at least it’s legal; it isn’t in the Up, because it has only two rear seatbelts. Both cars have two Isofi x child seat fi xings in the back.

KIA PICANTO BESTREAR

SPACE

BESTBOOT

930mm930mm

610mm1020mm

1300mm1280mm

985mm

505-1165mm550-845mm

Leg and knee room aren’t exactly plentiful in either car, but four six-footers will � t. The Picanto has the longer, wider and taller boot, but it’s still hardly suitable for family holidays. A central front armrest comes as standard


Boot

s’ su

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Ant

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the

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sea

tbac

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the

parc

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helf


PRICES

WHAT THEY WILL COST

Kia PicantoCheaper monthly PCP payments

and slower depreciation

Volkswagen UpCheaper to buy with cash

but not on a PCP deal

List price £12,650 £11,905Target Price £12,265 £11,377Company car tax £83, £91, £104, £108 £78, £86, £98, £101(until April 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021) Contract hire (per month) £148 £182


THREE-YEAR COST

PCP FINANCE COSTS

� Depreciation � Insurance � Servicing � Road tax � Fuel (True MPG)

� Kia Picanto � Volkswagen Up

Three-year term, £1500 customer deposit, 10,000 miles per year

Car Kia Picanto Volkswagen Up

Monthly cost £177 £188

Manufacturer deposit contribution £750 £500

Optional � nal payment £5175 £4271

Representative APR 4.9% 4.6%

Excess mileage charge 7.5p per mile 4p per mile

Other fees na £10 purchase fee

The 100% Electric Nissan LEAF. See how much you could s

Kia Picanto vs Volkswagen Up


SAYS

VOLKSWAGEN UP BESTFRONT SPACE

925mm

960mm

580mm1035mm

1340mm 1355mm

980mm

455-1130mm

375-895mm

The Up’s boot has a height-adjustable � oor, which reduces the otherwise cliff-like lip at the entrance. There are only two seatbelts in the back, so you can’t legally have a middle passenger. There’s no front central armrest, either



ECONOMY & EMISSIONS

xxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxxxxxyxxxxxxy xxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxxxxxyxxxxxxy

SAFETY

POWERTRAIN

PERFORMANCE

CARS PICTURED

Kia PicantoFor Tidy handling; cheaper PCP payments; lots of standard kit; better infotainmentAgainst Engine needs working harder; slightly � rmer ride; vague clutch biting point

Volkswagen UpFor Punchy turbo engine; smart interior; powerful stereo; impressive fuel economyAgainst More cramped inside; shortage of standard luxuries; AEB costs extra

The Volkswagen Up was once the undisputed champion of the city car class. We even voted it our overall Car of the Year in 2012. Time moves on, though, and the Up, while still a � ne choice, is no longer the best of its breed.

Why does it lose out? Well, the newKia Picanto is roomier inside and sharper to drive, while its infotainment system is far superior. And when you consider it offers cheaper monthly � nance repayments, despite coming with loads more luxuries as standard, the Up’s case becomes even harder to argue. That the Picanto gets automatic emergency braking as standard while it costs extra on the Up only makes the margin of victory greater.

3595mm

2500mm

1955mm

745mm

1485mm

3600mm

2407mm

1504mm 1940mm

765mm

Euro NCAP crash rating

All protection 87% 64% 54% 47%


All protection 89% 80% 46% 86%xxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxxxxxyxxxxxxy

Weather conditions Dry

Engine 4cyl, 1248cc, petrolPeak power 83bhp @ 6000rpmPeak torque 90Ib ft @ 4000rpmGearbox 5-spd manual

Engine 3cyl, 999cc, turbo, petrolPeak power 89bhp @ 5000rpmPeak torque 118Ib ft @ 1500-3500rpmGearbox 5-spd manual

POWERTRAIN

CARS PICTUREDVolkswagen Up 1.0 TSI 90 Beats 5dr with Pure White paint, city emergency braking (£375), climate control (£260), Winter Pack (£235), multifunction leather steering wheel (£135), front passenger seat height adjustment (£75)

Kia Picanto 1.25 3 with Chilli Red metallic paint (£495)



TRUE MPG TRUE MPG



Kia Picanto1.25 3Width 1880mm

Volkswagen Up1.0 TSI 90 Beats 5drWidth 1880mm

Topspeed

110mph

Topspeed

108mph0-60mph9.6sec

0-60mph10.9sec

Acceleration30-70mph through the gears 11.5sec 30-50mph 3rd 6.7sec 4th 10.1sec 5th 14.7sec 50-70mph 3rd 7.6sec 4th 10.6sec 5th 16.2sec


NoiseAt 30mph 65.7dB At 70mph 71.3dB

Acceleration30-70mph through the gears 10.1sec 30-50mph 3rd 4.8sec 4th 7.4sec 5th 13.7sec 50-70mph 3rd 5.9sec 4th 8.5sec 5th 12.5sec




IF YOU’RE THE kind of person who likes to have your cake, eat it and then demand that your favourite pâtisserie makes you another, this test will be right up your street.

A posh SUV is already luxurious, practical and able to handle a wide variety of terrains. Put a 300bhp-plus V6 petrol engine in it and you’ve got something that can give plenty of sports cars a fright, too.

To see which feisty 4x4 is best, we’ve got the most potent version of the new Range Rover Velar, the P380. Its supercharged 3.0-litre engine pumps out a thumping 375bhp, which should be just the ticket in the most road-biased Range Rover yet.

COMPARISON

Packing a powerful petrol V6, the hottest Range Rover Velar aims to be the best sports SUV. The Audi SQ5 and Porsche

Macan will have a thing or two to say about that, though…Photography: Will Williams

Here comes the Range again

NEW

THE CONTENDERS

Audi SQ53.0 V6 TFSI quattro


Recently beat the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, but how will it

fare against pricier opponents?

Porsche MacanTurbo Performance Package


With 434bhp, this is the most powerful Macan yet.

Will brute force win this test?

Range Rover VelarP380 HSE R-Dynamic

List price £72,630Target Price £72,630

Hottest Velar is powered by the 3.0-litre supercharged V6

from the Jaguar F-Type.


Audi SQ5 vs Porsche Macan vs Range Rover Velar

For slightly less money than the Velar, you could have the Porsche Macan Turbo in Performance Package spec with an even heftier 434bhp. Completing our trio is the ‘sensible’ performance SUV, the latest Audi SQ5. It may have ‘only’ 349bhp, but then it does cost some £20,000 less than the others.

DRIVINGPerformance, ride, handling, re�nement

Since all three of these SUVs are the performance figureheads of their respective ranges, it seems only right to start by discussing straight-line speed. The Macan

is easily the most rapid, out-accelerating its rivals with ease. The Velar and SQ5 are closely matched when you floor them while already on the move, but the SQ5 launches you away from a standstill far more aggressively.

You’ll also notice that the SQ5 and Macan’s turbocharged engines pull harder than the Velar’s supercharged unit at low revs – useful when you have a full load of passengers and their luggage. Mind you, the Velar actually has the heaviest towing capacity, of 2500kg, compared with 2400kg for the other two.

To transfer all that horsepower onto the road, each car here has

an automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive. The SQ5 and Velar use conventional ’boxes with eight gears, while the Macan has a dual-clutch unit with seven gears. All shift smoothly when you’re driving normally, although the Velar’s can be dim-witted and dithering when you pull away from a standstill. When you use the shifter paddles behind the steering wheels to change gear manually, the Macan’s gearbox responds the quickest.

The Macan’s driver-focused feel continues on winding back roads. Its steering has a reassuringly hefty weight, so it’s easy to place the car’s nose where you want it.

You don’t get a huge sensation of what the front tyres are doing, but that’s also true of the SQ5 and Velar. Once turned in to a corner, the Macan resists body roll incredibly well. Getting back on the accelerator, you can feel power being sent to the rear wheels to get the front neatly tucked in, making country roads surprisingly fun.

That said, the SQ5 actually has more front-end grip, allowing you to enter corners at even higher speeds. You can feel its quattro four-wheel drive system shuffling power around more delicately than in the Macan to help keep the car neatly balanced through bends. True, there is a little

AUDI SQ5

PORSCHE MACAN

RANGE ROVER VELAR

BESTRIDE

SQ5 is the com�est and quietest at speed, making it the best cruiser of the group

Macan is the most entertaining for the keen driver, both in corners and on straights

The Velar doesn’t enjoy being hustled around corners. It’s the noisiest at speed, too


more body lean than in the Macan, but there’s nowhere near as much sway as the Velar exhibits.

As a result, the Velar’s body acts like a pendulum. Drive through an S-bend at a speed that would be a breeze in the other two and you’ll really struggle. This wallowing can make the Velar’s rear end move around a surprising amount before the stability control abruptly reins things in.

But we suspect none of these SUVs will be cornering on their door handles on a regular basis. When driven sedately, their air suspension systems (standard on the Velar, £1004 on the Macan and £1000 on the SQ5) can be softened to provide impressive comfort, even with whopping 21in alloys (standard on the Velar and optional on the other two).

The SQ5 has the comfi est ride, although some might prefer the slightly fi rmer but more tightly controlled Macan. The Velar is the softest and rides smoothly on the motorway, but it’s the most easily upset by patchy road surfaces.

All three are pleasantly refi ned, with muted wind and road noise.

BEHIND THE WHEELDriving position, visibility, build quality

Electrically adjustable seats are standard in each case, although you have to pay an extra £200 if you want the SQ5 to be able to recall your driving position at the press of a button. Memory seats (for you and your front passenger) come as standard on the other two.

Combined with lots of steering wheel adjustment, this means nearly anyone will be able to get comfortable in any of these cars – and stay so for several hours.

COMPARISON

The SQ5’s MMI infotainment system is brilliant. Its 8.3in screen is mounted atop the dashboard, so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road for long, and the rotary controller interface is far less distracting to use on the move than a touchscreen. The system is responsive to commands and the graphics look sharp. To top it all off, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, allowing you to control your smartphone easily.

At 7.0in, the Macan’s touchscreen is on the small side, but it sure is bright enough. It isn’t quite as responsive as the SQ5’s, though, and its menus can be confusing. We also found some of the icons to be too small, although, as with the SQ5, physical shortcut buttons make it easier to hop between functions. Apple CarPlay is standard, but you can’t get Android Auto. You can at least get a range of apps to stream music.

The Velar’s main 10.0in screen, which is the upper of the two, looks sharp and you can tilt its angle to suit your height. Unfortunately, the small icons and absence of physical shortcut buttons can make it quite tricky to use, especially on bumpy roads. There’s no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, either, although you can download an app to your phone that gives you more basic smartphone mirroring.

INFOTAINMENT

INFOTAINMENT

INFOTAINMENTBESTDRIVINGPOSITION

BESTSYSTEM

AUDI SQ5

PORSCHE MACAN

RANGE ROVER VELAR

2 Steering wheel controls are the easiest to use and work with precision

2 Centrally mounted rev counter reminds you that you’re driving a Porsche

2 Seats have the most adjustment as standard and heat, cool and massage

3 Pedals are offset to the right, but not by enough to affect long-distance comfort

3 Steering wheel is a bit thick for those with small hands, but at least it’s circular

3 Digital instrument display is standard but doesn’t work quite as well as the SQ5’s

2

2

2

3

3

3

1

1

1

1 Touchpad in front of gear selector can be used to handwrite sat-nav destinations

1 The vast array of buttons around the gear selector is bewildering

1 Lower screen looks great but can be distracting to use while on the move

£179

/ /

40/20/40


Poweredtailgate

Boot liner

Sliding/ reclining rear seats

Rear seat split-fold

Remote rear seatback release

£123£215

/

£105

PRACTICALITY AIDSAudi SQ5

Porsche Macan

Range Rover Velar

40/20/4040/20/40



But the driving positions are quite different; the Macan’s is barely any higher than a regular hatchback’s, while the Velar’s lofty seating and long bonnet leave you in no doubt that you’re driving a big SUV.

Both the SQ5 and Velar come as standard with digital instrument displays that can show a variety of information. The Velar’s graphics look sharp but are harder to read than the SQ5’s. As for the Macan, some might like the analogue speedo and rev counter, which give an old-fashioned, sporty ambience. These are accompanied by a confi gurable digital display that can’t quite match the clarity of its rivals’. It should also be noted that the Macan is the only car here that isn’t available with a head-up display (which projects useful information onto the windscreen).

At fi rst, the Velar’s interior is the most alluring; the leather on its seats is plush to the touch, while the twin-touchscreen layout of the dashboard looks futuristic. Further down, though, you’ll fi nd scratchy plastics that look out of place on a £70,000 car, while in practice, the lower screen is distracting to use while driving. The SQ5 can’t match the Velar’s wow factor, but nor does it have any cheap-feeling materials. All things considered, it’s the best of the three. As for the Macan, its small touchscreen and cluster of buttons around the gear selector make it look dated, and although quality is still good, it can’t stand tall in this company.

SPACE AND PRACTICALITYFront space, rear space, seating � exibility, boot

There’s lots of room in the front of all three, but the Macan has the most head and leg room, so taller drivers will feel the least hemmed in. In the rear, the Velar is the best, with the most head and leg room. Even so, taller people will still have their knees a little too close to the front seatbacks. The Macan’s tight rear leg room means it’s the most cramped in the rear, though.

The SQ5 has the biggest boot, with space for nine carry-on suitcases beneath its load cover. The Velar and Macan are tied on seven, but the Velar’s boot is a bit longer and has the longest load area of all with the rear seats down.

Folding these can only be done from the rear seat area unless you pay £105 for remote releases in the boot, which is disappointing given that the much cheaper SQ5 gets these handles as standard. Still, they’re not even an option on the Macan, which doesn’t have reclining rear seats, either. These are standard on the SQ5 and Velar, while the SQ5’s rear seats can

910mm

940mm

955mm

620-720mm

660mm

735mm

1430mm

1390mm

1415mm

945-1770mm

940-1725mm

1055-1920mm

1040-1230mm

1030-1200mm

1045-1250mm

510-770mm

485-720mm

425-670mm

Boot

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Even with the rear bench slid back to prioritise rear leg room, the SQ5 has by far the biggest boot. Handy nets stop smaller items from sliding about and the load area is a uniform shape

The Macan has the smallest boot, although it’s still a reasonable size. A standard 40/20/40 split for the folding rear seats helps practicality and there are a few tie-down points, too

On paper, the Velar looks to have the most spacious boot here. This is down to how Range Rover measures it, though; in reality, it’s barely any bigger than the Macan’s

930mm

1000mm

1080mm

1090mm

1470mm

1440mm

925mm

1075mm

1450mm

Boot 550*-1550 litresSuitcases 9


Boot 632*-1690 litresSuitcases 7

BESTREAR

SPACE

BESTFRONTSPACE

BESTBOOT

* With rear seats slid back as far as possible

* Measured to roof rather than parcel shelf

0 year 1 year

£44,579

£29,696

£39,947

2 years 3 years

Valu

e(£

1000

s)

70

50

60

30

40

Total£31,827

Total£45,850

£5718

£6459£2510

£3297£32,684

£2222

£900

£900

£3099£19,888

Audi SQ5

Range Rover Velar

Total£39,707£6459

£2815£3351£26,181

£900Porsche Macan


COMPARISON

even be slid back and forth to prioritise boot space or leg room.

An advantage of air suspension is the ability to lower the cars for loading heavy items. The Velar does this when you turn its engine off, while in the other two you need to press a button in the boot. Plus, all three cars come with a powered tailgate as standard.

BUYING AND OWNINGCosts, equipment, reliability, safety and security

It’s at this point that the SQ5 plays its trump card. While it can hold its head high on merit, it’s also the cheapest to buy by around £20,000. It’s cheapest to insure and service, too, as well as being predicted to lose the least in depreciation, so is by far the most affordable in the long run. The Velar is the priciest to own.

If, like many, you’d rather buy on PCP fi nance, the SQ5 will cost you around £230 a month less than the Macan and a whopping £435 less than the Velar, assuming a £7000 deposit and a three-year term.

For company car drivers, the Velar and Macan cost similar amounts to lease but, once again, the SQ5 is the cheapest by a hefty margin. Its lower list price and CO2 emissions also mean it will cost £8000 less than the Macan and £9000 less than the Velar in BIK tax over three years for 40% taxpayers. None of our cars is particularly fuel effi cient – a price you’ll pay for a powerful petrol V6.

The Velar comes with the most luxury equipment as standard, while the Macan is the stingiest. You can spec it up to the level of the other two, but you’ll spend fi ve fi gures doing so. We’d recommend the air suspension (£1004) and maybe some additional leather. The SQ5’s air suspension is worth the £1000, but there’s little else you need. As for the Velar, remote rear seat folding is all we’d add.

The Macan and SQ5 both scored fi ve stars in Euro NCAP crash tests, with the latter protecting adults best and a single percentage in it for their ability to protect children. The Velar is yet to be tested.

However, only the Macan lacks automatic emergency braking (AEB) and, shockingly, this crucial safety aid isn’t even an option.


Audi SQ5

Porsche Macan

Range Rover Velar


EQUIPMENT

Alloy wheel size


Parking sensors

front/rear

Towbar Heated/cooledseats

Keyless start/entry

Adaptive cruise control

Apple CarPlay/

Android Auto

Rear-view camera

DAB/Bluetooth/

sat-nav

Adjustable lumbar support

Spare wheel

£750

£858

£700

/

£284 / £657

/

/

/

/

/ /

/ /

/ /

£245

20in

19in

21in

£750

£867

£450

£345

£525 /

£497

/

/

/

/

8.3in

7.0in

10.0in


WHAT THEY WILL COST

Audi SQ5Easily the cheapest to buy and run as a company car

Porsche MacanDepreciates the slowest and

is more frugal than SQ5

Range Rover VelarThe most expensive to buy, � nance and run

� Audi SQ5 � Porsche Macan � Range Rover Velar

List price £51,200 £70,760 £72,630Target Price £49,584 £70,760 £72,630

Company car tax £604, £621, £621, £621 £857, £857, £857, £857 £880, £880, £880, £880(until April 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021) Contract hire (per month) £572 £730 £735

PRICES


� Depreciation � Insurance � Servicing � Road tax � Fuel (of� cial economy)

THREE-YEAR COST

PCP FINANCE COSTS

Three-year term, £7000 customer deposit, 10,000 miles per year

Car Audi SQ5 Porsche Macan Range Rover Velar

Monthly cost £605 £833 £1039

Manufacturer deposit contribution £0 £0 £0

Optional � nal payment £29,527 £43,097 £39,934

Representative APR 6.0% 6.3% 6.9%

Excess mileage charge 12.98p per mile 15p per mile 14p per mile*

Other fees £0 £0 £0* First 5000 miles, 28p per mile thereafter

Brand New UK Cars from the

Cheapest UK Main Dealers

ESTABLISHED 21 YEARS

UK MAIN DEALER SUPPLIEDFREE DELIVERY

ANYWHERE IN ENGLAND

YOU PAY THE DEALER

ON DELIVERY

YOU’LL BE THE FIRST

REGISTERED KEEPER

MOST MAKES AND MODELS AVAILABLE - TAKE A FREE QUOTE ONLINE:

www.drivethedeal.com

SAME CAR, SAME SPECIFICATION, SAME WARRANTY

AS YOU WOULD GET FROM YOUR LOCAL DEALER… JUST CHEAPER!

Fuel Consumption in MPG (L/100km) Urban 49.6 (5.7) Extra-urban 68.9 (4.1) Combined 60.1 (4.7) CO2 108 g/km

Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost 125 Titanium Navigation 5dr with 0% APR fi nance

Fuel Consumption in MPG (L/100km) Urban 34.0 (8.3) Extra urban 47.1 (6.0) Combined 40.9 (6.9) CO2 155 g/km

VW Tiguan 1.4 TSi BMT 150 4Motion SE Nav 5dr* (new model)

VW Golf 2.0 TSi 310 R 5dr AWD DSG* (new model)

Fuel Consumption in MPG (L/100km) Urban 32.1 (8.8) Extra urban 46.3 (6.1) Combined 39.8 (7.1) CO2 163 g/km


Ford Fiesta 1 E B Ti i d ( d l)

£23,328

*These quotes are dependant upon you taking out fi nance with the manufacturer’s fi nance company. Full details available on our website. Subject to status.

^Please note that the quoted price includes the use of the £2,500 Plug-in OLEV Car Grant provided by the Government.

Save £5,540

26%£15,995

Save £5,263

15.75%

Save £5,262

19.25%

£29,387Visit Website

Audi S3 TFSi Quattro Black Edition 5dr* ..................................................................£30,506 .................Save 15%


Audi TT Coupe 1.8T FSi Sport 2dr* ............................................................................£22,695 .................Save 21%


Audi Q5 2.0 TDi Quattro S Line 5dr S Tronic (new model) ......................................£37,575 .............. Save 8.75%


Audi Q7 3.0 TDi Quattro S Line 5dr Tip Auto.............................................................£49,184 ..................Save 13%


BMW M140i 5dr [Nav] Step Auto* (new model) .......................................................£27,980 ............ Save 20.75%


BMW 440i M Sport Gran Coupe Auto [Professional Media]* (new model) ...........£34,979 ........... Save 23.75%


Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost 140 ST-Line 5dr (new model) .........................................£15,289 ............ Save 13.25%


Ford Focus 2.0T EcoBoost ST-3 Navigation 5dr with 0% APR fi nance .................£22,667 .................Save 18%


Hyundai i10 1.0 SE 5dr* ..............................................................................................£8,145 ................ Save 26.5%


Jaguar F-Pace 2.0d Prestige 5dr Auto AWD (new model) ......................................£35,618 ................ Save 8.5%


Land Rover Discovery Sport 2.0 TD4 180 SE Tech 5dr Auto (new model) ............£33,562 ...................Save 8%


Mazda CX-3 1.5d SE-L Nav 5dr* (new model) ..........................................................£17,585 ..................Save 18%

Fuel Consumption in MPG (L/100km) Urban 64.2 (4.4) Extra-urban 74.3 (3.8) Combined 70.6 (4) CO2 105 g/km

Mazda CX-5 2.2d SE-L Nav 5dr Auto* (new model) .................................................£23,732 ..................Save 13%

Fuel Consumption in MPG (L/100km) Urban 42.2 (6.7) Extra-urban 56.5 (5) Combined 50.4 (5.6) CO2 147 g/km

Mazda MX-5 RF Convertible 2.0 Sport Nav 2dr* ......................................................£22,662 ........... Save 13.25%


Mercedes C200 SE Executive Edition Saloon 9G-Tronic* .......................................£23,219 ................. Save 28%


Mercedes C200 AMG Line Coupe 9G-Tronic* (new model) ....................................£29,934 .................Save 16%


Mercedes C200 AMG Line Cabriolet Auto* (new model) ........................................£33,095 ............Save 17.75%


Mercedes E220d SE Estate 9G-Tronic* (new model) ..............................................£31,261 ............ Save 19.75%


Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0 PHEV 4h 5dr Auto*^ (new model) ..................................£31,155 ..................Save 21%

Fuel Consumption in MPG (L/100km) Urban 0 (0) Extra-urban 0 (0) Combined 166.1 (1.7) CO2 41 g/km

Peugeot 3008 1.2 Puretech Allure 5dr ......................................................................£20,650 ............. Save 15.5%


Range Rover Evoque 2.0 TD4 SE Tech 5dr Auto .......................................................£34,562 ............. Save 8.25%


Seat Leon 1.4 EcoTSi 150 FR Technology 5dr ...........................................................£15,995 .............. Save 25.5%


Suzuki Ignis 1.2 Dualjet SZ-T 5dr ..............................................................................£11,250 .............. Save 10.5%

Fuel Consumption data not available at time of going to press. See www.dft.gov.uk/vca/

Toyota Prius 1.8 VVTi Business Edition 5dr CVT* (new model) .............................£20,857 ............Save 17.25%

Fuel Consumption in MPG (L/100km) Urban 97.4 (2.9) Extra-urban 91.1 (3.1) Combined 94.1 (3) CO2 70 g/km

Volvo XC90 2.0 D5 PowerPulse Momentum 5dr AWD Geartronic (new model) ...£43,964 ..............Save 11.5%


VW Golf 1.5 TSi EVO 150 GT 5dr* (new model) .........................................................£20,256 ............. Save 16.5%


VW Golf 2.0 TSi 245 GTi Performance 5dr* (new model) .......................................£25,595 .................Save 16%


VW Tiguan 2.0 TDi BMT 150 4Motion R-Line 5dr DSG* (new model) ....................£29,548 .................Save 18%


Offi ce address: Thames House, Mere Park, Dedmere Road, Marlow SL7 1PB.

Quotes listed are for illustration purposes only, refl ect those listed on our website on 5th October 2017, the current rate of VAT at 20% at time of going to press, and are subject to change without notice.

E&OE. We do not accept responsibility for any emissions data being correct or otherwise, it is your responsibility to check this data for yourself if it is relevant to your purchase.


COMPARISON

STATS, SPECS AND RATINGSAudi SQ5 3.0 V6 TFSI quattroWidth 2140mm

Porsche Macan Turbo Performance PackWidth 2110mm

Range Rover Velar P380 HSE R-DynamicWidth 2145mm

4671mm 4692mm 4803mm

2824mm 2810mm 2874mm

2110mm 2105mm 2205mm

720mm 755mm 835mm

1635mm 1609mm 1663mm

ECONOMY & EMISSIONS

SAFETY



Euro NCAP crash rating Not yet tested

xxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxxxxxyxxxxxxy xxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxxxxxyxxxxxxyEuro NCAP crash rating


Engine 6cyl, 2995cc, turbo, petrolPeak power 349bhp @ 5400-6400rpmPeak torque 369Ib ft @ 1370-4500rpmGearbox 8-spd automatic

Engine 6cyl, 3604cc, turbo, petrolPeak power 434bhp @ 6000-6700rpmPeak torque 443Ib ft @ 1500-4500rpmGearbox 7-spd dual-clutch automatic

Engine 6cyl, 2995cc, supercharged, petrolPeak power 375bhp @ 6500rpmPeak torque 332Ib ft @ 3500rpmGearbox 8-spd automatic

POWERTRAIN

Weather conditions DryPERFORMANCE

Acceleration30-70mph in kickdown 5.1sec 30-50mph in kickdown 2.1sec 50-70mph in kickdown 3.0sec

Braking 30-0mph 8.3m 70-0mph 44.3m

Noise At 30mph 62.2dB At 70mph 66.8dB







Audi SQ5 with Ibis White paint (£645), 21in wheels (£1500), Parking Assistance Pack Advanced (£1350), Comfort and Sound Pack (£1295), Sport differential (£1200), air suspension (£1000), head-up display (£900), Light and Vision Pack (£800), Adaptive Cruise Control Plus (£750)

Porsche Macan Turbo Performance Pack with metallic Agate Grey paint (£608), ceramic brakes (£5463), Exterior Package Turbo (£4119), two-tone leather seats (£1400), Torque Vectoring Plus (£1011), air suspension (£1004), Connect Plus (£801), park assist (£332), privacy glass (£320)

Range Rover Velar P380 First Edition with Silicon Silver paint (£725)

CARS PICTURED

Overall rating

OUR RATINGS



Average naTown naMotorway naRural naCost per 12,000 miles na

TRUE MPG TRUE MPG TRUE MPG




DrivingPerformance Ride Handling Re� nement Behind the wheelDriving position Visibility Infotainment Quality Space and practicalityFront space Rear space Seating � exibility Boot Buying and owningCosts Equipment Reliability Safety and security



Topspeed

155mph0-60mph5.4sec

Topspeed

169mph0-60mph4.2sec

Topspeed

155mph0-60mph6.0sec

The 100% Electric Nissan LEAF. See how much you could s VISIT TRUEMPG.COM



The Macan may have impressed us with its rapid acceleration and playful handling, but it � nishes last here. It’s well suited to the keen driver who doesn’t have to worry too much about family chores, but its limited practicality, stingy standard kit and lack of automatic emergency braking count against it.

The silver medal goes to the Velar. While not the fastest, it’s still plenty rapid enough on the move and is usefully more spacious than the Macan. Yes, it’s pricey, but you get loads of equipment in return. The only real disappointments are its wallowy handling and a few cheap-feeling plastics inside, particularly if you don’t go for the full extended leather upgrade.

That leaves the SQ5 as the victor. It runs the Macan close in terms of handling and is plenty fast enough to show most cars a clean pair of tyres. It’s also the most comfortable, practical and, relative to the price of its competitors, an absolute bargain.

SAYS

Go to whatcar.com for all the latest comparison tests and keep up to date with the latest from What Car? on our social media channels

See how other luxury SUVs compare in our buyer’s guide on p108

1

3

2

youtube.com/whatcar

facebook.com/whatcar

@whatcar

whatcar_of� cial

Audi SQ5

Range Rover Velar

For Relatively affordable; tidy handling; practical interior

Against Thirsty; not as much fun to drive as the Macan

Recommended options Air suspension (£1000)

For Well equipped; excellent driving position; most spacious rear seats

Against Imprecise handling; expensive; mixed interior quality

Recommended optionsBackrest release levers (£105)

Porsche Macan

For Rapid acceleration; playful handling

Against Cramped rear seats; smallest boot; least standard equipment; no AEB

Recommended options Air suspension(£1004), Torque Vectoring Plus (£1011)


COMPARISON

Small hatchbacks with electri� ed powertrains are cheap to run and produce little pollution – ideal if you mostly drive in town.

But should you go for a hybrid or a fully electric car? Photography: John Bradshaw

God save the clean

To fi nd out which is the better type of eco-car, we’re pitting our favourite electric car, the Renault Zoe, against the recently revised Toyota Yaris Hybrid. The latter emits less CO2 than any other car that doesn’t require any plugging in and claims a mighty 85.6mpg, so it should offer many of the cost advantages of a pure electric car without the obvious drawbacks.

DRIVING Performance, ride, handling, re� nement

The hit of torque you get the instant you prod the Zoe’s accelerator pedal makes it the much nippier car around town. In fact, it streaks away from traffi c lights with surprising urgency. Above 50mph, though, the Yaris builds speed more swiftly; for instance, it’s a second quicker from 50 to 70mph.

When you’re driving gently at low speeds, the Yaris does a decent job of utilising its electric motor

Renault ZoeR90 ZE40 Dynamique Nav


Toyota Yaris Hybrid 1.5 VVT-i Excel NavList price £19,545

Target Price £18,289

as much as possible, smoothly switching to petrol power as you pass 30mph. However, accelerate more briskly and the petrol engine screams away as the automatic gearbox clings on to high revs until you lift your right foot. This makes the Yaris seriously grating to drive on faster roads.

Conversely, the Zoe cocoons you in a bubble of serenity with the light whir of an electric motor the only soundtrack; it’s quieter than the Yaris at all speeds. It’s more comfortable, too, dealing with imperfections in the road more adroitly than the fi rmer-riding Yaris, although the Zoe’s body does bounce around more over dips and crests on faster roads.

You don’t get much feedback through either steering wheel, but the Zoe’s steering is more precise and naturally weighted, allowing you to place the car confi dently through corners. However, the Yaris hangs on more gamely through faster bends and its body stays more upright. Still, neither

to its word, the new car market in the UK will be made up exclusively of electric and hybrid cars.

But why wait until you’re old and grey before making the switch? Depending on your lifestyle, a small electric or hybrid car could make a lot of fi nancial sense right now – particularly if you’re a company car driver or regularly venture into London’s Congestion Charge zone.

THE YEAR IS 2040. Robots rule the planet. The latest Dyson hypercar has just set a new lap record around the Nürburgring. The only new cars you can buy are electrifi ed. And the UK is still negotiating its exit from the European Union.

Yes, okay, some of that will (probably) turn out to be nonsense. But in 23 years’ time, it’s true that, if the Government sticks

THE CONTENDERS

Our favourite electric car has an impressive driving range and very low running costs.

Updated Yaris Hybrid offers good fuel economy and road tax

exemption yet no range anxiety.

NEW

Renault Zoe vs Toyota Yaris Hybrid


INFOTAINMENTThe Zoe has a 7.0in touchscreen with sat-nav. The menus are easy enough to get your head around, but the screen isn’t that quick to respond – especially when you’re programming a destination. It’s also a shame that you can’t get Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone mirroring. However, there is a Renault smartphone app that allows you to remotely monitor how much charge is in your car’s battery and pre-condition the interior temperature.

INFOTAINMENTToyota’s Touch 2 system isn’t particularly slick. The menus on the Yaris’s 7.0in touchscreen are unnecessarily complicated and the graphics aren’t as sharp as the Zoe’s. However, on this Nav version you do get (yep, you guessed it) sat-nav, and the physical shortcut buttons that � ank the screen make it easier to hop between functions. Disappointingly, the Yaris also doesn’t offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

car is much fun to drive compared with, say, the Ford Fiesta.

Both cars are easy to manoeuvre at low speeds – a good thing considering they’re mainly designed for town driving – and the Yaris has an impressively tight turning circle of 9.4m, compared with the Zoe’s 10.6m. It takes a while to get used to the Zoe’s regenerative brakes, but they are still smoother than the Yaris’s, which are very grabby.

BEHIND THE WHEEL Driving position, visibility, build quality

Neither interior is particularly futuristic in design. In fact, to be

2 Display shows the remaining range when driving and how long left when charging

3 Voice control for phone and multimedia is operated via steering wheel button

1 Useful cubbyholes and compartments include a slot to store the car’s key card

RENAULT ZOE

BESTDRIVINGPOSITION

BESTRIDE

2 Regenerative braking can be strengthened by shifting to ‘B’; this recharges car’s battery

3 Despite the hybrid tech, there’s nothing futuristic about the functional interior

1 Generous spec includes dual-zone climate control, but knobs feel low-rent

TOYOTA YARIS HYBRID

2

2

3

3

1

1

A tight turning circle helps the Yaris feel darty in urban drivingZoe rolls more through bends, but it’s otherwise the com� er car

Renault Zoe

Toyota Yaris Hybrid

Standard Not available Alloy wheel size


Parking sensors

front/rear

Climate control

Automatic lights/wipers

Keyless start and

entry

Cruise control

Automatic emergency

braking

Rear-view camera

DAB/Bluetooth/

sat-nav

Driver’s seat height adjustment

Metallic paint

EQUIPMENT

dual-zone

/ /

/ /

£650

£51515in

£250/7.0in

7.0in

16in

/

/

£450

5

10

15

0 year 1 year 2 years 3 years

Valu

e (£

1000

s)

£7427

£3854

Total£15,844

Total£16,089

£3204

£3295£571

£1101

£10,862

£654

£260

£1566 £1043

£9377

Renault Zoe

Toyota Yaris Hybrid


COMPARISON

Government. Factor in the further discounts you can get by haggling and it actually ends up more than £5000 cheaper to buy than the Yaris. Even when you consider the compulsory battery lease on this model (£89 per month, based on 9000 miles a year) and predicted heavy depreciation, the Zoe is still the cheaper car over three years.

Our real-world range test showed the Zoe is capable of 138 miles from a full charge on a mild autumn day (13deg) in a mix of high and low-speed driving. It will go even farther in the summer, but range will drop considerably on frosty February mornings.

However many miles you plan on doing, you’ll defi nitely want a proper charger at home; Renault includes a 7.4kW wall-mounted charger with every Zoe that can fi ll the car’s 41kWh battery from empty to 80% in fi ve hours.

Meanwhile, in our real-world True MPG test, the Yaris managed an impressive 80mpg around town, but on faster roads it drinks fuel faster than many regular petrol and diesel small cars. That explains why it averaged a good rather than outstanding 49.2mpg.

Expect to spend three times more money on petrol for the Yaris than you would on electricity for the Zoe, and the difference will be even greater if you sign up to an Economy 7 electricity tariff to get cheaper power at night.

If you’re buying on PCP fi nance and do 8000 miles a year, there’s barely anything in it once you’ve factored in the Zoe’s battery lease. However, if you’re a company car driver, the Zoe is much cheaper, and it will be considerably more so from 2020, when the Government is due to slash benefi t-in-kind (BIK) tax for electric cars.

There’s not much in it for standard equipment, with both cars offering a decent amount.

Both also hold the maximum fi ve-star rating from Euro NCAP, but a major bonus for the Yaris is that it has automatic emergency braking (AEB) as standard; this isn’t even an option on the Zoe.

frank, both are a bit drab. The Yaris is particularly guilty of this, with hard, cheap-feeling plastics on its dashboard, fl imsy buttons and a gear selector that looks like a relic from the 1990s. At least in the Zoe there’s some gloss black plastic around the infotainment screen that goes some way to lifting the perceived quality of the interior.

These cars have very different driving positions. In the Zoe, you sit surprisingly high up, giving it an almost MPV-like feel and good visibility in every direction. However, the seat isn’t height-adjustable, even as an option.

The Yaris’s seat moves up and down as standard, so not only is its driving position better suited to especially short or tall drivers, but you also have the option to sit lower in the car if you prefer. That said, the Yaris is let down by its minimal range of steering wheel adjustment.

SPACE AND PRACTICALITY Front space, rear space, seating � exibility, boot

The fact that both cars need to lug around a battery inevitably has some impact on interior space. This is most noticeable in the back of the Zoe, because its hefty pack sits under the rear seats. A pair of six-footers will still fi t easily, but there’s quite a bit more room in the Yaris, due to its lower-set seats.

The Zoe has a much bigger boot, though – so much so that we got twice as many carry-on suitcases beneath its parcel shelf – and there was still space left for the car’s charging cable. The Zoe’s boot remains bigger when you fold down the rear seats, although the rear seats fold down in one big, inconvenient lump, whereas the Yaris’s split 60/40.

BUYING AND OWNING Costs, equipment, reliability, safety and security

If you’re buying privately, the Zoe is eligible for the maximum £4500 plug-in grant from the

RENAULT ZOEBESTBOOT

910mm940mm

680mm 1050mm

1320mm 1365mm

1010-1020mm

695-1410mm

600-930mm

Front space is good, but a high � oor makes rear space a bit limited for taller adults. Boot is a great size; it’s bigger than those of many conventional small cars. Rear seats fold in one big piece and leave a large step in � oor, though


Boot

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x230

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Ant

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PRICES

WHAT THEY WILL COST

Renault ZoeCheaper to buy and run whichever way you do it

Toyota Yaris HybridHolds value better but still the

pricier car over three years

List price £22,670 £19,545Target Price £13,231 £18,289Company car tax £68, £98, £121, £15 £84, £104, £123, £130(until April 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021) Contract hire (per month) na £234


THREE-YEAR COST

PCP FINANCE COSTS

� Depreciation � Insurance � Servicing � Road tax � Petrol (True MPG) � Electricity � Battery lease

� Renault Zoe � Toyota Yaris Hybrid

3-year term, £2000 customer deposit, 8000 miles per year

Car Renault Zoe Toyota Yaris Hybrid

Monthly cost £287 (inc battery lease*) £289

Manufacturer deposit contribution £5935 £1000

Optional � nal payment £3995 £6840

Representative APR 3.99% 0.0%

Excess mileage charge 16p per mile 8p per mile

Other fees na na* £89 with limit of 9000 miles

The 100% Electric Nissan LEAF. See how much you could s

Renault Zoe vs Toyota Yaris Hybrid


Renault ZoeFor Much quieter; cheaper to buy and run; better infotainment systemAgainst You’ll need another car for family holidays; cheap-feeling interior; no AEB

Toyota Yaris HybridFor No range anxiety; Congestion Charge exempt (if on 15in alloys); standard AEBAgainst Noisy engine; much smaller boot; so-so fuel economy on faster roads

1

2

Until the charging infrastructure improves and advances in battery technology afford longer driving ranges, electric car ownership will always demand compromises. However, unless you’re forever tearing up and down the motorway – unlikely if you’re considering a small car anyway – there’s a good chance that this latest Zoe will � t neatly into your life.

Yes, the Yaris Hybrid will deal far more easily with trips to see family at the other end of the country, but in most other respects it’s outclassed. The Zoe’s smoother, quieter powertrain, bigger boot, better infotainment system and lower ownership costs – no matter how you’re buying – make it the much better all-rounder.

SAYS

TOYOTA YARIS HYBRID BESTREAR

SPACE

BESTFRONTSPACE

935mm

975mm

685mm 1040mm

1305mm1355mm

950-995mm

655-1365mm

520-870mm

Having a height-adjustable driver’s seat is a plus for the Yaris, and space in the back seats is more generous, but the boot is tiny. Granted, the Yaris has 60/40 split-folding rear seats, but the Zoe’s boot is a far more usable size



ECONOMY & EMISSIONS

xxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxxxxxyxxxxxxy xxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxxxxxyxxxxxxy

SAFETY

POWERTRAIN

PERFORMANCE

CARS PICTURED

Range (real-world claim) 174 milesRange (real-world test) 138 milesCost of a full charge* £4.80Cost of electricity per mile 3.48pCost per 10,000 miles* £348

CO2 emissions 0g/km*Based on electricity tariff of 12p per kWh

4084mm

2588mm

2050mm

760mm1562mm

3950mm

2510mm

1510mm1965mm

685mm




All protection 89% 81% 60% 86%xxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxxxxxyxxxxxxy xxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxxxxxyxxxxxxy

Weather conditions Wet

Engine Electric motorPeak power 87bhpPeak torque 162Ib ftGearbox Single-speed automaticBattery capacity 41kWhCharging time 2hr 40min (from 43kW or 22kW charger)

Engine 4cyl, 1497cc, petrol + electric motorPeak power 98bhp (combined)Peak torque 82lb ft (petrol), 125lb ft (electric)Gearbox CVT automaticBattery capacity 0.94kWh

POWERTRAIN

Acceleration30-70mph 14.7sec 30-50mph 5.0sec 50-70mph 9.7sec






CARS PICTUREDToyota Yaris Hybrid 1.5 VVT-i Excel with Nebula Blue metallic paint (£515), Touch 2 with Go (£650)

Renault Zoe R90 ZE40 Dynamique Nav with Id Zircon Blue metallic paint (£650), rear-view camera (£250), blue interior touch pack (£175)


TRUE MPG


Renault ZoeR90 ZE40 Dynamique NavWidth 1950mm

Toyota Yaris Hybrid1.5 VVT-i Excel NavWidth 2015mm

Topspeed

103mph

Topspeed84mph

0-60mph12.7sec

0-60mph12.9sec


Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 150 SE L DSG

AS SUVS GET better, offering an ever-broader range of talents, so we expect more of them. We want space, comfort, practicality, style, technology that makes life easier and engines that are frugal, refined and fast enough – all for a price that isn’t too steep.

Proof of the adage ‘if you don’t ask, you don’t get’ comes in the form of this Skoda Kodiaq, the latest addition to our long-term test fleet. We already know that it’s a car that delivers on

pretty much every promise it makes, because in January it scooped the Large SUV of the Year title at the 2017 What Car? Awards.

But now it’s our chance to evaluate how the Kodiaq copes with the biggest challenge of all: daily life (including a typical urban commute), family life (where it will be put through its paces four up) and hard life, when I go seven up with visitors or want to get a week’s worth of luggage and a couple of bicycles in the boot.

Our choice of the 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine was a relatively simple one. It’s not only the current best seller of the Kodiaq range

OUR CARS

Mileage 1980 List price £31,390 Target Price £30,237 Price as tested £32,390 Test economy 43.9mpg

Our favourite large seven-seat SUV is about to face its biggest challenge yet: hectic family life in our hands

PHOTOGRAPHY: JOHN BRADSHAW

FIRSTREPORT

but also the one we recommend, thanks to its ability to haul around such a big car, even when fully laden, without a hint of a problem.

Later on in our 12-month tenure with the Kodiaq, I’ll look to reflect on the gathering momentum against diesels by conducting a comparison test with some of the petrol-powered alternatives in the range. However, there’s little doubt that the pulling power and frugality of our chosen engine perfectly suits Skoda’s large SUV.

A harder decision was whether to go for front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, but

Jim [email protected]


Visibility is excellent, and there’s seating for seven

Auto ’box is the only choice on front-wheel-drive Kodiaqs‘Simply Clever’ items like this brolly are cheery and handy

Pop-out door protectors prevent damage in tight spaces

eventually I decided on the former. This was mainly because I felt the upfront list price and ongoing running cost savings it brings were more significant than the reduction in capabilities, although it did mean the only gearbox option available to us was a six-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic.

Going for a front-wheel-drive Kodiaq has another ramification: you can’t specify adaptive dampers, which are available only on four-wheel-drive models. That’s no big deal, you might reason, given that the urge to select Sport mode on a family SUV is likely to be rare, but it’s another point that I will come back to.

Early impressions suggest the Kodiaq’s ride is decent on the standard, one-size-fits-all suspension setting, but there are circumstances – particularly on faster, very bumpy roads – when the adaptive suspension would be of benefit to body control and comfort.

The Kodiaq is available in a choice of five trim levels, but if you discount the bookends for being too sparse or too excessive and take into account that SE Technology is available

‘To my mind, buying a Skoda stands for good sense and a shrewd eye’

only to company car drivers, that leaves SE and SE L. Our recommendation is to stick with SE and add a couple of key optional extras.

However, in the interests of testing out more of what’s on offer and mindful that SE L trim is popular with a lot of Kodiaq buyers, I’ve gone higher up the order.

SE L’s additions over SE include larger, 19in alloy wheels, LED lights, seven seats as standard, smart Alcantara upholstery, a larger, 9.2in infotainment touchscreen, keyless entry and an electrically operated tailgate.

Raising the price further, I’ve gone for Moon White metallic paint (£555), remote releases for the rear seatbacks (£90), a space-saver spare wheel (£100), a textile floor mat set

(£80) and the Children’s Pack (£175), which integrates blinds into the rear side

windows and allows for electronic disabling of the window buttons

from the front.On first evidence, what

stands out most about these options is that they all seem very reasonable value for money, a point that resonates

with Skoda’s brand ethos. So, too, do the unexpected extras

that come as standard, be it the umbrellas tucked in the front doors,

the pop-out rubber door protectors that avoid scrapes in car parks or the cupholders that grip the bottle so that you can unscrew the lid one-handed while driving.

However, those decisions have nudged our car over the £32,000 mark, making this high-spec Kodiaq more expensive than a lightly specced entry-level Land Rover Discovery Sport. It’s another interesting comparison that I’ll investigate further during the next 12 months, although the answer to which is best is likely to come down to how much value you put on a premium badge.

For now, though, I couldn’t be bursting with more pride even if a Rolls-Royce ornament were perched atop the Kodiaq’s bonnet. To my mind, buying a Skoda stands for good sense and a shrewd eye – and I can’t wait to find out if that proves to be true.

WHY WE’RE RUNNING IT

The Kodiaq is our 2017 Large SUV of the Year and promises to be a brilliant family car in seven-seat form.

But is there anything missing?

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Expensive but practical, with a supple ride and smart interior.

Nissan X-Trail

Has room for seven, but rivals are better to drive, more comfortable and cheaper to buy.

RIVALS

LOGBOOKSkoda Kodiaq

2.0 TDI 150 SE L DSG (7 seat)

List price £31,390

Target Price £30,327 Price as tested £32,390

Extras Moon White metallic paint (£555)

Children’s Pack (£175)Spacesaver spare wheel (£150)

Remote rear seatback releases (£90)Textile �oor mat set (£80)

Running costsTest economy 43.9mpg

True MPG naOf�cial average 56.5mpg

Tank 60 litresContract hire £341.80 per month

Insurance group 17Typical insurance quote £545 per year

Everything you loveabout the Golf

100% electric new e-Golf.

Wemake the future real.

Official fuel economy figures for the e-Golf: mpg N/A; CO2 emissions 0g/km; normal power output (electric motor) 136 PS at 3000 rpm; total average energy consumption per 62 miles/100 km(combined cycle) 12.7 kWh. Total range: 186 miles (NEDC cycle). Figures are obtained in a standard test cycle after the battery has been fully charged. They are intended for comparison betweenvehicles and may not be representative of what a user achieves under usual driving conditions.


A BIG PART of Dacia’s appeal, as we’ve pointed out previously, is value for money. I was reminded of that when I found out the £50 seat height adjustment pack that I’d specified on my Sandero has now been made standard on mid-spec Ambiance cars like mine. Very good.

But Dacia’s ethos of added value goes way beyond what equipment is fitted, as I realised when an invitation to the annual Dacia Day arrived. It’s not something I’d heard of before but, as a Dacia driver, I felt intrigued and almost obliged to head along. So off I went.

Dacia Day 2017 was held at the Broughton Hall Estate, just south of the Yorkshire Dales. That was quite a trek for me from south-west London, but the Sandero’s polite-enough motorway manners and parsimonious fuel economy kept things comfortable and inexpensive. And the car was a veritable fortress when two mardy chickens attacked me as I tried to get a scenic photo for this report.

Dacia tells me that the event moves to a different location in the UK each year; there has been one in the south and one in the Midlands in the past.

A heavy focus was put on dogs this year.

Dacia Sandero 0.9 TCe 90 Ambiance

Volvo S90 D4 Momentum

Peugeot 3008 1.2 Puretech 130 Allure

Good fuel economy meant the journey was inexpensive

Test drives of Duster, Logan MCV and Sandero were offered at Dacia Day

Event had a friendly atmosphere and family activities

Apparently, they weren’t allowed at last year’s Dacia Day at Bruntingthorpe Aerodrome in Leicestershire, causing quite a bit of disgruntlement. This year’s event even included a dog show, where the ‘Most Down-to-Earth Dog’ award for the canine with the shortest legs was of particular groan-worthy note.

Elsewhere, not only was the full Dacia range available for test driving, but there was also an off-roading course in four-wheel-drive Dusters, a ‘genius bar’ for troubleshooting, a virtual reality dealership and family activities. It was quite an action-packed day, all free to Dacia drivers – and only Dacia drivers.

I tried out the range-topping Laureate-spec Sandero Stepway, a sort of ‘faux-by-four’ version of our car that feels similar to drive, apart from the fact that it’s better equipped and a little higher off the ground. The thing on it I’d most like to have on my car, though, is the fuel economy readout. Hint, hint, Dacia.

What was most notable during the day was the sense of community. Some owners told me they had made firm friends at these events through similar interests, locations and, more obviously, taste in cars. Even the poor weather this year wasn’t enough to dampen spirits.

The fact that the day is exclusive to Dacia owners makes the whole thing even more charming. Next year’s event is set to be even bigger, as Dacia grows in the UK and more owners attend on what will hopefully be a sunnier day.

Mileage 5620 List price £33,865 Target Price £31,631Price as tested £40,585 Test economy 48.8mpg

A trip to a new car launch in Yorkshire showed the S90 at its best, because it’s a quiet cruiser, the seats are supportive enough to keep you comfortable for hours and the suspension soaks up high-speed undulations with aplomb.

Even more impressive, though, was the way in which it handled patched-up urban roads after I turned off the motorway. Previous Volvos would have struggled to cope with such conditions, but the S90 simply shrugged off larger ruts, with very little vibration making its way into the car.

The 2.0-litre diesel S90 even averaged almost 50mpg during the 500-odd-mile round trip, despite the fact that I wasn’t exactly hanging around. SH

Mileage 9336 List price £23,755 Target Price £22,246 Price as tested £24,280 Test economy 38.9mpg

The 3008 recently caught the eye of my neighbour Judy, who couldn’t resist coming over for a chat about it. It turns out she actually has one on order, having got fed up with trying to squeeze her Range Rover in stingily sized south-east London parking spaces.

Judy recalled one instance when she’d had to clamber over the Range Rover’s back seats to get out via the boot, because she couldn’t open the doors once she’d shoehorned the car into a space.

She’d seen advertisements for the 3008 and liked the butch looks, but she was truly sold when she found she could get a range-topping model with LED lights, keyless entry, leather seats and a panoramic sunroof for less than £35,000. CE

Mileage 2860 List price £7995 Target Price £7905 Price as tested £8640Test economy 43.3mpg

OUR CARS

Jimi [email protected]

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Audi Q5 2.0 TDI 190quattro S line S tronic

Mileage 6200 List price £41,085Target Price £38,774 Price as tested £45,050Test economy 42.0mpg

“WE NEED TO move the What Car? archiveand we need to do it today.”

The call echoed around the offi ce, asthe mammoth task of shifting some 40years’ worth of Britain’s biggest and bestcar buyer’s guide from one location to another slowly sank in.

Said magazine archive is stored in huge plastic crates that, quite frankly, are a right pain to move. They’re an awkward shape, they’re full of valuable magazines and they’re extremely heavy. Plainly, we’d need a big, versatile car for the job, and eyes settled onour long-term Audi Q5.

Not knowing how many boxes there would be, we also took along editor Steve Huntingford’s Volvo S90 as backup. But on arrival at the storage unit, we counted nine boxes – more, we feared, than both cars might reasonably carry in one trip.

Putting aside that concern, we set about helping the Q5 to do its best impression ofDr Who’s Tardis by lowering the rear seats –an action that’s a lot easier than in many

other family SUVs, thanks to handles on the inside of the boot.

And as we began to heave box after box of What Car? magazines into the Q5, I was grateful that the car has a relatively low loading height and that its boot fl oor is fl at, even with the rear bench folded down.

Q5 managed to � t ina surprising number of boxes… as well as staff

Ignis’s tiny proportions only become clear when viewed alongside other cars

In the end, after plenty of heavy lifting and some colourful language that’s not repeatable in print, we actually squeezed eight of thenine boxes into the Q5, leaving one sitting alone in the Volvo.

Considering your average family willrarely task the Q5 with such a load, I wasvery surprised at how much the car wouldtake and how sprightly it still felt whenfully laden, despite the relatively modest output of its 2.0-litre diesel engine.

All of this explains why the Q5 has become the go-to workhorse of our fl eet.

OUR CARS

Suzuki Ignis 1.2 Dualjet SHVS

I’VE TAKEN OVER as temporary custodian of our little Suzuki Ignis for a few weeks while I’m between more permanent long-termers, but I’m not too dischuffed. In fact, I’ve had a

Mileage 7651 List price £14,249Target Price £13,945 Price as tested £14,899Test economy 57.6mpg

sides, the touches of Suzuki models of oldare inspired. Every time I walk up to this car, I fi nd myself smiling.

What you don’t realise when you see the Ignis in isolation is just how tiny it is:3.7 metres long, to be precise. That makes parking and zipping through traffi c a breeze. But it also makes for amusing comparisons when it’s parked, as evidenced when I slotted the car between our long-term Audi Q5 andan Alfa Romeo Giulia. All of which simply adds to the Ignis’s charm.

So far, I haven’t done any long trips. But from hacking back and forth to work, it has returned well over 55mpg, which is pretty remarkable. Despite vague steering, it’s a fun thing todrive, too, with plenty of traction from the four-wheel drive and an eager engine. Fastthe Ignis ain’t, but it does make you grin.

This is, in short, a car with plenty of character, and on fi rst acquaintance it seems to have the substance to back that up. Time will tell if the sheen wears off, but at this stage I’m looking forward to my time with the Ignis.

soft spot for the latest Ignis since it was fi rst revealed and a previous trip in one left me hankering for more.

My fi rst few days with the car havenot disappointed. For starters, just look atthe thing. Isn’t it brilliant? I mean, sure, it’s a little wonky around the tail end, but viewed square on, directly from the rear, it’s hilarious: tall and narrow, yet with enormous wheel arches. Up front, there’s that scowling faceand the big, puppy-dog eyes, while down the

Go to whatcar.com/long-term-tests for more updates


Alex [email protected]


Audi A3

‘DESIRABILITY’ ISN’T A WORD that looms large when you’re considering the purchase of a family hatchback; often the only qualities you can fairly expect are practicality and reliability.

However, when it comes to the current Audi A3, its brilliant interior, drive and comfort make it a hugely desirable premium car as well as a sensible choice.

WHAT’S IT LIKE?The A3 has a beautifully made interior that’s more than practical enough for the needs of most families. Space in the front and rear seats is plentiful, and the boot is large enough for most people’s daily needs.

All versions are a pleasure to drive, too, with a spot-on driving position, punchy engines and smooth-shifting gearboxes. And that’s not to mention the precise steering and agile, sure-footed handling. The A3 is impressively refi ned, too, being one of the quietest cars in its class.

And despite the sporty characteristics, the A3’s ride is very smooth and comfortable – apart from models in S line trim, which have fi rmer suspension, making the ride too fi dgety.

Rear is roomy – even more so in the longer A3 Sportback A3 offers more than enough head and leg room up front Materials and build quality inside are class-leading

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?You’ll have to pay at least £6000 for an early car from 2013 with more than 100,000 miles on board, or one that’s previously been written off. Move up to £8000, though, and you can get an A3 with reasonable mileage, bought from an independent dealer with a good service history.

With £10,000 or more, you should fi nd a 2014 example with an average mileage and full service history. Upping the wedge to

USED CARS

‘The A3 is a pleasure to drive, with punchy engines, precise steering and sure-footed handling’

2011-present BMW 1 Series

More involving to drive, but not as widely capable.

2012-presentVolkswagen Golf

Matches the A3 in many areas yet costs less to buy.

RIVALS

BUYING GUIDE Class, comfort and quality: this family hatchback delivers all of these in spades, making it an accomplished all-rounder

In production 2012-present Price from £6000 Our favourite 1.0 TFSI 115 Sport

Mark [email protected]


A3 Sportback’s boot is on a par with the VW Golf’s for size; the three-door A3’s is slightly smaller

between £14,000 and £16,000 should bring in a 2015, manufacturer-approved used car that has covered a fairly nominal mileage.

Prices for the regular three-door A3 and fi ve-door A3 Sportback are evenly matched on the used market, and there’s little between petrol and diesel versions, either.

Diesel variants are the 1.6 and 2.0 TDI, both of which are surprisingly refi ned. The 1.6 will be the cheaper of the two to run, with CO2 emissions of just 99g/km in some models, meaning free road tax for cars registered before April 2017. Initially, petrol engines were 1.4, 1.8 and 2.0 TFSI variants, with a 1.2 added shortly after the A3’s launch.

As part of the A3’s facelift in 2016, a new three-cylinder 1.0 TFSI petrol engine was added. This returns an offi cial average fuel economy fi gure of 62.8mpg. Post-facelift A3s are also available with tweaked versions of the 1.6 TDI, which offers

offi cial fuel economy of 70.6mpg and CO2 emissions of just 106g/km, and the 2.0 TDI, which gives 67.3mpg and 109g/km.

Servicing is due every two years or 19,000 miles, and it shouldn’t be much more expensive in this regard than most rivals. Plus, the A3 was covered by a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty from new, with the option of an extended four or fi ve-year package.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR?Listen carefully for rattles from the 1.4 TFSIengine, usually caused by a component of the turbocharger on its way out.

As with all modern diesels, TDI models will require regular motorway runs to clear their diesel particulate fi lters; failure to do so will result in an expensive repair bill. A3s with manual gearboxes are also known to suffer from clutch failure, so check its operation carefully.

Some owners have reported issues with rattling from the trim surrounding the gearlever and the boot locking mechanism. There have also been problems with the infotainment screen, which can creak when rising out of the dashboard. Water pumps can leak, too, and the A3 is rated worse than average for headlight bulb failure.

WHICH ONE SHOULD I BUY?Don’t shy away from entry-level SE trim, because it’s handsomely equipped, with air conditioning, alloy wheels and a 5.8in infotainment screen. Sport is our preferred trim, however; its extras include sports seats, a leather steering wheel and an information display between the instrument dials. S line adds larger, 18in alloys and leather. Black Edition trim is style-focused and, pragmatically, not worth paying the extra for.

Whether to choose petrol or diesel depends largely on how high your mileage is and how you’ll use the car; longer-distance drivers should go for the 2.0 TDI.

Otherwise, we prefer the smoothness of the petrol cars, particularly the post-facelift 1.0 and the 1.4. Note, too, that four-wheel-drive quattro versions will be around 10% less economical.

At the range’s pinnacle are the 296bhp S3 and 361bhp RS3 hot hatches, which offer huge performance but, of course, high running costs.

GOODStrong enginesBeautiful interior

Great to driveBAD

Firm low-speed rideExpensive to buy

2013 Audi A3 Sportback1.6 TDI SE, 49,000 miles,£9900

2014 Audi A3 Sportback2.0 TDI Sport, 42,000 miles,£13,750

2016 Audi A3 Sportback1.0 TFSI Sport, 7000 miles,£18,000

Find these cars and more like them at whatcar.com/classi� eds/used-cars

ONES WE FOUND

Excellent infotainment is easy to control while driving

Expensive, but an outstanding all-rounder that shines both inside and on the road

SAYS


You belong to the city

THE CONTENDERS THE IDEA OF a cheap used city car might not fi ll you with glee. Pudgy styling, buzzy engines, drab interiors, stingy kit lists… you’d be forgiven for associating all of these with the idea of a frugal tiddler like the two we’ve got here.

However, pinching the pennies doesn’t have to mean living like a miser. Modern city cars are often effi cient, comfortable and cheap, making a used one an inspired choice. Not only do you get the benefi ts of recent progress in technology and safety, but you also get to take advantage of the boom in smart shapes and stylish fi nishes in this class – all for far less than the price you’d pay for one of these cars new.

Take the Fiat Panda. This second-generation model, introduced in 2012, matches funky styling with a smart-looking interior, and the 0.9 Twinair version tested here has a tiny

Fiat Panda 0.9 Twinair 85 EasyList price when new £10,750

Price today £4500Available from 2012-present

The Panda brings a dose of Italian � airto the used city car market.

two-cylinder turbocharged engine that purports to sip fuel while providing nippy performance around town – not bad when you consider what a low price it can be bought for.

The Skoda Citigo costs a little more, but it’s still decent value. And the upmarket lookbelies its price, as does the interior, whichlooks and feels classy. This Greentech versionis the most frugal in the range, while the Elegance model tested here gets a surprising number of toys. The question is: is it worth the extra you’ll pay over the Panda?

DRIVINGPerformance, ride, handling, re� nement

Both cars will spend most of their time in town, so they’ll have to be brilliant in that

The Fiat Panda and Skoda Citigo are proof that used city cars can be cheerful as well as cheap. But which one should you buy?

Photography: Will Williams

Skoda Citigo 1.0 75 GreentechElegance 5dr

List price when new £10,370Price today £5000

Available from 2012-presentThe Citigo is one of our favourite new

small cars – but is it a good used buy?

Price today is based on a 2013 model with average mileage and full service history, correct at time of writing

USED CARS


2 Gets more standard kit than the Panda, including sat-navand Bluetooth

3 Quality of materials is higher than in the Panda, but the interior looks a little dull

Citigo’s engine is less punchy but smoother and quieter

1

1

2

2

3

3 1 Equipment list includes electric door mirrors and electronic stability control

FIAT PANDA

SKODA CITIGO BESTDRIVINGPOSITION

BESTRIDE

environment. But, of course, no one wants to be confi ned to the city centre, so good motorway manners will be important, too.

The Panda suffers the most in town, because it has an unsettled ride that makes you feel as though you’re being jostled around on anything other than a perfectly smooth road surface. Comfort takes a further hammering from the engine, which chunters away at idle, whines when you accelerate, rattles when you’re cruising and sends vibrations fi zzing through the controls at any speed. It is, at least, pretty lively, although you have to keep the revs up for this to be the case. However, up the speed and wind noise becomes an issue.

Light steering and a tight turning circle make manoeuvring easy, but it would be optimistic to describe the Panda as fun to drive. That’s

Fiat Panda vs Skoda Citigo

2 The controls are simple to use, but some plastics feela little � imsy

3 With a bold design and plenty of colour, the Panda’s interior has lots of charm

The Panda’s unsettled ride is exacerbated by a chuntering engine

1 Air conditioningand remote locking are standard, butnot much else


Panda’s boot is a practical shape and access is easy, but split rear seatbacks aren’t standard. There’s plenty of rear head room, but leg room is tight; seats are quite upright

890mm

550mm

890mm

1020mm1010mm

510-1140mm

FIAT PANDA

560-860mm

makes the Panda less relaxing to drive, but on the other hand, the higher-set seat means the car is easier to get in and out of.

The dashboard in the Panda looks great. Indeed, it’s more interesting than the Citigo’s, with nice colour options and handsome design all contributing to a sense that the cash you’re saving doesn’t come at the expense of style. However, it comes at the expense of quality, because some of the plastics are fl imsy to touch and feel rather scratchy. What’s more, equipment isn’t exactly overly generous, even in this mid-range version.

The Citigo’s dashboard looks quite dour in comparison. The all-grey colour scheme doesn’t exactly fi ll your heart with excitement and the design is rather strait-laced. But the quality of the materials is higher, with fewer cheap plastics, and the buttons and switches move with the sort of slickness that Panda owners can only dream about.

The driving position is good in the Citigo, too, and all the controls are easy to use. Plus, you get a decent slug of standard equipment in this Elegance model.

SPACE AND PRACTICALITYFront space, rear space, seating � exibility, boot

The Panda’s boxy profi le might lead you to believe it’s spacious inside, and for the most part you’d be right. Up front, there’s enough room for two adults, and in the back there’s loads of head room.

However, rear knee room is tight if you’re tall, and while the boot has a wide opening, it’s far from being the biggest around. What’s more, split-folding rear seats were an optional extra, so if you want a Panda with this feature, you’ll have to shop around.

You get plenty of front head and leg room in the Citigo and slightly more rear seat space than in the Panda, meaning it’s the better betif you’re going to be carrying rear passengers on a regular basis.

The Citigo’s boot is also bigger than the Panda’s, although it has a higher sill to lift luggage over. You get split-folding rear seats as standard on this version but not in more basic Citigos. If the extra versatility they offer is important to you, buy carefully.

USED CARS

on the right side of fi rm. In addition, precise controls and a linear power delivery make the Citigo an easier car to drive than the Panda. Its engine can’t match the Fiat’s for outright punch – although it’s bigger, it lacks the Panda’s turbocharger – but it is smoother and quieter.

Out on the open road, the Citigo really comes into its own. On twisty roads, the accurate,well-weighted steering allows you to place the car far more easily, while the suspension keeps the body from leaning over too much in corners. The Citigo is, in short, remarkably good fun to drive for a city car. And on the motorway, the ride smooths out and noise is kept under control, making the car a far more relaxing companion than the Panda.

BEHIND THE WHEELDriving position, visibility, infotainment, quality

The Panda’s driving position is much more upright and van-like than the Citigo’s; some people might like that and some might not. It

ONES WE FOUND

Find these cars and more like them at whatcar.com/classi� eds/used-cars

mainly because the steering doesn’t provide an awful lot of feedback when you want to push on a little. What’s more, on the motorway, this vagueness means the Panda doesn’t feel entirely at home.

The Citigo’s ride isn’t exactly cosseting, either, but it’s better than the Panda’s, staying

‘The Panda is slightly the cheaper of the two to buy and costs less to service’

Well-weighted steering helps to make the Citigo fun to drive

The Panda’s steeringis light and doesn’t provide much feedback

FIAT PANDA

SKODA CITIGO

2013 Fiat Panda0.9 Twinair 85 Lounge, 11,000 miles, £4995

2013 Skoda Citigo 1.0 75 Greentech Elegance 5dr, 18,000 miles, £5795

BESTHANDLING


Boot is slightly bigger than the Panda’s, but a higher lip hinders access. Rear seats are more comfortable for adults; driving position is likely to be more relaxing on longer trips

900mm

610mm

960mm

1080mm

SKODA CITIGO

Skoda CitigoFor Great to drive; roomy inside; loads of equipment; smooth engineAgainst Can feel slow; dull interior styling; high boot sill

1

Fiat PandaFor Funky looks inside and out;lively performanceAgainst Noisy engine; unsettled ride;stingy equipment

Fiat Panda 0.9 Twinair 85 Easy

Width 1880mm Boot 225-870 litres

Skoda Citigo 1.0 75 Greentech Elegance 5dr

Width 1910mm Boot 251 litres

ECONOMY & EMISSIONS


CARS PICTUREDFiat Panda 0.9 Twinair 85 Lounge Skoda Citigo 1.0 75 Greentech Elegance

920mm

630-1150mm

620mm

3650mm2300mm 2420mm

3560mm

690 m 60mm

BUYING AND OWNINGCosts, equipment, reliability, safety and security

There’s not a lot between these cars in terms of pricing, the Panda being only slightly cheaper to buy. That said, you’ll struggle to fi nd a Panda with this particular engine fi tted, because they’re quite rare, so you might have to settle for the less effi cient 1.2, which will increase fuel consumption and reduce performance.

If you can fi nd one fi tted with this 0.9-litre engine, you’ll get an offi cial average fuel economy of 67.3mpg. The Citigo matches that, while both cars fall below the 99g/km tax threshold, so they will cost you nothing to tax.

Fiat Panda vs Skoda Citigo

The Panda is the cheaper of the two cars to maintain, too. The Citigo isn’t extortionate, but the Panda will cost you less for major and minor services. What’s more, if you get your service carried out at a Fiat dealer, you get 12 months’ free breakdown assistance thrown in – a handy extra to have.

There’s more of a chance that you might need it, too, because the Panda’s reliability isn’t as hot as the Citigo’s. A score of 81% for the Panda in the 2017 What Car? Reliability Survey (see p38) is pretty good, mind you, but the Citigo bettered it with a deeply impressive 90%. That suggests the Citigo is less likely to leave you needing assistance in the fi rst place.

The Panda’s funky looks make it rather tempting. Not only that, but its two-cylinder engine packs a punch. Inside, the Panda’s interior styling is very pleasing to the eye.

The problem is that there’s an air of style over substance here. The Panda’s noisy engine and bouncy ride make it less enjoyable to drive around town, its equipment list could be longer and the cramped rear quarters do it no favours.

All of which leaves the Citigo to take the win in this test. True, it isn’t as appealing to look at as the Panda, and the same can be said of its interior. But neither is it ugly; indeed, some might prefer its more reserved styling.

And that’s before we get to the Citigo’s other plus points. Not only is it more spacious, but you also get more equipment and a smoother engine. The ride is more composed, too, and it is better fun to drive. It’s a bit more expensive to buy than the Panda, but it’s worth the extra.



Engine 2cyl, 875cc, turbo, petrolPeak power 84bhp @ 5500rpmPeak torque 107lb ft @ 1900rpmGearbox 5-spd manual

Engine 3cyl, 999cc, petrolPeak power 74bhp @ 6200rpmPeak torque 70lb ft @ 3000rpmGearbox 5-spd manual

SAFETY




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Class by class, the best new cars, reviewed and rated

Buyer’s guide

96 City cars 97 Small cars 98 Family cars 100 Executive cars 101 Luxury cars 103 Estate cars 104 MPVs 105 Small SUVs 107 Large SUVs 108 Luxury SUVs

109 Convertibles 111 Hot hatches 112 Coupés 113 Sports cars

CONTENTS

‘We’ve got Best Buys in every price

bracket’WHAT CAR? TEAM

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SLESS THAN £10,000

MORE THAN £12,000

£10,000-£12,000

City cars

The i10 has been our favourite city car for the past three years. This top-spec trim brings an upgraded infotainment system comprising sat-nav, DAB, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth, all accessed via a 7.0in touchscreen. The engine is punchy and suited to life in town, while the i10 manages to deal with rutted road surfaces and feels surefooted on roundabouts. The icing on the cake is space for fi ve and a decent boot.

Our pick 1.2 Premium SEList price £13,110Target Price £12,187MPG 57.6 CO2 114g/kmFor Comfortable, roomy and well equipped, and the engine is gutsy enough for motorway use.Against Not as enjoyable to drive as the Volkswagen Up and not quite as classy inside.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Vauxhall VivaOur pick 1.0 SL List price £10,665 Target Price £10,299MPG 61.4 CO2 104g/kmFor Smooth-revving engine is quiet and you get lots of safety kit as standard.Against There’s lots of road and wind noise at speed and the clutch is vague.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Fiat 500Our pick 1.2 Pop List price £11,615 Target Price £10,864MPG 60.1 CO2 110g/kmFor Desirability, quirky looks, a fairly keen price and a petrol engine that loves to be revved.Against The ride is unsettled and the boot is extremely small.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Hyundai i10Our pick 1.0 SList price £9540 Target Price £8995MPG 60.1 CO2 108g/kmFor The three-cylinder engine is refi ned and the interior is surprisingly roomy.Against This entry-level trim doesn’t give you much kit and the engine struggles out of town.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Seat MiiOur pick 1.0 60 SE 3drList price £9795 Target Price £7455MPG 64.2 CO2 102g/kmFor The Mii feels remarkably grown-up to drive and is cheaper than the near-identical VW Up.Against It’s not as well fi nished inside as the Up and this version feels slow on faster roads.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Suzuki CelerioOur pick 1.0 SZ2List price £7499 Target Price £7259MPG 65.7 CO2 99g/kmFor It has a practical interior with a DAB radio and the engine gives adequate performance.Against The interior feels cheap, resale values are weak and infotainment options are limited.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Kia PicantoOur pick 1.25 GT-LineList price £12,450 Target Price £12,071MPG 61.4 CO2 106g/kmFor Handles well, gets a smart interior with comfortable seats and has a long warranty.Against The engine is too noisy at high revs and the ride quality is unsettled in town.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Volkswagen UpOur pick 1.0 TSI 90 High Up 3drList price £12,210 Target Price £11,668MPG 64.2 CO2 108g/kmFor Economical, good handling and comfortable; smarter than other city cars inside.Against The ride quality isn’t as good on 17in wheels and rear space is at a premium.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Hyundai i10

Best city car

CAR OFTHE YEAR2017

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BESTBUY

BESTBUY

| December 2017 whatcar.com

Skoda CitigoOur pick 1.0 60 SE Greentech 5dr List price £10,325 Target Price £9823MPG 68.9 CO2 96g/kmFor Great to drive, with a comfy ride and agile handling, and its interior is well thought out.Against Driving position isn’t perfect and the Volkswagen Up retains its value better.WHAT CAR? SAYS

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Dacia SanderoOur pick 0.9 TCe AmbianceList price £7995 Target Price £7905MPG 57.6 CO2 109g/kmFor Lots of space for the money, decent to drive and a fair amount of standard kit.Against The engine is unrefined at most speeds and the interior is comparatively basic.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Suzuki SwiftOur pick 1.2 SZ3List price £10,999 Target Price £10,558MPG 65.7 CO2 98g/kmFor Good to drive, with sharp steering and fine body control, and decent standard equipment.Against Interior materials and infotainment are disappointing and there’s wind noise at speed.WHAT CAR? SAYS

BESTBUY

Seat has taken a huge step forward with the latest Ibiza, catching its rivals napping with the sharp-looking hatch’s all-round excellence. The Ibiza is not only superb to drive, especially in sporty FR guise, but is also more spacious and practical than rivals such as the latest Ford Fiesta, while its infotainment system is second to none in this class. The fact that it’s cheaper to buy than the Fiesta is merely a bonus.

Our pick 1.0 TSI 95 FRList price £16,015Target Price £13,659MPG 60.1 CO2 106g/kmFor Fun to drive, practical, well equipped and scores well for safety.Against A Fiesta is even more fun to drive and there’s some road noise.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Skoda FabiaOur pick 1.0 TSI 95 SEList price £14,275 Target Price £13,162MPG 64.2 CO2 101g/kmFor There’s plenty of space, it handles well and the infotainment set-up is slick.Against Interior quality could be better and the ride is unsettled at low speeds.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Seat Ibiza

Hyundai i20Our pick 1.0 T-GDi 100 Turbo EditionList price £13,275 Target Price £12,963MPG 62.8 CO2 104g/kmFor Class-leading space for all occupants and luggage, and a comfortable ride.Against The engine is noisy when revved, the steering is numb and rivals have more safety kit.WHAT CAR? SAYS

BESTBUY

MORE THAN £15,000

Nissan MicraOur pick 1.0 VisiaList price £11,995 Target Price £11,494MPG 61.4 CO2 103g/kmFor Well-laid-out dashboard, comfortable driving position and spacious front seats. Against Cramped in the back and this engine needs to be worked hard.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Ford FiestaOur pick 1.0T Ecoboost 140 ST-Line 5drList price £17,595 Target Price £16,466MPG 63.0 CO2 102g/kmFor Even more fun than the Ibiza, with a good driving position and an intuitive dashboard.Against Comparatively expensive running costs, and there isn’t much space in the rear or boot.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Seat IbizaOur pick 1.0 TSI 95 SEList price £14,595 Target Price £12,271MPG 60.1 CO2 106g/kmFor Great to drive, good ride, roomy inside and surprisingly practical.Against You don’t get that many luxuries and the infotainment system is basic.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Mini Hatch 5drOur pick 1.5T Cooper Chili MediaList price £21,430 Target Price £20,085MPG 58.9 CO2 111g/kmFor As good to drive as the three-door, but with usable rear space and a half-decent boot.Against The rear door openings are pretty narrow and there’s wind and road noise.WHAT CAR? SAYS

BESTBUY

£12,000-£15,000

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Volkswagen GolfOur pick 1.0 TSI 110 SE Navigation 5drList price £20,260 Target Price £18,557MPG 58.9 CO2 109g/kmFor Brilliant to drive, well equipped, refined, comparatively cheap to buy and run.Against Tall adults might struggle to see the instrument dials and the interior is a bit dreary.WHAT CAR? SAYS

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Vauxhall AstraOur pick 1.6 CDTi 110 DesignList price £18,195 Target Price £16,896MPG 78.5 CO2 95g/kmFor Low CO2 emissions make it an ideal company car. Decent to drive, with a practical interior.Against Entry-level trim is a little sparse, the engine is gruff and the low-speed ride is firm.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Skoda OctaviaOur pick 1.0 TSI SEList price £18,500 Target Price £17,127MPG 58.9 CO2 110g/kmFor Strong and refined engine, low running costs, excellent practicality, classy interior.Against Low-speed ride could be better and the Octavia is comparatively pricey to insure.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Nissan PulsarOur pick 1.2 DIG-T Acenta Tech PackList price £17,070 Target Price £13,857MPG 56.5 CO2 117g/kmFor There’s plenty of room for occupants and their luggage, and decent equipment.Against Most rivals have stronger resale values and it’s mediocre to drive.WHAT CAR? SAYS

BESTBUY

MORE THAN £20,000

BESTBUY

Recent updates are enough to re-establish the Octavia at the top of this class. The dashboard materials and driving position are just as top notch as you’ll find in its sister car, the Volkswagen Golf, so drivers of all shapes and sizes will be comfortable. It’s also cheaper to run than many of its rivals. The interior is huge and the 590-litre boot dwarfs anything else available in this class.

Our pick 1.4 TSI 150 SEList price £19,530Target Price £18,079MPG 54.3 CO2 121g/kmFor Spacious and classy interior, punchy engine, good to drive, competitively priced.Against Some suspension noise, not as much of a bargain as it once was.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Hyundai IoniqOur pick 1.6 GDI Hybrid Premium DCTList price £22,395 Target Price £21,258MPG 74.3 CO2 79g/kmFor Good-quality interior, decent to drive and cheap to run, especially if you stay in town.Against The ride is unsettled at low speeds and there’s a shortage of rear head room.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Audi A3 SportbackOur pick 1.0 TFSI SportList price £22,535 Target Price £21,015MPG 60.1 CO2 107g/kmFor Punchy, economical engine, quality interior, great to drive and excellent infotainment.Against Larger alloys and sports suspension harm the ride, and it’s fairly pricey to buy.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Skoda OctaviaBESTBUY

£19,000-£20,000

Ford FocusOur pick 1.0T Ecoboost ZetecList price £19,635 Target Price £16,020MPG 61.4 CO2 105g/kmFor Great to drive, with a smooth and quiet engine and low running costs.Against Rivals are either cheaper to buy and offer more space and kit or feel better built.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Seat LeonOur pick 1.0 TSI Eco 115 SE TechnologyList price £19,235 Target Price £15,533MPG 64.2 CO2 102g/kmFor Strong yet economical petrol engine, with low running costs, and plenty of standard kit.Against Some of the plastics feel cheap and it could be quicker on the motorway.WHAT CAR? SAYS

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MORE THAN £35,000

£25,000-£35,000

Executive cars

Last year’s overall Car of the Year has a creamy six-cylinder diesel engine that doesn’t drink much more fuel than the 2.0 190 Ultra A4, thanks in part to it driving only the front wheels. The 3.0 TDI also has plenty of pulling power and is a superb motorway cruiser. Inside, the A4’s exquisitely built interior offers the quality of pricier luxury cars, and there’s a host of on-board tech to enjoy.

Our pick 3.0 TDI 218 SportList price £36,390Target Price £32,478MPG 67.3 CO2 109g/kmFor Impressively refi ned, plenty of pulling power, classy interior and good economy.Against The auto ’box is jerky at low speeds and adjustable lumbar support costs extra.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Alfa Romeo GiuliaOur pick 2.2d 180 Super autoList price £33,315 Target Price £29,041MPG 67.3 CO2 109g/kmFor Fantastic looks, engaging handling and strong performance.Against The engine is a little noisy and interior quality is below par.WHAT CAR? SAYS

BMW 3 SeriesOur pick 320d Ef� cient Dynamics SportList price £32,900 Target Price £30,502MPG 68.9 CO2 108g/kmFor Great to drive, with a strong engine and an excellent infotainment system.Against The engine is gruff and the interior isn’t especially classy.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Volkswagen PassatOur pick 2.0 TDI 150 SList price £24,435 Target Price £19,253MPG 67.3 CO2 109g/kmFor Drives well, with a good ride and refi ned diesel engine; the interior is smart.Against Some rivals are more practical, while the dashboard design is a bit dull.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Ford MondeoOur pick 2.0 TDCi 150 Zetec (Nav)List price £24,545 Target Price £21,065MPG 67.3 CO2 109g/kmFor It’s very good to drive, roomy inside, refi ned and has a large, practical boot. Against Quality isn’t as good as rivals’ and resale values are poor.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Audi A3 SaloonOur pick 2.0 TDI 150 SportList price £26,700 Target Price £24,565MPG 67.3 CO2 110g/kmFor It handles well, the engine is strong and the interior is beautifully built.Against It costs more than the A3 Sportback, despite having a less practical boot.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Skoda SuperbOur pick 2.0 TDI 150 SE TechnologyList price £23,520 Target Price £21,930MPG 65.7 CO2 113g/kmFor Masses of standard kit, huge rear leg room and boot space, and a comfortable ride.Against Some other executive cars are more fun to drive and the engine is a little gruff.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Volkswagen PassatOur pick 1.4 TSI GTE DSGList price £37,025 Target Price £31,798MPG 156.9 CO2 40g/kmFor Spacious, smart interior, comfy and refi ned at high speeds, relatively cheap to run.Against Expensive to buy, unsettled ride on scruffy roads, jerky to drive at low speeds.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Audi A5 SportbackOur pick 2.0 TDI 190 quattro Sport S tronicList price £38,840 Target Price £36,085MPG 62.8 CO2 117g/kmFor Refi ned motorway cruiser, with a comfortable and spacious interior.Against The steering provides little feedback and the auto gearbox is jerky at low speeds.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Audi A4

BESTBUY

BESTBUY

BESTBUY

Best executive car

CAR OFTHE YEAR2017

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Luxury cars

The 5 Series is plush enough inside to compare favourably with just about any other car on sale. In many ways it’s as sophisticated as the pricier 7 Series; it can be specifi ed with a semi-autonomous driving mode that lets you take your hands off the wheel for up to 30 seconds. Sat-nav and leather upholstery are standard but you’ll want to add variable dampers, which turn a good ride into an exceptional one.

Our pick 520d SEList price £36,815Target Price £34,392MPG 68.8 CO2 108g/kmFor Spacious, well-appointed interior and great to drive, with a quiet, economical engine.Against You need to add variable dampers for the best ride quality.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Jaguar XFOur pick 2.0d 180 PrestigeList price £33,010 Target Price £29,943MPG 65.7 CO2 114g/kmFor Superb ride/handling balance and plenty of standard equipment.Against The engine is a little noisy when revved and boot space and interior quality are so-so.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Mercedes-Benz E-ClassOur pick E220d SEList price £36,700 Target Price £33,295MPG 72.4 CO2 102g/kmFor A strong, smooth engine, a supple ride and a generous amount of standard equipment.Against Other saloons are better to drive and the engine could be quieter.WHAT CAR? SAYS

BMW 5 Series

Bentley Flying SpurOur pick 4.0 V8List price £134,555 Target Price £134,555MPG 26.8 CO2 246g/kmFor Wonderfully smooth, strong performance, refi ned on the motorway and a bespoke interior.Against Suspension noise on bumpy roads and some of the switches feel a bit cheap.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Mercedes-AMG S-ClassOur pick S63 AMG LList price £125,690 Target Price £125,690MPG 32.1 CO2 199g/kmFor Staggering performance, a comfortable ride and a luxurious interior that’s stacked with kit.Against Dear to buy and run, and the gearbox could be smoother.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Rolls-Royce GhostOur pick EWBList price £258,479 Target Price £258,479MPG 19.8 CO2 329g/kmFor The interior is as opulent as the Phantom’s and the V12 engine is refi ned and potent.Against The low-speed ride is a little pattery over broken road surfaces.WHAT CAR? SAYS

BESTBUY

BESTBUY

LESS THAN £50,000

Best luxury car

CAR OFTHE YEAR2017

Overall winner

CAR OFTHE YEAR2017

£50,000-£100,000

Mercedes-Benz S-ClassOur pick S350d L AMG LineList price £75,505 Target Price £75,505MPG 52.3 CO2 139g/kmFor Mixes a supremely comfortable ride with superb refi nement. The interior is sumptuous.Against The BMW 730d is more enjoyable to drive and is a cheaper company car.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Porsche PanameraOur pick 4S DieselList price £94,834 Target Price £94,834MPG 42.2 CO2 176g/kmFor Superb performance is delivered via a slick auto gearbox and there’s room for four tall adults.Against The steering is heavy at low speeds and some of the controls are a bit fi ddly.WHAT CAR? SAYS

BMW 7 SeriesOur pick 730dList price £65,300 Target Price £59,669MPG 60.1 CO2 124g/kmFor Quiet, powerful and effi cient engine, impressive infotainment and good to drive.Against There’s too much tyre noise when cruising and the S-Class rides more smoothly.WHAT CAR? SAYS

BESTBUY

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PEUGEOT 108 1.0 ACTIVEMPG (KM/L): Urban 56.5 (5.0), Extra Urban 78.5 (3.6),Combined 68.9 (4.1), CO2 95 g/Km

PEUGEOT 2008 1.6 BLUEHDI 100 GT LINEMPG (KM/L): Urban 64.2 (4.4), Extra Urban 85.6 (3.3),Combined 76.3 (3.7), CO2 97g/Km

FORD FIESTA 1.0 ECOBOOST 140 ST-LINE REDMPG (KM/L): Urban 50.4 (5.6), Extra Urban 72.4 (3.9),Combined 62.8 (4.5), CO2 104g/km

BMWM140i SHADOW EDITION 5DRMPG (KM/L): Urban 26.6 (10.6), Extra Urban 45.6 (6.2),Combined 36.2 (7.8), CO2 179g/km

NISSAN JUKE DIESEL H’BACK 1.5 DCI ACENTA 5DRMPG (KM/L): Urban 61.4 (4.6), Extra Urban 76.4 (3.7),Combined 70.6 (4), CO2 104 g/km

AUDI A3 DIESEL HATCHBACK 1.6 TDI SPORT 3DRMPG (KM/L): Urban 60.1 (4.7), Extra Urban 78.5 (3.6),Combined 70.6 (4), CO2 107 g/km

MERCEDES-BENZ A CLASS DIESEL HATCHBACKA180D AMG LINE 5DRMPG (KM/L): Urban 62.8 (4.5), Extra Urban 78.5 (3.6),Combined 72.4 (3.9), CO2 102 g/km

AUDI A4 DIESEL SALOON 2.0 TDI S LINE 4DRMPG (KM/L): Urban 58.9 (4.8), Extra Urban 76.3 (3.7),Combined 70.6 (4), CO2 106 g/km

MERCEDES-BENZ C CLASS DIESEL SALOON C220DAMG LINE AUTOMPG (KM/L): Urban 50.4 (5.6), Extra Urban 70.6 (4),Combined 62.8 (4.5), CO2 117 g/km

JAGUAR F-PACE DIESEL ESTATE 2.0D R-SPORT 5DRAUTOMPG (KM/L): Urban 45.6 (6.2), Extra Urban 60.1 (4.7),Combined 53.3 (5.3), CO2 139 g/km

RANGE ROVER VELAR DIESEL ESTATE 2.0 D1804DR AUTO [2018]MPG (KM/L): Urban 45.6 (6.2), Extra Urban 57.7 (4.9),Combined 52.5 (5.4), CO2 142g/km

RANGE ROVER SPORT DIESEL ESTATE 3.0 SDV6HSE 5DR AUTOMPG (KM/L): Urban 35.8 (7.9), Extra Urban 44.1 (6.4),Combined 40.4 (7), CO2 185 g/km

CITROEN BERLINGO L1 DIESEL 1.6 BLUEHDI 625KGENTERPRISE 75PSMPG (KM/L): Urban 55.4 (5.1), Extra Urban 74.3 (3.8),Combined 66.7 (4.3), CO2 112 g/km

FORD TRANSIT CUSTOM 270 L1 DIESEL FWD 2.0TDCI 105PSMPG (KM/L): Urban 38.7 (7.3), Extra Urban 48.7 (5.8),Combined 44.8 (6.3), C02 163g/km

PEUGEOT BOXER L2H2 2.0 DIESEL 130PROFESSIONALMPG (KM/L): Urban 42.2 (6.7), Extra Urban 47.9 (5.9),Combined 45.6 (6.2), C02 163g/km

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Skoda Fabia EstateOur pick 1.0 TSI 95 SEList price £15,440 Target Price £14,231MPG 64.2 CO2 101g/kmFor It’s one of the roomiest small estates, and SE trim adds air-con and a touchscreen.Against The seats could do with more support and it costs more than the hatchback.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Vauxhall Astra Sports TourerOur pick 1.0i Turbo 105 DesignList price £18,505 Target Price £17,194MPG 62.8 CO2 103g/kmFor There’s plenty of room, equipment is generous and the engine is strong enough.Against The boot isn’t that fl exible and some rivals are better to drive.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Dacia Logan MCVOur pick 0.9 TCe LauréateList price £10,495 Target Price £10,398MPG 57.6 CO2 109g/kmFor Lots of space, low running costs and plenty of equipment for a low price.Against Not as good to drive or as refi ned as many rivals and safety is below par.WHAT CAR? SAYS

BESTBUY

The Superb offers an unbeatable mix of space and value in this class. It’s absolutely massive inside; fi ve adults will have no trouble getting comfortable for a long journey and none of them will have to pack light. The 2.0-litre diesel engine has bags of pulling power and won’t struggle on long trips. Factor in all the goodies (sat-nav, Alcantara and leather, Apple CarPlay) and the Superb is a brilliant estate.

Our pick 2.0 TDI 150 SE TechnologyList price £24,800Target Price £23,120MPG 64.2 CO2 114g/kmFor There’s masses of space for passengers and luggage; it’s well priced and well equipped.Against Some rivals are more fun to drive and emit less CO2.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Volkswagen Golf EstateOur pick 1.6 TDI 115 SEList price £22,365 Target Price £20,370MPG 68.9 CO2 106g/kmFor Large boot, supple ride, good resale values and a well-built interior.Against The interior is rather dull and the Skoda Octavia Estate’s boot is bigger still.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Skoda Octavia EstateOur pick 1.4 TSI SEList price £20,730 Target Price £19,186MPG 53.3 CO2 124g/kmFor A huge load space, good standard equipment and some great-value options.Against Refi nement could be better and the low-speed ride is unsettled.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Skoda Superb EstateBESTBUY

£20,000-£30,000

Best estate car

CAR OFTHE YEAR2017

MORE THAN £30,000

Volvo V90Our pick 2.0 D4 R-Design GeartronicList price £38,365 Target Price £35,733MPG 62.8 CO2 119g/kmFor Volvo’s best estate to date. It’s spacious, practical and classy inside and has lots of kit.Against Boot could be bigger, the auto gearbox is a bit lethargic and infotainment is fi ddly.WHAT CAR? SAYS

BMW 5 Series TouringOur pick 520d SEList price £39,035 Target Price £36,464MPG 65.6 CO2 114g/kmFor It’s comfortable and spacious, has sharp handling and offers outstanding refi nement.Against The E-Class has an even bigger boot and the optional adaptive suspension is a must-have.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Mercedes-Benz E-Class EstateOur pick E220d SEList price £38,700 Target Price £35,010MPG 67.3 CO2 109g/kmFor Huge boot, the ride is composed and the dashboard is well designed.Against The low-speed ride is unsettled and some rivals are more fun to drive.WHAT CAR? SAYS

BESTBUY

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£22,000-£26,000

MPVs

The seven-seat Touran contains more useful space than there is in the Citroën Grand C4 Picasso and Ford S-Max, with room for adults in the rear two seats. All fi ve rear seats are easy to erect and stow in the fl oor, and getting in and out is a cinch. It’s also pretty good value for money when you factor in the Touran’s impressive 51mpg real-word fuel economy and decent haul of standard goodies.

Our pick 1.6 TDI 115 SEList price £25,945Target Price £21,484MPG 61.4 CO2 119g/kmFor Isofi x points on all fi ve rear seats, good to drive, decent economy and a spacious interior.Against The engine is a bit gruff and the Touran is comparatively pricey to buy.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Volkswagen Golf SVOur pick 1.2 TSI SList price £19,905 Target Price £16,373MPG 56.5 CO2 116g/kmFor Good to drive, with a smooth engine, quality materials inside and solid resale values.Against The rear seats aren’t as clever as those in rivals, and entry-level ‘S’ trim is a bit basic.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Kia CarensOur pick 1.6 GDI ISG 2List price £20,700 Target Price £18,807MPG 45.6 CO2 143g/kmFor Competitively priced, with seven seats and generous standard kit.Against Not very sophisticated to drive, noisy diesel engines and poor interior quality.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Citroën C3 PicassoOur pick 1.6 BlueHDi EditionList price £18,550 Target Price £17,475MPG 72.4 CO2 101g/kmFor The interior is spacious and the boot is big; ride comfort and refi nement impress.Against Some rivals are cheaper and the diesel engine could be more refi ned.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Vauxhall Za� ra TourerOur pick 1.6 CDTi Eco� ex Tech Line NavList price £23,880 Target Price £21,871MPG 62.8 CO2 119g/kmFor Classy interior, decent space for passengers and luggage and well built.Against The middle-row seats are tricky to move and rivals are cheaper to run.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Citroën Grand C4 PicassoOur pick 1.6 HDi 120 FeelList price £25,650 Target Price £22,305MPG 70.6 CO2 106g/kmFor Spacious, practical interior, superb visibility and an economical, punchy engine.Against The rear seats are fi ddly to fold and body control and ride quality are average.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Volkswagen Touran

BESTBUY

BESTBUY

Best MPV

CAR OFTHE YEAR2017

MORE THAN £26,000

Ford S-MaxOur pick 2.0 TDCi 150 ZetecList price £27,995 Target Price £24,274MPG 56.5 CO2 129g/kmFor Better to drive than most MPVs, with a comfortable ride and room for seven.Against Comparatively high price and CO2 emissions, and sat-nav will cost you extra.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Seat AlhambraOur pick 2.0 TDI 150 Ecomotive SEList price £29,610 Target Price £27,275MPG 55.4 CO2 132g/kmFor Incredibly roomy and practical, yet relatively affordable, and it’s comfortable.Against The size means parking can be tricky, and the rearmost seats could be easier to fold.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Ford GalaxyOur pick 2.0 TDCi 150 ZetecList price £30,395 Target Price £27,236MPG 56.5 CO2 129g/kmFor Practical and well-equipped interior, and comfortable and relaxing to drive.Against Pricier than the Seat Alhambra to buy and a sluggish infotainment system.WHAT CAR? SAYS

BESTBUY


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If you want your small SUV to be fun to drive, there’s really only one model to pick: the Ateca. It has excellent steering and impressive body control and feels nimble. SE Technology trim gives you plenty of goodies (DAB, 8.0in touchscreen, sat-nav and climate control) and the 1.4-litre petrol engine has plenty of punch yet is economical. Seat took its time launching its fi rst SUV, but it’s been worth the wait.

Seat AtecaOur pick 1.4 EcoTSI 150 SE TechnologyList price £23,920 Target Price £22,768MPG 52.3 CO2 123g/kmFor Excellent handling, with a spacious interior, a smooth engine and good resale values.Against The ride might be a bit too fi rm for some; interior looks a bit bland.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Nissan QashqaiOur pick 1.5 dCi 110 Acenta 2WDList price £23,430 Target Price £21,544MPG 74.3 CO2 99g/kmFor Practical and classy interior, comfortable ride, superb refi nement and low running costs.Against The touchscreen costs extra and the thick front and rear pillars limit visibility.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Peugeot 3008Our pick 1.2 Puretech 130 AllureList price £24,295 Target Price £22,187MPG 55.4 CO2 117g/kmFor Well-designed interior, good to drive and a decent amount of standard safety kit.Against The touchscreen is a little sluggish and resale values aren’t as strong as rivals’.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Seat Ateca

Suzuki VitaraOur pick 1.6 SZ4List price £14,999 Target Price £14,212MPG 53.3 CO2 123g/kmFor Good to drive with a practical interior. SZ4 trim brings enough equipment.Against CO2 emissions are comparatively high and resale values are only average.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Kia SoulOur pick 1.6 GDi 1List price £14,310 Target Price £13,751MPG 43.5 CO2 152g/kmFor Spacious interior, ‘1’ trim gives you air-con and DAB, and it’s decent to drive.Against CO2 emissions are comparatively high and the steering feels lifeless.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Suzuki IgnisOur pick 1.2 SHVS SZ5List price £13,499 Target Price £12,984MPG 65.7 CO2 97g/kmFor Very good value for money, it’s fun to drive and you get lots of kit as standard.Against The ride is unsettled, refi nement isn’t good at speed and there are only four seats.WHAT CAR? SAYS

BMW X1Our pick sDrive18d SEList price £28,460 Target Price £26,808MPG 68.9 CO2 109g/kmFor Spacious, practical and high-quality interior. Fine handling and a great infotainment system.Against There’s far too much road noise and the ride is fi rm.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Audi Q2 Our pick 1.4 TFSI 150 Sport S tronicList price £26,460 Target Price £25,628MPG 54.3 CO2 119g/kmFor Classy, user-friendly interior with plenty of tech. Tidy handling and excellent resale values.Against More expensive to buy than some rivals and not as roomy, either.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Volkswagen TiguanOur pick 2.0 TDI 150 SE NavigationList price £28,865 Target Price £26,551MPG 58.9 CO2 125g/kmFor It has a spacious, practical interior, is good to drive and has plenty of kit as standard.Against The engine is gruff, emissions are so-so and it’s comparatively pricey to buy.WHAT CAR? SAYS

BESTBUY

BESTBUY

BESTBUY

£16,000-£25,000

Best small SUV

CAR OFTHE YEAR2017


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Mazda CX-5Our pick 2.2d 150 SE-L Nav 2WDList price £25,695 Target Price £24,868 MPG 56.5 CO2 132g/kmFor Good to drive, with tidy handling and a flexible engine, plus lots of standard kit.Against Firm ride and it’s pricey to lease compared with rivals.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Ford KugaOur pick 1.5 TDCi Zetec (Nav)List price £24,890 Target Price £21,973MPG 64.2 CO2 115g/kmFor Comfortable ride, comparatively cheap as a company car and well equipped.Against Rivals are more spacious inside and have better quality interiors.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Skoda KodiaqOur pick 1.4 TSI 125 SE 7stList price £24,490 Target Price £23,135MPG 45.6 CO2 141g/kmFor Value for money, with a classy and spacious interior and good driving manners.Against Unsettled low-speed ride and the 2.0-litre diesel (below) is more recommendable.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Volvo XC60Our pick 2.0 D4 AWD R-DesignList price £39,705 Target Price £39,122MPG 54.3 CO2 136g/kmFor Comfortable driving position, a smart and well-made interior and roomy rear seats.Against Sloppy handling, jarring ride on broken surfaces and clunky infotainment.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Land Rover Discovery SportOur pick 2.0 TD4 180 HSE autoList price £40,140 Target Price £37,847MPG 53.3 CO2 139g/kmFor It handles well, the interior is smart and offers seven seats, and resale values are strong.Against The ride is a bit fidgety at lower speeds and there’s limited room in the rearmost seats.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Audi Q5Our pick 2.0 TDI 190 Sport S tronicList price £39,135 Target Price £36,936MPG 56.5 CO2 132g/kmFor Superbly refined, with a classy, practical interior and strong resale values.Against The steering could be more consistent and you need air suspension for the best ride. WHAT CAR? SAYS

BESTBUY

BESTBUY

How much would you expect to pay for good driving manners, seven seats and a strong diesel engine? Take a look at how much the Kodiaq’s rivals cost and then marvel at the Skoda’s £28k sticker price; it’s a comparative bargain. It’s reasonably well equipped and there really is room for seven adults. Private buyers and company drivers alike will be happy with a Kodiaq on the drive.

Our pick 2.0 TDI 150 DSG SE 7stList price £28,590Target Price £27,174MPG 56.5 CO2 131g/kmFor It’s decent to drive, has room for seven and is cheaper to own than most rivals.Against Some rivals offer better performance and you’ll want to add a few options.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Peugeot 5008Our pick 2.0 BlueHDi 150 GT LineList price £31,245 Target Price £31,245MPG 61.4 CO2 118g/kmFor Quiet cruiser with a comfortable ride, a practical, funky-looking interior and a big boot.Against Optional panoramic roof harms rear head room and the infotainment system is fiddly.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Kia SorentoOur pick 2.2 4WD CRDi KX2List price £32,315 Target Price £29,445MPG 46.3 CO2 159g/kmFor Spacious and practical, with plenty of room for seven. The 2.2-litre diesel engine is strong.Against Not brilliant to drive, and there’s limited safety kit.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Skoda KodiaqBESTBUY

£26,000-£35,000

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Luxury SUVs

With a superbly built interior, a long list of standard equipment and a beautifully refi ned six-cylinder diesel engine, the Q7 3.0 TDI 272 SE offers everything the luxury SUV buyer is looking for. It may not be the sharpest-handling SUV, but that’s more than made up for by its cosseting ride and high-speed stability. Inside, there’s masses of space for four, while the Q7’s boot is a practical shape.

Audi Q7Our pick 3.0 TDI 272 quattro SEList price £52,910 Target Price £49,936MPG 47.1 CO2 158g/kmFor Very well equipped, with a smooth, powerful engine and a wonderful ride.Against Expensive to buy and run; the Discovery has more third-row leg room.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Audi SQ7Our pick 4.0 TDI quattroList price £72,895 Target Price £71,467MPG 39.2 CO2 190g/kmFor Prodigious performance, excellent handling, roomy, high-quality interior.Against Expensive to buy and not as prestigious as rivals in this price band.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Bentley BentaygaOur pick 4.0 V8 Diesel List price £137,055 Target Price £137,055MPG 35.8 CO2 210g/kmFor Opulent interior brimming with goodies, very rapid and lots of personalisation options.Against The Range Rover offers more space and the infotainment system could be better.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Volvo XC90Our pick D5 MomentumList price £48,655 Target Price £45,425MPG 49.6 CO2 149g/kmFor Big, classy interior, seating for seven and lots of standard equipment.Against The ride isn’t as smooth as you’d expect and there’s plenty of suspension noise.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Mercedes-AMG GLCOur pick GLC 43List price £49,005 Target Price £47,580MPG 34.0 CO2 189g/kmFor Ridiculously fast, with a sweet-sounding engine. Just as practical as the regular GLC, too.Against Extremely thirsty and loses its value quicker than an Audi SQ5 or Porsche Macan.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Range RoverOur pick 3.0 TDV6 VogueList price £76,795 Target Price £74,327MPG 40.9 CO2 182g/kmFor Brilliant on and off road. The high-quality interior is a fabulous place to spend time.Against It’s pricey to buy and will be more expensive to run than a luxury saloon.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Porsche MacanOur pick Diesel SList price £48,844 Target Price £48,844MPG 46.3 CO2 164g/kmFor Very good to drive, with precise steering, an excellent auto ’box and a strong engine.Against Not much space for rear passengers and not very well equipped as standard.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Range Rover SportOur pick 3.0 SDV6 HSEList price £63,545 Target Price £61,821MPG 40.4 CO2 185g/kmFor A quiet cruiser with a classy, roomy interior and a comfortable ride.Against Expensive to buy and the touchscreen infotainment system is slow and fi ddly.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Land Rover DiscoveryOur pick 3.0 Td6 HSEList price £58,795 Target Price £57,926MPG 39.2 CO2 189g/kmFor There’s decent room in the third row of seats, the ride is comfortable and you get a lot of kit.Against Middle-row leg room isn’t brilliant and the touchscreen is sluggish to respond.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Audi Q7

BESTBUY

BESTBUY

BESTBUY


Best luxury SUV

CAR OFTHE YEAR2017

Rolls-Royce DawnOur pick 6.6List price £266,055 Target Price £266,055MPG 19.9 CO2 330g/kmFor Awesome V12 engine and fl awless comfort, refi nement and interior quality.Against Hugely expensive to buy and run, and fuel economy is poor.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Audi A5 CabrioletOur pick 2.0 TFSI 252 quattro S lineList price £46,180 Target Price £42,580MPG 42.2 CO2 151g/kmFor Refi ned, comfortable, handles well and has a beautiful interior and keen running costs.Against Hardly exciting to drive and relatively expensive to buy.WHAT CAR? SAYS


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Convertibles

This is a car with very few rivals. The rear-wheel-drive MX-5 is small enough to suit UK roads perfectly, and even in its most powerful 158bhp 2.0-litre guise it is unintimidating enough to allow you to enjoy 100% of its punch every day. SE-L Nav trim comes with climate and cruise controls, LED headlights and a leather-trimmed steering wheel, sat-nav, Bluetooth and a decent stereo.

Our pick 2.0 SE-L NavList price £21,595Target Price £20,701MPG 40.9 CO2 161g/kmFor Terrifi c handling and steering, with a comfortable ride and a slick gearshift.Against Rivals have bigger boots, while the interior is pretty snug.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Fiat 124 SpiderOur pick 1.4 Multiair LussoList price £23,800 Target Price £22,543MPG 44.1 CO2 148g/kmFor Excellent handling, with a punchier engine than the MX-5’s and a more characterful interior.Against The 124 is pricier to buy than the Mazda and isn’t quite as fun to drive.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Mini ConvertibleOur pick 1.5 Cooper Chili/Media packList price £23,665 Target Price £22,404MPG 55.4 CO2 118g/kmFor It’s fun to drive, has good resale values and is nicely refi ned.Against The pedals are offset, the rear seats are cramped and rivals are cheaper to buy.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Mazda MX-5

Audi TT RoadsterOur pick 1.8 TFSI SportList price £30,250 Target Price £27,681MPG 46.3 CO2 142g/kmFor The TT is brilliant to drive, has a stunning interior and is refi ned with the roof up.Against There’s more wind buffeting than you might expect with the roof down.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Mercedes S-Class CabrioletOur pick S500 AMG LineList price £112,905 Target Price £94,801MPG 32.5 CO2 204g/kmFor Turbo V8 offers sensational performance and the interior is sumptuous.Against Engines are thirsty and some rivals are more enjoyable to drive.WHAT CAR? SAYS

BESTBUY

BESTBUY

LESS THAN £25,000

Best convertible

CAR OFTHE YEAR2017

£25,000-£35,000

Audi A3 CabrioletOur pick 2.0 TDI SportList price £30,705 Target Price £28,242MPG 64.2 CO2 115g/kmFor It’s comfortable and good to drive, the interior is classy and the resale values are strong.Against There isn’t much room in the back and the optional automatic gearbox is jerky.WHAT CAR? SAYS

BMW 2 Series ConvertibleOur pick 220d SportList price £32,270 Target Price £29,920MPG 64.2 CO2 112g/kmFor Good to drive, has a great infotainment system and Sport trim brings lots of equipment.Against Manual gearbox isn’t the slickest and some rivals’ diesel engines are more refi ned.WHAT CAR? SAYS

BESTBUY

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SKODA KODIAQ 1.4 TSI 150 EDITION 4X4MPG (L/100KM) URBAN 34(8.3) EXTRA URBAN 47.1(6.0)COMBINED 40.9(6.9) CO2:155 G/KM

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SKODA SUPERB ESTATE 1.4 TSI 150 SEL EXECUTIVEMPG (L/100KM) URBAN 44.8(6.3) EXTRA URBAN 61.4(4.6) COMBINED 54.3(5.2) CO2:120 G/KM

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Mini CooperOur pick 1.5 3drList price £16,200 Target Price £15,193MPG 62.8 CO2 105g/kmFor Fun to drive, with good performance, low running costs and strong resale values. Against Equipment is fairly basic without the option packs and space is on the tight side.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Renault TwingoOur pick 0.9 TCe 110 GTList price £14,250 Target Price £13,848MPG 54.3 CO2 115g/kmFor Sprightly performance for city driving and the dashboard is funky.Against Power delivery is less than smooth, steering is too light and it’s noisy at speed.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Abarth 595Our pick 1.4 T-Jet 145List price £15,510 Target Price £15,510MPG 47.1 CO2 139g/kmFor Small hot hatches don’t get any more stylish, and the Abarth is certainly rapid.Against Not as involving to drive as some rivals and the dashboard is confusing.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Ford Focus RSOur pick RSList price £32,265 Target Price £32,265MPG 36.7 CO2 175g/kmFor Superb handling, strong performance and it’ll hold its value well.Against The ride is hard, interior quality could be better and you’ll want to add some options.WHAT CAR? SAYS

whatcar.com December 2017 |

BMW M140iOur pick 3dr autoList price £34,450 Target Price £32,543MPG 39.8 CO2 163g/kmFor Staggering performance, the engine sounds great and the infotainment system is excellent.Against It won’t be cheap to run and you might wish for bolder styling.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Audi S1Our pick 2.0 TFSI quattroList price £26,640 Target Price £26,004MPG 39.8 CO2 162g/kmFor It’ll outpace the Golf and Focus to 62mph and it has agile handling and a quality interior.Against The ride is firm, the steering is a bit lifeless and the rear seats are uncomfortable.WHAT CAR? SAYS

BESTBUY

Volkswagen Golf GTIOur pick 3drList price £28,320 Target Price £25,917MPG 44.1 CO2 148g/kmFor Fast and capable, yet also refined and easy to drive. It has a roomy, classy interior, too.Against Not as thrilling to drive as the best hot hatches and it’s on the pricey side.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Ford Focus STOur pick ST-2List price £25,415 Target Price £22,925MPG 41.5 CO2 159g/kmFor Fine handling, great driving position and good value for money.Against Steering can fight you under hard acceleration and interior quality isn’t great.WHAT CAR? SAYS

All hail the Civic Type R. It’s a huge step forward over its predecessor and deservedly becomes the king of the upper hot hatch echelon. Perhaps most surprising is that, despite a big power deficit compared with the Focus RS and M140i, the Civic will show both a clean pair of heels along a country road. It’s an incredibly well-engineered machine that’s fantastically enjoyable to drive and practical.

Our pick 2.0 VTEC Turbo GTList price £32,995Target Price £32,995MPG 36.7 CO2 176g/kmFor Handles brilliantly, yet surprisingly comfortable and easy to live with.Against Infotainment system is terrible and the engine could sound more special.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Honda Civic Type RBESTBUY

£18,000-£30,000

BESTBUY

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The entry-level TT is a cracker, thanks to a willing engine that can get you to 62mph in a very respectable time yet is beautifully refi ned at a cruise. Lightweight construction helps its handling no end; it turns in to corners eagerly, there’s little body roll and the ride is well judged for UK roads. The TT also has one of the fi nest interiors around, with smart materials and a standard digital instrument display.

Our pick 1.8 TFSI SportList price £28,500 Target Price £26,084MPG 47.1 CO2 138g/kmFor Smooth, eager engine, darty handling and beautifully built dashboard.Against The rear seats are seriously cramped and you’ll want to add a few optional extras.WHAT CAR? SAYS

BMW 2 Series CoupéOur pick 220d Sport NavList price £29,070 Target Price £27,101MPG 65.7 CO2 112g/kmFor It rides and handles well, while the diesel engine is punchy and economical.Against The rear seats are cramped for adults and larger wheels harm the ride quality.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Seat Leon SCOur pick 1.4 EcoTSI 150 FR TechnologyList price £21,050 Target Price £17,258MPG 57.6 CO2 114g/kmFor It’s quick, agile, economical, excellent value and there’s good space for people and bags.Against Bits of the interior trim feel low rent and there’s too much wind noise at speed.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Audi TTBESTBUY


Best coupé

CAR OFTHE YEAR2017

£30,000-£50,000

MORE THAN £50,000

Jaguar F-Type CoupéOur pick 3.0 V6 340 autoList price £53,565 Target Price £51,105MPG 33.6 CO2 199g/kmFor Sounds great and is pretty quick. It’s relatively good value, too.Against The automatic gearbox can be slow to respond and the infotainment system is fi ddly.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Aston Martin DB11Our pick 4.0 V8List price £144,900 Target Price £144,900MPG 28.5 CO2 230g/kmFor Lighter than the DB11 V12, resulting in sharpened handling and a sportier drive.Against Tighter rear room and boot space compared with rivals.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Mercedes-Benz E-Class CoupéOur pick E220d AMG LineList price £40,180 Target Price £37,232MPG 61.4 CO2 119g/kmFor Classy interior, more rear leg room than the Audi A5 and a comfortable ride.Against The engine is comparatively gruff, the handling is stodgy and the steering inconsistent.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Mercedes-Benz C-Class CoupéOur pick C220d AMG Line autoList price £37,930 Target Price £34,780MPG 61.4 CO2 117g/kmFor Rides well on optional air suspension and running costs are reasonable.Against The infotainment system could be slicker in its operation and rear seat space is tight.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Mercedes S-Class CoupéOur pick S500 AMG LineList price £100,985 Target Price £92,472MPG 33.2 CO2 197g/kmFor Astonishing performance for such a heavy car, plenty of interior room and lots of luxury.Against The suspension is best left in its softest setting and running costs will be high.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Audi A5 CoupéOur pick 3.0 TDI 218 SportList price £40,560 Target Price £37,482MPG 61.4 CO2 119g/kmFor Creamy diesel is economical yet punchy, the interior is well built and the A5 handles well. Against The steering could be more involving and we’d avoid the optional fi rmer suspension. WHAT CAR? SAYS

BESTBUY

BESTBUY


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Sports cars

The Cayman may cost half the price of the 911 (see below), but it’s just as good to drive. This is the entry-level engine, which puts out 295bhp; that’s plenty in a car this light. Add wonderfully accurate steering and sensational handling and the Cayman is an utter joy on twisty roads. Purists will appreciate the sparse standard kit; the rest of us will want to add a DAB radio, sat-nav and auto lights and wipers.

Our pick 2.0TList price £43,452Target Price £43,452MPG 38.2 CO2 168g/kmFor Balletic handling; sublime steering and gearshift; strong pace.Against Stingy levels of standard equipment; engine doesn’t sound special enough.WHAT CAR? SAYS

BMW M2Our pick 3.0TList price £46,430 Target Price £44,430MPG 33.2 CO2 199g/kmFor It’s slightly quicker than the Cayman S and sounds better, gets more kit and is more practical.Against Not as agile or precise as the Cayman, and the gearbox is a bit notchy.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Porsche 718 BoxsterOur pick 2.0TList price £45,313 Target Price £45,313MPG 38.2 CO2 168g/kmFor Hugely fl exible engine, superb handling and it’s quiet inside with the roof up.Against You don’t get much kit and the engine isn’t as characterful as the old six-cylinder unit.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Porsche 718 Cayman

Audi R8Our pick 5.2 FSI V10 quattroList price £123,680 Target Price £121,865MPG 24.8 CO2 272g/kmFor Free-revving engine is an absolute joy and you don’t need to drive the R8 hard to enjoy it.Against Some rivals are more practical and the McLaren 540C is more engaging to drive quickly.WHAT CAR? SAYS

McLaren 720SOur pick 4.0 V8List price £210,355 Target Price £210,355MPG 26.4 CO2 249g/kmFor Staggeringly fast with class-leading handling, yet it has a comfortable ride.Against The touchscreen’s location is a little distracting, but the only real issue is the price.WHAT CAR? SAYS

McLaren 540COur pick 3.8 V8List price £128,055 Target Price £128,055MPG 26.6 CO2 258g/kmFor Massively quick, composed and almost as good to drive as the much more expensive 720S.Against The Audi R8 is more usable on a day-to-day basis; some rivals sound better.WHAT CAR? SAYS

BESTBUY

BESTBUY

LESS THAN £50,000

Best sports car

CAR OFTHE YEAR2017

£50,000-£100,000

Porsche 911 CarreraOur pick 3.0 PDKList price £80,929 Target Price £80,929MPG 38.2 CO2 169g/kmFor It’s seriously rapid and grippy, yet also refi ned and comfortable. Against There’s lots of road noise on the motorway and standard kit isn’t generous.WHAT CAR? SAYS

Alfa Romeo Giulia QuadrifoglioOur pick 2.9 V6List price £61,595 Target Price £60,093MPG 34.4 CO2 189g/kmFor Terrifi c performance and handling, and quieter and more comfortable than the M3.Against Cheaper-feeling interior than those of its German rivals, and so-so infotainment.WHAT CAR? SAYS

BMW M3Our pick 3.0T M DCTList price £61,225 Target Price £57,374MPG 34.0 CO2 194g/kmFor It can be exhilarating to drive, yet it’s also pretty civilised. There’s genuine room for four.Against You have to drive the M3 hard before it comes alive and there’s too much road noise.WHAT CAR? SAYS

BESTBUY

Cover from as little as 41p a day* What Car? has you covered Industry-leading extended warranty is available for cars that are more than three years old and have no manufacturer or dealer warranty. You can choose the garage used for repairs and we have a choice of labour rates on offer. Get an instant quote today; it might just save you a fortune.

*Based on the price of a one-year MajorCare policy on a Mazda 2 TS TD or Toyota Auris LE. Car warranty available for vehicles below 12 years old with less than 120,000 recorded miles.

Terms & Conditions apply. Certain ‘exotic’ and imported cars are excluded. Haymarket Media Group (trading as What Car?) is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Warranty Direct. Warranty Cover is arranged and administered by Warranty Direct Limited. Warranty Direct Limited is a company, registered in England and Wales No 3233010 at Pinnacle House, A1 Barnet Way, Borehamwood, Herts WD6 2XX, and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Register No 309075

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NewCarsA to Z Class by class, the best new cars reviewed and rated

KEY INFORMATION


s Ou G d Average Below par Poor

Target Price The most you should pay for a carTrue MPG Our real-world fuel economy � gureswhatcar.com The place to look, whether you’re buying, leasing or simply running a car

Verdict Our road test reviews are the standard by which the car industry judges new cars.

Price on the road The price set by car makers, including delivery and the variable rate of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED).

Contract hire Contract hire rental prices supplied by Wessex Fleet Solutions. These are based on a three-year/36,000-mile contract, excluding maintenance and VED. For quotes, call Wessex Fleet Solutions on 01722 322888.

Target Price The Target Price is a fair price for your new car, based on research by What Car?’s team of mystery shoppers. If your dealer won’t match it, we’ll give you one who will; call 020 8267 4138 between 9am and 5pm (standard network fees apply). All Target Prices are correct at the time of going to press.

Government MPG Based on official EU tests, this figure is a weighted average of two tests: Urban (cold start, average 12mph) and Extra Urban (warm start, average 39mph). Note: the official fuel consumption figures are published as a guide only.

True MPG What Car? True MPG is our own average fuel economy figure. To get your personalised data, visit whatcar.com/truempg

CO2/tax liability Company car tax is charged on a sliding scale based on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Our tax liability figures show the percentage of the list price (including options) on which you will be taxed. The scale alters each April.

VED rating Vehicle Excise Duty, or road tax, is calculated on a sliding scale according to the vehicle’s CO2 emissions. Alternatively fuelled cars (hybrids, for example) attract a £10 discount on all VED rates. All vehicles that cost more than £40,000 pay an additional £310 tax annually for five years from the second year onwards.

Band CO2 emissions 1st year 2nd year (g/km) onA 0 £0 £0B 1-50 £10 £140C 51-75 £25 £140D 76-90 £100 £140E 91-100 £120 £140F 101-110 £140 £140G 111-130 £160 £140H 131-150 £200 £140I 151-170 £500 £140J 171-190 £800 £140K 191-225 £1200 £140L 226-255 £1700 £140M More than 255 £2000 £140Rates correct at time of going to press

Insurance group Set by the Association of British Insurers (ABI), and advisory only.

Cost per mile Calculated over 3yrs/36,000 miles. Includes depreciation, VED, maintenance and fuel.

Retained value An estimate of what you might be offered if you trade in the car after three years/36,000 miles for the same model.

Performance figures All performance and power and torque � gures are set by the cars’ manufacturers.

Data supplied by CAP Automotive Ltd (visit cap.co.uk or call 0113 222 2000).

What Car - December 2017 UK - tu coche a escala

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