Indholdsfortegnelse for April 2016 i What Car?

Rugby players are a tough bunch. From dealing with body-crunching tackles while fighting through the opposition line or butting heads in a scrum, they pay a price to take part in the game they love. At the amateur level, life is also tough for their cars. It takes a pretty rugged machine to house a pack of sweaty, muddy forwards and their equipment, and transport them to and from a game in comfort and style. “Our team share cars to get to games all the time – and it can get pretty cramped if you’re in the wrong car,” says James Cramp, Teddington Rugby Football Club’s number eight. “You need a car that can comfortably fit in four or five big lads, and a lot of team kit and equipment.”…

‘The new Civic has been designed for Europe, and will be much bigger than the current car’ THE HONDA CIVIC has always struggled to establish itself in a market filled with some very talented rivals, including the likes of the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and Volkswagen Golf, which is why the new car, set to arrive early next year, will be very different. The five-door version that you see here has been designed for European tastes and will be built in Honda’s Swindon plant. It will be considerably bigger than the current car, with far sportier looks and, we’re promised, a more exciting driving experience. Running costs have yet to be released, but are likely to be more competitive than those of the current car, both for private buyers and…

‘The V90 will offer luxury and practicality, along with industry-leading safety technology’ WHEN VOLVO REVEALED its opulent S90, a rival for the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Jaguar XF back in January, it was only a matter of time before the V90 estate version made an appearance. Alongside the XC90 SUV and S90 saloon, the V90 estate is among Volvo’s most luxurious models. It aims to offer both the practicality and luxury of a range-topping estate and Volvo’s industry leading safety technology. Although the V90 made its public debut at the Geneva motor show, the first cars won’t be entering the UK market until September, and even then this large Volvo estate will only be available in small numbers. Stylish inside and out The V90 is very similar in…

‘The new engine returns up to 40.9mpg when fitted with the PDK automatic gearbox’ ‘ENTRY-LEVEL’ IS A subjective term, and especially so when you’re applying it to a Porsche. There’s very little that’s entry-level about the Porsche Boxster, a car which currently holds a five-star rating from What Car? and which we recently named as our favourite sports car of 2016. How do you improve on perfection, then? For starters, you change the name. The 718 prefix has appeared on various historic Porsche models over the years, and now makes a return on the Boxster and its coupé sibling, the Cayman. Styling changes are relatively minor, and focus around a new front bumper with larger air ducts, new vents on the rear wheel arches and a more distinctive rear-end design.…

First drive Two new engines and a smarter interior for the three-door Mini rival Verdict Impressive performance but it’s let down by the ride quality and road noise ‘The new 7.0in touchscreen brings added sophistication to the DS 3’s dashboard’ THE 3 IS now part of the standalone DS brand – once part of the Citroën range – and is essentially a more premium, three-door version of the Citroën C3 hatchback. Its hike upmarket has been achieved with the help of revised exterior styling, new trims with more equipment, and two new engines in the form of a 207bhp 1.6-litre petrol turbo and the 128bhp turbocharged petrol 1.2 tested here. Aiming to combine peppy performance with low fuel consumption, the new 1.2 is pitched directly against the Mini Cooper. Smooth…

First drive A new turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol engine and more standard kit for Hyundai’s small car Verdict Still not quite as good as the Skoda Fabia, but it’s our new pick of the range ‘The new engine helps the i20 get to 62mph nearly a second quicker than the 1.4’ IN PETROL FORM, the Hyundai i20 has previously come within a whisker of toppling our class favourite and 2015 Car of the Year, the Skoda Fabia. That’s thanks to its keen purchase price and PCP costs, spacious interior and refinement. However, its engines have always disappointed, with even the most powerful 1.4-litre petrol motor feeling sluggish. While this may not be an issue for town driving, it means the i20 feels out of its depth at motorway speeds. So this…

First drive High-riding i20 aims to steal sales from Kia Soul and Suzuki Vitara Verdict Decent, but faces some more talented rivals THE i20 ACTIVE is essentially a high-riding version of the Hyundai i20 hatchback, with some additional kit, such as the front and rear skid plates to give it a more exciting, rough-and-tumble look. While the extra 20mm of ride height is unlikely to help anyone cross a particularly muddy field, let alone do any serious off-roading, the same could be true of many of its rivals, which are attracting buyers by the bucket-load. From launch, the i20 Active will be available with a 99bhp 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Too much bounce and roll The Hyundai i20 Active is reasonably capable but ultimately lags behind the class best. The…

What kind of car should you buy if you want to avoid pothole damage? You might think a big SUV would be the most obvious choice, but as this top 10 shows, crossovers, MPVs, and even some superminis all feature. It’s more to do with the specific model than the type of car. This top 10 has been compiled by Warranty Direct, which looked at the cars it covers to find those with the lowest percentage of claims for suspension or axle damage. Not every claim for a suspension fault will be caused by a shoddy road surface, but if a model has almost no claims for suspension damage, it’s a pretty safe bet it copes well with UK roads. Warranty Direct looked at cars aged three to eight years…

LESS THAN £10,000 Skoda Citigo Our pick 1.0 60 SE 5drList price £9485 Target Price £9084MPG 62.8 CO2 105g/km For It’s economical, reasonably practical, solidly built and feels grown-up to drive. Against It’s not as classy as the Volkswagen Up and the 59bhp engine can struggle at speed. What Car? says Seat Mii Our pick 1.0 SE Technology 3drList price £10,110 Target Price £9683MPG 62.8 CO2 105g/km For The Mii feels remarkably grown-up to drive, and is cheaper than the near-identical VW Up. Against It’s not as well finished inside as the Up and this version can feel slow on faster roads. What Car? says Suzuki Celerio Our pick 1.0 Dualjet SZ3List price £8499 Target Price £8259MPG 78.4 CO2 84g/km For It has a spacious, practical interior, real-world economy impresses…

LESS THAN £25,000 Skoda Superb Our pick 2.0 TDI 150 SE BusinessList price £22,090 Target Price £20,368MPG 68.9 CO2 108g/km For Masses of standard kit, a huge amount of rear leg room and boot space and good to drive. Against Other executive cars are more fun to drive and have stronger resale values. What Car? says Volkswagen Passat Our pick 2.0 TDI 150 SEList price £24,585 Target Price £22,489MPG 67.3 CO2 106g/km For Drives very well, with a good ride and refined diesel engine. The interior is top notch. Against Some rivals are more practical, while the dashboard design is a bit dull. What Car? says Audi A3 Saloon Our pick 2.0 TDI 150 SportList price £25,035 Target Price £22,965MPG 68.9 CO2 107g/km For It handles well, the engine is…

LESS THAN £18,000 Skoda Fabia Estate Our pick 1.2 TSI 90 SEList price £14,595 Target Price £13,438MPG 60.1 CO2 107g/km For It’s one of the roomiest small estate cars around and SE trim brings air-con and a touchscreen. Against The ride is unsettled over poorer surfaces and the dashboard looks a little dull. What Car? says Kia Cee’d Sportswagon Our pick 1.4 CRDi 89 1 ISGList price £17,395 Target Price £16,100MPG 67.3 CO2 109g/km For Lots of space, a high-quality cabin and plenty of equipment for a low price. Against It’s not as good to drive as many rivals and road noise is an issue on coarse surfaces. What Car? says Peugeot 308 SW Our pick 1.2 110 ActiveList price £19,045 Target Price £17,487MPG 60.1 CO2 109g/km For A smooth,…

LESS THAN £25,000 Mazda CX-5 Our pick 2.2d 150 SE-L Nav 2WDList price £24,995 Target Price £23,374MPG 61.4 CO2 119g/km For Lots of space and kit for a good price, while CO2 emissions and economy are impressive. Against Firm low-speed ride, and wind and road noise can intrude at speed. What Car? says Nissan X-Trail Our pick 1.6 dCi Acenta 2WDList price £25,255 Target Price £23,113MPG 57.6 CO2 129g/km For It’s comfortable, has a spacious and classy interior, a large boot and lots of equipment. Against Body control is sloppy and the diesel engine is noisy. What Car? says Honda CR-V Our pick 1.6 i-DTEC 120 SEList price £25,570 Target Price £22,898MPG 64.2 CO2 115g/km For The engine is economical and powerful, while there’s plenty of space in the cabin…

LESS THAN £25,000 Seat Leon SC Our pick 1.4 EcoTSI 150 FRList price £20,225 Target Price £18,712MPG 57.6 CO2 114g/km For It’s quick, agile, economical and excellent value. There’s good space for people and bags. Against A few bits of cabin trim feel low-rent and there’s too much wind noise at speed. What Car? says BMW 2 Series Our pick 218d SEList price £25,100 Target Price £23,215MPG 62.8 CO2 119g/km For It rides and handles well, and the diesel engine is punchy and economical. Against The rear seats are cramped for adults and the engine is noisy. What Car? says Volkswagen Scirocco Our pick 2.0 TDI 150 GTList price £25,305 Target Price £23,207MPG 67.3 CO2 109g/km For Good to drive, with quick steering and fine handling and strong resale values.…

A BROKER CAN SUPPLY ME WITH A NEW BMW X5 SOONER THAN MY LOCAL DEALER CAN. Is this possible? The broker might have pre-ordered one on the basis he’d be able to find a buyer, or he may have a cancelled order. Ask to see proof, though, and get the delivery date in writing, too. A BROKER IS CHARGING ME A FINDER’S FEE OF £1000. Is this right? Shop elsewhere. There is nothing to stop brokers charging finder’s fees, but, as a general rule, most reputable brokers earn their commission from the dealer, not the customer. IS IT SAFE TO PAY THE BROKER BEFORE I’VE TAKEN DELIVERY? The safest options are to pay the dealer directly, or into an ‘escrow’ holding account until the car is ready for delivery. Always…

‘Much of the shift in opinion is down to the success of the Qashqai’ Amazing, isn’t it, how the SUV has gone from being reviled for its ‘Chelsea Tractor’ connotations to the must-have new car style in little more than 10 years? In fact, last year European car buyers bought more SUVs than any other type of car. Much of the shift in opinion is down to the success of the Nissan Qashqai, a What Car? Award winner which captured the public’s attention and which, for its price, remains the standard-bearer in the class. As you’ll discover inside, though, rivals are now queuing up to topple it. Buyers of all sizes of SUV have more choice than ever, and that trend is only going to continue as car makers latch…

‘The Niro is one of the few hybrids capable of towing; a kit will go on sale a few months after launch’ YOU COULD BE forgiven for wondering why Kia’s new petrol-electric hybrid, the Niro, doesn’t look quite as futuristic as other low-emission vehicles, such as the Toyota Prius. Well, Kia has decided that a more conventional design will help to sway more car buyers into considering hybrids. So while the Niro makes use of similar technology to the Prius underneath, on top it has more in common with traditional SUVs such as the Nissan Qashqai. The Niro occupies a new space within Kia’s model line-up in terms of its size. It is 4355mm long, 1800mm wide and 1535mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2700mm, which makes it smaller than…

THE ATECA IS Seat’s first-ever SUV model.On sale in the UK in September, it’s a rival to the Nissan Qashqai. One of up to three SUVs Seat plans to launch over the next few years, the Ateca has a footprint similar to the Leon hatchback. The Ateca is a very important model for Seat: SUVs are now the best-selling car type in Europe. Petrol and diesel power Seat has yet to confirm full details of the Ateca’s engine range, but it’s known the line-up will include two petrol and two diesel units. The entry-level petrol is a 1.0 TSI with an output of 113bhp. The other petrol is a 148bhp 1.4 TSI. The diesel engines include a 113bhp 1.6 TDI (with CO2 emissions of 112g/km and 65.7mpg combined economy) and…

First drive Mercedes-Benz gives its flagship SL a mild mid-life facelift Verdict Does what SLs have always done: impress with understated sporty luxury ‘The SL400 is certainly agile enough, but is actually at its best if just driven smoothly’ UNLESS YOU SEE this car from the front there’s not too much to give away the fact that Mercedes-Benz has given its flagship two-seat SL roadster a mid-life makeover. Most of the exterior has been unchanged, but the front’s tweaks help the car fit more closely with the rest of the current Mercedes line-up. There are – as before – four models, of which this, the SL400, is the entry point. The ‘400’ moniker is a little misleading because, although once upon a time the name used to relate to the…

First drive The XC90 T8 is a pricey yet fuel efficient version of Volvo’s large SUV; it’s the first with hybrid technology Verdict Low running costs and a quality, practical interior are positives; high list price counts against it ‘In electric-only mode there’s instant torque and a snappy but near-silent getaway; power tails off at around 40mph’ VOLVO HAS JOINED the hybrid SUV fray with its T8 XC90, which gets a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine, plus an electric motor on its rear axle, to give it an official CO2 emissions figure of just 49g/km and claimed fuel economy of 134.5mpg. The T8 retains the XC90’s party-piece seven-seat layout unlike rivals, such as the plug-in hybrid Audi Q7 e-tron and BMW X5 xDrive40e, which have forfeited the option of…

First drive Fourth-generation hybrid hatchback gets a new platform, lower emissions and enhanced performance Verdict A compelling company car, but there are better alternatives for private motorists ‘Overhauled hybrid petrol-electric engine brings CO2 emissions down to a tax-busting 70g/km’ TOYOTA HAS TAKEN a far-reaching approach to redesigning and re-engineering its automotive climate champion. A brand new platform underpins the car, which has allowed the Japanese firm to stiffen the body structure and lower the driver’s seat. There’s also new suspension and steering, as well as an overhauled hybrid petrol-electric engine, which brings CO2 emissions down to a tax-busting 70g/km. Evolution in the cabin The cabin looks modern and feels well screwed together. As in the previous versions, the instrument binnacle is offset towards the centre of the dash and features…

THE TREND FOR four-wheel-drive, off-road estate cars is growing in the UK, and you need only look at the success of once-niche models such as the Seat Leon X-Perience, Volkswagen Passat Alltrack and Audi A4 Allroad to see their appeal. These cars combine the practicality of an estate with the confidence to tackle sometimes difficult off-road terrain. It’s little surprise, then, to see Mini taking advantage with the Clubman All4. Under the skin At its core, the All4 is an all-wheel-drive version of the current Clubman, and is the eighth model to join the current Mini range. It features the newest generation of Mini’s four-wheel-drive system, which is claimed to be more fuel efficient than before. That’s because the All4 has the ability to run in front-wheel drive form for…

LESS THAN £12,000 Dacia Sandero Our pick 1.2 AmbianceList price £6795 Target Price £6764MPG 48.7 CO2 130g/km For Lots of space for the money, plus a proven four-cylinder petrol engine from Renault. Against The interior and equipment list are basic, while the low-speed ride is lumpy. What Car? says Suzuki Swift Our pick 1.2 SZ3 3drList price £10,599 Target Price £10,094MPG 56.5 CO2 116g/km For Lots of equipment as standard and a smart cabin. It’s also fun to drive. Against The engine is noisy and a little gutless at motorway speeds. What Car? says Seat Ibiza Our pick 1.0 EcoTSI 95 SE 5drList price £13,975 Target Price £11,516MPG 67.3 CO2 98g/km For Rides and handles well and it has a generous standard kit list and low running costs. Against The…

LESS THAN £16,000 Citroën C3 Picasso Our pick 1.2 Puretech EditionList price £15,805 Target Price £12,074MPG 56.5 CO2 115g/km For The interior is spacious and the boot is big. Ride comfort and refinement impress. Against Some rivals are cheaper and the engine feels a bit weedy on faster roads. What Car? says Ford B-Max Our pick 1.4 90 ZetecList price £14,895 Target Price £13,000MPG 47.1 CO2 139g/km For The engine is eager, Zetec trim brings plenty of kit and rear-seat access is easy. Against There are only five forward gears, so motorway driving can be tiresome. What Car? says Peugeot Partner Tepee Our pick 1.6 BlueHDi 100 Active 7 seatsList price £17,280 Target Price £15,665MPG 68.9 CO2 109g/km For Good value for a seven-seat MPV and there are plenty of…

First drive VW has taken its SUV upmarket with a better cabin and more kit Verdict It has the potential to depose Nissan’s Qashqai as the best in class ‘The old Tiguan was a little too firm over bumps but this one is more comfortable, even with 19in wheels’ YOU CAN’T STAND still when you’re at the mercy of a hotly contested class and are pitched against a spectrum of cars ranging from the acclaimed Nissan Qashqai to the excellent BMW X1. Volkswagen knows this, so has thrown everything at the all-new Tiguan SUV. Sitting on the MQB platform that underpins the likes of the current Volkswagen Touran and Golf, the new Tiguan is longer overall and, crucially, 77mm wider, resulting in a more spacious cabin. This has been achieved…

‘The new Scénic’s interior feels far more luxurious than that of its predecessor’ RENAULT HAS DRASTICALLY changed the look and market position of its new Scénic to contend with declining demand in the traditional MPV segment and cash in on the current popularity of SUVs in Europe. The fourth-generation model is longer, wider and taller than the outgoing car, and its design is also significantly more striking. The exterior mixes the lines of a conventional MPV with the stance and presence of a crossover. Its larger size, short body overhangs and 20in wheels, which are standard across the range, help to create the illusion that the new Scenic is more sporty looking than before. The Scénic gets a range of new turbocharged four-cylinder engines and a more luxurious interior, which…

Skoda’s upcoming large SUV, which is expected to be called Kodiaq, will take on the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento when it goes on sale in the UK early next year. It will be available in both five and seven-seat forms, and will cost from around £24,000, making it significantly cheaper than both main rivals. Engine options will be shared with the current Superb, with a 2.0-litre diesel engine being at the heart of the range. A smaller 1.6-litre diesel will also be available, alongside a 2.0-litre petrol. A hybrid version is also on the cards. It was previewed by the VisionS concept car (below) at the Geneva motor show.…

Cars are among the biggest purchases we make – yet many people make their decision based on a short test drive. Frankly, a 15-minute trundle on dull, roundabout-strewn roads near a car showroom isn’t going to tell you whether the car you like is right for you. If you’re in the market for a used car, Hertz Rent2Buy offers a brilliant alternative – a five-day test, giving you plenty of time to make sure that your chosen car really is The One. Hertz Rent2Buy is simple: just take your pick from the used cars on offer at hertzcarsales.co.uk. You can search by car model or location, and there’s no need for haggling: the low price you see is the low price you’ll pay. Then head to the Hertz branch where…

First drive The latest Mini hatch is good to drive, but does removing the roof spoil it? Verdict An improvement on the old model, but likely to be better with smaller engines ‘Roof down, windows up and optional wind deflector in place, the Convertible is a pleasant thing to spend time in’ THE PREVIOUS MINI Convertible was let down by two things: luggage space and refinement. This new car gets a 25% bigger boot and a better-insulated fabric roof that can be electrically retracted in 18 seconds at speeds of up to 18mph. In line with the latest hatchback, there’s more space for rear passengers, too. Here we drive the sporty Cooper S. A more enjoyable experience On the road, the Convertible is a more capable and exciting car than…

First drive Eagerly awaited new 2 Series coupé from BMW’s M division Verdict Brilliant on both road and track. It could be the new king of the class ‘Few cars at this price deliver such a thrilling handling mix. In short, the M2 is a formidable package’ YOU NEED A little history lesson to understand the excitement that surrounds the all-new BMW M2. You see, for many the best M car BMW has ever made is the E30 M3 of the 1980s. That car was a far cry from the M3 and M4 of today, but it was smaller, lighter and more enjoyable for it. The M2 has been designed in much the same vein. It uses a less powerful version of the M3 and M4’s 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six petrol…

LESS THAN £16,000 Vauxhall Astra Our pick 1.0T 105 DesignList price £15,995 Target Price £15,043MPG 65.7 CO2 99g/km For Good to drive and well equipped, with a comfortable, roomy cabin. Against The steering assistance is too light and lumbar adjustment costs extra. What Car? says Nissan Pulsar Our pick 1.2 DIG-T VisiaList price £15,995 Target Price £14,760MPG 56.5 CO2 117g/km For There’s plenty of room for occupants and their luggage, and there’s lot of equipment. Against Several rivals have stronger resale values and lower running costs. What Car? says Seat Leon Our pick 1.2 TSI 110 SEList price £17,700 Target Price £15,977MPG 57.6 CO2 114g/km For The engine is refined, running costs are low and S trim has a decent amount of equipment. Against Some of the cabin plastics feel…

LESS THAN £15,000 Suzuki Vitara Our pick 1.6 SZ4List price £13,999 Target Price £13,224MPG 49.4 CO2 123g/km For The Vitara is good to drive, has a practical interior and SZ4 trim brings lots of equipment. Against CO2 emissions are comparatively high and the steering weight is too light. What Car? says Renault Captur Our pick 0.9 TCe 90 Dynamique Media NavList price £15,395 Target Price £14,153MPG 56.5 CO2 115g/km For It’s refined, well equipped and roomy for four adults. The sliding rear bench is practical. Against The interior plastics feel hard and cheap, while the engine is underpowered. What Car? says Kia Soul Our pick 1.6 CRDi 134 ConnectList price £16,600 Target Price £14,723MPG 58.8 CO2 128g/km For The interior is spacious, Connect trim brings plenty of kit and it’s…

LESS THAN £15,000 Suzuki Swift Our pick 1.6 Sport 3drList price £13,999 Target Price £13,332MPG 44.1 CO2 147g/km For Loves to be thrashed, thanks to a rev-hungry engine and snappy gearchange. Against The cabin is plain, so there’s none of the ‘wow’ factor that hot hatch buyers crave. What Car? says Seat Ibiza SC FR Our pick 1.4 TSI 150List price £16,245 Target Price £13,752MPG 60.1 CO2 109g/km For Gutsy engine, low running costs, plenty of equipment and a spacious interior. Against Some rivals are more fun to drive and the cabin plastics feel cheap. What Car? says Fiat 500 Abarth Our pick 1.4 T-JetList price £14,610 Target Price £14,610MPG 43.5 CO2 155g/km For Small hot hatches don’t get any more stylish and the Abarth is certainly rapid. Against The…

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RUNNING A CAR ON CONTRACT HIRE AND LEASING? Contract hire is actually a form of leasing – effectively it is an operating lease. ‘Leasing’ is a general, catch-all term that includes finance lease and lease purchase, as well as contract hire. I’M SELF-EMPLOYED AND WANT A CAR FOR MOSTLY BUSINESS USE. Should I go for contract hire or investigate a PCP? Personal contract hire isn’t proving as popular as personal contract purchase (PCP) among private individuals and the self-employed. Monthly payments are often broadly similar, but at the end of the deal a PCP gives you the flexibility to own the car for an extra lump sum or, potentially, a bit of cash to put towards a deposit on another PCP deal. If you find you…