Indholdsfortegnelse for July 2016 i What Car?

‘Alfa Romeo and Jaguar are relying on the same strategy’ Alfa Romeo and Jaguar are trying to re-establish their brands as serious players in the UK’s prestige car market after decades of underachievement, and they are relying on the same strategy. First, build a sports car to bring back some glamour; second, a compact executive saloon aimed at company car drivers; and third, an SUV to grab a share of Europe’s biggest and most profitable sector. It all makes sense in theory, but after reading this month’s issue you’ll know whether their latest models are really worth a place on your drive. While Alfa Romeo won’t reveal its SUV until next year, you can read our first review of its Giulia saloon on page 12, while Jaguar’s F-Pace SUV takes…

Refreshed small SUV gets clever boot and flashy interior to take on its rivals On sale January 2017 Price from £21,000 (est) ‘Digital display instead of conventional dials makes the 3008’s interior look futuristic’ THE NEW PEUGEOT 3008 has a big mountain to climb. This is the second generation of Peugeot’s mass-market small SUV. It goes on sale early next year, and rivals include the likes of the Nissan Qashqai. The UK’s small SUV market is booming, and therefore competition here is some of the toughest about. Accordingly, then, Peugeot has given this new 3008 a refreshed exterior, stylish interior and plenty of new technology. Like many other small SUVs, its body styling is now more muscular and aggressive. The French car maker has pedigree in this market, too -…

The five-seat Edge is Ford’s largest SUV, but can it beat seven-seat rivals from Hyundai and Kia? Verdict Comfortable, roomy and quiet, but the seating layout limits its appeal ‘Comfort and refinement are where the Edge betters its rivals. There’s little road noise on the motorway’ FOR THOSE SEEKING a small or mid-sized SUV, Ford has its Ecosport and Kuga models. However, it has previously had no larger model to compete with the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento. The new Edge now plugs that gap. The engine we’re testing here is the 177bhp 2.0-litre diesel with a six-speed manual gearbox. A more powerful 207bhp version with a dual-clutch automatic gearbox is also available, but whichever you choose, you’ll get four-wheel drive. Both engines have an official…

This car impressed us when we tested it abroad. Do its talents shine as brightly in the UK? Verdict New coupé delivers an abundance of driver satisfaction, and it’s comfortable and practical SOME ARGUE THAT BMW’s evergreen M3 (and M4 Coupé sister) has lost its way. What was once a small, lightweight, racing car for the road has become an overweight shadow of its former self, they say. The M3 has more than doubled its horsepower over the years to compensate, but that can mean it struggles to perform at its best on tatty UK roads. Throw in the layer of moisture that is all too common in this country, and you have a car that can be a handful to drive quickly. The M2 may be the solution to…

Small, sensible hatchback complements Suzuki’s Swift model by majoring on practicality and economy Verdict Roomy and sprightly to drive, but can’t match best in class for quality or handling ‘Performance from the 1.0-litre turbocharged engine is peppier than the numbers may suggest’ SUZUKI’S INTRODUCTION OF the Baleno to the UK may seem a bit odd. After all, the Japanese brand already has a car in this segment, the Swift. So, why add another? According to Suzuki, the Swift is a car you choose with your heart, the Baleno with your head. The five-door only Baleno has been designed to offer maximum interior space; it has a lot more room for rear seat passengers and a much bigger boot than a Swift. Suzuki expects the majority of buyers to choose the…

Land Rover’s two best-selling SUVs get technology upgrades On sale August 2016 Price from £30,600 YOU’LL BE HARD pushed to find more desirable SUVs on the market right now than the Land Rover Discovery Sport and the Range Rover Evoque. But there’s more to the Discovery Sport than its style. We’re already big fans of the car and named it our Large SUV of the Year for 2016, beating quality rivals including the Audi Q7 and Mazda CX-5. However, in the case of the Evoque, some of its rivals are better to drive and offer a greater all-round package, although it still benefits from strong residual values and impressive equipment. Now both models are getting upgrades for the 2017 model year, bringing new technology and plenty of new safety features.…

LESS THAN £12,000 Dacia Sandero Our pick 1.2 Ambiance List price £6795 Target Price £6764 MPG 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 3dr List price £10,599 Target Price £9994 MPG 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 5dr List price £13,975 Target Price £11,447 MPG 67.3 CO2 98g/km For Rides and handles well and it has a generous standard kit list…

LESS THAN £20,000 Citroën C3 Picasso Our pick 1.2 Puretech Edition List price £16,225 Target Price £12,119 MPG 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 Renault Grand Scénic Our pick 1.2 TCe 130 Dynamique Nav List price £22,695 Target Price £17,001 MPG 43.5 CO2 145g/km For It’s good to drive, well equipped, there’s room for seven and dealer discounts are huge. Against Interior quality could be better and the middle row of seats is heavy to lift out. What Car? says Ford B-Max Our pick 1.4 90 Zetec List price £14,995 Target Price £13,164 MPG 47.1 CO2 139g/km For The engine…

All-new compact executive saloon focuses on sporting appeal Verdict Not as polished as German rivals, but distinctive and capable ‘Incisive steering and well-balanced grip suggest Alfa is keen to emphasise its return to rear-wheel drive’ THE ALFA ROMEO Giulia is tailor-made for anyone bored with the increasingly familiar choice of German executive saloons on their company car list. Few car-making nations provide a finer-looking, four-wheeled breath of fresh air than the Italians. However, unlike some of its predecessors, the Giulia shouldn’t be dismissed as an oddball or irrational choice because there’s more substance to back up the style this time round. Built on a new lightweight rear-wheel drive platform, the Giulia is the first instalment in a completely overhauled range that, Alfa claims, will put every one of its models…

Five and seven-seat Citroën MPVs get new petrol engines and safety gear Price from £19,600 (est) On sale September THE CITROËN C4 Picasso and its larger sibling, the Grand C4 Picasso, are two of our favourite MPVs. Both cars offer the easy practicality, massive interior space and value for money that buyers in this market love. In fact, it’s only an unsettled low-speed ride and an infuriatingly fiddly infotainment system that stop them from being class leaders. These second-generation models went on sale in 2013, and Citroën is now giving both a mid-life update. On sale in the UK from September, both cars get new styling inside and out, new technology and new petrol engines. Style and substance A common complaint levied against most modern MPVs, including key C4 Picasso…

The new Tipo is a lower-priced alternative to cars such as the Ford Focus. We try the top-spec diesel version in Italy Verdict Generous for space and equipment, but parsimonious with its driving thrills ‘The Tipo is comfortable at speed, but can feel firm over rougher road surfaces’ UNLIKE STYLE-LED FIATS, such as the 500 and latest 124 Spider, the new Tipo prioritises being sensible above all else. Despite the sub-£13,000 starting price, you get a spacious five-door hatchback with a decent level of standard equipment. Even a top-specification Station Wagon with a diesel engine and automatic gearbox costs less than £20,000. With the likes of the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra often coming in way over this figure, the Tipo starts to look a bit of a bargain. Not…

Small French SUV gains new styling and equipment for 2016 Verdict Improved interior, but the driving experience still falls short ‘The sat-nav can now be accessed via phone app, so you don’t have to pay for Peugeot’s pricey option’ THE UK MARKET’S penchant for SUVs isn’t waning. Peugeot has enjoyed decent sales of its 2008 since its 2013 launch, and it has now refreshed the small SUV for 2016. The facelift consists of new bumper, grille and light styling, and a more butch appearance, including front and rear scuff plates and wider wheel arches on its two highest trim levels. Emergency city braking has been added to the options list, along with a self-park function and a new, sporty range-topping GT Line trim. Here we’re driving the bestselling 99bhp 1.6-litre…

Class leading open-top now available as a entry-level 1.8-litre petrol model Verdict Reduced engine power is palpable, but it’s still fantastic to drive ‘The TT rides better than most convertibles; bumps are dealt with in one go’ THE AUDI TT Coupé has won many What Car? awards. Removing the roof makes little difference to the way the car drives, so it retains a five-star rating in Roadster form. Our pick of the TT Roadster range has been the 2.0 TFSI petrol, but this cheaper 1.8 TFSI is now on offer. It has 49bhp less, is restricted to a manual gearbox, and has two rather than four-wheel drive. However, in the Sport spec on test, it’s cheaper than the 2.0 by almost £3200, emits less CO 2 and uses less fuel.…

It’s the fastest Mini Convertible, but also the most expensive. Can the JCW justify its hefty price tag? Verdict The most convincing hot drop-top, but cheaper models make more sense THE MINI CONVERTIBLE has been a huge success; in its previous form it proved to be one of the UK’s best-selling open-tops. This is the new, fastest and most expensive version, the John Cooper Works (JCW), which costs from £26,630. It gets the same 228bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine as the JCW hatchback, plus new suspension settings, larger air ducts for improved engine cooling and bigger, more powerful brakes. So it’s hardly surprising that the JCW Convertible is no slouch. The manual version can crack the 0-62mph dash in 6.6sec and carry on to a top speed of 150mph. The…

‘Scrutinising of emissions and fuel economy mean big changes for the industry and for you’ DIESEL IS BEING vilified in the press. The scandals that erupted towards the end of last year have highlighted the big gap between official emissions figures and those achievable in the real world. Diesel-engined models are the worst offenders and have borne the brunt of criticism. What started with the Volkswagen Group being found out as cheating official nitrogen oxide (NOx ) tests in America – NOx contributes to air pollution and has been found to harm people’s health – has developed to include investigations into the CO2 emissions and fuel economy of cars in Europe. This means big changes for the motor industry and for you. For years, European governments have been encouraging buyers…

1. Stay calm You want to convince whoever you are complaining to that you are in the right, so be polite and assertive rather than hostile. 2. Put it in writing If the problem isn’t resolved straight away, make a written complaint and insist on a written response within 14 days. Also keep notes so you have a clear and unambiguous record of your position and the other party’s. 3. Know what you want Explain how you expect the problem to be sorted out and the reasons why your proposed resolution is reasonable. 4. Know your rights If you are complaining about goods or services, your legal rights are outlined in the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Read up on it, and quote the relevant parts of the act in your…

LESS THAN £16,000 Vauxhall Astra Our pick 1.0T 105 Design List price £15,995 Target Price £15,233 MPG 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 Visia List price £13,995 Target Price £12,880 MPG 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 SE List price £17,700 Target Price £15,995 MPG 57.6 CO2 114g/km For The engine is refined, running costs are low and S trim has a decent amount of equipment. Against…

LESS THAN £15,000 Suzuki Vitara Our pick 1.6 SZ4 List price £13,999 Target Price £13,123 MPG 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 Nav List price £15,675 Target Price £14,173 MPG 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 Connect List price £16,600 Target Price £14,842 MPG 58.8 CO2 128g/km For The interior is spacious, Connect trim…

LESS THAN £15,000 Suzuki Swift Our pick 1.6 Sport 3dr List price £13,999 Target Price £13,332 MPG 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 150 List price £16,245 Target Price £13,671 MPG 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 595 List price £14,610 Target Price £14,610 MPG 47.1 CO2 139g/km For Small hot hatches don’t get any more stylish and the Abarth…

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…

Can improved tech and a mild exterior refresh keep the A3 at the top of the class? Verdict Pricier than some rivals, but none can match it for quality ‘The A3’s party piece is its interior quality, and it’s still class-leading in this respect’ AUDI HAS BROUGHT the A3 into line with the rest of its 2016 range, giving it the latest exterior styling, adding and improving engines and increasing standard equipment and technology. So, all A3s now have the latest grille design, new headlight shape and new alloy wheels. A three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol has joined the bottom of the range, a 2.0 TFSI petrol has been added in the middle and the hot hatch S3 has been given more power. Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights are standard…

New All4 model adds the option of four-wheel drive at the top of the Clubman range Verdict Good to drive, but for most people the cheaper standard Clubman model is a better buy ‘The standard automatic gearbox kicks down swiftly when you ask for a burst of acceleration’ THE LATEST MINI Clubman offers the space and versatility of a Volkswagen Golf, fused with a welcome splash of Mini-style joie de vivre. The All4 is the latest addition to the Clubman line-up; offered on higher-end Cooper models it adds four-wheel drive. You can choose either a Cooper S with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, or the Cooper SD we’re testing here with a 2.0-litre diesel. The All4 has strong acceleration, but also competitive official fuel economy of 58.9mpg and CO 2…

Audi’s biggest SUV gets a hugely powerful V8 diesel engine and performance car kit to go with it Verdict A technical tour de force, but a standard Q7 model will be enough for most people ‘The electric compressor works like a turbocharger, blowing air into the engine for more power’ THIS PERFORMANCE SUV is a technical showcase. It has a 4.0-litre V8 diesel engine with an industry-first 48V electrically driven compressor, which works like a turbocharger, blowing air into the engine for more power and efficiency. There are two normal turbos, too, so the SQ7 is very quick to respond to a stab of the accelerator. In all, it has 429bhp and 664lb ft of pulling power. The SQ7 also has a host of optional suspension systems to make it…

Porsche’s updated sports car gets new engines and a new name for 2016 On sale September Price from £39,878 DON’T BE FOOLED by its lightly updated exterior: the new Porsche Cayman is a distinctly different machine from the car it replaces. Like its convertible alternative, the 718 Boxster, it resurrects the 718 name from Porsche’s racing past, and it comes with a choice of two new petrol engines, which are both faster and more fuel efficient than their predecessors. Porsche has long been a master of making excellent sports cars that are enjoyable to drive and practical to live with, and the Boxster is What Car’s? Sports Car of the Year, so it’s fair to say hopes are high for the new 718 Cayman. Its list of rivals includes the…

MG’s first SUV will take on the Nissan Qashqai and Honda HR-V On sale Now Price from £17,000 (est) GIVEN HOW POPULAR small SUVs and crossovers continue to be in the UK and Europe, it’s hardly a surprise to see MG getting in on the action. The new GS was designed with MG’s home Chinese market in mind - it’s already been on sale there for nearly a year, and there are only minor changes for this UK version. The five-seat GS is the largest and most expensive MG model, and sits above the current MG 3 hatchback and MG 6 saloon in the marque’s range. Its dimensions are marginally longer, wider and taller than a Nissan Qashqai. The GS’s boot is likely to be on par with the Qashqai’s,…

Rolls-Royce has a long history of luxurious open-tops: this is its latest, driven in the UK for the first time Verdict Exceedingly expensive to buy and run, but also supremely capable and comfortable ‘A relaxing car to drive, the Dawn is designed for wafting around in the sunshine’ THE ROLLS-ROYCE DAWN is the convertible version of the Wraith, the oversized coupé launched with much fanfare in 2013. A slightly sportier option than the stately Phantom, the Wraith signalled a new direction for the firm. The Dawn is the next step: a four-seat open-top in the drophead tradition with a price to match. Supremely comfortable The Dawn shares its running gear with the Wraith, but is intended to offer a more relaxed driving style than the coupé. The consequence of this…

New car, service, repair and warranty issues motorcodes.co.uk Citizens’ Advice Bureau citizensadvice.org.uk Check a car has a valid MoT test certificate motinfo.gov.uk Check if a car has outstanding finance whatcar.com/historycheck Trading standards tradingstandards.gov.uk Financial Conduct Authority fca.org.uk Check if a vehicle has been recalled gov.uk/ check-if-a-vehicle-has-been-recalled Check car crash safety ratings euroncap.com Your car loan questions answered whatcar.com/ car-news/carloanfaqs…

LESS THAN £10,000 Skoda Citigo Our pick 1.0 60 SE 5dr List price £9485 Target Price £9084 MPG 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 3dr List price £10,210 Target Price £9702 MPG 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 SZ3 List price £8499 Target Price £8179 MPG 78.4 CO2 84g/km For It has a…

LESS THAN £25,000 Skoda Superb Our pick 2.0 TDI 150 SE Business List price £22,555 Target Price £20,521 MPG 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 SE List price £24,585 Target Price £22,432 MPG 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 Sport List price £25,035 Target Price £22,965 MPG 68.9 CO2 107g/km For…

LESS THAN £18,000 Skoda Fabia Estate Our pick 1.2 TSI 90 SE List price £14,765 Target Price £13,558 MPG 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 Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Our pick 1.0i 105 Turbo Design List price £17,285 Target Price £16,128 MPG 65.7 CO2 100g/km For There’s plenty of room, equipment is generous and the engine is a willing performer. Against The boot isn’t that flexible and some rivals are better to drive. What Car? says Kia Cee’d Sportswagon Our pick 1.4 CRDi 89 1 ISG List price £17,395 Target Price £16,016 MPG 67.3 CO2 109g/km For…

LESS THAN £25,000 Mazda CX-5 Our pick 2.2d 150 SE-L Nav 2WD List price £24,995 Target Price £23,249 MPG 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 2WD 7-seat List price £26,545 Target Price £24,360 MPG 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 SE List price £26,060 Target Price £23,462 MPG 64.2 CO2 115g/km For The engine is economical and powerful, while…

LESS THAN £25,000 Seat Leon SC Our pick 1.4 EcoTSI 150 FR List price £20,225 Target Price £18,662 MPG 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 SE List price £25,100 Target Price £23,215 MPG 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 GT List price £25,580 Target Price £23,459 MPG 67.3 CO2 109g/km For Good to drive, with quick steering and…

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…