Indholdsfortegnelse for May 2019 i What Car?

‘The most capable car is also the priciest to finance on a PCP deal’ At what point does price become more important than ability? That’s a question we’ve been wrestling with this month, because the most capable car is also by far the most expensive to buy on a PCP finance deal in two of our comparison tests. Big differences in price used to be common enough back in the days when most people bought their cars outright. But since PCPs became the norm, the gap between rival models has tended to amount to little more than a couple of cups of coffee a month. So, why is this changing? Well, the greater viability of hybrid and electric power when compared with petrol and diesel probably plays a part, as…

THE NEW FORD Kuga will beat family SUV rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage to market with hybrid and plug-in hybrid options when it goes on sale early next year – potentially netting the brand a larger proportion of buyers looking to choose an electrified car. The plug-in hybrid is powered by a 2.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor. It can cover up to 34 miles on electric power alone, giving it an official combined fuel economy figure of 235.4mpg and CO2 emissions of just 29g/km.The conventional hybrid version delivers 50.4mpg and 130g/km, while a mild hybrid, as already offered by the Tucson and Sportage, uses 48V electrical assistance to boost the efficiency of a 2.0-litre diesel engine to deliver 56.5mpg and 132g/km. Unassisted…

MERCEDES’ ENGINEERING TEAMS deserve high praise for the work they’ve done on the brand’s compact car range. The A-Class hatchback has been transformed from something well below par to a genuine contender at the posh end of the family car market, while the B-Class MPV is also far better in its latest guise. But Mercedes isn’t out of the woods yet; the firm still has the underwhelming GLA SUV to replace, after all. And it has just tackled the CLA four-door coupé. Like the latest A-Class, the new CLA is based on a heavily revamped version of the previous model’s underpinnings; it’s longer and wider than before to boost interior space as well as to create a more muscular stance. Plus, there’s a selection of new petrol and diesel engines,…

LAUNCHED BACK IN 1998, the original Honda HR-V was a car ahead of its time, being one of the first small SUVs to put on-road driving dynamics ahead of off-road ability. It’s an ethos that the second-generation car didn’t quite live up to, and that’s why Honda has introduced a Sport model as part of its mid-life facelift. The recipe looks simple: take the Civic Sport’s 179bhp turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, add bespoke suspension and retune the steering. Has it worked? Well, the new engine is just as punchy in the HR-V as it is in the Civic, pulling strongly from just below 2000rpm to around 5500rpm, where it finally starts to get a little breathless – a characteristic of many modern turbo engines. Combined with a crisp six-speed…

SINCE IT WAS first launched 15 years ago, the BMW 1 Series has stood out from the family car ranks. That’s because while everything else in the class, from the mainstream Ford Focus to posh rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Audi A3, is front-wheel drive, it has always proudly sent its power to the rear. Until now. For the fourth-generation 1 Series, BMW has decided to follow the crowd and embrace front-wheel drive (although certain models will also offer four-wheel drive). It’s a big step, given that a rear drive layout has long been fundamental to BMW’s goal of making cars that are better to drive than their rivals – something we actually don’t think holds true with the current 1 Series. Why the switch? Because BMW decided…

IF YOU’RE IN the market for a luxury SUV but want something that will set you apart from ‘regular’ models such as the class-leading Audi Q7, the latest Porsche Cayenne is an excellent place to put your money. If you also want the styling of an SUV-coupé, however, Porsche hasn’t had an alternative, leaving you to head in the direction of the Audi Q8, BMW X6 or Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé. Enter the new Porsche Cayenne Coupé. As well as its rakish rear end, Porsche’s third SUV model features a shallower windscreen and wider bumpers than the regular Cayenne, plus the same active rear spoiler that pops out when it’s travelling at more than 56mph. At first, buyers will have the option of two petrol engines.The first is a 335bhp 2.9-litre…

IF YOU’RE A user of Airbnb, you’ll no doubt be intrigued by the idea of car sharing. You rock up in a new city and instead of getting a hire car that could be anything from a Dacia to a Mercedes-Benz, the chariot of your choice could be parked up and waiting for you. So, if you fancy cruising around Los Angeles in a Ford Mustang or going green in London in a Volkswagen e-Golf, the car you want is only a few clicks or smartphone taps away. Car sharing lets you avoid the long queues at airport car hire counters, because you can book vehicles and do all the paperwork online when it suits you. You can also get a car or a van for a few hours, rather…

Late 1880s The very first cars used lamps fuelled by oil or acetylene gas. 1898 The first electric headlights were offered, on the Columbia Electric. 1912 Cadillac introduced the first integrated electric ignition and light system, which became the basis for modern car lighting set-ups. 1915 The Guide Lamp company introduced the first dipped and main beam lights, but the driver had to physically adjust them. 1917 Cadillac introduced dipped and main beam lights that were operated by a switch inside the car. 1962 Halogen headlight bulbs were introduced by Philips. The single-filament H1 bulb is still in use today, primarily in reversing lights. 1970 The double-filament halogen bulb (H4) arrived. This can switch from high to low beam, so only one bulb is needed in each light. 1990 Philips…

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Finally: a properly good hybrid SUV that doesn’t cost the earth.The CR-V is a cracking option for those who want something comfy, roomy, safe and well equipped that’s both frugal and, crucially, isn’t powered by diesel. In fact, if the CR-V didn’t have such a poor infotainment system, it would have secured a five-star rating. But the CX-5 proves that diesel is far from dead. It’s the most economical if you pound up and down motorways regularly, and the fact that you’re only paying for an engine, rather than a battery and electric motor as well, explains why it’s the cheapest option both for cash buyers and anyone taking out PCP finance. To drive, the RAV4 is nothing remarkable. It’s also the noisiest and has the worst infotainment system. But…

Audi Q3 35 TFSI S line S tronic Mileage 1102 List price £34,150 Target Price £33,485 Price as tested £37,565 Options Electrically adjustable front seats (£675), metallic paint (£575), heated front seats (£300), Parking System Plus (£300), Audi Sound System (£275), four-way lumbar support (£255),Virtual Cockpit (£250), multi-function steering wheel (£250), electric, heated and folding door mirrors (£225), Storage Pack (£210), ambient interior lighting (£100) Test economy 33.5mpg Official economy 37.7mpg Contract hire £346 per month Insurance group 24 Typical insurance quote £685 per year…

Mileage 5555 List price £16,505 Target Price £15,603 Price as tested £17,625 Test economy 38.2mpg MINUS SIX DEGREES Celcius. That was what the thermostat inside my Skoda Fabia displayed as I got up at 7am recently to drive up to Northamptonshire to host one of What Car?’s Reader Test Team events. That was following more than six hours of snowfall overnight on the south coast and once I’d spent a good 10 minutes getting the car prepared. This involved clearing three inches of snow off the roof and windows and removing a coating of ice over the numberplates and lights. It’s very handy, then, that Skoda delivers every Fabia with an effective little plastic ice scraper, held inside the fuel filler cap. Not least because I’m usually too scatterbrained to…

THE HONDA CIVIC Type R won the accolade of What Car? Hot Hatch of the Year in 2018 and again in 2019, but how does it stack up as a long-distance commuter car? Rather well, actually. Living with it every day, I soon appreciated what an accomplished all-rounder this latest model is. Unlike rivals that have a ride so hard it could shake your teeth out on pockmarked British roads, the Type R is remarkably supple in Comfort driving mode. And if you switch it into +R mode, the suspension, steering and accelerator responses sharpen up so much that it can put a grin on my face on the brief part of my commute that’s on deserted country lanes. The Type R is also far from a wallflower when it…

‘The 2.0 TSI can hit 62mph in less than 7.0sec – a time fully competitive with the BMW 220i Coupé’ In production 2008-2017 Price from £3500 Our favourite 2.0 TSI 210 GT ALWAYS RESPECTED THE Volkswagen Golf but wish it were rather more stylish? Enter the Scirocco, a smart three-door coupé with Golf underpinnings – an idea and a name first put before the buying public way back in 1974 but impressively revived with this Mk3 car in 2008. Distinctive styling, a great chassis and a hint of practicality made the Scirocco a serious alternative for those considering a hot hatch. A facelift in 2014 kept it fresh, with subtle tweaks made to the styling and some improved materials applied inside, raising the feeling of quality. This also coincided with…

LESS THAN £20,000 Kia Ceed Our pick 1.0 T-GDi 2 List price £18,295 Target Price £17,159 MPG 50.4 CO2 122g/km For Decent performance; seven-year warranty; good build quality; large boot. Against Not the most comfortable ride or driving position; engine can sound coarse. WHAT CAR? SAYS Seat Leon Our pick 1.0 TSI SE Dynamic List price £19,045 Target Price £15,839 MPG 47.9 CO2 112g/km For Strong yet economical petrol engine with low running costs; good to drive. Against Some of the plastics feel cheap and some rivals are more practical. WHAT CAR? SAYS Hyundai i30 Our pick 1.0 T-GDi Blue Drive SE List price £19,165 Target Price £17,788 MPG 45.6 CO2 126g/km For Supple ride; good driving position; lots of room in the front; logical dash layout. Against Conservative looks;…

BUYER’S GUIDE CONVERTIBLES LESS THAN £25,000 Mini Convertible Our pick Cooper Classic Comfort/Navigation List price £21,880 Target Price £20,506 MPG 45.6 CO2 127g/km For Fun to drive, good resale values and reasonably refined. Against The pedals are offset, rear seats are cramped and it isn’t as cheap as we’d like. WHAT CAR? SAYS Fiat 500C Our pick 1.2 Lounge List price £16,410 Target Price £15,480 MPG 44.8 CO2 118g/km For Engine is perfect for town driving, and you’re well protected from the wind with the roof down. Against Lots of wind noise; not as classy as the Mini; little space inside; rear visibility isn’t great. WHAT CAR? SAYS Smart Fortwo Cabrio Our pick EQ Prime Premium (22kW charger) List price £23,335 Target Price £21,706 Official range (WLTP) 70.2 CO2 0g/km…

The What Car? Target Price is the maximum you should pay for your new car and is set by our team of mystery shoppers. Every day they haggle to see what discounts are available across the UK. And all What Car?-approved dealers will at least match Target Price. In a lot of cases, however, you can save even more by using our New Car Buying service. Just head to whatcar.com/new-car-deals and select the car you’re interested in, and dealers will compete for your business. It’s all done through our website, so they won’t see your details until you’re ready.…

WITH THE UNVEILING of Tesla’s new Model Y SUV, the American electric vehicle maker is close to realising another ambition of its boss, Elon Musk: to literally have a SEXY range of cars. Due on sale here in late 2021, the Model Y joins the Model S luxury car, the Model 3 executive saloon (which has a badge styled to be mistakable for an E and would have used that letter had Ford not already trademarked Model E) and the flagship Model X SUV. Where the Model X is about the same size as the Audi Q7 and BMW X5, though, the Model Y is closer to the Q5 and X3. Two versions of the Model Y are likely to be offered here initially: the Long Range, which is capable…

PURISTS WILL SAY that the Porsche 911 should always have a fixed roof, but the soft-top 911 Cabriolet has proved hugely popular since it was introduced back in 1982. That’s because the 911 is invariably one of the best sports cars to drive, and for most people, the ability to enjoy that out in the open outweighs the small compromises brought to the ride and handling. Those have actually been very small for more than a decade now, but Porsche won’t rest on its laurels, so the new ‘992’ 911 Cabriolet uses even more high-strength steel and aluminium in its construction, making it even more rigid. As with the super-impressive new 911 coupé, initially there are the rear-driven Carrera S and four-wheel-drive Carrera 4S models to choose from, but in…

UNCONVENTIONAL. IT’S NOT a word you’d naturally associate with the Skoda Octavia, but once you take a closer look, it’s hard to conclude that it’s anything but. With its front and rear axles an unusually long way apart and a distinctive slant-back design, the Octavia occupies a unique place in the family car class, offering unrivalled practicality at a price that undercuts the likes of the Ford Focus. But not everyone needs a boot with the capacity of Dr Who’s Tardis, so Skoda is complementing the Octavia with the more conventional Scala. Replacing the underwhelming Rapid, it’s based on the same underpinnings as the excellent Volkswagen Polo small hatch, but in terms of size and space it’s a rival for the same cars as the Octavia, being longer than the…

IF YOU’RE IN the fortunate position of looking to buy a massive luxury liner of a car, the BMW 7 Series has always offered something a little different from rivals such as the Audi A8 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Although it can cosset its occupants, it’s also a firm favourite for those who want to drive rather than be driven. A raft of upgrades for 2019 aim to bring the fight to its more recently released or refreshed rivals. If you look past the giant grille – a whole 40% bigger than before – you’ll find a revised infotainment system with the latest software and improved voice control, as well as a new, fully digital instrument cluster and improved semi-autonomous driving functionality. The car promises to be quieter, too, thanks to…

SMALL AND FAMILY SUVs Audi Q3 Sportback Late 2019 Sporty, coupé-styled version of excellent SUV. Mazda CX-30 Late 2019 New Seat Ateca rival shares its underpinnings, frugal engines and styling with the all-new 3. Nissan Juke Late 2019 New engines, new interior and standout looks. Renault Captur Late 2019 Evolved design and new turbo petrol engines. Skoda Kamiq Autumn Closely related to the class-leading Seat Arona. Ssangyong Korando September Said to be better to drive and improved inside. Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet Early 2020 Soft-top version of funky four-star small SUV. LARGE AND LUXURY SUVs Aston Martin DBX September Brand’s first SUV will offer V8 and V12 engines. BMW X6 Autumn Brilliant new X5 transformed into an SUV-coupé. Land Rover Defender Early 2020 New 4x4 will be offered in many different…

Register online, then upload a scan of your driving licence with a photo of you. Download the service’s smartphone app, which will enable you to book a car and, in many cases, unlock the doors when you get to it. Zipcar also sends you a card that you can use to unlock cars as a back-up. Pick your car and reserve it either online or via the app. Use the app to get sat-nav directions to the car. Check the car over inside and out and note down or photograph any damage on it. Some services advise photographing the damage, while Zipcar asks you to call its service centre to log details of the damage and get a reference number for it. Get the car key either from the car’s…

BOSCH ECO (£5.89) We tested two of every bulb, and while one Bosch Eco performed well, the other had poor visibility to the right and towards the horizon and an unacceptable headlight beam angle. HALFORDS ESSENTIALS 472 (£6.90) High beam reach towards the horizon is good, and so is visibility in the important areas up to 50 metres ahead and 75 metres to the right. Bulb angle and brightness are also good. LUCAS LLB472 (£6.19) Overall high beam reach is short, while brightness up to 50 metres ahead and 75 metres to the right is below the limit. The headlight angle is also rated as poor. NEOLUX N472EL EXTRA LIGHT (£9.99) Length of main beam reach is good, but coverage to the right of the car isn’t up with the…

Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi 4WD Premium SE auto List price £43,295 Target Price £41,204 The range-topping Santa Fe comes loaded with kit and has proved rather practical to boot. Land Rover Discovery Sport TD4 180 Landmark Edition List price £39,990 Target Price £37,644 Celebrating Land Rover’s 70th, the Landmark Edition gets more kit than the HSE yet is cheaper. Ssangyong Rexton 2.2 e-XDI ELX auto List price £35,495 Target Price £35,163 Massive, relatively cheap and with a 3500kg towing capacity, the Rexton is our dark horse.…

Mileage 12,515 List price new (2017) £40,125 Price new with options £57,809 Value now £32,000 Test economy 38.6mpg A RECENT HOLIDAY was made all the merrier for the Pearson clan by taking the Jaguar XE, with us able to make the most of its cosseting interior, complete with heated front and rear seats. From the driver’s seat, I was also able to benefit from the heated steering wheel – a seemingly small luxury that one soon grows used to. The 825-watt Meridian sound system (a £2545 option) impressed us as well, the only source of discontent coming from me and my wife as we were forced to listen primarily to my teenage daughters’ choice of music: Miley Cyrus. Indeed, the XE is a lovely thing for quartering the country in,…

Mileage 25,422 List price new (2016) £70,235 Value now £50,600 Test range 200 miles I HAVE NO doubt that the Tesla Model S has made my commute rather less stressful.These days, I arrive home feeling considerably less frazzled, while the usual M25 gridlock on my journey to the office no longer fills me with dread. This is partly thanks to the car’s ability to accelerate, brake and steer itself. I’m deliberately not calling it ‘Autopilot’, because there’s plenty of controversy around that name. But with that aside, the system is impressive. I’ve already detailed just how well it works, and while it isn’t perfect, it’s still probably the best system of its type out there. It doesn’t always get lane changes right; sometimes it fails to spot that there’s a…

LESS THAN £10,000 Suzuki Celerio Our pick 1.0 SZ2 List price £8999 Target Price £8999 MPG 58.8 CO2 99g/km For 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 Hyundai i10 Our pick 1.0 S List price £9895 Target Price £9195 MPG 50.4 CO2 117g/km For The three-cylinder engine is refined 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 Volkswagen Up Our pick 1.0 60 Take Up 3dr List price £9325 Target Price £8941 MPG 55.4 CO2 101g/km For Fun to drive, with a comfortable ride and an upmarket interior.…

LESS THAN £15,000 Suzuki Ignis Our pick 1.2 Dualjet SHVS 2WD SZ5 List price £14,859 Target Price £12,867 MPG 54.1 CO2 98g/km For Real-world economy is excellent, surprisingly spacious and practical; lots of kit as standard. Against Unsettled ride, noisy on the motorway and there are only four seats. WHAT CAR? SAYS Kia Soul Our pick 1.6 GDi 1 List price £14,725 Target Price £14,149 MPG na CO2 152g/km For Spacious interior; decent grip and body control; you get air-con and a DAB radio. Against The ride is overly firm at lower speeds and the steering is vague. WHAT CAR? SAYS MG ZS Our pick 1.5 Excite List price £14,045 Target Price £13,705 MPG 41.5 CO2 140g/km For An 8.0in infotainment touchscreen is standard; more interior space than most rivals.…

LESS THAN £20,000 Skoda Fabia Estate Our pick 1.0 TSI 95 SE List price £16,320 Target Price £15,428 MPG 51.4 CO2 105g/km For It’s one of the roomiest small estates; SE trim adds air-con and a touchscreen. Against So-so handling and could do with more supportive seats. WHAT CAR? SAYS Kia Ceed Sportswagon Our pick 1.0 T-GDi 2 List price £19,295 Target Price £18,094 MPG 47.1 CO2 120g/km For Gutsy enough performance for most buyers; lots of equipment; boot is big and practical. Against Ride is restless and there’s quite a bit of tyre noise on the motorway. WHAT CAR? SAYS Dacia Logan MCV Our pick 0.9 TCe 90 Comfort List price £11,295 Target Price £11,190 MPG 45.6 CO2 121g/km For Lots of space; low running costs; plenty of equipment…

THE OLD ADAGE says to dot the ‘i’s and cross the ‘t’s if you want to be thorough, but perhaps the Volkswagen T-Cross will be the exception to the rule, proving that you need only those ‘t’s crossed after all. You see, it uses the very same platform, plus many mechanicals and technology features, as both the Seat Arona, which has been the leader of the small SUV class for two years now, and our current Small Car of the Year, the Volkswagen Polo. That certainly gives it an incredibly strong foundation from which to compete against the likes of the Citroën C3 Aircross, Kia Stonic and Renault Captur. Somewhat confusingly, Volkswagen actually already has a small SUV in its portfolio, in the shape of the rather impressive T-Roc. But…

BELIEVE IT OR not, hot Renault Méganes are much like a decent cheese. This isn’t a suggestion that they smell of feet; no, it’s just that they need time to mature before they release their true, rich flavour. Look back at any Renault Sport Mégane over the past 16 years and you’ll find they just get better with age – so that has to be a good sign for this, the most powerful Mégane yet: the RS 300 Trophy. As the name suggests, its 1.8-litre turbo engine makes 300 metric horsepower (296bhp), while the usually optional Cup chassis is standard. That means it gets stiffer suspension and a limited-slip differential to boost traction. If that isn’t enough sporty goodness for you, it also has lighter, fade-resistant brakes, lighter 19in wheels,…

THE FIRST R8 was, in its maker’s own words, like a spaceship landing in 2007. Heads turned, eyes popped and Audi invaded planet supercar. Today, the second-generation model has just had a facelift. The original’s V8 and manual gearbox are a distant memory; now the hand-built, old-school, naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 is very much Audi’s Sistine Chapel. You can only have it paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The increases made in power and torque to both the standard R8 and the R8 Performance are modest – up by 29bhp to 562bhp and by 10bhp to 611bhp respectively. That’s like throwing a couple of sparklers on a bonfire. Elsewhere, there are styling revisions and tweaks to the suspension and steering. The R8’s V10 is one of the greatest engines…

COMING FROM A mainstream background and making it in an exclusive one is hard. Imagine Danny Dyer turning up at Shakespeare’s Globe theatre; his Romeo had better be genuinely spectacular if he’s to win over the audience. This is partly the challenge still facing DS. It’s the premium division of the PSA Group, parent company of mainstream brands Citroën, Peugeot and Vauxhall, and it’s still finding its feet as a rival to the likes of Audi and Mercedes-Benz. But after it launched with a trio of disappointing models that were originally badged as Citroëns, last year’s 7 Crossback large SUV was a positive step in the right direction. Next up for DS is a small SUV, the 3 Crossback. It brings swaggering styling inside and out, including flush door handles…

FEW SUVs ARE quite such status symbols as the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. But if you aren’t able to spend £94,000 or more for the privilege, you’ll soon be able to get its hardcore 4x4 look distilled into a regular family SUV: the GLB. Although the design will be toned down on the way to becoming a production car, the GLB concept features off-road-inspired adornments such as an integrated roofbox, LED spotlights and chunky all-terrain tyres wrapped around 17in wheels. As you’d expect, the GLB neighbours the GLA and GLC in the Mercedes range, but in terms of size, there’s just a whisker between it and the latter, so it’s the brand’s smallest SUV to have seven seats.The pair in the third row, which are likely to be best reserved for small…

The innovative new Honda CR-V Hybrid intelligently blends petrol and electric power, helping you to improve your fuel efficiency and lower your emissions without ever needing to change the way you drive. Combining the great design and tech-packed interior of the CR-V with a hybrid system that is smoother, quieter and easier to use, it retains all of the sporty performance, interior comfort and practical luggage space you would expect from one of Britain’s most popular and acclaimed SUVs. But don’t take our word for it. We invited some Autocar and What Car? readers–including existing CR-V owners – to try out the new CR-V Hybrid to see if they really can feel the difference. They left our test drive impressed, saying that the CR-V Hybrid was quiet, smooth and easy…

THE RANGE ROVER Evoque of 2011 began a sea change. Its sleek, futuristic design went down a storm, and from then on, Land Rover placed an even greater focus on making its cars look slick. So, the styling of the new Evoque is instantly recognisable but updated with cues from the bigger Velar. Underneath, though, all is new. There’s a new platform that makes the family SUV stiffer – improving its ride, handling and refinement – as well as roomier inside. What’s more, all engines apart from the entry-level diesel come with 48V electrical assistance that increases efficiency by up to 6%. The interior has been made more luxurious, too, with digital instruments on most models and the Velar’s twin-touchscreen system for the infotainment and ancillary controls. We said the…

Don’t pay the car sharing company’s damage waiver fee; you’ll save lots of money going with a third party online. Before you set off, take photos of the car from all four sides, each wheel and the interior, including the odometer and fuel gauge, as evidence you can use in case of a fraudulent claim. Take close-up shots of any damage on the bodywork and wheels and any damage or stains inside. Follow the company’s rules on reporting these. Work out how many miles you’ll be covering and choose an appropriate car to avoid extra mileage fees. Follow the guidelines on fuelling. Return the car on time or extend the rental period if you’re running late. Make sure the car is clean inside and out when you return it; some…

YOUR CAR’S HEADLIGHTS are probably something you don’t pay much attention to unless they stop working. And if you own a new car with xenon lights, that might not happen for up to 10 years. However, if there’s an older car in your household, it’s likely to have halogen bulbs, which are likely to expire every two to four years. And when you’re choosing replacement bulbs, you’ll soon discover that the technology that was around when your car was new is now woefully out of date. In fact, there is a baffling array of different aftermarket bulbs to choose from today, with prices ranging from a few quid to more than £35. So here we consider whether it’s best to go for the latest, extra-bright bulbs, longer-lasting bulbs or bulbs…

Water pump fails early on Skoda Octavia vRS I have a (just) four-year-old Skoda Octavia vRS, which I bought from a Skoda main dealer almost new as an ex-demonstrator. I keep it in top condition; it has a full service history from Skoda and has covered just 30,000 miles, most of them on the motorway. A few months ago, I discovered that the car’s water pump was defective. It was replaced at a cost of £649, and when I contacted Skoda, it told me it wouldn’t contribute to the repair costs. My local dealership took £50 off the bill, but that was the only contribution made. I carried out some online research and discovered that the problem of early water pump failure is a common one on the Octavia vRS,…

Honda CR-V 2.0 i-MMD Hybrid 2WD SR List price £33,445 Target Price £32,966 CR-V failed to impress in petrol form. Is this fuel-sipping hybrid version a better buy? Mazda CX-5 Skyactiv-D 150 2WD Sport Nav+ List price £29,895 Target Price £28,413 One of our favourite large SUVs, featuring here in its most economical form. Toyota RAV4 2.5 Hybrid 2WD Excel List price £33,610 Target Price £33,610 New RAV4 has incredibly low CO2 emissions for such a big car; it’s well equipped, too.…

Let’s get one thing straight: the Santa Fe is the best car here, with strong performance, the quietest cruising manners and a spacious interior.There is a rather large reason why it doesn’t win, however: it’s simply too expensive, especially on PCP finance. With more than 80% of UK buyers now obtaining their new cars this way, the fact that it’s £236 per month more than the Discovery Sport can’t be ignored. So, the Discovery Sport snatches victory from the jaws of defeat. Its infotainment system may be dated and its space for third-row passengers cramped, but it’s still roomy for everyone else, relaxing to drive and suitably luxurious. It’s surprisingly affordable to own, too. That leaves the Rexton in third place.As a capable workhorse with a vast towing capacity and…

OF THE MANY SUV models that Audi offers in the UK, which one do you suppose is the best seller? The luxurious Q7, perhaps, or the small and funky Q2? Well, actually, up until the start of 2018, the answer was the family-sized Q3, despite it being seven years old and having to vie for affections with rivals such as the BMW X1, Range Rover Evoque and Volvo XC40. This new, second-generation Q3 has a lot to live up to, then, but Audi doesn’t need to worry about it grabbing attention, thanks to its slim LED headlights, aggressive vents and vast grille. Indeed, I’ve received more nods of approval from other drivers than in any other test car I’ve run. At least, I think they were approving. My Q3 is…

ANYONE WHO CONSIDERS a family SUV to be more than just a tool for getting from A to B is likely to gravitate towards the Seat Ateca. There may be more practical cars in the class, but none in our experience is as enjoyable to drive as this relatively sporty model, and that will be as important for some buyers as interior space, comfort, fuel economy or equipment when choosing between a number of outwardly similar models. Certainly, it’s one of the reasons why I chose to run an Ateca for the next few months, despite the fact that I could have had a very well-equipped Skoda Karoq – our favourite family SUV for less than £30,000 – instead. Although there are now three SUVs in Seat’s line-up, the Ateca…

Mileage 9812 List price £33,840 Target Price £29,110 Price as tested £35,335 Test economy 37.0mpg SOME THINGS ARE beautiful to look at but have no practical use; they exist purely for aesthetic pleasure. And thank you, but I’m not talking about myself. I’m actually talking about the doors of the Volkswagen Arteon. I love the look of the car generally, but if I were to pick out one specific aspect that soothes my eyes the most, it would be them. They are frameless, you see; this essentially means there’s no ugly bit of car sticking up at their ends when the windows are down. I appreciate that it makes no objective difference to anything, but it does make the car feel a bit more exclusive and premium, because it’s so…

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet C220d AMG Line auto List price when new £41,575 Price today £26,995 Available from 2016-present Based on the sharply styled C-Class Coupé and promises a sporty drive. Range Rover Evoque Convertible 2.0 TD4 180 HSE Dynamic List price when new £47,500 Price today £31,995 Available from 2016-present Does this soft-top SUV have substance behind its head-turning design? Price today is based on a 2016 model with average mileage and full service history, correct at time of writing…

LESS THAN £20,000 Dacia Duster Our pick 1.5 Blue dCi 115 4x2 Essential List price £13,695 Target Price £13,567 MPG 57.6 CO2 115g/km For Roomy inside, reasonably comfortable and incredibly cheap compared with rivals. Against Interior is decidedly low-rent and there isn’t much standard safety kit. WHAT CAR? SAYS Ssangyong Tivoli XLV Our pick Ultimate petrol List price £19,745 Target Price £19,372 MPG 37.2 CO2 169g/km For You get leather-trimmed seats and sat-nav; there’s loads of room in the back and boot. Against The engine is noisy, the steering is vague and emissions are relatively high. WHAT CAR? SAYS Nissan Qashqai Our pick 1.3 DiG-T 140 Visia List price £19,995 Target Price £19,995 MPG 41.5 CO2 121g/km For Comfortable ride with sure footed handling and a smooth, punchy engine. Against…

LESS THAN £30,000 Renault Zoe Our pick R110 ZE40 Dynamique Nav List price £21,920 Target Price £20,063 Official range (WLTP) 186 miles CO2 0g/km For Very low running costs; quiet and easy to drive; longer range than most electric cars. Against So-so performance; brakes are inconsistent in feel; interior isn’t exactly plush. WHAT CAR? SAYS Smart Fortwo Our pick EQ Prime Premium (22kW charger) List price £21,195 Target Price £19,753 Official range (NEDC) na CO2 0g/km For Dinky dimensions are a boon for parking; proper electric cars don’t come any cheaper. Against Poor to drive; real-world range is disappointing; not exactly practical. WHAT CAR? SAYS Volkswagen e-Up Our pick e-Up List price £23,150 Target Price £23,150 Official range (WLTP) 83 miles CO2 0g/km For Great to drive, well equipped and…

LESS THAN £22,000 Ford Fiesta ST Our pick ST-2 Performance Pack 3dr List price £21,620 Target Price £20,447 MPG 40.4 CO2 136g/km For Strong, characterful engine combined with engaging handling makes the ST fun at all speeds. Against It’s easily upset by bumps and the interior feels a bit low-rent. WHAT CAR? SAYS Volkswagen Up GTI Our pick 1.0 115 3dr List price £14,315 Target Price £13,708 MPG 50.6 CO2 110g/km For Pretty nippy and handles well; relatively practical; cheaper to buy than its rivals. Against Could be more exciting; intrusive traction control; contrived engine noise. WHAT CAR? SAYS Suzuki Swift Sport Our pick 1.4 Boosterjet List price £18,499 Target Price £17,499 MPG 47.1 CO2 125g/km For You get plenty of equipment as standard, plus it’s relatively quick and cheap…