Indholdsfortegnelse for November 2019 i What Car?

‘Most reveals of new models still take place at motor shows’ In the era of live YouTube announcements and viral social media campaigns, the idea of a car maker introducing its latest model by pulling a sheet off it at a motor show can feel like something from the distant past. The reality, however, is that most reveals continue to take place at these events, so the recent Frankfurt motor show – one of the biggest of the lot – was relevant to anyone in the market for a new car. Don’t worry if it passed you by, though, because in this issue we’ve got everything you need to know about the stars of the show, led by the all-new Land Rover Defender 4x4 and Volkswagen ID 3 electric car.…

Audi Q7 Target Price From £48,732 Pick of the range 45 TDI Sport Quiet, comfy and plusher than the Defender inside, the Q7 is the benchmark luxury SUV if you rarely (if ever) venture off road. Jeep Wrangler Target Price From £39,955 Pick of the range 2.0 GME Sport 4dr Sets the standard for off-road ability but, unlike Defender, is strictly a five-seater. Its one-star Euro NCAP safety rating is very disappointing. Mercedes-Benz G-Class Target Price From £94,500 Pick of the range G350d AMG Line Similar in concept to the Defender, in that it’s much better on road than its predecessor and still hugely capable off it. Pricey, though.…

HERE AT WHAT CAR?, we appreciate the importance of size and staying power. Minds out of the gutter, please: we’re talking about electric car batteries here. Hyundai, too, knows that these things matter; that’s why it has given the all-electric version of its Ioniq family hatchback a new battery with a 36% increase in capacity (to 38kWh) and therefore a longer range. Officially, the Ioniq Electric can now cover up to 194 miles between recharges – 26 more than the rival Nissan Leaf – while topping up from 0-80% takes just under an hour via a 50kW rapid charger. Meanwhile, the electric motor’s power output has been increased, from 118bhp to 134bhp. Elsewhere, the front of the car now contains flaps that open automatically to help cool the battery, plus…

IF YOU’RE A dynamic go-getter who would gladly swap a bit of practicality for a bit of attention, chances are you’ve seen the recent trend for launching luxury SUVs with coupé-inspired styling and approve of it. The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé was one of the two cars – the other being the BMW X6 – that ignited this niche, but now Audi and Porsche have muscled in with the Q8 and Cayenne Coupé respectively. Next to those, the original GLE Coupé looks as old-fashioned as an abacus, so there’s an all-new version coming to restore balance. As well as having styling that brings it into line with the second-generation GLE, the new GLE Coupé is slightly longer and wider than its predecessor and has a greater distance between its front and…

Kris Culmer Kris.Culmer@haymarket.com THE EQC LARGE SUV became the first electric Mercedes to enter production back in May. Yet before long, this zero-emissions equivalent to the GLC will be part of a big family; an EQA family hatchback, EQB family SUV and EQS luxury saloon have already been confirmed. The EQS, previewed by the futuristic concept seen here, will also score a significant first, by being the first user of Mercedes’ dedicated new Modular Electric Architecture, or MEA. This means it avoids the compromises forced upon the EQC by its use of the GLC’s underpinnings; the EQS will be comparatively light (even if it’s still more than two tonnes), thanks to MEA’s mixing of traditional steel with aluminium and carbonfibre, and that’s great news for efficiency and therefore range. Another…

IT’S PREDICTED THAT cars will change more in the next five to 10 years than they have over the past 50. The driving forces behind the changes are improving road safety, lowering emissions and taking some of the stress out of driving. Some advances will be tied in with the increased uptake of electric cars, but the biggest influences will be automated driving technologies and connectedness. These are set to transform the whole driving experience. Safety testing body Euro NCAP is pushing ahead with its Vision Zero ambition to stop people from dying on the road. In doing so, it has set out a timeline for 2020-2025 of when it will start testing a range of new technologies. From 2020, it will test automatic emergency steering, driver monitoring systems and…

Mark Pearson Mark.Pearson@haymarket.com Pity the poor car buyer, who’s had a lot to take in over the past year, from the political and economic uncertainty surrounding Brexit to the question mark over the future of diesel-engined cars due to emissions concerns. Furthermore, the huge rise in the popularity of alternatively fuelled cars and the reduction in some of the benefits attached to owning one has only added to the confusion. It’s perhaps not surprising, then, that new car sales continue to decline, year on year. But while that market is suffering somewhat, the one for used cars remains reasonably stable. After all, buying used can not only save you cash but also put you in the driver’s seat of a car you might not be able to afford new. It…

Best buy Less than £6000 What we looked for An intuitive interior layout and infotainment system Big-car driving qualities despite a diminutive size A low purchase price Inexpensive running costs Much of the latest safety tech on more expensive versions Comfortably enough space for four adults Also consider… Seat Ibiza 2017-present Best buy Less than £10,000 The current Ibiza is a more modern design than the Fabia. As a result, it has a slightly bigger boot and more rear passenger room. It drives really well for a small hatchback, too, with agile handling and a ride that errs on the sportier side yet never loses its composure. Look for a 1.0 TSI 95 in SE trim. Volkswagen Polo 2018-present Best buy Less than £14,000 If the Ibiza is the partygoer…

Best buy Less than £35,000 What we looked for Superb comfort, whether you’re driving or being driven Loaded with technology A strong engine that’s smooth and dependable Running costs that don’t break the bank A pillow-soft ride An interior made from high-end, soft-touch materials Also consider… BMW 5 Series 2017-present Best buy Less than £25,000 While other luxury cars are available at this price point, they’ll be older and have a higher mileage than the 520d SE that’s our pick. Rest assured that a 2018 example is every inch a luxury car; its interior quality matches up with the best, plus it’s as comfortable as it is superb to drive. Porsche Panamera 2016 -present Best buy Less than £65,000 Thrills come thick and fast with the Panamera, whether as an…

Best buy Less than £30,000 What we looked for An interior befitting a truly luxurious vehicle Practicality is a must; seven seats are a bonus Decent performance in all situations A cosseting ride, without feeling like the QE2 in corners Low noise levels Also consider… Audi Q7 2015-present Best buy Less than £40,000 The Q7 is a consummate all-rounder that’s very comfortable and relatively efficient, has an outstanding interior and comes loaded with kit. It disguises its bulk really well and you’ll hear barely any noise at high speeds. Indeed, both versions of its 3.0-litre V6 diesel are wonderfully refined. Range Rover Sport 2013-present Best buy Less than £50,000 If you’re looking for a full-fat SUV that won’t depreciate like a lift with the cable cut, a Range Rover Sport…

Best buy Less than £17, 000 What we looked for A spacious, easily accessible and practical boot A commodious interior fit for all the family A top-notch driving experience A comfortable and well-sorted ride Reasonable running costs Plenty of equipment and modern technology Also consider… Seat Leon ST 2013-present Best buy Less than £12,000 With this budget, you can get your hands on a one-year-old Leon ST 1.4 TFSI 150 in SE Tech trim – our favourite version of a car that’s both comfortable and good to drive. It’s practical, too, and eclipses rivals such as the Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Golf estates in terms of value for money. BMW 5 Series Touring 2017-present Best buy Less than £27,000 Those after a premium badge for a moderate outlay can do…

Best buy Less than £15,000 What we looked for Quick and easy roof mechanism An excellent and uncompromised driving experience Comfortable ride Refinement to match that of a fixed-roof car That special feel-good factor A body that remains unshakeable even over the roughest of roads Also consider… BMW 4 Series Convertible 2013-present Best buy Less than £22,000 The 4 Series offers a fine blend of ride and handling capabilities, plus a folding metal roof that contributes to its suave air. Inside, you get class, comfort and great infotainment.There are plenty of examples on the market, but this age and price point is the sweetspot; shop for the 420d diesel in SE spec. Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet 2017-present Best buy Less than £30,000 Whether its roof is up or down, the soft-top…

Best buy Less than £40,000 What we looked for A smooth and unobtrusive transition between the engine and electric driving modes The battery shouldn’t reduce practicality Potential for low running costs Should be as good to drive as the petrol or diesel equivalent Also consider… Hyundai Ioniq 2017-present Best buy Less than £16,000 Proof that a hybrid can also be affordable: the spacious Ioniq is significantly less expensive than the equivalent Toyota Prius. What’s more, it’s good to drive, and even our favourite SE trim comes loaded with kit. As a bonus, even the earliest examples will have plenty of warranty remaining. BMW 330e 2016-2018 Best buy Less than £24,000 The BMW 330e plug-in hybrid is for those who want a bit of electric motoring wrapped up in a package…

Good Strong and efficient engines Beautifully finished interior Excellent infotainment Bad Low-speed ride is firm on Sport suspension Not as well equipped as some rivals AS YOU WILL have gathered by now, we love the Audi A3. Whether as a neat three-door hatchback, a nifty executive saloon or a suave cabriolet, it carries an air of quality that few rivals can match. But it’s the five-door Sportback that makes the best used buy, because it adds an extra dose of practicality to the mix and ups the A3’s all-round desirability. Even better, you can now pick one up for as little as £7000. And if you have a little more to spend on a newer example, you’ll still get a really useful saving off the list price when new. You…

The upper 10.0in touchscreen controls the infotainment system; it isn’t as sharp as the EQC’s screen, nor as responsive at times.You get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration so you can use your phone’s software instead, plus 4G wi-fi and an app to see the car’s status and send information to it remotely. A punchy 825-watt, 15-speaker Meridian sound system is also included with HSE trim. The EQC comes with natural speech voice recognition, along the lines of Amazon Alexa. It’s pretty attentive, but you can also use the infotainment via the 10.25in touchscreen or, more easily when driving, a touch pad on the centre console. Like the I-Pace it’s well equipped but features better graphics and responsiveness. The standard 590-watt, 13-speaker Burmester sound system sounds a tad flat.…

LESS THAN £15,000 Dacia Sandero Our pick 0.9 TCe 90 Essential List price £8995 Target Price £8913 MPG 45.6 CO2 123g/km For 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 Ford Ka+ Our pick 1.2 Ti-VCT 70 Studio List price £11,300 Target Price £11,051 MPG 48.7 CO2 117g/km For Comfortable ride and room for four adults; even Studio trim has a DAB radio and Bluetooth. Against Engine is gutless, the interior looks cheap and the boot is rather small. WHAT CAR? SAYS MG 3 Our pick 1.5 Excite List price £11,395 Target Price £11,122 MPG 42.3 CO2 140g/km For Cheap to buy and insure, with…

LESS THAN £22,000 Dacia Duster Our pick 1.5 Blue dCi 115 4x2 Essential List price £13,700 Target Price £13,572 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 £18,745 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 surefooted handling and a smooth, punchy engine. Against Stingy…

LESS THAN £30,000 Skoda Superb Our pick 1.6 TDI 120 SE Tech auto List price £26,620 Target Price £24,364 MPG 67.3 CO2 110g/km For Masses of standard kit; lots of rear leg room and boot space; comfortable ride. Against Some other executive cars are more fun to drive, while the engine is a little gruff. WHAT CAR? SAYS Audi A3 Saloon Our pick 35 TFSI Sport List price £26,595 Target Price £25,052 MPG 42.8 CO2 123g/km For Handles well, the engine is strong and the interior is beautifully built. Against Costs more than the A3 Sportback, despite having a less practical boot. WHAT CAR? SAYS Mazda 6 Our pick Skyactiv-D 150 SE-L Nav+ List price £26,795 Target Price £26,198 MPG 55.4 CO2 117g/km For Smart interior; smooth and flexible engine;…

Prices don’t include £3500 government grant LESS THAN £30,000 Renault Zoe Our pick R110 ZE40 Dynamique Nav List price £21,920 Target Price £19,177 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 List price £21,195 Target Price £19,649 Official range (WLTP) 71 miles 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 Smart Forfour Our pick EQ Prime Premium List price £21,690 Target Price £19,910 Official range (WLTP) 68 miles CO2 0g/km…

LESS THAN £50,000 Kia Stinger Our pick 3.3 T-GDi GT S List price £40,575 Target Price £40,575 MPG 27.7 CO2 221g/km For Nicely balanced handling, with strong pace from purposeful-sounding V6 engine. Against Tight in the back for tall adults; not quite as classy inside as its German rivals. WHAT CAR? SAYS Alfa Romeo Giulia Our pick 2.0 Turbo 280 Veloce Ti List price £45,995 Target Price £43,432 MPG 33.6 CO2 160g/km For Amazing steering; Quadrifoglio styling; great suspension setup; well-calibrated gearbox. Against The four-cylinder engine isn’t the most refined and interior quality is disappointing. WHAT CAR? SAYS Audi S3 Saloon Our pick TFSI 300 quattro S tronic List price £39,015 Target Price £36,749 MPG 34.4 CO2 158g/km For Fast, whatever the weather, and you’ll be cocooned in a top-notch…

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.…

IF YOU CONSIDER yourself an early adopter of new technology, you might be very interested in the latest version of the Mercedes A-Class, the plug-in hybrid A250e. It combines a turbo petrol engine with an electric motor for a total output of 215bhp. More importantly, it officially emits just 33g/km of CO2, making it a very tempting proposition as a company car. It also has an electric-only range of 42 miles and gets 201.7mpg, although you’ll have to plug in after every trip to achieve anything like that. With a 7kW charger at home or at work, you can fill the battery from 10% in about an hour and a quarter, while a public rapid charger can get it from 10-80% in 25 minutes. There are several driving modes to…

YOU CAN THINK of the new Q3 Sportback as a stepping stone on the way to Audi’s flagship SUV, the Q8. It takes the regular Q3 and drizzles it with a bit more style; it’s easily spotted by its coupé-inspired roofline, more aggressive-looking rear bumper and dark body cladding. As with the regular Q3, there’s a choice of turbo petrol and diesel engines (ranging from 148bhp to 227bhp), front or four-wheel drive and a manual or an automatic gearbox. We’re focusing on the entry-level petrol (badged 35 TFSI) here, since we found it to be the best match for the car. It gives peppy acceleration off the line, a useful punch at medium revs and enough grunt on the motorway. There’s also a mild hybrid system that makes the engine…

Virtual door mirrors Instead of mirrors, there’s a camera on each side of the car that sends live footage to screens in the corners of the dashboard or in the doors. These cameras generate less wind noise and aerodynamic drag (important for the range of electric cars), minimise blindspots and provide a clearer view in poor weather conditions. The cameras automatically alter their view to cope with motorway driving, cornering and parking, and if the screens are touch-sensitive, the driver can use his or her fingers to zoom in to see specific areas in more detail. When can I have them? Lexus became the first to use this technology in late 2018 on the ES executive saloon. However, it offers this only in Japan, so our first taste came with…

Is my Audi A3’s DSG automatic gearbox likely to go wrong? Are cars insured for hailstorm damage? I live in the Yorkshire Dales, and due to the freaky weather recently, I’ve found myself in an unusual position: my leased Ford Kuga was caught in a bad hailstorm while it was parked up. Hailstones the size of golf balls came down and the car has sustained extensive damage to every body panel, with around 200 dents on the roof alone. Even though the car is only 17 months old, there’s a good chance it will be written off. Where do I stand in this situation? Ben Deakin WHAT CAR? SAYS… Incidents caused by the elements are often considered by insurers as acts of God, and this means it’s generally accepted that…

First of all, we have to decide what makes a good car, whether it be new or used. A good car must fulfil its intended brief as well as it can; for example, a small car must be practical and frugal, a hot hatch needs to be great fun to drive and a large SUV should be spacious and reasonably refined. Then we add in factors you’d look for in a good used car, such as reliability, which becomes more important with age. So, a car’s standing in the What Car? Reliability Survey becomes a crucial consideration. Cars also have to be readily available, while a wide range of engines and well-equipped trims are vital. Above all, we’ll be looking at value.An award-winning used car must offer a lot for…

Best buy Less than £18,000 What we looked for ² Decent performance, but not at the expense of fuel economy The ability to carry all the detritus of family life An impressively high-quality interior Plenty of equipment to make you feel pampered A ride that’s supple but won’t make children feel sick Also consider… Seat Leon 2013-present Best buy Less than £10,000 Our overall Used Car of the Year from 2017 is still a great buy. Our recommended version is the 1.4 TSI 150 FR, which will get you all the latest kit and is nicer to drive than rivals such as the Renault Mégane and Hyundai i30. For those on a tight budget, you definitely won’t feel short-changed. Skoda Octavia 2013-present Best buy Less than £14,000 The Octavia is…

Best buy Less than £15,000 What we looked for A high-set driving position, but in a smaller package Capable handling that doesn’t come at the expense of an uncomfortable ride Comprehensive list of standard equipment Fuel-efficient engines for affordable running costs Roomy enough for a couple of child car seats Also consider... Renault Captur 2013-present Best buy Less than £10,000 It may be small, but the Captur has versatile sliding rear seats, so you can increase either boot space or leg room to suit.You can get a newer car for your money than if you went for a Nissan Qashqai or Suzuki Vitara; our pick is the 0.9 TCe 90 Dynamique Nav model, which is nippy and well equipped. Volkswagen Tiguan 2016-present Best buy Less than £20,000 The Tiguan is…

What we looked for A long warranty, preferably without any inhibitive mileage constraints Comprehensive breakdown cover that includes EU recovery and any other potentially expensive add-ons A scheme that includes older cars with higher mileages Full mechanical check Free initial insurance cover Also consider... Kia Not only does Kia provide its new cars with a seven-year warranty, but its used cars get this as well.This is exceptionally generous, although there’s the caveat that it applies only to cars up to 20 months old (when bought) that have done less than 20,000 miles, whereas some schemes cover much older cars. However, Kia gives you a warrantied mileage, a full service history guarantee, a year’s breakdown cover, a 60-day exchange period and seven days’ insurance. Skoda Anyone buying a used car through…

Best buy Less than £15,000 What we looked for An exciting driving experience at any speed Eager steering and handling Reasonable buying and owning costs A practical interior for four people Decent boot space Suitably sporty styling Also consider… BMW M140i 2017-2019 Best buy Less than £20,000 The lively handling and tremendous performance of this 335bhp BMW 1 Series make it incredibly exciting to drive. Factor in a high-quality interior and a decent amount of space and the M140i is a very tempting package. So, a two-year-old example for just £20,000 seems like a very good thing indeed. Renault Mégane RS 2018-present Best buy Less than £25,000 The striking Mégane RS is great to drive, with plenty of grip and a great engine.And if you go for the more focused…

Best buy Less than £35,000 What we looked for A wow factor that makes every journey special A characterful engine note Driver enjoyment even at lower speeds Ride comfort and refinement to make long journeys possible Practicality, while not the overarching requirement, is still a consideration Also consider… Mazda MX-5 2015-present Best buy Less than £20,000 We defy anyone to take a drive in an MX-5 and not be entertained by the experience. The current version goes back to the very roots of sports cars by cutting weight and proving that you don’t need big power to have fun, although we’d still go for the gutsier 2.0-litre engine over the entry-level 1.5. Audi R8 2015-present Best buy Less than £85,000 Despite coming from a company that usually builds sensible cars,…

Best buy Less than £15,000 What we looked for A realistic range of at least 100 miles Plenty of space for passengers and luggage A ride that doesn’t slam around town Safe and tidy handling Reasonable recharging times so that longer trips won’t cause you headaches Also consider… Volkswagen e-Golf 2014-present Best buy Less than £25,000 Compared with Nissan’s Leaf, you can get a newer Volkswagen e-Golf for the same money. On top of that, the e-Golf goes almost as far as the Leaf on a single charge, according to our Real Range tests, while being far nicer to drive and having a more comfortable driving position. Jaguar I-Pace 2018-present Best buy Less than £65,000 The stylish I-Pace is still a recent arrival, but you can find more used EV400…

HERE’S A QUESTION for you: how important is image when you’re buying a family car? Now, before you jump in and say that passenger space, a big boot, fuel economy and a good level of kit all matter far more than an approving nod from friends, family and colleagues, I have another question: could you see my Vauxhall Combo Life parked on your driveway? While a handful of you might be considering it, I dare say plenty more have immediately written off our big red friend. After all, an MPV is far from the most trendy thing, especially when it looks like Postman Pat has decided to add a bit more glass to his trusty van. But after living with the Combo Life, I’d argue that there are few finer…

LESS THAN £20,000 Kia Ceed Our pick 1.0 T-GDi 2 List price £18,600 Target Price £17,355 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 £19,355 Target Price £14,983 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 £19,170 Target Price £17,701 MPG 45.6 CO2 126g/km For Supple ride; good driving position; lots of room in the front; logical dash layout. Against Conservative looks;…

LESS THAN £28,000 Mazda CX-5 Our pick Skyactiv-G SE-L Nav+ List price £25,600 Target Price £24,017 MPG 38.2 CO2 146g/km For Classy interior; well equipped even in this entry-level trim; class-leading handling. Against The petrol engine feels weedy at lower revs and the ride is firm. WHAT CAR? SAYS Skoda Kodiaq Our pick 1.5 TSI 150 SE 7 seat List price £26,755 Target Price £24,314 MPG 37.2 CO2 147g/km For Value for money, with a classy and spacious interior and good driving manners. Against Ride is unsettled at low speeds, and the 2.0-litre diesel copes better with heavy loads. WHAT CAR? SAYS Citroën C5 Aircross Our pick Puretech 130 Flair List price £25,930 Target Price £24,367 MPG 44.4 CO2 119g/km For Punchy engine pulls well from low revs; versatile rear…

LESS THAN £25,000 Mini Convertible Our pick Cooper Classic Comfort/Navigation List price £21,885 Target Price £20,564 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 £16,545 Target Price £15,723 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 For Truly agile…

STAR RATINGS Outstanding Above average Average Below average Poor TARGET PRICE The What Car? Target Price is the maximum you should pay for your new car and is set by our team of mystery shoppers. It s updated each month and all What Car?- approved dealers guarantee to match it. However, in a lot of cases they can save you even more. Just go to whatcar.com/new-car-deals, or call 03302 216207 between 9am and 5pm (standard network fees apply). All Target Prices are correct at the time of going to press. TARGET PCP The Target PCP is a fair monthly fee should you take out a personal contract purchase (PCP) finance agreement, over 36 months with a 15% deposit and a 10,000-mile annual mileage limit. Like Target Price, it’s set by…

THE WORD ‘ICONIC’ has to be one of the most overused in the English language, but the Land Rover Defender is a car that’s fully deserving of the tag, as the descendant of the original Land Rover Series I, and a model that was as popular with farmers and the military as it was with the Queen and fashion-conscious celebrities. It’s perhaps not surprising, then, that it took Land Rover so long to replace it.And while the car it has come up with is designed to be much more upmarket (and civilised on the road) than its predecessor, the company’s engineers are also keen to emphasise that it’s even more capable off road. Under the skin, it’s closely related to the current Discovery, Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, rather…

ELECTRIC CARS MAKE sense for more buyers than ever before, and there’s a steadily growing pool of excellent models to choose from. But naysayers will rightly point out there’s still one thing missing from the current crop: a really great driver’s car. Yes, a Tesla Model S will make you go giddy with its Formula 1 car-rivalling acceleration, but come to some corners and it will leave you a little underwhelmed. Well, if any company can put that right, it’s Porsche – and the new Taycan seems to have all the right ingredients, including the lowest centre of gravity in the brand’s line-up. And this isn’t some highly impractical supercar; it has four doors, enough space for six-footers in the back and a decent-sized hatchback boot. The biggest thing Porsche…

Will Nightingale Will.Nightingale@haymarket.com IT MIGHT NOT seem like it, but Land Rover’s best-selling model has been around for nearly five years. To recap, the Discovery Sport is the cheapest SUV in the brand’s line-up and a rival for the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. It’s always had what marketing folk like to call a USP, though: the ability to seat up to seven – something you’ve otherwise had to go non-premium or, of course, spend a lot more money to get. Unsurprisingly, that side of things hasn’t changed, and neither have the looks (well, not much, anyway). So, you might be wondering why you’re reading about the Discovery Sport on these pages. Well, underneath, an awful lot is actually new. The underpinnings have been completely overhauled, partly to accommodate mild…

BRITISH DRIVERS HAVE been very interested in hybrids for some time now, thanks to their lower running costs and lower emissions, while large SUVs are all the rage. Yet the only mid-market brands to have melded the two so far are Honda, Mitsubishi and Toyota. Ford looks ideally placed to capitalise on this market gap with its third-generation Kuga, which is unique in offering each type of hybrid power: mild (aided by a small electric motor), regular (able to drive on electricity alone for short periods) and plug-in (capable of up to 31 miles without using the engine at all). That last variant officially emits a scant 29g/km of CO2. Other highlights include a transition to the underpinnings of the latest Focus, making the Kuga lighter and probably better to…

Driver monitoring Cameras focused on the driver detect when his or her driving is impaired and send a warning. If this is ignored, the system will prompt the car to take effective action, such as pulling over in a safe place or increasing the sensitivity of other active safety systems, such as lane-keeping assistance. The introduction of advanced driver monitoring is part of a push to reduce accidents, 90% of which are caused by human error. It’s also envisaged that it could be used to ensure a safe handover between the car and driver when autonomous driving systems are introduced. When can I have it? Driver attention monitoring is already common (in fact, it was first offered by Lexus way back in 2006), but it’s not yet at the level…

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Best buy Less than £8000 What we looked for Intelligent use of interior space Great value for money Excellent visibility on busy city streets Exceptionally low running costs Sufficient refinement for tackling the occasional long journey Enough power to keep up with traffic on faster roads Also consider… Suzuki Celerio 2015-2019 Best buy Less than £5000 We’re very impressed by the stellar reliability record of the Celerio and the ultra-low running costs offered by its 67bhp 1.0-litre engine, not to mention its roominess. It isn’t as nice to drive or anywhere near as attractive inside as the Up, but for dependability on a budget, it makes a fine choice. Kia Picanto 2017-present Best buy Less than £10,000 Narrowly missing out on victory because it can’t quite match the value of…

Best buy Less than £14,000 What we looked for Comfort whether you’re ferrying the family or on your weekday commute Space to cope with kids and clutter Strong engines Sensible running costs A high-tech interior that can function as a mobile office Materials lush enough to trouble cars from the class above Also consider… Audi A4 2015-present Best buy Less than £18,000 Our overall new Car of the Year from 2016 reigns supreme at this price point, despite going up against the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class, the key reasons for this triumph being its beautifully crafted interior and punchy engines.You’ll find a plethora of sub-30,000-mile examples for this price. Volkswagen Arteon 2017-present Best buy Less than £25,000 The Arteon is a stylish five-door alternative to Volkswagen’s Passat saloon.…

Best buy Less than £17,000 What we looked for Plenty of space and practicality; seven seats are a definite bonus A lofty driving position Stylish looks to dazzle the neighbours A comfortable ride and outstanding refinement A well-appointed interior with all the latest tech Reasonable running costs Also consider… Audi Q5 2018-present Best buy Less than £30,000 The classy Q5 is beautifully built, rides superbly and is blissfully quiet inside. In our favoured 2.0 TDI SE trim, it offers a blend of performance, fuel economy, space and, above all, value for money at this price that even strong rivals such as the Mazda CX-5 and Volvo XC60 simply can’t match. Land Rover Discovery Sport 2013-present Best buy Less than £25,000 Not many upmarket SUVs can do both on and off-road…

Best buy Less than £20,000 What we looked for Tons of interior space and lots of storage areas Comfortable seating for up to seven occupants A pliant ride that won’t make passengers car sick A gutsy engine that can cope with heavy loads Low running costs Also consider... Citroën Grand C4 Picasso 2014-present Best buy Less than £10,000 The seven-seat Grand C4 Picasso is not only stylish and well equipped but also seriously practical. Against the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer, it has a more more appealing interior and superior comfort, while it thrashes the Volkswagen Golf SV for space. Our favourite 1.6 HDi 120 Feel is economical, too. Volkswagen Touran 2015-present Best buy Less than £15,000 Although the Touran costs more than some rivals, it’s worth the extra. It’s good to…

Best buy Less than £15, 000 What we looked for Precise and rewarding handling at all speeds Strong performance with a healthy dollop of excitement Good ground-covering ability Stylish looks Excellent build quality and a good reliability record Reasonable running costs Also consider… Audi A5 Coupé 2016-present Best buy Less than £22,000 The A5 Coupé shares its underpinnings with the splendid A4 executive saloon, so it’s no surprise that it rides and handles well. It’s got a premium interior, too, while it’s more refined than rivals such as the BMW 4 Series Coupé and Toyota GT86.We’d seek out a 2.0 TDI 190 in Sport trim. Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé 2016-present Best buy Less than £30,000 The E-Class combines an air of innate quality with a classy interior and a comfy ride.At…

Best buy Less than £45,000 What we looked for A sweet-sounding engine Sports car-rivalling acceleration A great driving position Impressive everyday usability and proven reliability Big saving over the new equivalent Also consider… Jaguar XE S 2015-2018 Best buy Less than £25,000 If you’re after maximum bang for your buck, it’s hard to look past the Jaguar XE S. For £25k, you’ll get a 2016 example with a 335bhp V6 engine, whereas the Audi S3 Saloon that’s also within budget makes do with a 296bhp four-cylinder turbo Golf unit.The XE offers sweeter handling and steering, too. Mercedes-AMG E63 Estate 2017-present Best buy Less than £85,000 Few cars have as many strings to their bow as the E63 Estate, which mixes a rip-snorting V8 with a luxurious interior and a boot…

‘The fact that the A3 is still winning awards shows how exceptional it is’ Picking a champion from all our category winners was no mean feat.This was a bumper year for much-admired cars, including the great-value Skoda Superb and the capacious Volvo XC90, and who could overlook the wonderful Ford Fiesta ST for its cheap-as-chips fun factor? In the end, though, one car combined all the qualities we were looking for in its class better than the others. That car is the Audi A3 Sportback. Audi’s family hatchback is great to drive and has a roomy, classy interior. It’s practical, reliable and comfortable, too. Buy our recommended petrol 1.5 TFSI in Sport trim at a year old and you’ll struggle to tell the difference between it and a new A3,…

Ford Focus 1.5 Ecoblue 120 ST-Line List price £23,095 Target Price £21,094 Sporty looks and sparkling handling mark the Focus out as the keen driver’s choice. Skoda Scala 1.6 TDI SE L List price £22,065 Target Price £20,491 This super-sensible Czech has beaten the Focus as a petrol. Will the diesel impress as much? Vauxhall Astra 1.5 Turbo D 122 SRi List price £23,340 Target Price £22,406 The facelifted Astra offers new diesel engines that don’t attract the 4% BIK tax surcharge.…

LESS THAN £10,000 Hyundai i10 Our pick 1.0 S List price £9900 Target Price £8709 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 £10,080 Target Price £9663 MPG 55.4 CO2 101g/km For Fun to drive, with a comfortable ride and an upmarket interior. Against Feels slow on faster roads and this entry-level trim is a bit basic. WHAT CAR? SAYS Toyota Aygo Our pick 1.0 VVT-i X 3dr List price £9495 Target Price £9495 MPG 57.7 CO2 93g/km For Cheap to run, comes with a five-year warranty and has a great driving…

LESS THAN £17,000 Suzuki Ignis Our pick 1.2 Dualjet SHVS 2WD SZ5 List price £14,859 Target Price £14,503 MPG 54.1 CO2 98g/km For Real-world economy is excellent; surprisingly spacious and practical; lots of kit as standard. Against Ride is unsettled, it’s noisy on the motorway and there are only four seats. WHAT CAR? SAYS Citroën C3 Aircross Our pick Puretech 82 Feel List price £16,840 Target Price £14,453 MPG 45.0 CO2 118g/km For The boot is massive and the rear seats recline; plenty of equipment as standard. Against Entry-level engine has to be worked hard; ride and handling are sub-par. 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…

LESS THAN £22,000 Ford Fiesta ST Our pick ST-2 Performance Pack 3dr List price £21,625 Target Price £20,398 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 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 to run. Against It’s not the bargain that the previous one was and not as much fun to drive as we’d hoped. WHAT CAR? SAYS Abarth 595 Our pick 1.4 Turismo 70th Anniversary List price £19,885 Target Price £19,885 MPG 38.2 CO2 155g/km For Exquisite design…

LESS THAN £30,000 Mazda MX-5 Our pick 2.0 Sport Nav+ List price £25,095 Target Price £23,686 MPG 40.9 CO2 156g/km For Great to drive, with a wonderful chassis, a slick gearbox and just the right amount of power. Against It doesn’t have the classiest interior, nor much space inside for people or luggage. WHAT CAR? SAYS Toyota GT86 Our pick GT86 List price £27,325 Target Price £25,557 MPG 33.2 CO2 196g/km For Light weight and classic sports car layout give the GT86 real agility. It gets decent kit, too. Against The engine needs to be worked hard and is noisy, while the interior design is dated. WHAT CAR? SAYS Subaru BRZ Our pick SE Lux List price £27,065 Target Price £26,185 MPG 33.3 CO2 196g/km For Quick, despite its modest…