Indholdsfortegnelse for February 2021 i What Car?

‘Models that are about to be replaced are likely to be available with big discounts’ When I was a kid,I was the sort of person who had to visit every shop before making up my mind, in case I was missing out on something.And while our reviews can help alleviate such fears when you’re shopping for a new car, you might still have the nagging concern that something better could be about to go on sale. That’s why, from p8, we’re sharing everything we’ve learned about the new models arriving in 2021, so you’ll know for certain whether it’s worth waiting a few months before buying your next car. Alternatively, if you’re not bothered about having the latest look, you can use the information to help select a model that’s…

‘The ID.4 is set to beat more expensive rivals for range on a full charge’ VOLKSWAGEN’S DECISION TO target the booming SUV and electric sectors with a single model makes a lot of sense, but, with lots of other brands having the same idea, the ID.4 needs to be something special. Buyers will initially only be offered ahighspec 1st Edition variant that uses a single 201bhp electric motor. This sends its power to the rear wheels and allows the ID.4 to sprint from 0-62mph in 8.5sec. Its 99kWh battery can be replenished to 80% capacity in around 30 minutes using the fastest charging stations. It provides an official range of 323 miles on a full charge; that’s farther than the closely related Skoda Enyaq iV can travel and also beats…

THE LAUNCH OF an all-new Nissan Qashqai is akin to the arrival of a new iPhone or a new season of Strictly Come Dancing. It’s that highly anticipated because the original Qashqai paved the way for the family SUVs we have today, and the second-generation model was so good that we named it as our Car of the Year back in 2014.This new Qashqai, then, has a lot to live up to, but Nissan is giving it every chance to succeed. For starters,the new Qashqai is lighter than its predecessor to aid efficiency and handling, plus the suspension has been completely re-engineered in an effort to improve ride comfort. Of the power options that have been revealed so far, the 1.3-litre mild hybrid petrols are expected to be the most…

LOW CO2 EMISSIONS are a must in the executive car class in order to keep company car tax bills competitive, so it’s fortunate that the all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class looks like it has the potential to limbo under the standards set by rivals such as the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series. Most of the engines in the line-up will be assisted by mild hybrid technology, allowing them to switch off completely while coasting. There will also be a plug-in hybrid model from the word go; it should beat the 31-mile fully electric range of today’s C300de. Even the range-topping C63 will swap V8 power for a hybridised 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit – albeit one producing more than 500bhp. Mercedes also wants the new C-Class to be the class leader when it…

THE GOLF R is Volkswagen’s rival to the Audi S3 and Mercedes-AMG A35, and with 316bhp from its turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine, this new version beats both of those cars on power. It matches them on acceleration, too; 0-62mph takes just 4.7sec. As with its rivals, a four-wheel drive system helps the R to put its power down effectively. Silver door mirrors, a beefy body kit and quad exhausts mark the R out from other Golf models, and there’s a choice of alloy wheels up to 19in in diameter. On the inside, the Golf R’s 10.0in touchscreen infotainment system is shared by the regular Golf, but the R gets bespoke graphics for its digital instrument cluster, and a lap timer for sessions on the circuit. As well as the expected…

IT’S ALWAYS BEEN a classless car, the Volkswagen Golf: all things to all men, and women, naturally. So this makes the Golf GTE – the plug-in hybrid version – all things to everyone, and then some. By combining a peppy, 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine, an electric motor and a battery capable of supplying an official electric-only range of 32 miles, the theory is that it’s fast, frugal and rather flavoursome when it comes to saving on company car tax. Family car rivals include the cheaper Mercedes-Benz A250e and Seat Leon e-Hybrid. With 242bhp in total (petrol and electric power combined), it’s pretty much a match for the sprightly A250e on acceleration and pips the Leon e-Hybrid, but only when you positively stamp on the accelerator pedal. Until you do that,…

VOLVO HAS BEEN fiddling around with the engine line-up of its XC40 family SUV once more. Diesels have been ditched and all but the entry-level T3 petrol engine get some form of electrification: there’s the fully-electric Recharge P8, the plug-in hybrid Recharge T5 and this, the mild hybrid B4. Unlike the front-wheel drive T3, the B4 comes with a choice of front or four-wheel drive, but is only available with an automatic gearbox. Its 2.0-litre petrol engine uses light electrical assistance to help to reduce load, and to allow it to shut off entirely in a wider range of circumstances than the stop-go system of the previous T4 petrol engine would allow. The B4 generates 194bhp, and that’s enough to give the XC40 brisk enough performance if you work it,…

DOES SOMETHING ABOUT this car seem familiar? It might well do, because the Suzuki Across has more than a little in common with the latest Toyota RAV4. Suzuki’s new large SUV is the first offspring we’ve seen of a collaboration between the two Japanese brands, with more to follow, including the Corolla-based Swace hybrid family wagon. Apart from different badges and a slightly redesigned front end, the Across is pretty much the same as the upcoming plug-in hybrid RAV4. That means the four-wheel-drive Across is powered by a 2.5-litre petrol engine and two electric motors that draw juice from an 18.1kWh battery. The combined output of 302bhp is enough to propel the Across from 0-62mph in just 6.0sec. It’s comfortably quicker than the rival Ford Kuga PHEV and the similarly…

LIKE A YOUNGER sibling receiving hand-me-downs, the Seat Leon has always shared the same underpinnings as the Volkswagen Golf, but it has never worn them quite as convincingly. Well, until now. This new plug-in hybrid version, creatively called the e-Hybrid, hits the market at roughly the same time as the plug-in Golf GTE. It uses the same 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine (albeit producing a combined 201bhp rather than 242bhp) and the same electric motor and battery. Its 0-62mph time of 7.5sec isn’t as quick as the Golf’s 6.7sec, but it still feels pleasingly rapid in the real world. More impressively, its official electric-only range of 40 miles puts it in the 6% benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax bracket alongside the slightly pricier Mercedes-Benz A250e. The usual hybrid caveats apply, though; to get…

Whether you’re buying a used car as a second family runabout or as a first car for a novice driver, the last thing you’ll want it to be is an unreliable money pit. While new cars come with manufacturer warranties that should cover the cost of any major defects that might occur for at least three years, you have far less comeback when it comes to older cars, and in many cases you’ll have to foot the cost of any repairs yourself. And that means you could be landed with thousands of pounds worth of repair bills. To help you choose a dependable older car, we conduct the What Car? Reliability Survey each year. In the latest survey, we obtained data from nearly 13,000 car owners.We asked them to tell…

A FLEETING GLIMPSE of my CD collection is all it takes to get a good idea of my age, but the truth is I’ve been enjoying ‘Dad music’ since I was a teenager. Having leapt straight into a string of big old barges after passing my driving test, I’d never really had what I’d call a ‘young person’s car’, either – until this Seat Ibiza FR entered my life, that is. Resplendent in attention-grabbing metallic Eclipse Orange paint, my Ibiza should not only scratch the ‘fun first car’ itch that evaded me the first time around, but also tick the boxes to satisfy what is quite a challenging motoring brief. For starters, I wanted something fun to drive. Not necessarily fast, but agile and responsive for the sweeping country roads…

THE ALL-NEW AUDI A3 has gargantuan boots to fill. Its predecessor has been one of our favourite family hatchbacks for the best part of a decade, winning numerous awards along the way, and it has consistently been snapped up by more than 25,000 new car buyers in the UK each year. So, when early reports that Audi had skimped on the quality of the interior emerged before I took delivery of my car, I was concerned that the new model might represent the beginning of the demise of this champion among cars. And, when I first looked inside my A3, I could see that some of the plastic controls weren’t up to the brand’s usual lofty standards – notably the light switches and the volume dial on the centre console.…

Mileage 1069 List price £74,610 (not including £3000 gov’t grant) Target Price £74,610 Price as tested £77,200 Test range 206 miles WHAT’S WORSE THAN technology that doesn’t work? I fear the answer is technology that sometimes or almost works – and the EQC is giving me plenty of time to ponder on that. Take the much-heralded ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice command system, which has been rolled out across all of the brand’s models. I’ve found it impressive in the past, but in the EQC it’s sometimes spot on and at other times miles off – no matter how much I try to articulate my commands. ‘The car performed an automated emergency stop that terrified me’ Just as frustrating is the fact that, very occasionally, even with the right destination inputted into…

LESS THAN £28,000 Mazda CX-5 Our pick 2.0 Skyactiv-G SE-L List price £27,030 Target Price £26,171 MPG 38.2 CO2 168g/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 £27,795 Target Price £26,067 MPG 38.7 CO2 166g/km For Well priced, with a classy and spacious interior and good driving manners. Against Ride is unsettled in town, and the 2.0-litre diesel copes better with heavy loads. WHAT CAR? SAYS Citroën C5 Aircross Our pick Puretech 130 Feel List price £25,655 Target Price £24,423 MPG 44.4 CO2 144g/km For Punchy engine pulls well from low revs; versatile rear seats; well…

LESS THAN £25,000 Mini Convertible Our pick Cooper Classic Comf/Nav List price £22,630 Target Price £21,320 MPG 45.6 CO2 141g/km For Fun to drive, good resale values and a quality interior. Against Ride is a bit choppy, rear seats are cramped and option packs make it pricey. WHAT CAR? SAYS Fiat 500C Our pick 1.0 Mild Hybrid Lounge List price £17,390 Target Price £17,143 MPG 49.6 CO2 114g/km For Engine is perfect for town driving, and there’s minimal buffeting with the roof down. Against Lots of wind noise; not as classy as the Mini; little space inside; so-so rear visibility. WHAT CAR? SAYS Smart Fortwo Cabrio Our pick EQ Pulse Premium (22kW charger) List price £24,120 Target Price £21,897 Official range 73.9 miles CO2 0g/km For Truly agile around town;…

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.…

WHEN IT COMES to living up to a name, the Mustang Mach-E has things harder than most;‘Mustang’is one of the bestselling badges in the motoring world, and many of the cars that have worn it are now considered classics. However, the Mach-E is a very different type of Mustang – not least because it’s electric. It will be offered with a choice of three battery capacities and four power outputs,plus rear or four-wheel drive.The entry-level version comes with a 75kWh battery and 255bhp; there’s a 99kWh model with 282bhp as standard and the option to boost that to 333bhp; or you can choose the 88kWh, 459bhp GT, which blasts from 0-62mph in just 3.5sec. ‘A 10-minute charge is said to deliver a 73-mile boost’ How far you’ll travel on a…

WITH LOOKS THAT strongly echo Vauxhall’s GT X Experimental concept car from 2018, the new Mokka small SUV represents the beginning of a bold new era of design for the British brand. As well as conventional petrol and diesel models, there’ll be a fully electric version called the Mokka-e, which can officially cover up to 201 miles on a single charge. That’s not quite as far as the closely related Peugeot e-2008 can manage, though, despite the fact that both cars are powered by the same 134bhp electric motor and 50kWh battery pack. Unusually for a new car, the new Mokka is shorter than its predecessor.There should be more space inside than in the current Mokka X, though, because the new car’s front and rear axles are farther apart.That being…

‘New plug-in hybrid models promise to be able to cover up to 50 miles without using a drop of petrol’ THE ORIGINAL RANGE ROVER revolutionised the way we viewed all-terrain vehicles when it was launched just over 50 years ago. It combined a potent engine, a refined ride and a civilised interior with genuine mud-plugging ability. Like the first, this all-new, fifth-generation Range Rover will be able to cross continents and climb mountains, but it will be more efficient and high-tech than ever before. The new model retains the signature outline of its predecessors, with a distinctive deep, wide front grille and the trademark split tailgate. Fresh touches include slim headlights similar to those of the Velar and stacked rear lights that hint at the Land Rover Defender. While its…

‘Improvements in layout should give the next Astra more space for passengers and luggage’ THE VAUXHALL ASTRA is one of the most popular family cars on British roads, and that makes the task of replacing it very difficult indeed. Not changing it enough might prevent it from winning new buyers; changing it too much risks scaring fans off. With this in mind,Vauxhall is gearing up to walk that very fine line while still giving the Astra abold new look, with contrasting roof colours offered for the first time.There’s also a new front grille and bumper that echo the nose of the latest Vauxhall Mokka SUV. LED lights are expected to be standard, too. Beneath the surface, the new Astra promsies to be lighter and stronger than before, thanks to new…

THE SEAT ATECA may have been the Spanish brand’s first attempt at an SUV, but that didn’t stop it from jumping straight to the top of its class when it was launched back in 2016. However, it didn’t take long for the Ateca to be surpassed by the more well-rounded Skoda Karoq. And with a new generation of the Nissan Qashqai – the car that practically invented the family SUV class – due soon, it’s little surprise that Seat has decided to give the Ateca a refresh. On the outside, the Ateca has been sharpened up to bring its looks in line with the larger Tarraco’s; there’s now a more pronounced grille, reshaped LED headlights, new LED tail-lights and integrated tailpipes. Inside, there’s a chunkier steering wheel, new seat materials,…

WHETHER IT’S THE power of their performance models or the size of their front grilles, Germany’s big three prestige car brands are in a constant battle of one upmanship. And this new A6 50 TFSIe currently gives Audi bragging rights – at least in terms of the numbers – in the field of plug-in hybrid luxury saloons. A turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine has been combined with an electric motor and a 14.1kWh battery for up to 34 miles of fully electric running between charges – three more than BMW’s 530e can manage. And while the Mercedes-Benz E300e can also cover 34 miles, the TFSIe accelerates slightly faster than both rivals, with 0-62mph taking just 5.5sec. What’s it actually like to drive, though? Well, there’s some whine from the electric motor…

SPEND ANY TIME perusing the price lists of pick-up trucks and you’ll notice a trend: the higher the price and specification, the lower the maximum weight the vehicle can carry in its load bed will be. There is, of course, a perfectly logical explanation for this: fancy electric seats, complex climate control and other niceties add weight, so you usually have to choose between loads or luxuries. However, there’s an exception to that rule: the Ssangyong Musso Rhino, an extended version of our favourite budget pick-up. The distance between the front and rear wheels and the rear overhang have been stretched to give an extra 31cm of load bay length. To make the most of that extra length, the Rhino gets heavier-duty springs than other Mussos to give it a…

Survey statistics 12,892 survey responses 20% of older cars had a fault 27% of diesels went wrong, compared with 24% of petrols, 18% of electric cars and 11% of hybrids Cost of repairs 18% of faulty cars cost £101 to £200 to repair 17% of faulty cars were fixed under warranty 5% cost more than £1500 to repair Time off the road 44% of cars were fixed in a day or less 14% could still be driven but took more than a week to fix 8% couldn’t be driven and took more than a week to repair Most common faults 1 Suspension 20.1% 2 Non-engine electrics 17.6% 3 Brakes 16.0% 4 Battery 14.8% 5 Engine 14.6% 6 Air conditioning 14.4% 7 Engine electrics 13.6% 8 Gearbox/clutch 10.6% 9 Exhaust 10.5%…

Avoiding higher road tax on a sports SUV I’m researching my next new vehicle and am looking for a sports SUV with around 300bhp. There are plenty around, but by the time I have specced them to suit me, they always end up costing more than £40,000, putting them in the higher annual vehicle excise duty (VED) band. That said, many of these cars can be found with discounts and all can be had for less than £40,000 by shopping around. So, given the current dire situation for car sales, wouldn’t it be better for car makers to drop their list prices and reduce the discounts? I would then be more incentivised to consider one of these vehicles. As it is, if I want to buy one of these cars…

Mileage 5526 List price £29,130 Target Price £28,264 Price as tested £29,930 Test economy 31.6mpg IN EVERYDAY USE, the CX-30 has proved practical enough for the school run, dog walking and the weekly shop. But with a prelockdown family holiday to Devon looming, it was clear that there was no way it was going to accommodate me and my wife, our two kids, plus two dogs and a week’s worth of luggage, bedding and food without some extra help. A roofbox was the obvious answer, so I ordered a set of roof bars, but fitting them for the first time isn’t a DIY job unless you fancy yourself as an amateur mechanic. From the factory, the CX-30 has built-in mounting points for the bars, but they are covered by a…

Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI 150 S line Mileage 2301 List price £28,205 Target Price £26,705 Price as tested £30,830 Options fitted Matrix LED exterior lighting pack (£675), Daytona Grey metallic paint (£575), heated front seats (£330), four-way lumbar support for the front seats (£260), Progressive Steering (£240), storage pack (£175), 18in five-spoke Y-design alloy wheels in graphite (£145), flat-bottom steering wheel (£115), extended ambient lighting pack (£110) Test economy 43.4mpg Official economy 45.6mpg…

‘The A1 puts all the best Audi qualities in a pocket-sized package’ In production 2018-present Price from £16,000 Our favourite 30 TFSI Sport THERE IS NO reason why a premium car has to be a large one, nor any good reason why asmall one shouldn’t be packed with big-car tech. The original 2012 Audi A1 squeezed all the best qualities of larger Audis into a pocket-sized package that immediately became a hit with those looking for upmarket urban transport. This 2018 second-generation model has grown a little larger around the waist but still embodies the same principles. The entry-level engine is the 94bhp 1.0-litre 25 TFSI. That’s followed by a 108bhp or 113bhp 1.0-litre 30 TFSI and a 148bhp 1.5-litre 35 TFSI. At the top of the tree is the…

LESS THAN £12,000 Dacia Sandero Our pick 0.9 TCe 90 Essential List price £8795 Target Price £8716 MPG 49.6 CO2 134g/km For Lots of space for the money, decent to drive and has a fair amount of standard kit. Against Its engine is unrefined and its interior is comparatively basic. WHAT CAR? SAYS Kia Picanto Our pick 1.0 1 List price £10,745 Target Price £10,323 MPG 58.9 CO2 110g/km For Handing is tidy, the boot is relatively big and you get a long warranty. Against Engine is noisy and struggles out of town, plus safety kit is lacking at this level. WHAT CAR? SAYS Dacia Sandero Stepway Our pick 0.9 TCe 90 Essential List price £10,145 Target Price £10,052 MPG 44.8 CO2 141g/km For Reasonably well equipped, rides better than…

LESS THAN £21,000 Skoda Kamiq Our pick 1.0 TSI 95 SE List price £19,730 Target Price £18,833 MPG 49.6 CO2 129g/km For Spacious inside, with a big boot, comfortable ride and low running costs. Against Driving position isn’t very SUV-like; height-adjustable boot floor costs extra. WHAT CAR? SAYS Volkswagen T-Cross Our pick 1.0 TSI 95 SE List price £20,210 Target Price £19,438 MPG 48.7 CO2 135g/km For Good balance between ride and handling, plus a spacious, flexible interior. Against Pricier than many rivals, and you’ll want to add a few options. WHAT CAR? SAYS Suzuki Ignis Our pick 1.2 Dualjet Hybrid SZ5 List price £16,749 Target Price £16,588 MPG 54.1 CO2 117g/km For Real-world economy is excellent; spacious and practical; lots of standard kit. Against Unsettled ride; noisy on the…

LESS THAN £45,000 Volkswagen T-Roc R Our pick 2.0 TSI 300 4Motion DSG List price £40,735 Target Price £38,604 MPG 32.1 CO2 197g/km For Bombastic performance; stunning agility; decent practicality; well equipped. Against Hard dash plastics; Cupra Ateca has more rear leg room and abigger boot. WHAT CAR? SAYS Cupra Ateca Our pick 300 List price £39,050 Target Price £37,542 MPG 32.5 CO2 197g/km For Huge performance and impressive practicality for a very reasonable price. Against Doesn’t sound very exciting and isn’t as sharp to drive as the T-Roc R. WHAT CAR? SAYS Audi SQ2 Our pick TFSI quattro List price £37,395 Target Price £35,273 MPG 33.2 CO2 192g/km For Exceedingly rapid in a straight line, grippy handling, classy interior. Against The T-Roc costs only a bit more to buy…

LESS THAN £20,000 Skoda Fabia Estate Our pick 1.0 TSI 95 SE List price £16,975 Target Price £16,330 MPG 52.3 CO2 122g/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 £19,855 Target Price £18,570 MPG 49.6 CO2 130g/km For Gutsy enough performance for most buyers; lots of kit; boot is big and practical. Against Ride is restless and there’s quite abit of tyre noise on the motorway. WHAT CAR? SAYS Dacia Logan MCV Our pick 0.9 TCe 90 Comfort List price £11,745 Target Price £11,636 MPG 45.6 CO2 134g/km For Lots of space; low running costs; plenty of equipment for…

LESS THAN £25,000 Ford Fiesta ST Our pick ST-2 Performance Pack 3dr List price £22,900 Target Price £21,544 MPG 40.4 CO2 158g/km For Fun to drive, with loads of grip and a cracking engine; good value. 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 TSI 115 5dr List price £16,540 Target Price £15,991 MPG 53.3 CO2 121g/km For Gutsy little engine; grippy and surefooted; super value. Against Rivals are more involving to drive; weak infotainment; poor safety rating. WHAT CAR? SAYS £25,000-£35,000 Suzuki Swift Sport Our pick 1.4 Boosterjet Hybrid List price £21,820 Target Price £21,186 MPG 50.1 CO2 127g/km For Gutsy performance; well equipped; tidy handling. Against Not the bargain it used to be; low-rent…

LESS THAN £35,000 Audi TT Roadster Our pick 40 TFSI Sport List price £34,770 Target Price £31,837 MPG 39.8 CO2 160g/km For Brilliant to drive, plus it has a sumptuous interior and a fast-acting hood. Against Small boot; rearward visibility is poor with roof up; some essential kit is optional. WHAT CAR? SAYS Mazda MX-5 Our pick 1.5 Skyactiv-G 132 SE-L List price £23,800 Target Price £23,212 MPG 44.8 CO2 142g/km For Great to drive, with a wonderful chassis, a slick gearbox and just enough power. Against It doesn’t have the classiest interior, nor much space for people or luggage. WHAT CAR? SAYS Toyota GT86 Our pick GT86 List price £27,855 Target Price £26,180 MPG 33.2 CO2 191g/km For Light weight and classic sports car layout make the GT86 fun.…

STAR RATINGS TARGET PRICE The What Car? Target Price is the maximum you should pay for a new car and is set by our mystery shoppers. It’s updated each month and our approved dealers guarantee to match it. However, in a lot of cases, they can save you even more: just visit whatcar.com/new-car-dealsor 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 if you’re taking out a personal contract purchase (PCP) finance deal, also set by our mystery shoppers. Most are over 48 months with a 15% deposit and an 8000-mile annual limit.Those marked with an asterisk are over 36 months and those with an apostrophe…

CARS THAT CAN drive themselves have long been a staple of science fiction writers, but they’ll take a step closer to reality with the launch of the BMW iX – a new electric luxury SUV that’s intended to serve as the firm’s technology flagship. About the same size as today’s X5 and expected to be priced from around £80,000, the iX will offer Level 3 autonomy. That means it will be able to steer, accelerate and brake for itself in certain situations,at speeds of up to 80mph. However, while you aren’t required to have your hands on the steering wheel at all times, you must be ready to retake control when necessary. BMW is also promising that the iX will offer a new level of connectivity, thanks to the presence…

AUDI ISN’T ALWAYS at the vanguard when it comes to new automotive trends; in fact, it was relatively late to both the SUV and electric car markets. However, once it sees which way the wind is blowing, boy, does it commit; this Q4 e-tron is not only its ninth SUV but also one of 12 electric cars that it intends to have in its line-up by 2025. A motor is mounted on each axle to give the Q4 e-tron four-wheel drive, with these delivering a combined output of 302bhp. That’s enough for 0-62mph in 6.3sec, while an 82kWh battery gives the car an official range of 280 miles between charges. As its name suggests, the Q4 e-tron is sized between the Q3 and Q5 in terms of overall length. But…

WHILE ALFA ROMEO first showed an SUV concept car way back in 2003, it was 2017 before we got the Stelvio production model. However, given the relative success of that car and the huge popularity of SUVs in general, it’s hardly surprising that we won’t have to wait anywhere near as long for this smaller second model. Previewed in concept form in July 2019, the Tonale isn’t expected to change shape much on its journey to showrooms. Indeed, leaked photos suggest that only minor changes have been made, including more conventional front and rear bumpers, larger headlights and thicker tail-lights. With key rivals including the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and class-leading Range Rover Evoque, the Tonale will need an ace up its sleeve to stand out, and that’s coming in…

‘The electric, seven-seat ID.6 is said to have a roomier interior than the Volkswagen Touareg’ THE LARGEST, MOST luxurious electric SUV in Volkswagen’s new line-up, the ID.6 is a seven-seater that’s intended to steal sales from the Tesla Model X. It’s driven by a pair of electric motors that produce 302bhp, with power stored in an 82kWh battery. That’s said to give it an official range of up to 280 miles, and it can be recharged to 80% of capacity in around 30 minutes using a 150kW rapid charger. While certain futuristic design features of the ID.Roomzz concept car that previewed the ID.6 won’t make it to production, you can bet on it having a distinctive look of its own.This could include programmable LED rear lights that allow drivers to…

THERE WAS AN election recently, in a place called the United States of America. You might have missed it – it barely hit the headlines – but a chap called Joe Biden won (well, as things stand he did), and he seemed keener on dealing with climate change than his rival, who was a man called Donald J Trump. What’s this got to do with the all-new Hyundai Tucson? Well, the good folk of Tucson, Arizona, voted overwhelmingly for Mr Biden, so perhaps we can assume that they, too, have an eye on climate change. And that tallies nicely with the green ticket on which Hyundai’s new family SUV is campaigning. How green? For a start, there aren’t any diesel engines – just a range of 1.6-litre turbocharged petrols, and…

WHEN IS A hot hatchback not a hot hatchback? When it’s a hot five-door coupé. Yes, the freshly updated Hyundai i30 Fastback N shares all that makes its i30 N hatchback sibling so much fun but wears a rather more rakish set of clothes. It has received the same updates as the i30 N hatchback, including a larger front grille and redesigned headlights that correspond with the rest of the i30 range (the hatchback received a tweaked tail as well). There’s also a new design of 19in alloy wheel that saves 14.4kg in total, to the theoretical benefit of ride and handling. Power from the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine has been increased by 5bhp to 276bhp, trimming the 0-62mph sprint to 5.9sec as a result. You can still opt for a…

AT THE START of the first nationwide lockdown in March, plenty of armchair commentators noted that with the pubs shut, the football off and most of us working from home, there were only a few ways to spend our free time. As Countdown’s Rachel Riley tweeted: “I predict we’ll know what a lot of you filled your time with nine months from now.” Wink wink, nudge nudge. Whether there will be a baby boom remains to be seen, but for those who do find themselves in need of transport for a family that is suddenly larger, there’s the new Vauxhall Vivaro-e Life. Based on our inaugural Van of the Year, the Vauxhall Vivaro-e, the fully electric Life model has space for up to nine people inside, along with an official…

IF YOU’RE WONDERING what guns have to do with what’s clearly an estate, a shooting brake is a car that combines the style of a coupé or sports car with the practicality of a wagon. It’s a combination that’s been used to good effect previously, in the classic Reliant Scimitar GTE (a favourite of Princess Anne) and, more recently, by the likes of Kia, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. Now it’s Volkswagen’s turn. Based on the Arteon executive four-door coupé, the Shooting Brake has an extended roofline and a more upright rear screen to boost carrying capacity. It also heralds revisions to the whole Arteon range, with updated exterior styling and new interior elements that bring it into line with the latest Golf hatchback and Tiguan SUV. A range of petrol and…

Use your phone to scan the code by the car you like, or search for it on whatcar.com and click the ‘Get best price’ button. We’ll alert dealers in your area so they can compete for your business, but they can’t see your details until you’re ready to buy. You can request quotes on as many cars as you like, and your ‘My offers’ page lets you view them all in one place. While our Target PCP price allows direct finance comparisons, you can also request personalised finance quotes.…

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Mileage 1680 List price £24,410 Target Price £22,900 Price as tested £28,770 Test economy 40.2mpg THE PUMA’S BOOT is a work of genius, if you ask me. Not only is it one of the most capacious in the small SUV class, but it’s also highly practical, thanks to its clever height-adjustable floor and useful 80-litre MegaBox storage compartment beneath it. The boot floor is designed in such a way that when you lift it up from its high position, the back edge of it naturally drops behind two substantial plastic supports to hold it in a nearly vertical position, well out of the way, giving quick, convenient access to the compartment below. There are also two smaller catches that hold it completely vertical against the rear seatbacks if necessary, and…

WHEN DRIVING ON the roads of Cheshire, near my parents’ home, the chances are you’ll see one of three types of car: an SUV with enough chrome to blind an oncoming driver, a high-end sports car blasting its way around a corner, or a mile-munching saloon with a German badge on its bonnet. A less common sight is a pick-up truck. But among Cheshire’s large farming community, the Mitsubishi L200 is one of the most sought-after models. It’s a car that has always been present on the fringes of my life, too, because I’ve long had a keen interest in pick-ups and my uncle – a farmer – had a bright blue L200 when I was growing up. It amazed me back then to think how large it was inside,…

Mileage 4600 List price new (2019) £28,765 Price new with options £32,775 Value now £21,400 Test economy 34.1mpg YOU KNOW HOW gratifying it is to break a personal record? Early doubts about my used Octavia vRS’s fuel economy – which can easily dip down to 25mpg in town – were dispelled by a long trip to Dartmoor and back during the summer, at the end of which I was happy to see the digital readout displaying an impressive 40.4mpg. This personal best stood until just recently, in fact, when I managed to smash it with an all-time high of 42.6mpg, well up on the official figure of 37.7mpg. This feat was achieved on a 50-mile, four-up journey around the M25 from Surrey to Kent, involving much traffic. Impressive stuff, even…

£15,000-£17,000 Skoda Fabia Our pick 1.0 TSI 95 SE List price £15,810 Target Price £15,211 MPG 51.4 CO2 123g/km For Roomy interior, reasonably well equipped and a sprightly engine. Against There are too many hard plastics inside and the ride is firm in town. WHAT CAR? SAYS Kia Rio Our pick 1.0 T-GDi 2 List price £16,595 Target Price £16,043 MPG 48.7 CO2 132g/km For Turbo engine is a fine performer and there’s lots of kit as standard. Against It’s fidgety in town and the handling and security ratings are average. WHAT CAR? SAYS Suzuki Swift Our pick 1.2 Dualjet Hybrid SZ-T List price £15,299 Target Price £14,043 MPG 56.4 CO2 113g/km For Nippy engine can keep up on the motorway, and interior space is good. Against Some rivals ride…

LESS THAN £60,000 Range Rover Velar Our pick D180 S List price £51,050 Target Price £47,944 MPG 42.0 CO2 152g/km For Gutsy performance with reasonable running costs; big boot; good off road. Against Rear leg room is only average and some of the interior plastics feel cheap. WHAT CAR? SAYS Volvo XC90 Our pick B5D Momentum List price £54,515 Target Price £50,814 MPG 44.1 CO2 167g/km For Big, classy interior, with seating for seven and lots of standard equipment. Against The ride isn’t as smooth as you’d expect and the suspension is noisy. WHAT CAR? SAYS BMW X5 Our pick xDrive30d MHT xLine List price £59,135 Target Price £54,976 MPG 37.2 CO2 199g/km For Punchy, smooth engine; super-supple air suspension; excellent infotainment. Against Seven seats costs extra and the boot…

LESS THAN £30,000 Skoda Superb Our pick 1.5 TSI 150 SE Technology List price £25,320 Target Price £24,831 MPG 44.8 CO2 143g/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. WHAT CAR? SAYS Volkswagen Passat Our pick 1.5 TSI Evo SE Nav List price £27,085 Target Price £21,252 MPG 45.5 CO2 141g/km For Spacious, plush interior; comfortable and refined at high speeds. Against Less versatile than hatchback rivals, despite the big boot. WHAT CAR? SAYS Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon Our pick A180d Sport auto List price £28,800 Target Price £27,411 MPG 64.2 CO2 115g/km For Comfortable, attractive interior; supple ride; good infotainment. Against Rivals handle better and have bigger boots; rear head room is…

LESS THAN £35,000 Peugeot e-208 Our pick Allure List price £30,225 Target Price £29,710 Official range 217 miles CO2 0g/km For Cushioning ride; quiet cruising; smart interior; fast charging. Against Sluggish infotainment; small rear doors; restricted visibility. WHAT CAR? SAYS Renault Zoe Our pick R135 GT Line List price £33,495 Target Price £30,789 Official range 238 miles CO2 0g/km For Very low running costs; easy to drive; longer range than many price rivals. Against Unsettled low-speed ride and tight rear head room. WHAT CAR? SAYS Seat Mii Electric Our pick 36.8kWh List price £22,800 Target Price £20,455 Official range 160 miles CO2 0g/km For Easy to park; comfortable ride; one of the cheapest electric cars to buy. Against Tight for rear seat space; small boot; lacks modern safety kit.…

LESS THAN £60,000 Mercedes-AMG A-Class Saloon Our pick A35 4Matic Executive List price £38,955 Target Price £37,650 MPG 36.7 CO2 173g/km For Incredible performance, plush interior, and sublime handling. Against Shame the engine doesn’t sound more tuneful; ride could be more compliant. WHAT CAR? SAYS Mercedes-AMG C-Class Coupé Our pick C43 4Matic Premium List price £56,275 Target Price £54,650 MPG 29.4 CO2 218g/km For Smooth, powerful V6 engine, responsive nine-speed gearbox and masses of grip. Against Road and wind noise at speed; not the most entertaining handling. WHAT CAR? SAYS Kia Stinger Our pick 3.3 T-GDi GT S List price £41,145 Target Price £41,145 MPG 27.7 CO2 233g/km For Nicely balanced handling, with strong pace from purposeful-sounding V6 engine. Against Tight in the back for tall adults; not quite as…

BMW M3 Competition Price from £74,755 Data fact Makes 503bhp and 479lb ft to do 0-62mph in only 3.9sec Cupra Formentor Price from £27,395 Data fact All-new sports SUV has a boot capacity of 450 litres Suzuki Swace Price from £27,499 Data fact Hybrid officially records 64.2mpg and 99g/km for just 22% BIK tax CHEAPEST TARGETAPCPCPER R TMONTH FORERFORMANCE SALOON 1 Skoda Kamiq From £150 4 Kia Stonic From £180 2 Vauxhall Crossland X From £163 5= Citroën C3 Aircross From £182 3 Hyundai Kona From £175 5= Seat Arona From £182…