Indholdsfortegnelse for July 2021 i What Car?

KOREAN BRAND GENESIS has announced that it will start selling cars in the UK this summer. Genesis is the premium division of Hyundai, in the same way that Lexus is Toyota’s. It will initially offer two models: the GV80 SUV and G80 saloon. The GV80 will take on luxurious seven-seaters such as the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90, while the G80 is a rival for the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class – albeit one that’s available as a fully electric car. The company’s range will quickly expand to include the smaller GV70 SUV and G70 saloon, plus Genesis has promised that two further electric models and “a dedicated European product” will arrive within a year. Genesis customers will be able to buy cars entirely online, although the brand will…

1 Ring RTC6000 Price £64.90 Buy from amazon.co.uk Inflation time 2min 15sec Cordless Yes Our winner lags slightly behind its corded Ring RAC830 sibling in terms of inflation speed, but only by about 20 seconds, and that time is recouped by not having to plug it in. It’s smaller and faster than the Halfords Rechargeable model, yet it retains both a deflate button and a low-pressure inflator/deflator for the likes of airbeds. As with the RAC830, it’s easy to use, with a large digital screen and intuitive controls. WHAT CAR? SAYS 2 Wolf Glovebox Genie Price £22.98 Buy from amazon.co.uk Inflation time 3min 20sec Cordless No This inflator is a useful £17 cheaper than the Sealey MAC01, and yet it’s only 25 seconds behind that unit’s brisk test…

CAN YOU NAME the last Porsche that wasn’t fantastic to drive? No, we’re racking our brains, too. Everyone knows how celebrated the 911 is, while the 718 Cayman is arguably an even sweeter steer and the Macan proved to the world that SUVs can actually handle. Then the Taycan came along and gave us sports car thrills in the electric vehicle (EV) domain. Yes, Porsche achieved the seemingly impossible: a near-2500kg EV that could zing through bends like a… zingy thing. It went on to beat the Tesla Model S and win our 2021 Performance Car of the Year award. But now it has achallenger: the new Audi E-tron GT. This test could well be tighter than Scrooge without his wallet, because the E-tron GT is essentially a Taycan 4S…

Mileage 2620 List price £52,325 Target Price £46,211 Price as tested £59,080 Test economy 72.8mpg IF YOU’RE GOING to run a plug-in hybrid, you’ve got to plug it in regularly for it to make sense. Hardly a revelation, I know, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t. The thing is, we all lead busy lives. And because you have a petrol engine as well as an electric motor, it’s so easy to save a bit of time by just relying on the former for a bit, rather than going to the trouble of fishing the charging cable out of the boot. Then inevitably, a bit becomes a lot. So, how much difference does it make? Well, in real-world conditions, my BMW 530e averages about 35mpg when running purely on…

YOU NEED ONLY take one look at the gargantuan Skoda Superb Estate to know it’ll be a great load lugger; buy one and you’ll never dread a trip to Ikea and the embarrassing scenario of misjudging what’ll fit in the back. So impressive is it that it’s won our Estate Car of the Year award as a new car five years on the trot, and it stacks up extremely well as a used buy. This means you can opt for this range-topping Laurin & Klement trim level, which is too pricey for us to recommend when new, without your costs spiralling. We’re testing a three-year old example against an Audi A4 Avant of the same age. It doesn’t have the outright space of the Superb, but it does have those…

Seat Leon AS A FAMILY car, the latest Leon gets the basics right by offering a big boot and even more space for passengers than the gigantic Skoda Octavia. But it also serves up a very welcome slice of fun and costs less to run than you’d think. Don’t go thinking that the Leon feels even remotely hairshirt, either. It’s every bit as smart inside as the more expensive Volkswagen Golf, while its infotainment system is more user-friendly. Our pick 1.5 TSI Evo 130 FR List price £24,065 Target Price £21,064 MPG 50.4 CO2 127g/km For Great handling; smart, spacious interior; punchy yet frugal petrol engines; generous standard spec Against Ride is on the firm side; more wind and road noise than some rivals; very few optional extras available WHAT…

Volvo XC40 IT MAY HAVE been a few years since we voted Volvo’s most affordable SUV our overall Car of the Year, but it remains a hugely desirable product that’s backed up by real substance. The XC40 blends generous passenger space and a practical boot with a quality interior and the sort of top-notch safety you expect from the brand. Plus, our recommended version has plenty of poke and comes well equipped. Our pick T3 R-Design auto List price £34,080 Target Price £31,789 MPG 38.2 CO2 166g/km For Stylish, high-quality interior; big and clever boot; supple ride on most versions; comprehensive safety kit Against Fiddly infotainment system; lacks the rear seat flexibility of some rivals; body sways around a bit WHAT CAR? SAYS Range Rover Evoque Our pick P300e HSE…

Skoda Octavia Estate THE iV IS one of the more expensive Octavias, but it’s still one of the cheaper plug-in hybrids, and for many the investment will pay back dividends. Its official 282.5mpg economy shows what’s possible if you charge regularly, plus the car drops into the exceptionally low 6% benefit-in-kind bracket. As a bonus, you get all the usual Octavia Estate benefits, including lots of kit, a very comfy ride and vast space. Our pick 1.4 TSI iV SE Technology List price £32,185 Target Price £32,185 MPG 282.5 CO2 23g/km For Very low company car tax; 41-mile electric range; cosseting ride; vast boot; competitive price; well equipped Against Plenty of rivals are more fun to drive; floaty over undulations; air-con controls are in touchscreen WHAT CAR? SAYS BMW 3…

BMW 5Series OUR FAVOURITE LUXURY car for the past four years still offers the very best traits of this class. Take the interior, for example: it’s virtually identical to that of the pricier 7 Series and just as well made, despite the 5 Series costing far less. As a bonus, the 530e plug-in hybrid variant can complete many journeys on electric power. And even when its petrol engine does fire up, the car is quiet enough to shame full-on limousines. Our pick 530e M Sport Pro Pack List price £54,820 Target Price £48,507 MPG 188.3 CO2 34g/km For Fast and fun, yet comfortable and refined; low running costs, particularly as a company car; superb interior Against You need to add adaptive suspension (part of the Pro Pack) for the best…

Skoda Superb Estate SPACE IS THE name of the game when you’re looking at wagons, and the Superb Estate has been our favourite for six years, striking the sweet spot of practicality, comfort, low running costs and value more accurately than any rival. In fact, with masses of load space for flat-pack furniture or suitcases and palatial comfort for passengers, it’s one of the most impressive family holdalls in any class of car. Our pick 2.0 TDI 150 SE L List price £31,590 Target Price £29,287 MPG 56.0 CO2 132g/km For Comfortable ride; limo-like rear passenger space; huge boot with lots of practical touches; well priced Against Some rivals are more fun to drive on twisty roads; automatic gearbox can be a tad jerky in traffic WHAT CAR? SAYS Skoda…

BMW X6 THE COUPÉ SUV class wouldn’t exist without the BMW X6. However, the latest version isn’t the benchmark due to its history, but because it moves the game on again. It’s one of the more entertaining cars in the class to drive, and offers stunning performance, no matter which engine you choose. Meanwhile, the interior is as easy to use as it is beautifully built, and you even get generous rear space. Our pick xDrive30d MHT M Sport List price £66,235 Target Price £62,207 MPG 42.2 CO2 176g/km For High-quality interior; powerful yet frugal diesel engine; practical by the standards of the class; great to drive Against Ride is on the firm side; some options you’ll want are pricey; looks won’t appeal to all WHAT CAR? SAYS Range Rover…

THE DACIA SANDERO has had its What Car? Car of the Year title removed after it received a two-star overall safety rating from independent test experts Euro NCAP in April. Following a thorough evaluation of the Euro NCAP scores and after dialogue with Dacia, it became clear that, despite the car maker’s best efforts, there was no solution that could be implemented in the short term that would increase the Sandero’s rating. The Sandero did achieve four stars for the protection it offers adult and child occupants in an impact, along with a three-star rating for pedestrian impact protection. However, according to Euro NCAP rules, the car’s overall rating was dictated by its lowest score: two stars for active safety assist technology. Explaining this rating, Euro NCAP said that while…

HANG ON… DOESN’T Toyota already have a big, circa-£50k SUV with seven seats? Well, yes, the Land Cruiser does meet those criteria, but its specialisms are ruggedness and off-roading. It doesn’t (how shall we put this politely?) offer much in the way of on-road sophistication. The new Highlander is designed to be more genteel. It’s actually slightly larger than the Land Cruiser, so it should be an even better people carrier, and it’s a hybrid, so it promises to be frugal. But there are other cars that follow the same basic blueprint, and one of them is our Large SUV of the Year, the Kia Sorento. It, too, is a hybrid, and even the range-topping version undercuts the Highlander by more than £3000. Cheaper still is the new Hyundai Santa…

We said at the start that it might be a close call. Well, that’s how it’s ended up. We’ve called it in the Taycan’s favour because we prefer the way it drives and it’s even faster – both important factors in this class. It’s also quieter at high speeds and has a more appropriately finished interior. Bear in mind, though, that every one of the E-tron GT’s aforementioned shortcomings is us borderline nitpicking. It’s still a hugely quick and entertaining EV, and it’s just as comfortable as the Taycan. It’s so good, in fact, that if you were to be swayed by the E-tron GT’s more generous kit list or its looks, we’d totally understand. But in the objective areas that matter most, it can’t quite match the Taycan. Porsche…

There’s no denying the temptation to go for the prestige option here and choose the A4 Avant; its interior is classy, its infotainment is excellent and it’s marginally better to drive. With such a big saving compared with buying new, you’d be very happy with one on your drive. However, in the end, our money would go on the Superb Estate. It may not have a premium badge, but its extra standard equipment and supreme practicality make up for that. And with a saving of thousands by choosing it over the A4, you’ll be laughing all the way to the bank. Skoda Superb Estate For Cavernous boot; more rear seat space; much cheaper to buy Against Engine note can be gruff; interior not as special; fiddly infotainment Audi A4 Avant…

Toyota GR Yaris THE GR YARIS is a truly special machine that feels tailor-made for tackling a British B-road. With its small proportions, clever four-wheel drive system and firecracker of an engine, its performance is incredibly accessible, yet it’s also fast enough to frighten thoroughbred sports cars. For pure driving thrills, hot hatches don’t get any better. And yet it’s well priced and should be fairly cheap to run. Our pick 1.6 Circuit Pack List price £33,520 Target Price £33,520 MPG 34.4 CO2 186g/km For An absolute riot in the bends; incredible traction and acceleration off the line; tempting finance deals Against Limited rear seat and boot space; interior too similar to a regular Yaris’s; small range of options WHAT CAR? SAYS Honda Civic Type R Our pick 2.0 VTEC…

Kia Sorento THE SORENTO’S HYBRID tech combines good real-world fuel economy with comparatively low CO2 emissions, while the ride is forgiving and the steering pleasingly accurate. Throw in a nicely made interior that can seat seven adults in comfort, a driving position that’s lofty enough to make HGV drivers jealous, and Kia’s unmatched seven-year warranty, and you’ve got an outstanding all-rounder. Our pick 1.6 T-GDi Hybrid 2 List price £39,110 Target Price £37,868 MPG 40.9 CO2 158g/km For Vast interior; frugal and strong engine; industry-leading warranty; comfortable ride; well equipped Against Expensive considering you don’t get a premium badge; automatic gearbox can be hesitant WHAT CAR? SAYS Hyundai Santa Fe Our pick 1.6 T-GDi Hybrid 4WD Premium List price £42,535 Target Price £39,174 MPG 40.4 CO2 159g/km For A great…

Volkswagen ID.3 THANKS TO REAR-WHEEL drive, accurate steering and fine body control, the ID.3 is an electric car that’s genuinely fun to drive. What’s more, its practicality is up with the roomiest family hatchbacks, and predicted resale values are superb. As a bonus, the ID.3 performed exceptionally well in the latest Euro NCAP safety tests, because it’s good at protecting occupants in a crash and at avoiding crashes in the first place. Our pick Pro Performance Life List price £33,790 Target Price £32,797 Range 263 miles CO2 0g/km For Long official range; fun to drive; spacious and practical interior; slow predicted depreciation Against Iffy interior quality; infotainment systems puts style before substance; charging network weaker than Tesla’s WHAT CAR? SAYS Fiat 500 Our pick 42kWh Icon List price £27,995 Target…

BMW X5 WHEN CHOOSING A plug-in hybrid, it goes without saying that you want economy and cost-effectiveness, but if you don’t want to compromise on the finer things in life, the X5 xDrive45e is right up your street. It offers the same fantastic interior as any other X5, and is even more refined. Yet it’s cheaper to run than rivals, not least because it can travel a whopping 54 miles on electric power. Our pick xDrive45e M Sport List price £69,915 Target Price £65,137 MPG 217.3 CO2 29g/km For Superb ride and handling balance; excellent infotainment; big pure electric range; low company car tax Against Only seats seven if you go for our preferred engine; the boot isn’t as big as you’d expect WHAT CAR? SAYS Audi Q7 Our pick…

Fiat 500 Cabrio THE LATEST FIAT 500 Cabrio is all-electric – a sign of the times, no doubt. However, don’t think that it takes the number one spot just because it taps into the zeitgeist. True, the way you can whizz around near-silently gives it a trump card that no other drop-top can match, but just as appealing is its high-quality interior and the fact that it’s every bit as good to drive as the hatchback on which it’s based. Our pick Icon List price £30,645 Target Price £30,645 Official range 188 miles CO2 0g/km For Great interior with lots of kit; refined and good to drive; low running costs; useful range between charges Against Tiny rear seats; ride could be more settled; pricier than some conventionally powered rivals WHAT…

Ford Puma ST UNTIL RECENTLY, BUYING a sports SUV required a sizeable outlay, but the Ford Puma ST changes that. And don’t think the fact that it costs far less than the competition means it’s far less fun. Even the mighty Porsche Cayenne has to bow to the Puma’s incredible agility, while its greater driver engagement and less extreme acceleration mean there’s far more chance to enjoy yourself on public roads. Our pick 1.5 Ecoboost 200 Perf Pack List price £29,460 Target Price £28,019 MPG 41.5 CO2 155g/km For Hugely entertaining handling; tuneful and punchy engine; relatively cheap to buy and run Against Occasionally bouncy ride; infotainment system could be slicker; Volkswagen T-Roc is bigger in the back WHAT CAR? SAYS Porsche Cayenne Coupé Our pick GTS List price £92,530…

Porsche 718 Cayman IT’D BE EASY to write off the Cayman as a poor man’s 911. It can be bought for as little as half the money, so it must be half the car, right? Well, actually, no; in the ways that matter most, the Cayman is the best sports car on the planet. The only caveat is that you need to go for the GTS version, because this swaps the uncouth engines of lesser versions for a glorious 4.0-litre flat six. Our pick GTS 4.0 List price £67,295 Target Price £67,295 MPG 25.9 CO2 247g/km For Brilliant handling; rich, soulful naturally aspirated six-cylinder GTS engine; classy interior Against Lacks the level of standard kit you’d expect of such a pricey car, both in terms of luxuries and safety WHAT…

THE TIME WHEN you’ll be able to buy a self-driving car is edging closer, and while we’re not there yet, taking your hands off the steering wheel in certain situations will be legal in the UK before the end of this year. The Government has announced that cars fitted with automatic lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control will be permitted to drive at up to 37mph in a single lane without their drivers interacting with them, other than by keeping their attention on the road. The law change has the potential to make motorway traffic jams less stressful for millions of drivers. However, it’s important to note that the Government also states that it must be possible for control to be “easily and safely” returned to the driver when needed.…

ABARTH 595 1.4 T-Jet 145 3dr WHAT CAR? SAYS List price £17,775 Target Price £17,775 Target PCP na The 595 is a stylish small hot hatchback that offers impressive straight-line performance. However, rivals grip harder and offer more precise handling, and it can be difficult to find a comfortable driving position. ALFA ROMEO Giulietta 1.4 TB Sprint WHAT CAR? SAYS List price £22,510 Target Price £21,504 Target PCP £208 The relatively affordable Giulietta is Alfa Romeo’s offering in the family car class, and its sharp styling might appeal. There are some good engines on offer, too, but interior quality, ride comfort and rear space are all sub-par. ASTON MARTIN Vantage V8 coupé auto WHAT CAR? SAYS List price £122,865 Target Price £122,865 Target PCP na Want to be like Bond?…

BEST BUY Fiat 500 42kWh Icon List price £27,995 Target Price £27,995 Options we’d add Eye Park Pack (£850), Magic Eye Pack (£850), Winter Pack (£450), Comfort Seats Pack (£300) Cost of options £2450 ✓ Fiat’s Winter Pack adds heated seats to keep you toasty while the interior comes up to temperature in cold weather. It can also help you to get moving quickly; you get a heated windscreen that can clear itself of mist far more promptly than conventional blowers will manage. Not at all bad for just £450. ✓ The Comfort Seats Pack is useful if you plan on taking your 500 on longer trips. It includes six-way adjustable front seats to help you find an ideal driving position, plus a central armrest with storage underneath. That means…

JUST BECAUSE something’s selling by the bucketload, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s any good. So, from the minimalist headphones that sound tinny and fall apart (usually just after the warranty expires) to the big-name champagne that isn’t as tasty as the supermarket’s own brand, it pays to read the reviews. Cars are no different. The original Vauxhall Mokka soared high in the UK sales charts and stayed there for quite some time, yet it was a bit, well, rubbish. It wasn’t good to drive, didn’t have a particularly big boot and depreciated faster than a Picasso painting that had been put through a rinse and spin cycle. Thankfully, there’s now an all-new Mokka – and when we say ‘all new’, we really mean it. There’s no trace of the General…

The Highlander is far from a bad car. It’s relatively fuel-efficient for something so big, it offers seating for seven, albeit with limited head room, and it should prove reliable. Sadly, one thing makes it very hard for us to recommend: Toyota’s pricing. It simply isn’t good enough to wear a £50k price tag, and it’s also astronomically expensive for those who plan to pay using PCP finance. Not that the Sorento and Santa Fe are exactly cheap, and we’d certainly point you towards the cheaper trim levels if you can live without such fripperies as a panoramic roof and ventilated seats. But both of the Korean cars are still vastly cheaper than the Highlander, and it’s actually the Santa Fe’s slightly better value that wins the day here. However,…

Mileage 1445 List price £25,150 Target Price £23,266 Price as tested £26,950 Test economy 40.1mpg SOFT SUSPENSION DOESN’T always mean a comfy ride, as my Skoda Octavia proves. To recap: I chose to forgo the optional adaptive suspension when I ordered my car, on the basis that the standard set-up seemed to have the comfort side of things pretty well covered, plus I upgraded to 18in wheels from the standard 17s. I’m no longer convinced either was the best decision. While my car is indeed very supple on the motorway, in town it crashes and thumps over potholes. The body also bounces a fair bit over speed bumps, and if you hit one going even slightly too fast, there’s an almighty bang from the suspension. I’m not sure what difference…

Honda Jazz THE JAZZ IS the small car to beat for passenger space, and its unique and incredibly flexible rear seating only adds to its practicality. It’s neither the most fun car in the class (that’s the Ford Fiesta) nor the most comfortable (that’s the Peugeot 208), but with excellent visibility, it’s definitely easy to drive. Hybrid power also makes it really cheap to fuel, and slow depreciation helps make up for high prices. Our pick 1.5 i-MMD Hybrid SR List price £20,645 Target Price £19,060 MPG 62.8 CO2 102g/km For Remarkably spacious, with great seating flexibility; strong performance; lots of standard kit; holds value well Against Pricey by small car standards; not the quietest cruiser; disappointing infotainment system WHAT CAR? SAYS Volkswagen Polo Our pick 1.0 TSI 95 Match…

Ford Puma THE PUMA IS a joy to drive, because it’s super-nimble for a small SUV, while the steering gives you a real sense of connection with the front wheels. These are things you’ll appreciate no matter what type of road you’re driving on. True, rear seat space is only so-so, but the Puma is still surprisingly practical, thanks to a huge boot with a height-adjustable floor. It’s also well equipped, strong on safety and very fuel-efficient. Our pick 1.0 Ecoboost 155 Titanium List price £22,785 Target Price £21,151 MPG 50.4 CO2 127g/km For Great fun to drive, yet rides bumps well; remarkable blend of performance and economy; big, clever boot Against Space in the back is adequate rather than outstanding; over-the-shoulder visibility could be better WHAT CAR? SAYS Skoda…

BMW 3Series THE HYBRID BMW 330e slickly integrates the latest tech with the long-held wants and needs of executive car drivers. It’s easy to live with, has a high-quality interior and is great to drive, yet it’s also cheap to run. When charged, it can officially cover 37 miles on electricity, and it remains fairly frugal when running on petrol power. The resulting low emissions yield huge tax savings for company car drivers. Our pick 330e M Sport Pro Pack List price £44,635 Target Price £41,465 MPG 188.3 CO2 34g/km For Great to drive; low emissions and good electric range; high-quality interior; class-leading infotainment Against Smaller boot and petrol tank than regular 3 Series; sporty suspension setup won’t be to all tastes WHAT CAR? SAYS Tesla Model 3 Our pick…

Tesla Model 3 PUT SIMPLY, NO large electric car balances range, performance, price and technology as well as the Model 3. It was already hugely compelling, both as a private buy and a company car, but a refresh for 2021 made it even better. Factor in access to Tesla’s unbeatable charging network and the Model 3 is an incredibly desirable yet thoroughly sensible choice. It’s the best argument yet for switching from fossil fuels. Our pick Long Range List price £48,490 Target Price £48,490 Range 360 miles CO2 0g/km For Dependable, fast charging network; well priced; stuffed with tech; surprisingly practical; enjoyable to drive Against Firm town ride, pricey finance deals; interior is better than it was, but could still be plusher WHAT CAR? SAYS Porsche Taycan Our pick 4S…

Volkswagen Touran THE TOURAN MATCHES the flexibility of huge MPVs such as the Ford Galaxy, with its independently sliding middle-row seats. And despite being a far more compact car, adults fit in all three rows. What’s more, the Touran feels much like a normal hatchback from behind the wheel, thanks to tidy handling and a supple ride. So yes, it exists to offer an abundance of functionality, but that doesn’t define the way it drives at all. Our pick 1.5 TSI 150 SE List price £29,115 Target Price £23,470 MPG 42.8 CO2 150g/km For Compact outside yet spacious inside; seats seven adults; Isofix on all rear seats; tidy to drive; tempting PCPs Against There are cheaper cash buys; Ford Galaxy has more third row space; automatic gearbox can be hesitant…

BMW 4Series ITS LOOKS MIGHT be divisive, but whether or not you’re a fan of this 4 Series’ aggressive styling, you’ll love what’s underneath. This is one of the most rewarding driver’s cars in the class and, if you opt for the Pro Pack’s adaptive suspension, it’s also a very comfortable everyday car. In addition, the 4 Series benefits from a wonderful interior with supportive seats and class-leading infotainment. Our pick 420i M Sport Pro Pack List price £43,300 Target Price £40,476 MPG 42.2 CO2 151g/km For Rewarding handling; no longer so derivative of 3 Series; high-quality interior; composed ride Against Looks won’t be for everyone; some rivals have larger boots; you hear wind and tyre noise at speed WHAT CAR? SAYS Audi TT Our Pick 45 TFSI Sport Edition…

Porsche Taycan SOME MIGHT VIEW it as heresy to declare an electric car the number one performance car, but the Taycan is proof that such models can be just as rewarding and usable as the best petrol rivals, and then some. Even the entry-level 4S version can sprint from 0-62mph in just 4.0sec. Plus, the Taycan has exceptionally precise, tactile steering and incredible poise in corners. Its brakes are monstrous, too. Our pick 4S Performance Battery Plus List price £87,541 Target Price £87,541 Official range 288 miles CO2 0g/km For Massive and instantaneous performance; remarkably agile; gorgeous interior; seats four adults Against Charging network isn’t as good as Tesla’s; similar-priced Model S is more spacious WHAT CAR? SAYS Mercedes-AMG C63 Our pick S Estate List price £78,163 Target Price £70,199…