Indholdsfortegnelse for December 2022 i What Car?

‘Technology tends to get cheaper over time – an example being electric cars’ With inflation at a 40-year high, most of us have noticed that our pay packet no longer buys as much as it used to. However, there are a few things that are actually cheaper than they were 12 months ago, including smartphones and TVs. Indeed, technology in general tends to get more affordable over time, with electric vehicles (EVs) being another example. When the world’s first mass-market EV, the Nissan Leaf, went on sale in the UK in 2011, it cost £28,350. Fast forward to today and you can have a similarly spacious MG 4 that will go more than twice as far on a charge for £25,995. Meanwhile, even the flagship version, with a longer range…

Doug.Revolta@haymarket.com IN THE FOOTBALL world, the transfer window gives you a chance to buy new players to freshen up your playing squad. When an elite team has this opportunity but then makes zero new signings, it’s seen as hugely complacent. So, are we about to read the motoring equivalent? Well, the current BMW 3 Series (codenamed G20) first went on sale in 2019, and this facelift offered a chance to keep it fresh against its rivals. But the changes are so slight that, on the outside at least, you’d need to be a real BMW fan boy to notice the new ‘double bar’ design on the front grille, the slimmer headlights and the new air vents on M Sport models. RIVALS Mercedes-Benz C-Class Interior disappoints, but it rides well and…

Dan.Jones@haymarket.com LET’S IMAGINE YOU own a car company that has a rich heritage of exciting cars and something of a cult following. What do you do if you want to attract more customers? Well, these days, you add a sporty SUV to your line-up. After all, more than 50% of the cars you can buy in the UK fit into various SUV categories. Of course, this isn’t Alfa Romeo’s first SUV; the brand’s bigger Stelvio has been around since 2016. This new Tonale, though, is a more affordable model to challenge such popular rivals as the BMW X1 and Volvo XC40. Not only that, but with its mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid power options, the Tonale marks the first step in Alfa’s plan to go electric, with its first fully…

Steve.Huntingford@haymarket.com IF YOU’RE THE sort of person who thinks bigger is better, you’re going to love the new BMW XM plug-in hybrid. Developed by the brand’s M performance division, it’s not only physically huge, at just over 5.1m long, but will also have the largest price tag and offer the most power of any BMW SUV you can buy. Its design sticks closely to that of the XM concept that was shown last year, with angular lines, squared-off wheel-arches and ultra-slim LED headlights. These flank a split front grille that’s big enough to have its own postcode. And to make doubly sure you don’t miss it (if you’re looking at it from space, perhaps), the outer edges are coloured gold and the inner edges are illuminated. RIVALS Audi RS Q8…

ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT axed the plug-in car grant from 14 June 2021, it has now extended the delivery period for eligible new cars from 12 to 18 months, so that buyers facing lengthy waits for their new cars won’t miss out on the discount. Anyone who ordered a new electric vehicle (EV) before the cut-off date, and is still waiting to take delivery of it, now has until 31 March 2023 to get the car and the £1500 discount. The decision, announced by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, takes into account new car supply difficulties that were causing many buyers’ EV grant applications to lapse before they could receive their new car. Prior to the extension, only cars delivered by June 2022 were eligible for the saving. The move…

SAVE £1623 Ford Puma ST WHAT CAR? SAYS Model 1.5 Ecoboost 200 Performance Pack List price £31,565 Target Price £29,942 Target PCP £318* Fast, fun and fantastic value, the Puma ST is our favourite sports SUV. Not only is it exciting to drive, but it’s also immensely practical, comes packed with equipment and undercuts all of its main rivals on price. We recommend going for the optional Performance Pack, mainly for its traction-enhancing limited-slip differential. SCAN FOR A GREAT DEAL ON THIS CAR SAVE £1438 Toyota Yaris WHAT CAR? SAYS Model 1.5 Hybrid Icon  List price £21,460  Target Price £20,022  Target PCP £194** The Yaris is one of the cheapest small cars to run, thanks to its efficient hybrid engine set-up. It’s great value, too; even this entry-level model comes…

Take control and save time, money and all the hassle of touring dealers, wading through sales patter and haggling by buying your next new car with a guaranteed discount through whatcar.com. It’s as easy as pick, shop, drive… + pick. What Car? makes choosing the right car simple. For 45 years, we’ve offered the best expert buying advice in the business – with comprehensive in-depth independent reviews you can rely on, and clear and simple guidance that helps you find your perfect car and the best deal. ✓ shop. When you buy on What Car? you know you’re getting a good price from a trusted dealer. Our UK-wide network of retailers have signed our Dealer Charter to deliver the best customer service and support. They’ve also pledged to match our…

SCAN FOR A GREAT DEAL ON THIS CAR Buy this car at whatcar.com/new-car-deals BEST BUY Range Rover D300 SE List price £99,375 Target Price £99,375 Target PCP £963pm Options we’d add Head-up display (£1080),20-way heated/ventilated front seats and heated/ventilated, electrically reclining rear seats (£1000), versatile loadspace floor (£650), electric rear sun blinds (£550), Configurable Terrain Response (£220) Total cost of options £3500 ✓ As plush as the interior of the Range Rover is, we’d make it an even more indulgent environment by upgrading the seats (all of which are heated as standard) to include cooling front and rear, as well as electrically reclining rear seatbacks (all for £1000) for additional all-season comfort. ✓ Electric sun blinds for the rear windows are another option that will help your passengers stay cool.True,…

NEW Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce List price £54,525 Target Price £52,170 The first SUV from Alfa Romeo is genuinely thrilling in fire-breathing Quadrifoglio form, but now it’s time for the slightly more sensible Veloce to prove that its heart is in the right place Porsche Macan T List price £57,870 Target Price £57,870 In this new T trim level, Porsche’s smallest SUV gains sporty adaptive suspension, among other racy accoutrements, while its 2.0-litre engine keeps one eye on runnng costs Alfa Romeo and Porsche. Both sporting marques with bags of history behind them, with each still having a crack at furthering a record for racing greatness. Alfa Romeo has a Formula 1 team (for now), while Porsche competes in both Formula E and the FIA World Endurance Championship. Of course,…

‘The Audi A3 effortlessly blends driver appeal with a comfy ride and a classy interior’ WE LIKE ◼ Superb interior quality ◼ Quiet, smooth engines ◼ Excellent fuel economy ◼ Comfortable ride ◼ Great to drive I magine being told that luxury ice cream and Belgian chocolate are good for you. Done that? Good. Now you’re ready to hear that this aspirational premium family car is the best used hatchback you can buy. Like the latest model, the previousgeneration Audi A3 Sportback offers something for everyone. Want an economical engine? Thanks to its clever cylinder deactivation tech, our favourite 1.5-litre petrol engine (available from 2017) officially uses less fuel than even a 1.0-litre Ford Focus. Or are you looking for a comfortable long-distance companion? Well, the A3 does a fine…

WE LIKE ◼ Enormous boot ◼ Spacious, high-quality interior ◼ Composed handling ◼ Comfortable ride ◼ Well equipped A timeless classic like a Moss Bros suit or a Rotary watch, the smart yet understated Passat Estate is the ideal car for almost any occasion. This iteration marked a move upmarket, with Volkswagen decking its large load-lugger out with classier looks and a more lavish interior compared with its predecessor. The aim was to steal sales from premium rivals such as the Audi A4 Avant and BMW 3 Series Touring. It worked, and the Passat was a sales success, which means there are now plenty to pick from on the used market. As a used prospect, it trumps those rivals, because you can get a newer car for the same money. You can…

‘Refinement is a strength, with noise well contained at high speeds’ WE LIKE ▪ Practical interior ▪ Upmarket feel ▪ Comfortable ride ▪ Quiet cruising manners ▪ Good reliability Few companies have reinvented themselves as thoroughly – and as often – as Peugeot has other things) before it built its first car. So, it’s perhaps not surprising that it was prepared to rip up the template set by the original Peugeot 5008 when it introduced the second-generation version in 2017. Out went the functional but frumpy MPV styling of the original, and in its place we got a far more desirable SUV body. But, crucially, while the 5008 became a hell of a lot more stylish, practicality wasn’t sacrificed; it can seat seven, and third-row passengers get far more room…

Launch Edition Mileage 15,212 List price £56,900 Target Price na Price as tested £57,475 Test economy 29.8mpg A FEW WEEKS ago, we got to test a prototype of the Kia EV6 GT – a new high-performance version of our 2022 Car of the Year. It’s an electric model with more power than a Porsche 911 Turbo and an official 0-62mph time of just 3.5sec. That’s within a few tenths of the RS3’s, a car that costs about the same to buy. And that gave my childish brain an idea: why not find out for sure which is quicker by pitting the two cars against each other in a drag race? For the full story, you can view the video on the What Car? YouTube channel, but the short of it…

1 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 £25,585 Target Price £24,552 MPG 50.5 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…

1 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 plug-in hybrid version has plenty of poke and promises to be cheap to run. Our pick Recharge T4 Plus List price £44,450 Target Price £42,161 MPG 134.5 CO2 47g/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 2 Kia Sportage…

1 Lexus NX IN ITS LATEST iteration, this upmarket large SUV is not only the first Lexus to be offered as a plug-in hybrid but also represents a leap forward for the brand in terms of ride and handling, as well as usability. It’s more practical than the rival Audi Q5, with a classy and well-equipped interior, and it has a relatively long electric range. The NX isn’t just a Lexus you’d buy for its reliability; it’s the best car from the brand in decades. Our pick 450h+ F Sport List price £59,450 Target Price £58,130 MPG 256.7 CO2 25g/km For Impressive electric range; strong performance; high-quality interior; Lexus’s reliability record Against Petrol engine isn’t the smoothest; choppy ride at high speeds; Takumi versions are pricey WHAT CAR? SAYS 2 Audi…

1 BMW 5 Series 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 £58,075 Target Price £53,646 MPG 188.3 CO2 33g/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…

1 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 £34,245 Target Price £32,578 MPG 55.9 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…

Max.Adams@haymarket.com SOMETIMES IT’S REFRESHING to have a clearout and start afresh. With the Austral, Renault is doing just that – chucking out the petrol-only Kadjar and replacing it with a shiny new family SUV that’s available only with hybrid engines. We’ve driven the full hybrid version, which fits between the equivalent Ford Kuga and Kia Sportage in terms of performance while delivering lower emissions and better fuel economy. Its turbocharged 1.2-litre three cylinder petrol engine works with an electric motor to produce 199bhp (more than the 190bhp full hybrid Kuga). The 2kWh battery should allow you to drive using just the motor for longer than the Sportage’s 1.49kWh unit. RIVALS Ford Kuga Gives you a lot for your money in full hybrid form, but interior quality is disappointing. Kia…

George.Hill@haymarket.com IN POLITICS, IT’S usual for a governmental party to clearly signal its policies, future plans and views in order to attract followers. Motor manufacturers do the same through the medium of concept cars, and none is more literal in its name than Dacia’s Manifesto. A quick glance at this minimalist off-road buggy is all it should take to figure out that it isn’t a production car, nor is it likely to ever be. What it is, though, is a showcase for the looks and some of the features that can be expected on upcoming Dacia models, including the next-generation Duster family SUV and the Bigster seven-seat large SUV. The Manifesto has a very rugged look with a single front spotlight, a raised ride height, metal skid plates and chunky…

George.Hill@haymarket.com GIN AND TONIC, salt and pepper and bread and butter are just a few of life’s natural unions, and the same can be said of V8 engines and Mercedes-AMG performance cars. However, the all-new Mercedes-AMG C63 marks a pivotal moment of change for the brand, because its cylinder count has been slashed from eight to just four. Yes, the C63’s traditional V8 has been replaced by a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system that combines a 469bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a 201bhp electric motor. Working together, the two produce a jaw-dropping 670bhp and 752lb ft of torque, reportedly propelling the C63 from 0-62mph in just 3.4sec.To put that in perspective, the current 503bhp V8-powered Mercedes-AMG C63 S and the 503bhp BMW M3 Competition take around 3.9sec to complete…

GROUP TEST New Range Rover Sport vs BMW X5 We see which of these desirable SUVs best combines luxury and driving fun FIRST LOOK New Polestar 3 previewed Everything you need to know about Volvo’s answer to theTesla Model Y New Nissan X-Trail driven Fourth-generation SUV offers space for seven and no longer looks like an over-inflated Qashqai New Genesis GV60 takes on electric rivals It’s based on our Car of the Year, but can it really beat the big names?…

TESTING PROCESS STARTING WITH DRY leather upholstery, we applied the products using a fresh microfibre cleaning pad or the supplied applicator where appropriate. We followed the recommended process for each product. Our test car’s pale leather upholstery has seen 20 years of use, so it promised to be a challenge. We assessed how easily each product removed grime and tarnish, as well as how good the leather felt and smelt afterwards. As ever, we also factored cost into our ratings. 1 Leather Repair Company Deep Leather Cleaner and Conditioner Price £26.95 (1.0 litre) Buy from Amazon Applicator included? Yes This comes as a kit that comprises a 500ml bottle of cleaner and 500ml of conditioner. It foams up nicely and lifts ingrained dirt easily, even from awkward nooks, especially if…

Seat Leon 1.5 eTSI Evo 150 FR Sport DSG List price £31,205 Target Price £29,405 Great to drive and remarkably practical, our 2022 Family Car of the Year is back to fend off fresh competition NEW Honda Civic e:HEV Sport List price £30,595 Target Price £30,595 The previous Civic lagged behind rivals in most areas, but the latest version is fighting back with fuel-efficient hybrid tech and a much-improved interior NEW Vauxhall Astra 1.2 Turbo 130 GS Line auto List price £29,060 Target Price £27,905 The popular Astra now has sharper looks and up-to-date tech. It’s a familar name, but is it still worth knowing? HONDA CIVIC SEAT LEON VAUXHALL ASTRA As the future of motoring is heading towards a world of electric propulsion, we find ourselves in a transition…

WE LIKE ◼ High-quality interior ◼ Comfortable ride ◼ Smooth, quiet cruiser ◼ Lots of engines and trims to choose from ◼ Holds on to its value well They say that life is all about the journey, and the Audi A4 does a lot to make that journey stress-free – and not only when you’re driving. For starters, a used A4 is a pretty risk-free investment; the presence of that desirable fourringed badge on its nose helps it to retain its value healthily, and that’s great news when the time comes to move it on. But then, its sheer all-round competence means you might well want to hang on to it. The A4 puts you at ease from the moment you slide behind the wheel, surrounding you with top-class materials.…

‘The Model 3 is quicker and more fun to drive than most of its rivals’ WE LIKE ▪ Impressive range ▪ Great to drive ▪ Access to Tesla’s fast, reliable charging network ▪ Surprisingly practical ▪ Strong resale values If you buy a holiday home in some idyllic corner of the land, you might initially gawp at good value. It’s the same with the Tesla Model 3. You won’t save as much on its price if you buy used as you would on some other electric cars, but if you can charge it up at home (where prices are cheapest) and plan to keep it for a long time, it can still work out to be a bargain. The good news doesn’t stop with simple pounds and pence, either. You…

A sports car should be like your TV in that entertainment is but an ‘on’ button’s press and a used Audi TT will do exactly that. There’s a great range of engines to suit all budgets and tastes. Even the least powerful petrol and diesel offer satisfyingly brisk acceleration. For us, the sweet spot is the more powerful, 227bhp version of the 2.0-litre petrol, although speed freaks can opt for a hotter TTS or TT RS for even more thrilling performance. Whether you choose a front or four-wheel-drive TT (the latter offering extra traction in slippery conditions), it has loads of grip and eager handling, being more fun on twisty roads than the rival Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé. The TT can also double as a refined cruiser, being far more civilised…

Darren.Moss@haymarket.com Mileage 3697 List price £39,640 Target Price £39,056 Price as tested £41,750 Test economy 54.6mpg IT’S A MEASURABLE fact that the world is getting louder. How, you might ask? Well, the volume of the sirens fitted to emergency service vehicles is a good barometer, given that they need to be able to break through any hubbub. In 1912, just 36 decibels was enough for a siren to be heard 10 streets away, yet by 2019, that figure had grown to 123 decibels. Due largely to the march of human progress, quietness is just harder to come by than it used to be – that is, unless you’re sitting in my Volkswagen Tiguan. You see, when my car is driving along using only electric power, I think it has to be…

1 Mercedes-AMG A45 MAKE NO MISTAKE: our 2022 Hot Hatch of the Year is more than just a one-trick pony. Yes, it’s ballistically quick in a straight line, belting from 0-62mph in just 3.9sec, but it’s also agile and entertaining through corners. You can adjust the four-wheel drive system to send the majority of power to the rear wheels only to allow you to slide it (on a track). The ride is firm, though, and you’ll need deep pockets to afford one. Our pick S Plus List price £60,628 Target Price £60,628 MPG 31.1 CO2 206g/km For Savage performance; immense grip; engaging handling; quick-shifting automatic gearbox Against Very expensive to buy and run; firm ride; not as quiet or easy to live with as the rival Audi RS3 WHAT CAR? SAYS…

1 Hyundai Santa Fe THERE’S LOADS TO like about the latest Santa Fe, including its huge boot and practical interior with seating for up to seven adults. The regular hybrid version that we recommend offers the best trade-off between price and running costs, and even entry-level Premium trim comes with many of the luxuries that are available only on high-end versions of the closely related Kia Sorento, making it fantastic value for money. Our pick 1.6 T-GDi Hybrid 4WD Premium List price £43,465 Target Price £41,986 MPG 40.4 CO2 159g/km For User-friendly interior with seven seats suitable for adults; huge boot; loads of standard kit; long warranty Against Performance is only average; some wind noise at motorway speeds; top trim is expensive WHAT CAR? SAYS 2 Kia EV6 Our pick RWD GT-Line List…

1 Tesla Model 3 THE MODEL 3 balances range, performance, price and technology better than every other car in its class. 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 £57,490 Target Price £57,490 Range 374 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 2 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo…

1 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 £73,425 Target Price £72,156 MPG 217.3 CO2 29g/km For Superb ride and handling balance; excellent infotainment; big pure electric range; low company car tax Against No seven-seat option in our preferred plug-in hybrid form; boot isn’t as big as you’d expect WHAT CAR? SAYS BEST FOR BIG FAMILIES 2…

1 BMW 4 Series Coupé ITS LOOKS MAY 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 £44,655 Target Price £42,360 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 BEST FOR VALUE 2 Audi…

1 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 Performance Pack List price £31,575 Target Price £29,942 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 BEST HIGH-END CHOICE 2 Porsche Cayenne Coupé Our pick…

1 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo THE ALL-ELECTRIC Taycan rewrote the performance car rulebook in 2021, and now the Cross Turismo has raised the bar even higher. It brings greater versatility, courtesy of a bigger boot and roomier rear seats, plus raised suspension that seems tailor-made for battered British roads. Our preferred 4S version is more than fast enough and comes with the larger of the two batteries (a pricey option on the equivalent regular model). Our pick 4S List price £91,055 Target Price £91,055 Range 297 miles CO2 0g/km For Massive and instantaneous performance; remarkably agile; gorgeous interior; more practical than the regular Taycan Against Charging network isn’t as good as Tesla’s; range could be better WHAT CAR? SAYS BEST FOR THRILLS 2 Audi E-tron GT Our pick quattro List…

whatcar@haymarket.com REMARKABLY UNREMARKABLE. THAT’S how many would have described the MG 5, yet it’s also an appealing blend of spacious interior, long electric driving range and low pricing. As part of a 2022 facelift, the looks have been tweaked to bring the MG 5 in line with the new MG 4, while interior quality and the infotainment system have been improved. MG has also added the ability to set timed charging hours and pre-set the climate control, while vehicle-to-device charging means you can now top up your laptop or e-bike from the MG 5’s main battery. There are still two trims. SE now has a new 10.25in touchscreen, revised LED headlights, keyless entry, a rear-view camera and adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance. The Trophy adds leatherette upholstery, automatic wipers,…

Max.Adams@haymarket.com GOOD THINGS COME to those who wait; just ask that child who was desperate to open a Christmas present ahead of the big day, or anyone who bought Tesla shares when it first went public. Hot on the heels of the petrol and diesel versions of the Genesis GV70 large SUV, there’s now an electric version that promises to blow its fossil-fuelled siblings – and most of its rivals – into the weeds. Like the range-topping version of its impressive GV60 stablemate, the Electrified GV70 has two electric motors that drive all four wheels and produce up to 483bhp. A dizzying 0-62mph time of 4.2sec means it’s quicker than the BMW iX3 and Tesla Model Y Long Range. That instantaneous surge of power makes for effortless overtaking and merging…

THE COST OF living crisis is causing people to delay purchases, reduce budgets and consider different makes and models from the ones they originally planned to buy, What Car? ’s research has found. The survey of 1232 people who were in the market for a car found that 36.6% had decided to delay their purchases. Of those, 48.5% had pushed them back more than three months, and 24.1% were delaying a purchase until 2023. The research also found that 39.7% of buyers had changed the make or model of car they were considering. They included 71.7% who were considering a different brand altogether, and 12.8% who were looking to purchase a different model from the same manufacturer. Budgets have also been affected, with 35.1% of buyers saying they were reducing…

1 Buy the car from a dealer instead of a private seller If you buy a Cat N car from a dealer, you have more consumer rights. A car dealer has to declare everything they know about a car; a private seller only has to make sure the car is as described. 2 Ask lots of questions What damage did the car sustain? Are there any photos of the damage? Where were the repair works carried out? What parts were replaced? The insurer doesn’t have to release any information about how the car became a write-off, but some well-targeted questions to the dealer can help you uncover what happened. 3 Get an inspection This could cost you £200 or more – a sizeable outlay if you’re attracted to the car…

NEW MG 4 EV Long Range Trophy List price £31,495 Target Price £31,495 This all-new electric hatchback is easily the cheapest of our contenders to buy, even in top-spec form, yet it comes with lots of kit and promises a competitive range NEW Renault Megane E-Tech Equilibre List price £35,995  Target Price £35,995 Blurring the lines between hatchback and SUV, this new Megane comes exclusively with electric power. It offers the most grunt and the longest official range of our trio Cupra Born 58kWh V1 List price £36,495  Target Price £36,495 With a broad range of talents and a smart interior, the Born is our current favourite small electric car. It’s the priciest here, though, despite appearing in entry-level guise Ever heard of the IBM Simon? It was the world’s…

WHAT CAR? USED CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2023 Welcome To everything there is a season. After two years of unprecedented demand and rocketing used car prices, the latter half of this year has seen the first signs of a slowdown in the market, with the number of secondhand car sales dipping and prices levelling out. Not surprisingly, it seems the ongoing cost of living crisis and the worsening economic situation has deterred some people from making an expensive purchase. There’s reason for cheer, though. This unfortunate turn of events could turn out to be better news for anyone considering buying a used car, because they might not now have to pay over the odds to put one of the more popular models on their driveway. What are those popular…

WE LIKE ◼ Classy, practical interior ◼ Enjoyable handling ◼ Good reliability record ◼ User-friendly infotainment system ◼ Terrific value for money In the pantheon of desirable used SUVs, ranging from the weeny Suzuki Ignis at one I end to the mighty Bentley Bentayga at the other, you might think that picking out just one as an exemplar of the breed would be hard work. But as it turns out, it’s surprisingly easy, with the Mazda CX-5 standing head and shoulders above all others. Now in its second generation, Mazda’s distinctive family SUV has always been one of our favourites. For starters, keen drivers who aren’t ready to sacrifice their ideals on the altar of family-friendly transport will love it for its agile handling. The CX-5 has built up a reputation…

We – or more specifically editor Steve Huntingford – ran a new BMW 5 Series as a company car were negated by the fact that the version Steve chose was the plug-in hybrid 530e – a car that demonstrates better than any other that the trappings of luxury and a low carbon footprint can go hand in hand. But much as we love the 530e as a new car, its £50k-plus price tag is still going to be a sticking point for some buyers. Thankfully, fundamentally the same car has been around since 2017 (albeit facelifted and given a longer electric range during that time), which means you can buy a used example of this remarkable luxury saloon for as little as £18k. That said, we’d recommend spending a bit…

WHAT CAR? USED CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2023 SCAN TO FIND USED BMW 530es FOR SALE This year, all of our category winners offer that choosing one victor initially seemed like it was going to require the judgement of Solomon. For example, the Mazda CX-5 is a terrific all-rounder. If you’re after a used SUV for ferrying your family around, it’s almost impossible to overlook, being great to drive, practical, classy and, above all, superb value for money. Likewise, the Volkswagen Passat Estate. It may have been around for years, but its virtues are timeless: it’s huge inside, beautifully made and comfortable to ride in. If you’re after an affordable load-lugger with a premium feel, it’s a great choice.And who could resist the joys of an Audi TT, or…

1 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 £22,375 Target Price £21,680 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 2 Skoda Fabia Our pick 1.0 TSI 95 SE…

1 Volkswagen T-Roc THE T-ROC WAS always a fine buy, but this latest version has raised its game to a new level. A soft ride makes it more comfortable than most of its rivals, while its spacious interior is much smarter looking than the previous model’s. In addition, unlike many of its rivals, it has the high-set driving position that many SUV buyers crave. We’d stick with one of the cheaper models; top-spec T-Rocs are too expensive to be a good bet. Our pick 1.0 TSI 110 Life List price £25,810 Target Price £24,877 MPG 47.1 CO2 136g/km For Comfy ride; quiet on the motorway; spacious and well equipped; big boot; high driving position Against Not as much fun to drive as a Ford Puma; top trims are too pricey; touch-sensitive…

1 BMW 3 Series THE HYBRID BMW 330e slickly integrates the latest tech with the longheld wants and needs of executive car drivers. It’s easy to live with, has a highquality 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 £48,565 Target Price £47,264 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 2 Tesla Model 3 Our…

1 Kia EV6 OUR 2022 CAR of the Year sets the standard for this new era of electric motoring, with one of the longest ranges in the business and ultra-fast charging capability. On top of that, it’s hugely spacious and practical, as well as exceptionally refined. When you combine all that with competitive pricing and a seven-year warranty, there are few cars – electric or otherwise – that get close to the EV6’s breadth of talents. Our pick RWD GT-Line List price £47,195 Target Price £47,195 Range 328 miles CO2 0g/km For Long range; ultra-fast charging; seven-year warranty; exceptionally quiet; loads of rear leg room Against Shallow boot; not exactly cheap to buy; ride is on the firm side at low speeds WHAT CAR? SAYS 2 Skoda Enyaq iV Our…

1 Volkswagen Touran THE TOURAN MATCHES the flexibility of huge MPVs such as the Ford Galaxy, with its independently sliding middlerow 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 £33,090 Target Price £31,181 MPG 43.1 CO2 149g/km For Compact outside yet spacious inside; seats seven; Isofix child seat mounts on all rear seats; tidy to drive Against Rivals offer more economical engines and more third-row space; automatic gearbox can be hesitant WHAT CAR?…

1 BMW 4 Series Convertible LIKE THE COUPÉ on which it’s based, the 4 Series Convertible feels wonderfully balanced, and combines agile handling with impressive comfort if you specify the Pro Pack’s adaptive suspension. It’s also refined with the roof up or down, and surprisingly practical for a car of this sort, offering space for four adults and a good-sized boot. Throw in an upmarket and well-equipped interior and you’ve got a drop-top that’s hard to fault. Our pick 420i M Sport (Pro Pack) List price £49,455 Target Price £45,077 MPG 40.4 CO2 160g/km For Agile and precise handling; comfortable ride; user-friendly infotainment system; classy interior Against Some visibility issues; rear seats fold flat but don’t split; adjustable lumbar support costs extra WHAT CAR? SAYS BEST FOR VALUE 2 Fiat…

1 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 model, because this swaps the uncouth engines of lesser versions for a glorious 4.0-litre flat six. Our pick GTS 4.0 List price £70,770 Target Price £70,770 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…