Innehållsförteckning för July 2023 från What Car?

steve.huntingford@haymarket.com IN THE BBC show Who Do You Think You Are?, celebrities trace their family trees, often with surprising results. And, similarly, when you take a closer look at some cars, you find they’re related to models you wouldn’t have expected. Take the new Volvo EX30. When it goes on sale early next year, this small SUV will be the brand’s most affordable electric car yet. But it’s not an only child; instead, it’s the sister model to the recently launched Smart #1, with the two cars based on the same underpinnings. How come? Well, although Volvos are still designed in Sweden (with most of them manufactured there as well), the brand is now owned by Chinese firm Geely. And Volvo isn’t the only European brand in Geely’s stable; it…

max.adams@haymarket.com WE’LL SAY ONE thing about the BYD Dolphin: it’ll give I Spy players a new way to bamboozle their opponents. After all, who expects to hear “I spy a Dolphin!” on a motorway jaunt? This new small electric car from China will arrive on our shores this summer, hot on the heels of the firm’s larger Atto 3 electric SUV. It’s similar in size to the Peugeot e-208 and Vauxhall Corsa Electric, with a starting price predicted to be close to that of an entry-level MG 4. At launch, the Dolphin’s 60kWh (usable) battery is predicted to bring an official range of 265 miles, with a smaller 45kWh option arriving later. A single 201bhp electric motor takes the Dolphin from 0-62mph in 7.0sec; on paper, that makes it quicker…

george.hill@haymarket.com As Apple knows, diversity is all if you want to dominate the market. Hence the iPhone is joined by the iPhone Plus, Pro and Pro Max, which team up to cover all cutting-edge smartphone bases. And that also explains the new Honda ZR-V, which handily fills a gap in the Japanese brand’s existing non-electric SUV line-up. It’s slightly smaller than the CR-V, but it’s larger than the HR-V, so it faces such rivals as the Ford Kuga, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage – the latter being our reigning Family SUV of the Year. Unlike its adversaries, though, the new ZR-V will be offered only with hybrid power; no plug-in hybrid version is currently planned to join the range. The ZR-V shares its underpinnings with the Civic family car, using…

DRIVERS OVER 70 years old should have their eyesight tested if they want to keep driving, and they should face mandatory retests every three years thereafter. That’s according to the Older Drivers Forum, a road safety organisation backed by the police. The group’s founder, former traffic officer Rob Heard, says the current testing requirements for older drivers are inadequate. Speaking to What Car?, Heard said the current UK rules are “out of date” compared with many other countries, which have regular eye assessments in place for elderly drivers. “We’re one of the worst countries in Europe,” he said. “There are currently only two times in a driver’s career when their eyesight must be tested: during the driving test, and when a police officer asks them to read a licence plate…

SCAN FOR A GREAT DEAL ON THIS CAR SAVE £1736 Skoda Kamiq WHAT CAR? SAYS Model 1.0 TSI 95 SE List price £22,780 Target Price £21,044 Target PCP £222 The Kamiq is one of the best cars in the small SUV class, being bigger and more comfortable than a lot of its rivals. In fact, you’ll be amazed at how much room there is in the rear seats and the boot. Overall, it’s an excellent package, and it’s especially good value in entry-level SE form. SAVE £1031 Land Rover Discovery WHAT CAR? SAYS Model D300 S List price £60,540 Target Price £59,509 Target PCP £659 One of the Discovery’s biggest – and most surprising – strengths is its price. In D300 S form, it’s a fair bit cheaper than similar-sized…

claire.evans@haymarket.com THE DOLPHIN MAY be a small electric car, but it’s a big model for Chinese brand BYD, which is pinning its hopes of cracking the UK market on this new, value-focused hatchback. It’s the second model to be launched by the brand in the UK; its first was the Atto 3 electric SUV (see p64). But the Dolphin – which is larger than most small hatchbacks and similar in size to the Volkswagen ID 3 – is likely to be the bigger seller. The Dolphin is likely to be very affordable by electric car standards. The range is expected to start at £26,500 for versions with a 45kWh battery, undercutting the Peugeot e-208, Vauxhall Corsa Electric and even the MG 4 – our favourite small electric car. Models with…

TESTING PROCESS A GOOD GLASS cleaner should do more than just clean your car’s glass surfaces; it should also help to maintain optimum visibility for weeks after use. To find the best, we applied our glass cleaners to dirty car windows that previously had only been washed by the rain. We followed each manufacturer’s recommended process and assessed how clean the glass was after using the products, how streak-free the results were, and how long the new shine lasted before another spritz was needed. SCAN FOR MORE PRODUCT REVIEWS GTechniq G6 Perfect Glass Price £12.38 Buy from Amazon Size 500ml This product is fragrance and colour-free, and there’s a good reason why: such things, GTeqhniq says, can cause smearing. And non-smearing glass is this product’s speciality. It works by creating…

NEW Alfa Romeo Tonale 1.3 PHEV Veloce List price £48,495 Target Price £48,495 The Tonale comes from a marque that’s steeped in driver appeal, but does it deliver on the promise of its rakish looks, while ticking all the other family SUV boxes? Range Rover Evoque P300e R-Dynamic S List price £48,715 Target Price £47,499 Evoques are a deservedly common sight on the road, and this plug-in hybrid version has the benefit of fast charging. Can it hold up well enough to shrug its new rival off? A sales rep interviewed for the insightful 1993 BBC documentary From A to B: Tales of Modern Motoring reckoned that the ‘i’ badge on his fuel-injected Vauxhall Cavalier’s bootlid denoted that he was important. Today, he would find the ‘I’ in ‘BIK’ of much greater…

jim.holder@haymarket.com Mileage 3466 List price £39,495 Target Price £38,333 Price as tested £40,445 Test range 228 miles ONCE UPON A time, I looked for snowdrops, bluebells or daffodils emerging from the ground to mark the changing of the seasons. These days, I look at my electric car’s predicted range. Arguably, it’s a foolish way of working; range readouts in electric vehicles (EVs) are often unhelpfully inaccurate, typically taking an average of your recent use and applying it regardless of what you’re doing at the time. But one thing that can be assured to make a significant and positive difference to your range – both predicted and actual – is a spell of brighter weather. In my experience, the springing of spring, and a shift upwards from ambient temperatures of around 5-10deg…

allan.muir@haymarket.com A GOOD OLD thesaurus is going to come in handy for the task before me today. The challenge is to summarise my Kia Sportage without repeating myself by using the word ‘excellent’ over and over again. During the time I had my car, the Sportage went from being one of our favourite family SUVs to the outright champion of the class. In naming it our 2023 Family SUV of the Year, we praised it for the breadth of its talents, saying that, for the money, nothing else was as well rounded or polished. Champagne corks were duly popped and Kia probably had to build a bigger mantelpiece to accommodate the latest addition to its ever-expanding collection of trophies, not just for the Sportage but also for other great models…

steve.huntingford@haymarket.com Mileage 2408 List price £77,495 Target Price £74,033 Price as tested £84,035 Test range 222 miles THEY SAYTHE devil’s in the details, but I reckon such things can be pretty angelic, too, with the climate control system in my Jaguar I-Pace a prime example. You see, the driver and front passenger each gets a large dial, which you twist to change the temperature, pull out then twist to adjust the fan speed, and push in and twist for the heated seat. It’s a really clever bit of packaging that keeps distraction to an absolute minimum, because there’s no need to hunt for individual buttons. You can even, if you prefer, choose for the heated seats to be the primary function, and the interior temperature a click away. True, switching…

CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2023 BEST SMALL CAR HONDA JAZZ 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 usability. However, crucially, the Jazz outscores its rivals even if you take practicality out of the equation, thanks to its great driving position, strong performance and generous standard kit. Hybrid power makes it really cheap to fuel, too, and slow depreciation helps to make up for relatively high prices. Our pick 1.5 i-MMD Hybrid Elegance List price £25,900 Target Price £25,900 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…

CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2023 BEST SMALL SUV VOLKSWAGEN T-ROC 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 £27,045 Target Price £25,808 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…

CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2023 BEST EXECUTIVE CAR TESLA MODEL 3 1 Tesla Model 3 AS WELL AS being one of the best electric cars you can buy, the Model 3 makes complete sense for company car drivers too, largely thanks to its lowly 2% benefit-in-kind tax rating and outstanding efficiency. Even the entry-level RWD version we recommend has a long range, plus it’s good to drive, packed full of tech, reasonably priced and very practical. Tesla’s dedicated public charging network is second to none, too. Our pick RWD List price £42,990 Target Price £42,990 Range 305 miles CO2 0g/km For Class-leading efficiency; fast charging via Tesla’s own network; surprisingly practical; well priced Against Firm low-speed ride; not all that quiet at motorway speeds; not quite as much fun to…

CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2023 OVERALL WINNER VOLKSWAGEN ID BUZZ 1 Volkswagen ID Buzz OUR 2023 OVERALL Car of the Year is styled to look like Volkswagen’s classic camper but is actually a thoroughly modern electric car. It’s very pleasant to drive, behaving more like a good SUV than a van, plus it’s hugely spacious inside and cheaper than you’d think if you’re buying on finance. As such, it makes a fantastic alternative to premium electric SUVs such as the BMW iX3 and Tesla Model Y. Our pick Style List price £63,715 Target Price £63,715 Range 255 miles CO2 0g/km For Drives as well as a good SUV; comfortable ride; hugely practical; strong resale values Against Not available as a seven-seater yet; fiddly touch-sensitive controls; efficiency could be better WHAT…

CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2023 BEST COUPE BMW 4 SERIES COUPE 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 £46,065 Target Price £43,062 MPG 42.8 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…

CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2023 BEST SPORTS CAR PORSCHE 718 CAYMAN 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 4.0 GTS List price £75,370 Target Price £75,370 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…

darren.moss@haymarket.com AT FIRST GLANCE, the ever-evolving BMW 5 Series might not seem to have anything in common with famously typecast movie star Katharine Hepburn. However, both are serial winners: Hepburn holds the record for acting Oscar triumphs (four), while the 5 Series is the most decorated car in the history of the What Car? Awards, having collected 25 trophies over the years. And that record of the latter means hopes for this new, eighth-generation 5 Series could hardly be higher. There are no diesels this time, but in addition to launching the new 5 Series in regular petrol guise, BMW is introducing a fully electric sister model called the i5. It’s this that you can see in our pictures, but expect the 5 Series to look very similar, aside from…

lawrence.cheung@haymarket.com THE LATEST LEXUS RX range kicked off to a strong start, launching as a 450h+ plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that combines a 43-mile pure electric range with a luxurious interior and peaceful cruising manners. It’s now been joined by two regular hybrid versions to suit different tastes and budgets. The entry-level 350h uses the same 2.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor combination as the PHEV, but with a 247bhp power output (rather than 304bhp). That means it’s a little slower than the 450h+; its 0-62mph time of 7.9sec lags 1.4sec behind. However, being around 145-175kg lighter (depending on spec), it never feels like it struggles to get going. Yes, you’ll have to work it a little harder than the PHEV on hilly roads or when you’re overtaking, but it’s hardly…

dan.jones@haymarket.com IN BUSINESS, YOU can be a first mover or a late mover, and while the former comes with the advantage of having no competition, the late movers get to learn from the mistakes of those who came before. Perhaps that’s why Mercedes-Benz took its time when launching its EQ range, waiting in the shadows while the likes of Audi and BMW navigated the complex jungle of pure electric vehicles (EVs). Since then, Mercedes has launched a number of EVs, and the EQS SUV is the latest model to join the range. It uses the same underpinnings as the luxurious EQS saloon, aiming to deliver all the luxury, technology and comfort of its stablemate, but with the additional space and practicality that an SUV body brings. Power options differ slightly…

will.nightingale@haymarket.com WHO INVENTED THE luxury SUV? You’ll get a different answer depending on who you ask, but Jeep certainly believes it was first to market. Not with the Grand Cherokee that we’re reviewing here, but with the Wagoneer from back in the early 1960s. It was on sale in the US more than five years before the original Range Rover was launched in the UK. The Grand Cherokee is the Wagoneer’s natural successor. It is, in essence, America’s answer to the Range Rover Sport, because it’s a near-five-metre-long SUV that’s designed to cosset you when driving on the road yet also get you to places a mountain goat would think twice about venturing. In other countries – including the US, where this latest, fifth-generation car has been on sale since…

A BATTERY SWAP scheme that promises to virtually eliminate the usual waiting times while electric cars are recharging will be launched in the UK next year. Chinese brand Nio’s‘Power Swap’ stations are already being used in its home market to drastically reduce the time needed to replenish electric cars’ batteries. Every Power Swap station maintains up to 21 batteries, which are continuously kept charged. When a car drives into the station, its battery can be removed and replaced with a charged unit in less than five minutes. As well as 1300 Power Swap stations in China, Nio has 13 stations across Germany, the Netherlands and Norway, where it has so far completed 12,000 battery swaps. Nio will launch into the UK next year with a line-up of electric models.…

GROUP TEST New Jeep Avenger vs rivals This small SUV is Jeep’s first electric car. Time to see if it can beat the best FEATURE The car of 2035 We take a look at the revolutionary new technology that’s coming soon New BMW M2 driven Is the final fully petrol-powered car from BMW’s M performance division a fitting swansong? VW ID Buzz LWB revealed If bigger is really better, this stretched version of our 2023 Car of the Year should be very special…

claire.evans@haymarket.com ALTHOUGH THE DEBATE about expanding the infrastructure to support more electric vehicles (EVs) tends to focus on public chargers, most people want to charge their cars up at home, so the home charging market is growing fast. At present, around 80% of those who own EVs charge their cars at home, and there are currently around 400,000 home and workplace vehicle chargers in the UK, according to data from online charging location guide ZapMap. However, that figure is set to increase hugely. David Martell, chief executive of home charger specialist Andersen and Evios, says EV owners draw parallels between charging an EV and charging a mobile phone. Both occur mainly at home, during evenings and overnight, in readiness for the day ahead. The expected increase in home EV chargers…

NEW BYD Atto 3 Design List price £38,990 Target Price £38,990 Chinese brand BYD marks its entry into the UK market with this Nissan Qashqai-sized electric SUV, which has a striking interior and some clever tech NEW Smart #1 Premium List price £38,950 Target Price £38,950 The first offering from the reborn Smart brand is a stylish electric SUV with a plush interior and plenty of power. Is it a better proposition than the tiny city cars the brand is known for – and indeed its new rivals? Kia Niro EV 3 List price £39,545 Target Price £38,769 In an earlier guise, this ground-breaking model was our 2019 overall Car of the Year. It makes up for a relatively high price by having the longest official range here, and we know…

max.adams@haymarket.com ANYONE WHO’S BASED around London will know about the impending Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) expansion, which kicks in on 29 August. Unfortunately, this means I’ll no longer be able to use my car of the past nine years – an old Volvo – because its unfiltered diesel exhaust will no longer have free rein in Twickenham, where the What Car? office is based. I, along with many others, have therefore had to find a new car. Its replacement is a new Toyota Yaris Cross, a small SUV that will receive a much warmer reception from the local authorities. Okay, it’s a hybrid rather than a fully electric model, but I’d struggle to make the latter work for me, because I don’t have any means of charging one up…

Mileage 4340 List price £40,900 Target Price £38,595 Price as tested £41,600 Test economy 53.2mpg YOU REALLY GET to know a car when you clean it. With the more senior vehicles in my fleet, that usually means finding new areas of rust, but in the case of my Astra, every time I wash it, I spot more references to Vauxhall (and sister brand Opel) models of the past. The menacing‘vizor’ nose recalls the first-generation Opel Manta, the prominent bonnet bulge echoes the Vauxhall Viva, the blistered wheel arches hint at the formidable Manta 400 rally car, and the rear quarterlights and faux vents acknowledge the first-generation Astra. Inside, meanwhile, the driver profile screen shows a picture of a Nova SR – a car that was very sought after when I…

jonty.renk@haymarket.com I’VE ALWAYS BEEN a big fan of the Volkswagen Type 2 campervan from the 1960s. To me, the model represents adventure and a free-spirited nature. And that goes a long way to explaining why there’s now a Volkswagen Multivan on my driveway. But why, you might ask, did I go for the Multivan instead of the ID Buzz, which is our reigning overall Car of the Year and arguably encapsulates the spirit of the Type 2 even more? The answer is that the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the Multivan is a more realistic green proposition for me than the allelectric Buzz, because I regularly cover megamiles in my role as a What Car? videographer. Like the ID Buzz, the seven-seat Multivan offers retro-inspired looks (to my eyes, at…

In production 2018-present Price from £18,000 Our favourite version 40 TDI Sport oliver.young@haymarket.com THE WORD ‘AVANT’ – Audispeak for ‘estate’ – is derived from ‘avant-garde’. Fitting, really, because this is no squared-off beast of burden; it’s just as elegant as the saloon version of the brand’s biggest executive car, yet it’s a good bit more practical. That makes it a great all-rounder, and there’s an engine to suit most tastes, too. There are several petrol and diesel options, as well as a plug-in hybrid. Even the entry-level trim – named Sport – doesn’t leave you short-changed on equipment. It comes with heated front seats, part-leather upholstery, satellite navigation, keyless entry and go, and 18in alloy wheels. S line trim brings sportier looks inside and out, with 19in wheels and Alcantara…

CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2023 BEST FAMILY CAR HONDA CIVIC 1 Honda Civic EFFICIENCY IS AT the heart of this latest, hybrid-only Civic – and one of its strengths is indeed its fine real-world fuel economy. But that’s by no means the only thing it excels at; it’s also great to drive and very practical, with a relatively big boot and a user-friendly interior layout. And although rear seat space could be better and there’s some road noise to contend with, the Civic compensates by being generously equipped. Our pick 2.0 e:HEV Sport List price £33,815 Target Price £33,815 MPG 56.5 CO2 113g/km For Impressive fuel economy; gutsy performance; big boot; easy-to-use interior; lots of luxury and safety kit Against Pricier than its main rivals; rear head room is only…

CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2023 BEST FAMILY SUV KIA SPORTAGE 1 Kia Sportage OUR 2023 FAMILY SUV of the Year is a great all-rounder with a smart-looking, spacious and user-friendly interior, plus a large boot. It’s generally very comfortable and good to drive, too. For the best value, we’d stick with the entry-level 1.6-litre petrol engine, which combines lively performance with reasonable running costs, but it’s worth paying the small premium to step up to mid-range 3 trim for its generous level of standard kit. Our pick 1.6 T-GDi 3 List price £32,560 Target Price £31,080 MPG 41.5 CO2 154g/km For Smart-looking and spacious interior; large boot; good comfort/handling balance; generous warranty Against Very few options are available; slightly unsettled low-speed ride; rear seating could be more flexible WHAT CAR?…

CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2023 BEST LUXURY CAR RANGE ROVER SPORT 1 Range Rover Sport THE SLIGHTLY SPORTIER and cheaper stablemate of the full-fat Range Rover is a fantastic SUV that goes big on luxury, comfort and off-road ability, although other rivals are still sharper to drive. The P440e plug-in hybrid version that we favour has an impressive electriconly range (officially up to 70 miles but realistically 45-50 miles), making this a very enticing option for company car drivers in particular. Our pick P440e Dynamic SE List price £92,980 Target Price £92,980 MPG 338.3 CO2 18g/km For Cosseting ride; extremely quiet; great driving position; long electric-only range; low company car tax Against Cheaper than a Range Rover but still very pricey; rivals are sharper to drive; Land Rover’s reliability record…

CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2023 BEST ELECTRIC SUV GENESIS GV60 1 Genesis GV60 UPMARKET SOUTH KOREAN brand Genesis has taken the underpinnings of the excellent Kia EV6 and added an extra layer of polish to create something special for its first dedicated electric car. The GV60 not only offers a generous range and ultra-fast charging but is also extremely refined and has a wonderful interior. In the cheapest rear-wheel-drive guise that we recommend, it’s outstanding value for money, too. Our pick RWD Premium List price £53,905 Target Price £53,905 Range 321 miles CO2 0g/km For Sumptuous interior; comfortable ride; very quiet; generous range; user-friendly infotainment system Against Rear seat space is only average; relatively small boot; you’ll want to add some options WHAT CAR? SAYS NEW ENTRY 2 Smart #1 Our…

CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2023 BEST CONVERTIBLE BMW 4 SERIES CONVERTIBLE 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 £50,855 Target Price £46,766 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…

will.nightingale@haymarket.com IF YOU’RE AWARE that Porsche is readying an all-new fully electric Cayenne for launch in 2025, you might wonder: why bother investing precious time and money to improve this old petrol-powered model? It was already our top sports SUV for those with deep pockets, so there was clearly nothing wrong with it. Well, the main reason is because this third-generation Cayenne (launched in 2017) is set to remain on sale until the end of the decade and will be offered alongside the fully electric car. It would be less confusing if the upcoming electric version took a different name, but because it will eventually take over completely, Porsche understandably doesn’t want to throw away all the equity the Cayenne badge has built up over the past 21 years. Porsche…

alasdair.rodden@haymarket.com WHETHER IT’S A film trilogy or Neapolitan ice cream, some things are better when they come in threes. The updated Peugeot 2008 small SUV might well be the latest addition to that list, because it’s soon to be offered with a choice of petrol, hybrid or fully electric power. Joining the 2008 line-up for the first time is a hybrid version, powered by a new-generation 134bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine and an electric motor that’s integrated into a new six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. This system is designed to improve efficiency around town, with a claimed 15% reduction in fuel consumption. Like many other regular hybrids, this 2008 can run on electric power alone for short distances at low speeds. It will go on sale next year. Meanwhile, the fully electric…

george.hill@haymarket.com Bands that explode onto the scene often struggle to follow up their initial success, but there are exceptions. Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind’ and Amy Winehouse’s‘Back to Black’ were both second albums that won more sales than their predecessors. So, which path is the Honda e:Ny1 – the Japanese brand’s second mainstream electric car – destined to follow? Well, the fact that the e:Ny1 is an electric SUV should help it to attract buyers; this is one of the fastest-growing market segments, with the BYD Atto 3, Nissan Ariya and Smart #1 just three recent additions to the class. Thankfully, the e:Ny1 comprehensively thrashes its Honda E baby brother on range; its 62kWh (usable) battery officially takes it 256 miles on a charge – 119 miles farther than its sibling can go.…

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NEARLY A FIFTH of car owners say they avoid carrying children when they can, in order to enhance their vehicle’s resale value, according to exclusive What Car? research. We surveyed 1070 in-market buyers, of which 987 were vehicle owners, to find out the measures they take in order to help boost the value of their cars on the used market. Of our respondents, 17.9% said they avoid carrying small children in their vehicle when they can, while 66.2% forbid smoking in their car. A third (33.6%) avoid carrying pets, and 38.7% said they avoid using their vehicle for towing, with the hopes of improving the car’s future value. However, almost a third (30.2%) imposed no restrictions in their car. We also asked buyers if any of the above would be…

EXECUTIVE CAR BYD Seal We’ve tested the Atto 3, BYD’s electric family SUV (p64); now meet its Tesla Model 3-rivalling stablemate. The slippery-looking Seal’s official range is 354 miles in 308bhp single-motor form, and 323 miles in 563bhp four-wheel-drive form – with the latter able to hit 62mph from rest in just 3.8sec. Price from £45,000 (est) LARGE EXECUTIVE CAR Mercedes-Benz E-Class This sixth generation of Mercedes’ rival to the BMW 5 Series will be the last to be offered with combustion power. There will be plug-in hybrids with up to 69 miles of electric range, along with regular petrol and diesel engines that range from 194bhp to 375bhp. Larger than the previous model, the new E-Class promises greater interior space and comfort.Price from £53,000 (est) SMALL AND FAMILY SUVS…

claire.evans@haymarket.com PUTTING YOUR CAR through its MOT test should give you the reassurance that it is roadworthy and safe to drive for another year. However, it has emerged that one in 10 cars that pass the annual inspection should actually have failed, while 2% of failures should have passed. This means, with our roads used by around 26.6 million cars that are three years old or older and need an annual MOT test, there could be 1.29 potentially dangerous vehicles being driven every day. The failure of many garages to adhere to Government MOT test criteria was exposed by an annual Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) investigation. The MOT Compliance Survey aims to find out whether the correct testing standards are being applied by the industry. We used a…

Range Rover Sport P440e Dynamic SE List price £92,980 Target Price £92,980 Our reigning Luxury Car of the Year is cosseting to drive and lovely inside, plus it has a long official electric range. It’ll have to work hard to justify its considerably higher price, though NEW Lexus RX 450h+ Takumi List price £81,600 Target Price £80,995 Lexus’s first plug-in hybrid – the NX – was so good that we named it our 2023 Plug-in Hybrid of the Year. The same set-up now powers the latest iteration of the larger RX – so, can lightning strike twice? If you want to travel from London to Sydney, £10,000 is pretty much the difference between booking a Singapore Airlines suite or sitting in economy, where the person in front will probably recline…

darren.moss@haymarket.com Mileage 2755 List price £113,120 Target Price £113,120 Price as tested £124,245 Test economy 31.3mpg PICTURE A CAR clinging to the side of a mountain and the chances are that it will have a Land Rover badge on its bonnet. I’d take a guess, however, that you won’t have my Range Rover in your mind’s eye. After all, the Range Rover is first and foremost a luxury SUV. It’s comfortable, classy and (if that kind of thing matters to you) gloriously conspicuous. And yet a good portion of Range Rover owners will also take their cars off road, even if it’s just to traverse a muddy field to reach a glamping location. I wanted to know how my car would cope with the rough stuff, then, and booked a…

Mileage 3502 List price £45,420 Target Price £43,265 Price as tested £47,720 Test economy 48.7mpg DURING THE TESTING for our recent feature on the best cars for carrying three child seats, I got to drive some of my Mazda CX-60’s rivals, including the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento – and this revealed differences both significant and subtle. With voluminous interiors, massive boots and seven seats as standard, the Santa Fe and Sorento beat the CX-60 hands down when it comes to practicality. However, my car has swifter acceleration and, in my opinion, more rewarding handling, particularly when you select the Sport driving mode. The CX-60 remains remarkably flat through corners, while coping with uneven surfaces surprisingly well. These are qualities that make me smile on my regular drives along…

Mazda MX-5 2.0 160 SE-L Nav List price when new £20,695 Available from 2015-present The MX-5 offers drop-top fun on a budget, as well as low running costs Price today £10,000* Toyota GT86 2.0 D-4S List price when new £25,000 Available from 2012-2020 The GT86 is a more practical proposition, but is it the superior sports car? Price today £12,500* *Price today is based on a 2015 model with average mileage and full service history, correct at time of writing MAZDA MX-5 BEST INTERIOR TOYOTA GT86 THE FIRST AND the latest instalments in the Fast and Furious movie franchise are very different affairs. Over the course of nine instalments, the protagonists have morphed from amateur street racers into full-blown superheroes, with scenarios growing ever more far-fetched, even going as far…

CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2023 BEST HOT HATCH HYUNDAI i20 N 1 Hyundai i20 N THEE’S SOMETHING SLIGHTLY old-school about the i20 N – and we mean that in a good way. It’s not only quick and fun to drive but, unlike many current hot hatches, is also very affordable. Its engine even has a touch of turbo lag, with a small pause between you asking for more power and it arriving – all part of the charm. And because its handling and ride are calmer than the Ford Fiesta ST’s, the i20 N is an easy car to drive quickly. Our pick 1.6 T-GDi 204 List price £26,230 Target Price £25,672 MPG 40.4 CO2 158g/km For Gutsy performance; friendly handling; comfier ride than Fiesta ST; relatively cheap to buy…

CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2023 BEST SEVEN-SEATER HYUNDAI SANTA FE 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 £44,945 Target Price £41,030 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…

CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2023 BEST PLUG-IN HYBRID LEXUS NX 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+ Premium Pack List price £54,950 Target Price £53,733 MPG 313.8 CO2 21g/km For Impressive electric range; strong performance; high-quality interior; Lexus’s reliability record Against Petrol engine isn’t the smoothest; choppy ride at…

CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2023 BEST ESTATE SKODA SUPERB ESTATE 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 eight 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 1.5 TSI 150 SE List price £35,765 Target Price £32,697 MPG 42.7 CO2 150g/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…

CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2023 BEST SPORTS SUV FORD PUMA ST 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 £32,410 Target Price £30,509 MPG 42.8 CO2 148g/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…

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 £95,255 Target Price £95,255 Range 304 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 2 Audi E-tron GT Our pick quattro List price £85,900 Target…