Innehållsförteckning för May 2024 från What Car?

CARS THAT RELY too heavily on touchscreens for important controls will be penalised in new safety tests set to be introduced in 2026. Safety body Euro NCAP says cars should have physical controls for five key tasks: indicating directions, triggering hazard lights, sounding the horn, operating the windscreen wipers and activating the eCall SOS function, which alerts the emergency services in the event of an accident. While cars that don’t have physical controls for these functions will still be able to achieve a maximum five-star rating, it will be harder for them to do so. Euro NCAP’s director of strategic development, Matthew Avery, said the trend to put most controls on touchscreens was “an industry-wide problem” and that doing so raised the risk of distraction-related crashes.…

The second you drive your new car away from the dealership, it begins to shed pounds and pence in value. And with every mile you drive and hour you keep it, the amount lost in depreciation increases. However, the gap between the cars that hold their value well and the models that haemorrhage it is wide indeed. Here, Darren Moss reveals the safest bets if depreciation is your top concern – as well as the models that will cost you the most. We’ve set a price cap of £50,000 for buying new, and our depreciation data is based on three years and 36,000 miles of ownership. SLOWEST-DEPRECIATING CARS These models hold on to their value the best 10 TOYOTA BZ4X Model AWD Motion List price £47,810 36k/3yr resale value £26,575…

Here’s a surprising fact for you: the average price paid for a new car in 2023 was £37,092 – considerably more than the average salary. And while a decade ago that much money would have bought you something pretty exclusive, nowadays it won’t even get you an entry-level Volkswagen Passat. Now, admittedly, not many customers are walking into showrooms and handing over almost £40k in one lump sum, but even if you’re signing up to a finance deal, you’re only spreading the cost and you’ll probably pay a considerable sum of interest for the privilege. So, assuming you don’t have the wherewithal to drop that much money on a new car, or you just don’t think that’s a particularly great way to spend your hard-earned, should you be focusing on…

Mileage 4925 List price £46,470 Target Price £46,470 Price as tested £57,995 Test economy 26.6mpg TO TEMPT YOU away from established rivals such as the Audi Q5 and BMW X3, the Genesis GV70 can’t just ape them; it has to innovate. That means offering things that neither of those models has – one example being my car’s 3D-effect digital instruments. The theory is that by highlighting certain information, you’ll be able to see it more easily. And unlike with a 3D movie, you don’t need to wear special glasses for it to work. Sadly, in practice, the system isn’t all that smart. In my first couple of times using it, the 3D effect kept toggling itself on and off, meaning my instruments looked like they were caught in a strange,…

1 Toyota Corolla THE HYBRID COROLLA is a car that will work for just about everyone in the market for a family hatchback, because it’s comfortable, good to drive, well made, generously equipped and remarkably cheap to run. True, rear passenger space isn’t great, but the Corolla is better value than rivals such as the Honda Civic, especially if you stick with our recommended entry-level 1.8-litre model in Icon trim. Our pick 1.8 Hybrid Icon List price £30,495 Target Price £28,204 MPG 54.1 CO2 100g/km For Frugal in real-world driving; comfy and good to drive; generously equipped; well built and reliable Against Tight for adults in rear seats; so-so infotainment system; instrument panel could be more user-friendly WHAT CAR? SAYS 2 Honda Civic Our pick 2.0 e:HEV Sport List price…

1 Kia Sportage OUR 2024 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 £32,875 Target Price £30,884 MPG 41.5 CO2 150g/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? SAYS 2 Kia EV6 Our pick RWD GT-Line List price…

1 BMW X7 IT MAY BE AN SUV, but the X7 is everything a luxury car should be. Its huge interior is as sumptuous as it is practical, and the car is supremely cosseting and quiet at all speeds. We’d stick with the entry-level diesel engine, which is gutsy and refined, but adding the Ultimate Pack is worthwhile for the upgraded air suspension and four-wheel steering it brings – the latter making this giant much more manoeuvrable. Our pick xDrive40d M Sport (Ultimate Pack) List price £108,645 Target Price £103,336 MPG 392.6 CO2 16g/km For Super-quiet and comfortable; incredibly practical, with loads of room for seven adults; high-quality materials Against There are cheaper alternatives; feels its size and weight; looks won’t be to all tastes WHAT CAR? SAYS 2 Range…

1 Kia EV6 IT MAY HAVE been around for a couple of years now, but the EV6 is still at the top of its game, offering a very well-rounded package at a lower price than its Genesis GV60 stablemate. It has a long range and can charge up quicker than most rivals, while its interior is smart and well equipped, with limo-like leg room in the rear seats. The single-motor model we recommend is good to drive and more than fast enough for most people’s needs. Our pick RWD Horizon List price £45,995 Target Price £44,186 Range 328 miles CO2 0g/km For Long range; ultra-fast charging; good to drive; smart-looking interior; loads of rear leg room; long warranty Against Shallow boot; firm low-speed ride; not exactly cheap to buy, especially…

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 £51,985 Target Price £48,328 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 2 Fiat 500C Electric Our…

1 BMW M3 Touring MUCH AS WE love the M3 saloon, the estate version is even more desirable, thanks to its greater versatility. As well as being incredibly quick, sharp and entertaining to drive (thanks to its ability to go from secure four-wheel drive to playful rear-wheel drive when you’re in the mood), the Touring has a practical boot that makes it more useful as a fast family holdall. The only question is: why didn’t BMW make this car years ago? Our pick xDrive Competition List price £87,825 Target Price £85,072 MPG 27.4 CO2 232g/km For Scorching performance; sharp and entertaining handling; practical boot; comfortable cruiser; snappy gearbox Against Engine doesn’t sound all that inspiring; expensive to buy and run, and you’ll want to add options WHAT CAR? SAYS 2…

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DRIVERS WHO WANT to go electric but don’t have off-street parking can now benefit from an expanded charger discount scheme. Previously, the Government’s Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant covered up to 75% of the cost of buying and installing a charger – capped at £350 – for flat owners or renters with off-street parking. However, the terms of the scheme have now been widened so that those who don’t have off-street parking can also apply for the subsidy. In order to be considered for a cross-pavement charging solution, which typically involves digging a small gulley for the charging cable into the existing pavement, applicants need to prove that they have ‘adequate’ on-street parking. This usually means that a space is available outside their property and that the road is wide enough.…

FAMILY SUV Cupra Terramar Closely related to the Audi Q3 family SUV and replacing the Cupra Ateca, this will be the final non-electric car from the Spanish brand. Nevertheless, it will embrace electrification, with mild and plug-in hybrid engines and up to 60 miles of zero-emissions motoring from a full charge of the latter. Price from £32,000 (est) SMALL/FAMILY CARS AND MPVs Alpine A290 Summer 2024 Sports car specialist goes mainstream with a hot hatch partner to the reborn Renault 5. Renault 5 Summer 2024 A290’s sensible sister could give a range of up to 249 miles, yet affordability will be key. MG 3 Summer 2024 Latest iteration of MG’s small hatchback brings hybrid power at a tempting price. SMALL SUVS AND FAMILY SUVS BMW X3 Summer 2024 Sticking closely…

Smart #1 Premium List price £38,950 Target Price £38,950 With a plush interior and punchy performance, our reigning Small Electric SUV of the Year will be hard to beat NEW Volvo EX30 Single Motor Extended Range Plus List price £38,545 Target Price £38,545 The smallest SUV yet from Volvo is based on the same underpinnings as the #1, but has a longer official range Like a reusable water bottle, a sustainably produced hiking jacket or a vegan-friendly backpack, the electric Volvo EX30 is both a fashion accessory and a talking point. Not only is it the smallest SUV yet from the Swedish brand, but the claim that it has the lowest carbon footprint of any Volvo to date makes quite a positive ecological statement. But we know what you’re thinking:…

Mileage 3720 List price £48,995 Target Price £46,859 Price as tested £49,990 Test economy 36.6mpg SO FAR, MY Honda CR-V’s average fuel economy is just north of 35mpg, which is a little underwhelming. Don’t get me wrong: it’s far from a disaster, given that this is a large, practical SUV, but when you consider all the clever hybrid tech on board, it’s fair to say I would still have expected at least 40mpg. Then again, I do acknowledge that the majority of my journeys have been spent on the motorway, which isn’t an environment in which the electric motors can take much of the strain off the petrol engine. Over the past month, though, I’ve found myself spending a lot more time driving in London – an ideal opportunity to…

Price today £19,000* Hyundai i20 N 1.6 T-GDi 204 List price when new £24,995 Available from 2021-2024 It has similar on-paper credentials to the ST, but is the i20 N as thrilling as its rival? Price today £18,000* Ford Fiesta ST 1.5 Ecoboost 200 ST-3 3dr List price when new £24,580 Available from 2018-2024 A lively engine meets entertaining handling in the popular Fiesta ST *Price today is based on a 2021 model with average mileage and full service history, correct at time of writing FORD FIESTA ST HYUNDAI I20 N HAVE YOU EVER gone to rewatch your favourite show, only to discover it’s mysteriously vanished from the streaming service you once binged it on? Next thing you know, you’re frantically searching every other outlet, finding diddly squat and wondering…

1 Mercedes-AMG A45 HOT HATCHES ARE first and foremost about having fun, and no other model in this class is as much of a riot to drive as this 416bhp rocketship from AMG. Not only is it absurdly rapid in a straight line, but it’s also agile and entertaining through corners. It may not be quite as comfy as the rival Audi RS3, but the A45 is barely any less practical or easy to live with than a regular A-Class. You’ll need deep pockets to buy and run it, though. Our pick S Plus List price £63,285 Target Price £63,285 MPG 30.7 CO2 208g/km For Savage acceleration; immense grip; entertaining handling; quick-shifting automatic gearbox Against Very expensive to buy; Audi RS3 is more comfortable; infotainment controls could be easier to…

1 Land Rover Defender THIS RUGGED SUV fuses fantastic offroad ability with fine on-road manners, including a comfy ride and reasonable refinement. The extra-long 130 model can seat up to eight, but the more wieldy 110 model in seven-seat form makes the most sense for larger families. The D300’s muscular six-cylinder diesel engine suits the Defender to a tee, and going for this version helps to keep the asking price from spiralling too high. Our pick D300 X-Dynamic S (7 Seat) List price £69,385 Target Price £67,521 MPG 33.0 CO2 225g/km For Comfy on road and unstoppable off it; plenty of space in second and third rows; glacial depreciation Against Fuel economy and emissions are below par; higher trims are very pricey; Land Rover’s reliability record WHAT CAR? SAYS 2…

1 Mazda MX-30 BETTER LATE THAN never, as they say. Arriving a few years after the electric MX-30, the R-EV is a plug-in hybrid that drives just like its sibling but has a rotary petrol engine to top up the battery that powers the electric motor. This makes it far more usable for out-of-town trips. The R-EV is much cheaper than most other PHEVs, so it makes sense for private buyers as well as company car drivers, and it has a plush, well-equipped interior. Our pick R-EV Prime-Line List price £34,750 Target Price £33,189 MPG 282.0 CO2 21g/km For Good ride and handling balance; smart interior; well priced; much more usable than fully electric version Against Not particularly practical; cramped in rear seats; average predicted resale values WHAT CAR? SAYS…

1 Toyota Corolla Touring Sports THE COROLLA TOURING Sports stands alone in this class, sporting a regular hybrid engine that promises low running costs without a high purchase price. You also get a car that’s good to drive, with a robust and well-equipped interior. Its boot isn’t the largest in this class, but it’s not far off. As with the Corolla family car, we’d pick the cheaper 1.8-litre model, although there’s a more powerful 2.0-litre version if you want the extra grunt. Our pick 1.8 Hybrid Icon List price £31,830 Target Price £29,437 MPG 62.7 CO2 101g/km For Impressive economy and emissions; comfortable ride; practical boot; well equipped; very dependable Against Engine can be noisy under hard acceleration; more wind and road noise than in some rivals WHAT CAR? SAYS…

1 Ford Puma ST IN MOST CASES, buying a sports SUV requires a sizeable outlay, but the Puma ST is a notable exception; even after you add the desirable Performance Pack (which includes a traction-enhancing limited-slip diff), it costs far less than any of its rivals. But don’t think this means it’s far less fun; the Puma ST is incredibly agile and engaging, while its 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 £33,110 Target Price £30,924 MPG 42.2 CO2 152g/km For Hugely entertaining handling; tuneful and punchy engine; relatively cheap to buy and run Against Occasionally bouncy ride; infotainment system could be slicker; T-Roc R is bigger in the back WHAT CAR? SAYS 2…

IMPORT TARIFFS ON cars from China should be lowered, not raised, according to Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius. Speaking to the Financial Times, Källenius said an open market for Chinese cars should be the end goal – a view that contrasts with plans by EU law makers to increase fees (and thereby force price rises) for electric vehicles (EVs) that have been heavily subsidised by the Chinese Government. A probe by EU law makers was launched last year after some car bosses, including Carlos Tavares, the CEO of the Stellantis Group (which includes the Citroën, Fiat, Peugeot and Vauxhall brands, among others), complained that Chinese firms’ cheaper cars would wipe out their European equivalents. By contrast, Källenius said: “That is the market economy – let competition play out.” He added that…

SAVE £3059 BMW X3 WHAT CAR? SAYS Model xDrive30e xLine List price £56,515 Target Price £53,456 Target PCP £572 This plug-in hybrid version of the X3 doesn’t have a particularly long range, officially managing 30 miles before its 2.0-litre petrol engine joins in, but that could be enough for your commute. Although its boot loses some space to the battery, it can still accept seven carry-on suitcases below the parcel shelf. SCAN FOR A GREAT DEAL ON THIS CAR WHAT IS TARGET PRICE? The Target Price is what we consider to be a fair price for your new car. It’s set by our team of mystery shoppers, who spend all day haggling to see what deals are available. Most of our dealers will match this price if you use our…

■ NEW Skoda Fabia 1.0 TSI 95 SE Comfort List price £20,270 Target Price £19,252 This well-priced small hatchback has a keen focus on comfort and practicality ■ USED Volkswagen T-Roc 1.0 TSI 110 Life Price new £25,810 Price today £19,000* One of our favourite small SUVs, the T-Roc is at the top of its class for comfort, plus you get an elevated seating position *Price today is based on a 2022 model with average mileage and full service history, correct at time of writing SKODA FABIA VOLKSWAGEN T-ROC SOCIETY LIKES FAMILIARITY, but, at the same time, we want to be seen as individuals. Perhaps that’s why we place our iPhones in bold, brash, colourful cases and why people go into Starbucks with the most complex drink order known to…

1 Renault Clio THE LATEST CLIO represents even stronger value than before, with its wide breadth of abilities making it a great choice over its rivals. It’s fun to drive without sacrificing much in the way of comfort, and this is combined with a smart-looking and generously equipped interior. While the E-Tech hybrid version is smooth and efficient, it’s the cheaper 1.0-litre petrol version in mid-range Techno trim that makes the most sense. Our pick 1.0 TCe 90 Techno List price £19,195 Target Price £17,554 MPG 53.3 CO2 119g/km For Very well priced; smart interior is packed with equipment; fine ride and handling balance; practical boot Against Tight for taller adults in the rear seats; slightly firm low-speed ride; high boot loading lip WHAT CAR? SAYS 2 Honda Jazz Our…

1 Lexus LBX AS A SMALL hybrid SUV from a premium brand, the LBX is pretty much in a class of one at present, and it’s a combination that works remarkably well. It may be the brand’s cheapest model, but it’s a true Lexus inside, being plush and very well equipped; mid-rung Premium Plus trim brings useful extra goodies. True, the low-speed ride could be smoother, but the LBX promises lower running costs than most rivals, plus stellar reliability. Our pick 1.5 Premium Plus List price £34,495 Target Price £34,495 MPG 65.7 CO2 105g/km For High-quality interior; efficient hybrid system promises low running costs; very well equipped Against Fidgety low-speed ride; refinement could be better; short on rear seat space WHAT CAR? SAYS 2 Volkswagen T-Roc Our pick 1.0 TSI…

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, 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 £39,990 Target Price £39,990 Range 318 miles CO2 0g/km For Class-leading efficiency; fast charging via Tesla’s own network; surprisingly practical; well priced Against Some fiddly controls; no Apple CarPlay phone mirroring; saloon body means boot opening is small WHAT CAR? SAYS 2 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Our pick E300e AMG Line Premium List…

1 Tesla Model 3 AS WELL AS being our pick in the executive car category, the Model 3 is an easy electric car to recommend to a wider audience; frankly, it makes all other cars in this class look like they’re not trying hard enough. Not only is it very well priced, but it’s also good to drive, packed full of tech, fast in any guise and even surprisingly practical. With its long range and Tesla’s world-beating charging infrastructure, it’s impossible to ignore. Our pick RWD List price £39,990 Target Price £39,990 Range 318 miles CO2 0g/km For Well priced; surprisingly practical; good to drive; class-leading efficiency; Tesla’s excellent charging network Against Some fiddly controls; no Apple CarPlay; saloon body means the boot opening is small WHAT CAR? SAYS 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 with its adaptive suspension, it’s also a very comfortable everyday car. In addition, the 4 Series benefits from a wonderful interior with supportive seats and a class-leading infotainment system. Our pick 420i M Sport (Pro Pack) List price £46,620 Target Price £44,108 MPG 42.8 CO2 151g/km For Sharp handling; no longer so derivative of the 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…

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 List price £75,575 Target Price £75,575 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…