Volkswagen Arteon vs Audi A5 Sportback

http://ift.tt/2fxCtVs

2017-09-30 10:00

We pitch the new Volkswagen Arteon four-door coupe against the established Audi A5 Sportback

New VW borrows from the Passat formula, but takes the fight to posher rivals. We find out if it can crack the premium market. The Arteon isn’t a direct replacement for the Volkswagen CC, but it follows a similar formula, because it’s based on the same MQB platform as the Passat. Yet it’s available with a different set of engines, including the powerful 237bhp 2.0-litre biturbo diesel in our test car.

It has a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox and four-wheel drive as standard. In top-spec R-Line trim – which adds some special styling add-ons, including 19-inch wheels, a sportier front bumper and a gloss black tailgate spoiler – the car costs from £39,955.

Head-to-head

Model:	Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 2.0 BiTDI 4MOTION 240PS DSG	Audi A5 Sportback 3.0 TDI 218 S line
Price:	£39,955	£42,855 (£48,605 as tested)
Engine:	2.0-litre 4cyl diesel	3.0-litre V6 diesel
Power/torque:	237bhp/500Nm	215bhp/400Nm
Transmission:	Seven-speed automatic, four-wheel drive	Seven-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
0-60mph/top speed:	6.1 seconds/152mph	6.3 seconds/152mph
Test economy:	38.7mpg	40.8mpg
CO2 emissions/tax:	152g/km/£140	125g/km/£450
Options:	Discover Navigation Pro (£895), rear-view camera (£765), panoramic sunroof (£935), Emergency assist, (£525), metallic paint (£595)	Parking assistance pack advanced (£1,350), 19-inch wheels (£1,050), adaptive dampers (£600), Technology pack (£1,100), Light and Vision pack (£750)

Volkswagen Arteon

Image 4 of 48

Image 4 of 48

• For: Stylish looks, powerful diesel engine, comfortable ride
• Against: Disappointing handling, depreciates faster than the Audi, four-cylinder is noisy

Volkswagen is doing its best to present the Arteon as being a separate car from the Passat on which it’s based, but as soon as you get inside you can see the family connection.

That’s no bad thing, because the interior has an elegant, high-quality ambience – crucial in this company, because the VW manages to feel nearly as upmarket as the Audi. There are a few hard plastic surfaces, but it’s nothing you can’t ignore.

• Best family cars on sale

The dash has a clean, modern look, especially with our car’s Discover Navigation Pro system, with its 9.2-inch touchscreen. The Active Info display between the dials is as functional and up-to-date as the Virtual Cockpit in the A5 Sportback, too.

Image 7 of 48

Image 7 of 48

So the interior is a winner, but the exterior is what really impresses about the new range-topping Volkswagen. The LED daytime running lights and wide grille give it real presence, and the swooping roofline is even sleeker than the Audi’s. We love the way the Arteon looks, and that’s a big factor when you’re buying a four-door coupé like this.

Another important area is performance, and the VW even managed to steal the win over the A5 here as well, despite having a four-cylinder engine to the A5’s V6 unit. It’s more powerful, with 237bhp (the Audi has 215bhp), but because it’s the heavier car the performance it has is really impressive.

At the track we recorded a 0-60mph time of just 6.1 seconds (the Audi took 6.3 seconds), but it’s the in-gear figures that are key for these stylish cruisers.

In third, the Arteon took just 2.3 seconds to cover 30-50mph, while the A5 dispatched the same sprint in 2.5 seconds. Both cars felt blistering in that test, with a wave of torque from their boosted diesels. 

Image 8 of 48

Image 8 of 48

Motorway overtakes will be easy in either model, but the VW won out here as well. In sixth gear it took just 5.1 seconds to go from 50-70mph, where the Audi took 8.8 seconds.

That’s down to the longer gearing in the A5 Sportback; at 70mph in top gear, it showed just 1,500rpm compared with the VW’s 1,900rpm. The gearing did help the Audi to be more economical on test, however, despite having a 3.0-litre engine. It recorded 40.8mpg, but the Arteon wasn’t too far behind: it returned 38.7mpg in our hands.

Our sound meter tests showed the Volkswagen is also noisier than the Audi. At 30mph the Arteon was 3dB louder inside compared with its rival, and 2dB louder at 70mph. VW has added fake engine sound, too, but it’s an unpleasant noise and the four-cylinder is no match for the A5’s smooth V6 when it comes to aural appeal. And what’s under the bonnet can be a deal breaker for many buyers.

Testers' notes

• Satellite navigation: All Arteon models are fitted with an eight-inch touchscreen that includes VW’s Discover Navigation system. Our car had the optional 9.2-inch Discover Navigation Pro package
• Transmission: VW’s dual-clutch gearbox is quick to change in auto mode, but there’s a lag in manual
• Technology: Active Info Display offers digital dials and is as good as Audi’s Virtual Cockpit set-up

Audi A5 Sportback

Image 26 of 48

Image 26 of 48

• For: Smooth V6 engine, excellent interior, cheaper to run than the Arteon
• Against: Not as roomy as the VW, not that much fun to drive, small rear seats

While the latest Audi A5 Sportback’s styling didn’t move on a great deal from the previous-generation car, we’re still fans of the way it looks. There’s an understated quality to the shape but it’s still handsome, and it still has one of the best interiors in its class. Although the infotainment system feels a bit older than the touchscreen in the VW, the Audi’s cabin is modern, fresh and comfortable to sit in.

The Audi’s ride is soft as well, with the £600 adaptive dampers fitted to our car in comfort mode. However, the Volkswagen’s standard-fit Dynamic Chassis Control suspension is softer still, and while it doesn’t firm up as much in the Sport setting as the Audi, it’s actually better suited to UK roads.

• Best company cars on sale

Both models tighten up enough to resist body roll, and while neither is particularly fun to drive, the Arteon’s softer edge helps give you extra confidence on a bumpy road. The VW is softer in its comfort setting as well, but the difference is fairly small overall and both are comfortable cruisers.

Image 27 of 48

Image 27 of 48

Both cars have four-wheel drive, so there’s loads of grip, but with a heavier V6 in the nose, the A5 doesn’t turn into corners as well as its rival. However, the driving experience isn’t far behind, and it’s helped by the fact that the Audi has the more enjoyable engine of the two.

While the Arteon’s 500Nm torque figure meant the 400Nm Audi trailed in-gear, the big engine ensures the A5 is faster flat-out from 30-70mph. It took 5.5 seconds to do the sprint, while the VW completed it in 5.9 seconds. The Audi feels more settled at high speed as well; it’s clear this car was designed by engineers used to German autobahns.

The Sportback loses out to its rival here for practicality, because it has a smaller boot – 480 litres to 563 litres – as well as less space for passengers in the rear. There’s a bit more headroom in the Audi because the VW’s roofline cuts into space in the back; in contrast the Arteon offers loads of rear legroom, where the A5 Sportback feels a little tight.

Image 28 of 48

Image 28 of 48

You’ll also have to spend more time filling up the A5 because it has a smaller fuel tank, but on the bright side, it was more economical in our test. It’s much better off in terms of depreciation as well, which means it’s cheaper to buy on a PCP deal than its rival (see Through the Range, opposite). 

However, the A5 isn’t as well equipped as the Volkswagen, so you’re likely to have to add options that will send the price up. The Virtual Cockpit digital dials and adaptive dampers are must-have extras, but since both are standard on the Arteon the A5 doesn’t look such great value. 

Testers' notes

• Sat-nav: Features such as satellite navigation are standard on the A5’s touchscreen infotainment system. The car has the edge over the Arteon for interior quality, too
• Transmission: Audi’s tiptronic gearbox works smoothly in auto or manual modes, but doesn’t shift as quickly as Volkswagen’s DSG
• Technology: Optional Virtual Cockpit digital dash is superb and shows all the information a driver needs

Verdict

First place: Volkswagen Arteon

Image 11 of 48

Image 11 of 48

VW's Arteon four-door coupe is a bit noisier and more costly to run than the A5 Sportback, but it’s got more kit as standard, looks great, is more comfortable and better to drive than its rival. It’s close enough behind the Audi on running costs, while beating it in those other areas, to narrowly take the victory here.

Second place: Audi A5 Sportback

Image 32 of 48

Image 32 of 48

There's not much in it, because the Audi A5 Sportback is comfortable, powerful, economical and handsome; it’s just not as well equipped or as good to drive as its rival. We love its top-quality interior and strong residual values are good for both cash buyers and those choosing PCP finance.

Associated Advanced Gallery 

Volkswagen Arteon vs Audi A5 Sportback - pictures

from Featured Articles http://ift.tt/2hCYsyz

Fiat 500L City Cross launches in Europe

http://ift.tt/2xD8x4Q

Dan Smith 2017-09-29 17:10

Although it's not coming to the UK, the jacked up Fiat 500L City Cross MPV features bold new colour schemes and more equipment as standard

Fiat has launched a new model to the 500L range with the addition of the City Cross. However, it's currently only destined for customers in Continental Europe and won't go on sale in the UK initially. 

The City Cross is distinctive from the standard 500L MPV, based on the 500 supermini, thanks to beefed up bumpers and skid plates, revamped grille and a raised ride height by 25mm. Climate control, cruise control and 17-inch alloy wheels come as standard on the City Cross, while there are nine colours to choose from for the body, such as the new Sicilia Orange paintwork.

There are plenty of engines options, too, starting with the 1.4-litre petrol producing 95bhp, followed by a 105bhp 0.9-litre TwinAir, while the range topping engine is the 1.4-litre TwinJet with 120bhp. The 1.4-litre T-Jet is also able to run on bi-fuel and LPG gas. 

• Best city cars on sale 2017

The 500L City Cross interior has new standard equipment such as a 3.5-inch colour display screen, Bluetooth connectivity and voice control. Optional extras include a seven-inch HD touchscreen and Apple CarPlay that’s also compatible with Android Auto.

Would you like to see the new Fiat 500L City Cross come to the UK? Let us know below...

Associated Advanced Gallery 

Fiat 500L City Cross launches in Europe - pictures

from Featured Articles http://ift.tt/2k95Brd

A to Z of Car Tech: T is for traction control, tyres, and more

http://ift.tt/2fwarcI

2017-09-29 15:30

The letter T in our A to Z of car tech series looks at traction control, torque vectoring, and tyres…

The technology contained within the modern motor car can be both fascinating and slightly baffling. Most such technology exists to make our cars safer, more efficient and just better than ever to drive but some of it can be quite confusing for the average motorist. In this A to Z series we will attempt to unravel the mystery of technology that is the modern motor car. This week, we’re visiting the letter T…

T is for…traction control. Sometimes shortened simply to TC - although with most German manufacturers it’s known as ASR, referring to ‘engine slippage regulation’ – traction control systems limit an engine’s torque output and soften the throttle response when sensors detect that wheelspin is about to occur.

In extreme circumstances a traction control system will also tickle the brakes and limit the boost pressure on high-powered turbocharged cars. And as ever the whole set up depends upon electronics, the same electronics that control the anti-lock braking system, the cruise control, and so on.

T is for…torque vectoring. Not to be confused with straightforward traction control, a torque vectoring system effectively does two things. First, it varies the torque flow across the driven axle electronically whenever slip is detected on either side, much like a conventional limited slip differential.

And second, it also uses the braking system to eradicate slip by tickling the brakes when slip occurs on the unloaded inside wheel.

It gets a bit more complex than that, though, because the most sophisticated torque vectoring systems also monitor steering angle and wheel rotation speed - not just mid corner but on the way in and on the way out – to generate maximum grip whenever possible. Torque vectoring is expensive, and complex to fine tune, but the results are usually stunning when executed well.

T is for…tyres. Tyres, we all know, form the sole point of contact for a vehicle to the road. The first ever patent for a standard pneumatic tyre was granted in 1847, although prior to that tyres were made of all sorts of materials such as leather, iron or even wood on carts and wagons.

The modern road tyre is a complex animal and generally consists of a combination of synthetic rubber, natural rubber, chemical compounds, fabrics and wire.

Contemporary tyres come in many different dimensions, but all have a tread pattern and all have what’s known as a compound – which basically describes the ratio of the mixture of the above components, and tells us how stiff or soft they are.

In the simplest of terms, the tread pattern provides the basic traction of a tyre while the compound helps it develop grip, comfort and/or control.

Tyres, as they say, really are a dark art, which is why some are an awful lot more efficient than others.

Next, the letter U…

from Featured Articles http://ift.tt/2fxNiqr

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio sets Nurburgring SUV record

http://ift.tt/2x0i2eV

Dan Smith 2017-09-29 14:40

Eight seconds have been shaved off the Nurburgring SUV record by the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio

Alfa Romeo has set a new lap record for an SUV around the Nurburgring Nordschleife with its Stelvio Quadrifoglio, posting a time of 7 minutes 51.7 seconds.

The Stelvio - the Italian marque’s first SUV in its 107-year history - smashed the previous record held by the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S. The top of the range Quadrifoglio model was used to conduct the record lap, powered by a 2.9-lite twin-turbo V6 producing 503bhp and 600Nm of torque.

• Fastest Nurburgring lap times

Italian racing driver Fabio Francia lapped the hot Stelvio a full eight seconds quicker than the Cayenne Turbo S. Porsche, who recently broke the outright Nurburgring lap record with its 911 GT2 RS, was the first manufacturer to drive an SUV around the Nordschleife in less than eight minutes when the Cayenne Turbo S completed a lap in 7:59.74.

Along with the raw grunt from the twin-turbo V6, the Quadrifoglio edition of the new Stelvio features adaptive suspension and 50/50 weight distribution, ideal for the inconsistent road surface and high elevation change around the 12.8-mile track.

• Best 4x4s and SUVs on sale right now

Other features include a torque vectoring differential and an eight-speed gearbox taking 150 milliseconds to change ratios when the Stelvio is in Race mode on Alfa Romeo’s DNA Pro car setup selector.

Options for customers include Sparco racing seats and carbon-ceramic brakes from Brembo. The Quadrifoglio will join the current Stelvio lineup next year, with pricing yet to be confirmed. A figure near the £60,000 mark is rumoured.

Does this record enhance the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio's credentials? Tell us below!

Associated Advanced Gallery 

from Featured Articles http://ift.tt/2yy4Z0L

New Audi R8 Spyder V10 plus 2017 review

http://ift.tt/2xLf4ty

Image 1 of 32

Image 1 of 32

29 Sep, 2017 2:15pm Sean Carson

Audi's R8 drop-top now comes with the most powerful version of the brand's storming V10

Until recently, the Audi R8 Spyder played second fiddle to the Coupé in the performance stakes – as the roofless R8 was only available with a 533bhp version of the firm’s 5.2-litre V10. However, with the new R8 Spyder V10 plus, Audi has added this 602bhp option to the line-up.

And what better place to start a review of this car than with the engine? It defines the car. It’s glorious. In an age where many supercars are turning to turbos, the R8 is one of the last bastions of the wonderful, high-revving, naturally aspirated engine.

• Best supercars on sale

The 5.2-litre V10 ramps up noticeably towards its power peak at an addictive 8,250rpm, and while you have to work harder to extract the performance than in a McLaren 570S Spider, with 560Nm of torque, it’s not exactly lacking in grunt.

Image 2 of 32

Image 2 of 32

What the McLaren can’t hope to match is the Audi’s vocal range. The V10 gargles into life and settles to a busy idle; squeeze the throttle in any gear and the instant response goads you into holding on to the revs as the motor crescendos with a melodious wail towards its rev limiter. Pull the right-hand paddle and the seven-speed gearbox initiates an almost imperceptible shift as the engine demands to be revved again.

In the Spyder there’s an even stronger connection to that stunning V10. You can lower the glass partition into the bulkhead behind you to let more of that characterful sonic signature into the cabin. It doesn’t impact refinement much, either.

• Best convertible cars on the market

Weather permitting, it’s best to drop the electrically operated fabric roof entirely, which is possible in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph. Now, in Dynamic mode, the crackle on the overrun and more raucous scream will induce an even wider grin. Car companies talk a lot about emotion, but the R8 Spyder V10 plus nails it.

Image 3 of 32

Image 3 of 32

However, in other ways it’s still lacking, as the R8 isn’t a car without flaws. The light steering lacks feedback, for example, even if the cornering grip on offer is brilliant. 

The plus is 25kg lighter than its standard Spyder sibling, while Audi claims the mixed material chassis that uses aluminium and carbon fibre-reinforced plastic extensively boasts “unsurpassed rigidity”, thanks to strengthening around the sills, A-pillars and windscreen frame. There’s not much wobble from the structure, even on roads that would have a hatchback’s interior rattling. This is impressive given the car is conventionally constructed, rather than being made entirely of strong-but-light carbon fibre.

With quattro four-wheel drive, traction on dry roads is unbreakable, while in the wet you can feel the system subtly shifting the torque between front and rear axles to keep you straight and stable. If you’ve got any lock on you might get a faint sense of the steering tightening up as the front driveshafts distribute some power, but the benefits at this time of year are obvious – especially in the wet. Combined with launch control it means the R8 Spyder V10 plus will accelerate from 0-62mph in just 3.3 seconds and hit 204mph flat-out.

Our car wasn’t fitted with the £1,600 Magnetic Ride adaptive dampers, so over gnarly roads it felt less settled than its main McLaren rival. Where the 570S’s damping flows, the R8 skips and hops – not badly, but combined with the less transparent steering, it doesn’t instil the same level of confidence.

Image 8 of 32

Image 8 of 32

The R8 Spyder is still an exquisite machine. Features such as the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit display and carbon fibre trim dotted around the cabin make it feel special. Forget the misconception that this is just a big, expensive Audi TT; it’s a totally different product with a totally different character.

Refinement with the roof up is good, and tyre noise isn’t too bad on standard 19-inch wheels (the car in our pictures has the optional 20s). Carried over from elsewhere in the range, the infotainment works seamlessly, and there’s a 112-litre boot under the vast front clamshell – that’s enough for two weekend bags.

You could use it every day, then. But this is a 602bhp supercar, so if you’re worried about efficiency then you’ll need to look elsewhere. Audi claims 22.6mpg and 292g/km of CO2. Instead, focus on that rip-roaring plus-spec engine, the slick gearbox and the capability of the all-wheel-drive chassis – plus the extra dimension added by the folding soft top – and you’ll have got to the nub of what this car is about.

4

The Audi R8 Spyder V10 plus adds another dimension to the German supercar’s breadth of talents. Many potential buyers will consider the more potent 602bhp engine worthy of the premium on its own, while being able to remove the roof only enhances its desirability. The plus is not without fault, but the positives far outweigh the negatives. It’s an individual choice due to that non-turbo engine, and all the better for it.

• Model: Audi R8 Spyder V10 plus
• Price: £147,020
• Engine: 5.2-litre V10
• Power/torque: 602bhp/560Nm
• Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, four-wheel drive

• 0-62mph: 3.3 seconds
• Top speed: 204mph
• Economy: 22.6mpg
• CO2: 292g/km
• On sale: Now

from Featured Articles http://ift.tt/2xL1E0I

Range Rover Velar 2.0 diesel 2017 review

http://ift.tt/2yck9MT

Image 1 of 18

Image 1 of 18

29 Sep, 2017 1:15pm James Brodie

How does the new Range Rover Velar SUV measure up as a four-cylinder diesel?

The latest addition to Land Rover’s extensive line-up is one of the SUV market’s hottest properties. The Range Rover Velar introduces a fourth car to the firm’s luxury off-roader wing, offering potential customers something a little bit different. 

We’ve already driven the 3.0-litre diesel car, and it fared well, however the Porsche Macan still claims top spot in a hotly contested class. Now we’ve got the more modest four-cylinder diesel in the UK to see if a smaller engine makes more sense.

• Best SUVs and 4x4s on sale

The new-generation 2.0-litre Ingenium unit under the bonnet is available with two power outputs. Basic D180 cars get 178bhp, although the more versatile option is the D240 driven here – boasting 237bhp.

Image 2 of 18

Image 2 of 18

Land Rover has worked its magic on this powertrain in terms of refinement. It’s noticeably hushed, quietly and competently feeding power to the wheels, and only raises its voice with deep lunges on the accelerator pedal. It’s clattery when cold, but it settles down when warm. Claimed economy of 49.7mpg is impressive, too.

The Velar doesn’t seem to make the most of the 237bhp and 500Nm of torque on offer, though, with slack throttle response and real-world performance that leaves the claimed 7.3-second 0-62mph time open to question; the V6 diesel feels far quicker.

There’s also a question mark over the cost, especially when comparing the Velar with more dynamic rivals. The D240 starts at £53,720 in Velar S trim, next to £48,289 for the more powerful, torquier, V6 Porsche Macan S. Elsewhere, the Velar’s engine appears in the Jaguar F-Pace from a far more reasonable £42,115.

Image 10 of 18

Image 10 of 18

Our test Velar had a deeply impressive ride, however, thanks to its optional electronic air-suspension. It soaks up bumps effortlessly while maintaining a firm, reassuring poise through hard cornering. The set-up is standard fit on six-cylinder models, but regardless of our test car’s top-spec HSE status, you’ll have to fork out an extra £1,140 on the 2.0-litre.

The design approach means that in just about any spec the Velar has a well appointed and extremely high-quality cabin – especially thanks to the car’s all-new Duo Touch twin-screen infotainment system. Unsurprisingly, range-topping HSE models add perforated and patterned two-tone leather upholstery, 20-way adjustable seats with heating, cooling and massage functions, as well as a digital instrument panel, plus JLR’s full suite of driver assist tech. 

While autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, park assist and blind spot assist are all present, the only semi-autonomous feature the Velar has is adaptive cruise control. HSE cars also get 21-inch wheels, a sliding panoramic roof and excellent Matrix LED lights. A 17-speaker Meridian sound system is also included.

4

While the D240 powertrain leaves a little to be desired with an eye-wateringly high list price and a perceived lack of punch, the rest of the Velar package is still deeply impressive. This is one of the most desirable SUVs on sale in Britain today, sitting closer to the larger Range Rover Sport than the ageing Evoque, thanks to its plush interior and space-age styling. HSE spec adds all the bells and whistles, but four-cylinder models miss out on the all-important air-suspension.

• Model: Range Rover Velar D240 HSE AWD
• Price: £64,160
• Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbodiesel
• Power/torque: 237bhp/500Nm
• Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, four-wheel-drive

• 0-62mph: 7.3 seconds
• Top speed: 135mph
• Economy: 47.9mpg
• CO2: 154g/km
• On sale: Now

from Featured Articles http://ift.tt/2yd9bXh

New Renault Alaskan 2017 review

http://ift.tt/2fwrgUV

Image 1 of 23

Image 1 of 23

29 Sep, 2017 11:30am Dave Humphreys

French firm Renault joins the pick-up truck fray with the Alaskan, with a little help from Nissan

Renault has never had a dedicated model in the pick-up class, but the Alaskan is the vehicle to change that, as the French manufacturer joins a host of newcomers in the one-tonne pick-up market. 

It’s a segment that accounts for more than 4.5 million sales globally, and although Europe makes up just three per cent of this, sales are growing.

• Best pick-up trucks 2017

The Alaskan goes up against established rivals like the Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi L200 and Ford Ranger, and it shares its platform with the Nissan Navara and forthcoming Mercedes X-Class. But the Renault’s UK launch has been delayed, and while official timings can’t be confirmed, it’s looking like first deliveries will arrive in March 2018.

Image 2 of 23

Image 2 of 23

It’s too early for Renault UK to confirm exact specifications for the Alaskan, either, but its Nissan sibling can provide some clues as to what’s to come. Standard models are likely to feature 16-inch alloy wheels, a five-inch touchscreen display and a reversing camera that’s integrated into the tailgate. Moving further up in the range will bring a seven-inch screen with DAB radio and smartphone connectivity. 

A second five-inch TFT display between the dials displays a variety of information, including turn-by-turn navigation. Electric leather seats add comfort, while rear parking sensors and 360-degree parking cameras boost visibility. Unfortunately, the steering wheel is only adjustable for height, not reach.

Passenger space in the rear is reasonable, and unlike some pick-ups, the seatbacks are set at an angle rather than being fixed upright. There is still a tall transmission tunnel for middle-seat occupants to contend with, but overall, head and knee room don’t give much cause for complaint. There are 20 storage areas dotted throughout the cabin, but considering that some buyers will use this as a mobile office, few of these are large enough for items like folders or paperwork.

Image 3 of 23

Image 3 of 23

The payload area is rated to carry up to 1,059kg, and there are five tether points to help tie down items, too. Renault will offer a clip-on roof section as an accessory. 

Buyers get a choice of 158bhp or 187bhp Renault-developed 2.3-litre four-cylinder diesels. Both are mated to a six-speed manual, with a seven-speed auto available, too, and both versions can tow up to 3,500kg. 

All Alaskans come with selectable four-wheel drive and a diff lock. Conventionally it runs using the rear wheels, with the ability to switch to four-wheel drive at up to 62mph. Low-range can be selected when in neutral. 

Built on a solid box-frame chassis, the Renault eschews the usual leaf-spring rear suspension set-up found in pick-ups in favour of a five-link arrangement. By doing so, the ride quality is improved, with or without a load. It’s never going to give you SUV comfort, but it’s civilised enough. 

Image 8 of 23

Image 8 of 23

The 187bhp engine has sufficient grunt to get it up to speed in a timely fashion. However, the auto box we tried did tend to hang on to each gear that bit longer when accelerating, and can feel quite laboured as a result. Wind noise around the door mirrors does pick up as you cruise past 65mph, too. 

The steering, while not overly assisted, is vague. Threading the Alaskan through a series of bends at any brisk pace requires strict attention, as the body rolls from side to side. This applies to most pick-ups, though, and the Alaskan redeems itself around town with a respectable 12.4-metre turning circle. 

Being a workhorse by nature, the Renault proves to be capable when you head off road. In soft mud it can make steady progress in its low-range gears, while Hill Descent Control helps on steep slopes.

4

It's little more than a badge engineering exercise, but the Renault Alaskan has taken the underpinnings of what is already a well proven pick-up in the Nissan Navara. Unique front styling and the option of a hard-top for the cargo bay will add to the Renault’s appeal, while the choice of two engines and good on-road manners give pick-up buyers reason to take notice.

• Model: Renault Alaskan 2.3 dCi 190PS 4WD Auto
• Price: £TBC
• Engine: 2.3-litre 4cyl diesel
• Power/torque: 187bhp/450Nm
• Transmission: Seven-speed automatic, four-wheel drive

• 0-62mph: 10.8 seconds
• Top speed: 112mph
• Economy/CO2: 40.4mpg/183g/km
• On sale: March

from Featured Articles http://ift.tt/2xKzSRT

Honda Sports EV concept to debut at Tokyo

http://ift.tt/2wom10u

Dan Smith 2017-09-29 10:25

As part of the Japanese manufacturer's plans for an electrified future, the Sports EV Concept will lead Honda's charge

Honda is set to unveil an all-new electric sports car, the Sports EV Concept, at the Tokyo Motor Show next month. 

The teaser sketch doesn’t reveal much, as expected, ahead of the concept's full debut in Tokyo on 25 October. The image shows that the Sports EV adopts a traditional sports car body with a long bonnet, coupe-like roofline and flared haunches. 

• Best electric cars currently on sale

According to Honda the electric sports car has been developed with efficiency at its core. AI technology coupled with an electric powertrain showcases Honda’s vision for the future of its range. The Japanese manufacturer announced earlier this month that its European model range will be fully electric or hybrid powered by 2025, with the Sports EV Concept showing that sports cars will also play a role. 

Honda’s Urban EV Concept will also be a key figure in Honda’s display in Tokyo this year. It was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show this month sporting a retro body reminiscent of 1970’s Honda Civic, but with full electric capabilities and an expected range of 200 miles.

• Could you live with an electric car? The pros and cons

Honda will also be updating their existing range with the fifth-generation CR-V now benefitting from Honda’s two-motor hybrid technology. The NeuV concept, unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January, will also make an appearance in Tokyo, featuring its ‘emotion engine’ AI software.

Are you looking forward to seeing Honda's Sports EV Concept at Tokyo? Let us know below...

from Featured Articles http://ift.tt/2womzUf

New Mercedes E 400 Cabriolet 2017 review

http://ift.tt/2k7IywR

Image 1 of 11

Image 1 of 11

29 Sep, 2017 9:45am John McIlroy

We try the range-topping petrol version of the luxurious four-seat Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet

Summer’s officially over, but that’s unlikely to stop UK buyers from snapping up convertibles in their droves; despite our climate, we buy more drop-tops than the French, Italians and the Spanish.

Mercedes has long enjoyed a slice of this market with cars like the E-Class Cabriolet. The new model is available with two petrol and two diesel engines, and now we’ve had a chance to try the range-topping E 400 4MATIC AMG Line on UK roads.

• Best convertible cars on the market

As in the E-Class Coupe, the E 400 badge signifies V6 power – more precisely, a 3.0-litre twin-turbo unit that we’ve also seen (in more potent form) in the AMG E 43. In this E 400 it has 328bhp and 480Nm of torque, which sounds hefty until you realise that the extra strengthening required to hold the roofless E-Class together has given it a kerbweight of 1,800kg. Lightweight it is not.

Image 2 of 11

Image 2 of 11

So step on the throttle and you’ll find that the E 400 gathers pace with haste rather than in a genuine hurry. It has a claimed 0-62mph time of 5.5 seconds and it just about feels that fast. But the sensation is numbed by the sublime smoothness of the engine, which doesn’t have the subtle rasp that it possesses in E 43 form.

Once you’re up and moving, the E 400 Cabriolet maintains its refusal to get flustered – but this brings both positives and negatives. It is incredibly refined; at a fast motorway cruise the nine-speed automatic gearbox barely needs 1,200rpm from the motor, and you simply won’t hear it at that level. This cruising ability is helped further by a multi-layer fabric roof that delivers impressive levels of insulation.

On the downside, the E-Class Cabriolet is far from involving to drive – in the traditional sense, at least. It doesn’t roll excessively, and the steering is responsive enough, but there’s not much fun to be had from a four-wheel-drive chassis that is clearly designed to be faithful to inputs, instead of delivering any kind of thrills. It’s composed almost to the point of banality, in other words.

The ride quality contributes to this, of course. On standard 19-inch wheels, it’s comfortable over all but the roughest roads, and is helped by air-suspension that’s standard on the E 400. Lower the roof and you’ll detect a teeny bit of extra wobble over poorer surfaces, but you’d be nit-picking if you found it a deal-breaker. The cabin stays calm with the lid off, too; you’ll be able to talk to rear-seat occupants without having to shout, and those in the front two seats should be able to chat to each other without turning up the volume at all.

Image 9 of 11

Image 9 of 11

The biggest noise, in fact, comes from the Aircap deflector that pops up from the windscreen. It’s designed to keep buffeting to a minimum, but we’d simply tuck it away. The E 400 also gets Airscarf – warm air blowers in the front headrests that keep your neck warm if you want to drive with the roof down on an autumnal British morning.

The cabin, meanwhile, is every bit as much of a tour de force as it is in the regular E-Class. Material quality is impressive, as is the view from the driver’s seat, with a thick-rimmed steering wheel and a pair of digital displays. Our car had the optional 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, which adds an extra level of luxury – we reckon it’s worth the £495 outlay for the additional screen space and configurability that it offers. Both screens are ultra-crisp and quick to respond to inputs once you’ve acclimatised to Merc’s function-filled COMAND interface, too.

There’s plenty of room for two adults and a couple of kids, although grown-ups are likely to find the rear a little restrictive for longer journeys. The boot is a decent size with the roof up, at 385 litres, which should be enough for a suitcase and a couple of squishy overnight bags. That means you should be able to get to the south of France in comfort, ditch the luggage and then cruise around in fresh-air style – the epitome of what Mercedes’ Cabriolets are about.

4

This range-topping Mercedes E 400 is simply too expensive to be the sweet spot of the E-Class Cabriolet line-up, but it has plenty of appeal regardless. It gets a great cabin, excellent top-down cruising refinement and impressive levels of comfort. The torquey diesel-powered E 220 d is expected to be the biggest seller, though, and we can see why, given that it’s only slightly slower in the real world, while also being much cheaper to buy and run.

• Model: Mercedes E 400 4MATIC AMG Line Cabriolet
• Price: £55,715
• Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol
• Power/torque: 328bhp/480Nm
• Transmission: Nine-speed automatic, four-wheel drive

• 0-62mph: 5.5 seconds
• Top speed: 155mph
• Economy/CO2: 32.8mpg/194g/km
• On sale: Now

from Featured Articles http://ift.tt/2wmWSmL

Road fatalities reach five-year high in Britain

http://ift.tt/2ruDnFP

Martin Saarinen 2017-09-28 18:00

Last year 1,792 people were killed on Britain's roads, a four per cent rise from 2015 and the highest on record since 2011

Road fatalities in Britain reached a five-year high in 2016, according to new figures. 

Last year saw 1,792 people killed on Britain's roads, a four per cent rise from the previous year and the highest number recorded by the Department for Transport since 2011. 

There were also 24,101 people seriously injured in road accidents in 2016, a rise of nine per cent from the previous year, though the Department for Transport points out that a part of the rise is due to “changes in systems for severity reporting by some police forces.” 

Fatalities involving cars rose by eight per cent from 2015, totalling 816, while pedestrian fatalities saw the biggest rise over the same period, up by 10 per cent. Last year 448 pedestrians were killed in Britain, while a further 102 cyclists and 319 motorcyclists were also involved in fatal accidents.

• How technology could slash car accidents

The Department for Transport points out that between 2015 and 2016 traffic levels rose by 2.2 per cent, while there has also been a 44 per cent fall in fatalities since 2006.

However, motoring organisations have said more needs to be done. RAC’s road safety spokesman Pete Williams said: “Every road user, and certainly all of those working to improve road safety, will view today’s figures with dismay. Road fatalities in Great Britain are now higher than at any time in the last five years. While the statisticians say the rise isn’t significant, every life lost on our roads is surely one too many.

“The report clearly states that ‘there is unlikely to be as large a fall in casualties as there were earlier on without further significant interventions.’ This is surely an admission that more could, and should, be done to save lives.”

GEM road safety officer Neil Worth said: “We will no doubt hear a Minister explaining that Britain has some of the safest roads in the world. But the truth is that our roads are considerably less safe than they were six years ago, and that is very worrying.

“In spite of technological improvements to vehicles and systems, car occupant deaths have risen by eight per cent. And even though pedestrian protection systems are more advanced than ever, pedestrian deaths are up by 10 per cent. Deaths on roads with 20mph speed limits more than doubled from 14 in 2015 to 30 in 2016.”

What does the Government need to do to improve road safety? Tell us your ideas in the comments below...

from Featured Articles http://ift.tt/2fuvSLy

Michael Schumacher's Ferrari F2001 set to auction for £3 million

http://ift.tt/2wYUyXC

Dan Smith 2017-09-28 08:00

The car won Schumacher's fourth championship and will be sold as a contemporary art piece in New York

Michael Schumacher’s title-winning Ferrari F2001 is to be auctioned this November as a piece of contemporary art in New York. The car is set to fetch over £3 million. 

RM Sotheby’s Contemporary Art Evening Auction in New York will auction the F2001 on the 16th November. The car was put on display at Sotheby’s Hong Kong Autumn Sales event that runs until the 3rd October.

• Most expensive cars ever sold at auction

The F2001 carried the seven-time Formula One world champion to his fourth drivers’ title and his second with Ferrari. The Italian marque also took its 11th constructors championship with the F2001. The chassis being auctioned, number 211, was the very car that Schumacher won the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix in, which was one of Ferrari’s nine victories in the 2001 campaign.

At the time, the F2001 and Schumacher set the record of most points in a season with 123 points. The German finished all bar three of the 17 races in the 2001 calendar on the podium.

• Rare Ferraris auctioned for 70th anniversary

The car will not be bought for its performance but rather the heritage that the it possesses. Both Ferrari and Michael Schumacher are huge names in Formula One, as is the Monaco Grand Prix, the most prestigious event on the F1 calendar. Marry the three together with the iconic bright red silhouette draped on 90’s and 00’s Ferrari F1 cars, and you’ve got a contemporary art piece with plenty of pedigree.

The F2001 is expected to fetch over $4 million (£3 million) when it goes under the hammer in November. It is still driveable and also eligible for historic motor racing.

Do you think the Ferrari F2001 is worth £3m? Let us know in the comments...

from Featured Articles http://ift.tt/2k6MPAR

2018 Mercedes GLE set to get a curvy new look

http://ift.tt/2wYEW1f

James Brodie 2017-09-28 11:30

Our exclusive images show a rounder look for the Mercedes GLE, set to share styling cues with its GLC sibling

Another piece in Mercedes’ SUV puzzle is slowly falling into place: the next-generation GLE. The new BMW X5 rival has been caught on camera by our spy photographers, and our exclusive images preview how it could look. It’s set to arrive in 2018 with a possible debut at next year’s LA Motor Show.

The GLE will be an important model for Mercedes; the brand shifted 712,100 SUVs in total last year, with the ageing current car playing an important role. Over the next two years it’ll be joined by a new GLA, rugged GLB, a fresh GLS, an SUV entry under the Maybach brand and even a new G-Class.

• Best 4x4s and SUVs

The existing GLE can trace its roots back to 2011, when it was launched as the Mk3 M-Class. A 2015 facelift refreshed the looks and introduced the GLE badge, bringing it into Mercedes’ updated naming structure, but an all-new model is planned for 2018.

This brand new look will be the most obvious change, however. While the car in our spy shots is still heavily camouflaged, it’s possible to make out the styling influences that the new GLE will pick up from its newer, smaller GLC sibling.

A rounder shoulder line running from the headlights to the tail-lamps will define the new car’s profile, while up front it will gain Mercedes’ next-generation face. Around the back, the tailgate will be completely overhauled, benefiting from new horizontal lights in line with the brand’s current design language.

Mercedes is expected to continue offering the GLE as a BMW X6 rival with a coupé-bodied version of the SUV that will make its debut in 2019, a year after the core car is unveiled.

A snapshot in the cabin leaves little to the imagination. A dual widescreen infotainment set-up as seen on the E-Class and S-Class will be offered, while the four placeholder vents positioned on the top of the centre console all but confirm that the dashboard design will mimic that of Mercedes’ two latest saloons.

Image 4 of 7

Image 4 of 7

It’s anticipated that the new GLE will make use of a new scalable platform and will be offered with a selection of fresh engines. The new 2.0-litre diesel found in the E-Class will form one of the base powertrain options, while the latest straight-six petrol and diesel units offered in the brand’s refreshed S-Class will also be utilised.

The new platform will support full plug-in hybrid technology, too, and a four-cylinder petrol hooked up to a small lithium-ion battery is expected to arrive at some point in the next GLE’s lifespan.

At the sharp end of the range, the next AMG-fettled GLE 63 will also arrive, with the current car’s 5.5-litre engine set to be replaced by the company’s 4.0-litre biturbo V8. We expect this to produce around 500bhp, with a more potent GLE 63 S model packing nearly 600bhp hitting the market at the same time. As with the regular model, the GLE 63 has also been spied being put through its paces.

Alongside the new looks, platform and engines, fresh driver assistance technology will be a key part of the package.

What do you think of the Mercedes GLE’s potential new look? Tell us in the comments area below!

Associated Advanced Gallery 

New Merc GLE set to take styling cues from GLC - pictures

from Featured Articles http://ift.tt/2wYwGyv

Cheap Dacia electric cars could be close hints boss

http://ift.tt/2xHAojy

Richard Ingram 2017-09-28 11:50

Dacia will tap into Renault-Nissan EV tech, potentially taking advantage of ZOE underpinnings to launch its own affordable EVs

Dacia, the brand that currently sells the cheapest new car available in the UK, will apply its budget roots philosophy to fully electric vehicles in the future, Auto Express can reveal. 

The Romanian company will use its position as part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance to develop affordable EVs. The group, which was recently expanded with Renault taking a majority stake in Mitsubishi, will launch 12 new pure-electric vehicles by 2022.

• Best electric cars on sale

Speaking at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show, Dacia’s European chairman Jean Christophe Kugler told Auto Express that his team will look at the technology available to Dacia, and make decisions based on customer demand. 

“We will remain shockingly affordable,” Kugler told us. “We won’t change our brand territory. We will benefit from the Alliance strength and the proven technology – so we can fit that to a Dacia. We have all the [electric] technology ready and on the shelf. Being part of the bigger Alliance means when we need a technology, we have it. We don’t have to negotiate.”

Although the timeframe for the brand’s first electric car is unclear, Kugler hinted that an electrified Dacia could appear sooner rather than later. “Maybe there is three or four years difference between the more advanced [Alliance] cars and the technologies we have,” he told us. 

“We look at when it will be affordable. We stick to our business model and when it is ready and when there is a request we will plug it.”

In order to make Dacia’s electric vehicle as affordable as possible, it’s likely that the brand will use the underpinnings and electric motors from the current Renault ZOE – Europe’s best-selling electric car. 

The ZOE was recently updated with a more powerful 41kWh battery, which Renault claims allows a 180-mile driving range. The smaller and cheaper 22kWh battery limits range to around 100 miles. 

As well as electrification, Dacia will branch out into autonomous technology, albeit only on a very basic level. 

“Electrification of the market is obvious. Autonomy and connectivity will also be increased,” Kugler added. Dacia’s commitment to autonomous driving will be restricted to rudimentary things such as adaptive cruise control and automatic gearboxes – features that “delegate” tasks to the car.

Would you be interested in a low-cost Dacia EV? Let us know in the comments below...

from Featured Articles http://ift.tt/2fukQ8T

Mazda confirms partnership with Toyota to develop EVs

http://ift.tt/2xAImeW

Callum Poole 2017-09-28 12:25

Japanese brands Mazda, Toyota and Denso team up to develop electric vehicles together in new venture

Toyota and Mazda have entered into a new joint venture with automotive technology company Denso to develop new electric vehicles.

The deal has resulted in the creation of a new company called EV Common Architecture Spirit, which is made up of full time engineers from each of the three companies. Toyota owns a 90 per cent stake in the new company, while Mazda and Denso take five per cent each.

• Best electric cars on sale

With many countries and regions clamping down on internal combustion engines to help reduce emissions, the deal has been struck in response to the growing appetite for electric vehicles.

The new company has confirmed it will develop a wide range of battery-powered models including Japanese micro cars, conventional passenger vehicles, SUVs, and light trucks. The company has also claimed it will “ensure flexible and rapid response to market trends.”

As Toyota holds most of the power within EV Common Architecture Spirit, its new TNGA platform - which underpins models such as the Prius and CH-R - will form the basis for many of the new EVs. However, each electric vehicle produced will be developed so that it is recognisable as a Mazda or Toyota.  

The new company remains open to the idea of the future involvement of other manufactures and suppliers.

What do you make of the deal between Toyota, Mazda and Denso? Tell us below!

from Featured Articles http://ift.tt/2xAqktw

Aston Martin launches Project Neptune submarine

http://ift.tt/2fspBjc

Dan Smith 2017-09-28 09:00

In collaboration with Trident Submarines, Aston Martin unveils a limited edition underwater submersible

Aston Martin has revealed a design concept titled Project Neptune, produced in collaboration with submarine company Triton.

The partnership is the first project under the British manufacturer's design offshoot department Aston Martin Consulting (AMC) that was formed last year. It combines Aston Martin’s bespoke design with the knowledge and expertise of Triton Submarines, a company established in 2007 in Vero Beach, Florida, specialising in submersible underwater vehicles.

Based around Triton’s three-person platform, AMC designed the new body and will oversee development of the limited edition personal submarine, which is aimed at mega-rich superyacht owners. It's not known how may will be produced but numbers will be limited.

• Aston Martin AM37: riding the waves in Aston's £1m powerboat

The Trident submersible isn't Aston Martin’s first nautical-themed product. Last year the brand unveiled the AM37 powerboat at the Monaco Yacht Show, which was built in partnership with Dutch boat maker Quintessence Yachts.

The surprise collaboration between Aston Martin and Trident Submarines comes just days after the British marque made a notable partnership with the Red Bull Racing Formula One team as the Austrian constructor’s title sponsor from next season onwards.

Would an Aston Martin submarine be on your list if you won the lottery? Let us know below...

from Featured Articles http://ift.tt/2ftO6wv

Long-term test review: Suzuki Ignis

http://ift.tt/2hxtVCe

Image 1 of 15

Image 1 of 15

28 Sep, 2017 8:45am Darren Wilson

Second report: Baby Suzuki Ignis SUV is a family hit, and an ideal L-car

Mileage: 6,510
Economy: 54.5mpg

You might think that running the smallest car on our test fleet could be a challenge with a family of four – including two teenage sons – but that’s really not the case. While our appetite for long weekends away and the occasional need to do some heavy lifting sounds like it would catch out our little Suzuki Ignis, it has more than managed all that we’ve thrown at it.

My family loves the quirky city car’s red paint, black grille and chrome details. It may divide opinion, but the Ignis is characterful and the boxy shape means there’s more space than you might think inside.

• Best crossovers

The Suzuki has also enabled me to start teaching my eldest son George to drive in a car with sensible power and acceleration. You can read George’s opinion in the panel (right), but from a (slightly nervous) father’s point of view, it is keeping his feet firmly planted on the ground. The 1.2-litre petrol is powerful enough to navigate city traffic, but still appropriate for George to learn with.

The Ignis comes with autonomous emergency braking, which warns of an impending collision and applies the brakes if the driver doesn’t respond quickly enough. I’ve tried similar systems on Suzukis I’ve run in the past and found them a little over-sensitive and irritating on the Vitara and Baleno, but the Japanese company seems to have fixed that with the Ignis.

In addition, the car features six airbags (should the worst happen) and even the satellite navigation map has a speed sign symbol that turns red should George stray over the limit while out on a lesson.

Despite all the clever gadgets which are included as standard, the Suzuki is also reassuringly simple to learn to drive in. It has a proper ‘pull-up’ handbrake, which is great for hill starts and at junctions, especially as we live at the top of a hill.

Image 4 of 15

Image 4 of 15

Visibility when driving is also excellent, mostly due to the boxy shape of the cabin and the upright windscreen. A nice large rear view mirror and a parking camera make reversing especially easy.

I underestimated the car’s practicality at first, but after finding that a dining table wouldn’t fit through the tailgate of a supposedly larger car on our fleet, I was forced to use the Suzuki. The table slid straight into the Ignis due to the remarkably high roofline and wide hatch. We’ve never had any real problem fitting luggage for four people into the car for weekends away,  including tents and associated gear for a camping adventure in Wales this year.

Those trips on motorways have also aided the fuel figures: we have managed 54.5mpg so far after just over 3,250 miles.

Suzuki Ignis: first report

Image 8 of 15

Image 8 of 15

Mileage: 4,980
Economy: 48.2mpg

Having previously run a VW Passat Estate and had a brief stint in a Citroen C4 Picasso, I thought it might be fun to downsize. But switching to the Suzuki Ignis isn’t all about me seeing if I can live without the big load capacities to which I’ve become accustomed. It also gives me the perfect opportunity to teach my 17-year-old son George to drive in a more sensibly sized car.

Over the coming months George will also be reporting on how he finds his driving experience in the pocket-sized Suzuki – just not for a little while yet. He needs to complete 10 lessons before he’s allowed behind the wheel of the Ignis.

• Best family car

I was as excited as him about trying the car. I’m a big fan of the exterior styling, as the wraparound front lights and chrome grille look sporty, while the high roofline and angled C-pillars remind me of those Penny Racer toys from the eighties.

Image 9 of 15

Image 9 of 15

Our 1.2 DualJet SHVS mild hybrid four-wheel-drive model gets 16-inch black alloys, silver roof rails and black privacy glass, all of which make it look even more pumped up. I like the red paint, too, although I’ve seen a few examples in white that look even better. Love it or loathe it, the Ignis has real character.

While the styling is an acquired taste, it’s not until you get inside this exceptionally clever little car that you realise why it’s designed the way it is. Impressive practicality tempers the scaled-down SUV styling, with every inch of room used. Four adults can fit inside with ease, and even tall occupants get plenty of leg and headroom. The expected pay-off would be a tiny boot, but I can fit four large shopping bags in the 204-litre load bay – although the rear diff on this 4WD model does reduce the capacity by 56 litres. If that’s not enough space, the split rear bench can be individually adjusted to slide back and forth.

Image 14 of 15

Image 14 of 15

Despite having had the car for only a short period, my wife Dawn and I have already put nearly 2,000 miles on the clock, with plenty of day trips and a couple of long weekends away. Packing has never been a problem, while George and his younger brother Harry have plenty of rear room and have remarked on how they’ve felt more cramped in bigger cars. As usual Suzuki has included loads of tech as standard, so the boys are happy playing music through the Bluetooth audio system, while charging their phones via the twin USB sockets.

However, it’s not all smooth running for the Ignis. Some of the trim feels fairly cheap, which is perhaps to be expected when this top-spec SZ5 4WD ‘hybrid’ costs only £14,249.

Another downside is the rough ride. The boys sit almost over the back wheels, and the car is uncomfortably bumpy in town. In fact, despite that SUV stance, speed bumps must be carefully negotiated. In contrast, motorway travel is a much smoother affair, with the car returning 48.2mpg over mixed conditions.

I’ve found my first few months with the youthful Ignis a lot of fun. Now I’m looking forward to hearing George’s opinion.

*Insurance quote from AA (0800 107 0680) for a 42-year-old in Banbury, Oxon, with three points. 

4

As a family we are all really enjoying the Suzuki Ignis. It may not be big or powerful, but you can’t fault it on fun factor. It’s practical and comes with enough standard safety tech to help my teenage son feel confident while he learns to drive. Plus, the modest power output keeps me happy when he’s behind the wheel as well.

• Model: Suzuki Ignis 1.2 Dualjet SHVS SZ5 ALLGRIP
• On fleet since: April 2017
• Engine: 1.2-litre 4cyl petrol
• Power: 89bhp
• CO2/tax: 106g/km/£140

• Options: Fervent Red paint (£0)
• Insurance*: Group: 18 Quote: £540
• Mileage/mpg: 6,510/54.5mpg
• Any problems?: None so far

from Featured Articles http://ift.tt/2yJjbEP