New Hyundai i30 Fastback 2018 review

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31 Jan, 2018 6:15pm John McIlroy

Extra style come at the expense of some practicality but the Hyundai i30 Fastback is a competent and interesting left-field choice

We were impressed and, dare we say it, a little surprised by the Hyundai i30 Fastback when we tried it aboard late last year. Now we've had the first chance to try the Korean manufacturer's style-focused take on family transport in the UK, to see if it still makes sense.

In fact, 'making sense' is something of an anomaly. Because on most rational grounds, the Fastback's only real hope of ending up on your driveway is the emotional appeal of how it looks. Hyundai hopes that it will attract some of the people left unmoved by the oh-so-tame, conventional i30 hatchback. We'll leave it up to you to decide if the more rakish roofline works - although there's no denying that the car has more kerbside appeal than its sister vehicle. 

• Best hatchbacks to buy now

The car we're testing here has a 138bhp 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine, and a six-speed manual gearbox (a seven-speed DCT is available as an option). The motor is best described as 'sufficient'; its 242Nm of torque kicks in somewhere around 2,000rpm, and it'll rev quite happily to well beyond 4,000rpm if you ask it to. But in practice, you'll end up shifting up sooner than that, enjoying brisk progress instead of chasing after the claimed 0-62mph time of 9.2 seconds. Just think of it as comfortable, not rapid, and you'll be on the money. 

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The chassis is frankly very similar. It does most of the basics pretty well; the steering is a little heavy and slow, but at least it's consistent and once you've notched up a few miles behind the wheel, it's easy to place the car. The Fastback stays flat in corners, too, although don't expect it to dance between apexes like a hot hatch; that'll have to wait for the 'N' version that's already in the pipeline.

Most versions of the Fastback come with 18-inch alloys - another nod in the name of style - and there is some trade-off in ride. It's not unbearable, but it does pick up the scarred surfaces that are so common on British roads - and even more noticeably, there's a fair amount of tyre roar from each corner. This is a shame, because the engine is smooth, even when you're pushing it along. 

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Of course, five-door 'coupe hatchbacks' traditionally suffer from a compromised interior but if anything, the cabin is one of the i30 Fastback's strongest points. There's space on board for four six-foot adults to travel in reasonable comfort, and while there's not as much of an attempt at flair inside as there is outside, the layout is neat and functional, with solid materials. The infotainment system is impressive, too, with a hi-res screen mounted high up in the dash offering both Android and Apple phone integration.

3.5

The i30 Fastback is designed as an alternative to mildly sporty variants like the SEAT Leon FR, and other five-door coupes, such as the Mazda 3 Fastback. It's the most convincing i30 in the line-up by some margin, with a solid dynamic package beneath a car that should still be easy to live with, despite the increased focus on styling over practicality. The price looks steep, but generous equipment levels could make this a left-field choice for those wanting something different from the five-door hatchback mainstream.

• Model: Hyundai i30 Fastback Premium 1.4 T-GDi 140PS Manual
• Price: £22,855
• Engine: 1.4-litre 4cyl turbo petrol
• Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive

• Power/Torque: 138bhp/242Nm
• 0-62mph/Top speed: 9.2s/129mph
• Economy/CO2: 49.6mpg/134g/km
• On sale: Now

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Used SEAT Altea review

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31 Jan, 2018 4:00pm Richard Dredge

A full used buyer’s guide on the SEAT Altea covering the Altea Mk1 (2004-2016)

Few models can match the low profile of the SEAT Altea. On sale from 2004 to 2016, this family car is a surprisingly unusual sight on UK roads, despite the fact it’s a decent choice that scores reasonably well where it matters – even if it serves up little in the way of excitement.

The Altea is spacious, equipped with excellent engines and very cheap now the newest examples are three years old (and the earliest ones a decade older). It has plenty to offer bargain-hunting families. Alongside more recent arrivals the SEAT is hardly the last word in sophistication but, when compared with its contemporaries, we reckon it’s still worth a look if you buy with care. 

Models covered

• • SEAT Altea (2004-2016) - Cheap MPV makes a great family car – if you buy wisely.

SEAT Altea 

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History

The Altea arrived in May 2004, with 1.6, 2.0 FSI or 2.0 TDI engines. Two years later a range refresh brought the 197bhp 2.0 TFSI and the Altea XL, which was stretched by 187mm and had the same engine options as the regular car.

The August 2007-on 4WD Altea Freetrack 4 (with 2.0 TSI or 2.0 TDI power) would be a rarity, but a facelift in summer 2009 revitalised the range. Along with an overhauled interior and extra kit, it introduced 1.4 and 1.4 TSI petrol engine options and a 1.6 TDI diesel. The trim levels were also revised; previous Essence, Reference, Reference Sport and Stylance were rebadged as S, S Emocion, SE and Sport (then rationalised to S Copa and SE Copa from January 2013).

SEAT Altea reviews

SEAT Altea in-depth review
SEAT Altea 1.6 FSI review
SEAT Altea 2.0 TDI Sport review
SEAT Altea 2.0 TDI FR review
SEAT Altea Freetrack 4 review
SEAT Altea XL in-depth review
SEAT Altea XL 1.8 TSI review

Which one should I buy?

The normally aspirated 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol engines aren’t very inspiring, but the TSI and TDI turbocharged units are punchy and frugal, and generally refined, although the 1.9 TDI can sound thrashy.

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Best of all is the 1.6 TDI, which is torquey, economical and quiet; it’s the costliest engine of all but it’s worth paying the premium for. The Altea XL seats only five, not seven, but it does offer extra space in the back plus more luggage capacity; all Alteas have a sliding rear seat to boost versatility.

The DSG automatic transmission is great to use, but the manual alternative is likely to prove more reliable, and thus will ultimately be cheaper to run. Entry-level Alteas aren’t very well equipped, so buy at least a mid-range edition.  

Alternatives to the SEAT Altea

Rival compact MPVs include the Ford C-MAX and the Citroen Xsara Picasso and C4 Picasso, along with the Renault Scenic – the latter two are also offered in Grand seven-seat forms. The Xsara Picasso is rather dated now, so the more modern C4 Picasso is a better bet.

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Renault invented the compact MPV with the Scenic, and the second and third-generation models are even better. The C-MAX is also very accomplished and nicer to drive than the Altea. Want to stick with the VW Group? You could buy a Golf Plus, but it’s less stylish than the Altea while also being more costly. Or for similar money you could buy a VW Touran, with seven-seat practicality in a similarly sized package.

What to look for: 

ABS

Control units for the ABS can fail on pre-facelift cars, so check for warning lights; replacement costs can be steep.

Gearbox

Manual gearboxes can get very notchy, sometimes because of an internal fault. This can require a complete rebuild.

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Cruise

Many Alteas come with cruise control. This can be temperamental, even once key parts have been replaced.

Quality

Patchy build quality sees some materials marking easily and failed switchgear. Squeaks are common. 

Interior

The Altea’s cabin plastics are tough but look cheap in places, while creaks and rattles can manifest over time. Cubbyholes galore add to the practicality, as does a sliding rear seat, plus there’s plenty of head and legroom for five people. Boot space is good rather than spectacular, but if it’s a priority go for an Altea XL: this can stow up to 1,604 litres of luggage. 

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Running costs 

Alteas can be set up for fixed or variable servicing. The former means a garage visit is needed every 12 months or 10,000 miles, while the latter allows up to two years or 20,000 miles between services.

Annual maintenance means the check-ups alternate between minor and major (at £169 and £279), while every variable service is a major one at the higher price. All engines have a cambelt, which must be replaced every four years or 40,000 miles; expect to pay £329 for a petrol, or £399 on a diesel; add an extra £130 to also replace the water pump. Every two years the brake fluid needs to be renewed, at £39. 

Recalls

SEAT has issued five Altea recalls, the first for fuel leaks in diesels built up to August 2004. Flywheel failures in six-speed manual 2.0 TDIs made from February 2004 to June 2005 led to another recall. DSG cars built from September 2008 to August 2009 were called back, and all 2009 2.0 TDIs were recalled over fuel leaks. The diesel emissions recall involves some 2.0 TDIs; log on to tinyurl.com/ycrng28f for more info.

Driver Power owner satisfaction 

The Altea’s last appearance in our Driver Power satisfaction survey came in 2015, when it ranked 181st; disappointing, but still ahead of the BMW 1, 3 and 5 Series at the time. Practicality and low running costs were easily the SEAT’s strongest suits, with owners criticising ease of driving, in-car tech and ride quality.

The Altea was introduced in 2004, and while it got the odd nip and tuck, it now feels outdated. Yet it’s still worth a look, as you’re getting tried-and-tested VW underpinnings and a car with a five-star Euro NCAP rating, at a cut price. If you’re looking for an unusual tow car, a four-wheel-drive Altea XL Freetrack with a 2.0 TDI engine should fit the bill nicely, while any well maintained front-wheel-drive model will provide affordable family motoring. The facelifted editions introduced in 2009 are a definite step up from earlier examples, especially if you go for one of the newer engines. These should provide years of cheap, family-friendly motoring for peanuts.

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Peugeot 308 vs Volkswagen Golf vs Honda Civic

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2018-01-31 13:40

Don’t want a diesel family hatch? We test the top petrol choices as Peugeot’s revised 308 battles the VW Golf and Honda Civic

As diesel continues to be demonised, there’s a growing trend of buyers making the switch to petrol power. From superminis to SUVs, efficient, downsized turbo petrol engines are putting forward a case for themselves, but the evergreen family hatchback is one of the sectors where they make most sense.

This is one of the most competitive areas of the new car market, and as a result the models available are constantly getting better – as proven by the trio of great cars we’re testing here.

• Best hatchbacks on sale

The latest Peugeot 308 is the newest of the three, and while its recent facelift was only mild, the French hatch continues to offer a top mix of space, comfort and equipment. Then there’s the Volkswagen Golf. It was updated last year with some new tech and a subtle revised look, just like the Peugeot, but here we’re testing the latest 128bhp 1.5-litre petrol version for the first time. It goes up against the proven 1.2-litre PureTech three-cylinder petrol 308, but it also faces competition from Honda in the form of its Civic, which has a 1.0-litre unit that matches the other cars for power.

If you don’t want to buy a diesel due to fears about taxation in the future, these are three compelling choices. But which one comes out on top? 

Peugeot 308

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Model:	Peugeot 308 1.2 PureTech 130 GT Line
Price:	£22,390
Engine:	1.2-litre 3cyl petrol, 129bhp
0-60mph:	9.5 seconds
Test economy:	38.5mpg/8.5mpl
CO2:	120g/km
Annual road tax:	£140

The Peugeot 308 has been around since 2014, but a facelift in 2017 brought it back up to date with revised infotainment and some subtle exterior changes. Here we’re testing the 129bhp 1.2-litre petrol model in GT Line trim, which costs from £22,390.

All three of our contenders here have just under 130bhp on tap, but the 129bhp Peugeot is the most powerful choice, by just 1bhp, and has the most torque at 230Nm; the Civic and the Golf both serve up 200Nm.

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That helped the 308 to sprint from 0-60mph at the test track in 9.5 seconds, which was a tenth faster than the Golf and six tenths up on the Civic. This advantage is also partly down to a low kerbweight of just 1,089kg, compared with the Golf’s 1,280kg and the Civic’s 1,275kg.

However, it wasn’t the best performer going up through the gears: the 308 took 9.1 seconds to cover 30-70mph, slightly slower than the Honda’s 8.9 seconds and the Golf’s 8.8 seconds. It also matched the heavier Honda from 30-50mph in fourth and 50-70mph in fifth: both cars took 6.3 seconds and 8.9 seconds respectively, while the Golf completed those tests in 6.1 seconds and 9.3 seconds.

Even if the French model’s six-speed box isn’t the nicest to use, it’s no chore to drop down a gear and accelerate with the 308’s 1.2-litre three-cylinder unit. It’s definitely the most engaging engine of the three in this test as it feels more responsive and revvier, while also serving up good mid-range grunt.

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The 308’s low kerbweight helps its handling. Its quick steering and that small wheel contribute towards a relatively nimble feel, but there’s not much feedback with the Peugeot and the chassis isn’t as grippy as the Honda’s.

It’s closer to the Golf’s more neutral feel, but ultimately the 308 ends up in between the more comfortable Golf and sportier Civic. The difference really is minimal, though, and all three models are comfy enough, but can still satisfy keen drivers.

Testers’ notes: “Despite infotainment system updates, Peugeot hasn’t fixed one of the unit’s major flaws: the laggy screen that controls the heating and ventilation, which isn’t separate to the rest of the set-up.” 

Volkswagen Golf 

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Model:	Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI EVO 130 SE Nav 5dr
Price:	£22,255
Engine:	1.5-litre 4cyl petrol, 128bhp
0-60mph:	9.6 seconds
Test economy:	35.4mpg/7.8mpl
CO2:	113g/km
Annual road tax:	£140

The Volkswagen Golf was the second most registered car in Britain in 2017, and it’s easy to see why: the evergreen hatchback is as spacious, comfortable and good to drive as ever. Last year’s facelift added this new 1.5-litre engine, updated infotainment and more safety features. Here we’re testing the 1.5 TSI EVO 130 model in SE Navigation spec, which costs from £22,255.

The minor changes to the Golf’s appearance are mirrored in the way it drives, because the VW is comfortable and refined, but also great from behind the wheel.

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The 1.5-litre TSI engine is a brilliant addition to the range; it’s very quiet, smooth and put in a good showing in our performance tests. It was the fastest car of the three from 30-70mph through the gears, taking 8.8 seconds to the Honda’s 8.9 seconds and the 308’s 9.1 seconds. That’s helped by the sweet six-speed manual’s shift action, whereas you have to be more methodical with the box in the Peugeot.

Even so, the Golf did fall behind the 308 and Civic from 50-70mph in fifth gear, taking 9.3 seconds, while its rivals both completed the test in 8.9 seconds. In the real world there’s very little to separate them, however, and all feel punchy enough.

You don’t need to work the engine too hard to make progress, because maximum torque of 200Nm arrives at just 1,400rpm; much lower than in either competitor. That means the car picks up pace easily without having to shift down, and it also helps keep things quiet inside; it’s one of the 1.5 TSI’s best aspects, and the Golf is quieter than both rivals as a result.

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The direct and well weighted steering means the Volkswagen responds well on turn-in, plus there’s plenty of grip and good body control. It’s not quite as engaging to drive quickly as the Honda, but there’s not much in it. The real strength of the Golf is the way it blends that ability with refinement and comfort; it rides more smoothly than the 308 in particular, absorbing bumps in the road surface admirably.

Testers’ notes: “The Golf’s 1.5-litre TSI engine is the only four-cylinder unit here. It features clever tech that can deactivate two cylinders to help boost efficiency, shown by its low claimed CO2 emissions.” 

Honda Civic 

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Model:	Honda Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo EX
Price:	£23,615
Engine:	1.0-litre 3cyl petrol, 127bhp
0-60mph:	10.1 seconds
Test economy:	44.1mpg/9.7mpl
CO2:	117g/km
Annual road tax:	£140

The 10th-generation Honda Civic impressed in 2017 thanks to its engaging handling and spacious interior. The sporty Type R version is our favourite hot hatch, and its DNA filters down into this standard model. Here we’re testing the 1.0-litre version in EX trim, which starts from £23,615 (although our pictures show an SR model).

Honda has followed the industry trend of downsizing its engines for the latest Civic, so this one is powered by a 1.0-litre petrol motor with a turbocharger to improve power and torque lower down in the rev range. It’s punchy from 2,250rpm, where the maximum torque is delivered from, and feels able to keep up with its larger-capacity rivals on the road, although it did trail them in some of our performance tests.

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It was half a second slower from 0-60mph than the Golf, with a time of 10.1 seconds. However, the Honda was only a tenth behind the VW in the 30-70mph sprint and two tenths faster than the 308, helped by that lovely, accurate gearbox.

The close figures show that there’s not too much difference in terms of performance between our three rivals, but the Honda does have the advantage here for keen drivers because it’s the most fun car.

The low driving position is comfortable and feels sporty, while the steering is well weighted and fast in its response, offering the best feel. There’s lots of grip on offer and the clever torque vectoring technology helps the car hold its line through corners. It’s well controlled in terms of body roll thanks to the dampers’ sportier setting, and the Honda is more agile than either rival in this test as a result.

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In comfort mode it’s refined and smooth, with a relatively compliant ride, although our noise tests showed the Civic was a little louder at 70mph than its rivals. The 1.0-litre turbo sits at higher revs at that speed, which contributes to that extra noise.

However, it’s a willing engine and is more characterful than the Golf’s four-cylinder 1.5-litre unit, but not as fun as the 1.2 in the 308. The manual gearshift is fantastic, and has a precise action that’s better than in almost any other hatchback on sale. 

Testers’ notes: “The Honda has the smallest fuel tank of the three cars here, at 46 litres. That means you’ll actually end up filling it up more often than the 308, despite its better economy figure.” 

Verdict 

First place: Volkswagen Golf

It’s a very close result between these three family hatchbacks, but the Golf is so good in so many areas that it will make the most sense for more people. It’s comfortable, refined, good to drive, well equipped and great value, and the latest infotainment system is one of the best on the market at any price. The Golf manages all that while still being practical enough for most owners. 

Second place: Honda Civic

The latest Civic isn’t as well rounded as the Golf, while its infotainment system is a real letdown, but it’s more practical and fun to drive than the VW. It finishes ahead of the 308 thanks to lower running costs and engaging handling, while its performance is strong enough to match the 308. Although it’s not as polished as the VW, it’s still refined and comfortable. 

Third place: Peugeot 308

The 308 is practical and stylish, but not as accomplished as the Golf, so it loses out here. It’s not as good to drive as the Civic, and although the list price is competitive, Peugeot’s PCP deals can’t match Honda’s. The PureTech is the best engine of the three and the 308 performed well, but it trails on value, while its updated infotainment isn’t enough of an improvement. 

Other options in this category... 

Vauxhall Astra 1.4i Elite Nav 150PS

Price: £22,135
Engine: 1.4-litre 4cyl, 148bhp

With its solid driving dynamics, strong comfort and impressive space, the Vauxhall Astra is worth a look. The 1.4-litre petrol in Elite Nav trim is good value, because it’s as well kitted out as our pricier test cars. You also get more power.

Renault Megane 1.2 TCe Signature Nav

Price: £21,790
Engine: 1.2-litre 4cyl, 128bhp

The 1.2-litre petrol Megane is a match for the three contenders in our test, and it’s nearly as well equipped as the Astra, too. In addition, the Renault has style on its side, and offers something different again in this class. 

Figures

	VW Golf 1.5 TSI EVO 130 SE Navigation 5dr	Honda Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo EX	Peugeot 308 1.2 PureTech 130 GT Line
On the road price/total as tested	£22,255/£26,140	£23,615/£24,140	£22,390/£25,835
Residual value (after 3yrs/36,000)	£9,565/43.0%	£10,126/42.9%	£8,042/35.9%
Depreciation	£12,690	£13,489	£14,348
Annual tax liability std/higher rate	£906/£1,812	£1,030/£2,059	£1,064/£2,127
Annual fuel cost (12k/20k miles)	£1,865/£3,109	£1,497/£2,495	£1,714/£2,857
Insurance group/quote/road tax cost	15/£567/£140	15/£1,213/£140	18/£595/£140
Cost of 1st/2nd/3rd service	£164/£309/£164	£195/£265/£245	£13pm (3yrs)
Length/wheelbase	4,258/2,620mm	4,518/2,697mm	4,253/2,620mm
Height/width	1,492/1,799mm	1,434/1,799mm	1,457/1,804mm
Engine	4cyl in-line/1,498cc	3cyl in-line/998cc	3cyl in-line/1,199cc
Peak power/revs	128/5,000 bhp/rpm	127/5,500 bhp/rpm	129/5,500 bhp/rpm
Peak torque/revs	200/1,400 Nm/rpm	200/2,250 Nm/rpm	230/1,750 Nm/rpm
Transmission	6-spd man/fwd	6-spd man/fwd	6-spd man/fwd
Fuel tank capacity/spare wheel	50 litres/space saver	46 litres/repair kit	53 litres/space saver
Boot capacity (seats up/down)	380/1,270 litres	478/1,245 litres	470/1,309 litres
Kerbweight/payload/towing weight	1,280/575/1,400kg	1,275/427/1,200kg	1,089/661/1,300kg
Turning circle	10.9 metres	11.0 metres	10.4 metres
Basic warranty (miles)/recovery	3yrs (60,000)/1yr	3yrs (unlimited)/3yrs	3yrs (unlimited)/1yr
Service intervals/UK dealers	10,000 miles/(1yr)/223	12,500 miles (1yr)/196	16,000 miles (1yr)/283
Driver Power manufacturer/dealer pos.	14th/20th	16th/2nd	13th/9th
NCAP: Adult/child/ped./assist/stars	94/89/65/71/5 (2012)	92/75/75/88/5 (2017)	92/79/64/81/5 (2013)
0-60/30-70mph	9.6/8.8 secs	10.1/8.9 secs	9.5/9.1 secs
30-50mph in 3rd/4th	4.4/6.1 secs	4.6/6.3 secs	4.1/6.3 secs
50-70mph in 5th/6th	9.3/12.1 secs	8.9/11.0 secs	8.9/11.1 secs
Top speed/rpm at 70mph	130mph/2,250rpm	126mph/2,500rpm	130mph/2,300rpm
Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph	53.7/37.0/11.8m	44.1/31.1/8.2m	54.4/35.4/11.6m
Noise outside/idle/30/70mph	61/51/62/71dB	59/41/63/72dB	64/50/64/71dB
Auto Express econ (mpg/mpl)/range	35.4/7.8/389 miles	44.1/9.7/446 miles	38.5/8.5/449 miles
Govt urban/extra-urban/combined	44.8/68.9/58.9mpg	44.1/64.2/55.4mpg	43.5/62.8/54.3mpg
Govt urban/extra-urban/combined	9.9/15.2/13.0mpl	9.7/14.1/12.2mpl	9.6/13.8/11.9mpl
Actual/claimed CO2/tax bracket	184/113g/km/21%	148/117g/km/22%	170/120g/km/23%
Airbags/Isofix/park sensors/camera	Seven/yes/yes/£265	Six/yes/yes/yes	Six/yes/yes/yes
Auto box/stability/cruise control/AEB	£1,395/yes/yes/yes	£1,400/yes/yes/yes	£1,150/y/y/£800^
Climate control/leather/heated seats	£425/£2,115/£400*	Yes/yes/yes	Y/£1,200/£1,200**
Metallic paint/LED lights/keyless go	£575/£995/£375	£525/£600/yes	£525/yes/£350
Sat-nav/USB/DAB radio/Bluetooth	Yes/yes/yes/yes	Yes/yes/yes/yes	Yes/yes/yes/yes

Associated Advanced Gallery 

Peugeot 308 vs Volkswagen Golf vs Honda Civic - pictures

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Smart road studs to synch with traffic lights and reduce accidents

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Hugo Griffiths 2018-01-31 12:40

Connected road studs illuminate when traffic lights go green, guiding drivers to correct lanes

Highways England is rolling out a series of 170 smart LED road studs - commonly known as cat's eyes - at one of the country’s busiest road junctions.

The smart studs are synchronised with nearby traffic lights, becoming visible when the lights go green and guiding drivers around junctions. They are linked to the lights by a series of underground wires, and turn off when the lights go red.

• Adaptable headlights could improve road safety

The studs are said to be visible from 1km away, and will be installed at Switch Island junction in Merseyside, where the M57, M58 and a trio of A roads meet. The junction is used by around 90,000 vehicles each day, and is currently undergoing a £3 million safety initiative as an average of one accident happens on it every fortnight.

Announcing the scheme, Phil Tyrrell, project manager at Highways England, said: “We’re always looking for new ways to further improve journeys and safety for drivers, and I hope the new intelligent cat's eyes will help better guide drivers around Switch Island.

“The innovative light-up road studs along with the other improvements we’re introducing will make it much easier to navigate the junction, benefitting the tens of thousands of drivers who travel through it every day.”

• How technology could slash road accidents

The smart studs were developed by Clearview Intelligence, a transport technology company based in Bicester, Oxfordshire. The firm’s managing director said: “The new studs have been proven to reduce lane transgression by over 50 per cent in certain conditions so it’s a great way to help improve the safety for all road users.”

Road safety is a top priority for all drivers, but which cars on the safest on sale?

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New 200mph+ Lister Thunder is a 666bhp Jaguar F-Type

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James Brodie 2018-01-31 12:00

Lister spins its own take on a Jaguar again with bespoke F-Type, limited to 99 units

British sports car maker Lister will reveal what it says is an all-new model at next month’s Historic Motorsport International exposition in London.

Dubbed the Lister Thunder, it’s being billed as a ‘logical successor’ to the Lister Le Mans of the early 1990s, being another Lister supercar based completely on a Jaguar.

• Iconic Lister Knobbly returns

While the Le Mans was based on an XJS Coupe, the new Thunder is quite obviously an F-Type, though with some bespoke design tweaks and performance gains. Lister says that it’s the most powerful and luxurious car to ever roll off the company’s production line.

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Jaguar’s 5.0-litre supercharged V8 remains under the bonnet, but has been tweaked by Lister to produce 666bhp. As such, Lister claims that the Thunder is capable of 0-62mph in just over three seconds, with a top speed in excess of 200mph.

At the front, the transformation from Jaguar to Lister is ushered in by a new carbon fibre front apron, complete with an extended front splitter. The badge is a Lister badge too, while bright green accents loop around the grille. New vents on the bonnet, a new carbon fibre rear bumper, and carbon fibre exhaust tips join these modifications.

In the cabin, the Thunder gets full Bridge of Weir Nappa leather upholstery, with 36 different colours for customers to choose from. Again, the Jaguar logos inside are replaced by Lister motifs. 99 examples of the Thunder are planned, each priced from £139,950.

In 2014 Lister promised to build a £2 million hypercar. We’re still waiting, mind…

Associated Advanced Gallery 

New 200mph+ Lister Thunder is a 666bhp Jaguar F-Type - pictures

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New Skoda Karoq SE Technology targets business users

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James Wilson 2018-01-31 10:10

Czech car manufacturer Skoda has announced a new Karoq SUV trim configured to meet the needs of fleet users. SE Technology is its name

Skoda has revealed the Skoda Karoq SE Technology designed specifically for fleets. The new trim level comes with both petrol and diesel engine options and prices that start below £21,000.

The Karoq SE Technology comes as standard with front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, a panoramic sunroof and a one-year subscription to ‘Infotainment Online’. The the latter is a service which provides drivers with live traffic reports and calendar updates – useful for those working on the move.

• Company car tax guide: everything you need to know

The engine range consists of two petrol engines – a 1.0-litre 113bhp three-cylinder and a 1.5-litre 148bhp four-cylinder – along with two diesel engines – a 1.6-litre 113bhp four-cylinder and a 2.0-litre 148bhp four-cylinder. All claim an average of over 50mpg, but the 1.6-litre diesel provides the best economy with mpg figures reaching into the 60s on the combined cycle.

Furthermore, those drivers who prefer to let the car look after gear selection, can have a seven-speed DSG transmission spec’d with any of the four engines. However, if you are in need of four-wheel drive the 2.0-litre diesel is your only option.

Prices start at just under £21,000 for the 1.0-litre petrol with a manual gearbox, before rising all the way to £26,805 for the top of the line 2.0-litre diesel 4x4 with a DSG gearbox.

• Skoda Karoq review

The SE Tech also comes with a few practical trinkets that Skoda is becoming known for, such as an umbrella under the passenger seat and ice scraper in the fuel cap, both of which are simple, yet useful additions for motorists.

As with all Skoda SE Technology cars, the Karoq is available to purchase as a private buyer, but with no standard finance option. Finally, the Karoq SE Technology comes with P11D values starting at £20,660 and a benefit-in-kind percentage as low as 22.

Looking at buying a company car? Take a read of our best company cars on sale.

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New Jeep Cherokee 2018 facelift review

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Image 1 of 15

31 Jan, 2018 11:00am Aaron Gold

We traveled to California to test a US version of the updated Jeep Cherokee SUV

It’s been a rough ride for the Jeep Cherokee back home in America, thanks to controversial styling that didn’t really appeal to the tastes of American buyers. As a result, the Cherokee has spent the last five years sitting on the sidelines, even as other similarly-sized SUVs have seen skyrocketing sales in the States.

It’s taken a while, but Jeep finally revealed a facelifted Cherokee at this year’s Detroit Motor Show. Though the new Cherokee won’t arrive in Europe until the autumn, we traveled to California to take a test drive in the US version. 

• Best 4x4s and SUVs on sale

Obviously, styling is the biggest change. All of the sheetmetal ahead of the windscreen is new, with a higher bonnet-line and more conventional lighting assemblies that give the Cherokee a close resemblance to the Grand Cherokee and the new Compass. Reshaping the front end also gave Jeep the opportunity to rework the underlying structure for better crash protection. 

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Out back, the entire hatch lid is new, and it’s made from composite materials to save weight. Moving the number plate from the bumper to the boot lid eliminated that vast expanse of blank sheetmetal below the taillights and allowed the latch mechanism to be moved further back into the bumper, freeing up just over 90 liters of additional luggage space. That said, the new Cherokee still trails its rivals for boot volume. 

Interior changes are subtle, with improved trim materials and standard-fit seven or 8.4-inch touchscreen displays. There’s also a new top-of-the-range Overland trim, denoted by chrome-plated tow hooks nestled into the bumper, while the jungle-bashing Trailhawk model returns.

Aside from the styling, the biggest news is the availability of a 270bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol that develops 400Nm of torque. It may be new but it’s not the most sophisticated engine around especially hooked up to the nine-speed automatic gearbox. This transmission has been a thorn in Jeep’s side since the 2014 Cherokee was introduced, and though Jeep has tweaked the programming, it’s still not right. 

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Image 3 of 15

We drove the Cherokee though the aggressive canyon roads north of Los Angeles, and the powertrain was simply too slow in its responses. Prodding the accelerator led to a delay before the gearbox decided to change down, and then another delay while the turbocharger built up boost. By the time the power arrived, we no longer needed it.

Fuel economy is said to be the chief advantage of the 2.0-litre engine over the V6; figures are yet to be confirmed, but it’ll have to be incredibly efficient to offset its shortcomings when it comes to performance. Jeep will announce the full European engine lineup at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

The Cherokee’s suspension has been modified to improve ride quality, and the ride remains steady and comfortable, even over rough pavement. Like the outgoing Cherokee, the new one handles well enough, and the steering feel is commendable, but it’s not particularly engaging or enjoyable to drive - at least, not when there’s pavement under the tyres.

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Image 5 of 15

Off-road prowess remains a Cherokee specialty. For our test drive, the Jeep folks carved out a trail of steep climbs, deep ruts, and massive moguls far too severe for the average crossover SUV. The Cherokee Trailhawk - equipped with the best of Jeep’s three all-wheel-drive systems, complete with a low range and lockable differentials, along with Selec-Speed, a sort of off-road cruise control system - tip-toed through the course with no drama. We were impressed, but not surprised. 

While the Cherokee’s new looks could change its fortunes in America, we don’t know if they’ll have as much of an impact in the UK. Most of what we like about the Cherokee remains intact, particularly the comfortable ride, Land-Rover-like off-road ability, and the inherent cool factor of the Jeep brand.

Unfortunately, the things we dislike haven’t changed much either, and so long as the new 2.0-litre engine remains saddled by that dreadful gearbox, it’s not much of an improvement over the V6. We predict steady sailing in British waters for the facelifted Cherokee.

3

The Jeep Cherokee’s new styling may help flagging sales in America, but the updates are unlikely to transform how the Cherokee preforms in the UK. The SUV retains its smooth ride and incredible off-road ability, but the driving experience remains average and the new turbocharged petrol engine is let down by an ill-mannered gearbox.

• Model: Jeep Cherokee Overland AWD 2.0T Automatic
• Price: TBD
• Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol
• Power/torque: 270bhp/400Nm
• Transmission: Nine-speed automatic

• 0-62mph: TBD
• Top speed: TBD
• Economy/CO2: TBD
• On sale: Autumn 2018

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‘Make no mistake, achieving iconic status is difficult’

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Graham Hope 2018-01-31 10:30

Following the launch of the latest Mercedes G-Wagen, Editor Graham Hope considers the factors that create an iconic car

What makes an iconic car? That was the question posed by Mercedes boss Dieter Zetsche at the recent launch of the new G-Wagen.

Mr Zetsche had his own views, and it was hard to quibble with any of them. Firstly, he said, an icon had to offer “no compromises” in its performance. It should also be instantly recognisable, having defined a look. And finally, he mooted, there had to be what he described as “a built-in story”.

• 2018 Mercedes G-Class revealed

Alongside the G-Class, four models which he felt ticked the necessary boxes to be considered icons were the Porsche 911, Jeep Wrangler, Ford Mustang and his own company’s 300 SL. A fair selection? I’d struggle to argue with any of that quartet.

To that list, I would tentatively add the Fiat 500 and Mini/MINI, which continue to thrive in their own respective areas of the market, despite ever-changing fashions. However, one thing that all these cars highlight is just how difficult it is for a manufacturer to move an icon on design-wise.

That’s the reason the MINI hasn’t changed all that much since its 2001 rebirth, and why I’m sure the next Fiat 500 will be a very close copy of the current one.

Because make no mistake: while achieving iconic status is incredibly difficult, losing it is fairly easy, a mere design mis-step away. As evidence, I’d point you towards the current Volkswagen Beetle, which to my eyes at least, is a cartoonish pastiche of the much loved original.

Of course, there’s one other car that’s impossible to ignore in a debate about motoring icons: Britain’s own Land Rover Defender. The classic 4x4 ended production in January 2016.

The fact that two years later we are still waiting to see its successor suggests that Land Rover knows only too well what a fine line it has to tread to produce a design that lives up to the legend.

Britain has built plenty of motoring icons, but which ones make the top 50? Read our list of the greatest ever British-built cars...

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What does P11D mean? P11D values explained

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James Wilson 2018-01-30 10:40

Lucky enough to be getting a company car but don’t know what a P11D value is? Our article explains all

‘P11D’ and the associated ‘P11D values’ are combinations of letters and numbers which mean very little to a lot of people. If you’re a company car user, however, you will probably have heard the terms being tossed about a fair bit. If you’re at all unsure about what a P11D or P11D value are, fear not because Auto Express is here to explain all.

The P11D is, rather boringly, a form. Its purpose is to prevent employers and employees from circumventing the UK tax system via benefits in kind - like company cars. Any employer which provides expenses or benefits to employees is required to fill out a P11D (one per employee). The form provides HMRC with the details of any benefits so that the tax and national insurance owed can be calculated.

• Company car tax guide 2018: everything you need to know

Even though the employer will be the one submitting the P11D form, the employee will be the one ultimately on the receiving end of the tax bill. That’s where the importance of the P11D to company car users comes in. To keep your tax bill as low as possible, company car drivers will need to choose a car with an low P11D value and a low company car tax band.   

P11D value is not an official term but it is used colloquially to mean the value of a company car in the eyes of HMRC. The P11D value is the list price of a car including VAT and any delivery charges but it does not include the first registration fee or road tax. Any factory options fitted to the car will be included in the list price and, therefore, the P11D value.

Once you have the company car’s P11D value, you can work out your annual company car tax by multiplying it by the percentage rate of your income tax bracket (either 20% or 40%) and the car’s benefit-in-kind tax band, which is based on its CO2 emissions on models registered since 1 January 1998.

P11D of used and classic cars

The same P11D value calculation applies to both new and used cars so if you were considering running a used company car, the P11D value and the tax you incur will still be based on the list price when it was new. If there is no list price available to reference, a notional price is used. This is a reasonable value that the manufacturer, importer or distributor would have been expected to have sold the car for.

• Most economical cars on sale

For the purposes of the P11D, the UK Government defines a classic car as one that is 15 years old or older at the end of the current tax year, and has a market value greater than its original list price. Company car tax is then calculated via three tax bands based on engine size.

• 0 to 1,400cc – 15%
• 1,401 to 2,000cc – 22%
• Over 2,000cc – 32%

If the car’s market value is over £15,000 the percentage is applied to that figure. If the market value is under £15,000 the percentage is applied to the list price of the car when it was new.

Getting closer to picking a company car? Why not take a read of our best company cars on sale?

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Drivers going even 1mph over the speed limit should be punished, says police chief

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Martin Saarinen 2018-01-31 09:10

Chief constable Anthony Bangham has called for a radical departure from current UK roads policing norms to crack down on speeders

Motorists caught speeding just 1mph over the speed limit should be punished by the police as part of a radical change to roads policing guidelines, Britain’s roads police chief has said.

Speaking at the Police Federations roads policing conference on Tuesday, chief constable Anthony Bangham called for a radical departure from current roads policing norms. According to Bangham, police should scrap the unofficial 10 per cent ‘buffer’ over marked speed limits that most forces currently offer and commit to a much tougher stance on speeders. 

• UK speed limits explained

The chief constable also called for limited use of speed awareness courses that are currently offered in lieu of points and a fine. According to Bangham, speed awareness courses should only be offered to drivers marginally caught over the speed limit – everyone else should be targeted with a fine and points.

Current policing guidelines used by some forces allow drivers to speed up to 10 per cent over the current limit before they’re punished. Those caught just a few miles per hour over the buffer are often offered driver awareness courses as an alternative to points and a fine. 

• UK speeding offences reach six-year high

However, to Bangham this is too soft a stance for the police. Speaking at the conference, he said: “Let’s change the message – we are proud to be law enforcers. I don’t want the public to be surprised, I want them to be embarrassed when they get caught. They need to understand the law is set at the limit for a reason. They should not come whingening to us about getting caught.

“If booked at 35 or 34 or 33 at [in a 30mph zone] that cannot be unfair because they are breaking the law.”

The news comes after the number of speeding drivers caught on UK roads reached a six-year high last year, with 2.15 million drivers caught by police and cameras. 

However, critics have warned that a zero-tolerance approach to speeding would be counteractive to road safety. MP Sir Greg Knight said: “It will make criminals of good motorists who are basically good drivers trying to obey the speed limit while keeping an eye on the road.” 

Edmund King, president of the AA added: “Of course speeding is dangerous and drivers should not speed. But surely it is better to educate motorists rater than just slap a fine on them. The last thing we want is drivers glued to the speedometer 100 per cent of the time. We want drivers to concentrate on the road ahead and not be worried about one or two miles over the limit.” 

A move like this towards zero-tolerance of speeding in the UK could also present problems in terms of prosecuting motorists caught breaking the speed limit by a small margin. The calibration of car speedometers, speed cameras and police speed traps are already brought into question in court cases involving speeding and this could become more prevalent if the margins are tightened further. 

Would you support a tougher stance on speeding? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below... 

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Auto Express Issue 1,509

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Aston Martin plans £600million investment in China

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Jonathan Burn 2018-01-31 08:00

10 new Aston Martin dealerships in China will be opened to prepare for the new Vantage and the Aston SUV launch

Aston Martin is planning to expand its global footprint with planned trade and investment deals in China that could total up to £600 million, the British manufacturer has confirmed. 

Aston boss Andy Palmer made the announcement as he accompanied British Prime Minister Theresa May on a trade visit to the country. Part of the investment will see 10 new or refurbished Aston Martin dealerships opened in China by the end of 2018 taking the total number of dealers in the country up to 20.

China is the world’s largest new car market and Aston predicts further demand in the region with the imminent launch of the new Vantage. Following that, the company’s first SUV and all-electric model are both due to launch in 2019 and are expected to boost sales further.

“Our impressive 2017 performance in China reflects increasing demand for our new and special vehicles,” said Aston boss Andy Palmer. “The continued roll-out of our new model pipeline, including the company’s first electric vehicle in 2019, will further improve Aston Martin’s market share in this key market, alongside investments we are making to strengthen brand visibility and sales performance.”

Following on from the Vantage and SUV will be an all-new version of the Vanquish. It will be based on a version of the DB11’s chassis and compete against the Ferrari 812 Superfast. 

Now check out our round-up of the best and worst Chinese copycat cars...

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New Renault Megane RS 2018 review

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Image 1 of 33

31 Jan, 2018 6:00am Jonathan Burn

We get behind the wheel of the long-awaited Renault Megane RS hot hatch, with clever four-wheel steering

It feels as if we’ve had to wait a long time for a new Renault Megane RS. The standard hatch was launched back in 2015 and from that point the question on everybody’s lips has been: “When is the RS coming?”

A little over two years on and it’s finally here, wading into a hot hatch market brimming with talent; the Honda Civic Type R, Hyundai i30 N and VW Golf GTI are only a handful of the capable cars the Megane RS has to face up to.

• Best hot hatchbacks on sale right now

The newcomer also has big shoes to fill because of the success, popularity and value offered by its predecessor. Key to that model’s success was its relative simplicity; it was lightweight, front-wheel drive, had a snappy manual gearbox and a willing 2.0-litre engine.

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On paper, at least, a lot of the previous Megane RS’s values have filtered through to the new model. Sure, it’s more powerful, thanks to a new 276bhp, 390Nm 1.8-litre turbo. But in the car we’re driving here it’s hooked up to a new six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. A manual transmission is also available, though.

What’s also new to the RS (and a first in a hot hatch) is four-wheel steering, which Renault calls 4CONTROL. It’s designed to increase agility at low speeds and stability at high speeds. But it also adds about 30kg of weight; the RS tips the scales at 1,430kg, which makes it heavier than the Type R.

As before, two chassis set-ups are available: Sport and Cup. You can spec either with a manual or auto gearbox. The Sport chassis is the standard set-up and kits the RS out with redesigned hydraulic shock absorbers and torque vectoring on the front axle.

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Opt for the Cup chassis, which should set you back around £1,500 to £2,000, and Renault throws in a mechanical limited-slip differential and 10 per cent stiffer dampers. At the end of the year the company will launch a more potent Trophy version of the car, which promises 296bhp and 400Nm of torque from the same motor.

Our first drive, in Sport-chassis spec with a dual-clutch gearbox, reveals that in Comfort or Normal mode you’d be hard pressed to tell the difference between a standard Megane and the RS in terms of refinement. It’s quiet, smooth and incredibly compliant.

As the road tightens, toggling through Sport and Race modes makes everything a little more aggressive. The engine note is synthetically pumped through the cabin’s speakers, but it sounds convincing, while crackles and bangs erupt from the exhaust when shifting down gears.

The six-speed dual-clutch auto reacts immediately to your every command; the box is able to jump gears on the way down through the ratios if you pull and hold the left paddle in Sport or Race mode. It’s a shame the paddles don’t operate with a satisfying click, though; instead they’re a bit soft and mushy.

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Image 6 of 33

The steering isn’t brimming with feel, but it’s sharp, and combined with the Megane’s four-wheel steering, it gives this hot hatch gymnast levels of agility.

Below 62mph in Race mode, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction from the fronts to boost turn-in; you can feel the rear end begin to swing round and the nose tuck into a corner.

• Best performance cars on the market

Initially it turns in so quickly that it almost catches you off guard. But when you get on the throttle, because the Sport chassis only has torque vectoring rather than a proper diff, you can feel the RS scrabbling away at the asphalt.

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Image 13 of 33

It doesn’t seem as fast as the Type R off the mark, nor as punchy when you get going, but with a 40bhp and 50kg deficit over the Honda that’s to be expected. The engine itself pulls strongly and smoothly from 2,000rpm up to around 6,000rpm where most of its work is done. Renault claims a 5.8-second 0-62mph time for the RS – one tenth down on the Civic.

Where the Megane really excels is its ability to cover bumpy and rutted ground at speed with real composure. The hydraulic compression stops fitted to all shock absorbers allow the RS to absorb road undulations without any fuss. The body control is superb.

We did get a brief taste of the firmer Cup chassis and a manual gearbox, but only for three laps on track. More time on the road is required, but it’s already clear it’s the better flavour of Megane; power is put down cleanly and the front end finds more bite thanks to the limited-slip diff. Add in the sweet and precise manual gearbox and it feels like a proper Renault Sport product.

Visually, the RS also cuts a striking shape on the road, its squat stance emphasised by bulging arches housing beautiful 19-inch alloy wheels.

The cabin is more patchy; there are enough RS flourishes, like the Alcantara steering wheel and bucket seats, to give it a sense of occasion. But the carbon fibre-effect door fabrics, and some of the dash plastics, look and feel cheap.

Interior space is fair at best. There’s decent headroom for those in the back, but the deep bucket seats steal a fair bit of knee room. So while you can sit three in the back (unlike the Type R, which only has two rear seats), you probably wouldn’t want to for long.

4

The new Renault Megane RS is composed at speed and incredibly nimble – and yet this version feels like a car that has more to give. Our brief taste of the Cup chassis suggests that it will be a serious rival for the Honda Civic Type R.

• Model: Renault Megane RS
• Price: £29,000 (est)
• Engine: 1.8-litre 4cyl turbo petrol
• Power/torque: 276bhp/390Nm
• Transmission: Six-speed dual-clutch auto, front-wheel drive

• 0-62mph: 5.8 seconds
• Top speed: 155mph
• Economy/CO2: 40.9mpg/155g/km
• On sale: April

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UK car manufacturing down 3 per cent in 2017

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Martin Saarinen 2018-01-31 00:01

Car manufacturing in the UK falls for the first time in eight years as domestic demand dwindles

UK’s car manufacturing fell by three per cent in 2017 - the first decline in eight years - according to latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Last year saw 1,671,166 vehicles roll off UK production lines, down three per cent on the record year of 2016 when the industry achieved the highest production numbers in 17 years.

• Brexit and diesel concerns drive car production down

The SMMT blames the three per cent drop in manufacturing output on a fall in domestic demand and economic uncertainty – domestic vehicle registrations were down 5.7 per cent last year, with production earmarked for the UK market down by 9.8 per cent.

Of the 1.67 million vehicles built, 79.9 per cent were exported with the European Union being the biggest buyer of UK built vehicles. Exports were down 1.1 per cent compared to last year.

The SMMT says the Government needs to urgently reach a post-Brexit transition deal: “This means maintaining the UK’s membership of the single market and customs union and addressing critical details that, if ignored, could have a damaging effect on the industry’s competitiveness.”

While overall vehicle manufacturing was down, engine production in the UK reached record high levels with 2.72 million produced, up 6.9 per cent on 2016. The SMMT says the growth is a result of recent investment into low-emission petrol and diesel engines in the UK. Of the 8,000 people employed in engine production, 3,550 are directly involved in diesel production.

However, the trade body warned that continued uncertainty over diesel policy in the UK will impact the sector. SMMT chief executive, Mike Hawes said: “Concern over the future of diesel is having an effect on total production.”

• Motor industry calls for ‘frictionless’ Brexit

While the engine manufacturing sector has benefitted from recent investment, the SMMT said overall investment in the UK’s automotive sector is down. Last year saw £1.1 billion invested in the UK’s automotive sector, down from £1.66 billion in 2016 and £2.5 billion three years ago. The SMMT says part of the drop in investment can be explained by Brexit, with manufacturers and businesses delaying investment until the UK’s trade relationship with the EU is confirmed. Hawes added that the though the drop in investment is “significant” investment is “cyclical.”

Hawes said, “The UK automotive industry continues to produce cars that are in strong demand across the world and it’s encouraging to see growth in many markets. However, we urgently need clarity on the transitional arrangements for Brexit, arrangements which must retain all the current benefits else around 10% of our exports could be threatened overnight.

"We compete in a global race to produce the best cars and must continue to attract investment to remain competitive. Whilst such investment is often cyclical, the evidence is that it is now stalling so we need rapid progress on trade discussions to safeguard jobs and stimulate future growth.”

UK car production may be down, but how did it affect the best-selling cars last year? Check out the top ten sellers from 2017…

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