Auto Express Magazine - December 31, 2014 UK

31 Dec 2014-6 Jan 2015
No. 1,351 | 2.80
BRITAINS BIGGEST-SELLING WEEKLYCAR MAGAZINE
EXCLUSIVEHEAD-TO-HEAD
ART
FREE WALLCHEKLY
NEW JAG
JAG XE
&BMW3SERIES
All the stats that matter aas bold

new
w Brit
Brit meets
meets iits
ts aarch
rch rrival
ival
HOT-HATCH
SHOOTOUT
PLU
LUSS
BMWI3S
TEST
EXCLUSIVE IMAGE
TESTED New Alfa

Alf MiTo QV vs SEAT
Ibiza Cupra vs Peugeot 208 GTi
PORSCHES
5
SERIES
We reveal plans for Pajun super saloon
VOLVO XC90 Full preview & exclusive picss
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Contents
News | New Cars | Features |Tests |Products |Buying cars |Sport
Newsweek
COVER Jaguar XE vs BMW 3 Series
All the key stats as new Brit meets its arch rival
COVER New XC90 preview
10
Breakdown review of 2014
13
Shock new MINI
14
Halfords servicing revolution
16
COVER Porsches junior Panamera
18
Exclusive pictures of Volvo SUV. Plus new three-cyl engine

AA statistics reveal reasons for callouts in past 12 months
Leaked patent ofce shot hints sports car is coming
Autocentre network to take on dealers with cheap prices
Pajun is on its way and we have all you need to know
Features
Getting in shape for Dakar
22
Selling a private plate
26
Our man sees whats required for gruelling rally
50 Electric chargers: Kias all-new Soul EV and BMWs i3 battle for class honours
What to do and how to get the maximum price
New cars
COVER Hyundai i20 hits Britain
28
Mercedes B200
30
VW Polo GTI
33
Tesla Model S 60kWh
35
Audi A1 1.4 TSI
36
Nissans electric MPV
38
First UK drive verdict on classy new supermini

B-Class is updated to take on 2 Series Active Tourer
We see if DSG auto box detracts from hot hatch fun
Entry-level electric exec wont leave you shortchanged
Potent four-cyl turbo is a great match for supermini
14 Leaked shot could reveal MINI sports car 10 Full preview of new Volvo XC90
Online
this week
e-NV200 Combi is the worlds most practical EV
Road tests
COVER Hot hatch shoot-out
40
Soul EV vs BMW i3
50
Our cars
58
New Alfa MiTo QV takes on Ibiza Cupra and 208 GTi

Can Kias new electric car shock our current favourite?
Updates on the Suzuki SX4 S-Cross and Audi A3 Saloon
Products
New on the shelves
64
Appy new year!
68
All the latest kit, including a clever new multitool
BEST
28 First UK drive of new Hyundai i20 MOTORING
APPS FOR
2015
Page 68
Full details on Kias

new Rio and Venga
THE small car market will be
more competitive than ever in
2015, and Kia is striking an
early blow by refreshing the
ranges of its Rio supermini
(above) and Venga mini-MPV.
We saw what the facelifted
cars looked like when they were
unveiled at the Paris Motor
Show in October, but log on
to our website from the middle
of next week for the full
lowdown on prices and trim
levels for UK showrooms.
For more visit
18 Porsches top-secret plans for junior Panamera

2 31 December 2014
autoexpress.co.uk
The best apps drivers can download in 2015
Buying cars
Kia Ceed buyers guide
72
Best bargain MPVs
74
New car prices
78
How to get your hands on stylish, affordable hatch

Our experts pick three great used choices for 7,000
All the info you need before you head to the showroom
Regulars
Consumer news
20
Get Auto Express every week
37
Sport
88
Back chat
90
Watchdog solves your problems, plus you have your say
How to net a great deal on your favourite magazine

Whats happening where in Britain in 2015
Mike Rutherford on taking customer service seriously
BMW Winter
Tyres
www.bmw.co.uk/
winter-tyres
AS THE FIRST SIGN OF

WINTER APPEARS...
The Ultimate
Driving Machine
MAKE THIS THE ONE

THAT COUNTS.
IMPROVED STOPPING AND OPTIMUM GRIP

WITH BMW WINTER TYRES.
Dont let winter compromise your driving experience. BMW Winter Tyres improve safety by
reducing braking distances considerably in all winter conditions, as well as lasting longer than
normal tyres at lower temperatures, especially below 7C.
Prices for a set of Winter Wheels and Tyres start from just 752 RRP*, so follow the
signs to your local BMW Centre or visit www.bmw.co.uk/winter-tyres to find out more.
BMW WINTER WHEELS AND TYRES.

Recommended retail price is correct at time of going to print and may change without notice. A visit to your BMW Centre is the best way to keep up to date.
*RRP includes VAT, but excludes fitting. Your BMW Retailer can give you a quote for fitting.
Thisweek
Visit autoexpress.co.uk for all the latest new cars news
Editor-in-chief: Steve Fowler

Deputy editor: Graham Hope
News
Associate editor: JackRix

News editor: James Batchelor
Deputy news editor: Richard Ingram
Senior news reporter: Jonathan Burn
News reporter: Lawrence Allan
Road tests
Road test editor: James Disdale

Deputy road test editor: Dean Gibson
Road tester: Lesley Harris
Nows the time for car dealers

to put service at top of agenda
Contact us
Consumer
Consumer editor: Chris Ebbs

Consumer reporter: Joe Finnerty
Consumer writer (products): Henry Willis
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ITS not difficult, is it? Treat your customers

as you would want to be treated yourself.
How about starting with returning phone
calls the number one gripe in our Driver
Power satisfaction survey?
In spite of the amount of money we all spend
buying and maintaining our cars, all too often
were treated with less courtesy than you might
get buying baked beans at your local supermarket.
Incredibly, out of the 50,000-plus people who
responded to our survey, one in five made a
complaint about their car and less than a third
were happy with the outcome. Shocking.
Its clear that the car makers see this as a
big battleground. Theyve finally cottoned
on to what weve been telling them for years
were more likely to buy from a dealer
whos a pleasure, not a pain, to deal with.
Peugeot has reaped the rewards from improving
its dealers, jumping 17 places in this years survey
as the biggest mover. And now SEATs UK boss is
using the results from Driver Power 2014 to kickstart an improvement from his dealers, too and
frankly theres only one way to go from last place!
This dissatisfaction among car owners hasnt
gone unnoticed by Halfords still one of the UKs
biggest motoring brands. As we exclusively reveal
this week, its targeting car owners who normally
get their cars serviced at franchised dealers by
offering the sort of service levels people expect
(but rarely get) at prices well below the norm.
What many car owners dont realise is they
dont have to be slaves to franchised dealers to
keep their warranties
intact. So if you can get a
better deal elsewhere, why
not? Good service costs so
little, so lets hope more car
dealers start offering it.
STEVE FOWLER
Editor-in-chief
Steve_Fowler@dennis.co.uk
@stevefowler
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31 December 2014 5
Top story
First for news every week
JAGUAR
XE
STRIKING LOOKS Sharp new
Jaguar will certainly stand out on the

road, particularly compared to BMW,
which rather fades into background
as its now such a common sight
vs BMW
3 SERIES
Crucial new Jaguar meets arch rival ahead

of 2015s launch as we reveal all the stats
Ja
James Batchelor
Jame
James_Batchelor@dennis.co.uk
ITS D-Day in executive car land.

If the new Jaguar XE is to succeed
when it goes on sale in April, theres
nowhere to hide it needs to hit BMWs
class-leading 3 Series where it hurts.
In this crucial part of the market,
buyers are led as much by crunching
numbers as they are by their eyes and
hearts. So before we get behind the
wheel of an XE prototype at the end
of January, weve brought together the
two contenders in an exclusive studio
shoot to prod, measure and analyse
every inch (with full specs, opposite),
and help you make a fully informed
decision between the two.
Its worth reiterating just how
important the XE is for Jaguar. Its
Indian owner, Tata, has invested 2bn
in brand new technology and facilities
to make JLR a truly modern car company.
A new plant in Wolverhampton has been
constructed to build a range of efficient
new Ingenium engines which will power
the XE and a range of other JLR cars, and
its Solihull manufacturing plant now
houses an all-new facility to build the
small Jag. More than 3,000 jobs in the
6 31 December 2014
MEASURING UP Our man Batchelor gets vital

statistics of XEs boot, and while it trails 3 Series
load bay (left) on capacity, its nearly as long
UK have been created off the back of
the XE so failure is not an option.
Fortunately, there are plenty of
potential customers out there. Globally,
the small premium market accounts for
1.3 million sales annually, and thats
expected to continue growing well into
the end of the decade. In the UK in 2013,
BMW sold just under 44,000 3 Series,
Mercedes shifted 31,000 examples of
the C-Class and Audi sold 21,000 A4s.
A Jaguar executive told Auto Express
the company is not looking to topple the
German big three and chase volume at
the cost of residual values. The XE has
the task of doubling Jags 16,000 sales
a year in the UK currently, and is seen
by company execs as a fourth way for
the nations fleet and private buyers,
with the car trading on good looks,
SPACE RACE Rear seat leg
and shoulder room are very

closely matched, with BMW
just about having the edge,
but XE is the wider car here,
which should bring benefits
EXCLUSIVE
Otis Clay
IN DETAIL: XE vs 3 Series
Jaguar XE Prestige
2.0 163 man (auto)
BMW 320d ED
Business man (auto)
Price: 30,775 (32,525)

Monthly lease cost: 301 (312)
Residual value: 47% (46%)
Annual tax liability: 15% (16%)
Annual fuel cost (12k/20k miles):
883/1,471 (961/1,602)
Annual road tax: 0 (20)
Fuel consumption avg: 75mpg (68.9mpg)
CO2 emissions: 99g/km (106g/km)
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl diesel
0-62/top spd: 8.4s/132mph (8.2s/132mph)
Peak power/revs: 161bhp/4,000rpm
Peak torque/revs: 380Nm/1,750-2,500rpm
Transmission: 6-spd manual (8-spd auto)
Fuel tank/range: 47 litres/773 miles (710)
Length/wheelbase: 4,672mm/2,835mm
Width/height: 1,850/1,416mm
Boot capacity/length/width/depth:
455 litres/1,005mm/1,250mm/653mm
Rear leg/shoulder room: 889mm/1,389mm
Price: 30,175 (31,725)

Monthly lease cost: 338 (355)
Residual value: 41% (40%)
Annual tax liability: 17% (17%)
Annual fuel cost (12k/20k miles):
961/1,602 (961/1,602)
Annual road tax: 20 (20)
Fuel consumption avg: 68.9mpg (68.9mpg)
CO2 emissions: 109g/km (109g/km)
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl diesel
0-62/top spd: 8.0s/143mph (7.9s/140mph)
Peak power/revs: 163bhp/4,000rpm
Peak torque/revs: 380Nm/1,750-2,750rpm
Transmission: 6-spd manual (8-spd auto)
Fuel tank/range: 57 litres/861 miles (861)
Length/wheelbase: 4,624mm/2,810mm
Width/height: 1,811mm/1,416mm
Boot capacity/length/width/depth:
480 litres/1,007mm/1,397mm/667mm
Rear leg/shoulder room: 892mm/1,400mm
fine handling and being more

of an exclusive choice.
I dont think we need to flood the
market with XE, explained Jaguar UK
product planning manager Damian
Lawton. Were not trying to be BMW,
but I think there is room for a new
challenger. We are not aiming to beat
the 3 Series in the sales charts.
Climb inside and the XE has
the edge. The steering wheel and
instrument binnacle are pinched from
the F-Type sports car, while the cabin
can be bathed in a variety of colours.
Theres a new, slicker touchscreen
infotainment system and the cabin is
well screwed together, although the
Jag trails on interior and boot space
it has 455 litres to the 320ds 480.
Park the cars side-by-side, and the
XE is more distinctive. The BMW is no
frump, but looks a bit dour in fleetfocused ED Business trim. The Jags
nose appears wide (the XE is nearly
31 December 2014 7
Top story
Jaguar XE vs BMW 3 Series
SPECIAL FEEL As youd expect
from Jaguar, theres a real sense of

occasion inside the XE, with slick
touchscreen infotainment and topquality materials used throughout
40mm wider than the 3 Series) and leads

along flatter sides to a sleeker rear end.
In fact, from the rear three-quarter theres
a shade of Audi A5 to the newcomer.
Our XE was a mid-spec Prestige. This
sits between SE and R-Sport versions,
and is predicted to be the best-selling
trim. It also featured the new Ingenium
2.0-litre diesel, with 161bhp and 380Nm
of torque. It claims 75mpg economy,
meets Euro VI emissions regulations
and emits just 99g/km of CO2.
Meanwhile, the 320d ED Business
gets an extra 2bhp from its older Euro V
2.0-litre engine, but also packs 380Nm
of torque. It still promises a respectable
68.9mpg and 109g/km emissions, but is
four-tenths quicker from 0-62mph than
the Jag. Were expecting a facelifted BMW
in the middle of the year thatll boast
better stats, including a 99g/km version.
Theres a vast number of 3 Series
trims to choose from, with the range
kicking off at 25,575 for the 316d ES

with a 2.0-litre diesel. XE prices start at
26,995 for the 197bhp 2.0-litre turbo
petrol SE, and across the range Jaguar
charges a few hundred pounds more
than for the equivalent BMW, although
the British car does have more modern
engines and should hold its value better.
For example, the XE pictured here is
predicted to retain 47 per cent of its new
price after three years and 30,000 miles,
compared to the 320d ED Businesss
40 per cent. This is one of the reasons
Jag thinks the XE will perform strongly in
the fleet sector. It sees the car as key to
plans to grow global fleet and business
sales from 17 per cent currently to
around 25 per cent by 2020.
And on first impressions, the XE
looks like it has all the credentials to
topple the 3 Series. Well find out
for sure when we drive the cars
back-to-back in the spring.
STILL WORKS WELL Theres nothing wrong with the 3 Series driver-focused cabin,
with its high-grade plastics and top-quality finish. Business edition offers decent kit, too
HEAD-TO-HEAD Under the

skin, new Jaguar looks to have
edge with cleaner, more modern
diesel engine, although BMW isnt
that far behind. Driver appeal will
be key, so we cant wait to hit road
8 31 Decemberr 2014
News
Volvo XC90
James Batchelor
Jame
@JRRBatchelor
MEET Volvos safest model ever

and one of 2015s most important
new cars the brand new XC90.
We had the chance to explore it
beyond the confines of a motor show for
the first time, and the companys design
manager for exterior, Anders Gunnarson,
took time out to show us around it.
Arguably the most important feature
of the big SUV is the way it looks. It
shows off a new design language and
one that will be seen on Volvos for years
to come. We have worked hard at
giving it some confidence, Gunnarson
told us. We wanted the XC90 to look
strong not only because it is a strong,
Scandinavian car, but also because it is
the face of the future wave of Volvos.
The big SUV uses Volvos new SPA
(Scalable Product Architecture) platform
which will underpin a range of cars in
the coming years estates, saloons and
even a coup. Its great for a designer
like me to work with a platform that
encourages well proportioned designs,
said Gunnarson. The old XC90 looked
top-heavy this doesnt and thats
partly due to the platform.
UK customers will able to select
from three trim levels Momentum,
R-Design and Inscription while under
the bonnet will be a choice of two 2.0-litre
four-cylinder engines. Buyers can opt
for a twin-turbo D5 222bhp diesel or a
turbo and supercharged 316bhp petrol.
The flagship of the range, though,
will be the T8 Twin Engine petrol plug-in
hybrid. Packing a stonking 390bhp, the
T8 combines the 2.0-litre four-cylinder
petrol engine and an electric motor,
Classy XC90 is ready fo

SUV heralds new era for Volvo UK order books now open
and will emit just 64g/km of CO2,

returning a claimed 104.6mpg.
Inside, a new tablet-like nine-inch
touchscreen takes centre stage, and
there are swathes of wood and leather
with hand-crafted highlights such as a
crystal-glass gearlever on the hybrid.
Theres a massive amount of space,
too. Volvo claims the rearmost seats
will comfortably accommodate adult
passengers up to 5ft 6in, and when all
the seats are folded theres a massive
1,900-litre capacity on offer. Safety
OFFICIAL
Touchscreen dominates classy cabin.

Rear seats take adults up to 5ft 6in
The flagship of the

range will be the T8
Twin Engine plug-in
hybrid, packing 390bhp
10 31 December 2014
BOLD STYLING SUV introduces new
design language for the company which

is to be used on estates, saloons and
maybe a coup over the next few years.
British XC90 deliveries start in summer
Three-cylinder engine
Lightweight three-cyl
engine made our test
car feel quite agile
News
XXX
Caption in space here please

Caption space here please
Caption in space here please
Volvo3-cylprototype
FIRST DRIVE New engine shows real potential
Volvo V40 1.5 3cyl

prototype
Price:
Engine:
Power:
Transmission:
0-62mph:
Top speed:
Economy:
CO2:
21,000 (est)
1.5-litre 3cyl turbo
156bhp
Six-speed manual,
front-wheel drive
8.5 seconds (est)
130mph (est)
69mpg (est)
95g/km (est)
ON SALE 2016 (est)

Ja
James Batchelor
Jame
@JRRBatchelor
Nathan Morgan
or action
highlights include two world firsts.
A run-off road protection package
tightens seatbelts and activates energyabsorbing tech in the seats when the
car detects challenging terrain ahead.
Auto braking cuts in if a driver pulls
out in front of oncoming traffic.
Order books are open and the range
starts at 45,550. R-Design cars get
underway at 49,050, while Inscription
starts at 49,950. The plug-in T8 Twin
Engine is around 14,000 more than
the entry-level D5 models in each trim.
PAGE 18: Volvo motor show shock
NOT content with replacing its five,

six and eight-cylinder engines with
the 2.0 four-cylinder thatll be used in
the XC90, Volvo has created a 1.5-litre
three-cylinder petrol engine and Auto
Express has driven an early prototype.
An in-house creation, and based on
the same 500cc-per-cylinder modular
concept as the 2.0-litre four-cylinder
petrol (built on the same line), the
engine went from management
approval to the first one running in
48 weeks. Its currently undergoing
testing, and is slated to appear in the
V40 in the next two years. In time, its
also likely to feature in the S60, V60
and XC60. A three-cylinder diesel was
considered by Volvo, too, but deemed
not premium enough for its customers.
To avoid the vibrations associated
with three-cylinders, Volvo has tuned
the flywheel and torsional damper to
try to match the refinement of its larger
2.0-litre four-cylinder. And on the move
the engine is a delight, staying quiet
at a variety of speeds only under
hard acceleration and as you near
the 6,000rpm red line can you hear
that muffled three-cylinder thrum.
Volvo is aiming for 95g/km of CO2
in the conventional three-cylinder, but
admits the engine could be adapted
QUICK FIX
Its taken Volvo

less than a year
from management
approval to get
three-cylinder
engine prototype
out on test track.
We tried it in V40
Cross Country and
were impressed
for hybrid and plug-in hybrid uses to

offer even more eco-friendly motoring.
Our test was limited to laps of a
Swedish track in a car with studded
tyres, but we were pleasantly surprised
at how production-ready the engine felt.
Our prototype developed around
156bhp and was more than willing to
tackle the tracks slimy tarmac and
steep inclines. Approach a corner and
thanks to the engines lightness, the
turn-in is direct. Theres a real sense of
how light the front end is, but our test
was skewed by the way the studded
tyres danced over the tarmac.
On first impressions, the engine is
a potential winner especially if the
economy figures are as low as Volvo
is aiming for (it assures us theyll be
class-leading). Volvo just needs to
beat rivals and put it into production.
Verdict
OUR drive was short and in the
only current prototype, but with
new investment from Chinese
owner, Geely, Volvo is clearly
back on form when it comes to
creating great engines. It was
punchy and enjoyable to use in
our V40 Cross Country now
the firm just needs to build it.
31 December 2014 11
AA callouts 2014
News
REVEALED: Stories behind the

stats on AAs craziest callouts
2,410
have locked
Kiddies and animals

freed from cabins
Around three million
callouts over 12 months
Joe Finnerty
Joe_Fi
Joe_Finnerty@dennis.co.uk
@AE_Consumer
SNAKES, raccoons, guinea pigs

and toddlers have all been
rescued by the AA from locked
cars during the past 12 months.
Motorists called the recovery
organisation 2,410 times after theyd
inadvertently locked their children
in the car, and a further 1,014
times after trapping their pets, too.
The bizarre requests make up
just some of the AAs three million
callouts in 2014 and Auto Express
can exclusively reveal some of the
stories behind the statistics.
Mark Spowage, AA patrol of the
year, said: One of the more unusual
callouts we get is to release animals
accidentally locked in the car or when
they do a Houdini and escape, often
getting stuck behind the dash. Weve
had everything although theyre not
always grateful when we get them out.
Mondays were the busiest day of the
year, with an average of more than 1,000
extra cases per day. The busiest day of
the year was Monday 24 November,
where the AA dealt with 14,501
breakdown cases. Thats up from the
Mondays were the

busiest day for callouts,
with an average of more
than 1,000 extra cases
child in a
car, while...
1,014
have locked
40,072
incidents of
a pet in car
Forgetful parents who locked toddlers in cars called the AA 2,410 times in
2014. A host of animals were freed, too, including snakes and guinea pigs
AAs FIVE MOST COMMON

CALLOUT ISSUES IN 2014
Our table shows the problems patrols most regularly had to sort this year
Batteries 427,586
Tyres
373,746
Lights
131,527
Alternator 106,857
Clutch
103,229
misfuelling
615miles
longest
recovery
2014 daily average of 9,337. The

longest recovery this year took an AA
van on a 615-mile trip from Morden,
South London to Ross-shire in the
Scottish Highlands. Mark added:
Although a breakdown is inconvenient,
it makes the job worthwhile when
we help people on their way.
Data correct up to 8 December. Source: AA
Mercs new seven-seat SUV spied on test
Automedia
MERCEDES flagship GL seven-seat SUV

will be rebadged as the GLS following
minor cosmetic tweaks and a debut at
the Detroit Motor Show in January.
As our latest spy pictures show,
the 4x4 is set to get a light refresh at
the front and rear in a bid to keep it
competitive against the all-new Audi Q7.
New headlamps, a revised front grille
and restyled front and rear bumpers will
make up the bulk of the exterior changes.
While there are no shots of the interior,
subtle cosmetic changes to the dash
and centre console are expected.
The engine range is also likely to be
SPIED
Newly named GLS takes

over from GL and will
get minor styling tweaks
carried over, with only two options

available to buyers. The 245bhp
3.0-litre BlueTEC diesel and scorching
549bhp twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8 petrol
should receive minor efficiency and
performance upgrades. However,

the nip and tuck could only extend
the life of Mercedes SUV by another
year or so as a completely new
model is expected in 2017.
31 December 2014 13
News
MINI sports car
MINI sports car mystery deepens

Patent sketch emerges
Hints at production roadster
Jonat
nat
Jonathan
Burn
Jonath
ath
Jonathan_Burn@dennis.co.uk
@Jonathan_burn
A PRODUCTION version of the

MINI Superleggera Vision concept
is edging ever closer following the
emergence of a mysterious drawing,
reported to be filed by MINI at
the European patent office.
Although the company has yet to give
the two-seat roadster the go-ahead for
production, the drawing shows what
looks to be plans for a showroom model.
MINI has denied any connection
with the mysterious image, but it
certainly shows how a production
version of the concept could look,
with a folding fabric roof, door handles
and restyled wing mirrors all added.
Bespoke styling cues from the
original Superleggera Vision concept
can still be picked out, however, such
as the subtly embossed bonnet, flared
wheelarches and gaping grille.
The news follows the announcement
from MINI boss Peter Schwarzenbauer
earlier this year that the brands range
will be cut from eight to five core models.
The current MINI Coup and Roadster
will be axed, while the Paceman also
looks set to be dropped to cut costs
and streamline the product portfolio. Its
thought MINI could introduce the opentop Superleggera to complement the
MINI could introduce

the Superleggera as a
flagship replacement for
the Coup and Roadster
COOL CONCEPT
Superleggera Vision
made its debut
in Italy last May,
and speculation
has been feverish
since regarding the
possibility of a
production version
Leaked shot from European patent office appears to suggest car will be made
five core models as a flagship

replacement for both the Coup and
Roadster. A MINI insider revealed a
production model is between one to two
years away if approved by the board.
Like a superhero, each of these cars
has its own personality and unique
capabilities, said Schwarzenbauer
talking about his vision of five core MINIs.
It is important to find the right balance
between growth and profitability.
A new Countryman and Clubman will
join the three and five-door hatch, with
a new Convertible also set to be added.
Roadside drug-drive tests roll out

ROADSIDE drugs tests will be rolled out
across England and Wales from 2015 as
part of a crackdown on drug-driving.
The Government says drivers wont
know if theyll be breathalysed, given a
drugs test or both when police stop them.
Groundbreaking new drugalysers,
recently given Home Office approval, will
take saliva samples and analyse them
immediately for cannabis and cocaine.
Legal highs arent detectable yet, though.
At present, officers have to arrest
suspects and take them to a police
station to undergo time-consuming
blood tests conducted under medical
supervision. To avoid detection, many
would argue they were unable to give
a blood sample for medical reasons or
due to religious beliefs wasting time
14 31 December 2014
and allowing the drugs to leave their

system. With the drugalysers on the
streets, that loophole has been closed.
The kits will support the new drug
offence, coming into force in March, but
theyll be in use almost immediately.
The announcement follows on from
our No Drink, No Doubt campaign that
calls on drivers not to drink at all if they
plan on getting behind the wheel.
Policing minister Mike Penning said
most motorists had the same view of
drug-driving as of drink-driving, adding:
The Government is determined to
drive this menace from our roads.
Those who take the wheel while
under the influence of drugs put their
own lives at risk, plus those of innocent
motorists and their passengers.
OFFICIAL
NO
DRINK
NO
DOUBT
DIY breathalysers are common, but police are getting roadside drug test kits
News
Halfords servicing plan
Halfords makes bid to muscle

into dealer servicing market
Autocentre network expands
Boss claims prices are lower
EXCLUSIVE
Mike
M Rutherford
mail@autoexpress.co.uk
HALFORDS is urging owners of

under-warranty cars to turn their
backs on franchised dealer workshops,
which dominate the 10 billion-ayear automotive aftercare market.
The invitation to consumers to defect
to the Halfords Autocentre network
follows Auto Express latest Driver
Power survey, in which many dealer
networks were severely criticised.
Block exemption rules mean that
owners of cars still under manufacturer
warranties can have them serviced at
independent workshops. And Andy
Randall, Managing Director of Halfords
Autocentre, believes that it can offer that
alternative. Routine servicing work is
pretty much the same, whether its
carried out by qualified Autocentre
technicians or those employed by
workshops attached to franchised
dealers. The big difference is the
price the customer is charged.
Randall claims his
customers enjoy prices up to
40 per cent lower than those
charged by official dealers.
Yet only highly trained
technicians are employed,
and all work is guaranteed.
The Autocentre network
not to be confused with
Halfords shops will be
320-strong by the end
of 2015. The plan is for
Autocentre netwo
network is set to grow from around 300 to 320 and will feature Apple Store-like pods and wifi
Routin
Routine servicing work is pretty
much tthe same. The big difference is
the pri
price the customer has charged
Andy Ran
Randall Managing Director of Halfords Autocentre
BENTLEY has announced plans for the

biggest site development in its history,
including a new R&D centre, expanding
the Crewe HQ as part of a 40million
investment programme.
The facilities will be home to the new
Bentley SUV, due in 2016, a car which will
share a platform with Audis new Q7.
The Bentley was previewed at the
2012 Geneva Motor Show, and is likely
to cost more than 140,000, rivalling
the likes of the long-wheelbase Range
Rover. More details will be revealed in
2015, but its likely to offer a choice of
W12 and V8 petrol engines, with the
option of diesel and hybrid tech, too.
The 11-acre Cheshire-based facility
will house 1,300 Bentley staff, including
designers, R&D officers and technical
16 31 December 2014
Milos Dvorak
New 40m HQ for Bentley
professionals. Work on the new site is

scheduled to start early the New Year.
Wolfgang Drheimer, chairman and
CEO, said: With our new R&D centre,
we will develop a new generation of
Bentleys, which will continue our
commitment of luxury, performance,
quality and engineering excellence.
receptionists and their desks to be

replaced by hosts standing alongside
Apple Store-like pods. Waiting areas will
feature wifi, plus iPads for customers
to watch their cars being serviced.
And a motorist who books their car in
for an Autocentre service can, free of
charge, ask for it to be collected in the
morning, then returned later in the day.
A National Franchised Dealers
Association spokeswoman said: I think
dealers would step up to this. Franchised
dealers are underpinned by fully trained
technicians with the best level of tools.
PAGE 90: Read Rutherfords view
Mega Juke storms in

NISSANS Juke Nismo RS is available to order now,
priced from 21,995. That makes it around 5,000 less
than the VW Golf GTI, which it almost matches for power.
The current 19,995 Juke Nismo boasts 197bhp.
For the RS, Nissan has boosted the 1.6 DiG-T petrol
engine to 215bhp, while torque also increases to
280Nm for the front-wheel-drive manual. The 4WD auto
gets the same 250Nm as before. The Golf has 217bhp.
The manual Nismo does 0-62mph in seven
seconds, rising to eight seconds for the 4WD car.
Image shows
how Bentley
SUV could look
and itll be
built at newly
expanded
Crewe HQ
News
Porsche Pajun
Porsches baby Paname
EXCLUSIVEIMA
Our images show look of new

Pajun. Its set to get four-cyl,
V6 and hybrid power
Poblete
Source said its more

911 with a boot than
a shrunken Panamera
Exclusive images show the
look of striking new Pajun
Lawrence Allan
La
Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk
La
A PORSCHE insider has confirmed

that a new mid-size sports saloon,
believed to be called Pajun, is in the
development and planning stage. Its
a car thats been rumoured for some
time, but the company is finally ready
to expand its line-up to seven models.
Our exclusive images show how the
Pajun (short for Panamera junior) could
look. Our source told us its more like a
911 with a boot rather than a shrunken
Panamera, but is expected to resemble
its bigger brother, just as the Macan has
echoes of the Cayenne in its design.
A Porsche spokesman claimed the
brand is still deciding on the marketing
strategy for the Pajun in terms of pricing

and performance levels, so we shouldnt
expect to see a production model on
sale before 2018. However, a predicted
entry point of just under 50,000 would
put the car squarely in the mix with
the Maserati Ghibli, as well as more
powerful BMW 5 Series models.
Wolfgang Hatz, the Porsche board
member in charge of research and
development, recently confirmed to
us that the brand is working on a
completely new platform for the
Panamera which offers a lot of
opportunities for new models.
Called MSB, the platform is highly
likely to underpin the smaller Pajun.
Hatz also said energy efficiency
is everything as emissions regulations
get stricter. So the Pajun is likely to get
a range of smaller four-cylinder engines
alongside the VW Groups existing
Concept Estate
was displayed
at Geneva this
year, but Volvo
is set to scale
down motor
show debuts
Volvos shock motor show KO

VOLVO has announced that it will no longer attend the majority of the
worlds leading motor shows, such as Frankfurt, Tokyo and Paris,
as it focuses instead on improving its online presence.
The Chinese-owned brand is looking to cut spending on trade shows,
sports sponsorships and TV advertising in favour of other marketing.
Sales and marketing VP Alain Visser said: Were still a relatively small
player globally... Were not going to win by doing the same as others do.
18 31 December 2014
3.0-litre V6 TDI diesel. A V6 petrol turbo

with around 400bhp is also expected,
as is a plug-in hybrid similar to the
Panamera S E-Hybrids set-up.
Despite this eco focus, driver-focused
GTS and Pajun Turbo supersaloons are
almost certain, with the latter set to
offer performance to rival the BMW M5.
Automedia
New turbo 458 up and

OUR spies have caught Ferrari testing
the 458 M ahead of its launch next year.
The light camouflage reveals that the
turbocharged supercar will get a new
exhaust system with two instead of the
existing 458s three signature pipes. A
new bumper is also expected to boost
aerodynamics and high-speed handling.
Changes at the front are less obvious
thanks to the disguise, but the 458 M
could get new headlamps and a lightly
tweaked front end. The slits behind the
lights remain, as do the flexible rubber
winglets in the front bumper.
Engine details will be confirmed closer
to the cars launch, but its clear Ferrari
will favour the turbo route with the new
458 M. The company has already fitted
the California T with a 552bhp 3.8-litre

V8 turbo, and this same engine is likely
to power the new car albeit in a higher
state of tune. Itll replace the current
naturally aspirated 4.5-litre V8, and hike
power from 562bhp to 650bhp-plus.
However, the torque increases would
play havoc with the current cars Getrag
seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, so its
likely engineers will be tweaking this to
cope with the extra horsepower, too.
Ferrari insiders told us to expect the
car at Marchs Geneva Motor Show, but
it could be delayed until Frankfurt in the
autumn if the development team needs
more time. As the 458 M is set to raise
the bar when it arrives next year, Ferrari
clearly wants to get it absolutely right.
Porsche Pajun
era taking shape
News
Mat
Watson
Mat_Watson@dennis.co.uk
@mat_watson
A GES
AS 2014 comes to a close, were

looking ahead to next year with
a preview of the hottest new cars
coming in 2015. Also this week
at autoexpress.co.uk/videos,
our drag race series continues.
Best new cars of

2015 previewed
N E E D TO KN O W
comer is
Under the skin, new the MSB
of
n
sio
ver
on
sit
to
set
cur rently
platform Porsche is
amera
Pan
the
for
g
pin
elo
dev
...And 500bhp ultimate 911 wings in
THE new GT3 RS is closer to Porsche dealers than

the Pajun (above), as our spies have caught it on
test ahead of a possible reveal next summer. And
its set to be the most extreme roadgoing 911 ever.
Marking it out from the GT3 are a wider track
with more flared bodywork, plus an aggressive
front splitter and deeper air intakes. At the rear
is a huge wing. Like the previous GT3 RS, expect
a lightweight, stripped-out interior. The RS will
use the GT3s 3.8-litre flat-six, but with a power

hike from 469bhp to around 500bhp and a higher
rev limit. That, along with reduced weight, should
cut the 0-62mph time to below 3.5 seconds. Its
likely to be offered with the PDK auto box only.
Before we see the GT3 RS, Porsche has two
more stripped-out road racers up its sleeve
the Cayman and Boxster GT4 models, which are
expected to debut at Marchs Geneva Motor Show.
THE Jaguar XE, Honda Civic Type R

(above) and Volvo XC90 are some
of the exciting new cars we will be
filming over the next 12 months. If
you cant wait to see our reviews
and we can barely wait to produce
them then the preview video
weve put together of the hottest
new models due in showrooms in
2015 should whet your appetite.
Porsche 911 vs
Bentley Conti GT
d running
Ferrari will
favour the turbo
route with the
458 M, using a
version of the
California Ts V8
BENTLEYS Continental GT has

twice as many cylinders as the
Porsche 911 Carrera, and delivers
more than 500bhp to the road
through all four wheels. But its
heavier and, as its the previousgeneration model, older. So which
car is faster in a straight line?
Automedia
ON THE ROAD Spies
caught new Ferrari 458 M

on test, and light disguise
at rear cant hide new twin
exhausts, which replace
stacked triple set-up
You can watch

any of our videos
on your phone
Simply scan
this QR code.
31 December 2014 19
Watchdog
We get behind the stories that affect you
Joe
Finnerty
Idea to switch off traffic
lights has real merit,
but wont happen soon
Warning lights flashed

up on the A1s dashboard
just two days after delivery
Two-day-old Audi A1
in brake fault shock
CASE STUDY Buyers dismayed at problem on new car and at makers sluggish response
Joe Finnerty
WHEN rejecting a car, it can often be

hard to prove the fault was there at the
time of manufacture and that its not fit
for purpose the two key points for
achieving a successful rejection.
But for Steven McCormack and his
daughter Fiona, it was simple there
were problems with her Audi A1 just two
days after they picked it up from Audi
Kings Lynn in Norfolk. Little proof was
needed because as soon as the warning
lights came on, Steven, of Richmond,
N Yorks, returned the car to his dealer,
Audi Teesside, to get it checked out.
It spent two weeks in the garage
before it was finally decided that there
was an issue with the ABS control unit.
Unfortunately, staff couldnt find a fix.
Steven demanded a replacement car
free of faults having spent thousands on
the new Audi, but didnt get anywhere.
He contacted Auto Express and told
us: The customer service is rubbish.
I dont expect to have a new car that
needs a major repair after two days.

Its been an absolute nightmare.
With no dispute over the car being
under warranty or the fault developing
due to driving style, we felt Audi should
be doing all it could to compensate the
McCormacks. So, we contacted Audi
and a spokesman confirmed it had
provided a courtesy car for Fiona and
was trying to source a new A1, too.
A few weeks later, Audi confirmed
it had been successful. The spokesman
added: By way of an apology, Audi will
replace Miss McCormacks A1 with a
new model, upgraded to S line
specification to compensate for
the inconvenience caused.
This wasnt the end of the story,
though, as we spoke to Steven, who
said hed agreed to stump up extra for
the upgrade. We pushed Audi further
and it confirmed there was no charge.
Steven said: My daughter is delighted.
Audi appreciated the disappointment
and has recovered the situation.
ADVICE What should you do if it happens to you?

THE McCormacks case for rejecting their car and getting a replacement was one of
the strongest weve had. They were able to prove the A1 wasnt fit for purpose and
had a manufacturing fault. Audi also agreed it couldnt be fixed. If you can prove this,
but a maker wont budge, contact Motor Codes or the Auto Express Watchdog team.
20 31 December 2014
Call to switch signals

off to cut traffic jams
A MINISTER has called for the
Government to consider turning off
some traffic signals in a bid to cut
queues at non-rush hour times.
Conservative MP for East Yorkshire,
Sir Greg Knight, urged the Government
to follow the lead of other countries and
turn off certain signals to prevent
thousands of motorists being stuck in
traffic jams for no reason whatsoever.
Knight asked transport minister John
Hayes, whose brief includes national
roads: Are you aware that thousands
of motorists travelling at non-rush hour
times often find themselves stuck in a
traffic jam at traffic lights for no reason
whatsoever? Hayes said there were no
plans to implement the idea, but that
the Government would look into it.
CATCHING a red light at a

clear junction can be very
frustrating and often sets the
tone for a miserable journey.
Imagine, then, trafc signals
being turned off outside rush
hour, helping vehicles to
ow through empty streets.
Thats the proposal which
Tory MP Sir Greg Knight (left)
put forward as part of an idea
to cut back on queues and
congestion. An MP interested
in assisting motorists? I
know, most unlikely, isnt it?
Part-time signals are already
in use in the UK often at busy
roundabouts but is it feasible
to switch off other signals
when theyre not needed?
Obviously, the safety
implications need to be
considered turning off trafc
lights at junctions that are busy
at all times isnt benecial at all.
In some places, though, the
upside of a switch-off is huge.
Aside from improving trafc
ow, there would be a positive
environmental impact.
Electricity usage would reduce,
plus cars would spend less time
idling, cutting emissions.
Its been done in other
countries in Europe and North
America, so why not here, too?
Sadly, the response from the
Government about a seemingly
sensible idea was, as usual, less
than encouraging. Ministers
said theyll look into it, but even
this tentative step isnt likely to
happen until after next years
General Election, as politicians
down tools and prepare to save
their jobs. In the meantime,
were left stuck at the lights.
@AE_Consumer
Imagine turning
off traffic signals
outside rush hour,
easing congestion
Inbox
Driver left stranded

by cancelled deposit
What do you think?
Contact Chris Ebbs
mail@autoexpress.co.uk
@AutoExpress
Write to: Watchdog/Letters, Auto Express, Dennis Publishing,

30 Cleveland Street, London W1T 4JD
Reader left with big loan and no car as deposit is cancelled
Under new
NCAP rules,
only cars
with kit like
autobrake
will be able to
get five stars
HOT TOPIC Euro NCAP test changes
Joe Finnerty
ONCE youve secured a

deal on a car, you often leave
a deposit with a view to pay
the full amount later. Mark
Parkin, from Barnsley, S Yorks,
paid 450 for a Mitsubishi
L200 Warrior at franchised
dealer Montys, in Sheffield.
He hoped to pay the rest
after selling his existing car
and sorting a loan. But just
days after doing both, he
received his deposit back in
the post with no explanation.
He called Montys and was
told the L200 had been sold
at auction. A gearbox issue
had been found and it was
decided it wasnt suitable for
private sale. Mark said: Im
now left with loan repayments
and Ive sold my other car.
We contacted Mitsubishi,
which said it couldnt help
because it was a dispute
between dealer and customer.
A spokeswoman told us:
The sales agent did not
communicate the decision
to Mr Parkin as he was on
annual leave at the time.
Montys has written to Mr
Parkin and apologised for
not notifying him earlier.
Mark said he would be
taking the case further, and
may pursue losses through
the small claims court.
Contacts
THE following provide help with
motoring problems. Some
services are free, others charge
a fee or operate on premiumrate lines (p), while some offer
advice for members only (m).
Dealer returned deposit on L200, but

didnt keep buyer properly informed
DRIVING DOCTOR Paul Ripley

www.drd.uk.com
DO you know the basics of traffic

signs? What shape are warning signs?
What about those that give us orders?
And why are some different colours?
If you dont know the answers to these
simple questions, youd fail the driving
theory test. And if the answer was no
to any of the above, take time to refresh
your mind. Traffic signs give us valuable
information that allows us to drive safely
and plan for what will happen ahead.
TOP TIP: If used properly, traffic signs
enhance your safety and awareness.
DVLA CASHES IN ON DRIVERS
THE DVLA has made nearly 22million in

the past four-and-a-half years selling
drivers details to parking enforcement
firms. The income has risen annually, with
the agency set to make 7.3m this year.
This information includes drivers
names and addresses, as well as vehicle
details, and is often used by companies
to issue and collect fines. Approved
companies are charged 2.50 a time
but the DVLA claims that it doesnt
make a profit on the service.
Legal
AA: 0906 010 1300 (p)
RAC: 0870 5533 533 (m)
Which?: 01992 822 800
Consumer Direct:
0845 404 0506
Local Trading Standards
Local Citizens Advice Bureau
@drpaulripley
Used car inspections

AA: 0800 085 3007
RAC: 0800 085 2529
Technical advice
AA: 0870 606 1619 (m)
Driving licences
DVLA: 0300 790 6801
FROM: Shaun34 CREATING a two-tier scoring system (Issue 1,347) will make crash
testing far too complex. Euro NCAP tests should be about how well cars protect
occupants in the event of a crash, not how good they are at avoiding them.
These safety systems may be great when the cars are new, but what happens
a few years down the line? What happens when the third, fourth or even fifth
owner has skimped on servicing, and is driving on worn brakes with cheap tyres?
Autonomous braking is reliant on the serviceability of the brakes and tyres,
so you cant say its a five-star car if its not working to its maximum level.
Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk

Its too complex. What
would have been wrong
with just going from five
stars, to six and then
seven? Pete Richardson
This move to tiered

rankings suggests that
safety is becoming a
privilege of wealthy
car owners. Trellis
People will pay

attention as long as its
simple to understand,
otherwise consumers
will lose interest. Nicko
Its time to raise the

UK driving age to 18
Hot A-Class should be

called Silver Arrows
FROM: Norman Hawkes IVE read a great

deal recently about how to reduce
accidents among young drivers. But
what Ive never seen is the suggestion
we fall in line with the rest of Europe and
raise the minimum age for driving cars
to 18. Why has no one suggested this
so far? Surely its a no-brainer and
would reduce accidents straight away.
FROM: Mike Spencer I AGREE with AMG

boss Tobias Moers (Issue 1,347) that an
uprated, street fighter version of the
A45 AMG should not be called Black
Series. What about the Mercedes-AMG
A45 Silver Arrows instead? That works
for me, particularly after the F1 finale
in Abu Dhabi. A new city car for world
champ Lewis Hamilton, perhaps?
Mazda 2 is showing Know your glasses

Fiesta the way ahead for night-time driving
FROM: Dean Lock I REALLY love the
modern interior of the new Mazda 2
(Issue 1,345). I hope that Ford takes
note and modernises the Fiestas
interior soon. Mazda has proven that
it can be done on a small car at the
same price point. So get on it, Ford
and then I can justify spending my
hard-earned money on a Fiesta ST.
Car registration/history
HPI: 01722 422422
AA: 0800 316 3564
DVLA: 0300 790 6802
RAC: 0800 975 5867
Traffic information
AA: 09003 401100 (p)
RAC: 09003 444999 (p)
Problems with dealers

Motor Codes:
0800 692 0825
RMIF: 0845 839 9205 (m)
Scottish Motor Trade
Association: 0131 331 5510
Problems with makers
Motor Codes: 0800 692 0825
FROM: David Hutchins IN addition to the

Driving Doctors comments on night
driving (Issue 1,345), I recently found
out from my optician that if you wear
glasses with reactive lenses that
darken in sunlight, they are now
considered unsafe for night driving.
The yellow tinted over-glasses are
also not considered safe, either.
Financial problems
Financial Ombudsman:
0800 023 4567
Safety concerns/recalls
Vehicle and Operator
Services Agency (VOSA):
0117 954 3300
31 December 2014 21
Inside story
A different take on the world of motoring
the road to
dakar
Our man joins the X-Raid Dakar Rally team on its boot camp
in tenerife, as it prepares for 2015s instalment of one of
the most demanding races in the world of motorsport
READY FOR ACTION
X-raid uses MINI All4 Racing for the 2015 Dakar Rally, with Nani
Roma (pictured far right with co-driver Michel Prin) hoping for a second consecutive win
22 31 December 2014
TEAM BONDING From the Dakar
Rally stars to the support crew, every

member of the outfit takes part in the
demanding exercises... as did our man Willis
We spotted snow on the top of Mount

Teide, emphasising the biting cold and
thin air that we were going to encounter
Henry
He
Willis
Henry_Willis@dennis.co.uk
H
@WineryHills
THE physical rigours of the Dakar Rally are almost

unparalleled in motorsport. Entrants are faced
with covering up to 500 miles a day more than 5,000
in total over 13 days in January across various types
of terrain. The demanding event is now held in the
heat and hostility of South America each year, so its
vital that the participants maintain peak fitness levels.
To see just how hard the drivers have to work to
stay in shape, we headed to Tenerife to catch up with
the X-raid team, which is using the Canary Islands as
a training base in the build-up to 2015s Dakar Rally
which kicks off next week in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
With warm weather and undulating, savage
landscapes, the tourist trap makes for the ideal
preparation ground due to its relatively close
proximity to the teams Germany base. Most of
X-raids resources are kept at their Frankfurt HQ,

including the race-tuned MINI All4 Racing cars and
equipment that will cross the Atlantic to help drivers
tackle the Dakar. Members of the X-raid outfit are
stationed all over the world, but Tenerife acts as a
remote base, where a variety of activities await the
team and everyone is encouraged to get involved.
From main driver, Nani Roma who won 2014s
Dakar Rally to chief overseer and boss, Sven
Quandt, right down to travelling mechanics and
support crew, every member of the group chips in and
takes part in the physically demanding yet team
morale-boosting tasks, ranging from mountain biking
to dancing. We went along to see what it involves.
Up early on the first activity day, we were driven
high up to one of Tenerifes lofty vantage points for
a morning of cycling. Only a short distance separated
us from Mount Teide a dormant volcano and the
highest point in Spain and as we spotted snow on
the peak, it emphasised the biting cold and thin

air that we were going to encounter that day.
Bikes were dished out to every member of the
team, and three different routes were served
depending on each riders level of cycling ability.
A shorter 20km (12-mile) version was selected
for novices, 35km (22 miles) awaited intermediates
and an elite few including Roma opted for
the 60km (37-mile) off-road mega ride.
I chose the 20km route and found the ride not
too physically demanding, but quite technical with
an emphasis on handling that would prove a useful
pointer to the expert vehicle control that drivers will
soon be putting to use in South America. And it wasnt
just a fitness test it also tuned teamwork, as a predesigned route had been drawn on to a map, and all
three teams were responsible for their own navigation.
For Roma, this is a small part of keeping in shape
for the exertion that hell face at the wheel of his MINI
31 December 2014 23
Inside story
MORALE BOOST
While activities
such as sailing,
hiking and mountain
climbing are a
physical test, they
succeed in bringing
team closer together
History of THE WORLDS

MOST GRUELLING RACE
Dakar car. For me, physical training began in August,
and from then on we go hard, he said. I do quite a
lot of road cycling, mountain biking, running and
even cross-country skiing to keep fit. Occasionally,
I go swimming because its a non-impact sport.
Whats as important to Roma, though, is that he
knows and can rely on the team around him come
the beginning of the race. Around now [at the end
of November], we start to wrap everything up on the
physical side, because its important to focus on team
building which is why were here, he explained.
Upon finishing, we headed to Tenerife Top Training
a training facility open only to sports teams and
used by some of Englands leading football clubs.
An evening of dancing ensued at a nearby dance
school, much to the amusement, and occasional
embarrassment, of the team. What looked like a
bit of fun was much more than that, too. This was
another exercise that demanded high fitness
levels and provided even more team bonding.
All the time the team spends together is valuable
as, excluding the four or five races they enter each
As the end drew nearer and I began

to feel a little weary, it was clear
to me just how much the Dakar Rally
racers put their bodies through
24 31 December 2014
year, theyre together for only 28 days. One week of

that is spent on the Spanish island, so organisers
were keen to pack in as many activities as possible
which meant that everyone was heaved out of bed
early the next morning to go rock climbing.
Again, Tenerife was the perfect host for this day of
physical exertion. No man-made climbing walls were
needed as natural gorges and rock faces made for the
perfect setting. Just like the biking, this required onthe-spot thinking, as team members had to pick out
fixing points and where to secure ropes before relying
on their own judgement to scale the surfaces.
The following day, and with the odd strain and
pain, it was time to become acquainted with nature
once more in a day of hiking up and down the islands
spectacular landscape. Taking in even more of Tenerife,
the typical warmer climes were scrapped in favour of
returning to high altitude for more multi-mile exercise.
Before the trip wound down, the team squeezed in
some sailing. Leaving the cold mountain heights and
soaking up the Tenerife sun in the sea, the X-raid outfit
built up relationships and got to know one another
further while working together to steer and sail a boat.
As the end drew nearer and I began to feel a little
weary from the physical exertions, it was clear to
me just how much the Dakar Rally racers put their
bodies through. But what was more apparent is just
how much the team around them does and how
important the internal trust and relationships are.
THE Dakar Rally began life as an endurance

race back in 1979, going from Paris,
France, all the way to Dakar, Senegal,
by land. The dash to Africa had its last
outing in 2007 due to security fears in
Mauritania, which borders Senegal, and
lies in between the start and end points.
As much as the rally could have skirted
around Mauritania, it was decided best to
miss a year in 2008. The Dakar Rally was
then reborn in 2009, but on the other side
of the Atlantic, in South America, and its
been held on the continent ever since.
Countries such as Argentina and Peru
best replicate the African terrain with
sand dunes and other testing conditions.
In Dakars inaugural year, only heavily
adapted rally cars entered as they
were the only ones that could cope
with the elements and ground surfaces.
But in 1980, motorbike and truck
categories were added and have remained
since. Main X-raid driver Nani Roma
has won both car and motorbike events.
The race isnt without its controversy,
and it is thought that around 60 people
have lost their lives as a direct result
of the Dakar Rally most of them
participants, but also some spectators, too.
SETTING THE
NEW STANDARD
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Inside story extra

Chris Ebbs
Ch
Chris_Ebbs@dennis.co.uk
Chr
PERSONALISED number plates are

big business. In fact, their estimated
worth in the UK in 2012 was 2.3billion,
and in November 2014, the plate 25 O
sold for a record-breaking 518,000 at
a Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency
(DVLA) auction. With all that money
available, could it be the right time
to cash in on your own investment?
The first part of the process is getting
a valuation for your plate beware,
though, as this isnt an exact science.
Plates are a really hard thing to value.
Even after 30 years of doing it, we could
get five or six people who might value
one differently, regtransfers.co.uks John
Doherty told us. The prices would be in
a similar ballpark, but slightly different.
Essentially, a plate is worth what
someone is willing to pay for it.
Remember, every plate has a particular
audience, and whats valuable to you
might not be to the next person. Generic
initials and nameplates tend to sell
pretty easily, as its likely that someone
else in the country has the same name
as you and is after a personalised plate.
Popularity
initials and nameplates

tend to sell pretty easily,
as its likely that someone
with the same name as you is
after a personalised plate
26 31 December 2014
SELLING A PERSONALised PLATE can be an extremely luc
Rex
One thing well look at is the popularity

of the name and initials on a plate. You
could have something like 8 JJJ, which
looks good, but how many people have
the initials JJJ? Doherty added. Its also
worth seeing what else is on the market.
If there are 20 or 30 similar plates, then
the valuation is going to be less.
The speed of a sale can vary, too.
Funny phrases may be a little harder to
move on, as they wont be to everyones
taste, while plates that are difficult to
decipher will take even longer to sell.
We never give a guideline on how
long it will take to sell a plate, but if
they are popular initials and names and
there is a market, they will go quicker.
However, words and comical phrases
that people have come up with
not so much, explained Doherty.
What he does agree on, though, is
that if you are looking to sell a plate,
there arent many places that you can
go. The options for sellers are very
limited, and thats the problem. The
DVLA sells newly published plates, but
for second-hand ones, you need to go
through a dealer or put an ad out so,
theres very little choice, Doherty said.
To help you get the most for your
plate, Auto Express has run down the
top options for selling, together with the
pros and cons of each method (far right).
w1ll5Kat
rona7d0
beck5AM
che7se4
GETTING
PERSONA
REG RESEARCH
Buying a plate is
simple enough at a
DVLA auction, and
many celebrities,
such as Tamara
Ecclestone, have
taken the plunge.
But selling is a
trickier business
and its important
to do your research
tejayz
0po5hn
MS1Dino
4rom4n
iantvr
ALoveu
AL
cratt ive business. Heres how you can cash in

cra
THE OPTIONS FOR

SELLING YOUR PLATE
Specialist companies
ONE of the easiest ways to sell your plate is

to take it to a specialist company, such as
regtransfers.co.uk, nationalnumbers.co.uk
or britishcarregistrations.co.uk, which will
advertise your plate and look for a buyer.
However, this method does have its
flaws. Youll have to pay, as companies
often charge a fee for selling the plate,
plus theres no definitive way of
knowing the valuation youre
given is what the plate is worth.
Auction websites
ANOTHER way of selling your plate is through

an auction site like eBay. This way you can
put a reserve on your item to ensure that
youre getting what you think its worth.
As with anything on this kind of
website, though, getting the right buyer
is often down to luck. Choosing to take
your plate to an auction means you
wont be able to guarantee a sale
or that the plate will get anywhere
near your reserve price, either.
Private sale
IF youre not keen on relying on other firms

or websites to shift your plate and you
dont want to pass on part of the earnings,
you can always advertise it yourself.
Therell be an initial outlay for advertising,
whether its online at sites like Gumtree or
in local ads, but this is likely to be lower
than the cost of using other methods. The
main issue is that people may not see
the ad, and therefore youre unlikely to
get the same volume of prospective buyers.
Buying a
personalised plate
BUYING a personalised plate is more

straightforward than selling one, and
theres money to be made in the long
run, too, as Doherty explains: There is
an investment value. If you buy wisely,
you can end up making a good profit.
To get your hands on one, the first
place to look is the DVLA. It holds
numerous auctions throughout the year,
where they sell newly published plates,
although these tend to be relevant to the
plate changes for March and September.
For other plates, you can go to auction
sites, dealers or look for private ads.
Of course, youll need to find the ones
that are relevant to you and what you
are after, which will be more difficult.
Dealers, on the other hand, offer a
search facility on their websites, so you
can find ones that work with your name
or initials. After that, its up to you to bid
the price you think the plate is worth.
If youre successful in buying your
plate of choice, youll need to inform
the DVLA using the V750 certificate
of entitlement or V778 retention
document along with your V5C.
31 December 2014 27
New cars
Hyundai i20
30
Visit autoexpress.co.uk for the latest new cars and drives
MERCEDES B200
B-Class gets a facelift

to keep it competitive
against Active Tourer.
n e e d t o k n o w. . .
of 22 new or
The i20 is the third dai will
un
updated models Hy
of 2017
introduce by the end
FIRST UK DRIVE Supermini is stylish

and spacious, but not much fun to drive
Jonat
Jonathan Burn
Jonathhan_Burn@dennis.co.uk
@Jonathan_burn
HYUNDAIS model line-up is topped

and tailed with brilliance. We love
the Santa Fe and the i10, and now its
time for the rest of the range to catch
up. The mission starts with the hugely
important new i20 supermini, which has
to challenge the brilliant VW Polo and
Ford Fiesta, as well as newcomers such
as the Vauxhall Corsa and Mazda 2.
The all-new model is a big departure
from the outgoing i20 in terms of
design, practicality and desirability
all have been improved to help
widen its customer base and make
the car a genuine class contender.
Visually, the newcomer is very
different from its predecessor, giving the
i20 a welcome dose of style. In such a
conservative sector, its bold enough
to really stand out, with raked-back
LED headlamps, Hyundais trademark
hexagonal grille and a blacked-out
C-pillar the standout features.
Whats not so new is the engine range.
All of the i20s units have been carried
over from its predecessor, albeit with
minor efficiency tweaks to bring them in
line with Euro VI emissions regulations.
We tried the 99bhp 1.4-litre petrol
engine, which is capable of returning
51.4mpg nothing to write home about
Performance is mediocre
1.4 engine needs to
be worked hard
28 31 December 2014
when compared to rivals. Next to

the similarly priced 60.1mpg Polo
with its 89bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine,
the i20 looks to be rather behind the
times, and this is highlighted further
by its 127g/km CO2 figure the
VW is far cleaner at just 107g/km.
Performance is pretty mediocre, too.
Unlike turbocharged rivals, you really
have to extend the engine to get
anything out of it, and even then
theres not a great deal on offer.
You wont find more performance
elsewhere in the engine range, with a
smaller and lesser-powered 1.25-litre
petrol and a pair of sluggish diesel
units being your only options. Next year,
a much needed 1.0-litre three-cylinder
turbo will arrive and already it looks
likely to be the pick of the range.
The ride is also a bit of a mixed bag.
Its generally OK, but a bit bumpy
and occasionally uncomfortable at
lower speeds, particularly when
travelling around town. Its better on
the motorway, but never feels quite
as settled as the Polo, which seems
odd considering comfort-enhancing
features were one of Hyundais focal
points when developing the new model.
Dont think that the trade-off is
nimble handling, either. The steering
is nicely weighted and responsive
enough, but its nowhere near as
In such a conservatively
styled sector, the i20s
design is bold enough
to really stand out
much fun as a Fiestas or Mazda 2s.

Its not all bad news, though, especially
when it comes to more practical
matters. Hyundai has delivered on
its promise of providing class-leading
interior space, as the new model is
longer, lower and wider than its
predecessor, and is now the
largest supermini on the market.
Whether in the front or rear, theres
masses of headroom, while the 24mm
that has been added to the width of
the car means three adults can sit
pretty comfortably in the back.
A 326-litre boot is 31 litres larger than
before and one of the most spacious in
its class. The clever packaging also
means the rear seats can be folded
completely flat, freeing up 1,042 litres.
Build quality is strong, but, in spite
of a decent kit count, the lack of
a smart, integrated touchscreen and
navigation system, which supermini
buyers have become accustomed to
and rivals offer, could put people off.
Hyundai will offer a factory-fit option
for less than 1,000 on Premium and
Premium SE models from next year.
As a class first, Hyundai has also
introduced a full-length panoramic
roof on the i20. It does impact on
headroom, but given the amount of
space on offer, its barely noticeable.
33
VW POLO GTI
Does DSG transmission

hamper the fun factor
on junior hot hatch?
35
TESLA MODEL S
Why opting for entrylevel 60kWh wont

leave you shortchanged.
36
AUDI A1 1.4 TFSI
Turbo engine proves

to be a good fit for
premium supermini.
38
ELECTRIC MPV
Nissans e-NV200
Combi offers space
and eco credentials.
Essentials
Hyundai i20
Price:
Engine:
Power:
Transmission:
0-62mph:
Top speed:
Economy:
CO2:
14,325
1.4-litre 4cyl petrol
99bhp
Six-speed manual,
front-wheel drive
11.6 seconds
114mph
51.3mpg
127g/km
ON SALE Now
PRACTICALITY i20 is one of the
most practical superminis around. The

326-litre boot is larger than Ford Focuss,
while wide rear bench can fit three adults
Otis Clay
EQUIPMENT Lack of integrated
touchscreen is disappointing, but

one will be offered on Premium and
Premium SE models. Bluetooth and
air-con do come as standard, though
Verdict
Interior is tidy,
with headroom
a real plus, and
rear seats are
very spacious.
The 16-inch
alloys make for
an occasionally
bumpy ride
THE new Hyundai i20 is a good car

in a market where just being good
isnt quite enough. Interior room is
its strongest suit, as rear seat and
boot space are very impressive,
while quality and a strong kit count
also appeal. But rivals are more
comfortable, more engaging to
drive and, crucially, more efficient.
A new, greener 1.0-litre turbo
three-cylinder petrol engine
will arrive next year, and it
cant come soon enough.
31 December 2014 29
New cars
Richa
Richard Ingram
Richa
Richard_Ingram@dennis.co.uk
@cutt_ings
THE second-generation B-Class first

went on sale in 2011, and it struck
a chord with customers, selling 350,000
globally since launch. But with BMWs
new 2 Series Active Tourer recently
hitting showrooms, Mercedes has
rightly decided to inject some renewed
appeal into its five-seat MPV.
The styling modifications are minor,
and youd be forgiven for thinking that
visually the new B-Class is unchanged.
Theres a tweaked front bumper with
larger air intakes, as well as a wider
grille and redesigned headlights. At
the back, theres another new bumper
and a set of LED tail-lamps.
Inside you get the option of a bigger
infotainment screen, but both that and
the standard one seen here still look like
theyve been stuck to the dash as an
afterthought. Quality is good, though,
and as with a number of modern Mercs
the gearlevers been mounted on the
steering column to free up cabin space.
The dials are clear and easy to read, and
Mercedes B-Class
MercedesB-Class
FIRST DRIVE Updates aim to help MPV keep pace with new rivals
a handy display shows readings such as

fuel consumption and the level of charge
coming from the regenerative brakes.
We hit UK roads to try out the B200 CDI
Sport, complete with a 134bhp 2.1-litre
diesel and optional seven-speed dualclutch box. And dont be fooled by the
name; this trim gets the standard SEs
comfort suspension, which feels smooth
on motorways but tends to roll in bends.
Yet while the B200 misses out on
Mercedes clever BlueTEC engine tech
(which reduces nitrogen oxide emissions
but not CO2), this standard CDI will still
return a claimed 70.6mpg and 107g/km
when hooked up to the seven-speed
auto. It does feel a bit lethargic at times,
especially when you put your foot down
Our Sport features comfort suspension, which

feels smooth on motorways but rolls in bends
30 31 December 2014
and request a lower gear, but

considering how little itll cost
you to run, we can forgive this.
The biggest problem for this car is
actually its new rival from BMW. The
equivalent 218d Active Tourer is nearly
a second quicker from 0-62mph, and
promises similar economy and CO2
emissions of 68.9mpg and 109g/km.
Even as the first-ever front-wheel-drive
BMW, its considerably more fun to
drive down a twisting back road, too.
In similarly specced Sport trim with
an auto box, itll set you back an
additional 1,310, though, making
the Mercedes the better-value buy.
Standard kit on the B200 is good.
All cars including the basic SE come
with ARTICO artificial leather seats, as
well as electric windows all round and
a rear view camera. The Sport adds
extra leather to the doors, soft ambient
lighting and racier red needles on the
dials. Theres also contrasting stitching

on the gearlever and steering wheel.
On the outside youll benefit from 17inch alloys and chrome-tipped exhausts,
but aside from that its business as usual.
Our car came with optional metallic
paint (575) as well as the Premium
Package, which adds park assist, heated
seats, Garmin sat-nav, LED headlamps
and the Mirror Pack. All those will set
you back an extra 1,550, which we
think represents something of a bargain.
Before the 2 Series came along,
the B-Class pretty much had the small
premium MPV niche wrapped up. The
cheaper Renault Scenic cant match it for
quality, and Fords C-MAX cant compete
for rock-bottom running costs. Things
arent as clearcut now BMW has joined
the party, but if youre looking for a posh
MPV with bags of badge appeal, decent
practicality and an upmarket feel, the
Mercedes makes a solid case for itself.
Mercedes B-Class
speed dualOur car had a seven- I is also

CD
clutch box, but B200
eed manual
offered with a six-sp
eff icient
although its not as
New cars
Essentials
Mercedes B200 CDI Sport
Price:
Engine:
Power:
Torque:
Transmission:
0-62mph:
Top speed:
Economy:
CO2:
25,695
2.1-litre 4cyl turbodiesel
134bhp
300Nm
Seven-speed auto,
front-wheel drive
9.8 seconds
130mph
70.6mpg
107g/km
ON SALE Now
PRACTICALITY There are no changes

to the boot space for the facelifted B-Class.
The 486-litre luggage area still eclipses the
Ford C-MAXs 471-litre capacity, and when
you fold the rear seats the Mercedes
load bay expands to 1,545 litres
REAR SEATS Specify the Easy
Vario package from the options list

and you get 60:40 split-folding rear
seats that slide back and forth,
allowing you to sacrifice legroom
for more boot space and vice-versa
Front bumper and headlights are

new, plus grille is wider. Diesel is
lethargic, but dash has quality feel
Verdict
THE tweaks help the B-Class
keep up with newer rivals. An
even more efficient B180 CDI
Eco model is available, with
CO2 emissions of 95g/km,
but this B200 CDI is the pick
of the range, with just enough
power to make driving it fun.
Ultimately the B-Class is about
practicality, though, and in that
respect its as good as ever.
31 December 2014 31
Xxxxxxxxxxx
ter 250bhp
We drove eve n hot
back in
4WD Polo R prototype no
has
Issue 1,254, but VW
build it
immediate plans to
New cars
Essentials
VW Polo GTI 5dr DSG
Price:
Engine:
Power:
Transmission:
0-62mph:
Top speed:
Economy:
CO2:
20,725
189bhp
Seven-spd twin-clutch
auto, front-wheel drive
6.9 seconds
142mph
47.9mpg
139g/km
ON SALE Now
VolkswagenPoloGTI
FIRST DRIVE We see if DSG auto box detracts from hot hatch fun
EQUIPMENT Touchscreen is fitted

as standard, while options include
two-stage adaptive dampers, LED
headlights and a sports button
Dean Gibson
Dean_Gibson@dennis.co.uk
WHILE the updated Volkswagen

Polo GTI is now available with a
manual box as driven in Issue 1,349,
theres still a seven-speed DSG auto for
those who like to give their left foot a rest.
As with the manual, power comes from
a new 1.8-litre turbo producing 189bhp
and 320Nm of torque. The DSG model
is marginally slower than the manual;
it trails by two-tenths from 0-62mph,
taking 6.9 seconds, although on the
road youd be hard-pressed to notice.
The DSG comes with steering wheel
paddles, and the transmission delivers
quick shifts in manual mode. Let the
electronics do the work and the sevenspeed box manages to be in the right
gear at the right time. At full throttle the
exhaust emits a distinctive upshift rasp,
further enhanced by the optional Sport
pack which has a special speaker to
pump extra engine noise into the cabin.
Claimed DSG economy is 47.9mpg,
compared to 47.1mpg for the manual
STYLING Among the upgrades are
this subtle roof spoiler, a red stripe

across front grille, a more aggressive
front bumper and deeper side sills
Box delivers slick shifts, and Polo grips

hard in bends; cabin full of GTI touches
car these figures are better than

those for the Renaultsport Clio auto,
which returns 44.8mpg and 144g/km.
In corners, the standard XDS+
electronic diff gives the GTI far greater
ability than most of its supermini hot
hatch rivals, with plenty of front-end grip
and minimal understeer. Theres little
body roll, but while the suspension is
stiff its in no way uncomfortable when
youre taking it easy, and the hot Polo is
as accomplished as the bigger Golf GTI
when it comes to cruising comfort.
As with the manual car, plenty of
design tweaks help the GTI stand out
from the standard Polo. The honeycomb
grille with red pinstripes, bigger bumpers
and 17-inch alloys are identical to the
manuals, while inside the only change
is a different gear selector and paddles
behind the steering wheel. The tartan
cloth and red stitching on the steering
wheel and gear gaiter give the shrunken
Golf GTI look to match its performance.
WHEELS These 17-inch alloys are
standard, while the XDS+ electronic

diff brakes the inside front wheel to
boost traction and reduce understeer
Verdict
BY offering manual and DSG
boxes, plus three and five-door
options, the Polo GTI has all its
rivals covered. If you must have
an auto hot hatch, the DSG is a far
better option than Renaultsports
twin-clutch Clio. It delivers rapid
gearshifts, and is great to use in
manual mode, although the GTI
lacks that last degree of driving
fun to make it a clear class leader.
31 December 2014 33
Tesla Model S 60kWh
New cars
Essentials
Tesla Model S 60kWh
Price: 50,335 (after 5,000

Government grant)
Engine: Electric motor
Power: 298bhp
Transmission: Single-speed,
rear-wheel drive
0-62mph: 5.9 seconds
Top speed: 120mph
Range: 215 miles
ON SALE Now
Tesla is on track to introduce

a network of 20 supercharger
stations in the UK in the
forthcoming 18 months
TeslaModelS60kWh
EQUIPMENT All of the Teslas
functions are controlled via the huge

17-inch, iPad-style touchscreen that
comes as standard on all models
FIRST DRIVE Entry-level electric exec still delivers huge 298bhp

Pete Gibson
Jonat
nat
Jonathan
Burn
Jonath
th
Jonathan_Burn@dennis.co.uk
@Jonathan_burn
UNTIL Teslas Model X arrives next

year, and the all-electric 3 Series
rival appears in 2017, the 60kWh
version of its Model S is the entry point
into ownership. At 50,335 after the
Government grant, it costs 19,000
less than the flagship P85+. So, what
does the base Model S miss out on?
Well, not much. The main difference
lies beneath its floor, with a less powerful
298bhp electric motor (the flagship
boasts 410bhp) and a smaller battery
pack, dropping the range from 310
miles to a still impressive 215 miles.
Performance will rival a Porsche
Boxster. You dont even have to fumble
about with keys or starter buttons, as
the Model S detects your presence and
turns itself on. Simply select drive,
gently squeeze the throttle and the Tesla
swiftly glides away. Floor it and youll get
Tesla combines strong and effortless performance with impeccable refinement

from 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds, but it
feels infinitely quicker as theres no
delay whatsoever in the power delivery.
Perhaps even more impressive is the
Teslas overtaking ability. Its perfect
for joining a motorway or passing
dawdling motorists, with the instant
hit of torque propelling you forward.
Ease off and the Model S transforms
itself into an effortlessly compliant and
relaxing cruiser. The 60kWh car comes
as standard with 19-inch wheels,

whereas the P85+ wears enormous
21-inch alloys and skinnier rubber.
Also helping soak up rutted British
roads is more traditional mechanical
suspension, as opposed to the airsprung set-up in the P85+. It simply
glides over surfaces the performance
model would fidget and fight against.
Show it some twisty back roads and
body control is well managed, aided by
the 100kg weight reduction the smaller
battery brings about. Its still not the
most agile car its marketed as a
luxurious electric cruiser more than a
tantalising sports car but it holds its
own. Just dont expect to achieve the full
215-mile range with a heavy right foot.
While the range will satisfy most
buyers daily needs, recharging remains
an issue. From a standard household
power source, a top-up is delivered
at only five miles per hour. Thatll take
a mammoth 43 hours, although more
efficient wall-box chargers are available.
Well equipped cabin lives up to Model

Ss billing as a luxurious electric cruiser
PRACTICALITY As theres no
transmission tunnel, the Model S
feels incredibly spacious inside
especially for those in the back
RANGE The 298bhp version
makes do with a 215-mile electric

range, but in the real world that
figure is more like 160 miles
Verdict
THE Model Ss refinement,
performance and practicality
always impress. A more forgiving
set-up and accessible price point
make this 60kWh version a more
obtainable real-world prospect
than the flagship. But only
with a more comprehensive
recharging infrastructure will
it be described as faultless.
31 December 2014 35
New cars
Essentials
Audi A1 Sportback
1.4 TFSI S line
Price:
Engine:
Power/torque:
Transmission:
0-62mph:
Top speed:
Economy:
CO2:
20,100
148bhp/250Nm
Six-spd manual,
front-wheel drive
7.9 seconds
134mph
58.9mpg
112g/km
ON SALE Now
This 148bhp 1.4-litre TFSI

with Cylinder on Demand tech
is available only in S line spec.
Standard 123bhp 1.4 costs less
AudiA11.4TSI
Running costs
58.9mpg (official)
52 fill-up
LEGROOM As ever in the A1,

rear seats arent especially spacious,
but buyers of the five-door Sportback
will appreciate improved versatility
FIRST DRIVE Potent four-cylinder turbo still makes sense in new A1

Richard Ingram
Richa
Richa
@cutt_ings
IN Issue 1,349 we drove Audis

facelifted A1 with the characterful
new 1.0-litre TFSI petrol three-cylinder,
and named it the pick of the range but
it wont be the solution for everybody.
So how did the more powerful 1.4
TFSI compare on our twisty test route?
The 148bhp engine is 10bhp up on
the old version, shaving 0.1 seconds
off that cars 0-62mph time. Torque is
the same, so it feels no quicker in-gear,
but Audi claims emissions are slightly
reduced by between one and two g/km.
Youd struggle to tell the difference on
the road. The A1 still handles well, albeit
safely rather than with much sporting
verve. Even in top-spec S line trim with
Audis Drive Select system and firmer
S line suspension, its not as much fun
to drive as MINIs Cooper or Cooper S.
That said, the A1 is serenely quiet.
At town speeds its eerily hushed, even
when you build speed. The clever
Cylinder on Demand (CoD) tech comes
in on a motorway cruise, when two of the
four cylinders shut off to conserve fuel.
In terms of kit, S line
ne models are
the best equipped of alll A1s. Theyre
also the most costly, and unless
you really need all the
gadgets, the mid-range
e
Sport will tick most
boxes for most people..
Still, the S line now
boasts xenon lights,
Our S line features

bigger wheels and
firmer suspension
36 31 December 2014
PRACTICALITY Whether you buy
three or five-door A1, theres a 270-litre

boot with the seats up. This expands to
920 litres or 21 litres shy of MINI 5dr
Well equipped
S line tops A1
range; 1.4 CoD
engine ideally
matches its
classy character
sportier styling and bigger 17-inch

alloys. Inside, there are Milano leather
sports seats, a three-spoke sports wheel
and special contrasting stitching. Firmer
S line sports suspension is standard,
but customers can delete it in favour
of the standard set-up if they want a
more comforta
comfortable and compliant ride.
Our pick of the range remains the
1.0-litre TF
TFSI, yet if you spend a lot
of tim
time on the motorway or
rac
rack up more than 15,000
mi
miles a year, its worth
co
considering one of the
bigger petrol or diesel
engines. This CoD version
is impressively quiet even
at high speeds, and the
clever technology should
ke
keep running costs to
a minimum, too.
QUALITY Despite being smallest,

cheapest Audi, the car has similar
high-grade materials to more pricey
models. Fit and finish is first-rate
Verdict
POWERFUL enough for every
eventuality and whisper-quiet,
this higher-powered 1.4 TFSI
is a great match for the A1s
sophisticated character. We
still think the new 1.0 TFSI is the
best all-rounder, while the MINI
Cooper S is faster and more fun
to drive. Yet if quality, refinement
and style are key, this A1 should
definitely be on your shortlist.
New cars
Nissan e-NV200
Pete Gibson
Coming soon
SKODA FABIA
ESTATE 2015
The practical Fabia
Estate will boast a
huge 530-litre boot.
Thats bigger than
many cars in
the class above.
SUPERMINIS
Nissane-NV200Combi
FIRST DRIVE Electric MPV is big, but is it clever?
Nissan e-NV200 Combi
Price: 26,309
(after 5,000 Govt. grant)
Engine: Single electric motor
Power/torque: 108bhp/254Nm
Transmission: Single-speed,
front-wheel drive
0-62mph: 14.0 seconds
Top speed: 76mph
Range: 106 miles
ON SALE Now
Extra kit
cant disguise
the plug-in
e-NV200s
van roots,
but at least
that means
theres plenty
of boot space
Richard Ingram
Ri
Ric
THE Nissan e-NV200 Combi really is

in a niche of its own, as no other
electric car offers the same cabin space
and outright practicality. Its van roots
ensure it boasts a huge 2,270 litres of
boot space with the rear seats in place
or 3,100 if you remove them entirely.
But if passengers are your main
concern, youll be disappointed that the
e-NV only has seating for five. Whats
more, the archaic sliding windows offer
little relief for those in the rear. On the
move the Nissan fails to excite not that
this matters particularly on such a car
but whats more off-putting is that the
usual instant throttle response you get
from an EV is diluted by its bulk.
The e-NVs claimed range of 106
miles is in reality closer to 75. If you
want to maximise that number, the
Eco button does a good job of limiting
power, still delivering just enough shove
for nipping through slow-moving traffic.
Standard kit is good and so it should
be for nearly 26,500 when you buy the
car outright. The e-NV200 Combi costs as
little as 17,855 (after the Government
grant is deducted) for the basic Acenta
but then theres battery rental on top
of that, which starts at 61 per month.
Ultimately, though, the fact that
the e-NV200 isnt available with seven
seats limits its real-world appeal.
38 31 December 2014
Verdict
EQUIPMENT
Standard kit includes

rain-sensing wipers,
Bluetooth, cruise
control, Around View
Monitor, climate
control and keyless go
UNLESS you really need the

e-NV200s massive space, go
for a more modest EV such as
Nissans own Leaf or BMWs
i3. They have a similar range,
cost less after the grant, yet
feel more nimble in town
thanks to their lighter bodies
and more car-like handling.
Fiat 500
Ford Ka
Honda Jazz
Hyundai i20 Coup
Mazda 2
Renaultsport Twingo
Renault Zoe update
SEAT Ibiza
Skoda Fabia
Smart ForTwo
Smart ForFour
Suzuki Celerio
Vauxhall Adam S
Vauxhall Corsa VXR
Vauxhall Viva
2016
mid 2015
early 2015
March 2015
spring 2015
late 2015
spring 2015
2016
early 2015
early 2015
early 2015
February 2015
April 2015
spring 2015
spring 2015
FAMILY CARS
Alfa Romeo Giulia

late 2015
Alfa Romeo Giulia Estate
late 2015
Audi A3 three-cylinder
late 2015
Audi A4
mid 2015
BMW 1 Series facelift
2015
BMW 3 Series Plug-in
mid 2016
BMW i5
2016
Ford Mondeo Vignale
early 2015
Honda FCEV
mid 2015
Infiniti Q30
spring 2015
Jaguar XE
spring 2015
Mercedes CLA Shoot. Brake early 2015
MG5
early 2015
MINI Clubman
early 2015
Nissan Leaf
mid 2016
Porsche Panamera estate
2016
Renault Espace
late 2015
Skoda Superb
summer 2015
Skoda Fabia estate
early 2015
Tesla Model III
2016
Toyota Prius
late 2015
Toyota FCV
mid 2015
Vauxhall Astra
late 2015
VW Beetle Dune
late 2015
VW Golf Alltrack
mid 2015
VW Golf CC
2015
VW Golf R estate
spring 2015
VW Passat Alltrack
summer 2015
VW Passat GTE
June 2015
SPORTS CARS
Alfa 4CStradale
2015
Alfa 6C
2016
Aston Martin DB9
late 2016
Aston Martin V8 Vantage
early 2016
Audi RS3
spring 2015
Audi A5
spring 2016
Audi R4
2016
Audi R8
mid 2015
Audi TT Sportback
2016
Audi TT Sport Quattro
2016
BMW M1
2016
BMW M2
mid 2015
Caterham sports car
2016
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
spring 2015
Ferrari 458M
spring 2015
Fiat Spider
late 2015
Ford Focus RS
2016
Ford Mustang
early 2015
Honda Civic Type R
March 2015
Honda NSX
mid 2015
Infiniti Q60
2016
Jaguar XE SVR
early 2016
Kia GT4 Stinger
2016
Lamborghini Asterion LP910-4
2017
Lexus GS-F
late 2015
Lexus RC
late 2015
Lexus LF-LC
2016
Maserati Alfieri
2016
Maserati GranTurismo
late 2017
McLaren P13
2015
Mercedes-AMG GT
early 2015
Mercedes C 450 AMG Sport spring 2015
MG TF replacement
2015
MINI JCW
early 2015
Nissan Pulsar Nismo
mid 2015
Peugeot 308 R
mid 2015
Porsche Cayman GT4

Porsche GT3 RS
Porsche 911 facelift
Porsche 961
Porsche Pajun
Renault Alpine
Toyota FT-1 (Supra)
Vauxhall Monza
SUVs
Alfa Romeo SUV

Aston Martin SUV
Audi Q1
Audi Q5
Audi Q6
Audi Q7
Audi Q8
Audi RS Q1
Bentley SUV
BMW X3
BMW X7
Dacia Duster facelift
Ford Edge
Honda CR-V
Honda Vezel
Infiniti QX30
Jaguar C-X17
Kia Sorento
Lamborghini Urus
Land Rover Defender
Maserati Levante
Mazda CX-3
Mercedes GLC
Mercedes GLE Coup
Mercedes baby SUV
Peugeot Quartz
Porsche Cayenne Coup
Porsche Macan Turbo S
Porsche Macan GTS
Range Rover Sport SVR
Renault Kwid
Renault Mgane SUV
Renault seven-seat SUV
SEAT IBX
Skoda Yeti+2
SsangYong Tivoli
Suzuki Vitara
Tesla Model X
Toyota C-HR
Volkswagen Taigun
Volkswagen Tiguan
Volkswagen T-ROC
Volvo XC40
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC90
PEOPLE MOVERS
BMW CAT 7-seater

Ford C-MAX facelift
Ford Grand C-MAX facelift
Ford S-MAX
Mercedes R-Class
VW Touran
2015
mid 2015
late 2015
2017
2017
late 2015
late 2015
2015
early 2016
2017
2016
2016
2016
mid 2015
2017
late 2016
2016
2016
2018
2016
2015
2015
2015
late 2015
2016
early 2015
2017
2016
2016
mid 2015
2015
2015
2017
2016
2017
early 2015
2015
spring 2015
2016
mid 2015
2016
2016
2016
2015
2015
2015
2017
2015
2016
2016
2018
late 2015
early 2015
early 2015
spring 2015
spring 2015
early 2015
2016
March 2015
CABRIOLETS
Audi TT Roadster
2015
Alfa Romeo 4CSpider
early 2015
Ford Mustang Convertible
2015
Lamborghini Huracn Spyder late 2015
Mazda MX-5
early 2015
Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet
2015
Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet
2015
MINI Convertible
late 2015
Range Rover Evoque Cabriolet
2015
Rolls-Royce Wraith Drophead
2016
VW Beetle Dune cabriolet
late 2015
LUXURY CARS
BMW 7 Series
mid 2015
Cadillac ELR
late 2015
Infiniti Q80
2020
Jaguar XF
late 2015
Mercedes-Maybach S600 spring 2015
Mercedes S-Class Pullman
2015
Rolls-Royce Phantom
2017
VW Phaeton
late 2016
Volvo S90
2016
Buying a new car?
Tell us about your experience

Road tests
Visit autoexpress.co.uk for the latest new cars and drives
50
ELECTRIC CAR
SHOOT-OUT
Kias new Soul EV
goes head-to-head with
BMWs pioneering i3.
Alfa Romeo MiTo
Price: 20,210 Engine: 1.4-litre 4cyl turbo, 168bhp

0-60mph: 7.6 seconds Test economy: 29.5mpg/6.5mpl
CO2: 124g/km Annual road tax: 110
Peugeot 208 GTi

SEAT Ibiza Cupra

40 31 December 2014
58
LIVING WITH A...

SUZUKI SX4 S-CROSS
Reflections on a year
at the wheel of hugely
likeable crossover star.
60
LIVING WITH AN...

AUDI A3 SALOON
Find out why we think
A3 makes a better buy
than its A4 big brother.
Pole
position
Can Alfas new MiTo QV hot hatch
forge ahead of Ibiza and 208 rivals?
IF you want a car that handles like a go-kart but looks

good on the Kings Road, you cant get better than
an upmarket hot hatch. Punchy performance and stylish
looks are essential if a car is going to shine in this class.
Alfa Romeo thinks its found the right formula with its
new MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde. It looks as striking as ever,
plus standard adaptive dampers offer the best mix of
cruising comfort and sharp handling. However, there are
some seriously tough rivals in this class, and our two

opponents will give it a very hard time.
First up is the Peugeot 208 GTi. Its six-speed
manual could give it the edge for driver involvement,
while our other contender, the SEAT Ibiza Cupra,
has a slight power advantage over the Alfa.
So does the MiTo QV have the performance, driving
talent and desirability to make it worth the extra outlay?
Pictures: Nathan Morgan
Location: Daytona Milton Keynes (www.daytona.co.uk)
31 December 2014 41
Road test
Alfa Romeo MiTo vs rivals
MODEL TESTED: Alfa Romeo MiTo
PRICE: 20,210 ENGINE: 1.4-litre 4cyl, 168bhp

THE MiTo was introduced in 2008, and
the Quadrifoglio Verde (QV or Green
Cloverleaf) is the performance agship. This
is the second-generation QV, and while it still
has a 168bhp 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine, Alfa
has added a six-speed TCT twin-clutch gearbox
and adaptive dampers, while CO2 emissions
and claimed economy are improved.
Styling 3.8/5
EVEN after six years on sale, the MiTo
stands out. Its distinctive styling draws
inspiration from the 8C Competizione
sports car, while the shield grille is a nod
to classic Alfas of the past.
The bulging wheelarches and small
windows add to the sporty looks, while the
QV model has gloss-black detailing to help
it stand out. You also get two-tone 18-inch
alloys, twin exhausts and cloverleaf badges
on the front wings. Our cars Matt Magnesio
Grey paint is 800, but it only really looks
good when the car is clean, because when
its dirty, it simply looks like dull paint.
Inside, there are more sporty touches. The
dashtop and armrests get carbon bre-effect
plastic, and there are sports seats and a
at-bottomed steering wheel. As is tradition,
theres Italian acqua and benzina labelling for
the water temperature and petrol gauges,
although the QVs mix of red-lit controls and
white dials looks messy. Our car also featured
2,000 optional Sabelt carbon-bre bucket
seats, which give the cabin a race-bred feel.
Overall, the quality of plastic is on a par
with the SEAT, but thats not saying much, as
both cars feature hard materials that arent as
good as those in the Peugeot. The build quality
also feels imsy compared to the Peugeot.
Driving 2.7/5
POWER for the MiTo QV comes from Fiats
1.4 MultiAir turbo petrol. It makes 168bhp,
and sounds sporty when you rev it, but its
10bhp down on the SEAT and a 29bhp behind
the Peugeot, although it makes up for this
with the same 250Nm of torque as the Ibiza.
The MiTo recorded slower acceleration
gures through the gears, but it was closer to
its rivals in-gear, and we managed 0-60mph
in 7.6 seconds, which was three-tenths slower
than Alfas claimed 0-62mph time. Our efforts
were hampered by the MiTos TCT twin-clutch
gearbox, and the transmission manages to
spoil the whole driving experience.
Unlike the SEATs DSG box, manual
mode doesnt give full control, because the
electronics throw in their own shifts when
youre not expecting them, so youre never
sure if a shift was one of yours or the cars. The
Even after six

years on sale, the
MiTo stands out with
distinctive styling
42 31 December 2014
other option is full auto mode, but theres

no kickdown step in the throttle, so the
gearbox can change down with little warning.
The transmission holds on to gears when
accelerating, too. Again, its inconsistent in its
actions, while the hesitant nature of its shifts
can leave you without drive on the entry to a
roundabout while it nds the right cog.
Unfortunately, its not just the gearbox that
lets the QV down. The DNA switch on the
dash changes driving modes, and while the
difference between settings isnt as harsh as
that on lower spec models, none of the modes
is very satisfying. Mode D is the sportiest, so
the gearbox holds on to gears, while the
adaptive dampers are rmer and the steering
weights up. In N, the gearbox has better
shifts, while the dampers and steering are
both softened off, but the MiTo is no more
comfortable than the conventionally damped
Peugeot in this mode. All-weather mode A
boosts traction in slippery conditions, and is
similar to N in most of its settings.
In corners, the MiTo isnt as composed or
stable as its rivals, while the steering delivers
articial feedback. Our car was tted with
sporty Pirelli tyres, but in greasy conditions
the loose rear end felt rather unnerving
so its probably a good thing that the cars
electronic stability control cant be turned off.
Reliability 3.5/5
ALFA Romeo has had a reputation for poor
reliability, but the latest models shouldnt be
tarred with the same brush. Minor niggles
have been reported by MiTo owners, but
theres a three-year warranty and breakdown
cover which should give added peace of mind.
Our car had some quality issues, though.
The dash cubby to the right of the drivers
knee kept falling open, while a broken zip on
the right-hand back seat cover had clearly
been stapled together to keep it in place.
The MiTo earned a ve-star Euro NCAP
score, but this was achieved when it was
launched in 2008, and the test is tougher now.
However, you do get seven airbags, traction,
stability and hill-hold control, while the QV
features Brembo brakes as standard.
Exterior
T EST ErS n ote s...
rting pretensions are

The MiTo QVs spo
to
gearbox. Compared
T
TC
quashed by the
za, its
Ibi
the
in
ion
iss
the DSG transm
completely gets
vague, hesitant and
d of driving fun.
in the way of any kin
DEA N GIBS ON
DEPUTY Road test editor
Alfa Romeo
Interior
Running costs 3.2/5

THE MiTo QV costs 20,210, which is 260
more than the 208 GTi and a huge 1,230 more
than the Ibiza Cupra. You get plenty of kit, but
the Peugeot is better equipped. Our car
weighed in at 25,020 with options.
In terms of running costs, the MiTos lower
emissions mean tax is cheaper for company
car users, but the 20 difference is trivial for
private buyers. Of more concern is the MiTos
fuel economy. The ofcial gures put the QV
ahead of its rivals here, but we only managed
29.5mpg on test. Stop-start is standard, but
the system on our car didnt cut in very often,
and when it did, it soon restarted the engine.
As for other outgoings, servicing is more
than double the cost of the Ibizas, while steep
depreciation means the QV will be worth less
than its cheaper rivals after three years.
Road test
Styling
MITOS unique style, based on the 8C Competizione
sports car, means it really stands out. Cloverleaf
badges adorn the wings and bulging wheelarches
and small windows accentuate the sporty look.
Distinct, two-tone 18-inch alloys are standard.
o MiTo QV
!
CO2/tax
Practicality
Performance
Braking
Running costs
124g/km
Boot (seats up/down)
0-60/30-70mph
70-0/60-0/30-0mph
29.5mpg (on test)
110 or 17%
270/950 litres
7.6/6.6 seconds
55.1/40.9/11.0m
55 fill-up
Practicality
2.8/5
Touchscreen
TOUCHSCREEN is easy
to use but grey plastic
surround looks out of place
Steering wheel
FLAT-bottomed steering
wheel and sports seats
give cabin a racier feel
THE MiTo has a 270-litre boot,

but while thats 34 litres up on
the SEAT, the high load lip and
narrow opening mean its
harder to get items in.
Back seat space is better than in
the Ibiza, but the hard backs of the
2,000 optional Sabelt carbon
bre front seats cut knee room.
Those seats look sporty, but
the thin padding means theyre
extremely rm and give you
an aching backside, even after
a moderate journey.
Theyre mounted very high,
too, so the driving position
doesnt feel particularly sporty,
while the left footrest is mounted
quite high, leaving your foot in an
unnatural position, especially if
you have long legs. But as there
are only two pedals, there is
room between the footrest and
brake to place your left foot.
31 December 2014 43
Road test
MODEL TESTED: Peugeot 208 GTi Prestige

PEUGEOT has a long tradition of

building great hot hatchbacks, and
the 208 GTi is the latest model in a line that
started with the 205 GTi back in 1984. Its
based on the three-door 208, and features
a 197bhp 1.6 THP turbo petrol engine under
the bonnet. Here we test the top-spec GTi
Prestige version, which costs 19,950.
Styling 4.2/5
THE standard Peugeot 208 is a familiar shape
in the supermini class, while the GTi version
has been given enough of a makeover to help
it stand out from lower-spec models. Its
offered exclusively as a three-door, while GTi
badges are added to the chrome trim on the
C-pillars, in a nod to the original 205 GTi.
Elsewhere, you get a chequered pattern
for the grille, plus a red GTi badge on the
lower lip, chrome wing mirror caps, a
sporty bodykit and 17-inch alloy wheels
with bright red brake calipers. The Prestige
model gets black paint on the wheels
between the polished spokes, while
panoramic glass and cornering lights are
also included on this higher spec model.
Overall, the 208 GTis proportions give it a
sportier look than the rather upright MiTo.
Inside, theres the same solid build quality
as other models in the 208 range, with some
sporty upgrades to the GTi. The optional sports
seats arent as distinctive as the Alfas Sabelt
items, but theyre more comfortable, although
the 208s awkward driving position is in
evidence. Some of our testers needed to move
the small steering wheel down to their lap to
be able to see the dials, which feels unnatural.
At least the dash looks attractive, particularly
the glowing red LED surrounds for the speedo
and rev counter. The touchscreen multimedia
system is a bit of a ddle to use on the move,
although the steering column-mounted
audio controls go some way to helping that.
Driving 4.1/5
WITH a 197bhp turbocharged four-cylinder
engine under the bonnet, the 208 GTi is one
of the most powerful superminis you can buy.
Its 29bhp up on the MiTo, while the six-speed
manual gearbox helps you to put the power to
the road far easier than both its rivals here.
You can turn off the traction control, and
we managed 0-60mph in 6.8 seconds on a
slippery surface. That matched Peugeots
claimed 0-62mph time, and was nearly a
second faster than the MiTo, although this
was no surprise due to its power advantage.
The GTi was faster through the gears, too,
although acceleration in-gear was similar
between all three contenders.Theres no auto
The six-speed manual

gearbox helps you put
power to the road far
easier than its rivals
44 31 December 2014
Exterior
option in the GTi, but thats no hardship, as

the six-speed manual is good to use. It delivers
positive shifts, and having full control when
compared to the Alfas erratic TCT box gives
added condence in how the 208 GTi drives.
And its here where the 208 takes a lead
against its rivals. Peugeot has increased the
front and rear track of the GTi over the
standard car, and as a result theres plenty
of grip in corners. The steering has quick
responses, but feedback is a little vague,
although its better than in the MiTo.
But where the Peugeot really stands out
is with its stability. Mid-corner bumps are
shaken off without fuss, although if you do
breach the limits of grip, the stability control
cuts in quite abruptly. However, its the only
car here that has the option to switch off the
electronic safety net although youll need to
be quick with your inputs because the 208
will break away suddenly at the limit of grip.
Overall, there are elements of the
Volkswagen Golf GTI in the way the 208 GTi
performs: its enjoyable on a back road, but
take it easy, and its surprisingly comfortable
its denitely a performance car that you can
live with on a daily basis. It doesnt quite
have the last word in driving fun like a Ford
Fiesta ST, but its hugely capable and a far
better all-rounder than either rival here.
Reliability 3.8/5
THERE have been electrical niggles in the
past with the 208, although with production
running for over two years, you would
expect these gremlins to be ironed out over
time. The 208 did well to nish 49th in our
2014 Driver Power survey, although it only
had an average score for reliability.
According to Euro NCAPs test scores,
the 208 is safer than the SEAT Ibiza,
although it only gets six airbags to the
MiTos seven. Still, hill hold and a speed
limiter feature on the list of standard kit.
Peugeot 20
Interior
Running costs 3.7/5

THE standard 208 GTi costs 19,100, while
going for the 19,950 Prestige model still
undercuts the MiTo QV by 260. You get
auto lights and wipers, rear parking sensors
and part leather seats on the GTi, which is
similar to the kit you get on the MiTo. But
the Prestige also adds panoramic glass,
heated seats and sat-nav, while the sole
option is metallic paint at 495.
We achieved 39.7mpg on test, which was
ahead of both rivals here. Like the Alfa, the
stop-start system is infrequent in its activity,
but the unstressed nature of the larger
capacity 1.6-litre turbo engine clearly helped
economy gures. Road tax is only 20 a year
more than for the Alfa, and the same as the
SEAT, but company users will face the biggest
bills if they choose the GTi over its rivals.
Elsewhere, Peugeots monthly service
plan is pricier than SEATs similar scheme,
but residuals of 45.6 per cent are the
highest of the three tested, and among
the best for the entire Peugeot range.
Road test
Styling
CHEQUERED pattern on grille denotes the sportier GTi model. Chrome
wing mirrors caps and 17-inch alloys with red brake calipers help the
Peugeot to stand out, although it still retains the familiar shape of
the standard 208. Prestige model in our pictures also features
black paint on wheels and panoramic glass and cornering lights.
08 GTi
!
CO2/tax
Practicality
Performance
Braking
Running costs
139g/km
0-60/30-70mph
70-0/60-0/30-0mph
39.7mpg (on test)
130 or 20%
285/1,076 litres
6.8/6.0 seconds
54.5/39.9/9.6m
61 fill-up
wheel is
The small steering
ition
pos
but
ch,
tou
rty
a spo
t
can
you
and
h
it hig
see the dials, like the
.
digital speedometer
jam es disd ale

road test editor
Touchscreen
TOUCHSCREEN is ddly, but
screen size is larger than the
MiTos and audio controls on
steering column are handy
Trim
RED touches around the
cabin set the sportier 208
apart from its siblings and
add a real dose of style
Practicality
3.5/5
THERES a 285-litre boot, which is
the biggest on test, while the wide
opening hatch and low boot lip
mean its easy to load, too. Back
seat space is also good, and is
helped by the 208s longer
wheelbase compared to its rivals
here. Theres more headroom than
in the SEAT, while legroom is
better than in the Alfa as the front
seats dont cut into kneeroom.
Up front, you need to sit
with the small steering wheel in
your lap to see the dials, but there
are cup-holders and decent door
bins. However, one door bin will
be taken up by the owners
manual, as the narrow glovebox
ts in around the fusebox, and
isnt big enough for it. The Prestige
model features a panoramic glass
roof as standard, which makes
the cabin feel spacious, and
doesnt cut into headroom.
31 December 2014 45
Road test
MODEL TESTED: SEAT Ibiza SC Cupra
THE fourth-generation SEAT Ibiza has

been on sale since 2008, and its offered
in three body styles. Theres a ve-door hatch,
the three-door Sport Coup (SC) and an ST
estate, although the agship Cupra comes
exclusively as a three-door SC. Like the MiTo
QV, power comes from a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine, and it gets a twin-clutch
gearbox. Prices start at 18,980.
Styling 4.1/5
SEATs latest models feature sharp styling that
helps them stand out from their VW Group
siblings. The Ibiza was one of the rst models
to use the companys current design
philosophy when it was launched in 2008,
and it still looks smart today. Its compact
dimensions mean it looks taut and athletic
compared to its slightly bulbous rivals here.
The SC badge is a bit of a misnomer for
the three-door Ibiza, because while it has a
distinctive look, its more hatchback than
sports car. Whats more, the Cupra model
could do with a bit more visual impact to help
it stand out from lower-spec models. You get
bigger bumpers with gaping air vents, large
17-inch alloys with low-prole tyres and a
centre exit exhaust out back, but unless youre
a diehard SEAT fan, youd struggle to tell the
difference between the Cupra and the lowerspec FR model. Only the Cupra lettering
across the bootlid distinguishes it, while the
chequered ag badges are on the small side.
Inside, the Ibiza Cupra gets sports seats
with a distinctive black-and-white fabric
trim, plus gloss-black trim on the dashboard.
However, hard plastics and a slightly
confusing design let the interior down.
It seems as if the centre console has
been designed without consideration for
all of the functions required. As a result,
most of the climate buttons are on the dash,
but the heated rear screen button is placed
down by the gearlever. Add in a stereo that
takes practice to navigate properly, and the
SEAT is harder to get on with than the
touchscreen-equipped Peugeot or Alfa.
than SEATs claimed 0-62mph time, as well

as being two-tenths up on the more powerful
Peugeot and a full second ahead of the MiTo.
Those close ratios also helped in-gear
response, and the SEAT was faster than its
rivals in all of our performance tests. Theres
a bit of torque steer from the chassis under
hard acceleration, while the stiff suspension
causes the car to skip and dart over bumps,
even in a straight line. This rm suspension
set-up means the Ibiza never really feels
settled on bumpy roads, and its never as
composed as the Peugeot when taking it easy.
The trade-off is sharp responses in corners.
Theres plenty of grip and next to no body roll,
and theres a bit more feedback through the
wheel when compared to the Peugeot, while
the standard XDS electronic diff helps to curb
understeer. One major plus point the Ibiza
has over the MiTo is its slick-shifting DSG
gearbox. Compared to Alfas TCT box, its
smooth and always seems to be in the right
gear at the right time. Manual mode gives
the driver full control, and the electronics
only take over if you dont shift down when
coming to a halt. The shifts are quick and
seamless, too, and you dont even need to
lift off the throttle between changes.
Reliability 3.7/5
SEAT dealers performed poorly in the
2014 Driver Power survey, nishing
rock-bottom of our dealer survey. The
manufacturer is trying to address this by
upgrading its network, but we will have to
wait and see if the changes make a difference.
The Ibiza has been in production for a
few years now, so most electrical and
mechanical problems should be ironed out,
although there have been reports of the sevenspeed DSG gearbox being troublesome and
proving quite costly to x. Like the 208, the
Ibiza has a ve-star Euro NCAP safety rating,
although its percentage scores are lower.
There are only four airbags curtain bags
are a 200 option but you do get tyre
pressure monitors and hill hold control.
Driving 3.9/5
Running costs 3.6/5
IN terms of power, the Ibiza Cupras 178bhp

1.4-litre turbo petrol engine falls between its
two rivals here. It delivers the same 250Nm
of torque as the Alfa, albeit from 500rpm
lower in the rev range, while the close-ratio
seven-speed DSG gearbox gave it an
advantage in our acceleration tests.
Like the Alfa, the gearbox electronics
prevent you from making full-power
launches, but we still managed 0-60mph in
6.6 seconds, which was three-tenths faster
A PRICE tag of 18,980 is 1,230 cheaper than

the Alfa MiTo, and while you have to add rear
parking sensors and a DAB radio to match its
spec, standard kit includes sat-nav, xenon
lights, auto lights and wipers, so it doesnt
feel poorly equipped in comparison.
Theres no stop-start on the Ibiza Cupra,
but we still managed 36.6mpg on test,
which was well ahead of the Alfa. SEATs
claimed economy is the same as the gure
for the 208 GTi, while road tax is identical
for both cars. Business users will face lower
tax bills thanks to the SEATs cheaper list
price, but the MiTo is cheaper still.
Residuals of 42.5 per cent for the Ibiza
Cupra are pretty good, so it will be worth
more than the Alfa after three years, while
SEATs three-year service plan, which is
payable over two years, is better value
than Peugeots scheme.
The Ibiza never feels

settled on bumpy
roads, but responses
are sharp in corners
46 31 December 2014
Exterior
SEAT Ibiza C
Interior
Road test
seven-speed DSG
The Ibiza Cupras
ad of Alfas TCT
auto is light years ahe ection is smooth,
sel
transmission. Gear
puts the driver in
while manual mode
t small auto out
control. Its the bes
208 GT is
there although the ter.
bet
manual box is even
dean gibs on
deputy road test editor
Head-to-head
CO2/tax
139g/km
130 or 20%
Practicality
236 litres/N/A
details
Caption into space
here please
Caption into space
here please
Caption into space
here please
Caption into space
here please
Caption into space
here please
Performance
Engines
ALL three cars use turbo petrol
engines, while the SEAT adds a
supercharger. The 208 GTi is the
most powerful with 197bhp and
275Nm of torque, compared to
168bhp/250Nm for the MiTo and
178bhp/250Nm for the Ibiza.
Despite its extra power and
manual box, the 208 accelerated
slower than the SEAT the Ibizas
close-ratio DSG box and a broad
powerband gave it an edge.
0-60/30-70mph
6.6/5.8 seconds
Braking
70-0/60-0/30-0mph
49.4/35.7/9.4m
/9.4m
Options
Running costs
36.6mpg (on test)
55 fill-up
Cupra
THE MiTo features pricey options,

including matt grey paint (800),
a sunroof (750), Sabelt seats
(2,000) and a Bose stereo (675).
The sole option on the 208 GTi
Prestige is metallic paint, while the
Ibiza offers panoramic glass (495),
DAB radio (175), parking sensors
(from 220) and a Winter Pack
(345) that adds heated seats.
Practicality 3.3/5
Trim
THE Cupra isnt quite as practical as lower-spec Ibizas,

as the battery is relocated from the cramped engine
bay to the boot, reducing the capacity from 284 to 236
litres. However, you do get a low load lip and a wide
opening. The back seats fold 60:40, although you need
to ip up the bases to get a at oor, which is ddly.
Access to the back seats is tighter than in the 208
thanks to a lower rooine and smaller doors, but once
there, space is on a par with the 208. Theres plenty of
wheel and seat adjustment, and the sport seats are
comfortable. The stereo is ddly to use, but you do get
a decent glovebox and useful door bins. The standard
sat-nav clips into a slot on the dash top, although it
has to be unclipped if you want to put it in the glovebox.
Badge appeal
THE Green Cloverleaf name is part
of Alfas history (see P49), but
Peugeots GTi badge arguably has
more appeal in this sector, thanks
to the companys 30 years of hot
hatch history. In contrast, SEATs
Cupra badge is relatively new, rst
appearing in the nineties, when
SEAT was involved in rallying.
GLOSS black trim is nice

touch on dashboard, but
hard plastics let it down
Seats
SPORT seats feature
white trim to help create
an eye catching interior
31 December 2014 47
Alfa Romeo
omeo MiTo vs rivals
Figures
Peugeot
208 GTi Prestige
tige
On the road price/total as tested

Residual value (after 3yrs/36,000)
Depreciation
Annual tax liability std/higher rate
Annual fuel cost (12k/20k miles)
Ins. group/quote/road tax band/cost
Cost of 1st/2nd/3rd service
19,950/20,245
45
9,097/45.6%
10,853
791/1,581
1,683/2,805
33/394/E/130
16.99p/m (3yr/30k)
Length/wheelbase
Height/width
Engine
Peak power/revs
Peak torque/revs
Transmission
Fuel tank capacity/spare wheel
Boot capacity (seats up/down)
Kerbweight/payload/towing weight
Turning circle
Basic warranty (miles)/recovery
Service intervals/UK dealers
Driver Power manufacturer/dealer pos
Euro NCAP: Adult/child/ped./stars
3,962/2,538mm
1,460/1,739mm
4cyl in-line/1,598cc
197/5,800 bhp/rpm
275/1,700 Nm/rpm
6spd man/fwd
50 litres/space saver
285/1,076 litres
1,160/490/1,150kg
11.4 metres
3yrs (unlimited)/1yr
20k miles (1yr)/300
14th/9th
88/78/61/5 (2012)
0-60/30-70mph
30-50mph in 3rd/4th
50-70mph in 5th/6th/7th
Top speed/rpm at 70mph
Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph
Auto Express econ (mpg/mpl)/range
Noise outside/idle/30/70mph
Govt urban/extra-urban/combined
Govt urban/extra-urban/combined
Actual/claimed CO2/tax bracket
6.8/6.0 secs
3.1/4.1 secs
5.5/6.8 secs/N/A
143mph/2,500rpm
54.5/39.9/9.6m
39.7/8.7/437
62/46/61/71dB
34.4/60.1/47.9mpg
7.6/13.2/10.5mpl
164/139g/km/20%
Airbags/Isofix/park sensors/camera
Auto/stability/cruise control
Auto climate ctrl/leather/heated seats
Met paint/xenon lights/sunroof
Sat-nav/USB/DAB/Bluetooth
Results
Six/yes/rear/no
No/yes/yes
Yes/part/yes
495/no/yes
Yes/yes/yes/yes
SEA
SEAT
Ibiza SC Cupra
Ibi
PRICE
THE standard
208 GTi is 850
less and ditches
the heated
seats, sat-nav,
panoramic
glass, cornering
lights and black
painted alloys.
BIGGEST ENGINE
THE 208 has the
largest capacity
and produces the
biggest power
figures of this trio.
ACCELERATION
THE GTis manual
gearbox takes
more driver
skill to get it off
the line, but its
more rewarding
as a result.
OPTIONS
ONLY factory-fit
extras on 208 GTi
Prestige are
metallic paint
and front central
armrest with
storage (70).
1st
PEUGEOT
THE 208 GTi is proof

that Peugeot still knows
how to make a high-performance
hatchback. The 1.6 THP engine
is smooth and torquey, while the
manual gearbox gives it a level
of involvement its DSG-equipped
rivals here cant match. While the
handling isnt as lively as its illustrious
predecessors, the GTis all-round ability
means it takes a decisive victory here.
18
18,980/19,990
990
8,067/42.5%
10,914
752/1,504
1,826/3,043
27/371/E/130
19.99p/m (3yrs)
4,055/2,469mm
1,420/1,693mm
178/6,200 bhp/rpm
250/2,000 Nm/rpm
7spd DSG/fwd
236 litres/N/A
1,259/411kg/N/A
10.5 metres
3yrs (60,000)/2yrs
10k miles (1yr)/128
24th/32nd
82/77/59/5 (2011)
6.6/5.8 secs
2.6/3.4 secs
4.8/6.3/7.8 secs
142mph/2,500rpm
49.4/35.7/9.4m
36.6/8.1/362 miles
62/41/64/70dB
37.7/55.4/47.9mpg
8.3/12.2/10.5mpl
178/139g/km/20%
Four/yes/220/no
Yes/yes/yes
Yes/part/345
490/yes/495
Yes/no/175/yes
SEAT
Road test
Al Romeo MiTo
Alfa
iTo
Quadrifoglio Verde
Qua
rde
SERVICING
SEATs monthly
service plan is
payable over
two years, but
the scheme
covers the car for
three services.
NO TOWING
CENTRE-exit
exhaust means
you cant do any
towing with the
Ibiza Cupra.
OPTIONS
HEATED seats are
part of Winter
Pack, which also
adds heated
washer jets and a
height-adjustable
passenger seat.
2nd
SETTLE for the Ibiza

Cupra, and you wont be
disappointed. The 1.4 TFSI engine
punches above its weight, and the
DSG gearbox is great in manual or full
auto modes. The firm suspension
delivers decent handling, but the Ibiza
doesnt have the 208 GTis breadth of
ability. The quality of the interior is a
letdown, although thats countered by
a lower list price than its rivals here.
20
20,210/25,020
020
7,053/34.9%
13,157
685/1,371
2,265/3,775
27/321/D/110
214/313/214
DEPRECIATION
MITO has poorest
residuals here,
and will be worth
2,000 less than
the Peugeot after
three years.
4,063/2,511mm
1,446/1,720mm
168/5,500 bhp/rpm
250/2,500 Nm/rpm
6spd TCT/fwd
270/950 litres
1,145/N/A/500kg
11.3 metres
3yrs (unlimited)/3yrs
18k miles (1yr)/46
21st/18th
5/3/2 (2008)
7.6/6.6 secs
3.0/4.3 secs
5.4/6.8 secs/N/A
136mph/3,000rpm
55.1/40.9/11.0m
29.5/6.5/292 miles
62/44/60/69dB
40.4/64.2/52.3mpg
8.9/14.1/11.5mpl
221/124g/km/17%
Seven/yes/rear/no
Yes/yes/yes
450/1,050/250
475/no/750
Yes/yes/yes/yes
EURO NCAP
QV is a new
model, but MiTo
itself was tested
back in 2008, so
Euro NCAP score
isnt comparable
to rivals here.
PAINT OPTIONS
THE only standard
colour is black, or
you can splash out
800 for the
Matte Magnesio
Grey paint of the
car in our pictures.
ALFA ROMEO
3rd
WE hoped that the MiTo

QV would be a new dawn
for Alfa, but its a disappointment. In
isolation, the engine is reasonable,
but the TCT gearbox reduces driving
enjoyment, while the adaptive
dampers deliver neither sporty
handling nor a comfortable ride. Add
in a high price tag and surprisingly
poor fuel economy, and the MiTo
lags well behind its rivals here.
*Joint options. Bold = equipment fitted to our test car. Insurance quotes from AA (Tel 0800 107 0680 or www.theAA.com) for a 42-year-old living in Banbury, Oxon, with three penalty points. Residual values provided by CDL VIP Data.
Hot hatch secrets
Worth considering...
Where does QV come from?
Faster 208 GTi
Ford Fiesta ST
THE Quadrifoglio Verde badge first appeared in 1923,

when Alfa driver Ugo Sivocci added it to his car for the
Targa Florio, which he went on to win. The race team
continued to use the crest on its race cars, while the
badge has denoted performance cars since the sixties.
PEUGEOT is celebrating 30 years of its GTi badge with

a special edition appropriately called the 208 GTi 30th.
The 21,995 special gets matt black paint with a red
tail, plus exclusive styling inside and out. Under the
bonnet, the 1.6 THP is tuned to 205bhp and 300Nm.
THE Fiesta ST is the elephant in the room in this

pocket rocket test. It turns the Fiestas fun factor up
to 11, and unlike our trio here, its a car that youd
drive simply for the fun of it. Go for the 19,250
ST-3, and you get loads of kit for your cash, too.
31 December 2014 49
Road test
Kia Soul EV vs BMW i3
Charging
ahead
Kia is the latest manufacturer
f
to enter the
h all-electric
ll l t i
small car market with its new Soul EV. But can it really
take the fight to the current class leader, BMWs i3?
Pictures: Pete Gibson Location: Longcross Proving Ground, Chobham, Surrey
50 31 December 2014
BMW i3
Price: 25,680 Drivetrain: Electric motor, 168bhp 0-60mph: 7.1 secs

Official range: 120 miles 80 per cent charge: Seven hours (est)
Kia Soul EV
Price: 24,995 Drivetrain: Electric motor, 109bhp 0-60mph: 10.7 secs

Official range: 132 miles 80 per cent charge: Eight hours (est)
Prices include 5,000 Government grant
Road test
AFTER a slow start, electric cars are

charging up the sales charts. More
makers are launching EVs, and Kia is the
latest to join the fray with its Soul EV.
Based on the distinctive supermini, it
has a powerful 109bhp electric motor, a
lithium-ion battery pack and a claimed
range of 132 miles. Its also packed with
kit, although it comes at a price even
after the Governments 5,000 plug-in
car grant, the Kia will cost you 24,995.
That money buys some talented EVs,
including our current favourite, the BMW
i3. Unlike most rivals, the bold BMW was
designed from the ground up as an EV. It
features outlandish looks, a bespoke cabin
and a hi-tech, lightweight structure. Plus,
it has the sort of strong pace BMW buyers
expect. And while it trails on kit, a price of
25,680 puts it in the Souls sights. So
which electric car will charge ahead?
31 December 2014 51
Road test
MODEL TESTED: Kia Soul EV
PRICE: 24,995 DRIVETRAIN: AC electric motor, 109bhp
KIA is arriving late to the electric car

party, but its hoping its bold Soul EV
will make a big entrance. Based on the
companys distinctive supermini crossover,
the newcomer features a respectable 132-mile
range, loads of standard kit and an industryleading seven-year warranty. Theres only one
trim level and the price is 24,995 including
the 5,000 Government plug-in grant.
Styling 3.4/5
WITH its upright lines, boxy proportions
and bold detailing, the standard Soul doesnt
exactly blend into the background. The EV
model is even more eye-catching, thanks to
its faired-in grille, contrasting roof nish and
streamlined, body-coloured wheel trims.
While the Kias exterior stands out, the
cabin is more traditional. A gloss white nish
is used for the centre console and gearlever
surround, while the analogue dials are
replaced by digital versions. Otherwise the
interior is carried over largely unchanged
from the standard Soul. It certainly feels
more conventional than the futuristic BMW
the block graphics on the LCD instruments
look dated next to the i3s classy TFT screens.
Still, thats no bad thing, as the dashboard
is clearly laid out and the touchscreen
infotainment system is easy to use.
Where the Kia really scores over the
BMW is with its generous standard kit list.
In fact, not many luxury saloons can match
the Kias impressive tally, which includes
sat-nav, keyless entry, heated front seats
and steering wheel and a DAB radio.
Driving 3.2/5
WITH its seamless, near-silent power
delivery, light controls and quiet ride, the
Soul serves up a remarkably relaxing driving
experience. This can be partly explained by
the EVs 109bhp power output and hefty
1,565kg kerbweight, which combine to
blunt acceleration. In fact, compared to
the lighter and more powerful BMW, the
Kia felt sluggish at the track. It completed the
0-60mph sprint in 10.7 seconds, which was a
yawning 3.6 seconds slower than the BMW.
However, in the real world the Soul feels
brisk enough, particularly around town,
where it responds sharply to the throttle.
Its only at speeds above 60mph that the
Kias rate of acceleration starts to slow, so it
doesnt have the same condence-inspiring
reserves of overtaking pace as the i3.
On the plus side, this lack of performance
means that the Kia never feels anything less
than safe and predictable on the move. Yet
while theres not much fun to be had behind
Not many luxury

saloons can match
the Kias generous
standard kit tally
52 31 December 2014
the wheel, the Soul always feels composed

and planted through corners. The steering
isnt as sharp as the i3s, but its precise and
reasonably well weighted the companys
FlexSteer system allows you to choose between
Normal, Comfort and Sport settings, but the
differences are virtually impossible to detect.
Still, what the Kia lacks in sparkling
dynamics, it makes up for with comfort. Its
ride isnt much softer than the BMWs, but
road and wind noise are better suppressed.
Kia Soul
Interior
Reliability 4.2/5
THIS is Kias rst attempt at an electric
production model, but with the brands good
reputation for building reliable cars, and fewer
mechanical parts to go wrong, the newcomer
should prove fault-free. Even so, the seven-year
and 100,000-mile warranty adds peace of mind.
Like the BMW, the Soul lost valuable points
in Euro NCAPs tough pedestrian protection
tests on account of its upright styling, so the
EV was awarded a disappointing four stars
in the overall ranking. However, all versions
still get six airbags, stability control and a
pedestrian warning sound generator.
Running costs 3.9/5

EVEN with the Governments 5,000 plugin grant, the Soul will set you back 24,995,
and many buyers will baulk at paying so
much for a supermini made by Kia.
However, look past the limited badge
appeal, and youll nd that the EV promises a
lot of car for the money. It comes with much
more standard kit than the BMW, while Kias
ve-year maintenance plan will set you back
just 329. Overnight charging costs of around
2 should also help slash fuel bills.
Sat-nav
White trim
SAT-nav will alert

driver to charge
points along the
programmed route
WHITE gloss surround

for gearlever and
centre console marks
out the electric Soul
y bold
Theres nothing ver
the
but
l,
Sou
the
about
ry
rened power delive g
and easy-going drivin
experience make it
a great urban car.
les ley har ris

road tester
EV
Exterior
Road test
!
CO2/tax
Practicality
Performance
Braking
Electric motor
0g/km
0-60/30-70mph
70-0/60-0/30-0mph
Power/official range
0 or 0%
281/891 litres
10.7/11.4 seconds
55.0/40.7/10.0m
109bhp/132 miles
On the road
Kia feels brisk at urban speeds, but press

on and it starts to struggle although
it always feels planted in corners
With light controls and

quiet ride, the Soul EV is
very relaxing to drive
Practicality 3.9/5
WITH its traditional ve-door layout and three
rear seatbelts, the Kia edges ahead of the BMW
for versatility. The Soul also has a fraction more
headroom for passengers in the back, although
the small side windows and lower seating position
mean the cabin doesnt feel quite as airy as its rivals.
Open the Kias upright tailgate and youll
nd a well shaped 281-litre load bay, while lifting
the boot oor reveals a handy hidden compartment
for the cars charging cables. Plug these into a
domestic socket and youll need around 12 hours
for a full charge. However, installing
a fast-charging 6.6kW wallbox at
your home means the batteries
can be topped up in around
four to ve hours.
Kia claims that the Soul can
travel up to 132 miles between
charges, but like the BMW,
80 to 100 miles is more
realistic for day-to-day
driving, while the recent
cold weather reduced
our test cars estimated
range to just 70 miles.
toexpress.co.uk
, but
Its a minor niggle
theres a frustrating
ng
delay between pluggi
ins
the Soul into the ma
rge
and the dashtop cha
indicator confir ming g
that cur rent is flowin
e
into the batter y. Th
its
BMW lets you know
charging as soon
as you connect
the cable.
jam es disd ale

road test editor
Styling Boxy dimensions and bold detailing ensure Soul doesnt fade into background,
and contrasting roof nish and LED running lights help it to stand out further
31 December 2014 53
Road test
Exterior
MODEL TESTED: BMW i3
PRICE: 25,680 DRIVETRAIN: AC electric motor, 168bhp

BMW is best known for its highperformance petrol and diesel cars, but
its also an industry leader when it comes to
electric models. For instance, its innovative i3
is packed with hi-tech materials and cuttingedge engineering. Plus, with a punchy 168bhp
motor and traditional rear-wheel-drive layout,
its as good to drive as any normal BMW.
Styling 4.5/5
EVEN when parked alongside the bold Soul,
the i3 manages to stand out. Taking its cues
from the BMW Coup Concept that debuted
in 2012, the battery-powered car looks like
its driven straight off a motor show stand.
Tall and narrow proportions give the i3 the
look of an MPV rather than a family hatch, but
you could argue it stands in a class of its own
like the Kia. Lightweight plastics are used
for the heavily sculpted body panels, while the
bonnet and glass tailgate get a distinctive
gloss black nish. Other highlights include
the angular window line, swept-back
headlamps and metallic blue trim for
the faired-in grille and lower sills.
The futuristic feel continues inside.
Access is easy thanks to the rear-hinged
doors and lack of a B-pillar although
you have to step over the wide sill. Once in,
youll be able to enjoy the cleverly packaged
and imaginatively designed layout thats
easy to use and beautifully nished.
When you climb into the high-set drivers
seat, the rst thing youll spot is a pair of large
TFT screens one ahead of the driver and one
that appears to oat above the centre of the
dashboard. These display everything from
speed to sat-nav info and are controlled
via BMWs trademark iDrive dial.
There are four interior nishes to
choose from standard, 1,000 Loft, 1,500
Lodge and 2,000 Suite and all get brightly
coloured seat and carpet trims, with many
made from sustainable materials. Metallic
blue trim inserts add the nal ourish.
Driving 4.0/5
IT doesnt take long behind the wheel of
the i3 to realise that its infused with BMWs
trademark driving fun. With its powerful
168bhp electric motor and lightweight 1,270kg
carbon bre structure, it showed the Kia a
clean pair of heels at the track. For instance,
the BMW goes from 0-60mph in a brisk 7.1
seconds, which was a full 3.6 seconds faster
than the less powerful and heavier Soul.
The cars lower kerbweight pays dividends
when it comes to braking performance, too,
and despite its skinny, low-rolling-resistance
tyres, the BMW stopped in a shorter distance
Even when parked

alongside the bold
Soul, the i3 manages
to stand out
54 31 December 2014
than the Kia. The i3s brake pedal also had a

more natural feel and greater progression
although you wont need to use it much
because lifting off the throttle creates a
powerful engine braking effect that harnesses
any wasted energy to send back to the battery.
A high-set driving position, excellent
visibility and light controls help the i3 take
crowded city streets in its stride, while the
electric motors instant response lets you zip
through gaps in the trafc with condence.
Surprisingly, its on twisting back roads
where the i3 feels least at home. The steering
is quick and well weighted and theres more
grip than youd expect from the thin tyres,
but hit a mid-corner bump and the tall i3
quickly loses its composure. The short travel
suspension struggles to contain wayward
body movements, plus theres plenty of roll.
It never feels like the cars going to lose
control, but its enough to encourage
you to slow down and take it easy.
As a result, the BMW is at its best when
being used as a relaxed and rened cruiser.
The suspension copes well on the motorway,
wind noise is kept in check and the electric
powerplant emits only a distant hum.
Reliability 3.9/5
ALTHOUGH BMW is new to electric car
technology, it has worked hard to make the
i3 as reliable as its traditional models. In a
bid to reassure buyers, the brand provides
an eight-year and 100,000-mile warranty for
the lithium-ion battery pack, while the rest
of the car is covered by a standard three-year,
unlimited-mileage guarantee. Your car will
also be maintained by specialist i dealers.
The combination of a strong, carbon
bre-reinforced plastic structure, six airbags
and standard stability control gives the BMW
some excellent safety credentials on paper.
However, bluff front-end styling cost it points
in Euro NCAPs pedestrian assessments
resulting in a disappointing four-star score.
Still, you can add a raft of advanced safety
options, such as the 790 Driving Assistant
Plus pack. This brings together adaptive
cruise control, forward collision alert and
Trafc Jam Assist, which will accelerate, steer
and brake the car at speeds up to 24mph. A
pedestrian warning noise generator is 85.
CO2/tax
0g/km
0 or 5%
Practicality
260/1,100 litres
Performance
0-60/30-70mph
7.1/6.5 seconds
Braking
70-0/60-0/30-0mph
49.5/38.1/8.7m
Electric motor
Power/official range
168bhp/120 miles
BMW i3
Interior
Running costs 4.2/5

FACTOR in the 5,000 Government grant,
and the BMW will set you back 25,680
thats 685 more than the Kia. And while
the i3 isnt as generously equipped, it gets all
the essentials. As with the Soul, an overnight
charge should cost no more than a couple of
pounds, while the i3 is currently exempt from
road fund licence, Benet in Kind company
car tax and the London congestion charge.
Plus, BMWs ve-year/60,000-mile Service
package will set you back just 375.
The only disappointment is the BMWs
poor residuals, as our experts predict
that the i3 will retain just 30.9 per cent
of its original value after three years.
Road test
Head-to-head
Performance
details
Caption into space
here please
Caption into space
here please
Caption into space
here please
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here please
Caption into space
here please
Caption into space
GIVEN its power and weight

advantage, it came as no surprise
that the BMW was fastest at the
track. But even we were shocked
at the margin of its superiority.
It blasted from 0-60mph in only
7.1 seconds, which was a huge
3.6 seconds faster than the Kia.
In the real world, the Soul
feels entertainingly brisk, but the
i3 has scorching pace that leaves
owners of far more powerful and
expensive cars looking red-faced.
Charging
BOTH cars can be charged using
a mains socket, with each reaching
80 per cent charge between seven
and eight hours. Theres also the
option of installing a fast charger
the Kia is compatible with the
free British Gas unit, but the i3
requires BMWs 315 i Wallbox.
T EST ErS n ote s......
on
asiion
cas
se of occ
nse
eall sen
You get a rea
futuristic
its
th
Wi
i3.
the
g
drivin
id,,
id
pid
interior and rap
n,,
ion
rattio
era
silent accele
ga
ng
its like runnin
s.
spaceship on wheel
dean gibs on
deputy road test editor
Practicality 3.7/5
Materials
THE interior trim
and most of the
materials are made of
sustainable resources
iDrive
iDr
TRADEMARK
TRA
iDrive controller
iDr
used to access
use
functions on
fu
two TFT
tw
screens;
scr
they display
the
information such
info
speed and sat-nav
as spe
to
k
UNLIKE the Kia, the i3 is a strict four-seater, although

rear passengers get as much head and legroom as they
would in the Soul. The colourful trim materials and
large windows create an airy atmosphere, while
the BMWs 260-litre boot benets from a at
load lip and 50:50 split-fold rear seats.
BMW claims the i3 will travel around 120 miles
between charges, although a range of between 80 and
100 miles is more realistic with gentle use. Plug into
a domestic socket, and the batteries can be boosted
to an 80 per cent charge within seven hours, but
BMWs powerful 315 i Wallbox charger slashes
this time to three hours. There are also a number
of public charging points you can hook up to.
Standard kit
YOU wont be short of gadgets
in either of our contenders, as
both are equipped with sat-nav,
Bluetooth, a DAB radio and climate
control. On top of this, the Kia
adds heated seats and steering
wheel, as well as metallic paint.
T EST ErS n ote s... doors are

The rear suicide
y
a neat touch, but the
do make access tricky
ts.
in tight parking spo
les ley har ris

road tester
31 December 2014 55
Road test
Figures

BMW i3
Kia Soul EV
On-the-road price/total as tested

Residual value (after 3yrs/30,000)
Depreciation
Annual tax liability std/higher rate
Annual fuel cost (12k/20k miles)
Ins. group/quote/road tax band/cost
Cost of 1st/2nd/3rd service
25,680/31,470
10,453/30.9%
23,377
0/0
N/A
21/332/A/0
375 (5yrs/60k)
24
24,995/29,995
N/A
N/A
0/0
N/A
18/445/A/0
199 (three services)
Length/wheelbase
Height/width
Engine
Peak power
Peak torque
Transmission
Battery warranty (miles)/spare wheel
Boot capacity (seats up/down)
Kerbweight/payload
Turning circle/drag coefficient
Basic warranty (miles)/recovery
Service intervals/UK dealers
Driver Power manufacturer/dealer pos.
Euro NCAP: Adult/child/ped./stars
3,999/2,570mm
1,578/1,775mm
AC electric motor
168bhp
250Nm
Single speed/rwd
8yrs (100k)/sealant
260/1,100 litres
1,270/425kg
9.9 metres/0.29Cd
3yrs (unltd)/3yrs
Variable/47
10th/22nd
86/81/57/4
0-60/30-70mph
30-50mph
50-70mph
Top speed
Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph
Noise levels 30/70mph
Claimed range
Full charge time (mains)
80% charge time (rapid charger DC)
CO2/tax bracket
Airbags/Isofix/park sensors/camera
Automatic box/stability/cruise control
Climate control/leather/heated seats
Metallic paint/LED lights/keyless go
Sat-nav/USB/DAB radio/Bluetooth
Results
7.1/6.5 secs
2.3 secs
4.2 secs
93mph
49.5/38.1/8.7m
64/73dB
120 miles
13 hours (est)
30 minutes (est)
0g/km/0%
Six/yes/yes/790
Yes/yes/yes
Yes/2,000/260
530/no/yes
Yes/yes/yes/yes
WEIGHT
THE BMWs clever
carbon fibrereinforced plastic
structure helps
keep weight down
to 1,270kg, which
is a whopping
295kg less
than the lowerpowered Kia.
PERFORMANCE
LOW weight and
168bhp output
allowed the i3
to clean up at
the track. On the
road it feels
even faster than
figures suggest.
BENEFIT IN KIND
ELECTRIC cars are
currently exempt
from company
car tax, but from
April 2015 theyll
be rated at five
per cent.
STANDARD KIT
PARKING sensors
are included, but
you dont get as
much kit as in Kia.
Still, slick design
and bold materials
give i3 a more
upmarket feel.
1st
BMW
ITS another road test

victory for the innovative
i3. By going for bold with its first-ever
electric car, BMW has stolen a march
on rivals that persist in shoehorning
a battery pack and electric motor into
an existing model. The combination of
concept car looks and cutting-edge
cabin design gives it masses of kerb
appeal, while the powerful motor
and lightweight construction result
in electrifying performance.
Switching
to electric
How makers are trying to
ease the pain for buyers
struggling with EV move
SERVICE PACK
KIAS Care-3
maintenance pack
is great value at
199 for three
years coverage.
Price increases
to 329 for the
five-year plan.
4,140/2,570mm
1,593/1,800mm
AC electric motor
109bhp
285Nm
Single speed/fwd
7yrs (100k)/sealant
281/891 litres
1,565/395kg
10.6 metres/N/A
7yrs (100,000)/1yr
10,000 miles (1yr)/170
7th/10th
84/82/59/4
DEALERS
CURRENTLY, only
13 of Kias 170
dealers have
the facilities and
training to sell and
maintain the Soul
EV. By contrast,
BMW boasts 46
franchises that can
deal with its i range
of electric cars.
10.7/11.4 secs
4.1 secs
7.2 secs
90mph
55.0/40.7/10.0m
61/66dB
132 miles
11-14 hours (est)
33 minutes (est)
0g/km/0%
NO OPTIONS
HEATED seats and
steering wheel are
among welcome
standard features
on the Kia. There
are no options
even metallic
paint is included,
as are keyless
entry and start.
Six/yes/yes/yes
Yes/yes/yes
Yes/no/yes
Yes/no/yes
Yes/yes/yes/yes
2nd
KIA
IN isolation, the Soul EV

is a distinctive, practical
and eco-friendly family runaround.
Refined power delivery, light
controls and compact external
dimensions make it perfect for
urban commutes, plus it comes
loaded with standard kit. It also
edges the i3 for interior space. But
it simply cant match the BMW for
performance, advanced engineering,
bold style and upmarket desirability.
In red = equipment fitted to our test car. Insurance quotes from AA (Tel 0800 107 0680 or www.theAA.com)
for a 42-year-old living in Banbury, Oxon, with three penalty points. Residual values provided by CDL VIP Data.
Electric car range secrets
RUNNING an electric car

obviously demands some
compromises, but makers
are working hard to ensure
the switch is as seamless
as possible for drivers.
Kia is hoping that its
trademark seven-year
warranty will sway buyers
concerned about the
expensive, hi-tech
underpinnings of its
electric Soul. And like
many rivals, the new
EV model is equipped
with a bespoke sat-nav
system that guides
owners to the nearest
public charging points.
Plug into one of these
rapid chargers, and youll
benefit from an 80 per cent
charge in around half an
hour admittedly not
as handy as filling up
a petrol or diesel car at
the pumps, but it boosts
the cars usability.
Yet its the BMW thats
likely to be more attractive
to owners used to internal
combustion. Not only is
the i3 available in rangeextender guise (see
below), but it also qualifies
for membership to the
BMW Access scheme.
This is a points-based
programme that gives i3
owners 700 points a year.
They can spend these on
the use of conventional
BMWs for longer journeys
for example, a 1 Series
will set you back 100
points a day.
What do you think?
Tell us about your car
Worth considering...
Range-extending i3?
Kia options?
Nissan Leaf
IF youre worried about running out of charge,

then the 28,830 i3 Range Extender could be
just the ticket. When the batteries run low, a
two-cylinder motorbike engine kicks in to give
an extra 60 miles of petrol-powered range.
IT doesnt matter how hard you look, you wont

find any factory fitted options for the extremely well
equipped Soul EV. Even metallic paint is included
as standard although theres only a choice of
Caribbean Blue or Titanium Silver finishes.
THE bold Nissan set the electric family car ball rolling
back in 2011. Its not as daring as the BMW, but its
spacious, well equipped and good to drive. Prices
start at 16,490 if you take out a monthly battery
lease, or you can pay more and buy it outright.
56 31 December 2014
Our cars
Living with a Suzuki SX4 S-Cross
po i n t s . ..
G o o d & Bad poi
S-Cross may not be hi-tech,

but the basic controls are easy
to use and the cabin benefits
from lots of handy touches
Essentials
HANDLING
S-Cross is more fun to

drive than many rivals
Suzuki SX4 S-Cross

1.6 DDiS SZ5
GEARBOX Six-speed gearbox
that comes with the diesel is much

more satisfying than the notchy
ve-speed tted to petrol versions
St
Steve
Walker
St
Steve_Walker@dennis.co.uk
@Steve_cars
AND so we say goodbye to the

Suzuki SX4 S-Cross 1.6 DDiS SZ5.
After the best part of a year on the eet,
the 21,749 lime green machine has
gone, leaving us to look back on its time
with us and draw some conclusions.
The production S-Cross was launched
at the Geneva Motor Show in 2013 and
went on sale soon afterwards, Suzuki
dropping it into the highly competitive
compact crossover market, where the
constant stream of new arrivals can
move the game on very quickly. So
has the S-Cross been left behind?
After 11 months with the car, we
can conclusively say no, it hasnt.
The Suzuki is refreshingly free of the
kind of novelty features and design
gimmicks that could date it; instead, its
simple, feels solid and is user-friendly.
These strengths might not yank the
58 31 December 2014
EQUIPMENT Our car came with

a rear parking camera, keyless
entry and sat-nav that worked
well but looked like an add-on
heartstrings of buyers in showrooms

as effectively as a head-up display or a
Union Jack roof decal, but they count
when it comes to actually living with a
car over the long term, as we did.
The S-Cross isnt going to win any
design awards, but its inoffensive
exterior is reected inside by a clear
dash layout and tough materials. Its
plasticky in places, but nothing broke
during its time on our eet, despite
some concerns over the imsy
removable cubbyholes in the boot.
The controls couldnt really have
been easier to work out, so if youre left
The Suzuki is free

of gimmicks its
simple, feels solid
and is user-friendly
On fleet since:
Price new:
Engine:
CO2/tax:
Options:
Insurance*:
Mileage/mpg:
Any problems?
January 2014
21,749
1.6-litre 4cyl, 118bhp
110g/km/20
Metallic paint (430)
Group: 19 Quote: 334
8,920/53.5mpg
Faulty exhaust pressure sensor
(covered under warranty)
*Insurance quote provided by AA

(0800 107 0680) for a 42-year-old living in Banbury,
Oxon, with three points.
daunted by the tech-heavy approach

adopted by so many of its crossover
alternatives, the Suzuki could well
appeal. The cabin and boot space proved
perfectly adequate for a family with a
well equipped two-year-old, too.
On the road, the SX4s honest
attributes shone through. You sit
a few centimetres higher than in a
conventional hatchback, but the body
resists roll well and grip is plentiful.
Well weighted controls and a strong
diesel engine mean the S-Cross is more
fun to drive than most competitors.
The only reliability issue came three
weeks before the end of its stay with us.
A faulty exhaust pressure sensor would
have cost 143 to x were it not covered
by the three-year 60,000-mile warranty.
While the repairs were carried out,
we sampled another S-Cross, in the
shape of a 1.6 petrol-powered
replacement, equipped with ALLGRIP
four-wheel drive. The petrol engine
Suzuk
FINAL REPORT Fam
Suzuki SX4 S-Cross
Our cars
T E S T E r S n o t e s . .. er diesel
The Suzukis eag
iver
and six-speed box del
warm hatch pace and
y.
reasonable econom
jam es disd ale

road test editor
ki SX4 S-Cross
mily-friendly crossover has proven fun to drive and well built
CO2/tax
Practicality
Running costs
110g/km
53.5mpg (on test)
20 or 18%
430/875 litres
60 fill-up
was quieter than the diesel around

town, but both tended to be drowned
out by road and wind noise.
The diesels punch and more relaxed
character were missed, though. You have
to work the petrol much harder and its
ve-speed gearbox is notchy and less
satisfying than the diesels six-speeder.
Even on wet roads, the 4x4 system
was rarely called upon, such is the cars
mechanical grip. Wed recommend the
1,800 cheaper FWD option (with winter
tyres for the colder months) over the
economy-sapping 4x4, unless you really
do intend to take the Suzuki off-road.
So thats it. The S-Cross has gone and
its made a very positive impression on
us. The Suzuki doesnt represent the
cutting edge in the crossover class but
its highly likeable, well resolved and
decent value. That counts for a lot.
MY RATING
PRACTICALITY
Decently sized
430-litre boot is easily expanded,
thanks to removable oor and
cubbyhole dividers on either side
31 December 2014 59
Our cars
Living with an Audi A3 Saloon
Stuart Milne
St
Stuart_Milne@dennis.co.uk
Stua
@stuartjmilne
A3 or A4? Thats the question I

asked when the Audi A3 Saloon
joined our eet earlier this year. And
after several months behind the wheel,
Ive found the answer. For now, at least.
If youre planning to buy a smallish
saloon from Audi anytime soon, it really
ought to be this one. Theres little youll
lose by choosing the smaller A3, but
theres a great deal of cash to be saved.
Thats not to say the A3 is perfect. In
fact, a few early niggles became real
frustrations. That sleek rooine might
look the business, but it comes at the
price of restricting headroom. Installing
a child seat was a particular hassle. And
a fuel economy gure of 40.2mpg is
well short of the claimed 60.1mpg.
Plus, I couldnt get on with the gesture
recognition system intended to allow
you to input navigation destinations by
writing on the MMI wheel. Using my
left hand to write is alien to me and to
some 90 per cent of the population. As a
result, I generally used the rotary dial.
poii n t s ...
G o o d & Bad po
is
Attention to detail
bies
superb, including cub neat
and
s
ket
jac
vis
hifor
ips
ambient lighting str
d.
which can be dimme
Additions
Although the cars options list pushed

the price close to an entry-level A6,
there were some superb additions. The
Bang & Olufsen stereo upgrade (750)
provides a ne sound, and keyless
entry (425) was welcome, too.
The LED headlamps (795) work
superbly, but arent without their
drawbacks. After a car park scrape broke
a headlight, the A3 was out of service
for three weeks while Audi sourced a
replacement, costing 1,173 plus tting.
Nevertheless, the A3 Saloon is a very
easy car to live with. The boot is large,
and despite a narrow opening was able
to swallow a pair of large suitcases. The
build quality inside is impeccable, too.
Perhaps the A3 Saloons biggest
draw is that its just so stylish. Thats
particularly true of S line models.
During my time with the car, I saw a
few lower-spec cars, and they simply
didnt deliver the same visual punch.
I just wish it was more fun on the
move. The ride is acceptably rm
wed recommend choosing standard,
rather than S line sports suspension.
The engine is rened, and a standout
feature, but a manual gearbox might be
a better match, avoiding the hesitation
tation
of the S tronic unit around town.
Despite these niggles, Im going
g
to miss the A3 Saloon. As desirable
small four-doors go, its hard to beat.
at.
MY RATING
Audi A3 Saloon
FINAL REPORT Time to reect on an eventful eight months
STEREO
Bang & Olufsen upgrade costs 750

but the quality is undeniable and the system
performs extremely well at very loud volumes
If youre planning
g
to buy a smallish
Audi saloon soon, it
ought to be this one
ne
60 31 December 2014
Living with an Audi A3 Saloon
Essentials
Audi A3 1.4 TFSI CoD
S line 150PS S tronic
On fleet since: May 2014
Price new: 26,925
Engine: 1.4-litre 4cyl, 148bhp
CO2/tax: 109g/km/20
Options: LED headlights (795),
interior lighting (170), technology package
(1,795), electric front seats (550), heated
front seats (260), Advanced key (425),
electric, folding and heated mirrors (150),
electric lumbar support (195), Comfort
pack (605), Bang & Olufsen stereo (750)
Insurance*: Group: 21 Quote: 329
Mileage/mpg: 5,831/40.2mpg
Any problems? Broken headlight unit
*Insurance quote provided by AA
(0800 107 0680) for a 42-year-old living
in Banbury, Oxon, with three points.
Our cars
Fleetwatch
Dacia Duster
NOWADAYS, many purpose-built 4x4s never

see much more than a tall kerb in a high street,
but news reporter Lawrence Allan decided to
see what our Duster could really do off the
beaten track in the Berkshire countryside.
Its switchable four-wheel drive and high
ground clearance meant it easily tackled some
of the deep mud and huge ruts of the country
byways he found. It happily kept up with a
fellow green laner in his Land Rover Defender,
and got decidedly mucky in the process.
The next day, a
300-mile round trip to
Nottingham allowed the
Dacias comfortable ride
Audi A3 Saloon
to shine. However, the
Issues 1,324, 1,335
1.5-litre dCi diesel, which
BMW i3
is torquey around town,
Issue 1,338
struggled a little at
Citroen G. C4 Picasso
motorway speeds.
Issues 1,322, 1,335, 1,342
There was noticeable
Dacia Duster
wind and road noise, too.
Issues 1,305, 1,315,
Our fleet
Derek Goard
T E S T E r S n o t e s . ..
on the A3 driving to
I put over 700 miles 24 Hours in
ns
Ma
Le
and from the
complaints,
France. I had no big tem wouldnt
although the MMI sys iPod
er
interface with my old
ity , CARBUYER SUB-EDITOr

Step hen Err ity,
ENGINE Cylinder on demand tech

turns engine into a 700cc twin, but
its hard to keep it in that mode.
Seat adjustment (top) works well
CO2/tax
109g/km
20 or 14%
SOUND SYSTEM Simple to

Practicality
use tone setting menu allows

you to tune the excellent Bang
& Olufsen stereo to your liking
425/880 litres
Running costs
40.2mpg (on test)
65 fill-up
PRACTICALITY Boot easily took

daughters buggy, and could carry
a couple of suitcases on trips away
BMW i3
ONE of the perils of
electric car ownership is
the relative scarcity of
public charging points.
When editor at large
Mat Watson needed
some juice for our i3,
he thought hed hit the
jackpot with a Camden
Council bay run by
supplier Source London.
However, it turns out
you only get three hours
of charging time before
the point switches off!
It wasnt a fast-charge
bay, either, so the measly
seven-amp supply meant
our 180-minute slot only
added an extra 16 miles
of range. Thankfully our
i3 is a range extender, so
Mat could drive off to
nd a more generous
electricity supply.
1,330, 1,339
Hyundai i10
Issues 1,332, 1,338, 1,348
Jaguar F-Type
Iss. 1,307, 1,319, 1,329, 1,344
Kia Soul EV
Issue 1,350
Lexus IS 300h
Iss. 1,312, 1,320, 1,329, 1,340
Mazda 3
Issues 1,311, 1,334, 1345
MINI Cooper D 5dr
Issue 1,346
Peugeot 308 SW
Issue 1,342
SEAT Leon SC Cupra
New arrival
Skoda Superb Estate
Issue 1,347
Suzuki SX4 S-Cross
Issues 1,310, 1,321, 1,334
Vauxhall Corsa
New arrival
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Issues 1,320, 1,332, 1,341
Weve told you about our cars

Now tell us about yours
31 December 2014 61
Products
Visit autoexpress.co.uk for our extensive product archive

se new
Gtechniq claims the as we ll
m
products will per for
rket, but
as the best on the ma money
offer better value for
THIS WEEKS
Henry
Willis
HOT KIT
Got a query?
Henry_Willis@dennis.co.uk
@WineryHills
Q
PRICE FROM 4.99 (W8 BUG REMOVER)
Car care kit cleans up

NEW PRODUCTS
Gtechniq cleaning products
RRP: From 4.99 (W8 Bug Remover)
Contact: 01327 811015, gtechniq.com
IN the competitive world of car care, Gtechniq

is hoping to stand out with the release of six
products that it claims not only deliver top-level
cleaning, but also great value for money.
Kicking off the range is the W4 Citrus Foam a
sweet-smelling pressure washer snow foam that
the company promises will leave your car gleaming.
Its biodegradable and is said to contain strong
foaming agents that act fast on muck and road
grime. A one-litre bottle has an RRP of 13.99,
with the five-litre version weighing in at 34.94.
The W5 All Purpose Citrus Cleaner can be
used for everything from washing mucky carpets
to degreasing engine bays. This comes as a

concentrated solution; you just dilute it to suit
the job. Its available in a 500ml bottle, priced
at 5.99, or a five-litre version, costing 37.94.
Gtechniq claims the W6 Iron and General
Fall Out Remover is ideal for removing brake
dust from alloy wheels, while also working to
actively combat acid rain. You pay 9.96 for
500ml, with a bigger five-litre bottle 59.99.
For tackling sticky residue, the company offers
its W7 Tar and Glue Remover, at 4.99 for 250ml,
8.95 for 500ml and 29.99 for five litres.
Theres also the W8 Bug Remover, which will
obviously come into its own more in the summer
months. A 250ml bottle is priced at 4.99, while
youll pay 7.50 for 500ml and 29.99 for five
litres. Finally, Gteqhniq has the biodegradable
T2 Tyre Dressing, with a 250ml spray at 4.99.
Porsche range honours icon

NEW PRODUCT
Porsche Drivers
Selection accessories
Q
A
How do I sort scuffs cheaply?

MY red VW Golf is scratched after I managed to
brush against a bush in it. The scuffs are only
minor and I was wondering whether I can remove
them without paying for costly bodyshop work?
Michael Goodey, E-mail
YOU can fix this on a budget, using Farclas
G3 Professional Scratch Remover, which was
the Best Buy in our scratch remover test in
Issue 1,309. As we went to press, we found
it for 9.18 online. Used with the companys
Professional Applicator Waffle Pads (5.99), it
smooths out scratches in the topcoat to restore
the shine. See www.farecla.com for more info.
Get a grip on iPhone 6

I NEED to use my phone on the road for
work. I have a hands-free kit already, but
Id like a holder to put the phone in so Im
not hunting around for it on the move. Can
you recommend one for my iPhone 6?
Natasha Ford, E-mail
THE Arkon Slim-Grip Ultra is a universal
phone holder that won our Issue 1,300
group test. We tested it using an Apple
iPhone 3GS, and it provided a sturdy fit,
but it had plenty of room left, so itll take
the newer iPhone 6. The best price weve
seen it at is 10.95. For further details and
the full range, log on to www.arkon.com.
TOP TIPS
Drivers an in-car must
RRP: From 20 Contact: shop.porsche.com
PORSCHE has teamed up with another motoring

icon to boost its Drivers Selection accessories
line-up. The exclusive new additions to the range
are inspired by Steve McQueen, and all bear
the legendary late actors signature.
The range rekindles McQueens relationship
with Porsche he famously raced a 917, as
well as driving one in the opening scene of
1970 film Le Mans. And kicking off the line-up
of accessories is a 20 McQueen baseball cap.
Its joined by a set of two bone china espresso
cups, priced at 35 and limited to 5,000 units.
Theres also a mens T-shirt carrying a picture
of McQueen beside his own classic 911, at 45.
Mens and womens polo shirts in grey and
blue respectively cost 60 each and use the

same logo and signature combination as other
products in the range, plus theres a 75 rugby
shirt (above) with the same distinctive features.
Topping the new range is a stylish brown
leather jacket. This is available in a mens or
womens fit, with classic McQueen designs
in the lining, and is priced at 640.
A SCREWDRIVER is useful for keeping in the car in

case of an emergency. We tested Lasers eight-piece
Ratchet Screwdriver 5734 in Issue 1,306 and found
it versatile enough to take on most tasks. Its handle
can be locked in two positions and included are flathead and Phillips driver heads in various sizes. It
costs 33.50. See www.lasertools.co.uk for more.
31 December 2014 63
Products
Latest kit rated

The Micro has be

en introduced
to Dremels rang
e as
tight spots. For no an option for
rmal jobs, we d
recommend a big
ger model
BESTPRICE 103.68
Multitool for tight spots

FIRST TEST
Dremel Micro multitool
Best price: 103.68 Rating:

Contact: 0344 736 0109, www.dremel.co.uk
Kim Adams
A KEY advantage of a Dremel

powered multitool is the ability to work
where no normal saw, grinder or drill can
reach and the tiny new Micro promises
to get into even smaller spaces.
The Micro is under 20cm long,
weighs in at around 250g and slips
easily into the palm with a nose design
that lends itself to being held like a pen.
It comes with a handy charging dock
for the 7.2V lithium-ion batteries so its
always ready to go, although this does
mean you cant buy extras thatd allow
for continuous working. The lightweight

cells can spin the Micro up to a dizzying
28,000rpm, but even at that speed the
compact unit is balanced and smooth.
You still need to take care to observe
the maximum speeds of the various
components, though. There are 35
supplied in the kit, including the handy
EZ SpeedClic quick-change cutting
discs, plus sanders, engravers and
grinders. There are holes in the charging
dock for some of the core tools, plus
you get a tough plastic storage box.
Unlike the usual rugged plastic
storage, theres a zipped fabric case for
the Micro, giving a clue to which end
of the market the device is aimed at.
We tried it cutting a thin aluminium
sheet, plus a bolt a common job for a
Dremel, removing a rusted fastener

where a hacksaw cant go. Top-quality
parts shared with bigger Dremels
ensured the job could be done, but
you need to take care to avoid snagging
the Micro and stalling its motor.
It lacks the grunt to power through
the kind of jobs often tackled on cars,
so a gentle touch is required. We tried it
alongside the cordless 8200, using the
same cutting disc, and the bigger tool
was much quicker and didnt snag once.
The fact the Micro can tackle these
jobs at all is impressive given its size,
but for car work a bigger version is a
better option, unless working space is
absolutely critical. For etching, hobby
work and very fine detailing, though,
the Micro would have the edge.
Racing game hit by online flaw

FIRST TEST
The Crew
BESTPRICE 39.99

Available for: PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
WEVE been desperate for more racing games to be launched

on next-generation consoles, so are pleased to see the release
of The Crew. In this huge, open-world adventure set across
a mix of states and environments in the US players follow a
main character in a lengthy plot, with other missions set aside.
Without a strict schedule of races, players can pick and
choose the ones they wish to take part in but the more
youre involved, the better cars youll have access to. You
earn money and gain points by beating other drivers, and
in turn get access to the selection of performance cars.
Theres a big online emphasis in The Crew, as players
form a group with other users over the Internet as part of
the plot. But there is still the option to play offline, too.
Trouble is, thereve been server issues since weve
started playing, dampening the fun. Its enjoyable, but
isnt without its flaws and gameplay trails the likes of Forza.
64 31 December 2014
news,
deals&
events
Give your tax disc

a personal touch
WHILE it hasnt been necessary to
display a tax disc since 1 October,
drivers can continue to do so in
a personalised fashion thanks
to a new idea from Discy Business.
For 5.99 (including delivery),
you can design a disc with colours
and writing and slot it in your cars
redundant tax disc holder. Itll
even come printed on perforated
paper, just like the old disc. See
discybusiness.co.uk for details.
TomTom teams up
with Acer for app
SAT-nav company TomTom has
partnered with smartphone
manufacturer Acer, allowing its
navigation software engine to
be used in an exclusive app.
Available on selected new
Acer handsets, AcerNAV enables
users to navigate anywhere in the
world without having to pay extra
roaming charges and additional
TomTom maps can be downloaded
for free. TomToms app, with which
the Acer version will share many
features, was second in our
Issue 1,313 sat-nav app test.
New Years drive

at Brooklands
gameplay in
The main focus of
as you for m a
The Crew is online,
But its had
rs.
use
er
clan with oth
launch day
server issues since
HUNDREDS of classic, vintage cars

and supercars are set to descend
on Brooklands Museum in Surrey
for the New Years Day Gathering.
Gates to parking and display
areas will open at 9am and the
museum opens an hour later
normal admission prices
apply inside should visitors
wish to look around. For details,
see brooklandsmuseum.com.
Kno an event coming soon?
Know
C
Contact Henry_Willis@dennis.co.uk
Products
Clay mini test
Mini test
NEW PRODUCT
The Clay Cloth Company
Polymer Clay Cloth
RRP: 12.49 Contact: www.theclayclothcompany.co.uk
A LARGE square of clay sits on the front of this

cloth, as an alternative to a standard clay bar. Its
key advantage is that theres less risk of dropping
the bar and contaminating it with grit, while the
application routine changes completely, too.
You dont need to use a detailing spray;
instead, you dip the cloth in a bucket of warm
water mixed with shampoo to make the clay
malleable. This means that its able to grip the
bodywork and remove contaminants such as oils
and particles of grit as it glides
across the metal.
We liked this process,
although when we
compared the results, it
didnt achieve the same
quality finish as the other
products. Without the grip of the
mitt, the cloth is harder to control while
the hard clay may have been a factor, too.
Rating:
remove
Clay products help
bodywork.
contaminants from
th is a
The Polymer Clay Clo job
new way of doing the
Are cloths the way

to go for claying?
Henry Willis
CLAY bars play a big part in

many drivers car care routines,
pulling contaminants off freshly
washed paintwork to leave a
perfect surface for a protective
layer of wax. But theyre fiddly
and time-consuming to use, so
new products have arrived to
make claying more accessible.
One of these is the Polymer
Clay Cloth from The Clay Cloth
Company, which mounts the
grippy material on fabric. The
idea is that wiping the clay over
the car is easier as a result.
Similar to the cloth is the
Farcla G3 Professional Body
Prep Clay Mitt, which we first
tested in Issue 1,314. We tried
them both against our favourite
conventional clay bar: the Bilt
Hamber auto-clay regular.
Traditional techniques still
rule for us, as we cant fault the
results from the clay bar. The
cloth and mitt were easier to
use, but couldnt match the
Bilt Hamber for performance.
New clay products

now give users
more choice than
a standard bar
66 31 December 2014
BEST CLAY BAR ALTERNATIVE

Farcla G3 Professional
Body Prep Clay Mitt
RRP 12.99
Contact: 01920 465041, www.farecla.com
SOFT, supple clay covers the front

of this mitt, and when used with
Farclas G3 Bodyshop Detailer, it
almost matches the bar. We like how
this glides across bodywork a
design that keeps your hand inside
makes it easy to control. A pricey
alternative to the bar, but worthy.
Rating:
STILLTHETOPOPTION
Bilt Hamber auto-clay regular
RRP: 9.95
Contact: 01277 658899, www.bilthamber.com
THIS is the established way of applying clay to your

bodywork, but its still the best, and Bilt Hamber auto-clay
regular remains our favourite clay bar. While its much more
fiddly to use than the Farcla mitt, the results certainly
make it worthwhile as it gave
the
smoothest finish by far.
When cut up, this
product lasted longer
than rival bars, too.
Rating:
books,
apps&games
Pieces of Silver
Mike Breslin (Pie Shop Publishing, bresmedia.co.uk)
RRP: 11.99 (paperback) Rating:
SET amid the chaos of World War II,

Pieces of Silver tells the story of
fictional racing driver Westbury
Holt as he attempts to prove
himself in grands prix, despite the
surrounding disorder. The plot
focuses on the Silver Arrows the
Formula One team backed by the
Nazi Government and is full of
twists, plus historical references.
Everyday Modifications
for your MGB, GT, GTV8
Roger Parker (Crowood Press, www.crowood.com)

RRP: 19.99 (paperback) Rating:
AMONG the many car-specific guides,

we like Everyday Modifications as its
tips are sensible, achievable for most
motorists and usable in the real world.
Handy pointers are well laid out
throughout the book, with attractive
pictures and informative text. This
title wont appeal beyond owners
of these MG cars, but we hope there
are more books added to the series.
Grand Theft Auto V

Available for: Playstation 4, Xbox One
TOP-rated GTA V is back for

next-generation consoles
with improved graphics, extra
story missions and enhanced
gameplay. Theres a firstperson view for the first time
in GTA, adding to the fun.
Even if youve completed
this on PS3 or Xbox 360,
its worth doing again.
App of the week
Parrot MINIKIT Neo HD

Available for: iOS, Android
Price: Free Rating:
THIS app only works with the Parrot MINIKIT

Neo HD hands-free kit (Issue 1,341), but its
an invaluable companion. It displays battery
levels, takes messages when rejecting calls
and includes a timer to avoid parking fines.
Plus, GPS software helps you find your car.
Products
Best apps for 2015
Auto Express
AA Parking
Price: Free
Available for: iOS (iPad only)
Price: 1.99
Available for: iOS, Android, Windows Phone
GET even more from your favourite

weekly car magazine by keeping
up to date with the latest motoring
news and car reviews on our iPad
app. Even better, its completely
free to download, and daily
updates will keep you abreast of
all the latest breaking news. And of
course, the wonderful photography
in our tests and drives is given
an extra dimension on screen.
QUICKLY find nearby parking spaces

with AA Parking, which we ranked
best in our most recent parking apps
round-up in Issue 1,332. Not only can
it find vacant spots near where you
are, the app can also find spaces
before you set off. When youre out
and about, itll direct you to a car
park and itll show hourly prices
to help you save money. Its list of
covered stations is comprehensive.
GoPro
Grand Theft Auto:

The Trilogy
Price: Free
Available for: iOS, Android,
Windows Phone
A LUCKY few may have been

treated to a smartphone or tablet
and a GoPro this Christmas, while
existing owners of the all-action
cam need this app regardless. Its
compatible with models from the
HERO3+ and later, and interacts
via WiFi to allow control of the
cameras contents and give
a live view from the lens.
XLR8
Price: Free
WHO doesnt love the noise of an

exotic motor flexing its muscles? A
catalogue of engine noises has been
compiled in XLR8, which contains
realistic recordings of everything
from Italian supercars to US
monsters. Settings are customisable
to get exactly the sound you want,
so you can select auto or manual,
which gear the virtual car is in
and even the length of a ratio.
The Official DVSA

Highway Code
Price: 3.99
Available for: iOS
THE only official Highway Code app,

this is a handy companion for
learners or for those who wish to
use it as a reference. A search function
makes it easy to find particular parts
of the law and acts as an interactive
index. Road signs look great, and
the app could be an ideal revision
guide for theory test learners.
68 31 December 2014
Price: 7.99
Available for: iOS
THE all-star GTA trio Grand Theft Auto

III, Vice City and San Andreas have
long been available in mobile app form
and can now be bought as a package.
Purchased separately these would cost
10.97, so this saves you money and
triples the fun factor. Its amazing that
such immersive worlds for action and
driving can be crammed into an app.
Asphalt 8:
Airborne
Price: Free
ANOTHER favourite app-based racing

game with officially licensed cars, this
looks stunning on screen with touch
controls and impressive graphics.
Much of the driving involves parts
of courses that launch supercars into
the air, making for exciting arcadebased gameplay. There are in-game
purchases, but the outlay is worth it.
INRIX XD Traffic
Price: Free
TRAFFIC-busting INRIX is a must-have

for drivers who regularly face jams.
Refer to the app before you set off by
typing in your destination address and
itll find the quickest route, accurately
taking into account current traffic
conditions. All this is available on the
free app, and with the 6.99 premium
version users have unlimited searches
and details of fuel stations en route.
The live traffic cam view is useful, too.
APPY
NEW
YEAR
Make the best use of your smartphone

or tablet with our pick of motoring apps
Henry Willis
SMARTPHONES or tablets can be a great help

to drivers but theyre only as useful as the apps
youve loaded on to them. So weve rounded
up the best motoring apps for the New Year,
whether your gadget is running the Apple iOS,
Android or Windows operating systems.
From handy sat-nav software and other clever
car-related apps to exciting games, our guide
picks out 12 of the top downloads to ensure youve
got the very best driving features on your device.
Best apps for 2015
Products
Find My Car
Price: Free
Available for: iOS
PARK up and pinpoint your location

with Find My Car so youll never forget
where youve left your vehicle again.
You can even add a photo when parked
to make yourself familiar with the
cars surroundings, then navigate
back to the image with the in-app
map features. Notes can be added for
detail, too. Then once youre on the
way back to your car, use the app
as an on-foot sat-nav to return.
CoPilot Premium
Price: From 19.99 (UK maps)
DOWNLOAD a version of CoPilot now

and youll be set for the entire year.
This could also come in handy when
youre navigating to and from New
Year getaways, as the mobile satnav app can do everything
that a dedicated hardware unit
can. Download a set of maps and
it can be used offline so as not
to use up costly data as it delivers
accurate turn-by-turn directions.
Waze
Price: Free
JOIN a bustling mobile community

with Waze and never arrive late for
an appointment again, as the app
directs drivers from point to point
while avoiding traffic jams. Everyone
who uses the free-to-access service
is represented by an icon on the map,
and should they get stuck their delay
will be marked in an effort to help
other drivers. Enter an address into
Waze and itll route users accordingly.
TyreSafe
Price: Free
LOOKING after your cars tyres is an

important part of routine maintenance,
and this app helps with hints and
pointers. Its on-board advice section
contains tips ranging from explaining
the importance of maintaining tyre
pressures to emergency procedures on
the roadside. A retailer locator feature
is useful for finding nearby tyre fitters.
Now much improved on the version we
recently rated, which kept crashing.
auto
au
toex
to
expr
ex
pres
pr
ess.
es
s.co
s.
co.u
co
.ukk
.u
31 December 2014 69
Buyingcars
New and used buying advice
Joe
Finnerty
Got any car queries?
@AE_Consumer
Q
YOUR VIEWS ON YOUR CARS
Alfa Romeo Giulietta
YOU TELL US... Performance doesnt make up for hhatch

hs flflaws
ws
GOOD
2014 Results
Giulietta Factfile
Years: 2010 to present CO2: 114g/km
Fuel economy: 64mpg (1.6 JTDM Turismo)
Best features: DNA driving system, parking
sensors, Bluetooth, stop/start, heated seats
Prices: From 6,000

OVERALL SCORE
86.99%
Bars show where model

finished out of 150 cars in
our 2014 survey. The lower
the rating the better
150 125 100 75 50 25
RELIABILITY
BUILD QUALITY
RUNNING COSTS
PERFORMANCE
ROAD HANDLING
RIDE QUALITY
EASE OF DRIVING
SEAT COMFORT
PRACTICALITY
IN-CAR TECH
107
145
46
8
32
92
146
141
95
90
76
th
PLACE
PLAC
A E
AC
NOT SO GOOD
VERY quick and

responsive. The DNA
system is great.
SQUEAKS and creaks

are appearing in the
seats and dashboard.
Im very pleased
with the cars economy
and appearance.
Warning lights coming

on for no reason.
A responsive engine
and well balanced
suspension make it
a pleasure to drive.
Brilliant car stunning
to look at, great interior
and fantastic handling.
Wonderful engine,
drive and handling.
Like all Alfas, its
involving to drive and
a pleasure to get
behind the wheel of.
A
Q
A
The engine is
agricultural and drinks
oil even for a diesel.
It was a massive
disappointment in
terms of build quality
and attention to detail.
Im not happy at all
about the amount of
road noise transmitted
into the cabin by the
low-profile tyres.
Ive grown weary of
how unreliable it is.
How do you rate your car?
Tell us what you think
Q
A
Intermittent engine fault

THE rev counter on my 2007 Audi A4 has
started jumping intermittently and theres a
ticking noise from the engine. My warranty
company wont pay up because the dealer
cant find a fault. What should I do?
Steve George, E-mail
ITS quite common for a dealer to struggle
to replicate a fault and therefore be unable to
repair it. Try filming or recording the problem
or seek an independent inspection. Take any
findings to the dealer and warranty provider.
Towbar for new 5dr MINI?

IM looking at buying a new MINI 5dr, but the
dealer told me a factory-fit towbar suitable for
my small trailer isnt available. Is this correct?
If so, what are my other options?
Ian Sanderson, E-mail
MINI told us a towbar isnt offered as the 5dr
only weighs 1,090kg, which means its load
weight would be limited. Instead, MINI sells
roof rails and bike racks that can be fitted
to carry certain equipment. If towing is a
key issue for you and youre set on a MINI,
consider the Cooper Countryman ALL4 instead.
Which VW Polo engine?

MY daughter is on the hunt for a new car
and Im considering a Mk5 VW Polo for her.
Im torn between the 1.2 petrol and 1.4-litre
diesel engines. Which should I go for?
Andy Watkins, E-mail
IT very much depends on the journeys shell
be taking. If shes only going on shorter trips,
the 1.2-litre petrol will be great especially
as the diesel particulate filter (DPF) can clog on
low-mileage Polos. If shes likely to do longer
journeys, consider the 1.4 for that extra power.
The DPF wont be as much of an issue in this
case, but the diesel will carry a price premium.
31 December 2014 71
Buying cars
NEED
TO KNOW
Electrical glitches can be

more common than youd
think, so make sure that
everything works properly.
Kia Ceed Mk2
NEED
TO KNOW
While the dipped beam is

bright enough for most
owners, the main beam is
weaker than it should be.
NEED
TO KNOW
All 1.6 Ceeds with a

manual box have stop/
start, or ISG (Intelligent
Stop & Go) as Kia calls it.
John Colley
BUYERS GUIDE: Kia Ceed

FROM 8,000 Stylish compact family hatch makes a reliable, affordable used choice
Richard Dredge
SOME car makers have

had a seriously tough time over
the past few years, with falling
sales and shrinking product
ranges. But one firm thats
done better than most is Kia
and its easy to see why.
With a range of smartly
styled cars, a reputation for
reliability, plus keen pricing
that makes some rivals look
overpriced, the Ceed makes a
huge amount of sense if youre
after a compact family hatch.
While the sporty Ceed GT
wont trouble its performance
competitors, the regular
models can all give mainstream
rivals a run for their money.
History
THE Ceed Mk2 five-door hatch

debuted in June 2012; the
72 31 December 2014
three-door Pro_ceed arrived

early in 2013. From the outset,
there were 1.4 or 1.6-litre petrol
or diesel engines, with a sixspeed manual box as standard,
or an auto option for the bigger
engines. The 1.6 CRDi got a
conventional auto; the 1.6 GDi
(petrol) a dual-clutch set-up.
There were five trim levels:
1, 2, 3, 4 and 4 Tech. By
September 2012, a Ceed SW
(estate) was available, offered
with 1.4 or 1.6-litre diesels
only, and then, in April 2014,
the Ceed GT arrived, with a
201bhp 1.6-litre petrol turbo.
Which one?
NEITHER of the petrol engines

feels all that muscular, so stick
with the diesels. All Ceeds are
well specced, though. Standard
across the range are air-con,
heated and electrically

adjustable mirrors, electric
front windows, a multifunction
steering wheel, Bluetooth
and a cooled glovebox.
The Ceed 2 adds 16-inch
alloys, electrically folding door
mirrors, powered rear windows,
cruise control and reversing
sensors. The Ceed 3 comes
with privacy glass, auto lights,
dual-zone climate control,
touchscreen navigation and
reversing camera, while the 4
adds 17-inch alloy rims, leather
trim and a heated steering
wheel. The 4 Tech also has a
panoramic roof, xenon lights
and front parking sensors.
Alternatives
THE Vauxhall Astra is great

value, plus there are loads of
engines and trims. It looks
smart, too, but its uninspiring
to drive. More fun is the Ford
Focus, which is also superb
value and plentiful and again,
there are loads of derivatives.
The Volkswagen Golf is
perhaps the best all-round
small family car you can buy,
but compared with the Kia its
quite costly and generally not
as reliable. The current Peugeot
308 and Mazda 3 scored well
in the latest Driver Power
survey; theyre both decent
value, and good to drive, too.
Verdict
THE Ceed isnt the new car

bargain it once was, but the
latest version is far better than
its predecessor in every way
especially when it comes to
standard kit and build quality.
What doesnt appear to have
changed so far is the reliability
record, and with the balance
of a transferable seven-year
warranty available on any used
Ceed, if you want peace of
mind this is the car for you.
While some previous Kias
wouldnt have impressed the
neighbours much, the Ceed
Mk2 cuts quite a dash so
theres no reason to overlook it.
The Ceed is far better than its predecessor in every way

especially for standard equipment and build quality
Kia Ceed Mk2
How much?
MANY Cee
eeds come
with
h stop-start
(Intellligent Stop
& Go). It ca
can be slow
to activate
te usually
becausee the battery
is low
w on charge.
14
13
63
2014
2013
2013
62 12
2012
2012
Model
1.4 1
1.62
1.63
1.6GT
1.4CRDi1
1.6CRDi2
1.6CRDi4
Wi
Windows
WHE
HEN its cold,
some o
owners have
found theeircar suffers
from cond
condensation
on the inside of
the wi
windows, and
poo
poor demisting.
11,750
13,795
14,695
14,895
12,995
15,295
16,995
10,850 9,995 9,125 8,450

12,695 11,695 10,650 9,850
13,550 12,450 11,350 10,450
13,750 N/A
N/A
N/A
11,995 10,995 9,995 9,295
13,995 12,895 11,750 10,850
15,695 14,395 13,095 11,995
THE earliest base Ceeds are 8,000, but most of the cars
available are 10,000-plus. Asking prices are all over the
place; one dealers Ceed diesel may be cheaper than
anothers petrol-engined car. You can also buy a Ceed 3
for less than a 1 elsewhere if you are prepared to travel.
Only one in five cars has a petrol engine; the same
proportion of those available which have an auto. Youll
be doing well to find one of these for less than 11,000
most are over 12,000. About a third of the Ceeds for
sale are estates; these are generally priced from 11,000.
Battery
THERE have been

reports that the
battery is prone
to going flat if
the car is unused
for an extended
period of time.
Running costs
CO2
emissions
Annual
road tax
1.4
1.6 ISG
1.6 auto
1.6 T
1.4 CRDi
1.6 CRDi ISG
1.6 CRDi auto
THE headlights
can suffer from
flickering usually
when theyre switched
to auto mode, but
it can happen in
manual mode, too.
Performance
Running costs
CO2/tax
0-60mph/top speed
74-76mpg (1.6 CRDi)
97-112g/km
11.5 secs/122mph
67 fill-up
Free-30
7-8
12-15
12-15
29
6
12-15
13
46-47mpg
52mpg
46mpg
38mpg
68mpg
74-76mpg
51mpg
139-143g/km
124-137g/km
140g/km
171g/km
109-114g/km
97-112g/km
145g/km
130-145
110-130
130
205
20-30
Free-30
145
MOST Ceeds are bought with a transferable maintenance

pack, which costs 329 for three services or 529 for
five; the GT pushes these up to 399 and 749, while
the five-year plan for diesels is 689. All Ceeds must
be serviced annually, or you can choose between 10,000
or 20,000-mile service intervals apart from GTs,
which must be serviced every 10,000 miles regardless.
A 20,000-mile service is 150-230, or 245-280
for diesels; low-mileage services are 89-219. Thanks
to the fitment of timing chains there are no cambelts to
replace, but fresh brake fluid is required every two years
(at 50). Coolant lasts 10 years or 100,000 miles.
Partwatch
Front brake pads (axle set)

Front brake disc (pair)
Door mirror glass (electric)
Front wiper set
A DRIVE Power debut in tenth

this year is impressive but no
surprise. Running costs, tech
and reliability are highlights,
along with ease of driving
and quality. Owners dont
like the performance or
handling or so much, though.
Independent price
66.00
132.00
50.48
22.99
27.00
71.88
N/A
15.00
Part
OUR VIEW
YOUR VIEW
Dealer price
Prices for a 2012 Ceed 1.6 CRDi. Dealer prices from Fish
Brothers in Swindon, Wiltshire (www.fish-bros.co.uk/kia).
Independent prices from Euro Car Parts (www.eurocarparts.com)
Recalls
Interior
ALL cars get a wheel that moves

for reach and rake, plus a heightadjustable drivers seat. With
supportive seats, high-quality
materials plus a clean design, this
is a great place to spend time. A
380-litre boot (1,318 with the seats
folded) means its practical, too.
Contacts
Official
www.kia.co.uk
Forums
www.kiaownersclub.co.uk
www.kia-forums.com
ITS no surprise that the Ceed Mk2 hasnt been recalled at

all since it arrived in 2012. Even the original 2007 car has
yet to be called back. In fact, since this second-generation
model hit the UK, Kias issued only two recalls across its
entire range. The most recent of these affected most of
the other models; it centred on a faulty brake light switch,
which could cause electrical issues on the Soul, Sorento,
Sportage, Optima, Carens and Sedona but not the Rio.
31 December 2014 73
Insurance group
Fuel
economy
Model
Headlights
DAMIAN Ward of Birmingham

says of his Ceed 1.6 CRDi:
After a year and 14,000 miles
its been totally reliable. Its
very well equipped, looks
smart and the dealer has been
excellent and economy is
good, too. Its very good value.
Values courtesy of Glasss Guide
Stopp-start
Buying cars
Buying cars
Best buys
Car hunter
7,000 for a spacious, no-frills MPV
THE SPACIOUS CHOICE
Dear Lawrence, Im looking for a practical, childproof and

back-to-basics diesel MPV that can seat five and carry plenty
of luggage, too. What would you recommend for 7,000?
Dianne Hempworth, E-mail
Contact: Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk
THE COMPACT CHOICE
THE FLEXIBLE CHOICE
Citroen Berlingo
Hyundai ix20
Vauxhall Zafira
VAN-based MPVs are much better than they used

to be, and none illustrates this more than Citroens
Berlingo Multispace. Underneath the boxy exterior
is one of the most practical vehicles on the road. It
might only have five seats, but with the rear bench
folded theres a whopping 3,000 litres of load
space available more than almost any car.
Dont expect limo-like luxury from a van, but the
Berlingo has all the basics and is well equipped,
despite its functional design. The upright driving
position hints at lorry-like dynamics, but the
Citroen handles and rides well for such a high car.
Its noisy at speed thanks to its tall body and
five-speed gearbox, while the 1.6-litre diesel engine,
even with 109bhp, struggles on the motorway. Its van
mechanicals are durable, however, bucking Citroens
questionable reliability record. For 6,499, you can
get a 34,000-mile, 2009-plate 90 diesel in VTR spec.
HYUNDAIS supermini-MPV is often overlooked,

as is its Kia Venga sister car, which is great news
for the used buyer, as theyre real bargains.
The ix20 is the most attractive car here inside and
out, and its compact size makes it easy to manoeuvre.
But dont think that comes at the expense of space,
with room for five adults and a 440-litre boot that can
be made bigger or smaller thanks to sliding rear seats.
Build quality is solid and theres generous standard
equipment. The way it drives will be a secondary
concern to practicality for most buyers, but at least
the ix20 has a supple ride and is refined, although
the Vauxhall Zafira handles better. The pick of the
engine range is the 89bhp 1.4 CRDi diesel; its
not exactly quick, but it will manage 65mpg.
Reliability is above average, and all ix20s have
at least one year of their warranty left. We found a
2011 Style model with 46,000 miles for 6,950.
THE original Zafira was hugely innovative, with

its flexible rear seating allowing a third row of
chairs to slide easily out of the floor.
The Mk2 model, launched in 2006, retained that,
but added more desirability and quality. Its old now
and looks it, but its still more car-like than the Citroen.
With the back seats folded, the boot is sizeable at
645 litres and with all of them down this expands
to 1,820 litres. But it still cant match the Berlingo.
The button-heavy dash and lack of modern
equipment is a letdown, but it makes up for
this with its ruggedness. When the Zafira was
launched it was good fun to drive, and even
now it handles well, although rivals ride better. The
1.7 diesel engine is a little rough, though, and only
just cracks 50mpg, even when driven conservatively.
We spotted a 2009 1.7 CDTI Exclusiv in the
classifieds with 57,000 miles for just 6,450.
FOR: Lots of space, handles well

AGAINST: Van-like styling, short on safety kit
FOR: Great value, spacious cabin

AGAINST: Weak engines, smallest boot
FOR: Clever seven-seat layout, good to drive

AGAINST: Dated interior, bland styling
Brits cant claim on mpg
Mercedes E-Class
BRITISH drivers are unlikely to be

able to claim against car makers if their
cars fail to meet claimed mpg figures,
according to the Society of Motor
Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The announcement comes after a
string of high-profile court cases in the
US, involving Hyundai, Kia and Ford.
The trio admitted they led
customers astray regarding economy
figures, resulting in hefty fines
and compensation for owners.
But that wont happen in the UK, as
the European testing regime does not
officially claim to represent real-world
driving conditions. The SMMT accepts,
however, that there is a need for a
more suitable testing process here.
THE E-Class Estate is a

classy and comfortable
executive load carrier,
and Mercedes is making
it even more tempting by
contributing 4,066 to
the deposit in a 6.2 per
cent APR finance deal.
Buyers have to stump
up the remaining 4,999
of the deposit to get the
keys to the E220 BlueTEC SE Estate, and then pay 359 a
month for three years. At the end of that period, they can
buy the car for 18,700, giving a total amount payable of
40,974. Visit www.mercedes-benz.co.uk to find out
more, or go to www.carbuyer.co.uk for more great deals.
74 31 December 2014
UK mpg testing does not claim

to represent real-world conditions
DEAL OF THE WEEK 4,000 off E-Class Estate
Buying cars
Used triple test
XF Sportbrake
520d Touring
A6 Avant
55.4mpg (official)
56.1mpg (official)
58.9mpg (official)
86 fill-up
80 fill-up
86 fill-up
Fully loaded with style
Premium brands add a touch of class to the humble estate. But which is the best used?
JaguarXFSportbrake
BMW520dTouring
AudiA6Avant
Verdict
1
BMW 520d
Jag looks great and rides comfortably
BMW is punchy, efficient and practical
S line suspension makes ride too firm
XF Sportbrake 2.2d
520d Touring
A6 Avant 2.0 TDI
Years: 2012 to date Engine: 2.2-litre 4cyl, 197bhp

Insurance group: 29 Econ/CO2: 55mpg/135g/km
Why? Jags XF majors on style and comfort, and
has the performance advantage here.
Prices from:
24,500
THE XF Sportbrake is only Jaguars

second-ever estate, but its a stylish and
practical offering. The rear is svelte for
an estate, but theres decent boot space,
although at 550 litres its the smallest
here. Legroom is ahead of both rivals.
On the road, it retains the plus points
of the saloon, with a real feelgood
factor to the cabin and a comfortable
ride. But the BMW is sharper, and the
2.2 diesel is gruff and noisy, albeit quick.
The XF finished 15th overall in our
Driver Power 2014 survey, but reliability
scored poorly, where it was rated 80th.
76 31 December 2014

Why? Practical 5 Series Touring mixes
polished dynamics and impressive efficiency.
Prices from:
16,395
BMWs reputation for making greatdriving cars also extends to its estate
range. The Touring shares the same
precise, fun handling, refined ride and
excellent cabin as the 5 Series saloon.
The 2.0-litre diesel is punchy and the
most efficient here. Practicality is strong,
too although the A6 pips it for size,
a 560-litre boot, split-glass tailgate and
a versatile boot floor ensure that the
5 Series is the best true estate.
The 5 Series was voted best executive
car in our Driver Power 2014 survey,
faring well for reliability and build quality.

Why? Audis largest estate offers a generous
boot and a brilliantly constructed cabin.
Prices from:
17,695
AUDIS A6 is a classy option, and the

Avant combines that with an added dose
of practicality. The 565-litre boot is larger
than rivals here, but it does without the
BMWs more practical features. The
cabin is near faultless in quality, though.
However, sporty S line suspension
upsets the ride, so wed recommend
the softer SE spec. The BMW still beats
it on the road, and the 2.0 TDI is the
slowest here, but smoother than the Jag.
The A6 is well proven mechanically
and solidly put together, coming 12th for
build quality in our Driver Power survey.
THE BMW wins thanks

to its breadth of talent,
which makes it an
excellent all-rounder.
Factor in a fun drive and
good used prices, and its
well ahead of its rivals.
2
Audi A6 Avant
THE Avant impresses

with its big boot and
classy cabin. Its let
down slightly by the ride
with S line suspension,
but it still beats the Jag
for value and quality.
3
Jaguar XF
ITS by no means a bad

buy, as the Sportbrake is
a luxurious executive
estate. But it cant
justify the near-8,000
used premium here.
Sport
All the action from the world of motorsport
UKs top
motorsport
events
4 & 6 April
British GT season opener

Oulton Park, Little Budworth,
Tarporley, Cheshire, CW6 9BW
Tickets: www.oultonpark.co.uk
or 0843 453 9000
12 April
FIA World Endurance

Championship
2015
Silverstone, Towcester,
Northants, NN12 8TN
Tickets: www.silverstone.co.uk
9-10 May
Blancpain Sprint Series
Stephen Errity
Brands Hatch, Fawkham,

Longfield, Kent, DA3 8NG
Tickets: www.brandshatch.co.uk
or 0843 453 9000
Stephen_Errity@dennis.co.uk
MOTORSPORT touching down in the UK creates

a real sense of occasion, and if 2015 can live up
to 2014s exhilarating standards, then its safe to
say that were in for a treat over the next 12 months.
Heres a look at the highlights of Great Britains
2015 motorsport calendar, with a variety of
different series promising some thrilling action.
24 May
FIA World Rallycross

Championship
Lydden Hill, Wootton,
Canterbury, Kent, CT4 6ET
Tickets: www.lyddenhill.co.uk
27 June
FIA Formula E
London (TBC)
Battersea Park,
London, SW11 4NJ
Tickets: www.fiaformulae.com
5 July
Formula One
British Grand Prix
Silverstone, Towcester,
Northants, NN12 8TN
Tickets: www.silverstone.co.uk
Oulton
Park
Donington
30 August
FIM MotoGP World

Championship
Silverstone
Rally GB
Donington Park, Castle

Donington, Derby, DE74 2RP
Tickets: www.donington-park.co.uk
or 0844 873 7343
11-13 September
Goodwood Revival
Goodwood Motor Circuit,
Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0PH
Tickets: www.goodwood.com
or 01243 755055
13-15 November
Wales Rally GB
Battersea
Brands Hatch
Goodwood
Lydden
Hill
Tickets:
www.walesrallygb.com
88 31 December 2014
Backchat
Join the debate now... www.autoexpress.co.uk/opinion
FROM factory oor to boardroom, you

wouldnt believe how passionate and
hard working most motor-manufacturing
employees and directors are.
Design, engineering, safety and newtech folk are particularly dedicated and
keen to please. Yet I barely hear a word
from anyone junior or senior at car
companies about dealers. Its almost as
if the D word isnt to be mentioned. But
the opposite should be true, because
customers are too often subjected to
woeful workmanship and rip-off
labour rates of 200-plus per hour,
courtesy of traditional dealerships.
I can think of only one senior car exec
Motorings most outspoken and
who has, in recent times, been in touch
opinionated columnist sounds off
with me about main dealer workshops.
That man was SEAT UK director Neil
Customers are too
Williamson who, like me, believes its
unacceptable that the SEAT network was
often subjected to
ranked bottom of our Driver Power 2014
woeful workmanship
survey of dealers. And I know for a fact
and rip-off labour
that hes taking brave and positive steps
rates, courtesy of
to ensure SEAT franchisees up their game
traditional dealers
in 2015 and beyond, as weve reported.
The only other motor industry director
whos lately requested conversations about workshop quality, attitudes
and pricing is Andy Randall, the Halfords Autocentre MD. Hes admitted
to me that although the traditional sweet spot for his network of
workshops used to be cars aged three to eight years, hes now seeking
and getting in far more one-to-three-year-old vehicles for routine
servicing. Before you ask, no, the 36-month manufacturer warranties are
not adversely affected, and yes, only OE parts and Castrol lubricants are
used. Autocentre prices are typically 27 per cent lower than franchised
dealers, too. Not that low pricing is Randalls only selling point: This
is about change, perception and customer satisfaction, he adds.
But its also about dropping tired motor trade traditions and practices
that the new and savvier consumer doesnt understand, like or want.
Randall reckons he can better serve these people with Autocentres thatll
become the auto equivalent of Pret A Manger so lots of smiling faces,
warm welcomes, pleasant customer experiences and fair pricing. If theyve
got any sense, traditional dealers should take his wise words as a formal
warning. If they refuse, they can forget about having a Happy New Year.
Mike
Rutherford
Do you agree with Mike?
Have your say at facebook.com/autoexpress

90 31 December 2014
next
week
TESTED
New Renault
Twingo vs rivals
Flagship turbo city car takes ght
to Peugeot 108 and Hyundais i10
TESTED
Adam vs DS 3
Will new three-cylinder engine help

Vauxhall overcome classy French buy?
DRIVEN
Ultimate guide
to road signs
Theyre 50 years old in 2015 and

we look at some of most memorable
News Product tests

Drives Features & Sport
on sale
Wednesday 7 January
HAS YOUR
CAR WARRANTY
EXPIRED?
If your car is over 3 years old, chances are your car warrant
expired. Why risk wallet busting car repair bills?
Protect your motor with my award-winning car warranty
Warrantywise.
Ive designed it to offer the UKs highest level of car warrant
protection - bar none!
Call or go online for a quote and get total
peace of mind for any car up to 12 years old*.
Designe
THEO PAPHITIS IS WARRANTY

Warrantywise are delighted that Theo has done
thing and protected his jaw-dropping Maybach
Warrantywise warranty.
Read the full article at: www.warrantywise.co.uk/theo
QUENTIN WILLSONS GUIDE TO

BEING WARRANTY WISE
Watch as motoring expert and consumer
champion, Quentin Willson, explains the benefits
of a used car warranty from Warrantywise.
Watch Quentins Guide
warrantywise.co.uk/guide
Call us on Freephone
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THE NEW 5 STAR WINTER TYRE
VREDESTEIN SNOWTRAC 5. UNIQUE SIPE TECHNOLOGY FOR EXCELLENT GRIP ON

WET SURFACES, SNOW AND ICE. EXTRA STABILITY ENHANCES PERFORMANCE ON DRY AND WET
SURFACES. PERFECT HANDLING. REDUCED ROLLING RESISTANCE THANKS TO INNOVATIVE FULL SILICA
COMPOUND. STEALTH DESIGN: EXCEPTIONALLY LOW INTERIOR NOISE LEVELS ENSURE COMFORTABLE
DRIVING.

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31 Dec 2014-6 Jan 2015

No. 1,351 | 2.80

BRITAINS BIGGEST-SELLING WEEKLYCAR MAGAZINE

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TESTED New Alfa

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News | New Cars | Features |Tests |Products |Buying cars |Sport

COVER Jaguar XE vs BMW 3 Series

COVER New XC90 preview

Breakdown review of 2014

Shock new MINI

Halfords servicing revolution

COVER Porsches junior Panamera

Exclusive pictures of Volvo SUV. Plus new three-cyl engine

Autocentre network to take on dealers with cheap prices

Pajun is on its way and we have all you need to know

Selling a private plate

Our man sees whats required for gruelling rally

What to do and how to get the maximum price

Tesla Model S 60kWh

Audi A1 1.4 TSI

Nissans electric MPV

First UK drive verdict on classy new supermini

Potent four-cyl turbo is a great match for supermini

e-NV200 Combi is the worlds most practical EV

New Alfa MiTo QV takes on Ibiza Cupra and 208 GTi

Appy new year!

All the latest kit, including a clever new multitool

Full details on Kias

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The best apps drivers can download in 2015

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