Auto Express - 13 June 2012

13-19June 2012
No. 1,221 | 2.45
BRITAINS BIGGEST-SELLING WEEKLYCAR MAG

HOT
HATCH
SPECIAL
TTHE
HE CCAR
AR NEWS
NEWS WEEKLY
WEEEKL
NEWASTRAVXR
NEWFOCUSST
EXCLUSIVE TEST
Our verdict on storming 276bhp MEGA HATCH
vs Golf GTI & Renaultsport Mgane
PLUS
ONE OF THEM
IS BEYOND
BRILLIANT!
TESTED
SPIED
New sleeker
Range Rover All-new Skoda
Best pics yet of new super-Brit First look at sexy new Rapid hatch
SAT-NAV
APPS
S
THE BEST MAP
ONE
FOR YOUR PH
www.autoexpress.co.uk
ww
WorldMags.net
WorldMags.net
The C-Class Coup AMG Sport.

From just 299*a month.
AMG body styling and 18" AMG alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlamps, Attention
Assist and when youve finished driving, theres Parktronic with Advanced
Parking Guidance. 299* can sometimes go an awfully long way.
A Daimler Brand
Visit mercedes-benz.co.uk/offers
*For Business Users only. Advance payment applies. Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per100km) for the C-Class
Coup range: urban: 15.5(18.2)-44.8(6.3), extra urban: 33.6(8.4)-65.7(4.3), combined: 23.5(12.0)-55.4(5.1). CO2 emissions: 280-133 g/km.
Model featured is a C180 BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport Coup at 31,580.00 on-the-road with optional panoramic glass sunroof at 1,350.00 (on-the-road price includes VAT, delivery,12 months Road Fund Licence, number plates, first registration
fee and fuel). *All payments subject to VAT: Finance based on a C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport Coup with metallic paint on a 36 month (6+35 profile) Contract Hire agreement, excluding maintenance, with an advance payment of
1,794.00. Based on 10,000 miles per annum. Excess mileage charges may apply. Rental includes Road Fund Licence for the duration of the contract. Written quotations available on request including alternative contract lengths and mileages.
Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Available on C-Class Coup models ordered/credit approved between 1 April and 30 June 2012, registered by 30 September 2012, Offers subject to availability. Offers cannot be used in conjunction
with any other offer. Some combinations of features/options may not be available. Please contact your Mercedes-Benz Retailer for availability. Credit provided subject to status by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Limited, MK15 8BA.
Prices correct at time of going to press 05/12.
WorldMags.net
Contents
Newsweek
COVER Vauxhall Astra VXR
First drive verdict on storming new 276bhp hatch
News|New cars|Features|Tests |Products|Buying cars |Sport

COVER
STORY
COVER Range Rover spied
Best pictures yet of long-awaited new SUV
COVER Skoda Rapid revealed
Ofcial sketches show look of new small family car
Keyless entry cloning boom
...And hi-tech thieves are targeting BMWs most
Volvo XC40 caught on test
Chunky crossover warms up before Paris show debut
B-MAX vs Meriva
Ford and Vauxhall mini-MPVs meet head-to-head
Autobrake for Euro NCAP
8
12
15
16
19
20
22
Cars will need smart braking to get ve stars in crash test
Features
COVER Best sat-nav apps
Which should you rely on to get you from A to B?
30
New cars
34
Peugeot 208 e-HDi
36
Verdict as eco diesel supermini lands in the UK
New Boxster S verdict
39
Brilliant new roadster is one of Porsches best
Subaru BRZ first UK
40
At last, we get behind wheel of boxer-engined coup
Volvo V40
43
Is 175bhp D4 diesel nest version of stylish new hatch?
Infiniti FX
44
Lexus GS F Sport
Is hot new hybrid exec saloon better than 5 Series?
48 Ford Focus ST vs rivals
Range of updates makes crossover more tempting
Road tests
COVER Focus ST vs rivals
48
56
62
Can Ford blow away Golf GTI and Renaultsport Mgane?
8 ...plus our first drive verdict on Vauxhalls storming Astra VXR
Best
sat-nav
apps
tested
Page 30
5 Series hybrid vs Infiniti M35h
Hi-tech BMW ActiveHybrid 5 takes on Japanese rival
Our cars
Updates on our Skoda Yeti and Lexus CT 200h
Products
Spray and wipe detailers
The quick way to get your car looking great
Best sunshades tested
Which is the best buy to keep you cool this summer?
Buying cars
Range Rover Sport buyers guide
70
72
76
78
82
How to get your hands on luxury junior SUV for 15,000
Auto estate bargains
Our experts pick three great buys for 6,000
20 Meriva and B-MAX go head-to-head
12 Best spy shots yet of new Range Rover
New car prices
All the info you need before you head to the showroom
Regulars
Watchdog
Consumer page with bite solves your problems
Inbox
Your comments and opinion on the hottest topics
Get Auto Express every week
How to net a great deal on your favourite magazine
Sport
Full Le Mans preview, plus latest news
Back chat
94 The Brundles get set to tackle Le Mans

56 5 Series vs Infiniti in hybrid shoot-out
WorldMags.net
Mike Rutherford hits out at shocking new toll plans
26
28
46
94
98
13 June 2012 5
WorldMags.net
Thisweek
Visit autoexpress.co.uk for all the latest new cars
Car thieves killed

the hot hatch once.
Can it happen again?
Editor-in-chief: Steve Fowler

Deputy editor: Graham Hope
News
News editor: Sam Hardy

Deputy news editor: JackRix
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Road testers: Lesley Harris, Paul Bond
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ALARMING news that the

car thief is back in town
and picking on BMWs. As our
exclusive report on Page 16
reveals, theres a growing
problem with clever crooks
finding a way past previously
impervious security systems.
It was bound to happen one
day car security has long
been a battle of minds and
technology. Car companies
have had the upper hand over
the thieves in recent years, so
lets hope the balance doesnt
swing back the other way.
Back in the nineties, a
car crime epidemic forced
insurance costs skyward,
sounding the death knell for
the hot hatch. Its made one
hell of a comeback, though.
Some of the tastiest hot
hatches weve ever seen have
come from Ford and Vauxhall
(with a side order of VW Golf
Crooks cant be allowed to kill hot hatch again
GTI), and weve driven their

latest offerings this week.
Back in 1992, my Vauxhall
Astra SRi had 115bhp. Twenty
years on, the new VXR packs
an incredible 276bhp. My car
had to have an aftermarket
immobiliser and steering lock
to keep thieves away. Lets
hope this latest breed of
hot hatch stars are as well
protected as they deserve to be.
STEVE FOWLER
Editor-in-chief
Steve_Fowler@dennis.co.uk
@stevefowler
Contact us
This weekon
autoexpress.co.uk
AUTO EXPRESS ROAD TESTS
All Auto Express tests are carried out at private

proving grounds where cars are driven to the limit
and performance tested using latest RacelogicVBox
computer timing equipment.The Auto Express team
also assesses the cars over many miles of mixed
public roads before delivering its RoadTestVerdict.
Auto Express is part of the
Auto Bild Group networkof magazines
The paper used within this magazine is

produced from sustainable fibre, manufactured
by mills with a valid chain of custody.
Focus ST estate
45 years of AMG Speed festival
We test Ford Focus ST hatch

on Page 48 so is the more
practical estate just as good?
To celebrate Mercedes tuning Dont miss our coverage live

arms birthday, we hit road in from Cholmondeley Pageant
some of its classic models.
of Power in Cheshire.
WorldMags.net
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13 June 2012 7
Topstory
First for news every week
Luke Madden
Lu
Lu
Luke_Madden@dennis.co.uk
@lukemadden2
THE performance hatchback

market has never been more
tightly packed or hotly contested.
The all-new Ford Focus ST, as well
as the updated Renaultsport
Mgane 265 and Volkswagen
Golf GTI Edition 35, are all
aiming for the top (and we
test them on Page 48).
However, Vauxhalls latest
contender the new Astra VXR
has huge promise: it has
more power, more torque and
more performance-boosting
technology than all of its rivals.
Using the curvy three-door
Astra GTC as its base, the VXR
looks set to turn the most heads,
too. A colour-coded front grille,
aggressive front spoiler, LED
tail-lights and 19-inch alloy
wheels are all standard.
Our car was also fitted with
the 995 VXR Aero Pack an
option Vauxhall reckons 85 per
cent of customers will specify. The
pack includes attention-seeking
20-inch alloys, a biplane rear
spoiler and muscular side skirts.
With 276bhp from its 2.0-litre
turbocharged engine, the Astra
VXR has the go to match its
considerable show. It covers

0-62mph in 5.9 seconds
and if youre in any doubt
about how fast that is, just
consider that a Porsche
Boxster completes the
same sprint in 5.8 seconds.
This is also six tenths of
a second quicker than the
Focus ST can manage, seven
tenths up on a GTI Edition
35 and a tenth faster than
the Mgane 265.
Those figures tell merely
half the story: this is a car full
of character. Not only is there
searing pace at any revs, but the
VXR also produces an exhaust
note that sounds like nothing
else on the road. From inside the
cabin, theres a growl up until
4,000rpm, when it develops into
something more like the rough
whoosh of a jet engine.
All that performance is more
accessible than ever thanks to
a clever front suspension set-up
which has been borrowed from
the Insignia VXR. The HiPerStrut
system helps reduce the amount
of torque steer the sensation
that the steering wheel is tugging
in your hands as you accelerate
and it works very well. Under
most conditions, you can floor
ENGINE
With 276bhp, turbo engine blasts VXR

from 0-62mph in just 5.9 seconds just
one-tenth shy of Porsche Boxsters time.
GOOD
The Astra VXR offers
thrilling performance
from its 276bhp engine,
with an exhaust note
to match, and its clever
chassis manages to
transfer all of that
power to the road.
NOT SO GOOD
The outrageous bodykit
is not for the shy or
retiring. The ride on our
cars 20-inch alloys can
be a bit too firm in Sport
and VXR modes. More
importantly, the price
tag is hard to swallow.
FIRST DRIVE
We blast off in 27
First drive of new turbocharged Vauxhall thats fastest hot hatch Delivers on bold looks with huge pace, sharp handling
WorldMags.net
ALLOYS
The 19-inch alloy wheels come

as standard, but the Aero Pack
replaces these with 20-inch rims.
276bhp Astra VXR

the throttle out of a bend and
feel totally in control. Its only
when you find some camber
that the wheel can sometimes
wriggle a bit. But this just
adds to the sense that this
car is a bit of a hooligan.
Steering which feels alive
is rare these days as new cars
switch to less talkative electric
power-steering systems, but the
You can floor

the throttle
out of a bend
and feel totally
in control
VXRs electro-hydraulic set-up

helps buck the trend. Turn
into a corner and, as you hit a
bump, the wheel will feed back
exactly whats underneath the
front tyres to your hands.
And thats a good thing
considering how capable this
car is in corners. As with the
Mgane 265, you have to be
travelling at really high speeds
before the Astra VXR even begins
to feel flustered on a twisting,
poorly surfaced UK B-road.
The car comes as standard with
a limited-slip diff which helps draw
you into the apex of a bend and
slingshot you out the other side.
The front wheels will eventually
lose grip, but switch the Astras
adaptive dampers to Sport (which
makes them stiffer), or even VXR
TESTED
Vauxhall Astra VXR

Price: 26,995
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo petrol
Power: 276bhp
Transmission: Six-speed
manual, front-wheel drive
0-62/top spd: 5.9 secs/154mph
Econ/CO2: 34.9mpg/189g/km
Equipment: Air-con, 20-inch
alloys, sports seats, DAB, electric
windows, FlexRide suspension
On sale Now
Ne
New colour-coded front grille and exaggerated front spoiler give
la
latest-generation Astra VXR a more muscular, aggressive stance
WorldMags.net
13 June 2012 9
Topstory
INSTRUMENTS
Easy-to-read dials turn
from white to red when the
most extreme VXR mode
is selected by the driver.
Vauxhall Astra
stra VVXR
XR
RIDE
Default ride setting feels very

firm. Using Sport or VXR modes
makes suspension stiffer still.
GEARBOX
Accurate six-speed box

makes shifting through
gears a breeze. And lever
is unique to VXR model.
PEDALS
Sporty looking new

alloy-plated pedals
feature rubber studs for
better grip and control.
mode (which stiffens the

dampers further and sharpens
the throttle), and they seem to
grip even harder than before.
So is it all good news? Not
quite. The problem is the ride.
Its firm but not necessarily
uncomfortable in the standard
setting, but it becomes even
stiffer when you start to explore
the Sport and VXR settings. As
a result, these are best used
occasionally on smooth
roads or at a track day.
Still, for all its immense
performance, the Astra VXR
doesnt do too badly at the
pumps. Combined economy
is 34.9mpg, and the car emits
a reasonable 189g/km of CO2.
So the blow to your wallet
wont be from your road tax bill
or even at the
pumps;
Turbo 2.0-litre engine mixes huge pace with decent economy; bucket seats are part of option pack
If anything stops Vauxhall from selling the 1,200

VXRs every year that its hoping to, itll be the price
Biplane rear spoiler hints at
cars sporting pretensions
instead, it will come at the dealer.

Vauxhall has set the starting
price
pri of the VXR at 26,995, and
once
onc you add the Aero Pack and
VXR Performance Seat Pack fitted
to our car, that rises to 28,485.
Almost 30,000 for an Astra
wil
will certainly cause some people
to think twice, but then a VW
Scirocco R perhaps the most
similar car in performance
costs 30,745. That said, one
of the most capable vehicles
in this class is the Mgane Cup
265. Its not as well equipped,
admittedly, but it costs only

24,840. A Focus ST looks
a relative bargain at 21,995.
So if anything stops Vauxhall
from selling the 1,200 Astra VXRs
every year that its hoping to, it
will be the price, because theres
certainly nothing wrong with the
way it looks or the way it drives.
Viewed simply in those terms,
this is the best VXR model that
Vauxhall has ever produced
and a genuine contender for a
place at the top of this class.
PAGE 48: Focus ST vs rivals
WorldMags.net
Verdict
THE previous-generation
Astra VXR had the pace to
outpunch its rivals, but never
offered the precise handling
it needed to be a winner.
This all-new version does.
Its incredibly fast the
fastest in its class but
its sophisticated chassis
finally makes all that power
usable. Yes, the ride is firm
and the price very high, but
if you want a head-turning
hot hatch that promises real
driving thrills, this is it.
WorldMags.net
Newsweek
Range Rover
Best look yet at

all-new Rangie
Reader spies sleeker-looking SUV 500kg lighter, more efficient
Sam
Sa Hardy
Sam_Hardy@dennis.co.uk
Sa
@samhardyAE
THESE are the best pictures

yet of the all-new 2012
Range Rover, which has entered
its final testing phase ahead of its
global unveil later in the summer.
This prototype was spotted
by an eagle-eyed Auto Express
reader in Weston-super-Mare,
Somerset. As you can see from

the barely disguised car, the new
luxury 4x4 will be much sleeker
than its predecessor, with
flush headlights and a more
aerodynamic front end.
Details include a slightly
narrower three-bar grille, with
new jewel-like LED running lights
and horizontal air intakes. The
clamshell bonnet is retained,
but its now sleeker and so is

the tailgate. In fact, the instantly
recognisable boxy shape of the
current car has been softened
slightly on the new version.
Recent models such as the
Evoque have introduced a new
design language for the brand,
but the Range Rover isnt going
to stray too far from the look that
loyal customers love. However,
Current Range Rovers instantly recognisable boxy

shape has been softened slightly on the new version
SPY SHOTS
its rear doors are now longer
to provide better access, and
theres more space in the back
seats, too. The car in the pictures
also seems to have a contrasting
roof colour, like the Evoque.
Dimensions are likely to be
similar to the current cars, but
thanks to an aluminium chassis
and body, the new Range Rover
will be much lighter by an
astonishing 500kg which will
make it far more fuel efficient.
Engines will continue to
include the 4.4-litre TDV8 diesel
and 5.0 supercharged petrol V8,
Reader spied car during

final testing before launch
12 13 June 2012
WorldMags.net
Range Rover
Newsweek
Pictures: Mark Hobbs/Gareth Butterfield
Sam
Hardy
The only way is up for
the Range Rover brand
while a mild hybrid using an

electric motor attached to the
gearbox is on the cards, too.
The 3.0-litre supercharged V6
thats been developed primarily
for the new Jaguar F-Type is also
expected to join the line-up.
Inside, the dashboard will
feature only the most luxurious
leather, wood and metal.
Buoyed by the popularity
of the 120,000 Range Rover
Ultimate, Land Rover will launch
an even higher-specification
range-topper. All cars will be
generously equipped, though,
with gadgets like lane departure
warning, night vision, blindspot
assist and auto braking.
The wraps will come off the
Range Rover officially later this
summer, before the car goes
on sale at the end of the year,
priced from around 70,000.
Clamshell bonnet remains, complemented by narrower three-bar grille, jewel-like LED running lights
and horizontal air intakes. Inside, only the best materials are used and standard-fit kit is impressive
FORGET about the Bentley

EXP 9 F and Lamborghini
Urus: the original and best
luxury 4x4 is still the Range
Rover. And Land Rover knows
it. Thats why its not likely
to allow any new pretenders
to muscle in on its territory.
The new car will be lighter,
more efcient and more
spacious a much better
all-rounder, then. But where
next for the Range Rover?
Further upmarket, thats
where. With Bentley and
Lamborghini taking the wraps
off their own mega-money
SUVs over the past few
months, the VW Group is
eyeing the 150,000 SUV
market as the next big thing.
You can bet Land Rover is,
too. Last years Range Rover
Autobiography Ultimate
special edition was a toe in
that water. Priced at around
120,000, with machined
aluminium laptop trays, drinks
chillers and integrated iPads, it
gives you a good idea of where
Land Rover is heading.
Mega-rich buyers in China
and the Middle East have been
calling for more luxuriously
equipped Range Rovers, with
more space and gadgetry. And
as Chinese sales are booming
5,087 Range Rovers were sold
there in 2011, twice 2010s gure
theres a new breed of buyer
wanting more of everything.
So expect certain Range
Rovers to bust the 100,000
ceiling with ease. It may not be
socially palatable to some, but
its protable. And it will mean
Range Rover stays where its
meant to be at the very top.
@samhardyAE
WorldMags.net
13 June 2012 13
WorldMags.net
Newsweek
New small car gets
latest Skoda face
news
inbrief
Skoda Rapids ready

Official sketches show look of new small car
Damion Smy
Damion_Smy@dennis.co.uk
Damio
DamionSmy
THESE are the first official

sketches of the new Skoda
Rapid a new small family car
that will sit between the Fabia
and Octavia in the range.
Entry-level versions are
likely to cost less than 13,000,
undercutting the similarly sized
VW Golf by around 3,500. Yet
in spite of the Golf-like space,
the Rapid is based on a
stretched Polo platform.
The showroom-ready Rapid is
set to be unveiled at Septembers
Paris Motor Show, with sales
starting in the UK later this year.
As the sketches reveal, the
new car retains the saloon
profile of the MissionL concept
seen at last years Frankfurt
Motor Show. It teams this
with a practical hatchback
tailgate. SEAT will launch
Sub-13k price; SEAT version to follow
its own version of the Rapid,

previewed by the Toledo concept
at Marchs Geneva Motor Show.
Both new cars will offer excellent
rear space and huge boots with
more than 500 litres of space.
The Rapid will feature Skodas
latest family face, moving on
from the VisionD concept
also seen at Geneva with
a new grille, badge and more
pronounced bonnet creases.
Under the bonnet, expect
a range of small-capacity
turbo petrol and diesel
engines, with at least
one GreenLine
version of
the Rapid
emitting
less than
100g/km
of CO2.
VAUXHALL has announced

pricing for its new Nissan Jukerivalling Mokka (above), and
its more expensive than
expected. The superminiSUV is available to order
now, from 16,995. Thats
3,600 more than the base
Nissan, but the Mokka
will come with impressive
levels of kit as standard,
including a DAB radio.
It will be available in S,
Exlusiv and SE trims, with a
choice of 1.6-litre and 1.4 turbo
petrol engines or a 1.7 diesel.
Deliveries start in November.
Sir Stirls GTO

sells for 22m
Rapid mixes saloon look with

hatch tailgate; interior is stylish
Big Mac ups ante with 616bhp

MP4-12C has
been updated
with engine
remap and
tweaks to
the gearbox
17k price tag

for new Mokka
McLARENS MP4-12C has been

updated with more power, a
revised gearbox, a new engine
note and extra options.
An engine remap has given
the Ferrari 458 Italia rival an
additional 25bhp, taking its 3.8litre twin-turbo V8 up to 616bhp.
The benchmark 0-62mph time
is unchanged at 3.1 seconds, but
the new cars extra punch tells
at higher speeds, with 0-124mph
in 8.8 seconds (previously it was
8.9 seconds) and 0-186mph in
26.5 seconds (down from 27.5
seconds). Top speed jumps from
205mph to 207mph. Revisions to
the 12Cs seven-speed SSG dualclutch gearbox deliver crisper

throttle response and faster,
smoother gearchanges.
McLaren has also developed
an Intake Sound Generator (ISG),
which controls the amount of V8
roar entering the cabin. As the
driver moves up through the
12Cs Normal, Sport and Track
modes, ISG allows the level of
engine noise to increase.
The price has gone up as well,
from 168,500 to 176,000.
McLaren dealers will carry out
the performance upgrades for
existing owners at no extra cost.
WorldMags.net
A FERRARI built for Sir Stirling

Moss has set a new record for
the worlds most expensive
car after selling at auction
for an incredible 22.7million.
The 1962 250 GTO was one
of eight classic Ferraris on sale,
which collectively brought in
97million. Ferraris from the
fifties and sixties have been
rocketing in value in recent
years, with the 250 GTO the
pick of the bunch. Radio DJ
Chris Evans recently sold a
Series II model for around
18million, making a 6.5m
profit in just two years.
Stray in Games
lane, 130 fine
IF youre driving in London

during the Olympics, watch
out. Authorities have spent
500,000 on a secret network
of number plate recognition
cameras to catch drivers who
stray into the VIP car lanes
and those snapped will get
a 130 fine through the post.
News of the move broke as
it emerged that nearly half the
countrys speed cameras have
been switched off. A huge
1,522 or 48 per cent of the
nations 3,189 camera sites
were out of action last year,
up from 37 per cent in 2010.
13 June 2012 15
Newsweek
Keyless entry cloning
Keyless cloning boom

Thieves copying keyless entry with hi-tech kit Police, security experts warn of threat
YOUR VIEW
Last week, my six-monthold BMW convertible was
stolen from my driveway. I
still had the spare key and
there was no broken glass.
After speaking to the police,
I learned a large number of
1 and 3 Series have been
stolen using blank keys.
Stefan
Julie Sinclair
Julie_Sinclair@dennis.co.uk
A SECURITY loophole is
putting cars with keyless
entry systems at risk of theft.
The problem is serious enough
to have caught the attention of
police and industry experts, who
are investigating ways to stop the
thieves, according to car security
research centre Thatcham.
Worried owners, including
some with BMWs, have been
complaining on online forums
about the issue (see panel, right).
Ron Cliff of Greenford Security
in London told Auto Express the
loophole involves thieves tapping
into the cars computer with a
handheld key-coding device,
which is freely available online.
He said: Having broken into the
car, usually via the window, the
device can be used to create a
clone key from a blank one.
Thatcham vehicle security
chief Mike Briggs added: In
eight weeks time, we may
have vehicle modification in
place to stop this. But he also
called for a change to EU rules,
saying: Part of the problem is
the access to these devices
[which are freely available online
to allow independent garages
via PistonHeads forum
Thieves are using

freely available
coding kit (right)
to target BMWs
MY BMW WAS STOLEN

EEric Gallina
Consultant, 37, from Notting Hill, London
WHEN I came home from work and found my parking

space empty, my first thought was that my wife must
have moved the car. But it soon became apparent
that my BMW 335i had been stolen. What was most
confusing was tthat both sets of keys were still in the house and
there was no sign of broken glass. When the police arrived, they
told me that nine other BMWs with keyless entry had been stolen
in the Notting Hill area within the past month and a half.
Vi
Video
shows
MINIs chasing
MI
bi
biker around
th
the Stratford
Ol
Olympic site
an
and Westfield
sh
shopping
ce
centre car park
Aston revives Vanquish
ASTON Martin will revive the

Vanquish badge for its new DBS
replacement, which is due to
go on sale early next year.
The news broke after an
undisguised production car
was spotted being loaded on
to a trailer. Aston last used the
name on its V12 flagship model
between 2001 and 2007. The
16 13 June 2012
Ive watched YouTube

videos about copying the
key and it looks ridiculously
easy with the right tools.
CPT Sideways
new car follows the styling of

the AM310 concept that made
its debut at the recent Villa dEste
Concours event in Italy (Issue
1,220), but with more curvy
lines, Rapide-like headlamps and
boomerang tail-lights similar to
those on the One-77 supercar.
Under the skin will be the
same chassis that underpins
the current DBS, but with

more extensive use of
lightweight materials and a
tweaked suspension set-up.
Power will be provided by the
familiar 6.0-litre V12, but boosted
to more than 550bhp the
current DBSs output is 510bhp.
The new Vanquish is expected
to cost close to 200,000.
to compete with franchises]. All

garages should be licenced and
repair work logged on a database.
Thatcham claims the issue isnt
unique to any one brand, but Ron
Cliff said: Many BMWs are being
stolen, mostly in East London,
Birmingham and Slough. BMW
wasnt available for comment,
but an officer at the ACPO Vehicle
Crime Intelligence Service told
us: BMW isnt happy about it.
Some thieves attempted to

steal my BMW, but I scared
them off. When the police
arrived, they told me about
a device criminals are using
that allows them to start a
BMW with their own blank
keys if they can get access
to the cars OBD port.
Blingo BMW
via BMW Land forum
Im thinking of getting the

BMW immobiliser disarmed
and buying a new system.
But why should I have to do
this with a high-end car?
BEEMER69
Londons MINI remake

MINI has found an interesting way to celebrate the impending 2012
Olympics by filming three of its superminis haring through London
in an homage to classic sixties flick The Italian Job. The action-packed
film sees a trio of London 2012 special edition MINIs performing a
range of stunts against a backdrop of iconic London landmarks while
in pursuit of a masked biker. Catch the full video on autoexpress.co.uk.
DBS replacement will bring

back Vanquish name, with
styling from AM310 concept
WorldMags.net
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To discover a driving experience like no other,
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Extra Urban 54.3 76.3 (5.2 3.7), Combined 44.1 67.3 (6.4 4.2). CO2 emissions: 150 110 g/km.
Modelshown:Civic1.4SEManualinWhiteOrchidPearlat17,455includingmetallicpaint.TermsandConditions:NewCivicregistrationsfrom11Mayto30June2012.Subjecttomodelandcolouravailability.Offersapplicableatparticipatingdealersand
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WorldMags.net
Volvo XC40
Lu
@lukemadden2
VOLVO is preparing a BMW

X1-rivalling crossover based
on the new V40 and these spy
shots prove its on track for a debut
at Septembers Paris Motor Show.
The new car is expected to be
called the XC40, and our pictures
reveal it gets a raised ride height
and a more rugged-looking
bodykit than the Audi A3-rivalling
hatchback on which its based.
Expect to see black cladding front
and rear, plus metal side skirts.
Diagonal LED daytime running
lights at the front will replace
horizontal versions on the V40.
Along with the rugged exterior
additions, the new car is expected
to get extra off-road capability,
Pictures: autoscoop.biz
Lu
Luke Madden
Newsweek
Spies caught XC40

on the road, with
raised ride height
marking it out
VolvoTSXC40 to target X1
SPY SHO
Spies catch V40-based rival to BMW crossover 4WD optional; will start at 22,000
V40-based newcomer will offer option of 4WD, wide engine range

provided by electronic traction
control and optional 4WD.
Engines will be borrowed from
the V40 line-up, and will include
the 148bhp D3 and 175bhp D4
2.0-litre diesels. The 148bhp T3
Lotus blow as Bahar is sacked

LOTUS has sacked chief executive
Dany Bahar after an investigation
into his conduct. Bahar was
suspended from his 1.2m-ayear position three weeks ago
by Lotus owner DRB-Hicom, and
the Malaysian conglomerate has
now terminated his employment.
Group Lotus said: The
decision was made by the board
g the
of Group Lotus plc following
results of an investigation into a
im by
complaint made against him
[Lotus] penultimate holding
ding
rhad.
company, DRB-Hicom Berhad.
en no
Although there has been
statement on the exact details,
etails,
ted
it has been widely reported
that Bahars sacking was due
unds
to a misuse of company funds
.uk
relating to building work on a

house in Norfolk. He has been
replaced by Aslam Farikullah,
who was DRB-Hicoms head
of vehicle manufacturing.
Lotus future still hangs in
the balance, meanwhile. The
company had planned to launch
a new range of cars, including a
new Esprit in 2014, and there
has been speculation that
it could be sold to
a Chinese car
company.
y. But Dato Sri Haji
Mohd Khamil
hamil Jamil, group
ng director of DRBmanaging
Hicom, said: Id like to assure
you that we remain committed
ure the ongoing and
to ensure
siness operations
future business
tus Group as we take
of the Lotus
it to the next level to remain
relevant in the global
car industry
try.
industry.
WorldMags.net
Bahar had
revealed bold
plans for new
Esprit (left),
but has now
been relieved
of his duties
and 178bhp T4 1.6-litre petrol

engines are also likely to feature.
The Volvo XC40 will go on
sale in early 2013 and should
cost from around 22,000.
PAGE 43: Volvo V40 D4 driven
SAAB
WATCH
SAA has finally found a buyer
SAAB
after months in administration.
aft
As Auto Express went to
press, Annika Wennerblom
pre
cit
city director of Trollhttan in
Swe
Sweden, where Saab is based
had reportedly confirmed
h
that a sale had been agreed.
tha
Insiders have revealed
the National Electric Vehicle
Sweden (NEVS) consortium is
Swe
the buyer. NEVS is expected to
start by making hybrid versions
sta
of the 9-3 saloon, then adapt
the platform of the PhoeniX
concept seen at the Geneva
con
Mot
Motor Show last year to
bui
build hybrid and electric cars.
13 June 2012 19
Newsweek
Ford B-MAX vs Vauxhall Meriva
New B-MAX meets M

Revolutionary new Ford supermini-MPV head-to-head with Vauxhall rival Novel pillarless design sets B-MAX apart
Gerald Czajka
THE Ford B-MAX is one of the

most innovative MPVs ever, but
there are plenty of other clever
cars in this class chief among
them the Vauxhall Meriva.
We put the two side-by-side
to see which wins the space race.
Open all the doors and youll
immediately see what makes
the B-MAX so special. Unlike the
Meriva (which wears Opel badges
in our pictures), it has no B-pillar,
creating an opening about
1.5 metres wide perfect for
fitting baby seats and passing
objects through the cabin.
Yes, the Merivas rear
opening door is clever, but the
B-MAXs B-pillarless design is
far better. The Fords rear door
also slides, making getting in
and out in tight spaces a breeze.
But what about outright space?
This is where things get a little
closer, with both cars offering
enough leg and headroom to
seat five tall adults. Boot space
is an area where the Meriva
triumphs: it has 79 litres more
room than the B-MAX with the
seats in place, at 397 litres.
Yet its the way the Vauxhall
makes the most of the interior
20 13 June 2012
Width:
1,994mm
Height:
1,615mm
Wheelbase: 2,644mm
Length: 4,288mm
space that shows just how much

thought has gone into the design.
The rear seats slide back and forth
individually, while the middle seat
can be folded and used as an
armrest for the outer passengers.
Both cars allow the rear seats
to be folded completely flat in
one easy motion, and the front
passenger seat in both models
also folds forwards to enable

owners to carry long loads.
When it comes to engines,
the big news in the B-MAX is
a three-cylinder 1.0-litre turbo
petrol engine, producing 118bhp.
The closest Vauxhall offers is a
1.4-litre turbo with 118bhp, and it
trails on running costs emitting
143g/km of CO2 and returning
47.9mpg to the Fords superb

114g/km and 57.7mpg.
The B-MAX also wins out for
value. A range-topping Titanium
1.0 EcoBoost model is 18,195;
the 1.4T Meriva in Active spec
costs 18,100, but it misses
out on the heated seats and
automatic lights and wipers
that are standard on the Ford.
WorldMags.net
Width:
2,067mm
Newsweek
Pictures: Auto Bild
Active spec brings plenty of equipment to Merivas well constructed

interior; influence of Fiesta clear to see in B-MAXs stylish layout
Meriva in space race

Neat touches
like pull-out
cycle carrier
set Vauxhall
apart. But as
the Ford has
no B-pillar,
access to its
cabin is easier
Height:
1,604mm
Wheelbase: 2,489mm
Length: 4,077mm
How the specs compare

B-MAX
Meriva
1.0 Titanium 1.4T Active
Price
Engine
Power
0-62mph
Boot space
(seats up/down)
18,195
1.0-litre 3cyl
118bhp
11.2 secs
318/1,386
litres
18,100
1.4-litre 4cyl
118bhp
11.5 secs
397/1,400
litres
Verdict
IT seems the B-MAX has it all, with a stylish exterior, practical cabin
layout and efficient three-cylinder engine. We havent had a chance
to drive the car yet, but based on the long list of talents it already has,
it could well move straight to the top of the supermini-MPV class. And
with its Fiesta underpinnings, its a good bet that this talented allrounder will be just as entertaining on the road as it is practical
for growing families. Throw in an entry-level price of 12,995,
along with a long standard equipment list, and the B-MAX
also boasts that all-important trait: value for money.
WorldMags.net
13 June 2012 21
Newsweek
Euro NCAP latest
Hi-tech system detects

potential collisions
and acts to avoid them
NCAP to score
on Autobrake
Only cars with intelligent braking will get five stars in new crash tests
Jon Morgan
Jon_Morgan@dennis.co.uk
CARS will need Autobrake

to get a five-star Euro NCAP
rating from 2014, Auto Express
can reveal. The safety system
officially known as autonomous
emergency braking uses
sensors to detect an imminent
collision and automatically
applies the brakes to prevent
a crash or reduce the impact.
Euro NCAP secretary general
Michiel van Ratingen (right) told
us the technology was essential if
Europe was to meet its ambitious
road safety targets and reduce
deaths from their current level of
31,000 a year to 15,000 by 2020.
Autobrake is one of the toppriority safety systems, said van
Ratingen. These are going to give
us big benefits. Nose-tail crashes
are number one in Europe; these
systems could save around

8,000 lives a year.
City systems (designed
to prevent low-speed impacts
around town) and inter-urban
systems (which aim to reduce the
impact of higher-speed crashes)
will be evaluated from 2014.
More complex pedestrian collision
detection systems capable of
identifying and avoiding people
will be incorporated into the
Euro NCAP test from 2016.
We would expect to see
all new cars fitted with the city
system by 2017, explained van

Ratingen. We will also introduce
lane departure warning and
intelligent speed assist systems
to the test in the coming years.
Euro NCAP has had great
success in persuading car
manufacturers to take up
new safety technology. When
electronic stability control was
added to the test in 2009, fitment
increased by 30 to 40 per cent
immediately and this year it
became a mandatory part of
type approval for new cars.
Autobrake is top-priority
safety system; it could
save 8,000 lives a year
Michiel van Ratingen
Euro NCAP secretary general
Driving style app

to cut premiums
ADVANCED drivers from the Royal
Society for the Prevention of
Accidents (RoSPA) are being
used to profile model motoring
behaviour, which can then be
used as a benchmark by insurers
to dictate drivers premiums.
The result is a telematicsstyle driving app, which could cut
premiums. It launched this week
for drivers in Ireland with Android
smartphones. RoSPA produced it
22 13 June 2012
together with MyDrive

Solutions, which created
the tech to give a second-bysecond driving style analysis.
The new smartphone app
is currently recognised by
only one broker Autoline
but MyDrive Solutions says
other companies are likely to
follow. Its claimed that the
app has the potential to reduce
premiums by up to 50 per cent.
UK commended on
child road safety
A REPORT card produced by the European Child Safety

Alliance has revealed that Britain is one of the safest
countries in Europe when it comes to child road safety,
after scoring 36 out of a possible 60 points.
The study rated 31 European countries across 12 nationallevel safety policies and issues, including passenger and
pedestrian safety. Britain scored particularly highly for
child and young person injury death rates, where it was
ranked third. This category reports how many people up
to 19 years old have been fatally injured in a road accident.
Sheila Merrill, public health adviser at the Royal Society
for the Prevention of Accidents, said: We welcome these
new reports that turn the spotlight on children and young
peoples safety in the UK. The report also commended the
countrys excellent ability to address child safety. Finland
achieved the highest overall score; Greece got the lowest.
EUROPES LOWEST CHILD

DEATH
RATES ON
ROADS
Country
Deaths per 100,000
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Netherlands
Sweden
United Kingdom
Germany
Portugal
Israel
Italy
Spain
Slovenia
Austria
population (0-19yrs)
4.99
5.02
6.01
6.16
6.81
7.05
7.21
7.27
7.36
7.49
ROAD
SAFETY
R
ART
A ON SALE
RoSPA and
MyDrive have
joined forces
to create app
that analyses
driving styles
WorldMags.net
AT the same time as looking to

the future with telematics (left),
RoSPA is selling off a load of
RoS
vintage road safety posters,
vin
dating back to the thirties.
dat
The collection was found
abandoned in a warehouse
aba
recently and you can buy
rec
at www.rospaprints.com.
Classic posters convey road

safety messages that are still
relevant to todays motorists
ww
WorldMags.net
WorldMags.net
Alfa SUV
Newsweek
Alfas Jeep-based
SUV hits the road
Spies catch new Giulietta-styled Audi Q5 rival out on test
Will provide replacement for Jeep Compass, Patriot, too
Richard Ingram
SPY SHOTS
ALFA Romeo is taking on

the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and
Range Rover Evoque with
a sporty new SUV.
Our spies have snapped
the best pictures yet of the new
crossover, which is a joint venture
with partner Jeep. Alfa has many
gaps in its range, but a compact
4x4 is one of the biggest and
the new model will give the
company a much-needed entrant
into this hugely popular market.
At the same time, the car
will provide a replacement
for Jeeps ageing Patriot and
Compass. And the disguised
Rhian
Rhia Jones
Rhian
Rhian_Jones@dennis.co.uk
@RhianJones
Mat Watson is on holiday
THIS week, weve driven two very

different cars with very different
prices. Fords new 247bhp Focus
ST (tested on Page 48) starts at
21,995 thats 4k less than a
VW Golf GTI. Weve also driven the
latest Mercedes AMG flier: the
100k C63 AMG Coup Black
Series. Watch them in action
at autoexpress.co.uk/videos.
New Focus ST
Spies caught Alfas new BMW X3 rival undergoing testing. Under

disguise is Giulietta-inspired bodywork, as well as a Jeep grille
Alfa may need to

take Cayman rival
back to drawing
board to get it on
sale next year, as
currently planned
Pictures: Lehmann
This
weeks
videos
prototype in our pictures is a

real mix of parts, with a Giulietta
body and Jeep grille.
The finished version will
take its coup-like shape,
hidden door handles and
sloping roofline from the
hatch and is sure to be one
of the prettiest SUVs on sale.
The raised ride height and
larger wheels will be carried
over to production, while the

Jeep platform under the skin will
be adapted by Alfa to provide a
sportier driving experience. Fourwheel drive will be standard.
A wide range of engines will be
available, including Alfas 1.75litre four-cylinder petrol turbo,
although most cars sold will be
diesels. The Alfa SUV is due next
year, priced at around 30,000.
A FEW weeks ago, we were given

exclusive access to the all-new
Ford Focus ST, and now we can
finally show you the results of
that drive. The famous fivecylinder warble of the previous
ST has gone, but its been replaced
by something just as good. Watch
our video to hear its bassy growl.
C63 AMG Black
575bhp for faster SLS AMG GT
MERCEDES has launched an

updated version of its SLS AMG
supercar, called the GT.
The range-topping model
still comes with a 6.3-litre V8,
but power has been boosted
to 575bhp up from 555bhp.
Combine this with a recalibrated
seven-speed dual-clutch box,
and Mercedes predicts the
0-62mph time will fall by a tenth
of a second to just 3.7 seconds.
The GT also gets retuned
adaptive suspension, which the
company claims now features
stiffer and more aggressive
spring and damper tuning for
a more dynamic feel. Drivers
can switch between Sport and
a more aggressive Sport Plus

mode. A few visual cues mark out
the car, including a GT badge on
the boot, red brake calipers and
darker headlight lenses.
Coup and roadster versions
of the SLS AMG GT will arrive in
November. A small rise over the
current cars 168,425
price is likely.
THE Mercedes C63 AMG Black

Series has its sights set on the
BMW M3 GTS, with a 510bhp
6.2-litre V8 and 0-62mph in
4.2 seconds only a tenth slower
than the SLS AMG. But how does
it handle on track? Our resident
racer Owen Mildenhall put it to
the test at Blyton Park, Lincs.
You can watch
any of our videos
on your phone
simply by
scanning this
QR code.
WorldMags.net
13 June 2012 25
Watchdog
Got a motoring problem? Were here to help...
Helpdesk Get in touch

mail@autoexpress.co.uk |
@AutoExpress
Write to: Watchdog, Auto Express, Dennis Publishing,

30 Cleveland Street, London W1T 4JD
As C3 Picasso had been serviced

outside dealer network, owner
was warned warranty may not
cover steering fault repair
CASE STUDY 1
Warranty KO after no
Jon Morgan
IF you choose to get your car

serviced at an independent
garage while its in its warranty
period, pay attention to the
details and learn from the
story of reader Rob MacKay.
European Block Exemption
rules mean manufacturers
cant invalidate your guarantee
for not using a franchised dealer
as long as the garage follows
the makers service schedule and
uses original equipment parts.
However, everything must
be documented for proof even
down to the grade of oil which was
used. Thats because if something
goes wrong with your car, the
manufacturer may claim the fault
is down to a below-par service
and you need to be able to prove
thats not the case, or pay a bill
of thousands of pounds.
This was the situation faced by
Rob, from Haywards Heath, West
Sussex, after finding a possible
steering fault on his Citroen C3
26 13 June 2012
An independent
garage has to
follow the service
schedule and use
original parts
Picasso. It started making a

grinding noise, he told us.
His local dealer, Tates of
Crawley, told him the 2009 car
needed inspecting before the
problem could be diagnosed,
but warned that a replacement
steering rack might be required.
Whats more, there was a
chance the warranty wouldnt
cover the fix even though the
car was only two-and-a-half years
old and within Citroens guarantee.
This was because the Picassos
second service had been done by
an independent garage, but the
bill did not detail the work carried
out and the parts used. I couldnt
believe it, said Rob. I had to go

back to the garage and ask for
all the parts used right down
to the grade of oil. They looked at
me like I was mad and said: Of
course we used the right oil.
But as Tates explained to
us, if a new steering rack was
required, the dealer would need
the service history to support its
argument for a warranty claim
with Citroen. A warranty is valid
only if a car has been properly
taken care of. Fortunately, Robs
was fixed with a top-up of powersteering fluid and an adjustment
to the steering rack all of which
was completed free of charge.
ROBS CASE: At-a-glance
THE PROBLEM
Rob had his car serviced at an

independent garage but
didnt have a list of the work
carried out and the parts used,
putting his warranty at risk.
LEGAL ADVICE
consumer
news
EU Block Exemption laws let

customers get cars serviced
outside dealer networks without
invalidating their warranty. But
manufacturer service schedules
must be followed and original
equipment parts used.
CITROENS RESPONSE
Fortunately, Robs car was fixed

without needing a new steering
rack. Citroen said warranty
claims have to be supported
with a detailed service history.
OUR VERDICT
You MUST keep detailed

records if servicing your car
outside of the dealer network.
Makers arent obliged to pay
claims when a car hasnt been
properly looked after ensure
you can prove yours has been.
Five stars for 3 Series

THE new BMW 3 Series (right) has
received five stars in the latest Euro
NCAP crash tests. The Hyundai i30,
Mazda CX-5 and Peugeot 208 were
also put through their paces, and all
achieved the maximum five stars, too.
Keeping you up to date

with the key issues that
affect you and your car
WorldMags.net
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).
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
Used car inspections

AA: 0800 085 3007
RAC: 0800 085 2529
Technical advice
AA: 0870 606 1619 (m)
Driving licences
DVLA: 0300 790 6801
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
Financial problems
Financial Ombudsman:
0800 023 4567
Safety concerns/recalls
Vehicle and Operator
Services Agency (VOSA):
0117 954 3300
MoT cat clampdown set to hit owners
DO you have to replace the

catalytic converter on your car
if it fails? Thats the question
on Will Spencers mind.
I have a Kia Sportage with
twin tailpipes, said Will, from
Brighton, West Sussex. Its
been faultless so far, but I
wonder how much it will cost
when the cat needs replacing.
Every new petrol car is built
with a catalytic converter a
device that helps to detoxify
exhaust emissions. Theyve
been mandatory since 1993,
but new rules introduced to
the MoT test this year make
them an essential part of a
vehicles roadworthiness.
AA technical specialist
Vanessa Guyll said: The MoT
has been testing for emissions
for decades. But originally it
didnt matter how you kept
them below the maximum
level, as long as you did. The
new MoT rules mean that if a
If car was
fitted with
catalytic
converter
when new,
it will have
to be fully
working for
vehicle to
pass MoT
If a catalytic
converter was on
a car from new, it
has to be present
and working
catalytic converter was on

the car from new, it has to
be present and working.
Unfortunately, if the cat
does need replacing, youll face
a hefty bill: it can cost as much
as 1,200 to get the work done.
The good news is theyre not
prone to failure. Guyll said: If
you have a misfire the cat can
get pumped full of fuel, which

will lead to a failure or whats
called a meltdown. Or they
can get damaged if youre
involved in a collision, but
generally theyre robust.
They can be a tempting
target for thieves, though,
because of the precious
metals they contain.
on-dealer service
Fury over Dartford tolls 50p increase
THE toll for the Dartford Crossing
between Kent and Essex will be
hiked by 50p in October; a move
the AA calls unacceptable. This
means the fee for car drivers
will rise from 1.50 to 2.00.
And thats not all: roads
minister Mike Penning has
scheduled another increase to
2.50 for October 2014. The
Government argues the hikes
are necessary to raise funds for
an additional crossing and to
manage demand. Edmund

King, AA president, said: We
think the proposed price hike
to 2 is unacceptable. Drivers
have paid for this crossing
many times over, and hence
all tolls should be dropped.
Its ludicrous to argue that
tolls are in place to manage
demand M25 drivers dont
have the luxury of another
crossing; its a captive market.
P98: Mike Rutherfords view
Toll at Dartford Crossing set to rise again, causing controversy
Youths insurance blow
Call for fuel duty cut
VW ranges DAB boost
CAR insurance costs young drivers a fifth

of their total income, according to new
data. Confused.com says the average
premium for 17 to 22-year-olds is
2,499 18 per cent of the 13,972
average income for that age group.
FUEL duty should be slashed by 5p per

litre, says the 2020 Tax Commission.
The group, which is part of the TaxPayers
Alliance, has produced a report showing
that the UK has the highest level of
fuel duty of any country in Europe.
DAB radios will be standard on every model

in the Volkswagen range, except the up!,
from next year. The manufacturer says
all its audio systems will still be able to
receive FM and AM signals, as well as
play CDs and connect to MP3 players.
WorldMags.net
Julie
Sinclair
Unfair warranty rules
allow makers to wriggle
out of responsibilities
IF you were looking for the
denition of a pointless
piece of legislation, then delve
into the Block Exemption rules.
Deep within is a law that
is meant to give drivers the
freedom to go outside of their
franchised dealer network
for servicing and repairs while
the car is under warranty.
So far so good. But in fact, its a
logistical nightmare for motorists
to actually exercise these rights.
And our readers gripe (opposite)
is a prime example of why. Most
drivers are simply too scared to
do it. How can they be sure that
this money-saving exercise is
not going to come back to haunt
them if they do need to claim
under their cars warranty and
lead to the manufacturer refusing
to foot the bill? They cant.
Technically, the makers
have to allow it albeit with the
caveat that your chosen garage
uses approved parts and follows
ofcial service schedules but
there are a million ways they can
unofcially make your life hard.
Quizzing you on the exact grade
of oil, or a list of the parts numbers,
that your garage used is only the
beginning. When motorists are
in dispute over the cause or
origin of a problem on their car,
weve often heard makers say they
will consider goodwill gestures
ie unofcial refunds dressed up
as favours only if the customer
has a full service history. If the
Block Exemption rules were doing
their job properly, this favouritism
wouldnt be allowed, either.
Julie_Sinclair@dennis.co.uk
@AutoExpress
13 June 2012 27
Inbox
CContact Jon Morgan
mail@autoexpress.co.uk
@AutoExpress
Wr
Write to: Letters, Auto Express, Dennis Publishing,
3
30 Cleveland Street, London W1T 4JD
We want to hear what you think...
Evolution the way to

go for massive seller
FROM: rick_s
Picture: Poblete
HOT TOPIC The next Nissan Qashqai

Our exclusive images in
Issue 1,217 showed the
look of next Qashqai
THIS is not much of a redesign more an

Audi-style evolution than the revolution
the original Qashqai was. But thats
the smart way to go. This car is a sales
phenomenon, and Nissan would be
mad to mess with the formula. Making
only minor changes means the old
model wont look out of date and
will keep its strong resale price. A big
Qashqai selling point is its strong residual
value; it makes sense to protect that.
Safety-first approach
is a real anti-climax
FROM: barryessex2
NISSAN has had an incredible turnaround

in recent years, and thats mainly thanks
to its bold approach. No other brand has
a line-up that inspires such love and
hate in car fans there is nothing
vanilla about Nissan design. This is
why Im a bit disappointed to see it be
so conservative with the new Qashqai.
Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk

This is a backward step.
Not a pretty sight, especially
compared to the current
car, which is quite nice.
coolkid
Ive always liked the

Qashqai as a concept, but
thought it looked dull. This
is a big improvement.
Harvey56
Reborn Rocketman is
just what MINI needs
Great job! This looks way

sharper than the boring
and generic current car.
This is more distinctive.
cousins11
Mazda isnt right for

Alfas special image
It doesnt matter how it

looks, it will sell. The current
car is no looker, but sells in
big numbers. Thisll be big.
nickbsmooth
Please stop moving

the goalposts on BIK
FROM: Jonathan Pollett
FROM: Keith Mann
FROM: Ben Pitts
I AM pleased MINI is again considering

production of the Rocketman (Issue
1,218). This has to be the car to raise
interest in the marque again. Models such
as the Countryman are all very well and
Im sure theyre useful in hitting niche
markets but they dilute the MINI brand
a bit. And the popularity of the standard
cars has eroded their novelty value.
Making a genuine small car a
Volkswagen up! rival with quirky MINI
styling is just what the company needs
to put smiles on drivers faces again.
I AM sceptical about the tie-up between

Alfa Romeo and Mazda to create a
new MX-5-based roadster. Alfas main
problem in recent years is that it has
lacked the engineering and design talent
to recapture the DNA of its past cars.
Alfas had a certain road feel, and their
engines sounded special. Partnering
with Mazda may sort out some reliability
issues, but its not going to create that
Alfa DNA. Id prefer to see Ferrari finally
creating an affordable mass-production
small sports car platform for Alfa.
I DIDNT agree with your Watchdog case

on company car tax that argued Benefit
In Kind is unfair since its based on a cars
price from new (Issue 1,215). I think the
system is fair, as everyone is affected
the same way. What is unfair is how
the Government moves the goalposts.
Most people have to keep these cars
for at least three years the tax rate
should stay the same throughout that
period. My rate has already gone from
13 per cent to 15 per cent, and there are
more increases due in the coming years!
Why classics age well
FROM: Mike Kan
MIKE Rutherfords column on MoT

statistics (Issue 1,218) was interesting. As
a classic car owner, I suspect older cars
do well on the pass rate because they
get a lot more love, maintenance and
careful pre-MoT prep than the ones
lurking in middle-aged-banger territory.
SPOT THE DETAIL WIN A SUBSCRIPTION TO AUTO EXPRESS

A
Do you know which three cars these details are

from? Go online and enter to win a subscription
to your favourite motoring magazine.
Each month all entrants of the weekly Spot the Detail competition will be
entered into a draw to win one subscription to Auto Express. Winners will be
drawn from all correct answers. For terms and conditions, and to enter, visit:
http://competitions.autoexpress.co.uk
Closing date: 11 July 2012

Last months answers: A) Rover 200 BRM. B) Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. C) VW up!.
28 13 June 2012
WorldMags.net
LIMITLESS EDITION.
AT ONLY 479 A MONTH.*
This is the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee,

the most accomplished Jeep ever.
Supremely capable and available with QUADRA-TRAC II, Hill Descent Control,
and the SELEC-TERRAIN SYSTEM with 5 settings to tackle the most challenging
driving situations. Add a powerful V6 Diesel, and at only 479 a month,* could
we possibly add good value to its list of virtues?
jeep.co.uk
OFFICIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES FOR THE JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE RANGE IN MPG (L/100KM): EXTRA URBAN 39.2 (7.2), URBAN 27.4 (10.3), COMBINED 34.0 (8.3).
CO2 EMISSIONS 218 g/km. Model shown is a Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD Limited in Stone White. *At an initial rental of 9,580 followed by 47 monthly rentals of 479 on Personal Contract Hire. All rentals exclude maintenance. Based on 10,000 miles per annum. Excess mileage charges
apply. Offer based on standard vehicle without extra cost options. Offer subject to status, a guarantee and/or indemnity may be required.
Terms and Conditions apply. At participating Dealers only. Offer may be varied or withdrawn at any time without prior notification. FGA Contracts, 240 Bath Road, Slough SL1 4DX. Vehicle
WorldMags.net
must be registered with FGA Contracts before 30th June 2012. Prices and specifications correct at time of going to press (06/12). Jeep is a registered trademark of Chrysler Group LLC.
Insidestory
at m
a t te r
Tackling the motoring issues tha
that
matter
V
A
N
T
SA
:
S
P
P
A
T
C
I
D
R
E
V
E
TH
How easy
are they
to use?
Wh
of fe
yo
D
g
w
s
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a
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W
?
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o
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your questions on sm
Jon Morgan
BUYING a sat-nav used to be

a costly business, but the rise
of smartphones has slashed the
price of navigation technology.
Thanks to GPS and the growing
number of sat-nav apps, your
phone can now do just as good a
job as the 150 dedicated device
you bought a few years ago.
But whats better a free or a
paid-for app? What do you get for
your money with a smartphone
sat-nav app? And is it worth it?
Auto Express sister title, PC
Pro, has conducted an in-depth
group test to answer these
questions and more. Here are the
key points. For the full test, get the
July issue of PC Pro, on sale now.
Free vs paid
ASIDE from on-the-road

performance, the difference
between free and paid-for
30 13 June 2012
sat-nav apps comes down to

three core factors. The first
concerns map storage and
access. Free apps generally
require an Internet connection
to download maps on the go.
This isnt a problem in areas
with good 3G coverage such
as cities or other built-up areas
but there are plenty of places
in the UK where the mobile
data signal is marginal or
non-existent, and this is where
youll encounter problems.
Another issue is that online
mapping can swallow huge
chunks of your monthly mobile
phone data allowance not ideal
for those with low data caps.
Spend some cash, however,
and youre usually given the
chance to install maps on
your device meaning youll
always be able to find your way,
regardless of 3G signal status.
Do bear in mind, though,
that offline maps occupy a large
storage space, with European

mapping typically requiring
between 1.5GB and 2GB, and
the UK around 200MB. If youre
tight for space, some apps
Navigon and Sygic, for instance
allow maps to be downloaded
on a country-by-country basis,
Maps hhave be
been
Ma
incorporated into
mobiles to prevent
drivers getting lost
Phones can now

do as good a job
as the dedicated
150 device of a
few years ago
WorldMags.net
hat kind
eatures do
ou get?
Do they give
good traffic
info?
wer
ng
reducing storage needs to a
minimum. Its still useful to have
a data connection, though, since
many apps include online search
tools to supplement their onboard point-of-interest (POI)
and address searches.
The second core difference
is features. Its rare, for instance,
for a free or very cheap sat-nav
app to include multi-point routing
the ability to plan a route
with multiple destinations or
waypoints. Cheap apps generally
use OpenStreetMap (OSM), and
this doesnt yet have the sort of
data required for lane assistance
on motorways, dual carriageways
and big roundabouts.
A third and critical area of
difference is traffic information.
Good traffic data and jam
avoidance turns whats effectively
an automatic mapping tool into
something that can really save
you time a service that free and
cheap apps dont yet provide.
TTomTom
Navigon
CoPilot Live
Premium
TOMTOMS major
drawback is price: 50
(plus another 27 for
the HD Traffic services)
is an awful lot to spend on an app.
But you get what you pay for. Chosen
routes were quick, made total sense
rou
and avoided traffic black spots. The IQ
Routes feature also considers posted
Rou
speed limits and real-world average
spe
traffic speeds when calculating a route.
tra
Theres no alternative route feature,
but TomTom rarely gets its original
choice wrong anyway, and it spots
cho
traffic jams with remarkable accuracy.
tra
Its maps arent very attractive, and its
not available on Android devices. But for
Apple users, its well worth the price.
App
THIS is the only app in the

group available on iOS,
Android and Windows
phones. But whichever
device you buy it on, its expensive. Our
Windows version, with maps of Europe
and live traffic built in, costs 73.
Theres no multi-point trip planning
and no postcode search, but the voice
guidance is superb and route choices
were largely sensible. Performance
elsewhere was good, with an excellent
lane assistance feature.
Navigon is the best sat-nav app on a
Windows phone by a mile. But it isnt as
good as TomTom on iOS, and the high
price means it faces tough competition
from CoPilot and Sygic on Android.
COPILOT has the clearest

and most attractive
visuals around. Maps are
stored offline, so youll
still get where youre going if you lose
your data connection, and the voice
instructions are clear and well timed.
CoPilot is crammed with features. You
can create multi-point trips and tweak
settings to favour certain road types.
Theres also lane guidance, junction
view for motorways, speed limit and
speed camera warnings, and a petrol
price info upgrade (8 a year).
However, we found out-of-date spots
on maps, and route choices werent up
to TomToms. Nor can live traffic 11
a year extra match TomTom HD Traffic.
VVerdict:
Verdict:
Verdict:
VITAL STATISTICS
VITAL STATISTICS
VITAL STATISTICS
Operating system:
Operating system:
Operating system:
Maps:
Maps:
Maps:
iOS: UK/ROI: 50; Europe: 60

Android: N/A
Windows: N/A

Android: UK/ROI: 40; Europe: 50
Windows: Europe: 73
iOS: UK/ROI: 25; Europe: 40 (HD, 48)

Android: UK/ROI: 21; Europe; 33
Windows: N/A
Storage: Offline
Map size: UK/ROI: 343MB;
Europe: 1.64GB
Data provider: Tele Atlas
Storage: Offline
Europe: 1.7GB
Data provider: Navteq
Storage: Offline
Europe: 1.7GB (HD, 2.4GB)
Features:
Features:
Features:
Postcode search, online search

(Google), multi-point trip planning, lane
assistance, junction view, 2D/3D view,
text to speech, in-app map correction,
historic traffic data, map updates
(free), speed camera warnings, live
traffic avoidance (27 per year), speed
camera warnings (27 per year),
novelty voices (4 each).
Online search (Google), alternate route

view, lane assistance, junction view,
2D/3D view, text to speech, map
updates (25), speed camera
warnings, live traffic avoidance (IOS:
17 per year; Android: 16 per year;
Windows: free), LPG and biodiesel
filling stations, Navigon cockpit.
WorldMags.net
Postcode search, online search (Bing

and Wikipedia), multi-point trip
planning, alternate route view, lane
assistance, junction view, 2D/3D view,
text to speech, map updates (price not
stated), speed camera warnings, live
traffic avoidance (11 per year, first year
free), petrol prices (8 per year).
13 June 2012 31
Insidestory
Sat-nav apps
Google Maps
Navigation
GPS Navigation 2
Navmii GPS Live
Nokia Drive
ASIDE from being free,

Google Maps Navigations
biggest strength is its
simple and fast search
facility. On every leg of our
test route, we found our destination in
seconds much quicker than in any
other sat-nav app. Routing was sound,
too, and if it does pick a route you dont
like, theres an alternatives button.
The sound quality of the voice
instructions isnt great and they are
often late. There arent many features
and maps arent stored offline. Data
for the planned route is cached at the
start, but if you stray off course and
lose signal, youll be stuck with no way
of replanning. Plus, navigation abroad
is likely to incur a hefty roaming fee.
Google Maps is fine for casual use,
but if you drive a lot, wed recommend
splashing out on a better system.
THE app formerly known

as Skobbler is no longer
on Android, but its still
available for the iPhone.
It costs just 1.49, with upgrades to
offline maps covering the UK for 2.49,
Europe for 5 or the world for 8.
The mapping is generally good
GPS Navigation 2 encourages users
to mark problems with routing or map
information with a Bug button. Theres
full postcode support, too, which is
impressive for an app this cheap.
Our road test quickly exposed flaws
in general guidance, however, with
some voice instructions proposing
a different road from that indicated,
and occasional unclear or confusing
directions. Some route choices were
poor, too. But with offline mapping and
speed camera warnings, its remarkably
good value, despite the problems.
WITH Navmii, you can

either pay 3 for the
app or opt for a free
ad-driven version.
Either way, you get offline UK mapping.
If you want access to Europe, youll
have to download a separate app
for each country at 3 a pop.
Navmii has an impressively
broad range of search options and
full postcode support. There are some
nice features such as a detour mode
that helps you steer clear of jams that
are not normally on apps of this price.
However, performance on the road
was middling. Voice instructions were
clear, but timing was often off. The map
view isnt very clear and is cluttered by
buttons. Theres also no lane guidance,
junction view or speed limit warnings.
Navmii is competent, but doesnt do
enough to stand out from the crowd.
YOULL only find this app

on Nokia Lumia handsets.
Maps are stored offline,
and you can download
Navteq mapping of the entire world for
free. Frustratingly, though, you cant
search destinations without an Internet
connection, meaning that planning
can only take place online.
By and large, the search was
competent, although it doesnt allow
you to pick a point from the map. We
did encounter a few misdirections while
testing. There were other foibles, too
at roundabouts, for example, the exit
arrow always points left for the first
exit, even if the first exit is straight on.
Voice instructions were clear and well
timed, but this wasnt enough to make
up for the apps weaknesses. As a free
extra, Nokia Drive is worth having, but
we wouldnt get a Lumia just to use it.
Verdict:
Verdict:
Verdict:
Verdict:
VITAL STATISTICS
VITAL STATISTICS
VITAL STATISTICS
VITAL STATISTICS
Operating system:
Operating system:
Operating system:
Operating system:
iOS: N/A
Android: Free
Windows: N/A
Maps:
Storage: Online
Map size: N/A
Data provider: Google
Features:

(Google), alternate route choice,
3D view, text to speech.
32 13 June 2012
iOS: Online only: 1.49;

UK/ROI: 2.49; Europe: 4.99
Android: N/A
Windows: N/A
iOS: UK/ROI: free with ads or 3;

Europe: 3 per country
Android: Free with ads
Windows: N/A
Maps:
Maps:
Storage: Online or offline

Europe: 4.15GB
Data provider: OpenStreetMap
Storage: Offline
Europe: country-by-country download
Features:
Features:

(Google), 2D/3D view, in-app map
correction, speed camera warnings,
novelty voices (2.49 each).
Postcode search, online search (Bing

and Google), 2D/3D view, in-app map
correction, map updates (free), speed
camera warnings (2 per country).
WorldMags.net
iOS: N/A
Android: N/A
Windows: Free (on Nokia Lumia)
Maps:
Storage: Online and offline

Europe: country-by-country download
Features:

(Navteq), 2D/3D view, map updates
(free), speed camera warnings.
Sat-nav apps
Insidestory
Sygic GPS
Navigation
Waze
MapQuest
Turn by Turn
Navigation
SYGIC surprised and

impressed us. Its
competitively priced:
UK and Ireland maps
are 17, and you can add live traffic
for 8 per year. Its bursting at the
seams with features, too. The driving
view can be fully customised and
multi-point routes created. You can
import custom POIs, and its location
search is excellent. The maps are rich
in detail, the animated dynamic lane
assistance is brilliant, and voice
instructions clear and timely.
The multiple layers of menus and
options are confusing, though. Route
choices were a bit hit and miss, and the
traffic option isnt as good as TomToms
HD Traffic or CoPilots ActiveTraffic.
Overall, though, Sygic only needs a bit
more polish to start challenging CoPilot,
Navigon and TomTom for top honours.
AS well as free sat-nav,

Waze offers what it calls
community-contributed
traffic information. Waze
monitors the speed and location of all
its registered active app users and
transmits the info to its servers,
monitoring traffic in real time and
advising you of any problems. At no
stage, however, were we redirected
due to traffic reported by others.
The search function is decent, but
sometimes refuses to connect. Routing
was below average and features are
basic, with no option to upgrade to
offline maps, no indication of toll roads,
no speed limit display, no automatic
night mode and no lane guidance.
Its a worthy effort, and in time Waze
could grow into something great. But if
you need reliable guidance right now,
wed advise investing in a paid-for app.
MAPQUEST is unusual in
that its as much a tool
for walking, general
browsing and map
editing as an aid for driving. It
has a very detailed top-down 2D
perspective, but theres no 3D view.
There are other problems, too.
MapQuest gives no results if you
accidentally leave the space out of a
postcode, for example. It often timed
out, too, leaving us tapping Retry until
a server connection was re-established.
Its not very intuitive, yet still found its
way to all but one of our destinations.
And, surprising in a free app, it allows
route editing by adding waypoints.
There were some questionable route
choices, and the top-down view and
small font make it difficult to read while
driving. We cant really recommend
MapQuest as a driving aid.
THIS is one of the more

established sat-nav apps
on Windows phones.
Theres a 3.99 onlineonly version, one with offline European
maps for 37, and our test app the
31 offline UK and Ireland version.
For that price you might expect a few
features, but Turn by Turn is as basic as
paid-for apps get. Theres no text-tospeech option, no multi-point routing
and no traffic upgrade. It also offers
only a top-down, 2D view.
The address search doesnt have full
postcode support, there were errors in
the routes given and voice instructions
were often confusing or inaccurate.
In short, Turn by Turn is mediocre. Its
search facilities are sparse and routing
is hit and miss. The online-only version
may be a mere 4, but the version with
offline maps certainly isnt worth 31.
Verdict:
Verdict:
Verdict:
Verdict:
VITAL STATISTICS
VITAL STATISTICS
VITAL STATISTICS
VITAL STATISTICS
Operating system:
Operating system:
Operating system:
Operating system:
Maps:
Maps:
Maps:

Android: UK/ROI: 17; Europe: 33
Windows: N/A
Storage: Offline
Europe: 4.4GB
Data provider: Tele Atlas
Features:

(Google and Wikipedia), multi-point trip
planning, lane assistance, 2D/3D view,
text to speech, map updates (free),
speed camera warnings, live traffic
avoidance (8 per year), 3D cities (69p).
iOS: Free
Android: Free
Windows: N/A
iOS: N/A
Android: Free
Windows: N/A
Storage: Online
Map size: N/A
Storage: Online
Map size: N/A
Features:
Features:

(Bing, Foursquare and Google),
alternate route view, 2D/3D view,
in-app map correction, map
updates (free), speed camera
warnings, live traffic avoidance.

(MapQuest), multi-point trip planning,
alternate route view, 2D view, text to
speech, in-app map correction.
WorldMags.net
iOS: N/A
Android: N/A
Windows: Online only: 3.99;
UK/ROI: 31; Europe: 37
Maps:
Storage: Online or offline

Europe: 5.2GB
Features:
Postcode search (three character), lane

assistance, 2D view, map updates (free).
13 June 2012 33
Newcars
208 e-HDi
36 Peugeot
Visit autoexpress.co.uk for the latest new cars and drives
LexusGS
Sporty version of new

luxury hybrid saloon
aims at hot diesel execs
New eco-friendly diesel

version of supermini hope
driven on British roads.
FIRST DRIV
Damio
Damion Smy
Damio
DamionSmy
YOU only have to look at the

popularity of Audis S line or
BMWs M Sport models to see
that sporty premium cars are big
business. Lexus has obviously
been paying attention, too, as a
new F Sport trim level has been
introduced on the latest GS.
The upgrades over the
standard car start with the way
the GS F Sport looks: the narrow
headlights and sharp lines remain,
but this model rides on 19-inch
alloys rather than 18s and gets
an even more aggressive grille
and more pronounced bumpers.
Inside, theres a selection of
familiar Lexus features, such as
leather on the doors and seats,
with a perforated F Sportt leather
steering wheel and gearstick.
arstick.
High-quality
dash gets
improved
infotainment
controller
Quality
These are backed up by highighquality fit, finish and feel. There

have been improvementss to the
mouse controller, which loses
its side buttons in favour of
a smarter push to select
set-up, while front and rear
occupants get more room
compared to the old car.
Similarly, repositioning
the hybrids batteries has
increased boot space by
an impressive 55 per cent,
taking the total to 465 litres.
The much-improved interior
also features the worlds largest
est
in-car display as its centrepiece..
This optional 12.3-inch screen
is an evolution of the existing
Lexus set-up, but is clearer
and easier to read. The GS
has a head-up display, too,
showing speed, revs and gear.
Push the start button and
the silence of the updated
hybrid drivetrain is all that
greets you, but pull away into
traffic, press the accelerator
harder and the 3.5-litre V6
engine comes to life.
The power sources produce
a combined 338bhp, which
means a 0-62mph time of
5.9 seconds and seriously
impressive in-gear performance.
There is one letdown, though,
34 13 June 2012
F Sport adds
bodykit and
19-inch alloys
GOOD
The GS 450h F Sport has
a bolder look and offe
offers
more impressive driving
dynamics. The adaptive
chassis adds new depth
to its sporting ability.
NOT SO GOOD
Dash and centre console
have been improved yet
still look dated. Hybrid
technology means this
car will cost more than
its major class rivals.
GS F Sport is a
capable luxury
car, but not an
out-and-out
sports saloon
and thats the transmission

transmission.
It
Its a CVT box, with steering
wheel shift paddles, but whether
you leave it in Drive or change
gears yourself, it takes the
edge off the cars refinement,
causing the revs to rise noisily.
The good news is that the
hybrid powertrain is genuinely
clean, with CO2 emissions cut
from 179g/km to 141g/km
and fuel economy improved
by 23 per cent to 45.6mpg.
Performance, economy,
emissions and price are
in the same ball park as
a BMW 535d M Sport.
The F Sport features an
additional Sports Plus mode
WorldMags.net
on top of the Eco, Normal and

Sports settings offered across
the GS line-up. This makes the
electric power-steering quicker
and more responsive, but we
felt the steering could still do
with more feel in all modes.
The F Sport model also
gets rear-wheel steering to
aid stability and parking. Add in
adaptive dampers and you have
all the makings of a genuine
sports saloon. Yet this is still a
luxury car with a comfortable ride.
An Audi A6 or a BMW 5 Series
the latter with some optional
chassis gadgets will be better
to drive, but the GSs broad
range of talents is appealing.
Boxster S
39 Porsche
Why hotter 311bhp version

of new roadster is one of the
best cars Porsche makes.
BRZ in UK
40 Subaru
Does boxer-engined coup

deliver on its promise? We
hit British roads to reveal all.
diesel
43 Hot
Volvo V40
New 175bhp D4 adds poke to

stylish, efficient new hatch.
We see if its the best choice.
VE
CVT gearbox spoils

refinement in auto
and manual modes
TESTED
Lexus GS 450h
F Sport
Price: 50,995
Engine: 3.5-litre V6/electric motor
Power: 338bhp
Transmission: CVT, rear-wheel drive
0-62mph: 5.9 seconds
Top speed: 155mph
Economy: 45.6mpg
CO2: 141g/km
Equipment: Leather upholstery,
adaptive suspension, rear-wheel
steering, electronic stability control
On sale Now
STS
ING CO
RUNN(OF
FICIAL) 88 FILL-UP
45.6MPG
Verdict
Rear legroom has been improved over the old GS, while hybrids
batteries have been relocated, increasing boot space by 55 per cent
WorldMags.net
THE F Sport is the pick of the

GS line-up for keen drivers.
Its better balanced, faster and
more entertaining than before,
but its clear youre buying a
capable luxury car rather than
an out-and-out sports saloon.
Your 6,000 over the standard
GS gives you improved looks
and efficiency, but this car is
still mostly focused on comfort.
13 June 2012 35
New cars
Peugeot 208 e-HDi
New 208 is far

more fun on
the road than
207 it replaces
Pictures: Nathan Morgan
FIRST UK DRIVE
Peugeot208e-HDi
Luke Madden
THANKS to our early drives

on the European mainland,
we already know that the 208 is
the best small car Peugeot has
produced in years. But now that
it has arrived in the UK, we can
set about finding the sweet
spot in the model line-up.
This 1.6 e-HDi version has
the makings of being the top
pick, with 91bhp and a claimed
74.3mpg. The engine impresses
on the road, with a smoothness
that you dont expect from a fourcylinder diesel supermini.
Acceleration wont exactly
set pulses racing, but the 12.2second 0-62mph time feels quick
enough in town. The stop-start
36 13 June 2012
system works seamlessly,

too, and during our hour-long
city test drive the engine was
switched off for a total of
18 minutes. Other set-ups
wouldnt have come close.
Its this clever system that
helps reduce the 208s running
costs. CO2 emissions of 98g/km
are low enough to allow the
Peugeot to be exempt from
road tax, and we achieved
real-world economy of around
60mpg during our test drive.
Motorists looking for even lower
running costs can always opt for
the 1.4 e-HDi, which officially
claims 87g/km and 83.1mpg.
However, even with an eye
on efficiency the 208 e-HDi is
plenty of fun to drive; far better
than the 207 it replaces. It all
Its already
on foreign
try eco sup
starts with the tiny steering

wheel, which gives a real sense
of agility. Unless the speeds
are really high, the 208 flows
nicely through fast corners with
decent grip and only a limited
amount of body roll.
Its only as you fully explore
the cars limits that you find it
cant quite match Fords Fiesta
for outright ability and driver
Cabin features
touchscreen,
sports seats
plus black and
chrome inserts
WorldMags.net
Peugeot 208 e-HDi
New cars
TESTED
Peugeot 208
1.6 e-HDi Allure
Price: 15,845
Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl turbodiesel
Power: 91bhp
Transmission: Five-speed
manual, front-wheel drive
Economy/CO2: 74.3mpg/98g/km
Equipment: Colour touchscreen,
dual-zone climate control,
Bluetooth, electric windows,
16-inch alloy wheels
On sale Now
LITY BOOT
PRACTICA
WN) 285/1,067 LTS
(SEATS UP/DO
Load area is more spacious than before, dials help give cabin a classy feel while colour touchscreen controls navigation and infotainment
impressed us
roads. Now we
ermini over here
STS
ING CO
RUNN(OF
FICIAL) 70 FILL-UP
74.3MPG
GOOD
Everything from the way
it looks to how it drives
shouts that the 208 is
a premium car. With a
more compact exterior
and roomier cabin, its
also easy to drive and
impressively practical.
NOT SO GOOD
While it may feel grownup and refined, the 208
struggles to deliver the
kind of thrills that the
Ford Fiesta offers. That
wont be a problem for
a lot of buyers, though.
Stop-start is so effective, youll

never need switch to turn it off
involvement. One aspect that
is particularly to blame is the
five-speed manual gearbox,
which feels a bit vague.
On the plus side, the 208s
suspension does a good job of
isolating the driver from rough
roads. The only hint of firmness
comes when travelling over
drains and potholes, at which
point a noisy thud enters the
cabin. This 208 1.6 e-HDi

in Allure specification costs
15,845 a price tag which
places the 208 at the most
expensive end of the supermini
market, right up there with the
best-selling Fiesta. Thankfully,
the stylish cabin feels worth
every penny; it comes with
a colour touchscreen, sports
seats and some gloss black
and brushed chrome inserts.
Passengers are well catered
for, too. Even though this car is
more compact externally than the
207, theres actually 5cm extra
rear legroom thanks to redesigned
seats which free up space. In the
boot theres an extra 15 litres of
room, too, which now takes the
load capacity to a competitive
285 litres with the rear seats up.
WorldMags.net
Verdict
FROM the moment you set

eyes on the new 208, you can
tell Peugeot is on to a winner.
It looks like a premium car,
and that impression continues
once you start driving. The
refined, smooth engine is a
perfect fit for the classy, well
specced cabin. This all means
a hefty price, but its no more
than what youd expect to pay
for a well equipped Fiesta.
13 June 2012 37
RENAULT MEGANE
+ TomTom Live Sat Nav

+ Bluetooth and iPod connectivity
+ Keyless entry
Car shown is Mgane Coup GT Line dCi 160. 385 deposit, 385 per month.
FROM 259
PER MONTH
RENAULT.CO.UK
The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (I/100km) for the Mgane Coup range are: Urban 30.1(9.4) - 72.4(3.9), Extra
Urban 51.4(5.5) - 88.3(3.2), Combined 40.9(6.9) - 80.7 (3.5). The official CO 2 emissions for the range are 159 - 90g/km.
Terms and exclusions apply. Warranty 100,000 miles; Service 48,000 miles. Guarantees and indemnities may be required.You must be at least 18 and a UK resident (excluding Isle of Man and Channel Islands) to apply. Finance, subject to status, provided by RCI Financial Services
Limited, PO Box 149, Watford WD17 1FJ. Visit renault.co.uk/4pwlus for details.
Rental stated is for Renault Lease. Comparable payments are available on our personal contract purchase product ask your dealer for details. If you choose Renault Lease then you will not own the car. When you have paid the nal rental at the end of the contract, you can keep
using the car and pay an annual rental equivalent to one monthly rental. Typical example: Mgane Coup Dynamique TomTom 1.6 110, advance rental 1,968 inc. VAT, followed by 48 monthly rentals of 259 inc. VAT, nal rental 4,855 inc. VAT. Typical example: Mgane
Coup GT Line dCi 160, advance rental is 385 inc. VAT followed by 48 months rentals of 385 inc. VAT, nal rental 6,476.91 inc. VAT. Car shown with optional i.d. metallic paint available at an additional 520. A nance facility fee of 149 will be payable with the advance
rental. Available at participating dealers only. Not available in conjunction with any other schemes or nance offers, please check with your local dealer for information. Offers are available to retail and business customers (but exclude eet customers with own terms), and are
valid on new vehicles, at point of new vehicle registration, when ordered from 1st June 2012 until 30th June 2012.
WorldMags.net
Porsche Boxster S
New cars
Pictures: Otis Clay
Ma
Mat Watson
Ma
Mat_Watson@dennis.co.uk
@mat_watson
SOME people say the Boxster

is a poor mans Porsche, but
the new S model puts that idea
to rest its as quick around
Germanys infamous Nrburgring
circuit as the legendary 996 GT3.
Its not hard to see why. The
Boxster S has one of the finest
chassis of any car, incredible
brakes and a cracking 311bhp
3.4-litre flat six-cylinder engine
largely the same as the one
found in the latest 911.
The engine may not have
quite the same low-down pull
as it does in the 911 (Porsche
couldnt allow the Boxster to
upstage its bigger brother), but
its still a great performer, and
feels stronger than the 2.7-litre
engine in the normal Boxster.
This extra poke also makes
the S a better choice for general
driving crushing performance
is just a flex of the toe away.
When it comes to extras, most
buyers will pick the paddleshift
PDK dual-clutch gearbox, which is
1,992 extra, and automatically
blips the throttle on downshifts. At
lower speeds, its changes arent
quite as smooth as a normal
torque converter automatic, but
in manual mode, it moves gear
faster than you can blink: the car
Superb chassis
gives the Boxster S
exceptional handling
FIRST UK DRIVE
PorscheBoxsterS
Is brilliant roadster ready to edge out 911 as the Porsche to own?
GOOD
TESTED
Porsche
Boxster S PDK
Price: From 45,384

Engine: 3.4-litre 6cyl
Transmission: Seven-speed
dual-clutch auto, rear-wheel drive
Power/torque: 311bhp/360Nm
Top speed: 172mph
Economy: 35.3mpg
CO2: 188g/km
Equipment: Part-leather interior,
xenons, air-con, 19-inch alloys
On sale Now
The 3.4-litre flat sixcylinder engine has lots

of power, and is mated
to a brilliant chassis.
Padd
Paddleshifts
are slick and fast; boots
back and front give decent space;
Spor Chrono lap timer is an extra
Sport
NOT SO GOOD
does 0-62mph in five seconds
a tenth of a second faster than
the manual car. Fit the optional
Sport Chrono Package, which
includes a lap timer on the dash
and launch control, and you take
a further two-tenths off that time.
Really, though, how often
do you think youll need launch
Crushing
performance
is just a flex of
the toe away
in Boxster S
control? Not enough to warrant

the 1,861 extra it costs, well
wager. Better instead to spend
your money on the limited-slip
differential with torque vectoring
and Porsche Active Suspension
Management adaptive dampers.
Together, they ensure the car
handles to its full potential.
Yet thats the annoying thing
with Porsches there are too
many items on the options list.
A wind deflector really should
be standard on any convertible,
but Porsche wants 182 for it.
Little wonder that after options
the total cost of our test car
was nearly 60,000. Now who
was it who said that the Boxster
is a poor mans Porsche?
WorldMags.net
With an expensive list of

optional extras, its very
easy to inflate the price
to almost 911 money.
Verdict
THERE will always be some
Porsche fans who demand
nothing less than a 911.
However, those people really
need to drive the latest
Boxster. This S version is one
of the best cars the company
makes. Its very nearly as
fast as the much more
expensive 911 Cabriolet,
has a better-balanced chassis
and is more fun to drive.
13 June 2012 39
WorldMags.net
Subaru BRZ
New cars
BRZ comes alive in bends,

thanks to responsive handling,
meaty steering and plenty of grip
neck-snapping, with 0-62mph
in a modest 7.6 seconds. The
car is fairly efficient, though,
delivering 36.2mpg.
At slow speeds, the lack of lowrev punch means turbo hot hatches
are faster, but given plenty of revs
on a B-road, the BRZ shines.
The handling is predictable and
responsive, the steering meaty and
well weighted, and the engine
roars as you approach the red line.
A limited-slip diff is standard and
theres far more grip than power
so this isnt the tail-sliding car we
were led to believe. The ESP isnt
too intrusive if left on; turn it off
and you need to really provoke the
BRZ to get it to slide in the dry. The
ride strikes a decent balance on
UK roads: firm enough to counter
body roll, but still soak up bumps.
So, should you buy a BRZ? If
youve been used to a torquey hot
hatch turbo, you might wonder
what all the fuss is about. But if
youre prepared to put that little
bit more effort into your driving,
it will certainly reward you.
Given plenty
of revs on a
twisty B-road,
the BRZ shines
TESTED
Subaru BRZ SE Lux
Price: 26,495
Power: 197bhp
Torque: 205Nm
manual, rear-wheel drive
Top speed: 140mph
Economy: 36.2mpg
CO2: 181g/km
Equipment: Bluetooth, sports
seats, limited-slip differential
MANCE
PERFOR
H
SECS TOP SPEED 140MP
0-62 7.6
GOOD
On sale Now
The BRZ handles

superbly, so its a lot
of fun on a winding
road. Its well priced
and deserves credit for
making rear-drive coups
accessible. It arguably
offers more street cred
than Toyotas version, too.
NOT SO GOOD
The engine lacks lowdown torque: youll be
beaten off the line by
virtually every hot hatch
currently on the market.
Plus, some areas of the
cabin feel cheap and its
bland to look at inside.
Verdict
Neat styling touches for BRZ, which looks better than Toyota cousin
LITY
PRACTICA
RES
BOOT 243 LIT

WorldMags.net
SUBARU should be applauded

for reigniting the classic rearwheel-drive, front-engine
sports car spark with the
driver-focused BRZ. Yet the
cabin lets the coup down and
acceleration is brisk at best.
Its great to push hard through
corners and well mannered
in town, but the lack of lowrev punch means the car only
really shines when you rev it
to the red line and test the
chassis on a twisty road.
13 June 2012 41
Buy a new Outlander and well pay the equivalent of
10,000 miles of fuel
The Mitsubishi Outlander has big car benets yet small car running costs. It seats seven people comfortably
and comes with a frugal yet punchy 2.2 diesel engine. It also comes with on-demand All Wheel Drive,
plus well even give you a years free fuel3.
Outlander Range 21,418 31,0292 with 0% APR Representative Finance1
Visit www.mitsubishi-cars.co.uk/freefuel
Finance plans are only available through Finance Mitsubishi, 116 Cockfosters Road, Barnet, EN4 0DY and are subject to status to customers aged 18 and over. Finance Mitsubishi is part of Lloyds TSB Asset Finance.
1. 0% APR Representative nance requires a 50% deposit, other offers are available ask for details. Indemnities may be required.
2. List prices shown include VAT (at 20%), exclude VED and First Registration Fee. Metallic paint extra. 21,418 for an Outlander 2WD GX3 and 31,029 for an Outlander 4WD GX4 SST manual. Model shown is an Outlander 2WD GX3 manual at
21,418. 3. The allowance for the free fuel will be deducted from your invoice. The allowance is equivalent to the value of fuel to cover 10,000 miles, and is based on the average of the combined fuel consumption gures of the respective model. Fuel
cost based on Diesel of 146.88p per litre as per UK average on 26/03/12 on www.petrolprices.com. Actual fuel consumption will vary with load, road conditions, driving style and other factors. Offers are only applicable in the UK (excludes NI, Channel
Islands & I.O.M), on new retail sales only, subject to availability, whilst stocks last and may be amended or withdrawn at any time. Prices correct at time of going to print. Offers available at participating dealers only from 1st April 30th June 2012.
Outlander range fuel consumption in mpg (ltrs/100km): Urban: 30.4 37.2 (9.3 7.6), Extra Urban 47.1 53.3 (6.0 5.3), Combined 39.2 46.3
(7.2 6.1). CO2 emissions 189 162 g/km.
WorldMags.net
Scan me with
your smartphone
Volvo V40 D4
New cars
Pictures: Dave Smith
FIRST DRIVE
GOOD
The D4 is fast, and has
very responsive steering.
The driving position is
good and theres lots of
standard equipment, too.
NOT SO GOOD
Rear headroom is tight
for tall passengers,
while the diesel cant
match the BMW 120d
for power or efficiency.
VolvoV40D4
Feisty diesel promises a blend of pace and economy

Damion Smy
Damio
Damio
DamionSmy
FAST diesels can offer it all

the performance to outpace
a hot hatch, but the potential
to return 50mpg. So is this
D4 version of the new Volvo
V40 the pick of the range?
Under the bonnet of the
BMW 120d rival is a 175bhp
2.0-litre five-cylinder turbodiesel
engine and with a gutsy 440Nm
of torque from only 1,750rpm,
its very responsive indeed.
The 0-62mph benchmark takes
8.3 seconds, but whats more
significant is the overtaking urge;
all you have to do is flex your foot
and youre past slower traffic.
Volvos Geartronic automatic
helps. It has six well spaced
gears and gels impressively with
the warbly five-cylinder engine,
making for a smooth, fast car.
Its economical, too. Volvo
claims 54.3mpg and 136g/km
of CO2 for the Geartronic, although
the six-speed manual version is
even more efficient, promising
65.7mpg and 114g/km.
Theres plenty of grip, and the
ride is comfortable. Add precise
steering and you might think the
V40 D4 has it all sewn up. But our
mid-specification SE Nav model
costs 26,280. Thats a lot of

money when you consider a BMW
120d Sport auto is 26,210 and
is faster (0-62mph in 7.3 seconds),
more powerful (181bhp), more
efficient (62.8mpg and 119g/km)
and even more fun to drive.
That said, our test car was well
equipped. SE Nav brings satellite
navigation, 17-inch alloy wheels,
self-levelling headlamps and a
roof-mounted rear spoiler, along
with chrome window surrounds.
The V40s interior looks
classy, and is high-quality and
logical to use, too. The seats are
comfortable, the dashboard
clearly laid out with a five-inch
display screen, USB and iPod
connectivity, while the floating
centre console is still a neat touch,
despite its advancing years.
Safety kit includes a pedestrian
airbag a first on a production
car plus curtain airbags
and the City Safety emergency
braking system as standard.
Room in the back is just
about adequate, too, although
six-foot passengers might find
headroom to be a bit tight.
So is the D4 the pick of the
V40 range? Not really. Its fast,
but pricey. We reckon that
the lower-powered D2 and D3
diesels are better all-rounders.
TESTED
Volvo V40 D4 SE
Nav automatic
Price: 26,280
Power/torque: 175bhp/440Nm
automatic, front-wheel drive
Top speed: 134mph
Economy: 54.3mpg
CO2: 136g/km
Equipment: Bluetooth, pedestrian
airbag, sat-nav, stop-start
Floating centre
console looks
good; adjustable
display adds
extra class. But
headroom in
the rear is tight
WorldMags.net
On sale July
Verdict
THE most powerful dieselengined V40 in the range
delivers a strong blend of
performance, efficiency and
driver appeal. However, a
BMW 120d is even faster
and more economical. If
you dont want to run a
BMW and there are plenty
who dont the V40 offers
a well equipped, stylish
and very safe package.
13 June 2012 43
New cars
Sa
@samhardyAE
INFINITI has had a tough

time establishing itself in
a market dominated by German
premium brands. But if theres
a car thats bound to attract
attention, its the flagship FX
SUV and thanks to a facelift,
its now even bolder.
The updated 4x4 gets a new
chrome grille inspired by the
Essence sports car concept and
a revised front bumper. Other
changes include new 20-inch
alloy wheels for entry-level
GT and GT Premium models
although the sporty S version we
tested sticks with its vast 21-inch
rims. In addition, theres scratchresistant Iridium Blue or Graphite
Shadow paint, as tested here.
Thats about it for updates.
Infiniti says buyers love the way
the FX looks and drives, so it
hasnt made changes for the
sake of it. But is there still room
for improvement? We drove the
flagship 53,390 FX 30d S
Premium diesel to find out.
Jump inside and its easy to
spot buttons and switchgear from
Nissan models, but aside from
some cheap plastics, its comfy
and feels luxurious. And theres
lots of equipment, too. Our S
model had an 11-speaker Bose
stereo with a 30GB hard drive
Dampers
cope well with
the big alloys
and the ride
is supple
and integrated sat-nav system.
Theres also rear-wheel steering
to aid turn-in, as well as adaptive
suspension, although the FX 30
isnt really that sporty to drive.
Its not as agile as a BMW X6
40d, or as fast: the 235bhp 3.0litre V6 diesel is quite lazy and
the steering, while quite precise,
is on the heavy side. The car is
relaxing, however. Its dampers
cope well with the big wheels
and the ride is okay.
Sadly, the FX isnt very efficient.
A 49,340 X6 40d has a 306bhp
3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 and will
accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.5
seconds (1.8 seconds faster),
yet claims 37.7mpg and emits
198g/km of CO2. By comparison,
the Infiniti can only post 31.4mpg
and a whopping 238g/km. But if
you want to stand out, the FX wins.
44 13 June 2012
Pictures: Otis Clay
Sam Hardy
Sa
Infiniti FX 30d S
Revised grille
gives FX 30d
more presence
FIRST DRIVE
InfinitiFX30dS
Do updates boost appeal of luxurious crossover?
TESTED
Infiniti FX 30d S
Premium
Price: 53,390
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel
Power: 235bhp
automatic, four-wheel drive
Economy: 31.4mpg
CO2: 238g/km
Equipment: Lane departure alert,
Bose stereo, 21-inch alloy wheels,
continuous damping control
On sale Now
GOOD
Large boot capacity and relaxing cruising ability make FX ideal for long-distance journeys. Cabin is
let down by Nissan switches and cheap plastics, but still packs gadgets like sat-nav and cruise control
An even more striking

grille, curvy shape and
vast 21-inch alloys ensure
FX looks very imposing.
NOT SO GOOD
Big V6 diesel is powerful,
but its less efficient than
more potent engines
from rivals like BMW.
Verdict
THE FX is still a rare enough
sight in the UK to cause a stir.
This latest round of updates
hasnt really done much to
change the appeal it looks
imposing, drives well in a
relaxing way and has loads of
gadgets. The diesel engine is
still relatively inefficient, but
overall the FX is likeable. It
feels genuinely different to
rivals such as the BMW X6.
WorldMags.net
Amazer 3G Maxx
Highly recommended
TCS Summer tyre test 2012
Top marks on wet roads

TCS Summer tyre test 2012
Good in all safety-specic disciplines
Aspire
apollotyres.com
Acelere
Amazer
3G Maxx
Aspire 4G
WorldMags.net
Acelere Winter
TM
WorldMags.net
New cars
Coming soon
Honda NSX 2014
THE successor to Hondas mid-engined supercar will get a directinjection V6 petrol engine and twin electric motors up front
to send power to all four wheels.
FIRST DRIVE
Audi TT RS Plus
SUPERMINIS
Alfa Romeo MiTo 5dr

Audi A2
BMW i3
Citroen DS1
Ford Ka
Hyundai i20
MG3
Mitsubishi Colt
Peugeot 108
Renault Clio
Renault Twingo
Renault ZOE
Smart ForTwo
Smart ForTwo+2
Smart ForFour
Toyota Aygo
Toyota Yaris hybrid
Vauxhall Adam
Ultimate version of TT flatters to deceive

Michael Taylor
THERE cant have been many

TT RS buyers who thought their
car needed a bit more punch, but
with a new Porsche Boxster on
sale (see Page 39), Audi is keen
to steal some of the limelight.
So the TT RS Plus produces
355bhp from its 2.5-litre fivecylinder turbo engine, which is
20bhp more than the standard
car. Torque is also up 15Nm to
465Nm, while the speed limiter
has been removed, taking the top
speed from 155mph to 174mph.
Goodies include a sports
exhaust, 19-inch alloy wheels
and some subtle visual tweaks
including a matt aluminium grille,
plus sat-nav, Bluetooth and iPod
connectivity included as standard.
On the move, it doesnt really
feel any different to the standard
car. The extra power shaves twotenths of a second off the 0-62mph
time (down to just 4.2 seconds
for the seven-speed S tronic auto
Roadster we tested), but youd be
hard-pressed to notice. Its still
an incredible engine, which
makes a fantastic warbling note.
In corners, the TT RS Plus grips
and grips and then understeers
stubbornly. Its fast, yes, but not
much fun, while the bigger wheels
make the ride very firm. But the
FAMILY CARS
TESTED
Audi TT RS Plus
Roadster
Price: 52,265
Engine: 2.5-litre 5cyl turbo, 355bhp
twin-clutch, four-wheel drive
Equipment: Sat-nav, Bluetooth,
sports exhaust, 19-inch alloys
On sale Now
biggest problem is price. The TT
RS Plus kicks off at 48,945 for
the six-speed manual Coup
3,085 more than the standard
model rising to 52,265 for our
test car. By comparison, Porsches
brilliant Boxster S costs 45,384
and is better in every way.
Accerleration is devastating, but it cant match Boxster for sheer fun
Cabin will be familiar fare

to owners of the existing RS
GOOD
The 2.5-litre five-cylinder

engine is now more
powerful and provides
a great soundtrack.
NOT SO GOOD
Its very pricey and the
handling just isnt as
involving as that of the
cheaper Porsche Boxster.
Verdict
ITS faster and better equipped
than the standard TT RS, but
the Plus version doesnt really
do enough to justify its higher
price tag. While its turbo fivecylinder engine ensures its
very quick and sounds great,
its nowhere near as involving
as the new Porsche Boxster,
which offers proper driving
fun and a prettier package
for a lot less money.
Alfa Romeo Giulia

Audi A3
BMW 3 Series GT
Fisker Atlantic
Ford Focus BEV
Ford C-MAX hybrid
Ford Mondeo
Jaguar X-Type replacement
Jaguar XF Sportbrake
Lexus IS
Lexus GS 450h
Mazda 6
Mercedes A-Class
Mercedes baby CLS
Mercedes C-Class
MG5
Peugeot 308 (new)
Renault Mgane
SEAT Leon
Skoda Golf rival
Skoda Octavia
Tesla Model S
Toyota Auris
Volkswagen Golf MkVII
Volvo V40
SPORTS CARS
2013
2013
2013
2015
2014
late 2012
late 2012
late 2012
2014
November
2014
October
2014
late 2012
2015
2014
June
2013
2013
September
2013
2013
December
2013
2013
2014
mid 2012
2013
July
early 2013
December
2014
2014
2013
2013
2013
2013
2013
2013
late 2012
2013
2013
Juy
Abarth sports car

2013
Alfa Romeo 4C
late 2012
Alfa Romeo Spider
2015
Aston Martin DB9
2013
Aston Martin DBS
2013
Aston Martin Centenary Edition 2013
Aston Martin V12 Zagato
late 2012
Audi R8 e-tron
2013
Audi S1
September
Audi R4
2013
Audi Quattro
2014
Audi RS4 Avant
mid 2012
Audi RS5 Cabriolet
mid 2012
Audi TT
2013
Bentley Continental GT2
2013
BMW 2 Series
2014
BMW i8
mid 2013
BMW M2
2015
BMW M3
2013
Citroen DS4 Racing
late 2012
Ferrari F12 Berlinetta
July
Ford Fiesta ST
late 2012
Ford Focus ST
September
Ford Focus RS
mid 2013
Ford Mustang
2014
Honda Civic Type R
mid 2013
Honda NSX
2014
Jaguar F-Type
2013
Jaguar C-X75
2014
Lotus Esprit
2013
Lotus Elite
2014
Mazda RX-9
2015
McLaren Shooting Brake
2014
Mercedes baby SLS
2014
WorldMags.net
Mercedes SLS AMG BlackSeries 2013

MG TF replacement
2014
MINI Cooper JCW GP
late 2012
Peugeot 208 GTi
2013
Porsche baby Boxster
2014
Porsche 918 Spyder
2013
Porsche 961
2014
Porsche Pajun
2016
Porsche Cayman
April 2013
Renault Clio Williams
late 2012
Renaultsport Clio
early 2013
Subaru BRZ
July
Subaru Impreza STi
2014
Vauxhall Astra VXR
July
Vauxhall Calibra
2013
Volkswagen Polo R
late 2012
OFF-ROADERS
Alfa Romeo SUV

Audi Q2
Audi Q6
Bentley SUV
BMW X4
Citroen C4 Aircross
Dacia Duster
Fiat 500X
Ford Fiesta SUV
Ford Kuga
Honda CR-V
Jaguar SUV
Jeep small SUV
Lamborghini Urus
Land Rover Defender
Lexus RX 450h F Sport
Maserati Kubang
Mazda CX-5
MINI Paceman
Porsche Macan
Renault Captur
Renault Mgane SUV
Skoda Yeti+2
SsangYong crossover
Tesla Model X
Toyota RAV4
Vauxhall Mokka
Volkswagen CrossCoup
PEOPLE MOVERS
Citroen C4 Picasso
Fiat 500L
Ford B-MAX
Nissan Note
Toyota Prius+
Volkswagen Camper
2013
2013
2013
2014
2013
late 2012
December
2013
early 2013
2013
late 2012
2015
2013
2013
2015
mid 2012
2014
mid 2012
late 2012
2013
mid 2013
2014
2013
2013
2014
early 2013
late 2012
2014
mid 2012
late 2012
September
2013
July
2013
CABRIOLETS
Alfa Romeo Spider

late 2013
Citroen DS3 cabriolet
2013
Kia Roadster
2013
Lambo Aventador Roadster
2013
Lexus LFA Roadster
2014
Lotus Elise
2015
Lotus Elite
2014
McLaren MP4-12CSpider
2012
Mercedes SL
September
Porsche Boxster
August
Range Rover Evoque Cabriolet
2013
Renault Alpine
2014
Rolls Ghost Drophead Coup late 2012
Vauxhall Cabriolet
September
Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabrio September
LUXURY CARS
Alfa Romeo 169

2013
Audi S7
August
BMW Gran Coup
mid 2012
BMW M6 Gran Coup
September
Bentley four-door coup
2014
Chrysler 300C
July
Citroen DS9
2013
Fisker Surf
mid 2012
Lexus LS
2013
Mercedes CLSShooting Brake late 2012
Mercedes S-Class
late 2012
13 June 2012 47
Road tests
Finest-ever
Visit autoexpress.co.uk for the latest new cars and drives
hybrid
vs Infiniti
56 BMW
New ActiveHybrid 5 Series

meets M35h in petrol-electric
executive saloon shoot-out.
fast Ford?
We see if the new Focus ST can live up to the Ford hot hatch
legend as it tackles Renaultsport Mgane and VW Golf GTI
48 13 June 2012
WorldMags.net
64Lexus
CT 200h
Yeti
62 Skoda
Family man takes delivery of

Britains best car to own. Will
his young daughter approve?
Petrol-electric premium hatch

adds excellent load-carrying
ability to long list of talents.
VW Golf GTI
Edition 35
Price: 29,830
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 232bhp
Test economy: 26.6mpg/5.9mpl
CO2: 185g/km
Annual road tax: 210
Why? The most famous hot hatch
of all, the Volkswagen Golf GTI is
the benchmark for style, usability
and quality. Edition 35 trim gives
it 232bhp and sharper looks.
Ford Focus
ST-3
Price: 25,495
CO2: 169g/km
Why? The first performance
version of the current Focus,
the new ST is the car fast Ford
fans have been waiting for. Can
it snatch the class crown?
Renaultsport
Mgane 265
Price: 26,040
CO2: 190g/km
Why? Latest Renaultsport Mgane
gets more power, subtly enhanced
styling and a revised exhaust note
to take it to the top. We test it
without hard-edged Cup chassis.
BRITAINS love affair with fast Fords stretches back nearly half
a century, to when the legendary Lotus Cortina first broke cover.
So the arrival of the latest Focus ST hot hatch is big news indeed.
The newcomer has all it needs to take home class honours: a new
247bhp 2.0-litre turbo engine, uprated chassis and very aggressive
looks. To find out if it can, weve driven one of the first production
models to the south of France to meet two of its toughest rivals.
The VW Golf GTI really needs no introduction. Our reigning hot-hatch
champ is a great all-rounder, especially in range-topping Edition 35
trim. Setting the standard for driver thrills is the revised Renaultsport
Mgane. With its punchy 261bhp turbo engine, sharp chassis and
sleek looks, it presents a stern challenge to any class newcomer.
So can the brand-new Focus ST topple these very capable rivals
in its road-test debut and join the ranks of the truly great fast Fords?
WorldMags.net
Pictures: Dominic Fraser Location:
Nice, France
13 June 2012 49
THE new Ford Focus ST is one of the

most eagerly anticipated hot hatches
of the decade. Following in the wheel tracks
of a stellar line-up of high-performance Fords,
its been tasked with booting the VW Golf
GTI off its place at the top of the pocketrocket pecking order. So, has the ST got
what it takes to deliver a knock-out
punch to its heavyweight rivals?
Well, it certainly packs plenty of visual
aggression. Riding 10mm lower than the
standard Focus, the new car looks purposeful
and muscular, with a gaping trapezoidal
grille, deeper side sills, a large tailgate
spoiler and a centre-exit exhaust pipe.
Its not as classy as the grown-up Golf
or as sleek as the coup-like Renault, but
its performance potential is clear to see.
The Focus is only available as a ve-door
hatchback or versatile estate, which means
it beats the three-door Renault for space and
practicality. Plus, the hatchs 363-litre boot
is 13 litres larger than the Golfs. But its worth
bearing in mind that the volume shrinks to
316 litres if you swap the standard puncture
repair kit for a space-saver spare wheel.
Inside, a few racy additions separate the
ST from lesser Focus models. For instance,
driver and front passenger get chunky Recaro
seats, while the steering wheel and gearlever
are embossed with an ST logo. And as with
its predecessor, on top of the dash is a trio
50 13 June 2012
Ford Focus STSo, does latest Ford flier shake up the hot hatch market?
of extra dials that monitors the engines turbo

boost level, oil temperature and oil pressure.
The rest of the cabin is standard Focus fare,
which means robust construction and decentquality materials. The trouble is, it doesnt feel
quite as upmarket as the Golf, while the fussy
layout of the dashboard isnt as intuitive
as the VWs straightforward design.
Its what lies under the bonnet that
most keen drivers will be interested in,
though. The ST uses a tuned version of the
Mondeos 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo engine
and produces 247bhp thats 25bhp more
STS
ING CO
RUNN(ON
TEST) 74 FILL-UP
25.8MPG
WorldMags.net
As youd expect,
the new Focus ST is
in its element on a
twisting back road
Ford Focus ST vs rivals
Road test
Styling
AGGRESSIVE design wont
be to all tastes. Gaping grille,
side skirts, tailgate spoiler
and 18-inch alloys help the
ST stand out from its rivals.
Interior
EXTRA dials and superb Recaro

seats add to sporty feel, while
quality is excellent. As with
other Focus models, the fussy
dash design is a letdown.
Driving
BLISTERING turbocharged
pace and engaging handling
make Ford huge fun to drive.
Yet refinement and comfort
are easily a match for the VW.
LITY BOOT
PRACTICA
WN) 363/1,148 LTS
(SEATS UP/DO
Focus ST blends pace with practicality: boot

takes nearly 1,150 litres of luggage with seats folded down and rear is spacious for adults
Costs
AT 25,495, the ST-3 is the

cheapest car here, and comes
packed with kit. It also emits
the least CO2, but 25.8mpg
economy was lowest on test.
Practicality
FIVE-door layout and roomy

cabin deliver family-friendly
versatility, while 363-litre
boot is the biggest on test.
Safety
MANCE H
PERFOR
T-3
0-60 6.5
than the old 2.5-litre ve-cylinder ST as well

as a muscular 340Nm of torque. This showed
in our on-track performance tests, where
the Focus was comfortably quickest in the
in-gear runs, needing only 6.1 seconds to
sprint from 50-70mph in sixth. The VW
was a full 1.6 seconds slower than that.
In the real world, the Ford feels even
quicker than its rivals. The EcoBoosts power
delivery isnt as dramatic as the Renaults, but
the Focus pulls with relentless force from idle
all the way to the engines rev limit. Adding
to the fun is a growling exhaust note that
sounds very similar to its predecessors
characterful ve-cylinder engine.
As youd expect from Ford, the new ST is in
its element on a twisting back road. Incredible
composure, strong grip and light-footed agility
allow it to rival the Renault for driver thrills.
Better still, theres a clever electronic torque
vectoring system that mimics a limited-slip
differential, delivering strong traction out of
tight corners. The Focus is also barely affected
by wayward torque steer, which is partly due
to an updated electric power-steering set-up
STANDARD Focus gets five stars

in Euro NCAP test, plus seven
airbags and ESP. Active City
Stop is an optional extra.
Steering wheel gets ST badge

and dashboard has extra dials.
Outside, centre-exit exhaust
and sporty 18-inch alloy
wheels are standard fit
GO OD
The 247bhp 2.0-litre
engine is fantastic, with
electrifying response
and a rorty soundtrack.
NOT SO GO OD
Were still not convinced
by the fussy dash design.
The steering wheel also
has too many buttons.
that eliminates any wriggle through the

steering wheel under hard acceleration.
The quick, accurate steering also has a
variable-ratio rack, which helps provide
the feedback and adjustability you expect
in a sporty Focus. Powerful and progressive
brakes, plus a precise gearbox, also impress.
But the STs party trick is to mix traditional
hot-hatch thrills with grown-up comfort and
renement. On the motorway, its cabin was
WorldMags.net
the quietest here, while the suspension isolates

occupants from the worst bumps and potholes.
Add the electrifying mid-range pace, and the
Ford is an effortless long-distance tourer.
Plus, the Focus is as cost-effective to run
as it is fun to drive. The entry-level car costs
21,995, while our top-spec ST-3 is 25,495
a hefty 2,985 less than a manual Golf.
CO2 emissions of 169g/km also make the
Focus the cheapest company-car choice.
13 June 2012 51
Road test

STS
ING CO
RUNN(ON
TEST) 74 FILL-UP
27.4MPG
Badges, prominent exhaust

and red-stitched gearstick
emphasise 265s potential
MANCE H
PERFOR
0-60 6.5
Renaultsport Mgane 265

Rapid hatch gets round of
EVER since the ery 5 Gordini Turbo

burst on to the scene three decades
ago, Renault has delivered a string of thrilling
hot hatches. The Renaultsport Mgane 265
is the latest in this long line, recently getting
refreshed looks and more power. Its still the
class benchmark for driving thrills and style.
Exterior changes have been kept to a
minimum, with revised headlamps, LED
daytime running lights, a reproled front
bumper and new 18-inch alloys being the
most obvious visual tweaks. Elsewhere,
the car retains the same rakish coup-like
lines and muscular bodykit as its predecessor.
Only the aggressive Focus comes close to
matching the Mgane for racy visual appeal.
Its a similar story inside, with a few subtle
updates. Like other models in the line-up, the
Renaultsport gets an easier-to-use stereo plus
better-quality trim. Theres plenty of standard
kit, such as dual-zone climate control, leather
upholstery and heated front seats although
the gure-hugging Recaro bucket seats tted
to our test car cost a hefty 1,300 extra.
Theres also just about enough room for
ve adults and plenty of useful storage space.
But the Renault cant match its ve-door rivals
for practicality, as access to the rear seat is
tight and small side windows make it feel
claustrophobic back there. And while the
344-litre boot is only six litres smaller than
the Golfs, its hobbled by a high loading lip.
Yet for most buyers of these cars, scorching
performance will be more important than
family-friendliness and the Mgane doesnt
disappoint. Power from the familiar 2.0-litre
engine has been boosted from 247bhp to
261bhp, while torque is up 20Nm to 360Nm.
On track, the Mgane blasted from 0-60mph
in only 6.5 seconds, while it needed just 7.2
52 13 June 2012
updates to stay in touch
with rivals
Styling
RECENT changes have been
kept to a minimum, but the
three-door Mgane still looks
dramatic. Standard 18-inch
alloys add to visual appeal.
Interior
QUALITY isnt quite in same

league as VW, yet Renaults
cabin looks good and is well
equipped. The revised stereo
has easier-to-use controls.
Driving
LITY BOOT
PRACTICA
WN) 344/991 LTS
265 has strong

grip, solid body
control and well
weighted steering
seconds for the 50-70mph sprint in sixth. In
the real world, the 265 feels even faster, as the
power is delivered in a sudden turbo rush,
accompanied by a distinctive roar. A slick
and precise gearshift and powerful Brembo
brakes add to the performance credentials.
Yet its on tight and twisty back roads that
the Renault excels. Our test car wasnt tted
(SEATS UP/DO
with the optional 1,350 Cup chassis, which

includes lowered and stiffened suspension,
plus a limited-slip differential, but it still felt
agile and engaging. Strong grip, rock-solid
body control and well weighted steering
help the 265 to match the Ford for fun.
Better still, the Renaults cornering ability
doesnt come at the expense of comfort. Its
not quite as rened as the VW or Ford, but its
a surprisingly relaxed cruiser. And the ride is
composed if you dont choose the Cup chassis.
At 26,040, the Mgane undercuts a vedoor manual Golf GTI by 2,440, plus it has
Renaults new 4+ aftersales package, which
includes four years warranty and servicing.
Yet theres no ignoring the cars high CO2
emissions and limited practicality.
WorldMags.net
SCORCHING acceleration and

pin-sharp handling make
Mgane the keen drivers
choice. Cup chassis option
gives very unforgiving ride.
Costs
AT 26,040, Renault is around

2,000 cheaper than a manual
Golf GTI. Plus, it includes four
years servicing and warranty.
Practicality
THE Mgane is only available

as a three-door, which limits
practicality. Rear passengers
also get the least space here.
Safety
RENAULT backs up its five-star

Euro NCAP crash-test result
with Brembo brakes and
standard stability control.

THE Edition 35 was launched to mark
35 years of the most famous hot hatch
of all and is the fastest and most powerful
VW Golf GTI yet. So is it good enough to live
up to the legend and beat the new Focus ST?
With unique skirts plus a more aggressive
front bumper and air intake, it certainly looks
the part. Black mirror housings, LED running
lights and subtle Edition 35 badging further
distinguish it from the normal GTI. And while
its clearly more distinctive than the standard
car, the Golf still looks classier and more
grown-up than the Ford or Renault.
Its a similar story inside, where sporty
detailing blends seamlessly with the quality
and functionality of the standard Golf cabin.
The driving position and steering wheel are
both perfect, while in a nod to the original
GTI, theres a dimpled golf ball gearlever
for both the manual gearbox and the 1,350
optional dual-clutch DSG transmission.
Even better, compared to the complicated
mix of screens and controls in the Focus, the
Golfs straightforward dash is refreshing,
while rear passenger space is much better
than in the three-door Renault. Factor
in the well shaped 350-litre boot and
the ve-door GTI is a practical choice.
Still, its the driving experience that really
counts, and here the battle with the new Ford
and racy Renault gets tougher. But the Edition
35 has a few tricks up its sleeve. VW hasnt
uprated the standard GTIs 2.0-litre turbo.
Instead, the Edition 35 uses a detuned version
of the 267bhp 2.0-litre turbo from the Golf R.
Yet despite having 232bhp and 300Nm of
torque, it cant match the punch of its rivals.
The slick-shifting DSG box of our test car
helps boost the Edition 35s 0-60mph time
to 6.4 seconds a tenth of a second quicker
than both the Ford and Renault. And while
in-gear performance isnt quite as strong,
theres a lovely warble from the exhaust on
upshifts and a crisp blip on the way down.
Like the regular GTI, the Edition 35 sits
15mm lower than a normal Golf, and it rides
well, soaking up bumps better than the
In-gear response
is strong and theres
a lovely warble from
the GTIs exhaust
Road test
MANCE H
PERFOR
0-60 6.4
VWGolfGTIEdn.35
New special edition improves already very capable package
Renault. Adaptive Chassis Control magnetic

dampers (805) further improve comfort.
Yet the GTIs grown-up personality doesnt
come at the expense of handling: body control
is good, while the steering is direct and well
weighted. The standard electronic limited-slip
differential does a good job of minimising
understeer and ensuring decent traction
at the exit of tight corners.
Comfortable yet engaging, the VW Golf
GTI Edition 35 is a very likeable and capable
hot hatch, but it costs 4,335 more than the
faster, sharper and more comfortable Ford.
It has higher CO2 emissions, too, making it
a costly company car choice. And even if
you opt for the less pricey manual version,
its still the most expensive car in this test.
Yet for all that, its hard not to be seduced
by the Golf GTIs blend of high quality, classy
style and day-to-day usability, while strong
residual values make it a sound long-term
investment. So is that enough to secure
victory against such talented opposition?
Styling
IF you want a classy-looking
hot hatch, the Golf GTI is the
default choice. Edition 35s
updates add a sportier edge.
Interior
QUALITY is first-rate and the
layout is very straightforward.
Tasteful detailing throughout
makes the cabin feel special.
Driving
STS
ING CO
RUNN(ON
TEST) 74 FILL-UP
26.6MPG
THE GTI is composed, grippy

and comfortable on all types
of road. Both dual-clutch and
manual versions are great,
although rivals are quicker.
Costs
WHICHEVER bodystyle or box

you go for, the Edition 35 is
the most expensive car here.
It also has higher emissions
than the newer Focus ST.
Golf ball gearlever hints at GTI heritage,

while theres plenty of room in the back
Practicality
SPACIOUS felt-lined door

pockets, a large glovebox and
a big boot ensure roomy fivedoor GTI is family-friendly.
Safety
THE Golf has a five-star Euro

NCAP crash-test rating, while
rear side airbags cost 270
and VWs Park Assist system
is 535 extra on the GTI.
WorldMags.net
LITY BOOT
PRACTICA
WN) 350/1,305 LTS
(SEATS UP/DO
13 June 2012 53
WorldMags.net
Road test
SPEC
*Space saver 75. ^Manufacturer results from Driver Power 2012; dealer results from 2011. Bold = equipment fitted to our test car. Insurance quotes from AA (Tel 0800 107 0680 or www.theAA.com) for a male, aged 42, living in Banbury, Oxon, with three penalty points.
SHEET
FORD FOCUS
ST-3
VW GOLF GTI
EDITION 35 5DR
RENAULTSPORT
MEGANE 265
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
Service package
25,495/26,770
29,830/32,635
26,040/29,045
N/A
14,975/50.2%
13,072/N/A
N/A
14,855
N/A
1,156/2,313
1,590/3,181
1,485/2,961
2,849/4,748
2,763/4,605
2,682/4,470
36/N/A/H/190
35/483/I/210
36/619/J/245
475 (2yrs/80k)
329 (3yrs/30k)
Free (4yrs/48k)
Length/wheelbase
Height/width
Engine
Peak power
Peak torque
Transmission
Fuel tank capacity/spare wheel
Boot capacity (seats up/down)
Kerbweight/payload/towing weight
Turning circle/drag coefficient
Basic warranty (miles)/recovery
Service interval/UK dealers
Driver Power manufacturer/dealer pos.
Euro NCAP: Adult/child/ped./stars
4,362/2,648mm
4,213/2,578mm
4,299/2,636mm
1,484/1,823mm
1,469/1,786mm
1,435/1,848mm
4cyl in-line/2,000cc
247/5,500 bhp/rpm
232/5,500 bhp/rpm
261/5,500 bhp/rpm
340/1,750 Nm/rpm
300/2,200 Nm/rpm
360/3,000 Nm/rpm
6-spd man/fwd
6-spd DSG/fwd
6-spd man/fwd
55 litres/space saver
55 litres/space saver
60 litres/foam*
363/1,148 litres
350/1,305 litres
344/991 litres
1,362/688kg
1,420/565kg
1,379/456kg
12.0 metres/N/A
10.9 metres/N/A
11.4 metres/0.34Cd
3yrs (60,000)/1yr
3yrs (60,000)/1yr
4yrs (100,000)/4yrs
12,500 miles/781
Variable/223
18,000 miles/330
25th/28th^
18th/12th^
14th/27th^
92/82/72/5
97/84/61/5
N/A
0-60/30-70mph
30-50mph in 3rd/4th
50-70mph in 5th/6th
Top speed/rpm at 70mph
Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph
Noise levels outside/idle/30/70mph
Auto Express economy/range
Govt urban/extra-urban/combined
Govt urban/extra-urban/combined
Actual/claimed CO2/tax bracket
6.5/6.5 secs
6.4/5.2 secs
6.5/5.1 secs
2.8/3.6 secs
2.7/4.2 secs
2.9/4.4 secs
5.1/6.1 secs
5.6/7.7 secs
5.4/7.2 secs
154mph/2,300rpm
153mph/2,600rpm
158mph/2,550rpm
44.6/32.6/8.5 metres
46.2/33.7/9.7 metres
45.2/33.3/9.6 metres
60/50/59/57dB
60/46/60/68dB
62/47/60/69dB
25.8mpg/312 miles
26.6mpg/322 miles
27.4mpg/362 miles
28.5/50.4/39.2mpg
26.4/44.1/35.3mpg
25.0/43.5/34.4mpg
6.3/11.1/8.6mpl
5.8/9.7/7.8mpl
7.6/9.6/5.5mpl
253/169g/km/23%
245/185g/km/27%
238/190g/km/29%
Seven/yes/yes
Seven/yes/yes
Six/yes/750
No/yes
805/445
No/yes
200/yes/yes
235/yes/yes
Yes/yes/yes
750/yes/yes
1,780/yes/yes
500/yes/yes
No/yes
40/yes
Yes/yes
Airbags/Isofix/xenon headlights
Adaptive dampers/rear park sensors
Cruise control/leather/heated seats
Sat-nav/USB connection/Bluetooth
Tyre pressure monitor/climate control
Testers notes
OWEN SAYS: While some Ford fans are mourning the loss of the old STs
five-cylinder engine, I was never that keen. Yes, it sounded great, but it
placed a lot of weight in the nose and was very heavy on fuel. The good
news is that the new four-cylinder is far
more efficient, more powerful and a lot
Owen Mildenhall
Ow
Owen_Mildenhall@dennis.co.uk
lighter, yet still sounds pretty good.
JAMES SAYS: Some things never change the Golf GTI is a good example.
I own a 1989 MkII GTI, and always feel right at home in VWs legendary
hot hatch. Regardless of age, every Golf GTI offers the same blend of
performance, refinement and practicality.
Rivals are faster or sharper to drive, but
James Disdale
James_Disdale@dennis.co.uk
few match the Golfs all-round appeal.
LESLEY SAYS: When fitted with the optional Cup chassis, the Renault
delivers unrivalled driving thrills. Yet the stiff suspension is too firm for
day-to-day use. Our test car didnt have the uprated springs and dampers,
and as a result was much more comfortable
around town and on the motorway. Even
Lesley Harris
Lesley_Harris@dennis.co.uk
better, it was still great fun to drive.
RANGE
SECRETS
OTHER
VERSIONS?
Road test
Verdict
THE hatch isnt the

only bodystyle the
ST is available in;
its offered as an
estate, too. This costs
1,100 more than
the five-door, but has
identical emissions.
STANDARD
SPEC?
THE entry-level ST
comes equipped
with 18-inch alloys,
Recaro seats, keyless
start, DAB radio, an
alarm and Bluetooth.
HI-TECH
GADGETS?
FORD offers a Driver

Assistance Pack as an
850 option on ST-2
and ST-3 models. This
comprises city stop,
lane-keeping assist,
driver alert and blindspot warning.
SAT-NAV
FITTED?
YES, but only as a

750 option on ST-2
and ST-3 trims. The
package includes a
five-inch colour screen,
voice control and a
rear-view camera.
ANY COOL
COLOURS?
IF you want to make
a big statement, the
bold pearlescent
Tangerine Scream
paint featured on
the ST concept car
can be specified
on ST-2 and ST-3
models for 745.
WORLD
CAR?
THE Focus ST is
Fords first global
performance car, and
has been developed
jointly by Team RS in
Europe and the SVT
Special Vehicle Team
in the US. It will be
sold in near-identical
spec in 40 countries.
WorldMags.net
SO, has the new Focus ST been worth the wait?

Oh yes. As weve come to expect from Ford, this
latest hot hatch is fast, fun and great value.
It certainly has the measure of the Mgane
in this test. The revised Renault is still very
rapid, thrilling to drive and great to look at.
But its hobbled by its three-door layout,
noisier cabin and less robust build.
There are no complaints about the Golfs
rock-solid quality, while its upmarket cabin and
premium image are unrivalled here. It also packs
a strong blend of driving fun and grown-up
renement, while in Edition 35 form the GTI is
faster than ever. Yet ultimately, it trails the Ford.
The ST ts the hot hatch bill to perfection. Its
huge fun on a back road blast, yet also a rened
cruiser and extremely practical family car. And
like all fast Fords, the Focus is affordable to buy
and run. It takes a well deserved victory.
WINNER
FORD FOCUS
ST-3
WE were expecting great things from the new

Focus ST, and it didnt disappoint. The 2.0-litre
EcoBoost delivers a knock-out punch, while
the cars ride and handling balance is sublime.
An attractive price tag, versatile interior and
generous equipment are the icing on the cake.
2nd VW GOLF
GTI EDITION 35
AFTER four years at the top, the Golf GTI has

nally suffered a road test defeat. The original
hot hatch is still an engaging and desirable car,
but in Edition 35 guise its expensive and starting
to show its age. Standard model is cheaper, but
cant match the repower of the Ford or Renault.
3rd
RENAULTSPORT
T
MEGANE 265
REVISED Mgane is still the rst choice for pure

driving thrills, even without the hardcore Cup
chassis, while uprated engine delivers explosive
pace. Yet it lacks its rivals all-round appeal and
three-door body limits its family-car credentials.
13 June 2012 55
Road test
BMW vs Infiniti hybrids
Infiniti M35h
GT Premium
Price: 46,845
Engine: 3.5-litre V6, 359bhp*
CO2: 159g/km
Why? Infiniti is slowly establishing
itself in the UK, and the M comes
in petrol, diesel and hybrid form.
The M35h is available only in
well equipped GT Premium trim.
Best of
s
d
l
r
o
w
both
Does hybrid 5 Series mix luxury and efficiency better than Infiniti?
THE executive saloon car sector is dominated by diesel power,

but could hi-tech petrol-electric cars be an even better bet?
By matching a powerful electric motor to a silky-smooth petrol
six-cylinder twin-turbo, the BMW 5 Series ActiveHybrid may
be the car to tempt UK buyers to make the switch.
At 46,885 the 5 Series isnt cheap to buy, yet its 335bhp
engine promises to mix storming performance with official CO2
emissions of only 149g/km. However, BMW isnt the sole brand
56 13 June 2012
to have a luxurious four-door hybrid in its line-up. The Infiniti

M35h has been a huge hit in America, and now its aiming to
repeat that success on this side of the Atlantic. On paper the
upmarket saloon is a match for its 5 Series rival, as it features
a virtually identical price list and engine power output. It also
comes packed with standard kit and boasts distinctive styling.
So, can either of these petrol-electric models displace traditional
diesels from the driveways of Britains captains of industry?
WorldMags.net
Road test
BMW
ActiveHybrid5
Price: 46,885
Engine: 3.0-litre 6cyl, 335bhp*
CO2: 149g/km
Why? BMW already excels
with its clean and economical
EfficientDynamics saloons. Now
its expanding its eco-friendly
line-up with this hi-tech hybrid.
Pictures: Pete Gibson Location: Ashdown Forest, Kent *Hybrid power output
WorldMags.net
13 June 2012 57
Road test
MANCE
PERFOR
SECS TOP SPD 155MPH
0-60 5.7
BMWActiveHybrid 5
Can new hybrid outclass eco rival? And is it a better buy
BMW has realistic ambitions for the
ActiveHybrid 5 in the UK. The car is a
showcase of the companys hybrid technology
rather than a volume seller, so is likely to be
a rare sight. Yet subtle styling changes mean
it will stand out from other 5 Series models.
Our test cars Bluewater metallic paint and
metallic grille slats are exclusive to hybrid
BMWs, while big ActiveHybrid badges leave
no doubt about this cars power source. Its
not to all tastes, but early adopters who want
people to know they have a hybrid will love it.
Theyre unlikely to be disappointed with the
technology, either. BMW has combined the
535is 302bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
and eight-speed auto gearbox with a 54bhp
electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack.
However, the 5 Series weight means pure
electric running is limited. BMW claims the
ActiveHybrid can travel at up to 37mph for
around two miles in zero-emissions mode,
but even tiny throttle inputs bring the petrol
engine to life, so you can only really run solely
58 13 June 2012
than a diesel 5 Series?
on electric when crawling at low speed. Still,

switch the BMW drive select button to ECO
PRO mode and the six-cylinder shuts down
during high-speed coasting, while in all modes
regenerative braking recharges the battery
and stop-start ensures energy isnt wasted.
The result of all this is a claimed 44.1mpg
compared to the 37.2mpg of the conventional
535i auto. That said, we averaged only 25.2mpg,
and while emissions of 149g/km are a 28g/km
improvement over the 535is, the fact that the
46,885 hybrid costs 7,930 more limits its
appeal as a company car. Even more so if you
bring diesel into the equation the 530d is
Dashboard is logically laid out

and beautifully put together
STS
ING CO
RUNN(ON
TEST) 90 FILL-UP
25.2MPG
WorldMags.net
Newcomer is a
showcase of BMWs
tech rather than
a volume seller
Road test
Styling
Extra weight of
the electric motor
hasnt corrupted
BMWs brilliant
handling agility
LARGE badges help the

5 Series ActiveHybrid stand
out from its conventionally
powered stablemates. The
18-inch aero wheels are
an option, at 1,095.
Interior
BEAUTIFULLY built and
very comfortable to sit
in, the BMWs high-class
and logically laid-out
cabin is hard to fault.
Driving
ENGAGING yet relaxing
from behind the wheel,
as well as fast and refined
the new ActiveHybrid 5
is everything you would
expect from BMW.
Wheelbase
is longer than
Infinitis, which
means excellent
rear legroom.
Bold badge
and metallic
grille mark
out hybrid 5
Costs
BMW costs a mere 40

more than the M35h to
buy, at 46,885, but will
be worth 5,000 more as a
second-hand purchase after
three years. It also comes with
a great-value servicing pack.
Practicality
THERES plenty of space

in the cabin itself, yet the
lithium-ion battery pack
located below the boot floor
means theres no option
to fold the rear seats.
Engine is
silky smooth
e
and road noise
d
is well isolated
8,100 cheaper and emits 139g/km with the
1,525 optional auto. Plus, during our test the
Inniti was more efcient than the BMW.
Theres nothing between our duo for
performance, though. Both cover 0-60mph
in 5.7 seconds and had near-identical
responses in kickdown. With the BMWs
electric motor boosting the engine under
hard acceleration, and a combined output of
335bhp and 450Nm, it feels effortlessly rapid.
Crucially, the ActiveHybrid 5 swaps
seamlessly between boosting, charging and
coasting, which means you nd yourself
studying the energy monitor on the iDrive
screen to see what the powertrain is doing.
And the BMWs eight-speed auto is superb,
with smoother shifts than the Inniti.
Better still, although the hybrid drivetrain
adds 140kg to the cars weight, the 5 benets
from the engaging rear-wheel-drive handling,
beautifully weighted controls and agility for
which BMWs saloon has become famous.
Tauter body control, sharper steering and a
Safety
THE hybrid gets the same

impressive tally of standardfit safety equipment as other
versions of the 5 Series.
Its hybrid battery sits in
a high-strength casing
for maximum protection.
LITY
PRACTICA
RES
BOOT 375 LIT
GO OD
Wand-like gearlever
feels great and allows
for smooth sequential
shifting in manual mode.
NOT SO GO OD
Boot is 25 litres larger
than Infinitis, but battery
limits space to 375 litres
less than other 5 Series.
Performance is
engaging, while
monitor lets you
study hybrids
energy levels.
Battery located
under boot floor
means rear
seats dont fold
more composed ride mean it feels far less
cumbersome than the M35h. Its rened, too
the engine is silky smooth, road noise is well
isolated and, with the 985 optional active
dampers, the ride is surprisingly compliant.
Inside, apart from a few ActiveHybrid
badges, its the same top-notch cabin as in any
other mid-spec 5 Series. The logically laid-out
and beautifully executed dash, perfect driving
position and faultless quality leave you in no
WorldMags.net
doubt that this is a premium hybrid. Thanks

to a longer wheelbase than the Inniti, rear
legroom is excellent, while part-electric seats,
Bluetooth, sat-nav, parking sensors and cruise
control are standard. Still, despite the decent
kit, the M35h gets even more goodies and
adding options to the BMW can get costly.
Private buyers, though, will be encouraged
by the 5 Series substantially better residual
predictions and superb pre-paid service pack.
13 June 2012 59
Road test

LITY
PRACTICA
RES
BOOT 350 LIT
Boot is smaller than BMWs,

but cabin is similarly roomy.
Plenty of safety tech included
MANCE
PERFOR
SECS TOP SPD 155MPH
0-60 5.7
Infiniti M35h
THE M35h is Innitis rst hybrid,
but having tested the diesel M saloon
against the Lexus GS 450h early last year
(Issue 1,149) where it took victory weve
already found out that this relatively
unknown saloon has a lot to offer.
Eye-catching styling, great customer
care and generous standard equipment
are all part of its appeal, yet the M35h has
to beat BMWs new offering if its going to
attract hybrid customers. And Inniti isnt
afraid to be bold. For starters, the M saloons
styling is certainly something different.
The owing lines are supposed to give the
appearance of a coup, and while the result
isnt entirely successful, theres no doubt
that it offers a refreshing alternative to
the conventional-looking 5 Series.
Interior space isnt bad, either: rear
legroom is decent and the boot is only
25 litres smaller than the BMWs, at
350 litres, although thats still 100 litres
down on a diesel M saloon. Up front, the
comfortable electric seats offer a wide range
of adjustment, but the cabin feels a little
cramped compared to the 5 Series.
Yet while the design is a bit old-fashioned,
the analogue clock and curved dash add a
splash of retro appeal. Quality is superb and
there are lots of hi-tech features like a reversing
camera, touchscreen sat-nav and cooled seats.
Under the skin, the technology is very
similar to the BMWs. Theres a six-cylinder
petrol engine matched to an electric motor,
driving the rear wheels. The Innitis V6 has
a bigger capacity than the BMWs straight-six,
but despite having a slightly higher combined
power output, performance is very similar.
As with the 5 Series, the smooth switchover
between modes means you nd yourself
60 13 June 2012
Petrol-electric saloon has proven a hit in

the US. We see if it can repeat feat here
Styling
High-quality dash offers

retro feel and lots of kit
THE Infinitis curves stand out

from mainstream rivals. The
18-inch wheels and chrome
door handles are standard.
Interior
THERES a strange mix of

retro and modern in the cabin,
but quality is undeniably
first-rate, giving the car a
genuinely premium feel.
Driving
STS
ING CO
RUNN(ON
TEST) 94 FILL-UP
Flowing lines offer a

refreshing alternative
to the conventionallooking 5 Series
studying the energy monitor to watch the
power ow. Even better, we found the Inniti
ran in full electric mode for longer than the
BMW, which might explain the cars slightly
better on-test fuel consumption.
Unfortunately, while the engine is smooth
and road noise is well isolated, the driving
experience is compromised by a lack of body
27.2MPG
control and steering feel. Plus, despite a

relatively soft suspension set-up, the ride
is disappointingly unsettled at low speed.
As a result, the M35h feels cumbersome
compared to the BMW, while the sevenspeed gearbox has a slower shift action
and the brake pedals feel is inconsistent.
Still, performance and renement are a
match for the BMWs, and the car comes
with more standard equipment.
The Inniti is comfortable and well built,
and with a strong reputation for customer
care its easy to see why this brand is so well
established on the other side of the Atlantic.
But is the M35h good enough to beat the
new petrol-electric 5 Series and is it
the best luxury hybrid in the class?
WorldMags.net
ALL the hybrid technology

works smoothly and the
M35hs refinement is superb.
However, it doesnt ride or
handle as well as the 5 Series.
Costs
YOU get more standard kit

than in the BMW, yet residual
predictions are a concern and
it sits in a higher tax band.
Practicality
PASSENGER space is on par

with the BMWs, but the boot
is a fraction smaller and cabin
stowage isnt quite as good.
Safety
HI-TECH driving aids such

as blind spot and forwardcollision warning come as
standard on the Infiniti, as
does adaptive cruise control.
SPEC
SHEET
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
Length/wheelbase
Height/width
Engine
Peak power/revs
Peak torque/revs
Electric motor power/torque
Transmission
Fuel tank capacity/spare wheel
Boot capacity
Kerbweight/payload
Turning circle/drag coefficient
Basic warranty (miles)/recovery
Service intervals/UK dealers
Driver Power manufacturer/dealer pos.
0-60/30-70mph
30-50mph in kickdown
50-70mph in kickdown
Top speed/rpm at 70mph
Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph
Auto Express economy/range
Noise outside/idle/30/70mph
Govt. urban/extra-urban/combined
Govt. urban/extra-urban/combined
Actual/claimed CO2/tax bracket
Airbags/Isofix/cruise control
Climate control/leather/heated seats
Keyless start/adapt dampers/met. paint
Park sensors front/rear/reverse cam.
Sat-nav/USB connection/Bluetooth
BMW
INFINITI M35h
ACTIVEHYBRID 5 GT PREMIUM
46,885/55,650
46,845/47,524
20,301/43.3%
15,131/32.3%
26,584
31,714
1,838/3,676
2,021/4,041
2,944/4,907
2,728/4,546
42/N/A/F/135
46/963/G/170
400 (5yrs/60k)
250/400/250
4,899/2,968mm
4,945/2,900mm
1,464/1,860mm
1,500/1,845mm
6cyl in-line/2,979cc V6/3,498cc

302/5,800 bhp/rpm 302/6,800 bhp/rpm
400/1,200 Nm/rpm 350/5,000 Nm/rpm
54bhp/210Nm
67bhp/270Nm
8-spd auto/rwd
7-spd auto/rwd
67 litres/run-flat
70 litres/space-saver
375 litres
350 litres
1,925/550kg
1,830/570kg
12.0 metres/0.28Cd 11.2 metres/0.26Cd

3yrs (unltd)/3yrs
3yrs (60k)/3yrs
Variable miles/154 9,000 miles/11

14th/18th*
N/A/N/A
5.7/5.1 secs
5.7/5.0 secs
2.1 secs
2.0 secs
3.0 secs
2.9 secs
155mph/1,500rpm 155mph/1,500rpm
45.6/33.6/8.7m
46.2/31.7/9.4m
25.2mpg/371 miles 27.2mpg/419 miles

67/44/57/66dB
68/42/63/66dB
49.6/42.2/44.1mpg 31.4/50.4/40.9mpg
10.9/9.3/9.7mpl
6.9/11.1/9.0mpl
259/149g/km/20% 240/159g/km/22%
Six/yes/yes
Six/yes/yes
Yes/yes/yes
Yes/yes/yes
Yes/985/yes
Yes/no/679
Yes/yes/330
Yes/yes/yes
Yes/yes/yes
Yes/yes/yes
Testers notes
OWEN SAYS: Spend time behind the wheel of
the ActiveHybrid 5 and youll be impressed by its
performance and refinement. It also handles well
and is very comfortable.
table. Troub
Trouble is, you can say
the same for the
Owen Mildenhall
far cheaper 535d.
Ow
Owen_Mildenhall@dennis.co.uk
LESLEY SAYS: The M35h is my favourite
Infiniti. Its an alternative choice, but its really
quiet and comfortable. I like the opulent cabins
mix of wood, leather and hi-tech kit and
I even like the
Lesley Harris
distinctive styling.
Lesley_Harris@dennis.co.uk
JAMES SAYS: By BMWs own admission, the

ActiveHybrid 5 isnt really aimed at British buyers.
In fact, it has been built for the American market,
where hybrids are big busine
business, and diesel is
only really used
James Disdale
for HGVs.
*Manufacturer ranking from Driver Power 2012; dealer ranking from 2011. Bold = equipment fitted to our test car. Insurance quotes from AA (Tel 0800 107 0680 or www.theAA.com) for a male, aged 42, living in Banbury, Oxon, with three penalty points.
Verdict
ETS
ANGE SECR
R
D TO KNOW
BUYING FACTS YOU NEE
STANDARD KIT?
THE ActiveHybrid 5 is offered only in

SE trim, and gets leather upholstery,
cruise control, navigation, heated
seats, keyless start and Bluetooth,
along with a 10.2-inch colour screen
and iDrive controller. As with all the
companys cars, there is an extensive
range of high-end options, too.
HYBRID GUARANTEE?
THE BMWs lithium-ion battery and hybridspecific components have been designed
to last for the lifetime of the car. However,
unlike cheaper petrol-electric models from
the likes of Toyota and Lexus, theres no
additional warranty for the newcomer
as with all other models in the 5 Series
range, the ActiveHybrid has threeyear unlimited-mileage cover.
WHERES IT BUILT?
ALTHOUGH the US is the biggest market
for the ActiveHybrid, surprisingly the car
isnt built at the companys Spartanburg
factory in South Carolina. Instead, its
produced alongside other 5 Series
models at the Dingolfing plant, near
Munich in southern Germany. The huge
complex also builds bodyshells for the
Rolls-Royce Phantom and Ghost.
IOYOUNRSBMW
PTOOIMPPT
TO
VE
RO
RAS
EXT
Variable
Control
Damper
streamline rims
985
1,095
Aero-optimised rims replace the

standard 17-inch alloy wheels.
Internet
95
Mobile Web access via the iDrive

controller and central screen.
Professional
Multi Media Plus
THERE are two elements to this verdict: Which is

the better hybrid of our pair? And is either car a
better choice than established diesel competitors?
In the case of the Inniti, its 40g/km cleaner
than its M30d diesel stablemate and costs only
1,170 more to buy so it does make sense.
Yet even though the M35h easily matches the
ActiveHybrid 5s performance and renement,
it doesnt ride or handle as well. And while the
Inniti is better equipped in terms of comfort
and safety technology, the 5 Series has far superior
predicted residual values and wins this test.
So does this mean that wed opt for the
ActiveHybrid 5 over other versions of the 5 Series?
No. Although its an accomplished hybrid car and
better than its Inniti rival in this test, it commands
a 7,930 premium over the 535i instantly cancelling
out the nancial benets of its lower emissions.
Its BMWs talented diesel engines that really
put the nail in the cofn of the ActiveHybrid 5,
though. The rened 530d SE is 8,100 cheaper to
buy and 10g/km cleaner, while even the powerful
535d SE costs 2,590 less and is 1g/km cleaner.
And the hybrid is no better to drive than either.
Still, BMW is well aware of the ActiveHybrids
limited appeal on this side of the Atlantic, and
admits it expects to sell fewer than 200 examples
this year. What matters here is that, if petrol-electric
cars are your thing, the 5 Series is the best executive
hybrid saloon currently on sale in the UK.
WINNER
BMW
ACTIVEHYBRID 5
Improves the cars ride quality

and sharpens the handling.
18-inch
Road test
800
Includes head-up display, voice ctrl,

nav upgrade, enhanced Bluetooth.
WorldMags.net
VIEWED alongside a line-up of cle

clean, rened and
powerful diesel cars, the ActiveHybrid 5 doesnt
make a lot of sense. But considered in isolation, the
cars hybrid tech works well, blending nicely with
the silky-smooth six-cylinder, to deliver effortless
performance and reductions in emissions. However,
our 25.2mpg economy gure was disappointing.
2nd INFINITI
M35h GT PREM.
IF you want to stand out from the executive car

crowd, the Inniti is a strong choice. Its quirky
styling and sumptuous cabin are unique selling
points, while renement is excellent. And if the
M saloon is for you, then we think the M35h is the
pick of the range. Unfortunately, it isnt as clean
or as dynamically accomplished as the BMW.
13 June 2012 61
Our cars
Skoda Yeti GreenLine II
Skoda Yeti
Our youngest reader yet helps

give verdict on family carry-all
SECOND REPORT: 17,762 miles
YOU made up your mind in emphatic

fashion Skodas Yeti was your number
one car in our Driver Power reader survey
earlier this year. This followed its coronation
as Car of the Year in our 2010 New Car Awards.
So the Hope household is now in the
presence of a bona de trophy winner (a bit of
a novelty for us these days, given our Arsenal
leanings). However, while I would never
dispute the expertise of my colleagues
or our readers, the only verdict I was
interested in was that of my daughter Isla.
At two years and 10 months, her vocabulary
is expanding by the day, but tact is not her forte.
Isla pulls no punches, which can make life
difcult when you regularly test different cars.
Would it be a Yay! or a Yuk! for the Yeti?
First impressions were positive. She
liked the chunky styling, although Mrs
Hope and I are less keen. Its just a bit too
Tonka toyish for me. As my wife Seema
said: One or two curves wouldnt go amiss.
Inside, though, were smitten. The driving
position is comfortable, its all solidly put
62 13 July 2012
together and, crucially, everything is

sited exactly where you would expect
it to be and works just as it should.
The Yeti doesnt need fancy adornments
to prove its worth, and this is reected in the
1,510 touchscreen radio/sat-nav system,
which is a breeze to operate, and shames
some of the overly complicated and unreliable
systems in similarly priced cars. Only the
sound from the speakers disappoints; theres
a lack of depth and a bit of a tinny feel to it.
That apart, the only other note of dissent has
come from Isla. Fitting her Maxi Cosi Axiss
car seat was simple, but rear legroom is tighter
than she is used to, causing her to develop the
annoying habit of resting her feet on the back
of the front passenger seat. Just a week after
picking up the Yeti, the leather is lthy and
despite constant telling-offs, her stock response
is: I need more space. Its worth bearing in
mind if you carry kids in child seats.
The 416-litre boot is full of clever features,
with the carry hooks especially useful never
again will Islas bucket and spade be left
behind by a forgetful dad

on a trip to the beach.
Graham_Hope@dennis.co.uk Folding two of the rear
seats always ensures
Deputy editor lives in London and
combines urban commutes with
there is enough room if
regular trips to Scotland.
Islas buggy is taking up
SKODA YETI ELEGANCE too much space, although
GREENLINE II 1.6 TDI
we may have to pack a bit
On fleet since: February 2012
more carefully come October
Price new: 20,475
when there will be another
addition to the Hope clan.
CO2/tax: 119g/km/30
But its on the road that the Yetis
Options: Metallic paint (440),
functional appeal shines brightest. The
silver roof rails (150), sat-nav
1.6-litre diesel provides adequate pulling
(1,510), front and rear parking
power, and although its not the most rened
sensors (300), floor mats (65)
engine around, the noise is never intrusive.
Insurance group/quote: 12/405
Motorway journeys are dispatched with ease,
Mileage/mpg: 17,762/47.5mpg
and only the rm ride in town disappoints.
Costs: None so far
Our eco-friendly GreenLine II model has
Any problems? None so far
stop-start as standard, which has helped deliver
Insurance quote from AA (0800 107
47.5mpg to date, but its the simplicity with
0680) for a 42-year-old male living in
which the Yeti carries out all its tasks that
Banbury, Oxfordshire, with three points.
really stands out. Little wonder you voted it
Graham Hope: A top all-rounder.
Britains easiest car to drive in Driver Power.
And to that accolade, Id like to add another:
its kept my hyper-critical toddler largely quiet.
In my eyes, thats the Yetis best achievement yet.
Graham Hope
WorldMags.net
Skoda Yeti GreenLine II
Pictures: Pete Gibson
LITY BOOT
PRACTICA
WN) 416/1,580 LTS
Our cars
(SEATS UP/DO
Yeti is pleasing to drive, proving

comfortable on motorways and
easy to manoeuvre at low speed
OU R VIEW
Great to drive, with a

cleverly packaged cabin,
eye-catching styling and
award-winning customer
care; a car you can choose
with both heart and head.
James Disdale
Road test editor
YOUR VIEW
A fantastic car that

ticks all the boxes. Skoda
should be proud of its
achievement, while all
Yeti owners can feel smug
knowing they have chosen
a pure gem of a vehicle.
dgc4rter
via www.autoexpress.co.uk
Its on the road

that the Yetis
functional appeal
shines brightest
Child seat a breeze to fit due to wide opening,

but Islas feet have marked front seat (inset)
STS
ING CO
RUNN(ON
TEST) 84 FILL-UP
Touchscreen radio is easy to use, but sound is a bit tinny. Boot is big enough
to cope with toddlers gear, while carry hooks have proven a useful feature
47.5MPG
WorldMags.net
13 July 2012 63
Our cars
Lexus CT 200h
THIRD REPORT: 5,564 miles
Lexus CT 200h
AS head of motoring video for Auto
Express, Im used to being the star of the
show. Yet lately our Lexus CT 200h has been
stealing the limelight mainly because its
been commandeered by our lm team as
a chase car for its numerous video shoots.
Normally, nothing less than a large SUV or
MPV would do, but the premium hatchback
has been doing a sterling job of ferrying loads
of camera equipment about. Thats because,
despite packing a bunch of batteries, it still
has a sizeable boot. The space is very usable,
too when you fold the seats down youre
left with a totally at load bay.
This, plus the fact that theres no boot
lip to lift things over, came in very handy the
other day when I nally managed to claw the
CTs keys back to go DIY shopping. Thanks to
the van-like oor, I was able to slide heavy
three-metre planks straight in and secure
them easily by tying down the boot hatch.
And as I drove home slowly to ensure I didnt
lose my cargo, the car stayed in electric mode
for the entire journey, so no fuel was used.
In fact, Ive become something of an expert
at eking out the maximum economy from
Lexus impresses
with its quality
and refinement
on the move
64 13 June 2012
the CTs hybrid system. On my 11-mile

commute into work, Id managed a bestever indicated fuel return of 67.1mpg a
gure that I thought would be tough to beat.
However, the other day, I nally improved
on that, with the CT 200hs trip computer
displaying a barely believable 71.9mpg
as I rolled into the ofce car park.
Yet while that return looks impressive on
paper, to achieve it took grit, determination
and a complete disregard for the other
motorists I was holding up. I cant remember
how many times I was honked at as I crawled
along the A40 into London at 10mph under
the speed limit, desperately trying to keep
the car in fuel-saving electric mode. Even
a Toyota Prius driver beeped at me.
Mind you, the way the Prius whizzed
past me its unlikely the driver is seeing
similar mpg gures to mine. And this got
me thinking. What could the CT do when
driven with more urgency? To nd out,
on my journey home, I stuck it in Sport
mode and this time didnt spare the
throttle. Amazingly, the Lexus still
ill didnt
Premium hybrid hatch c

on efficiency, plus its a c
Ma
Mat Watson
Ma
Mat_Watson@dennis.co.uk
@mat_watson
Editor at large travels across the world
doing video reviews of new cars.
LEXUS CT 200h
F SPORT
On fleet since: January 2012

Price new: 27,886
CO2/tax: 94g/km/0
Options: Sat-nav system,
10-speaker stereo and parking
assistance package (1,850);
metallic paint (510)
Trade-in now: N/A
Insurance group/quote: 19/419
Mileage/mpg: 5,564/43.3mpg
Costs: None so far
Any problems? None so far
Insurance quote by AA (0800 107 0680)
for 42-year-old male living in Banbury,
Oxon, with three penalty points.
Mat Watson: You need to work

hard for best fuel economy.
WorldMags.net
dip below 41.8mpg. Bearing this in mind, you

may be wondering why the cars overall fuel
economy during the past month is only
43.3mpg. Thats because its mainly been
driven hard on the motorway while fully
loaded with heavy camera equipment and,
quite frankly, hybrids just arent as good as
diesels when it comes to that kind of work.
When its not pounding up and down the
motorway, or participating in impromptu
fuel economy runs, the Lexus continues
to impress me with its quality and decent
levels of renement. Id happily trade some
of the F Sports sharper responses for a
more comfortable ride, but otherwise
Im nding the CT 200h a cosseting and
capable upmarket hatchback. I just wish
that it wasnt in the spotlight more than me...
Lexus CT 200h
Our cars
Fleet watch
STS
ING CO
RUNN(ON
TEST) 64 FILL-UP
42.3MPG
Fuel economy has been a revelation, with

the car returning barely believable figures.
But some plastics are a bit low-rent and
Sport mode increases fuel consumption
continues to impress
capable load carrier
MANCE
PERF3OR
H
Mazda CX-5
POOR Lesley Harris. No sooner
had her shiny new Mazda CX-5
arrived than editor-in-chief Steve
Fowler grabbed the keys to see
what Lesley and her fellow road
testers had been raving about.
Steve was impressed by the cars
dynamics it rides well and handles
tidily while the engine is a gem
and super-frugal. There was
plenty of space for Steves in-laws in
the back, plus the boot seemed to
have been made with a special
STS
ING CO
RUNN(ON
TEST) 79 FILL-UP
39.9MPG
area designed precisely for Steves

golf clubs. Steves wife was also
impressed: her guess at the Mazdas
price was about 30,000 thats
8,000 more than it really costs.
However, it wasnt all plain
sailing our car has a mysterious
disappearing rattle that sounds
like something loose in the door
bin, when its actually empty. And
the stereo system also came in for
some Fowler criticism: Just plain
awful was Steves summary.
0-62 10.
Our fleet
Audi Q3
Iss. 1,198, 1,203, 1,210, 1,218
Honda CR-Z
Issue 1,212
Infiniti G37 Conv.
Issues 1,199, 1,208, 1,217
S
RUNNING CO47ST
FILL-UP
86.6MPG (ON TEST)
OU R VIEW
Rear seats fold to provide completely flat load bay. Lipless

boot means heavy cargo can be slid in and out with ease
The Lexus is let down by

its CVT gearbox. The lightest
touch on the throttle sends
the revs skyrocketing
which, of course, severely
compromises refinement.
Owen Mildenhall
Senior road tester
YOUR VIEW
I love my F Sport. Its

comfortable, quiet and
delivers more than
adequate performance.
And Im getting 56mpg
without even trying.
prosperity
via www.autoexpress.co.uk
TY BOOT
PRACTICALI
) 375/985 LITRES
(SEATS UP/DOWN
Vaux. Ampera
OUR Vauxhall Ampera played its part in the
recent Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
While the range-extending electric car wasnt
called on to join one of the official parades through
London, it did star alongside road test editor James
Disdale in a much smaller event in the village of
Yealmpton, south Devon, where the local car club
had organised a 40-vehicle convoy that included
models from every decade of the last century.
As a result, the Vauxhall mixed with an eclectic
array of cars ranging from a 1986 MG Montego to
a fabulous 1929 Morris Oxford Flatnose (above).
On the 500-mile round trip to Devon, the
Amperas smoothness and refinement impressed,
while the 300-litre boot easily swallowed a family
of threes weekend luggage. But the extended run
without a battery recharge meant fuel returns
slumped from 124mpg to only 86.6mpg.
WorldMags.net
Jaguar XF
Issues 1,205, 1,211, 1,215
Kia Rio
Issue 1,218
Lexus CT 200h
Issues 1,206, 1,214
Mazda CX-5
New arrival
Nissan Leaf
Issues 1,191, 1,201, 1,209
Peugeot 508 SW
Iss. 1,187, 1,196, 1,204, 1,216
Range Rover Evoque

Issues 1,210, 1,217
SEAT Ibiza ST
Issues 1,164, 1,176,

1,184, 1,193, 1,202, 1,213
Skoda Yeti
Issue 1,206
Suzuki Swift Sport

Issue 1,220
Vauxhall Ampera
Issue 1,219
Volkswagen Jetta
New arrival
13 June 2012 65
WorldMags.net
Products
hive
Visit autoexpress.co.uk for our extensive product test archive
Late performance tyre
Latest
has
ha new tread pattern
that boosts handling
THIS WEEKS
HOT KIT
Jamie
Fretwell
Got a product query?
Jamie_Fretwell@dennis.co.uk
@AE_Jamie
Q
R17)
PRICE 100 EST. (235/45
Grippy tyres a
top all-rounder
NEW PRODUCT
Falken Azenis
FK453 tyre
Price: 100 est. (235/45R17)

Contact: www.falken-europe.com
THE latest ultra-high-performance

tyre from Falken claims to deliver
great handling with less noise.
The new Azenis FK453 tyre
sits at the top of the companys
range, and has a more rounded
outer shoulder than the FK452 it
replaces. This is claimed to even
out the pressure on the tread
area, so the tyre turns better,
whether youre changing lanes

or going around a roundabout.
Falken also says the new
tyre has 25 per cent better dry
handling and 30 per cent better
wet handling than the old FK452,
as the compound and tread
pattern have been revised.
This has also led to an eight per
cent reduction in wet braking
distances, the company claims.
To clear water, there are
three central tread grooves
and staggered sipes across
the first tread bar on the tyres
shoulder. And those rounder
shoulder edges also help
reduce the rolling resistance and

pass-by noise for the FK453.
In addition, Falken has
launched an FK453CC version
of the tyre for sporty SUVs like the
Audi Q7, BMW X6 and Porsche
Cayenne. The standard FK453
will be available in a total of
62 sizes from 17-22 inches, plus
it will be offered with a Y rating
a first for the company which is
good for speeds of up to 186mph.
Prices are set to start at around
100 for a 235/45R17 size when
the tyre goes on sale next month,
so the new Falken will be a rival
to the similarly priced Toyo T1R.
A
Q
A
dont need a lighting board

unless your luggage stops other
motorists from seeing your
number plate or brake lights.
The rack is bright yellow, so
itll stand out on the road.
When not in use, the BasketRak folds in half for storage. It
costs 99 delivered, including a
five-year warranty, while there
are accessories like a plastic box
(69) and accessory bars (25).
I REPLACED my 2008 Subaru Legacys Bridgestone

REO50A tyres with some from BF Goodrich. These
made the car vibrate through the pedals, seat and
steering. The tracking was correct, and when I switched
backto Bridgestone, the problem disappeared. Why?
Andrew Doyle, E-mail
WE suspect you had a bad batch, as BF Goodrich tyres
are usually well made. Your 215/45R17 tyres are similar
in size to those in our 2011 tyre test, so you could switch
to Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2. To see all the tyres
available in your size, log on to tyresearcher.com.
Headlights too dim on Punto
MY wife has been complaining about the headlights

in her Fiat Punto. She says theyre too dim and dont
put enough light on to the road even though the
car passed its MoT. What are my options?
John Simpson, E-mail
YOULL benefit from upgrading your headlamp
bulbs. The latest-generation bulbs are far superior
to standard versions, delivering around twice as much
light on the road. Our favourite bulbs are Philips 43
X-tremeVision (01293 776774, www.philips.com). To
ensure they shine light on the road, get the bulbs fitted
by a garage that can correctly align the headlamps.
Top
Tips
Tow bar basket loads up
THERES a new alternative to a roof

box, in the shape of the tow barmounted Bak-Rak Basket-Rak.
The one-metre-wide rack
weighs 8kg when empty, but can
carry up to 75kg of luggage. It
has an 11cm lip around the base,
although you need to buy a cargo
net or straps to secure your load.
Bak-Rak says the Basket-Rak
will take seconds to fit, with only
a spanner required, and you
Shakes from tyre brand switch
NEW PRODUCT
Basket-Rak tow
bar-mounted carrier
Price: 99
Contact: 0845 0033455,
www.bak-rak.com
WorldMags.net
Lift bird mess fast

BIRD muck not only ruins your cars looks, it can also
damage the clearcoat and leave fine scratches in the
paint. So it needs to be shifted as soon as possible.
If you cant remove it when washing the car, use
Simoniz Bug Shifter or a Bilt-Hamber clay bar. Once its
gone, apply a good wax (like Turtle Wax ICE Synthetic
Paste Polish) so any future mess slides off on impact.
13 June 2012 67
Products
Latest kit
Ampera hire via app
FIRST TEST
Zipcar hire scheme
Bargain price
on cleaning kit
Price: 59.50 a year membership;

5-6 an hour to hire car
Contact: www.zipcar.co.uk
Rating:
GO OD
iPhone app is easy to

use, and you dont pay
for road tax, insurance,
congestion charge or fuel.
Register onlin
online
(1), then unlo
unlock
Ampera using
iPhone (2) or via
Zipcard (3). Key
is in glovebox
(4). Swipe car
card
again (5) to
lock the car
ca
NOT SO GO OD
High late fees. There are
only 10 Amperas, and all
in London. Have to return
to pick-up spot to charge.
ZIPCAR lets you hire a car via your
iPhone and the company is the
first in the UK to offer Vauxhalls
new range-extending electric car,
the Ampera. We tried it for a week.
We registered without a hitch
at www.zipcar.co.uk. Your Zipcard
(to unlock the car) then arrives
via Royal Mail. Or, simpler still,
you can use your iPhone. Finding
FIRST TEST
Price: 39.99
Contact: 0800 032 7026,
www.jabra.com
THE Jabra EasyGo is our current

favourite hands-free kit, having
won our test in Issue 1,208. But
does its replacement the new
EasyVoice stick to the formula?
At 39.99, its 10 more
than its predecessor, but the
EasyVoice includes a 12V car
charger and bigger earpiece.
Its comfortable enough when
worn, with an ear hook to keep it
Winthis
Armor All Shield
for Wheels
Were giving away 24 bottles

of 300ml wheel protectant
68 13 June 2012
SAVE 10 with the latest

bundle from Meguiars.
The Ultimate Starter Kit
(below) comprises a 473ml
bottle of car shampoo, a
177ml pot of wax and 177ml
of tyre shine. The products
usually cost 25 if bought
separately, but the kit is top
value at only 14.99. Visit
www.meguiars.co.uk or call
0870 241 6696 to buy.
PRICE 59.50 (A YEAR)

a car is easy using the app, and
you can book once youve saved
your details to your phone. But
availability was an issue, with only
one of the 10 Amperas free to
hire when we tested the scheme.
Conventional cars get 40 free
miles of fuel, and you dont need
to pay for congestion charging or
ownership costs. Zipcar just asks
that you leave a quarter of a tank

done.
of fuel in when youre done
At our pick-up point, we tapped
the unlock button on the iPhones
screen to open the doors; holding
your Zipcard to the sensor on the
windscreen has the same effect.
The ignition key was in the
glovebox, with a guide in the door
pocket telling you what to do. To
cha the batteries for free,

charge
though, you need to take the car
though
back to where you picked it up.
Currently, you can only hire an
Ampera in London, and its pricey
at 6-8 per hour instead of
5-6 per hour for a conventional
car, on top of the 59.50 a year
membership fee. Late returns
incur a penalty charge of 35.
New king of the hands-free kits?

Jabra EasyVoice
hands-free kit
Hot
deals
GO OD
Comfortable, goodquality device. It comes

with 12V car charger.
PROTECT your garage floor

with Dynotile. The 305mm
square tiles sell for 2.83
each, and theres a choice of
10 colours. If you spend over
250, you qualify for a five
per cent discount. But we
can now offer you a further
10 per cent off the price.
Just enter AUTOEX10 at the
checkout when placing your
order at www.dynotile.co.uk.
Save 10 on
top engine oil
NOT SO GO OD
STAY on top of engine

maintenance with Mobil1.
Theres 10 off selected
five-litre packs in Esso
service stations, so a bottle
of ESP Formula 5W-30 is
44.99 instead of 54.99.
Visit www.mobil1.co.uk to
check out which Mobil1
oil best suits your car.
Lacks a little bass. Pricier

than its predecessor.
on securely, and sound quality
is impressive. The audio lacks
a little bass, but you wont notice
this on phone calls only when
listening to music via Bluetooth.
Calls were of the quality weve
come to expect from Jabra. And
for 40, this is a great headset.
Garage tiles
square deal
PRICE 39.99
EasyVoice comes with 12V car

charger; sound quality is good
KEEP your alloys shiny with Armor All Shield for Wheels. We awarded
it five stars in our Issue 1,213 test, as the spray-on formula creates
a barrier which stops dust sticking to the rim. And up for grabs this
week are 24 of the 300ml cans. Visit www.armorall.eu for more info,
and to enter, answer the question and follow the instructions (right).
Question: What size can does Armor All Shield for Wheels come in?
Answer: A) 100ml. B) 200ml. C) 300ml.
WorldMags.net
Seen a product we should feature?

Contact jamie_fretwell@dennis.co.uk
To enter, simply log on to

www.autoexpress.co.uk. For
full terms and conditions, go
to www.dennis.co.uk/comp/
terms. All entrants must
be aged 18 or over. Editors
decision is final. Closing
date: 11 July 2012.
WorldMags.net
Products
Quick detailers mini test
New books
and games
Minitest
Angelwax Quick Exterior Detailer
Price: 5.99 (500ml) Contact: www.angelwax.co.uk
RAC: Caring For Your Cars

Bodywork and Interior
ANGELWAXS first foray into the detailing spray market is

very successful. For only 5.99, you get 500ml of the white
formula the same amount as in the Autoglym bottle
plus a microfibre cloth. Applying with the spray cap is trickier
than Autoglym QED squirts out a load of formula on to the
panel, but the pattern isnt very wide. This means you need
to turn the cloth more regularly to avoid smearing when
wiping, but it was great at removing dust and fingerprints.
It beaded well when we sprayed on water, but not as well
as the section treated by Rapid Detailer. Still, QED is good
value and a great debut into this competitive market.
Simon Nixon (01305 260068, www.veloce.co.uk)

Price: 9.99 (paperback) Rating:
A STEP-by-step guide to car cleaning, this

RAC guide feels a little patronising. There
are useful how-to pictures and captions,
but its lacking expert detail. All the
products are from the same manufacturer,
and it doesnt cater for alternative
techniques, such as waterless cleaners
or machine buffing. Plus, 10 of the 80
pages are adverts for other RAC products.
Rating:
VALUE CHOICE
Quick fixes for

keeping clean
Jamie Fretwell
IF you want to enjoy the

summer sun instead of cleaning
your car every weekend, youll
like quick detailers. These sprayand-wipe products top up the
shine of already-waxed paint in
minutes, and can also be used as
light cleaners to remove dust and
fingerprints from bodywork.
Angelwax has launched its
new Quick Exterior Detailer,
which it claims is the perfect
solution to restoring a freshly
waxed finish when youre short
of time. Our current Best Buy is
Autoglym Rapid Detailer which

won our Issue 1,149 group test.
Here, we compare the two.
Our test focused on removing
light dirt and restoring shine,
and we also compared how
well they beaded water
after application. Ease of use
and price were considered, too.
Angelwax has returned to its
value-for-money focus with QED.
Its impressive, but its trigger
spray is a bit heavy-handed. So
Autoglym holds on to its crown
with a superior misting action
and impressive protection.
Spray-andshine products
can remove
fingerprints
and dust, too
F1 Online
Price: Free Contact: www.f1onlinethegame.com
Available for: PC, Mac Rating:
FREE Web-only Formula One game lets you race or take the
role of team boss. Theres a loads of personalisation you can
change the cars livery, sort
sponsorship and even develop
factories. When driving, the
camera looks down on the
cars, so its not as realistic as
F1 2011, but its still fun. And
itll keep you occupied until
F1 2012 arrives in September.
Dune Rider
Price: 69p Available for: Android, iPhone
Rating:
THIS game lets you blast over dunes, ramps and hills in an offroader. Its easy to get to grips with tap forwards, backwards,
left or right to steer, and then
swipe to perform tricks when
youre in the air. To extend the
time, you can pick up petrol
cans, and collecting coins
scores points which can
improve your car and unlock
new levels. Great fun,
and challenging, too.
Autoglym Rapid Detailer
App of
the week
Price: 8.50 (500ml) Contact: 01462 677766, autoglym.co.uk
AS weve come to expect from Autoglym, this is a topquality product. Rapid Detailer is simple to apply and the
nozzle squirted out a fine mist of the formula over a wide
section of our panel you dont need much, and this will
ensure the bottle lasts longer. There was no smearing
when wiped with a cloth, and it removed the dust and
fingerprints. It beaded water well, too. The only real
concern is value Rapid Detailer doesnt come with a
microfibre cloth, and its 2.50 more expensive for a
500ml bottle. But as you use less, this isnt a huge issue
plus you can also use it as a lubricant with a clay bar.
Intelligent Marmalade
Apple iPhone
Price: Free Available for:
Rating:
Rating:
OUR FAVOURITE
70 13 June 2012
WorldMags.net
p
launched this app to hel
YOUNG Marmalade has
create
You
ce.
ran
insu
car
on
under-25s save money
ording journeys using
an account, then start rec
res a timer for each trip,
The
s.
your iPhones sensor
view each one on Google
and at the end, you can
,
to highlight bad driving
ant
Maps. The app is me
ing
ner
cor
rd
ha
nings for
but displayed lots of war
torway.
mo
the
on
es
lan
d
nge
when wed only cha
after the first few trips.
You get a score out of 100
WorldMags.net
Products
Sun shades tested
KEEP COOL
Shevron Window Sox
IN THE SUN
We pick from 12 of the best sun shades to stop passengers sizzling
Price: 33 a pair
Contact: 01904 705271, www.windowsox.co.uk
BEST BUY
UNIQUELY, these slip over the rear door,

covering the entire window (so it can be opened)
and cut out more light than any rival. Velcro tabs stop
them riding up and the car-specific Sox fit in seconds.
Some may
not like
how they
look and
you need a
car with a
rear door.
But no rival
improves
passenger
comfort
like these.
Rating:
Kim Adams
SUNNY days make

for a great summer, but
they can turn car journeys
into a sweaty nightmare. And
while those of us whose cars
have air-con can keep cool,
even the most effective climate
control cant combat glare.
Rear seat passengers
and children in particular
are worst hit on hot days,
and this is when a sun
shade for your car can
help. Clipped over
or stuck on a rear
window, they cut
glare dramatically
and help to reduce
cabin temperatures.
Plus, theyre much
cheaper than tints.
But which is the
one to put rivals in the
shade? We clipped on
12 top designs to see.
Halfords 2 Side Window

Black Out Sunshades
Price: 12.99 a pair

Contact: 0845 762 6625, www.halfords.com
OUR pick of the stick-on shades, despite that hefty

price. As the name suggests, these fine mesh shades
cut huge amounts of light, so are perfect for babies
where seeing out is not important. They are easy to
use, with
flexible
suckers
and large
plastic
loops for
simple
removal.
Theres
a storage
pouch and
bag, too.
Rating:
How we tested them

A CRUCIAL part of this
test was how much our
sun shades reduced
glare, so we used a
meter (right) in our
Skoda Octavia test
car to measure this.
We also looked at how
easy each was to fit and
if a window could then
be opened for fresh air.
A range of mounting
options was desirable,
plus we looked at value
for money our prices
exclude delivery charges.
72 13 June 2012
Clipped over or
stuck on a rear
window, shades
help to cut glare
Verdict
SHEVRONS Window Sox take
the win. Not only are the blinds
really easy to fit, they cut light
effectively. TSLs top-value blinds
are our pick of the rollers, while
Privacy Shades are third; these
quality custom blinds also cover
the rear window, but are pricey.
1. Shevron Window Sox
2. TSL Retractable Roller Blinds
3. Privacy Shades
WorldMags.net
Clippasafe Roller Blinds
Price: 7.49 a pair

Contact: 0115 921 1899, www.clippasafe.co.uk
HAD it been just a few extra centimetres bigger, the

Clippasafe pair would have finished much higher up.
They were the smallest of the rollers, but worked well,
and we liked the reflective white external surface with
soothing dark blue inside. The release mechanism
was smooth
and the
suckers
flexible.
Perforated
material
cut light
well, but
there just
wasnt
enough
of it.
Rating:
Sun shades tested
Products
TSL Retractable Roller Blinds
Privacy Shades
Diono Cool Shade
RECOMMENDED
COMPETITION among the roller blinds was

close, so TSLs price advantage paid off. But
despite the low price, these rollers ticked most of the
boxes with suckers or hooks mounting on the glass,
plus Velcro
for the base.
The hooks
could have
been tighter
on the glass,
but suckers
were soft
and easy
to fix, plus
theres a
release tag.
EASILY the most expensive on test, but you get a lot for
your money with the car-specific Privacy Shades. Like
our winner, they fit the window precisely (and allow it to
be opened), with shades for the rear glass and a storage
bag. Metal hooks slip under window rubbers and, once
installed, the
shades take
seconds
to fit and
remove.
They cut
light well
and look
good
enough
to leave
on the car.
RECOMMENDED in our last test (Issue 1,062) when

sold under the Sunshine Kids brand, this remains one
of our favourites. It cuts out the light well, but isnt
quite as simple to use as our top three. Unrolling the
ultra-thin film from the foam rod is easy and it sticks
well to the
glass, but
removing
wrinkles
takes too
much time.
A real pity
as this is
effective
and good
value for
money.
Rating:
Rating:
Rating:
Price: 3.99 a pair

Contact: 01507 578528, tsl-products.co.uk
Price: 89.99 a set

Contact: 01623 797358, www.vanstyle.co.uk
Price: 3.99 a pair

Contact: 01827 310557, www.diono.com
Price: 2.95 a pair

Contact: 0161 764 5981, www.autocareproducts.co.uk
Price: 4.99 a pair

Contact: 01455 822000, www.a1motorstores.co.uk
Sumex ElectroStatic Sun Shade
Halfords Roller Sunblind
AS with the Halfords pair (opposite), these shades

from Autocare come in a storage bag. Plus, theyre
even easier to use as there is just one central sucker
with a loop for easy removal. The two differ on their
ability to cut out light the Folding Sun Shade
recorded
one of
the worst
results,
blacking out
only about
half as
much light
as the best.
But its the
cheapest
buy here.
A REAL mixed bag with this, sourced from A1 Motor

Stores. Like the Diono (above), it uses static to grip
the window, so fitting was hit and miss: even after
repeated cleaning of the glass, we had difficulty
getting the heavy film to stick. But the material
on the
Sumex is
thicker and
heavier.
The result
is a very
effective
reduction
in light,
rivalling
the best
on test.
THE big question with this quality blind from Halfords

is why theres only one? How the chain store can
charge for one blind what most rivals charge for a pair
is a mystery and its a pity as this is a well designed
roller. The fine mesh was one of the most effective at
reducing
light among
the rollers,
plus theres
a choice of
hooks and
suckers for
the top of
the glass
and tags
for easy
removal.
Rating:
Rating:
Rating:
Sakura Roller Sunblind
Winnie the Pooh Sunblinds
Cars2 Folding Side Window Shades
ON paper, these look a good prospect: theyre well

priced and a decent size, with hooks, suckers and
Velcro mounts. In the light test, the fine mesh wasnt
far behind the best, either. But the suckers are too
hard, and on our sample they were mis-shaped, which
made it
tricky to get
a decent
seal on the
glass. This
wasnt
helped by
the fact
theres
no holder
to fix the
bottom.
THESE sunblinds are part of the Custom Accessories

line-up, and their Winnie the Pooh graphics and bright
red plastics will appeal to younger passengers. Adults
might not be such big fans as the suckers are hard and
not the easiest to get a fixing with, although tags make
removal
easy. They
were only
average at
reducing
the light,
while the
roller blind
action was
coarse and
a little bit
fierce.
ANOTHER design that will appeal to children in the

back, as it features Lightning McQueen from the Cars
movies. This is also sold by Custom Accessories, and
as with the Winnie the Pooh blinds (left), the graphics
are on the outside. The suckers were much better, and
are fixed to
the fine
mesh. But
the mesh is
the issue,
as it cut
out only
about half
as much
light as
the best
on test.
Rating:
Rating:
Rating:
Autocare Folding Sun Shade
Price: 7.99 a pair

Contact: 01488 689400, www.saxon-brands.com
Price: 10.99 a pair

Contact: 01980 676400, www.caeurope.co.uk
WorldMags.net
Price: 9.99 each

Contact: 0845 762 6625, www.halfords.com
Price: 8.99
Contact: 01980 676400, www.caeurope.co.uk
13 June 2012 73
WorldMags.net
Buyingcars
New and used buying advice
rd
3
PLACE
Jon
Morgan
Got any car queries?
@AutoExpress
Q
DRIVER POWER TOP100
Mercedes E-Class MkIV
You tell us Executive car scores on quality, class and style
E-Class
Factfile
Years: 2009 to present CO2: 137g/km

Fuel economy: 54.3mpg (C200 CDI)
Best options: Metallic paint, 17-inch alloy
wheels, seven-speed auto gear, DVD sat-nav
Prices: From 17,000

OVERALL SCORE
90.03%
RELIABILITY/BUILD
RUNNING COSTS
PERFORMANCE
BRAKES
RIDE
HANDLING
PRACTICALITY
COMFORT
EASE OF DRIVING
OVERALL TECH
NOT SO GOOD
GOOD
Bars show where model

finished out of 100 in our
2012 survey. The higher
the placing the better.
100 75 50
25 1
5
44
14
2
3
24
33
9
7
30
EXCELLENT build quality

and nice materials. No
problems to date.
A FEW initial interior

trim niggles were fixed
quickly by the dealer.
Features such as
high-beam assist are
small, but wonderful.
Theres too much

technology and its
too complicated.
Interior lighting
makes it feel special,
and COMAND with
linguatronic is great.
COMAND control is not

very intuitive. You have
to take your eyes off the
road to be sure of what
you have selected.
Its smooth, quiet,

comfortable and
amazingly torquey. Its
never missed a beat.
The technology is
functional, easy to use
and totally reliable.
Running costs are as
low as one could expect
for this size of vehicle.
Dealer servicing is
pricey and Bluetooth
system is woeful.
Setting destinations
in COMAND sat-nav is
not easy, and it doesnt
accept full postcodes.
Q
A
Q
A
Very heavy on fuel

in urban driving.
Phone mystery on C-MAX

MY 2011 Ford C-MAX has a Bluetooth phone connection
which frequently doesnt work. My garage says that
this is down to location. Surely Bluetooth connection
should be continuous? Is this a problem with the car?
Barrie Drummond-Dunn, E-mail
EVEN if your mobile loses network signal due to location,
the Bluetooth connection with the car should remain
constant. Its likely to be a compatibility issue between
your mobile and your car. Your local Ford dealer will have
software upgrades which should resolve the problem.
How should I sell my Type R?

IM thinking of selling my 2002 Honda Civic Type R.
Ive had it from new and covered only 20,000 miles.
Its in excellent condition and has a full Honda service
history. How do I get the best value from selling it?
John Sykes, E-mail
USE a two-pronged strategy. Advertise with a national
website and with an owners club to target enthusiasts.
As its a niche buy, be prepared to advertise for longer
than you normally would. Make sure its scrupulously
clean for pictures and viewings, and show evidence of
the low mileage and service records in your advert.
Concerns over written-off 207

I NOTICED a bargain Peugeot 207 for sale, but the advert
said it was a repaired Category F insurance write-off.
What does this mean, and if I go ahead with buying it,
how do I know the repairs have been done properly?
Cybil Jones, E-mail
A CATEGORY F write-off means the car has been damaged
by fire, and the insurance company decided not to repair
it. The fire damage would have been minor, as a major fire
would result in a category A or B write-off, preventing the
car from being repaired. Wed recommend an independent
inspection by the likes of the AA before proceeding.
Is your car covered against Mechanical and Electrical failure?
0800 001 4475
Warrantywise
Wise about warranties
The UKs Best Used Car Warranty designed by Quentin Willson

WorldMags.net
13 June 2012 75
Buying cars
Range Rover Sport
BUYER
BEWARE!
BUYER
BEWARE!
Fuel pumps have been known to

fail, leaving the car stranded. This
can happen without warning.
A vibration through the steering wheel

is usually down to the steering rack. This
was resolved with a vibration damper.
Contacts
BUYER
BEWARE!
Official:
www.landrover.co.uk
Forums:
www.rrsport.co.uk
www.rrr.co.uk
www.rangerovers.net
www.landroversonly.com
Problems can crop up with the

air-suspension, usually because
of issues with the compressor.
USED BUYERS GUIDE: Ran

4x4s dont come much more luxurious but there are some issues to look out for
Richard Dredge
WHEN Land Rover decided to

make the Range Rover brand more
accessible in 2005, by launching
a smaller, sportier edition, there
were raised eyebrows.
However, enthusiasts neednt
have worried because the Range
Rover Sport was and still is
supremely capable off-road,
while also providing a great
on-road experience.
Although newer competitors
are better to drive than the Sport
on the Tarmac, when it comes to
all-round ability few cars can
match the junior Range Rovers
talents. Unfortunately, its not
all good news, as there are some
pitfalls to catch out the unwary.
Heres what to look for...
76 13 June 2012
History
THE Sport arrived in January

2005, with a choice of two petrol
engines a 4.4 or a supercharged
4.2-litre and a 2.7-litre V6 diesel.
By September 2006, there was a
3.6 V8 diesel option, then in April
2009 a 242bhp 3.0-litre TDV6
engine was introduced, initially
to sell alongside the 2.7-litre.
For 2010 Land Rover brought
in a brand new range-topping
Autobiography trim level, along
with a supercharged 5.0-litre
petrol V8 engine. Then, for 2011,
the company went the opposite
way by discontinuing the TDV8
and launching a 208bhp version
of the 3.0 TDV6 engine, which
is ideal for those looking for
economy above all else.
What to look for
THANKS to steady development

of the Sport, reliability has
improved over the years which
is why youre better off going for
the newest example you can
afford. Instead of choosing a
mega-spec older car, a lower-spec
example thats newer may prove
significantly less painful (and
cheaper) to own in the long term.
While the V8 diesel is the best
of the lot to drive, they are rare,
so youll have to settle for a TDV6
instead. Its still a great engine,
though, especially in 3.0-litre
form. And because all versions
of the Sport were fitted with an
automatic gearbox as standard,
you dont have to decide what
type of transmission you want.
Alternatives
THE BMW X5 is the Sports main

rival, as its superb to drive and
has a strong image. Its also
more efficient, better built and
later cars have seven seats.
King of the driver-focused SUVs
is the Porsche Cayenne; running
costs are high, but performance
and handling are superb. Also
Theres only
so much you
can do to
reduce high
running costs
WorldMags.net
consider the second-generation

Merc ML; its capable off-road,
solidly built and comfortable.
Verdict
WHILE the Sport is great to drive,

it can be a nightmare to own if
you dont do your homework.
Many have been plagued by
poor reliability, and theres only
so much you can do to reduce
the high running costs: thirsty
engines mean youll be spending
plenty on fuel and road tax.
But demand for the Sport is
still strong. Second-hand prices
are proof of that, as you need
15,000 to secure a seven-yearold version of a car that cost from
40,000 at launch. Once youve
driven one, youll see why.
Range Rover Sport
Buying cars
SOME owners have

found replacement
brake pads and discs
wear out very quickly,
so its best to stick
with genuine Girling
parts throughout.
Electronics
56
54
2008
2006
2005
N/A
N/A
32,395
34,500
39,500
42,850
43,425
N/A
N/A
27,495
29,695
N/A
N/A
32,995
21,550
19,395
21,295
22,595
N/A
N/A
24,995
18,195
16,995
18,695
19,195
N/A
N/A
N/A
Model
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
41,950
47,395
47,895
Running costs
Fuel
economy
CO2
emissions
Annual
road tax
17mpg
18mpg
28mpg
28mpg
32mpg
32mpg
25mpg
374g/km
352g/km
265g/km
230g/km
230g/km
294g/km
294g/km
260
260
260
260
450
450
465
Model
4.2
4.4 HSE
5.0 HST
2.7 TD SE
3.0 TD SE
3.0 TD HSE
3.6 TD HSE
Front diff
THE front diff can
seize up, which
immobilises the car.
But it happens with
no warning, so there
are no symptoms
to watch out for.
32MPG 12
nge Rover Sport

OU R VIEW
THE Sport made its debut in our

Driver Power satisfaction survey
this year, finishing in a sound
30th place. Owners praised its
comfort, ease of driving, ride and
performance. Yet it struggled on
reliability and costs it came
96th out of 100 for the latter.
42
43
47
39
42
43
44
ALL Range Rover Sports have to be serviced every 15,000

miles or 12 months, with six-cylinder diesels costing
380-930 (the latter at seven years) to maintain. V8
diesels cost 470-620 (the latter at six years) to service,
while V8 petrols are 375-605 (the latter at seven years).
Diesels need a fresh cambelt every 105,000 miles or
seven years (at 500), but the petrols are chain-driven.
Fresh brake fluid is needed every three years (40) and
new coolant every 10 years (100). However, there are
numerous drive belts, filters and fluids that must also
be replaced as frequently as every other service.
Partwatch
Dealer price
Independent price
150.24
175.32
39.91
41.21
42.66
143.88
N/A
29.94
Part
Front brake pads (axle set)
Brake discs (pair)
Door mirror glass (electric)
Front wiper set
Prices for a 2008 3.6 TDV8. Dealer figures supplied by

Guy Salmon in Stratford (www.sytner.co.uk). Independent
prices from Euro Car Parts (www.eurocarparts.com).
YOUR VIEW
Recalls
MANCE (3.0 SDV6)
PERFOR
SECS TOP SPD 124MPH
Interior
0-60 8.8
THIS may be a cut-price Range Rover, but the cabin feels just as
special, with premium materials and plenty of hi-tech equipment.
Theres a commanding driving position and the dash is clearly laid
out. Yet while space is plentiful for four adults, its a bit tight for five.
WorldMags.net
THE Range Rover Sport has been recalled five times. The
first two came in November 2005 for cars built in August
and September of that year, over a risk of the rear seatbelt
buckle not holding and a faulty auto box parking function.
In June 2006, the car was called back because of wheel
balance weights fouling various sensors and hoses. There
were two more recalls in September 2009 one concerned
brake servo problems leading to decreased assistance,
the other was over a potential fuel pump leak.
13 June 2012 77
Insurance group
SOME cars have

an engine system
fault message on the
dash; its caused by
electrical glitches,
which can prove
hard to pinpoint.
58
10
2010
THE cheapest Sports are 15,000; this buys an early car

with a mega-mileage, although at least youll be getting
a 2.7 TDV6 diesel. Petrols start at the same price point,
but you can still expect a 100,000-miler. A 3.6 V8 diesel
is yours from 19,000, although the 3.0 TDV6 is a better
all-rounder; prices for this start at 33,000, with most at
least 35,000. The most costly Range Rover Sports still
change hands for 70,000, while its easy to pay even
more for a car modified by Kahn, Overfinch or Revere.
IF you regularly
carry adults in the
back, ensure theyll
be comfortable;
some find the seats
and suspension
much too firm.
ANDREW Forster of Worcester

has owned his 2007 Range
Rover Sport for three years. He
said: It isnt a rational purchase
as its too costly to run and its
not dependable enough. But
its superb to drive, fabulously
comfortable and looks great.
11
2011
4.2
4.4 HSE
2.7 TD SE
2.7 TD HSE
3.0 TD SE
3.0 TD HSE
3.6 TD HSE
Ride
G COSTS
RUNNIN
1 FILL-UP (3.0 TD)
How much?
Values courtesy of Glasss Guide
Pictures: Tom Wood
Brakes
Buying cars
Best buys
Car hunter
6,000 for an auto estate, but which one?
THE SMART OPTION
Dear Jon,
Im looking to spend 6,000 on an auto estate. I
have an 80-mile motorway commute and must
transport my two dogs at weekends. Any ideas?
Richard Sherry, E-mail
Contact: Jon_Morgan@dennis.co.uk
THE LUXURY PICK
THE BARGAIN CHOICE
VW Passat Estate Merc E-Class Est. Ford Mondeo Est.

For: Good build quality, spacious interior
Against: Dull to drive, bland inside
THE Passat Estate offers plenty of space, and combines
decent build quality with a conservatively styled body.
A 6,000 budget will buy a 2006 2.0 TDI with 140bhp.
Youre looking at a mileage of around 100,000, but the
durable diesel should be good for many more as long as
the cars been well maintained. So, check the history and
inspect receipts for big jobs like cambelt replacements.
A 2005 update added VWs smooth and efficient twinclutch DSG auto, so mpg rose to 42.8 and road tax costs
dropped. However, all older cars emit more CO2 than
their newer equivalents, and get hit hard by tax bandings.
The 475-litre boot will carry two dogs with ease, while
Passats are refined and make good motorway cruisers,
with the cabin well insulated from engine, wind and tyre
noise. However, the handling cant match the Fords.
For: Huge boot and economy

Against: Occasional electrical faults
For:Comfortable, sharp drive, space

Against: Autos rare, frequent servicing
THIS is a refined and top-quality car that is perfect for

high-mileages, offering plenty of comfort for driver and
passenger. For just over 5,000 you can find a solid and
well equipped 2003 to 2005 model with the 177bhp
2.7-litre diesel, which returns 37.2mpg. Road tax costs
a hefty 250 a year, though, and as with the Passat,
used examples at this price will have at least 100,000
miles on the clock. But again, its a very durable car.
While the E-Class excels on motorways, its surprisingly
nimble, too, with a tight turning circle ideal for city streets.
Well damped suspension copes easily with bad surfaces.
The car handles well, and its only when you corner
at the absolute limit that the chassis shows any signs of
faltering. As for load space, the boot holds 650 litres with
ease a figure which few other estates can match.
Gap between official

and real mpg grows
THE Mondeo is superb value. You get a huge 549-litre

boot, a rewarding drive and, most importantly, a more
recent car or lower mileage than the VW or Mercedes
alternatives. Your 6,000 will give the choice of MkIII
2005 models with around 70,000 miles, or a currentgeneration MkIV 2008 version with 100,000 miles.
Most models have plenty of equipment, while all
deliver a fine drive with a near-perfect ride and handling
balance. The 140bhp 2.0-litre TDCi returns an official
39.8mpg and emits 189g/km of CO2, putting it in the
same 250-a-year road tax band as the E-Class.
There are no reliability worries, either the Mondeo
MkIV was placed 33rd in our Driver Power 2012 owner
satisfaction survey. The E-Class MkIII was 14th, while
the Passat finished a distant and disappointing
sappoi ng 71st.
DEAL OF THE WEEK
Kia SSoull 1
1.6
6 CRDi 2
SAVE 2,500 on spacious supermini
New study says lab figures ever more unrealistic

THE gap between official and
realistic mpg figures has more
than doubled in the past decade,
according to new research.
The combined cycle economy
figures that makers use in their
marketing are determined
through lab testing, and have
always been difficult if not
impossible to replicate in realworld driving conditions. Research
by the not-for-profit International
Council on Clean Transportation
has found that the discrepancy
78 13 June 2012
Combined mpg
figures have
always been
difficult if
not impossible
to replicate
on the road
between official mpg and the

average mpg achieved by drivers
was eight per cent in 2001. But
that grew to 21 per cent in 2011.
The studys authors believe the
increase is partly down to makers
designing cars to perform well in
lab-testing conditions meaning
the official figures are ever more
unrealistic. And they say the
increasing prevalence of air-con
in cars which, when used, can
drastically reduce efficiency
has also contributed to the gap.
GRAB yourself a great deal on the Kia Soul, which is

available for 12,195 2,500 under list price at
www.buyacar.co.uk. The supermini has a 1.6-litre diesel
thats capable of 54mpg and emits 129g/km of CO2.
Standard equipment includes air-con, Bluetooth,
16-inch alloy wheels and
electronic stability control.
Visit www.carbuyer.co.uk
Trusted reviews, expert advice
for more great new car deals.
WorldMags.net
WorldMags.net
Buying cars
Used twin test
A class apart
Which diesel executive saloon is a better second-hand buy?
ING COSTS
RUNN
-UP RANGE 702 MILES
ING COSTS
RUNN
-UP RANGE 643 MILES
99 FILL
99 FILL
VS
JaguarXF
Details
BMW5Series
Details
Years: 2008 to present

Engine: 3.0-litre V6, 271bhp
Insurance group: 45
Econ/CO2: 42mpg/179g/km
Why? The Jaguar has it all: elegance,
aggression and comfort. With a range
of superb engines and the most
attractive styling in the executive
sector, the XF is truly a class act.
Years: 2010 to present

Insurance group: 40
Why? The 5 Series manages to
combine the agility, grip and driving
enjoyment of a 3 Series with the
refinement and comfort of a 7 Series,
and has excellent economy to boot.
Prices from:
16,000
THE Jaguar XF is hard to beat for
sheer aesthetic appeal. Its easily
one of the most attractive cars in
its class, and the interior is every
bit as beautiful as the exterior. The
pulsing red starter button, rotary
gear selector and leather dash
give it a real sense of occasion
but while the XF has the edge on
style, it cant match the quality
and premium feel of its rival.
It also trails the BMW for
space: the Jaguars 500-litre boot
has 20 litres less than the 5 Series,
and theres less legroom, too.
The XFs 3.0-litre diesel engine
has impressive punch, and the car
is dynamic and engaging to drive.
It isnt as controlled, agile or as
80 13 June 2012
Prices from:
Stylish cabin has a real sense of
occasion; boot is smaller of pair
1
fast as the 5 Series, but the Jag is
better equipped. Owners love their
XFs, too, as it constantly features
at the top of our Driver Power
survey, ahead of the 5 Series.
Whats more, there are large
savings to be had over the BMW:
a 2009 model with the powerful
3.0-litre diesel costs from 16k.
Even 2010 XFs start at 20,000
thats 4,000 less than the BMW.
VERDICT
Classy interior is superbly built,

and even boot is well trimmed
24,000
JJaguar XF
BMW opted for a far more

sober approach than Jaguar
when styling its latest executive
saloon. Yet while the 5 Series
lacks the XFs flair, it still has a
smart, understated design.
The interior features the same
classy, minimalist appeal, and
the level of quality is beyond
superb. While materials and
build quality in the Jag are
among the best in class, the
5 Series goes a step further.
The BMWs 3.0-litre engine
has less power than the Jags,
but thanks in no small part to its
excellent, super-efficient eightspeed auto, it has a slight edge
in terms of speed. And while
the XF is a truly excellent car, the

BMW raises the bar in handling,
refinement and comfort.
In fact, its only Achilles heel
is the second-hand price. Rocksolid residuals mean the BMW
costs considerably more than
its rival. Even a 2.0-litre 520d
diesel starts from 19,000;
you can pick up a 2.7 diesel
XF from around 14,000.
Beautiful,
Beauti
Bea
utiful exciting and great to
drive the XF is an incredible
car. True, the BMW is better,
but at current used prices
youll get a lot more car for
your money with the Jag.
B
BMW 5 Series
The 5 Ser
Series offers a perfect
blend of driving thrills, comfort
and prestige but at a hefty
premium. The Jag is nearly
as good and a lot less money.
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Sportsweek
Like father, like son: Racers
Martin and Alex are chasing
glory in the LMP2 class
Keeping it in the f
This weekend, Martin and Alex Brundle become part of a very select
club: father-and-son teams that have raced at the Le Mans 24 Hours
Stephen Errity
Stephen_Errity@dennis.co.uk
FOR most fathers and sons,

a comedy sack race at the
school sports day is the biggest
chance theyll get to compete
together in a sporting event.
But Martin and Alex Brundle
are not most fathers and sons.
Dad is a veteran grand prix
driver and a familiar face of
Formula One TV coverage, while
Junior is one of Britains rising
stars in international racing.
This weekend, they form twothirds of a driving team at the
80th running of the Le Mans 24
Hours in France. And while Martin
(53) and Alex (21) are not the
first father-and-son team to
compete in the famous event
94 13 June 2012
the Mansells and Andrettis have

both made Le Mans a family affair
in the past theyre poised to be
one of the most competitive.
Theyre driving for British outfit
Greaves Motorsport in the LMP2
class the second of Le Mans
four divisions and are teamed
up with young Spaniard Lucas
Ordonez (see panel, right).
Last year, Greaves won the
class with its British-built, Nissanengined Zytek car, and the team
will be going all-out for a repeat
victory on Sunday afternoon.
Martin says: LMP2 is going
to be incredibly competitive it
could be the story of the race now
that Audi has no Peugeot to fight
against at the front. There are 20
cars in our class, and I think its
going to be a 24-hour sprint race.

Somebody will go flat-out and
finish, so if we want to be in with
a chance of winning, we will
have to go flat-out, too.
Martin is well known to F1 fans
from his long career driving for
Brabham, Benetton, McLaren,
Ligier and Jordan, as well as his
TV work. But hes also a Le Mans
veteran, winning the race in 1990
for the works Jaguar team and
starting it on a further six occasions
for Jaguar, Nissan, Toyota and,
most recently, Bentley in 2001.
So hes well placed to mentor
Alex on the many challenges of
endurance racing. I had nobody
like that at any point in my career,
and I probably should have, he
says. Tennis players and golfers
dont think twice about having a

coach, but racing drivers have only
looked at that recently. We get less
testing time on track than we used
to, but now there are simulators
and vast amounts of data to look
at, so its changed hugely.
Martin has found it important
to strike a balance between
imparting his considerable
experience and knowledge of
motorsport, and allowing Alex
to learn and develop on his own
terms. I remember Jackie Stewart
saying to me: its not what you
tell young drivers, its what you
dont tell them. In other words,
dont overload them, he says.
Working together so closely
has been an eye-opener for both
parties. It throws up some
WorldMags.net
Le Mans preview
Sportsweek
Pictures: John Brooks/Nissan
Nissan-engined
Zytek car is a
proven package
that won its class
at Le Mans last
year. Minimising
time spent in the
pits is crucial for
success in the
24-hour race
family at Le Mans
The gaming racer
BOTH Martin and Alex are full of praise for Lucas Ordonez,
(left) their 27-year-old co-driver in the Greaves car.
Until 2009, the Spaniards only experience of race
driving was go-karting as a young child, but as the
inaugural winner of the PlayStation GT Academy,
he was granted the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
to forge a career as a professional racer in real life.
And hes seized it with both hands, finishing on
the LMP2 class podium at Le Mans last year. If youd
asked me a year ago, Id have been nervous about
running Le Mans, one of the toughest races in the world,
with a guy fresh out of the competition, says Martin.
But he finished second in class last year and he drives
very well. His pace is not a problem at all, hes very mature
and hell be a team player. I have no concerns about him.
Alex praises Ordonez just as strongly, adding: I had
high expectations of Lucas, as Ive played some online
races myself and I know theyre massively competitive.
But hes exceeded even those expectations. Hes a bonafide professional, I promise you. Hes a really good pedaller
and a great guy. Ive really enjoyed working with him.
Alex has helped me with

fitness and Ive been advising
him on the media Martin Brundle
interesting points that wouldnt
have come up in general
conversation, admits Alex.
You can talk your way around
the race track 100 times, but until
youve actually been out there,
you cant fully understand it.
Martin adds: The race
itself is only a small part of the
experience. Theres fitness training,
media work, team briefings and
technical stuff. Alex has been
helping me with some new
fitness techniques, and Ive
been advising him on things like
how to approach sponsors and
interact with the media. And

Alex has one major advantage
over his dad hes already driven
one race for the team: a six-hour
event at the Paul Ricard circuit in
the south of France, back in April.
I learned a massive amount,
says the younger Brundle, who is
more accustomed to running
15-20 minute races in karts and
GP3 single-seater cars. An
endurance race is all about
understanding how the circuit,
the car and your competition
develop over the course of the
event. And its not just his father
WorldMags.net
hes turned to for advice. I spoke

to Johnny Herbert at the Spanish
Grand Prix, and he said that for
the 24 Hours, rest is key making
sure that when youre out of the
car you can switch off. Let your
co-drivers do their job and
concentrate on doing yours.
And finally, what does Liz
Brundle think of both her husband
and son racing together? Mums
been around a very long time
and shes barely missed a race
that Ive driven in, smiles Alex.
Shes very calm a real pro!
PAGE 96: Le Mans latest
13 June 2012 95
Sport
All the action from the world of motorsport
In-form Audis 24h edge

James Disdale
R18 e-tron quattro fastest in pre-Le Mans test But driver Allan McNish expects Toyota challenge
AUDI has taken first blood in

the build-up to this weekends
Le Mans 24 Hours. The reigning
champion ended the recent preevent test day at the top of the
time sheets, with Scotlands Allan
McNish lapping his diesel hybrid
Audi R18 e-tron quattro a full
1.7 seconds quicker than the
fastest car of arch-rival Toyota.
But McNish isnt ready to crack
open the victory champagne yet,
as he believes the petrol-electric
Toyota TS030 will still be a major
threat in the race, thanks to its
mix of reliability and pace.
They were always out on
track and were always fast, said
the two-times Le Mans winner,
who will share his R18 with
long-standing team-mates Tom
Kristensen and Rinaldo Capello.
The Toyota is an unknown
quantity, but we are expecting it
to be quick. Theres no reason to
believe Toyota wont have created
a car thats quick in qualifying
and competitive in the race.
However, Toyota team leader
Alex Wurz is less optimistic about
the TS030s chances, despite
setting the fourth fastest time.
The Austrian pointed out that
Le Mans would effectively be
sport
news
inbrief
Diesel hybrid Audi set

pace in test, but Allan
McNish isnt writing off
Toyota (inset) just yet
the new cars race debut, and
that Toyota had barely been able
to carry out any development
following the cars huge testing
crash at the end of April.
We have to be realistic that
we are fighting a team that has
dominated at Le Mans for more
than a decade, said Wurz. I still
feel Audi will be stronger than us
With its mix

of reliability and
pace, the Toyota
TS030 will be
a major threat
over 24 hours, because

you cant catch up in a few
months what they have done
in more than 10 years.
A further stumbling block
for Toyota is the fact it only has
two cars on the grid, while Audi
is fielding four two hybrids,
plus a pair of tried and tested
R18 TDI ultras. So far, the
hybrid Audis have been faster,

with the quickest TDI posting only
the test days third fastest lap.
But it was the diesel that
triumphed when the Audis went
head-to-head in last months
Spa six-hour race, so the R18 TDI
is favourite to secure Audis 11th
Le Mans victory at the chequered
flag on Sunday afternoon.
Owen mega in Maser
Ban for raging Busch
AUTO Express has been making its mark in the

Maserati Trofeo World Series. Senior road tester
Owen Mildenhall guided one of the ferocious V8
racers (right) to a trio of top 10 finishes at the
Portimao circuit in Portugal. The one-make series
supports the World Touring Car Championship.
NASCAR star Kurt Busch has been given a one-race

ban for verbally abusing a reporter interviewing
him after the recent Sprint Cup race at the Dover
International Speedway in Delaware. This latest
outburst comes less than a year after a similar
incident involving Busch and an ESPN journalist.
Kubica return on after op

ROBERT Kubica is a step closer to
a Formula One return, following
an operation to repair the right
elbow he injured in a horrific rally
crash nearly 18 months ago.
This latest round of surgery
has been designed to give the
Pole greater mobility in an F1
cars cramped cockpit.
Until now, the 27-year-old
has been able to drive a rally
96 13 June 2012
car at a competitive pace,

but has struggled to perform
in the tight conditions of
an F1 simulator.
Ruggero Testoni, the
surgeon in charge of Kubicas
recovery, said: The surgery
was preceded by a series of
tests in a simulator, which
revealed that Robert was
unable to rotate his palm
down. As a result, he was forced

to release the steering wheel in
order to turn left. This operation
will enable him to fully handle
the steering wheel.
Doctors have also confirmed
that Kubica has fully recovered
from the broken right leg he
sustained after slipping on ice
outside his home in Pietrasanta,
Italy, earlier this year.
Kubica hasnt raced in F1 since horror rally crash in February 2011
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We cant keep a lid on it much longer

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Join the debate now... mail@autoexpress.co.uk
THE Government makes a gross

prot of around 100million a
year from Dartford Crossing toll fees.
But it wants more. So its dumping
ination-shattering price increases
on the millions who drive across the
bridge and through the tunnels that
effectively make up part of the M25.
Instead of admitting that charges
at Dartfords toll booths are legally
questionable and unreasonably
expensive, roads minister Mike
Penning attempts to justify them.
Hes merely revising the charges.
And he suggests such revisions are
Motorings most outspoken and
about improvements not raking
opinionated columnist sounds off
in millions. Yeah, right. Penning
seems like the type whod pee on
Drivers shouldnt
your shoes and tell you its raining.
be paying a penny at
If hes serious about improving
the Dartford Crossing
Dartford, hell scrap his congestioncreating, accident-causing, pollution- as construction and
triggering toll-charge scam. Instead,
other costs have
hes committed to making the
now been covered
current, archaic cash-collecting
system a tad less archaic and
a bit more protable, too.
By 2014, car drivers will pay 66 per cent more than
they do now at the Dartford tolls. Think 5 when making
a return trip, or 12 for truckers. Inevitably, many will be
priced off the crossing altogether, diverting instead to
the Blackwall Tunnel or Woolwich Ferry, and bringing
more chaos to the capitals overloaded roads.
Not that drivers should be paying a penny, since the tolls
theyve paid have more than covered all construction and other
costs by now. So wheres all the prot gone? Its not possible to
identify what happens with each pound, says the Highways Agency.
All three major political parties have cheated motorists on this one.
The ofcial Parliamentary promise was to stop tolls the minute the
crossing was paid for and a healthy maintenance fund established.
This point was reached last time Labour was in ofce and it broke
that promise unapologetically. The Conservative-Lib Dem coalition
has done nothing to right this wrong, so its equally guilty.
Mike
Rutherford
98 13 June 2012
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We get behind the wheel of Audis
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Half a century after it was launched, we
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TESTED
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BMWs new 6 Series Gran Coup vs
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News Drives
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13-19June 2012

No. 1,221 | 2.45

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