Download - What Car Oct 2013
MERC’S NEW £25k SUV
ALL-NEW 520mpg BMW
Why the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 could seem second best
True MPGReal-world economy tests
A to Z guide374 new carstested and rated
Target PriceWhat to pay for your next car
£A3t
Britain’s biggest and best car buyer’s guide October 2013
Full details, first drive and rated by you
Plus How good is your dealer? Full shock results on p94
Why the
£26k high-tech i3
£4.99
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 7
OCTOBER 2013
This month’s new cars tested
New BMW i3 Readers’ verdict
Contents 1
The UK’s biggest and best car comparisons
Audi RS7 p32
Honda Civic Tourer p35
Hyundai i10 p32
Hyundai ix35 p33
Mercedes A-Class p33
Suzuki Swift 4x4 p35
42 56 32
68
New cars around the corner p36
Save ££££s on your next car p39
On the cover
You tell us what you think of BMW’s first electric car p20
Star cars
First drives
Coming soon
Target Price
14 Star carMerc GLA
26 Star driveBMW 4 Series
42 Big group testExecutive cars
64 Twin testHot hatches
68 Twin testElectric cars56 Triple test
SUVs
73 Quick testHot hatches
76 Our carsLong-term tests
18 Star driveBMW i3
28 Reader Test Team Alfa Romeo 4C
Go towhatcar.comfor the latest on new cars
Find out how
to buy the perfect
used carp142
New Audi A3 Saloon vs new
Lexus IS vs BMW 3 Series
vs Mercedes-Benz CLA
New Skoda Octavia vRS
vs Ford Focus ST-2
New Nissan Leaf vs
new Renault ZoeNew Honda CR-V vs Mazda
CX-5 vs Toyota RAV4
New Kia Procee’d GT vs
new Seat Leon SC
Skoda Rapid p76
Ssangyong Korando p78
Suzuki Swift Sport p80
Fiat 500L p82
Honda CR-V p85
Volkswagen Up p85
Dacia Sandero p87
Mazda 6 p87
Audi A3 Sportback p89
BMW 318d GT p89
Ford Focus ST-2 p90
Peugeot 208 p90
Mini Paceman p91
Renault Captur p91
web
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 9
OCTOBER 2013
Buying & Owning
How good is your dealer?
New carsA to Zevery new cartested &rated p115
Buyer’sguideall the facts & figures p147
Contents 2
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110
On the cover
JD Power survey exposes the best and worst brands p94
Advice and tips to save £££s and more
Plus
100 Buying usedVolkswagen Eos
104 Used dealsHot Renault Clio
110 Helpdesk
103 Used testSUVs
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14 | OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
What’s new?
Mercedes-BenzGLA What is it? A rival for the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Range Rover Evoque Price from £25k (est) On sale December
STARCARIn detail
Headlight make-up is similar to the GLA’s
sister cars’; full xenons on top-end models
Spacious front seats are about an inch
higher than the A-Class’s; good view out
Large tail-lights dominate the rear. They’re
shallow, so don’t encroach on the boot
First look
Photography John Bradshaw
15 whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 |
GLA is longer and lower
than the Audi Q3 and
Range Rover Evoque
Mercedes-Benz GLA
MERCEDES-BENZ IS FILLING one of the biggest gaps in its range by launching the GLA.
Due on sale in December, with deliveries starting in early 2014, the GLA is the fourth car in Mercedes’ new ‘compact’ line-up, following the A-Class, B-Class and CLA-Class. It uses the same front- and four-wheel-drive
chassis parts as those cars, albeit with modifications designed to give it greater ride height. Unlike the A-Class, where
the engineering focus was on sporty handling and agility, the GLA is said
to be set up primarily for comfort.
At 4417mm long and 1494mm high, the GLA is around 120mm longer and
60mm taller than an A-Class. It’s longer but lower than both the Q3 and Evoque, though, so it still looks like a
beefed-up version of a regular family hatchback
rather than a full-blown SUV (more in tune with BMW’s
X1, in fact). Mercedes has included extra plastic body cladding around the wheelarches and along the flanks, plus metal-finish front and rear bodyguards, to give the GLA a more rugged look.
What’s under the bonnet?
Mercedes is pitching the GLA above the A-Class, so that car’s more modest engines (including the Renault-sourced diesel) won’t be on offer here. Instead the line-up is likely to start with the GLA200 petrol (with 154bhp) and the GLA200 CDI (134bhp), both with front-wheel drive.
The four-wheel-drive models, badged 4Matic, will get more powerful engines: the 168bhp GLA220 CDI (which could well prove to be the best-selling variant overall), and the GLA250 turbocharged petrol, with 208bhp.
Mercedes’ seven-speed dual-clutch auto gearbox will be standard across the range, but a six-speed manual will also be available as an option.
The GLA’s four-wheel-drive system defaults to front-wheel drive in most conditions (to cut emissions and fuel consumption), but it can transfer up to 50% of the drive to the rear when required. {
‘Unlike the A-Class, the GLA is said to be set up for comfort’
Rear headroom – even with the sunroof
fitted to this car – is decent for six-footers
Large screen displays audio and nav info;
most functions work via the central dial
The GLA is the fourth – and probably last –
model to be based on the MFA platform
16 | OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com16 | OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
What’s new?
How the GLA compares with its rivals Last in the series
The GLA is the fourth car
to sit on Mercedes’ MFA
underpinnings. It’s likely to
be the last introduction on that
base for the foreseeable future;
Mercedes has been considering
a front-wheel-drive baby
drop-top, called the SLA, but
that project is said to have
been canned on grounds of
complexity, cost and potential
profit margins.
The next big model in
Mercedes’ schedule is the new
generation of C-Class. It’s due
next spring, and will be the
first model to be based on
the new MRA, or ‘Modular
Rear-drive Architecture’.
raised by about 30mm, although it would be incorrect to call it lofty. Mercedes UK is also considering offering an even higher suspension set-up (as an option) that would lift it further.
The higher seating position and a taller roofline make it slightly easier to get into and out of the GLA than the A-Class (and much more so than the CLA saloon). The car in our photographs has an optional panoramic glass roof with integrated front sunroof, but even with this in place there’s enough rear headroom for adults up to six feet tall. Also shown here are one-piece sports seats that will be optional, or standard on AMG Sport models; regular GLAs will get conventional front seats.
Mercedes has yet to confirm the boot size, but sources say the GLA’s
Audi Q3
Price from £25,270 Length 4385mm
Width 1831mm Height 1608mm
Boot size 420-1325 litres
Drive system Front-wheel
drive/four-wheel drive
Gearbox 6-speed manual/
7-speed dual-clutch automatic
BMW X1
Price from £25,030 Length 4477mm
Width 1798mm Height 1567mm
Boot size 420-1350 litres
Drive system Rear-wheel
drive/four-wheel drive
Gearbox 6-speed manual/
8-speed automatic
Mercedes A-Class
Price from £20,370 Length 4292mm
Width 1780mm Height 1433mm
Boot size 341-1157 litres
Drive system Front-wheel
drive/four-wheel drive
Gearbox 7-speed dual-clutch
automatic/6-speed manual
Mercedes GLA
Price from £25,000 (est) Length 4417mm
Width 1805mm Height 1494mm
Boot size 420-1240 litres (est)
Drive system Front-wheel
drive/four-wheel drive
Gearbox 7-speed dual-clutch
auto/6-speed manual
Range Rover Evoque
Price from £29,200 Length 4355mm
Width 1965mm Height 1635mm
Boot size 575-1445 litres
Drive system Front-wheel
drive/four-wheel drive
Gearbox 6-speed manual/
9-speed automatic
The default suspension set-up on all models (even AMG Sport) will be Comfort, but a stiffer Sport setting will be offered as an option.
What’s it like inside?
If you’ve seen an A-, B- or CLA-Class already, then you won’t be too surprised by anything on offer in the front of the GLA, because it shares almost all of its dashboard and fascia with those cars. Mercedes’ latest circular air vents (as originally seen on the SLS supercar) are still present, although they get a slightly different chrome surround, with deeper textures.
Thankfully, the fake wood trim shown here will not be offered in the UK. Instead, British buyers will have a choice of finishes such as metal, carbonfibre effect and ‘Piano’ black.
The dashboard’s layout is familiar enough, though, with the large central screen and Mercedes’ infotainment system controller between the front seats. As with the A-Class and CLA-Class, over-the-shoulder visibility is affected by the thick rear pillars, but the front of the cabin feels spacious enough.
You do sit slightly higher than in an A-Class; the seat position is
‘Merc UK is considering a higher suspension set-up’
17 whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 |
FORM AND FUNCTION Circular
air vents look fantastic with their
textured chrome surrounds
SOUND DECISION A
DAB radio will be fitted
as standard to all trims
ALL CHANGE Expect to see
more contemporary finishes
instead of this fake wood
PASSES MUSTER Mercedes’
Artico leather-effect upholstery
looks and feels convincing
Mercedes-Benz GLA
Well-shaped boot holds around 420 litres
with the seats up and 1240 with them folded
Electrically operated boot mechanism will
be offered as an option on all versions
Four-wheel-drive system sends power to
the front wheels under normal conditions
John McIlroy
longer rear overhang and the fact that the tail-lights no longer encroach on the boot area give it around 80 litres more capacity than the A-Class. That would mean around 420 litres with the rear seats in place (about the same as a BMW X1), and about 1240 litres with them folded. The space looks squarer and more useful than the A-Class’s, and there are luggage hooks integrated into the plastic mouldings at either side of the compartment.
The standard equipment list is still being finalised, but even entry-level SE models will get all of the body cladding seen here, plus 18in alloy wheels (the car in these images is on 19-inchers), digital DAB radio and leather-effect upholstery.
How much will it cost?
Well-placed sources say the GLA’s pricing will start at around £25,000, so slightly less than the Audi Q3 and BMW X1, and around £5000 less than the cheapest Range Rover Evoque. That entry-level car will be front-wheel drive, though; factor in Merc’s 4Matic transmission and the more potent engines required for that set-up and the figure is likely to be more like £28,000 – or around the same as Audi’s 175bhp Q3 diesel.
A high-performance GLA45 AMG will launch later next year, with the same four-wheel-drive system and the A45 AMG’s 335bhp engine, priced at just over £40k.
18 | OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
What’s new?
BMW i3What is it? BMW’s first fully-electric superminiPrice from £25,680* On sale Now
Double kidney grilles and headlights add
BMW styling clues to the i3’s distinctive face
Professional 10-inch screen is the more
expensive option (6.5in screen is standard)
Front seats look thin but are surprisingly
comfortable, spacious and supportive
BMW CLAIMS IT has reinvented the electric car with this new supermini-sized model, called the i3 and available to order now through UK dealers.
The i3 makes use of high-tech lightweight materials such as carbonfibre and aluminium in its construction to offset the weight of its battery pack. It is available as a fully electric model, or as a range-extender with a 34bhp two-cylinder petrol engine that keeps the electric motor’s battery pack from running flat (CO2 emissions are 13g/km).
The i3 manages to look like a BMW without looking like a BMW. The twin-kidney front grille is present as usual, but it
First look
Photography John Bradshaw
as eucalyptus wood. It manages to feel airy in the front, but some may find it a little dark in the rear.
The main instrument panel will be a single LCD display, and BMW will offer a choice of central screens for infotainment (a 6.5-inch unit called Business or
a 10.25-inch widescreen system called Professional).
The sat-nav will have extra functionality that will show you the current range on a map, based on your driving mode and the range-maximising Eco Pro+ setting, and a number of other
At 4m long and 1.77m
wide, the i3 is a bit
bigger than a Mini
sits at the front of a short bonnet. The vehicle is taller than most small cars – about the same height as BMW’s X1 SUV.
The i3 is powered by a 168bhp electric motor, mated to a single-speed gearbox and driving the rear wheels. Its top speed is 93mph, and it does 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds (0-37mph takes just 3.7 seconds). It has a range of between 80 and 100 miles in normal driving and can reach a full charge in eight hours (or four hours if you have a charging box installed on your house wall).
What’s it like inside?
The dashboard mixes a high-tech look with natural materials such
STARCARCARCARIn detail
*Aft
er
Go
ve
rnm
en
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ran
t
19 whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 |
Access to the rear is aided by rear-hinged
rear doors; front seats also fold forwards
Standard charge takes eight hours. You can
halve that if you have a home charging box
You won’t get much more than a small
holdall in the charging cable’s storage well
BMW i3
LOOKS FAMILIAR
Standard BMW switchgear will
make drivers familiar with the
brand more comfortable
STOP AND GO
The i3’s gearbox, such as
it is, is controlled via this
column-mounted ‘gearlever’
On the road in the i3
Need to go farther? Well now you can
See what our readers think over the page
d
parameters, including your driving style. It will also direct you towards charging points.
That aside, the cabin features familiar BMW switches for indicators and the stereo, and its iDrive controller sits between the front seats. You switch the car on and off, and move it between Drive, Reverse and Park, via a large, clunky stalk unit mounted on the right side of the steering column.
Rear passengers have to wait until the front doors are opened before they can exit via their own rear-hinged doors. Once they’ve done so, though, access to the back seats is decent enough, thanks to the absence of a central pillar on the side. You can also fold the front seats forwards to further open up the aperture.
The boot is small by supermini standards; reasonably wide, but shallow because of the high floor. There is 200 litres of space with the rear seats in place, and up to 1100 litres if you lower them. There’s room for a fair amount of shopping, though.
How much will it cost?
The i3 costs £30,680 outright, but this price will drop to £25,680 when a Government grant of £5000 is taken into consideration. This means the car costs around the same as a top-spec Nissan Leaf.
BMW has also confirmed the car will be available on a contract hire deal; customers pay an initial £2995 (including VAT), then a monthly payment of £369 (also inc VAT). The contract lasts three years and includes 8000 miles per year.
These prices are for the full-electric i3. The range-extender costs £3150 more than the EV version, starting at £28,830 after the Government grant. Contract hire deals on the range-extender will also be available.
The BMW i3 is on sale now, with the first UK deliveries scheduled before the end of the year.
John McIlroy
We’ve driven a development
version of the i3 briefly at a BMW
test facility. We had enough time
in the car to note that the i3’s
electric powertrain feels quiet
and smooth – with less whine, on
this evidence, than rivals’. Power
delivery is instantaneous, and in
the most performance-oriented
of the car’s modes, Comfort, you
can easily squirt up to 40 or
50mph in refined haste.
The i3’s agility at speed is likely
to surprise you. It changes
direction well at speed, and it
also feels very secure under
braking. In fact, the brake-energy
recuperation system can
actually do most of the braking
for you as long as you plan far
enough ahead.
The car also feels very capable
in tight spaces, thanks to quick
steering and a small turning
circle of just 9.86 metres. The
test road was pretty smooth, but
even now we’d advise you to
stick with the 19-inch wheels
instead of optional 20-inchers.
BMW says that the i3 will offer a different sort of ownership proposition;
one that could break down some of the barriers traditionally faced by
electric vehicles. To achieve this, the firm is offering packages of extra
assistance – priced from £40 per month up to around £80 per month –
through which i3 owners can get servicing and maintenance, access
to a UK-wide charging network (through ChargeNow) and, most
interesting, the occasional use of a conventionally powered vehicle.
BMW has yet to specify how this part of the deal works, but the theory
behind it is that you can drive an i3 happily throughout the year, then
have access to an X5 or a 5 Series Touring for your annual skiing holiday
or summer break in France. The scheme (called BMW Access) could win
over a few previous EV sceptics, although its success will depend on the
amount of ‘regular car’ time you get for your money.
20
What’s new?
‘I’ve been waiting for years
for a premium brand to
bring out a high-end rival
to the G-Wiz. The Nissan Leaf
and Renault Zoe come close but
haven’t quite managed to break
the styling mould.
‘This i3 is by far the best electric
car I’ve seen. It’s in a class of its
own, and highly desirable from a
practical and styling perspective.
‘The only exterior detail I’m not keen
on is this black overhang from the
rear quarter window.
‘The interior is beautifully styled.
It’s very modern, and this retro
wood finish lends a cool 1960s
classic car feel. The cabin is also
a lot bigger than I expected. I’m
over six feet tall but I have plenty
of legroom in the driver’s seat.
‘One design feature that
slightly concerns me is that the
[rear-hinged] back door has to
be closed before the front door.
I imagine there will be lots of owners
Age 48
Job Advertising creative director
Lives London
Drives G-Wiz
John Perlmutter
| OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
BMW’S I3 ELECTRIC city car is the first fruit from a £1.8 billion investment in the i sub-brand, so there’s a lot riding on it.
Just 24 hours after the i3 was unveiled to the world’s media, 70 What Car? readers became the first members of the public to rate it.
Would the world’s first ‘premium’ mass-market electric car live up to its hype? Would our readers concur with BMW’s ‘game changing’ claims? How would it be received by veteran early adopters, and would novices be convinced to take the plunge?
Here’s the verdict from our biggest reader test team event yet.
frustrated by the damage done
to the interior of the rear door.
‘Overall, though, I love it. I’m
certainly considering buying one.’
Words Emma Butcher Photography John Bradshaw and Will Williams
BMW i3
Reader Test Team A staggering 70 readers came to see BMW’s first mass-produced electric car. Here are some of their verdicts
John was impressed with the
(yet-to-be-finalised) materials
STARCARReader
Test Team
21
BMW i3
Robert Smith
Age 39
Job Civil servant
Lives Ayrshire
Drives Nissan Leaf and
Mini Countryman
‘I bought my Nissan
Leaf in February and
am an electric convert.
It’s perfect for my daily 69-mile
commute, and even including
charging my household
electricity bill is only £1.80 a day.
‘I’m very impressed with the
styling, and I love the high-gloss
black carbonfibre roof – it’s so
sleek. In fact, I can see a lot of
carbonfibre here, and the
renewable materials such as the
wool and wood appeal to me.
They give a sense of durability.
‘I would say the quality is a bit
better than in the Leaf, and I like
the fact that you sit lower in this
car rather than high up, like in
my car. However, the i3’s boot
space doesn’t compare.
‘The pricing is competitive,
though, and looks affordable
on both lease rate and outright
purchase. I am tempted, although
I wonder how long it will take to
install the quick chargers.
‘I’ll keep the Leaf, which fulfils
98% of my driving needs, and
trade in our Countryman for the
range-extender version of the i3.’
Peter French
Age 63
Job Chief executive
Lives Surrey
Drives Audi TT
‘My first impressions are
very good indeed. I like
the dynamic styling, and
I’m very pleased that a lot of
the concept design features
have made it through to the
production car.
‘It’s a nice place to be –
comfortable and relatively
spacious – with the premium
feel BMW promised.
‘I like the very simple, clean
layout and the use of digital
displays. The connected aspect of
the technology is very fitting, but
I really don’t like this wood in-lay
on the dash; it seems a bit out of
place. Dated, even.
‘As with all electric cars, the big
question is just how economical
it will be in the real world, and
that’s particularly relative to the
range-extender model.
‘Overall the i3 more than meets
my expectations and, pending
the test drive, it will be on our
shortlist. My wife drives a Mini,
which doesn’t have as much
space in the rear, so it could make
a good replacement for that.’
‘I’ve always wanted an
electric car. I like the idea
of doing my bit for the
environment, but nothing so
far has caught my attention like
the i3 has.
‘The most striking design
feature is those alloys – they’re
gorgeous. I wasn’t so keen on the
styling from the front at first,
although it is growing on me, but
the interior is just fantastic: simple
but luxurious.
‘The interior trim is really
special; very tactile, and I love the
eucalyptus wood on the dash, and
the way the glove box lid is
integrated. It’s very classy.
‘I’m surprised at how comfy
the seats are; really snug and
supportive, but not too firm. There’s
lots of space, too – far more than
I expected – and the way the doors
open makes it really practical.
‘The only thing that lets it down is
the boot. We have two kids and I just
Age 40
Job Operations director
Lives Hertfordshire
Drives BMW X1
Jas Mann
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 |
The i3’s digital readouts got
the thumbs up from Peter
Robert is going to buy the
range-extender version
don’t think it would cope with all
our bags and shopping.
‘My mother in law, who pops
into town, would love it.’
‘The trick BMW may already have pulled off is getting committed BMW drivers to take alternative fuels seriously, and committed eco-drivers to take BMW seriously.’
Live event comments
The dashboard’s eucalyptus
wood caught Jas’s eye
Go towhatcar.comto see the full video
video
‘I’ve been holding off on a Nissan Leaf to see if the i3’s worth the premium. It is. It’s a very special car that’s really raised the bar in terms of quality.’
‘It’s not quite as stylish as my 1 Series, but I love the doors. It’s taken ages to find the hidden handles!’
Martin Sylvester, 55,
parish priest,
Honda Insight Mk1
Adam Goran, 42,
digital marketer,
Porsche Boxster
Kitty Chamberlain,
20, PA, Volkswagen
Beetle Convertible
Turn the page to see what more readers think
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 23
TM
What’s new?BMW i3
‘The design works better in reality, but I’ll reserve final judgment until I’ve driven it’@dpeilow
‘If the test drive is good we will probably lease it as a second EV while we wait for Tesla Gen 3’@zerocarbonworld
‘Very cool engineering!’ Wilner Blue
‘Truly hideous. It looks like something from Star Wars.’ Adam Brannon
‘It’s not what I would have expected from BMW, but the big price is’ Ian Gardner
‘Is this the answer to all electric cars?’ Taher Malik
Readers’ views
‘A car’s got to look good as
well as being eco-friendly,
and this i3 definitely has
the looks.
‘I love the contrasting orange
and black paintwork, and the blue
detailing around the badges really
makes it stand out as BMW i.
‘Inside, it’s unmistakably BMW;
the controls are mostly the same
‘I understand this car
straight away, which
isn’t always the case
with BMWs – all the quirky
design elements come together
really well. It’s innovative and
eye-catching, and I really like the
fresh, minimalist dash, while the
layout of the doors allows easier
access to the rear seats.
as in my 3 Series, so it’s all very
familiar. The new doors and
absence of a central pillar are a real
innovation, and the fact there’s no
transmission tunnel in the back
means you don’t have to clamber
over it to get from seat to seat.
‘There’s also plenty of space in
the front and rear, and it’s really
very comfortable, even with my son,
James, in the back and me in the
front. You do get a sense of being in
a much bigger car.
‘The only things that stop me
giving it five stars are the boot,
which is too shallow for carrying the
‘I love the spacious cabin, but the
boot won’t take weekend luggage.
‘The overall cost does feel high
compared with rivals, and our X1
was about the same price, but
standard spec with alloys and
navigation that displays the location
and availability of charge stations
means you don’t need to spend
more than necessary.
‘I’d want to understand the
three-year total cost of ownership
versus a diesel car, and how much
charging will cost.
‘If it does stack up, I’ll recommend
it to my mother, who currently
Age 46
Job Water garden specialist
Lives Nottinghamshire
Drives BMW 3 Series Touring
Harp Mann
Age 41
Job IT bid director
Lives Hertfordshire
Drives BMW 6 Series, X1
Simon Bothwell
weekly shop or a dog, and the
dashboard finish. A carbon wrap
or soft-touch plastic would give
a more premium feel.
drives an old-style Mercedes
A-Class. In the meantime, I can
only say that it crushes its
like-for-like competition.’
Decent legroom means James
was happy to sit behind his dad
The i3’s shallow boot was the
only disappointment for Harp
If you’d like to be part of a future
Reader Test Team or have
a question about a specific car,
email us at readertestteam@
whatcar.com with your details.
Whatcar.com video
Your verdict on the i3
Join the debate at
www.facebook.com/whatcar
Want to join in?
www.facebook.com/whatcar
www.twitter.com/whatcar
Our readers got to see the new i3 in the metal barely 24 hours after it had been unveiled to the world’s media
26 | OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
What’s new?
BMW 4 Series
THE BMW 4 SERIES is an all-new replacement for the 3 Series Coupé, with the change of name part of a plan to make it feel much more like a standalone model, rather than just a 3 Series with two fewer doors.
It’s longer, lower and wider than both the old 3 Series Coupé and the current 3 Series, proportions
a 2.0-litre turbo petrol (badged 428i), a 3.0-litre turbo petrol (435i), and the 2.0-litre 420d diesel that’s expected to be the best seller.
This range will quickly expand to include an xDrive four-wheel-drive version of the 420d, a less powerful 2.0-litre petrol model (420i) in rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions, and two 3.0-litre diesels (the 430d and the 435d xDrive).
What’s it like to drive?
We tried the 435i, which pulls strongly from low revs all the way through to 7000rpm. It
that help it look significantly sportier than either.
What’s more, the 4 Series is better equipped, with even the basic SE trim getting xenon headlights, front and rear parking sensors, heated leather seats, cruise control and a DAB radio.
Three engines sourced from the 3 Series will be available at launch:
Optional eight-speed auto ’box works well and should appeal to owners
feels quick; it’s the sort of car that makes overtaking effortless, and the engine also makes a pleasant noise when you rev it, even if it isn’t especially loud. However, there is some wind and road noise at motorway speeds.
The optional eight-speed automatic gearbox fitted to our car is far more impressive, shifting swiftly and smartly. It’s likely to be a must-have option, because current manual versions of the 3 Series have offset pedals and a rather stiff gearshift action.
One of the best things about the latest 3 Series is the superb balance it strikes between ride comfort and agility, and this hasn’t been lost with the 4 Series. In fact, its lower centre of gravity and wider stance help it feel even more planted in corners. It should be noted, though, that our car was fitted with adaptive suspension, an option that greatly improves body control on other BMWs.
The steering is precise but relatively light, too, which
STARCAR
Drive
What is it? New coupé based on the latest 3 SeriesVerdict Classy, good to drive and surprisingly practical
‘The 4 Series is quick, and feels well planted in corners ’
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 27
BMW 4 Series
certainly adds to the enjoyment of driving the new 4 Series.
What’s it like inside?
The 4 Series looks identical to a 3 Series saloon from the driver’s seat, aside from some minor trim changes. Fortunately, this means you get a classy, well laid out dashboard with clear instruments and BMW’s intuitive iDrive infotainment system.The seats are supportive, too, and they offer a good range of adjustment, although the 420d has fiddly manual seat controls instead of the full electric adjustment that comes as standard with the 428i and 435i.
Rear access is surprisingly good, thanks to front seats that tilt and slide a long way forward, so there’s a large gap to climb through. However, while there’s plenty of legroom in the back, only those under six feet tall will have enough headroom.
Rear access is good and there is
plenty of legroom in the back
The 4 Series is well equipped as
standard, even in basic SE trim
Boot capacity is only 35 litres
less than the 3 Series saloon’s
BMW’s iDrive infotainment
system is logical and easy to use
CABIN QUALITY
Interior fit and finish, and material
quality, are among the best to be
found in this category (or any other)
WIDESCREEN DISPLAY
Dash incorporates a huge screen
that can be split into two sections
displaying different information
The boot can swallow 445 litres of luggage, which is just 35 litres down on the 3 Series saloon’s capacity. What’s more, the rear seats split and fold 60/40, with a 40/20/40 split available as an option.
BMW also offers a powered boot lid that opens automatically when you wave your foot beneath the rear bumper, useful when your hands are full.
Should I buy one?
For all the talk of making the 4 Series feel different from the 3 Series, it’s actually very similar. However, given that the 3 Series is our reigning Executive Car of the
Year, this is no bad thing. True, the 4 Series carries a premium of more than £3000, but this isn’t excessive, given the extra style and equipment it offers.
The 4 Series is also priced in line with the rival Audi A5 and Mercedes E-Class Coupés, and
Elongated proportions make the new 4 Series look sportier than the 3; the new model is better equipped, too
is better to drive than both, at least in the form we tried it.
If you’re after a classy, four-seat coupé, the 4 Series is definitely worth waiting for.
Steve Huntingford
INSURANCE GROUPS tbc
AIRBAGS 6
DOORS 2
SEATS 4
COLOURS tbc
ON SALE October
OR TRY A ...
Audi A5
Merc E-Class C’pé
BUYER’S FILE
Engine size 2.0 T 3.0 T 2.0 TD
Price from £32,595 £40,795 £31,575
Power 242bhp 302bhp 181bhp
Torque 258lb ft 295lb ft 280lb ft
0-62mph 5.9sec 5.4sec 7.5sec
Top speed 155mph 155mph 149mph
Economy 42.8mpg 35.8mpg 60.1mpg
CO2 g/km/tax 154/22% 185/29% 124/19%
A convertible version of the
4 Series will join the range about
six months after the coupé goes
on sale. It will have a folding
hard-top similar to the one
on the outgoing 3 Series
Convertible, and should be
available with the same line-up
of engines as the 4 Series.
A few months after the arrival
of the convertible, BMW will
add a turbocharged six-cylinder
M4 model. Expect this to go
on sale at the same time as
the M3 saloon, with both
versions getting styling
tweaks that give them a
more aggressive appearance.
More Fours
28
What’s new?
‘I’ve had four Alfa Romeos,
which were all second cars
that could be used at the
weekend or for holidays, so I’m
a big fan of the brand. I came very
close to placing a deposit on a 4C
when it was first announced, but
early size comparisons with the
Lotus Elise put me off.
‘In reality, this seems slightly more
practical than the Lotus, but not by
much. The 4C doesn’t have a front
boot, and the one at the rear looked
too small for going away for
anything longer than a weekend.
‘Loading the rear boot is also
slightly unusual; to save weight,
there’s no hydraulic strut that holds
the lid open, so you have to prop it
up with a metal rod like you would
with a bonnet.
‘I think the level of weight saving
is just right – you’ve still got air-con
and leather seats inside, and that
manual boot prop wouldn’t put me
Age 38
Job Computer programmer
Lives St Albans
Drives Alfa Romeo Mito,
BMW 330d Touring
Richard Minchin
| OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
THE ALFA 4C is one of the most eagerly anticipated cars of 2013; it started the year by winning the What Car? Reader Award, chosen by whatcar.com users.
The mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive, two-seat sports car has a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 237bhp. It accelerates from 0-62mph in just 4.5 seconds and has a top speed of 160mph, thanks largely to its ultra-low kerbweight of just 895kg.
The 4C takes several styling cues from Alfa’s 8C Competizione, so will its curves and swoops live up to our readers’ expectations? It’s time to find out.
off. What’s more, once you’re in
the cabin, you feel comfortable,
and I think at the price point the
interior quality is spot-on.’
Words Ed Callow Photography John Bradshaw
Alfa Romeo 4CReader Test Team Alfa’s mid-engined sports car goes on sale shortly for around £50k. Will it win over our team of readers?
Richard wasn’t that impressed
with the 4C’s carrying capacity
STARCARReader
Test Team
29
Alfa Romeo 4C
David Anderson
Age 50
Job Architect
Lives Newbury, Berks
Drives Alfa Romeo Brera and
Alfa Romeo Giulietta
‘I wanted to see what
impression the car left
on me after standing
right next to it. I also thought it
might be time to add another
Alfa to my collection.
‘Being an architect means
I have an eye for interesting
design, and I have always loved
these cars’ flair and individuality.
I think it’s what makes Alfas really
stand out from the crowd.
‘Now I’ve seen it in person,
it’s clear that the 4C is no
different – it’s absolutely fantastic.
It looks compact enough to be
a lot of fun along a decent road or
even around a track. The overall
shape is beautiful, and it actually
looks even better in the flesh than
I was expecting after seeing the
first photos.
‘If I had to pick one area that’s
not immediately perfect, I’d say
it’s the curves along the side up
to the intakes behind the rear
doors, but I’m sure they would
grow on me in time. I think it’s
incredibly important for an Alfa
to look absolutely stunning, and
the 4C does.’
Adam Lloyd
Age 26
Job Chartered surveyor
Lives Wokingham, Berks
Drives Alfa Romeo Giulietta
‘I chose my Alfa because
it has Italian style and
panache that isn’t
matched by any of its rivals.
It also offered relatively low
monthly bills in comparison to
competitors. The 4C obviously
won’t be as cheap to run, but
the list price of around £50,000
seems to be about right. It looks
so much more distinctive than
anything it’s going to be
competing with, too. It will be a
very tempting potential purchase.
‘While I understand the
stripped-back rationale, I think
Alfa could have made the interior
feel slightly more special.
However, there are some cool
weight-saving features, such as
the leather strap door pulls.
‘Even though the cabin doesn’t
feel as special as a Porsche
Cayman’s, it is at least easy to get
and out of, which is surprising
given how low you sit in the car.
I also love the carbonfibre that’s
on show – it immediately tells you
that this is a car with a proper
lightweight focus.’
‘The Alfa Romeo 4C is
the best looking car that’s
been launched for a very
long time – not just by Alfa, but
by any car manufacturer.
‘Now I’ve seen the car up close,
I know my first impression was
spot-on. The 4C is a very beautiful
car, and the only thing I saw
people querying were the
carbonfibre surrounds on the front
headlights. Personally, I quite like
those darker elements, although
I can see why they might be a bit
over the top for some people.
‘I was also impressed by how the
carbonfibre in the body helps to
keep the weight so low. Most people
would probably expect this car to be
just over a tonne, so for it to weigh
less than 900kg is incredible.
‘My wife and I both thought the
individual LEDs in the lights were
fantastic – when lit up at night
they’ll look really stylish. For us,
and I suspect many others, the way
Age 47
Job Police officer
Lives Hampshire
Drives Mazda MX-5
Andrew Bolton
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 |
The 4C’s interior didn’t feel
special enough for Adam
Overall, David thought Alfa had
done a good job with the styling
the car looks will be a major
factor in any purchasing decision.
However, for me it will also have
to handle brilliantly.’
‘Is the car easy to get in and out of, and is it comfortable to sit in?’Jack Holmes
Debbie Bolton There are wide
sills to get over, but it’s fairly easy
to step in or get out. You sit very
low once inside, which makes it
feel like a proper sports car, and
the seats are snug and comfy.
Helen Grimster The bulbs and
LEDs on the final production
car are surrounded by a glossy
carbonfibre finish. It looks quite
classy, and the daytime running
lights dotted in the middle
around the headlight and
indicator give it a jewelled effect.
‘I saw the 4C at the Geneva motor show and the light surrounds looked grey and rubbery. Have they been changed?’David Rathbone
Readers’ Q&A
The carbonfibre light surrounds
weren’t on the concept car
Go towhatcar.comto see the full video
video
If you’d like to be part of a future
Reader Test Team or have a
question about a specific car,
email us at readertestteam@
whatcar.com with your details.
Whatcar.com video
Your verdict on the Alfa 4C
Join the debate at
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Want to join in?
32 | OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
What’s new?
First drivesWe drive the latest models: read our verdicts
HYUNDAI HAS BOLD ambitions for the new i10. Longer, wider and quite a bit lower than its predecessor, this is the car the company hopes will trouble the class-leading VW Up.
There’s still a fair amount of work to be done before the new i10 goes on sale this winter, but the early signs are positive. It will be more spacious than the current model; rear space and boot capacity will be roughly on a par with the Up.
The i10 is much classier inside, too. The dashboard is still mostly hard to the touch, but it’s textured in such a way that makes it look pretty upmarket. Unlike the interiors in rival cars, including the Up and Skoda Citigo, there are no exposed areas of bodywork in the cabin; Hyundai views that as a
both engines that are coming to the UK (a three-cylinder 1.0 and a four-cylinder 1.2), there’s enough evidence to suggest Hyundai has every right to be confident.
The new i10 feels far more grown-up than its predecessor; occupants are much more isolated from noise and mechanical vibration, and there’s far less body sway through tight corners. The steering doesn’t weight up as naturally as an Up’s, but Hyundai says this is still being worked on.
The 1.0-litre engine is essentially the same one found in the Kia Picanto, but it’s been improved for the i10, with quicker throttle responses and more low-down torque. There are still noticeable steps in the power delivery, which is something the more powerful 1.2 doesn’t suffer from. Both engines are expected to emit less than 100g/km of CO2.
While the i10 won’t necessarily undercut the headline prices of key rivals such as the Up and Skoda Citigo, it will come better equipped. A breakdown of exactly what the S, SE and Premium trim levels will get has yet to be finalised, but all i10s have five doors, six airbags (most rivals get four), and stability control, along with Hyundai’s five-year warranty.
sign of cost-cutting. You’ll also find some soft materials where competitors have hard and unappealing plastics, such as on the door-mounted armrests.
Our test drives were limited to just a few minutes on a smooth test track, so it’s impossible to give a conclusive verdict on how the new i10 rides and handles. However, having tried
There’s now more space in the rear and boot, similar to the VW Up
Engine tweaks improve throttle
responses and low-down torque
Hyundai i10What is it? Hyundai’s new VW Up rival (in prototype form)
Verdict Improved city car shows plenty of promise
AUDI’S RS7 Sportback uses the same sonorous, twin-turbo V8 as the RS6, which produces an identical 552bhp; that’s enough to get it to 62mph in a supercar-rivalling 3.9sec and on to 189mph (if you pay extra to have the 155mph limiter removed).
The stunning acceleration is delivered effortlessly, due to all-wheel drive and a smooth, responsive eight-speed automatic gearbox. Handling is less impressive; there’s plenty of grip, but the steering feels oddly weighted when you turn in to corners. The RS7 also feels heavy, which isn’t surprising, given that it weighs two tonnes.
Air suspension and 20-inch wheels come as standard, which give a firm but reasonably comfortable ride. An optional steel sports suspension, Dynamic Ride Control (which is designed to reduce pitch and roll), and 21-inch alloys are also available.
Inside, you get supportive RS Sports Seats, a 14-speaker Bose stereo, sat-nav on an eight-inch LCD touch-screen and DAB radio.
The RS7 costs £83,495, £20k more than a S7 or Jaguar XFR, which handles better and isn’t much slower in a straight line. It’s where our money would go.
First drive
What is it? Range-topping
A7 Sportback
Verdict Massive grunt, but
rivals handle better
Audi RS7
Rob Keenan
Will Nightingale
BUYER’S FILE
Engine size 4.0 V8 T
Price from £83,495
Power 552bhp
Torque 516lb ft
0-62mph 3.9sec
Top speed 189mph
Economy 28.8mpg
CO2 g/km/tax 229/35%
INSURANCE GROUP 50 AIRBAGS 6
DOORS 5 SEATS 4 COLOURS 10
ON SALE Autumn
OR TRY A ...
Jaguar XFR
Mercedes-Benz CLS63
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 33
Hyundai i10 Audi RS7 Mercedes A-Class Hyundai ix35
What is it? Revised suspension
for AMG Sport models
Verdict Rivals are still far
more comfortable
THE LATEST A-CLASS has always been a bit of a disappointment, with its uncomfortable ride largely to blame. However, Mercedes has now decided to tackle this problem by offering a new lowered comfort suspension set-up.
Combining the slightly softer feel of SE- and Sport-spec cars with a lowered ride height, it is standard on AMG Sport models and replaces the sports suspension that was previously fitted.
The aim is to offer greater comfort without sacrificing their aggressive, low-slung appearance.
Sure enough, the new set-up feels a little more forgiving over expansion joints and high-speed bumps than the previous sports suspension. However, the A-Class still doesn’t ride anywhere near as well as most of its rivals; you’re jostled around over any surface that isn’t perfectly smooth, while urban potholes thump
Mercedes A-Class
First drive
through the cabin with enough force to cause genuine discomfort.
In some ways the old AMG Sport set-up was actually better, because it did at least keep body roll tightly controlled, allowing you to make
New comfort suspension aims to improve the A-Class’s overly firm ride
the most of the A-Class’s good grip and well-weighted steering, whereas the new lowered comfort cars suffer from a bit too much sway through corners.
We tried the A200 CDI model, which uses a 1.8-litre diesel engine that offers decent pace and flexibility. The trouble is, it sounds coarse and rattly, while road noise adds to the general racket at motorway speeds.
The driver environment is more appealing, thanks to supportive seats and a smartly styled dashboard. Unfortunately,
the curve of the rear side windows makes rear access tricky and the boot has a narrow opening.
While the new suspension set-up gives the AMG Sport models a slightly more forgiving ride, then, the A-Class remains a deeply flawed car.
Its three main rivals, the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and VW Golf, all strike a better balance between comfort and control, plus they’re more practical, refined and at least as cheap to run. In short, they’re all better buys.
Steve Huntingford
First drive
THE HYUNDAI IX35 has been given a mid-life face-lift. It now gets redesigned head- and tail-lights and LED daytime running lights. Hyundai has also improved the interior quality, and there’s a new infotainment system, too.
Further revisions to the 2.0-litre diesel engine mean slightly better fuel economy and CO2 emissions, and this engine now gets the option of an automatic gearbox.
Hyundai ix35Tweaked looks and suspension make the ix35 more attractive to buy
doesn’t inspire much confidence, and even in Sport mode it feels artificial. Grip is good, but there’s a fair amount of body lean.
We drove the two-wheel-drive 1.7-litre diesel, which never feels short of pull. It remains gruff when accelerating, though, and is noisy on the motorway because the engine spins away at 2500rpm at 70mph in sixth gear.
Our prototype test car rode well around town on our German test route, with only larger, deeper holes causing any discomfort.
Inside, there’s lots of head- and legroom up front, but while there’s plenty of seat adjustment, some drivers might wish the steering wheel went lower.
The ix35’s sloping roofline means rear headroom is tight and tall adults might also find their knees touching the seat in front. That said, the wide-opening rear doors are a big benefit.
The boot space is much more impressive. It’s a usefully square shape, with a relatively low load lip and a wide opening for easy access. The rear seats fold pretty much flat, too.
This ix35 is better than ever, then, but it still fails to sparkle next to more complete all-rounders such as the Nissan Qashqai.
However, Hyundai is likely to introduce a new entry-level trim level, which will have less standard kit but a lower starting price of around £17,000.
Rory White
What is it? Hyundai’s best seller now smarter and more comfortable
Verdict Improved ride, but ix35 still isn’t great to drive
BUYER’S FILE
Engine size 1.8 TD
Price from £24,765
Power 134bhp
Torque 221lb ft
0-62mph 9.3sec
Top speed 130mph
Economy 62.8mpg
CO2 g/km/tax 118/18%
INSURANCE GROUP 20 AIRBAGS 6
DOORS 5 SEATS 5 COLOURS 8
ON SALE Now
OR TRY A ...
Audi A3 Sportback
BMW 1 Series
BUYER’S FILE
Engine size 1.7 CRDi
Price from (est) £17,000
Power 114bhp
Torque 192lb ft
0-62mph 12.4sec
Top speed 108mph
Economy 48.7mpg
CO2 g/km/tax 139/19%
INSURANCE GROUP 20 AIRBAGS 6
DOORS 5 SEATS 5 COLOURS tbc
ON SALE Now
OR TRY A ...
Nissan Qashqai
Mazda CX-5
The ix35’s front suspension has been tweaked in the hope of improving ride and handling, too.
There’s certainly a difference to the steering. It’s quicker, and all UK versions are expected to come with the variable-weight Flex Steer system.
Left in Normal mode, the steering is light enough for easy progress through town. However, in faster bends, this lightness
35 whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 |
What’s new?Honda Civic Tourer Suzuki Swift 4x4
What is it? Four-wheel drive
version of Suzuki’s supermini
Verdict Fairly limited appeal
THE NEW SUZUKI Swift 4x4 has few natural rivals. The only other conventional hatchback with four-wheel drive is the Fiat Panda 4x4, but that’s a much smaller car.
The Swift 4x4 is available with only one engine – a 93bhp 1.2-litre petrol unit – and five doors. We took it along rutted, poorly maintained tracks and the four-wheel-drive system proved simple but effective, driving the rear wheels when the front pair started to slip.
Without a low-ratio gearbox or off-road tyres, the 4x4 is by no means advanced enough to cope with proper off-roading, but for low-grip winter conditions or tackling rural farm tracks, it’s a neat and cost-effective solution.
However, in normal on-road conditions, the Swift 4x4 offers no significant advantage over the two-wheel-drive model. In fact, the extra weight puts even more
Suzuki Swift 4x4
strain on the 1.2-litre petrol engine, meaning you have to work it even harder. However, the firm edge to the two-wheel-drive version’s ride has been improved by the extra centimetres of suspension travel.
You need to work the engine hard; both trims come with loads of kit
First drive
The 4x4 is available in SZ3 or SZ4 trims. SZ3 has seven airbags, electric front windows, air-conditioning and an audio system with Bluetooth and a USB input.
SZ4 adds climate control, automatic headlights, keyless entry and start and electric rear windows, along with extra plastic cladding and skid plates.
As with the standard Swift, the 4x4 offers great all-round visibility and plenty of adjustment for the driver. The main shortfall is boot space; its 211 litres is far less than you get in most rivals.
THE HONDA CIVIC Tourer is the all-new estate version of the five-door hatch, and we’ve had the chance to drive early prototypes.
It has more than 600 litres of boot space (with the rear seats in place), so is big enough to worry rivals such as the class-leading Skoda Octavia Estate.
For the first time on any Honda, there’s the option of rear adaptive damping. While not self-levelling,
Honda Civic TourerCivic Tourer drives well, with or without adaptive suspension fitted
Farther forward, there’s the same cinema-style ‘flip-up’ rear seats as you get in the normal Civic hatchback.
The front of the cabin will be much the same as the hatchback’s, but rear passengers get a better deal, because headroom has been improved. The amount of legroom remains unchanged.
Both of the cars we drove were 1.6-litre diesels, and one was fitted with adaptive rear dampers.
The system is likely to be an option, but its three modes – Normal, Comfort and Dynamic –
First drive
Suzuki has VAT-free offers until the end of September, so if you buy quickly you’ll pay £11,516.
At full price, the Swift 4x4 SZ3 will be £1200 more than the two-wheel-drive model. The difference grows to £1800 on SZ4-trim cars – a big premium.
That said, a Fiat Panda 4x4 is even more expensive, and it isn’t as well equipped and has even less space inside.
Still, we’d be too tempted to save money and stick with the standard two-wheel-drive Swift.
provide a noticeable change to the way Tourer rides and controls its body movements.
Selecting Comfort gives more vertical travel to improve comfort on the motorway, and also allows the Civic to soak up lumps and bumps impressively in town.
Switching to Dynamic stiffens things noticeably to reduce body roll in tight bends; the driver is more aware of larger and high-frequency imperfections in the surface of the road, but never enough to be uncomfortable.
Normal mode hits a decent middle ground between the two.
Even without adaptive dampers the ride was never harsh, and the body roll was kept neatly in check through corners.
The Civic Tourer certainly shows promise, then. We’ve yet to try it in the UK, and Honda has yet to reveal economy and emissions figures, but it’s certainly spacious, flexible and good to drive. Prices should be pretty competitive, too, because Honda says it will charge roughly the same premium over the Civic hatch as competitors do for their estate models – around £1000.
the new suspension has been designed to help the Civic cope better with heavy loads and when towing over challenging road surfaces.
Honda says that the Civic Tourer’s boot floor will be closer to the ground than any of its rivals’, which should make loading and unloading easier. Furthermore, the load bay is a useful square shape, with a wide opening.
What is it? New estate version of Honda’s Golf rival
Verdict Loads of space and good to drive
BUYER’S FILE
Engine size 1.2
Price from £13,819
Power 93bhp
Torque 87lb ft
0-62mph 13.4 seconds
Top speed 103mph
Economy 51.3mpg
CO2 g/km/tax 126g/km
INSURANCE GROUP tbc AIRBAGS 7
DOORS 5 SEATS 4 COLOURS 7
ON SALE Now
OR TRY A ...
Dacia Duster
Fiat Panda 4x4
‘The boot floor will be closer to the ground than any rival’s’
Rory White
Ed Callow
| OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com36
What’s new?
CITY CARS AND SUPERMINISBMW i3 (autumn 2013)
Electric supermini is the first car
in BMW’s new ‘i’ model range.
Citroën C3 (autumn 2013)
New three-cylinder petrol engines
help to improve fuel economy
and reduce emissions.
Honda Jazz (early 2014)
All-new, sharper-looking version
will trade practicality for
greater efficiency.
Hyundai i10 (autumn 2013)
City car gets the latest family look
and greater refinement.
MG 3 (winter 2013)
UK version will get a classier cabin
than the Chinese-market model.
Mini (December 2013)
New model gets a revised
dashboard and three-cylinder
engines for improved economy.
Vauxhall Corsa (autumn 2014)
Revamp of current car will introduce
three-cylinder engines.
SMALL FAMILY CARSAudi A3 Saloon (September 2013)
Blends A3’s cabin quality with
a three-box saloon shape.
Ford Focus Electric (winter 2013)
UK favourite gets pure electric
powertrain to compete with the
Nissan Leaf.
Honda Civic Tourer (winter 2013)
Swish-looking estate will have
‘class-leading’ space, Honda claims.
Kia Soul (early 2014)
Promises significant improvements
to refinement and driving dynamics.
Mazda 3 (autumn 2013)
Will be lighter than today’s 3, thanks
to Mazda’s Skyactiv technology.
Peugeot 308 (January 2014)
Lighter than current car.
Skoda Rapid Spaceback
(autumn 2013)
Shorter, sportier version of Rapid.
Seat Leon ST (October 2013)
New model will beat Astra and
Focus Estates on boot space.
FAMILY CARS AND EXECUTIVE CARSBMW 5 Series (September 2013)
Face-lifted model brings minor
cosmetic updates and more
efficient engines.
Infiniti Q50 (September 2013)
G Series replacement gets a new
name and four-cylinder engines.
Tesla Model S (early 2014)
Luxury electric car will go up
to 300 miles on one charge.
Maserati Ghibli (October 2013)
5 Series rival with V6 diesel power.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
(spring 2014)
All-new executive car will come with
the option of a hybrid powertrain.
Vauxhall Insignia
(September 2013)
Cosmetic updates inside and out.
Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer
(late 2013)
Rival to VW Passat Alltrack; raised
ride height and four-wheel drive.
LUXURY CARSBentley Flying Spur
(autumn 2013)
Continental-based saloon gets
sleeker looks and new V8 engine.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
(October 2013)
Top versions will replace Maybachs.
COUPES ANDOPEN-TOP CARSAlfa Romeo 4C (summer 2013)
‘Launch edition’ now sold out;
standard car priced from £50k.
BMW 4 Series (October 2013)
3 Series Coupé gets new name and
striking appearance.
Rolls-Royce Wraith (winter 2013)
New coupé is the most powerful
Rolls-Royce ever.
MPVsCitroën Grand C4 Picasso
(early 2014)
More practicality and efficiency.
Fiat 500L MPW (September 2013)
Longer version of 500L with
a bigger boot or seven seats.
Nissan Note (September 2013)
Sleeker appearance and lots of
safety equipment for compact MPV.
BMW 5 Series September 2013
Vauxhall Insignia September 2013
Coming soonCheck out all the great new cars just around the corner
SUPERMINI
Citroën C3
The face-lifted version of
Citroën’s supermini is about to
go on sale, and there are plenty
of deals to be had on the
outgoing car. The 1.2 VTi 82
VTR+ is our pick of the range
and is available through
Drivethedeal.com for £10,129,
saving you £3021.
SAVE £3021
FAMILY CAR
Peugeot 308
An all-new version of Peugeot’s
family car arrives early next
year, so some sizeable discounts
are available on the outgoing
model. The 1.6 e-HDi 112 Active
blends the best engine and kit
levels. It’s on offer for £14,464
via Drivethedeal.com, saving
you £5251.
SAVE £5251
EXECUTIVE CAR
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
You won’t be able to buy the
next C-Class until spring 2014,
but there are already deals to be
had on the current model. The
C220 CDI Executive SE is our
pick of the range and is available
for £24,890 through Carfile.net,
which is a saving of £4080. Even
bigger discounts are on offer if
you choose a different version.
SAVE £4080
SUVsAudi Q3 RS (winter 2013)
Evoque rival gets 306bhp engine.
BMW X4 (spring 2014)
Expect ‘son of X6’ to cost around
£3k more than equivalent X3s.
BMW X5 (autumn 2013)
All-new model offers four-cylinder
diesel engines and two-wheel drive.
Ford Ecosport (winter 2013)
Fiesta-based SUV will get a 1.0-litre
three-cylinder petrol engine.
Hyundai ix35 (September 2013)
Mild face-lift brings plusher cabin
and more equipment.
Jeep Cherokee (early 2014)
Freelander rival will borrow Fiat
diesel engine to boost UK sales.
Porsche Macan (winter 2013)
Cayenne’s baby brother will share
its underpinnings with the Audi Q5.
Range Rover Evoque 9-speed
(winter 2013)
New automatic gearbox boosts
economy and lowers emissions.
Suzuki SX4 S-Cross
(autumn 2013)
Bigger than current car, with
a starting price of around £15k.
SPORTS CARS AND HOT HATCHESAston Martin Vanquish Volante
(winter 2013)
Drop-top version of the company’s
range-topping sports car.
Ferrari LaFerrari (autumn 2013)
Maranello’s hybrid should reach
186mph in 15.5 seconds.
Kia Cee’d GT (autumn 2013)
The company’s first hot hatch has
the Ford Focus ST in its sights.
McLaren P1 (autumn 2013)
Race aerodynamic technology
and 903bhp for LaFerrari rival.
Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG
(October 2013)
Swoopy saloon based on A-Class
gets engine from A45 AMG.
Peugeot RCZ R (early 2014)
The company’s most powerful
production car ever gets 270bhp.
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 37
Going soon
All you need to know about buying a car, p250
Peugeot RCZ R early 2014
Bentley Flying Spur autumn 2013
Ford Focus Electric winter 2013
Kia Soul early 2014
Fiat 500L MPW September 2013
Save £££s on old models
39 whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 |
What’s new?
BUYERS OF CHRYSLER’S 300C have enjoyed the biggest new car discounts this month. The big American saloon can now be picked up for £25,995 for the 3.0-litre V6 diesel in Limited trim. That’s a discount of £10,005, nearly 28% off the £36,000 list price, and it’s all down to Chrysler offering dealer bonuses to shift stock.
The Volvo XC70 2.0 D4 SE S/S has also been discounted. Our Target Price team has found dealers offering discounts of £6342 on the four-wheel-drive family estate. That’s a discount increase of 7.2% from last month, and means you can now pick up this entry-level XC70 for £26,453.
Renault, meanwhile, has introduced a Pay No VAT offer on every version of the Mégane. As a result, the discount
The big Chrysler is a lot of car for the money, especially with current discounts
Co
nte
nts
su
bje
ct
to c
ha
ng
e
£
on the brilliant Renaultsport version is nearly 10% greater than it was last month. The Target Price for the Renault Mégane 2.0T Renaultsport 265 Coupé is now £22,442, a £4303 saving on the list price.
Remember, if your local dealer can’t match the Target Price, give our
team a call on 0845 123 2620 and they’ll put you in touch with a dealer who can.
Next monthOn saleSeptember 19
Target Price news
Enjoy big savings
on the Seat estate
The Target Price of the
Seat Ibiza Estate 1.4 85
Toca has dropped to
£10,811, an increase of
over 13% on last month
and a £3144 saving.
Take advantage of
Nissan Micra discount
The entry-level Micra 1.2
Visia is now available
for £8125, thanks to a
new manufacturer
incentive. That’s
a saving of £1755.
Target Price deals
Target PriceSave big with Chrysler and rapid Renaults
OUR CARS
READER TEST
A year in a Volvo V4019,000-mile report: is it really a match for a VW?
New Vauxhall InsigniaBetter for company car drivers – but do you like it?
We name the cars to buy, whatever your budget
Britain’sbest usedbargains
AWARDS
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 41
Expert, impartial and detailed tests that help you buy the right car
Twin testNew Skoda Octavia vRSvs Ford Focus ST-2
64
42
76
Our carsWe say farewell to the Ssangyong Korando; hello to the Skoda Rapid
73
Testcentre
‘The vRS gets the same great driving position and classy materials as regular Octavias’Will Nightingale New cars editor p64
Quick test New Kia Procee’d GTvs new Seat Leon SC
Big test ExecutivesNew Audi S3 Saloon vs new Lexus IS vs BMW 3 Series vs Mercedes-Benz CLA
New Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5vs Toyota RAV4
Triple test SUVs
56
Plus All you need to know about how to buy and finance your next car on p250
Twin testNew Nissan Leafvs new Renault Zoe
68
| OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com42
TEST CENTRE
Road TestCentre
BMW’S 3 SERIES HAS long been the default choice for people after a small executive saloon. However, the new Audi A3 Saloon and Mercedes CLA both offer a similar prestige image to the 3 Series, plus the Mercedes has sleek, coupé-like looks, and the Audi a much lower price.
The new Lexus IS has a petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain that delivers more power and less CO2 than any of these rivals.
We’re testing the A3 and 3 Series with the optional automatic gearboxes, while the IS and CLA both get autos as standard. �
Execs and the city
New Audi A3 Saloon vs new Lexus IS vs BMW 3 Series vs Mercedes-Benz CLA
Photography John Bradshaw Thanks to Greenwich Film Unit
What we’re looking for: A stylish, comfortable executive saloon that’s great to drive and won’t cost a fortune to run
The contenders
BMW 320d Efficient
Dynamics auto
List price £29,935
Target Price £27,748
Class leader offers great handling,
performance, and running costs.
NEW Lexus IS 300h SE
List price £29,495
Target Price £28,168
Hybrid IS is a cheap company car,
but can it compete in other areas?
NEW Mercedes CLA 220 CDI
Sport
List price £29,355
Target Price £28,781
Based on the A-Class, the CLA is a
desirable, sporty-looking alternative.
NEW Audi A3 Saloon 2.0 TDI 150
Sport S tronic
List price £25,755
Target Price £25,002
Promises similar prestige to larger
executive saloons for less cash.
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 43
EXECUTIVE CARS
44 | OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
IS is quick enough once it gets going, but does take a while to respond CLA performs strongly, even though its gearbox isn’t as slick as the BMW’s
Gutsy engine means that you rarely have to make the 3 Series kickdownA3 Saloon accelerates slower than rivals, but still feels fast and flexible
Test figures Test figures
Test figuresTest figures
Braking Braking
BrakingBraking
30–0mph 30–0mph
30–0mph30–0mph
70–0mph 70–0mph
70–0mph70–0mph
Acceleration 30–70mph in kickdown
30–50mph in kickdown
50–70mph in kickdown
Acceleration 30–70mph in kickdown
30–50mph in kickdown
50–70mph in kickdown
Acceleration 30–70mph in kickdown
30–50mph in kickdown
50–70mph in kickdown
Acceleration 30–70mph in kickdown
30–50mph in kickdown
50–70mph in kickdown
A A
AA
A A
AA
8.6sec 7.9sec
7.6sec7.9sec
3.4sec 3.1sec
3.1sec3.2sec
5.2sec 4.8sec
4.5sec4.7sec
Weather conditions Dry Weather conditions Dry
Weather conditions DryWeather conditions Dry
45.3m 46.9m
47.4m49.1m
8.2m 8.7m
8.8m9.1m
FASTEST ACCELERATING
Performance
Audi
BMW
Lexus
Mercedes
The A3, 3 Series and CLA all have strong, four-cylinder diesel engines, but the Mercedes’ is particularly powerful.
It’s hardly surprising, then, that the CLA performed best in our 30-70mph acceleration test. However, it’s the 3 Series that
usually responds quickest in everyday situations, because it has more torque than its rivals and an eight-speed automatic gearbox that always seems to be in the correct gear.
The seven-speed dual-clutch auto ’boxes in the A3 and CLA aren’t as good at predicting what you’re going to do next. What’s more, the CLA’s can be slow to change down, whether you leave it to its own devices or use the steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.
TEST CENTRE
0-60mph Top speed
sec mph8.9 130
0-60mph Top speed
sec mph7.9 135
0-60mph Top speed
sec mph8.0 139
0-60mph Top speed
sec mph8.4 124
All three diesel cars’ engines feel more flexible than the IS’s, though. Lexus has combined a four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 220bhp – way more than you get from the diesels. Unfortunately, the IS feels distinctly flat until its continuously variable transmission has found the optimum revs, something that only happens after a lengthy pause. Still, the IS does accelerate quickly enough once it’s into its stride.
‘The BMW 3 Series has the most torque and responsive auto ’box’
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 45
Audi A3 Saloon vs BMW 3 Series vs Lexus IS vs Mercedes-Benz CLA
BEST TO DRIVE
A very comfortable
motorway cruiser that
also feels agile in corners
Great around town, but
optional adaptive
suspension is worth
specifying
Comfy, even though it’s not
as controlled as the A3 or
as supple as the 3 Series
Handles better than the IS,
but the ride is too hard and
unsettled at all speeds
Audi A3 Saloon
BMW 3 Series
Lexus IS
Mercedes-Benz CLA
Ride and handling
Audi
BMW
Lexus
Mercedes
Sports suspension is standard on the A3 Saloon, but our car had the slightly softer set-up that Audi offers as a no-cost option. Even with this, the A3 can thump a bit over low-speed bumps (the 18-inch wheels fitted to our car didn’t help), but its ride is never overly firm, and the suspension strikes a near-perfect balance between comfort and control at motorway speeds.
Turn in to a corner and the A3 continues to impress because there’s loads of grip and it resists body roll well. What’s more, its steering is precise and responsive, so you can always place the car with confidence.
The CLA is similar in some respects; its steering is well weighted, and the car stays pretty flat when you turn in to a bend. Unfortunately, it starts to lose composure when faced with a series of fast bends, and the ride just isn’t good enough; the CLA jostles its occupants around over patched-up surfaces and really thumps over bumps, potholes and expansion joints. In fact, this diesel model is less forgiving than the petrol CLA.
Traditionally, the 3 Series has set the benchmark for driver enjoyment in this class. However, the chunky, low-rolling-resistance tyres fitted to this Efficient Dynamics model take the edge off the handling; it feels a bit less grippy than a regular 320d and a bit less eager to change direction.
The up side is a very supple ride in town but, like all versions of the latest 3 Series, the ED is at its best when specified with the £750 Adaptive M Sport suspension (which our test car didn’t have).
This not only helps the car stay more composed in corners, but also improves high-speed comfort by reducing body bounce.
Things are much simpler when you’re speccing your Lexus IS; the model we’re testing is available with just one suspension set-up that gives it a pretty comfortable ride at all speeds. Just don’t expect it to be much fun to drive, despite the rear-wheel drive configuration. The heavy steering is vague and slow to self-centre, and the IS also runs out of grip first in sprightly cornering, though tight body control inspires confidence. �
Lock-to-lock
2.7 turns
Turning
circle
10.7m
Lock-to-lock
2.1 turns
Turning
circle
11.3m
Lock-to-lock
2.8 turns
Turning
circle
10.4m
Lock-to-lock
2.5 turns
Turning
circle
11.0m
EXECUTIVE CARS
46 | OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
Behind the wheel
Audi
BMW
Lexus
Mercedes
The seats in the IS are deep and supportive, but many drivers will wish they dropped a little lower; you sit rather high. At least you can get the steering wheel where you want it and visibility is decent.
You get an even better all-round view in the A3 and 3 Series, but the
CLA has thick pillars to the front and back, and its rear screen is narrow.
The forward-tilted head restraints in the CLA can also cause problems; some people will feel that they force the driver’s head uncomfortably far forward. However, there’s a good range of adjustment for the rest of the seat and the steering wheel.
The 3 Series offers an even greater range of adjustment, even if it takes a while to get the seat exactly where you want it, due
TEST CENTRE
Audio, connectivity and sat-nav
Infotainment systems
Audi
BMW
Lexus
Mercedes
Touch-screen infotainment systems are increasingly becoming the norm, but these cars all let you scroll through their various menus using a rotary dial instead.
It works very well in the A3, because shortcut buttons for individual systems flank its dial, while the screen is clear and the menus well laid out. The crisp graphics look appropriately classy, and it’s the only car here with a screen that disappears into the dashboard when you don’t want it.
The upgraded system shown here improves things further, bringing a wider screen and a touch-pad on the rotary controller that allows you to ‘write’ characters into the destination input for the sat-nav.
The system in the 3 Series also impresses. It’s similar to the A3’s, with a number of shortcut buttons that surround the rotary dial and make menu-hopping easy. In fact, the on-screen menus in the 3 Series are even more logically laid out.
Lexus takes a slightly different approach, giving you just two shortcut buttons; one to exit the
Audi A3 Saloon Simple rotary controller and shortcut buttons makes
this the easiest system to use; even base system has high-grade graphics
BMW 3 Series Sizeable screen and sharp graphics as standard, plus
a fairly intuitive rotary control. The menus are logically laid out too
Lexus IS Screen is heavily recessed, which protects it from bright sun,
but can obscure low-set icons. Controller can skip icons too quickly
Mercedes-Benz CLA Screen falls short of crisp graphics in the BMW
and Audi. Sound system is great at low volume, but tinny if turned up
BEST SYSTEM
current screen and another to return to the main menu. Then, if you specify sat-nav, the standard rotary scroll dial is swapped for a mouse-like controller.
This is trickier to use because you have to be quite precise with the controller movements, despite the cursor being programmed to jump straight to the next icon when you nudge it. Basic items, such as the postcode entry for the nav, are hard to find.
The system in the CLA could also be more user-friendly because its shortcut buttons are up on the dashboard rather than with the rotary controller, and many functions are hidden in menu bars at the top and bottom of the screen. However, it becomes easier to control with familiarity and works much better than the Lexus’s mouse.
All four cars come with steering wheel-mounted audio controls, Bluetooth and a USB socket, but you have to pay extra for a DAB radio and full iPod integration in the CLA.
Both are standard in the other three cars, and it’s the IS that has the largest standard screen, although it would benefit from a more basic and affordable sat-nav option; the only system available is the full nav and connectivity package, which costs £1995.
The A3 just beats the BMW with a better standard sound system and cheaper entry sat-nav option.
��Standard��
���Not available
CD playerColour
screen
USB/
iPod
Upgraded
audio
system
DAB
radio
Steering
wheel
controls
Voice
control
Hard
drive
Number of
speakers
Navigation
system
Infotainment features Bluetooth
*Part of nav and media pack incl. 7” screen **Part of Professional media package ^Includes online connectivity ^^Part of COMAND nav package incl. 7” screen
to awkward controls that force you to lift your weight from the base to raise it.
Meanwhile, the A3 Saloon is identical to the hatchback version up front, which means drivers of all sizes can get comfortable, but some may wish the steering wheel would go lower.
The A3 has the simplest switchgear layout, but the controls in the 3 Series and CLA are also pretty logical. Only the IS disappoints in this area because its climate controls are horribly fiddly.
‘Drivers of all sizes can get comfy in the A3; it has the simplest controls too’
Audi A3 Saloon � � 5.8” �/� £255 � � � £1495* £495 8 �
BMW 320d� � � 6.5” �/� £430 � � £430 £1990**� £990 6 �
Lexus IS � � 7.0” �/� � � � � � £1995^ 6 �
Mercedes-Benz CLA � 5.8” �/£230 £680 £420 � £2100^^ £2100^^ £495 6 �
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 47
BEST DRIVING POSITION Audi A3 Saloon
BMW 3 Series
Lexus IS
Mercedes-Benz CLA
Audi A3 Saloon vs BMW 3 Series vs Lexus IS vs Mercedes-Benz CLA
Sensible layout
Dash is clutter-
free and logical
Good
adjustment
Seat adjustment
is great. Some
might want the
wheel to drop
lower, though
User-friendly
Switchgear and
iDrive is easy
to use with
familiarity
Clunky mover
Best seat here,
but manual
adjustment
is awkward
Funky controls
Temperature is
controlled by
touch-sensitive
sliders on dash
Seat support
Seat is supportive
and widely
adjustable, but
could drop lower
Low visibility
Raked-back pillars
at the front and
rear limit visibility
Plastic problem
Dash looks fine
in general, but
cheap-feeling
plastics
disappoint
EXECUTIVE CARS
48 | OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
TEST CENTRE
Quality and reliability
Audi
BMW
Lexus
Mercedes
The interior of the IS has some smart details, particularly its metal dashboard inserts, smoothly damped audio knobs and funky, touch-sensitive climate control sliders. However, the overall impression of quality is undermined by
archaic-looking temperature readouts coupled with some lightweight buttons.
It’s a similar story in the CLA, where the dash is smartly styled, but there’s too much play in the climate control dials. The central screen looks like a portable, aftermarket navigation system.
Instead, it’s the A3 and 3 Series that feel like the most expensive, cohesive products. In fact, the 3 Series is only really let down by the odd irregular panel gap, and few cars at any price better the A3’s
high-grade plastics and beautifully weighted switchgear.
These cars are too new to have been included in the last JD Power customer satisfaction survey (What Car?, July 2013), but while their manufacturers all finished in the top half of the table; Lexus’s second place finish was impressive.
Lexus also came sixth out of 38 in our last reliability survey (What Car?, September 2013). BMW, the next best performer, was 26th, while Mercedes and Audi came in 30th and 31st places respectively.
Audi A3 � £525 �/� �/� £595+/£345 £150 £1250* £225 £260 £1115 £300 £575**
BMW 3 Series � £645 �/� �/� £395/� �/� £710 � £325 £1295 � £510^
Lexus IS � £610 �/� �/� £600+ �/� � � � � � �
Mercedes CLA � £660 �/� �/� �/� �/� £1430^^ � £300 £1970++ £390 ��
Alloy
wheels
Metallic
paint
Air-con/
climate
control
Electric
windows
front/rear
Parking
sensors
front/rear
Auto lights/
wipers
Xenon
headlights
Cruise
control
Heated
seats
Leather
seats
Rear side
airbags
City
emergency
braking
Options prices
Safety and security
Audi
BMW
Lexus
Mercedes
When Euro NCAP crash-tested the hatchback variant of the A3 it matched the 3 Series’ impressive 95% score for adult occupant protection. The A-Class, with which the CLA shares its platform, was slightly behind on 93%.
The A-Class’s 81% score for child safety was also down on the figures for the 3 Series (84%) and A3 (87%); it was also the worst for pedestrian protection. The current Lexus IS has yet to be tested.
However, the IS is the only car here that gets a tyre pressure-monitoring system. A similar system is available on the A3 for £75 and the CLA for £320. The Merc, along with the BMW, is also offered with run-flat tyres.
All but the Lexus are available with optional blind-spot monitoring, while the Audi and BMW can be specified with city emergency braking. On the A3, this comes with the adaptive cruise control function (£575), while you have to pay £510 on the BMW (£370 for the Driving Assistant pack and £140 for a full black display).
Equipment and safety and security
Audi A3 Saloon Electric parking
brake is standard on all A3s
BMW 3 Series Split-folding rear
seats are a pricey option
Lexus IS Changing cabin
temperature could be easier
Mercedes-Benz CLA Vents are
similar to those in SLS supercar
BEST EQUIPPED
Equipment
Audi
BMW
Lexus
Mercedes
All four cars come with alloy wheels, climate control and four electric windows as standard, and all but the A3 give you cruise control and automatic lights. However, the CLA is alone in having front and rear parking sensors; the 3 Series makes do with rear sensors, while the A3 and IS miss out altogether. On the flipside, Mercedes charges extra for front foglights, whereas its rivals all fit them as standard.
The IS’s foglights are complemented by xenon headlights, and it’s one of only two cars in the test (along with the CLA), that has keyless entry and start. Unfortunately, the IS isn’t available with many optional extras, so if you want leather seats or rain-sensing wipers, the only way to get them is by upgrading to a more expensive trim level.
If you’re buying the A3, it’s worth considering the optional Comfort Package. This adds automatic headlights and wipers, rear parking sensors and cruise control for £605. The pack also includes acoustic side windows and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
Jet-style heater vents look great
and are easy to use, too
You can switch between driving
modes using a rocker switch
Standard rotary dial allows you to
cycle through driving modes
You engage ‘drive’ and ‘reverse’
using a stalk behind wheel
��Standard��
���Not available
‘Few cars can better the A3’s high-grade plastics and switchgear’
*Also includes light and rain sensors and interior lighting package **Part of adaptive cruise control package + Includes front and rear sensors ++Part of exclusive AMG package ^£370 for the driving assistant pack and £140 for compulsory full black display ^^Part of intelligent light system pack
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 49
Noise at 70mph71.9 dBs
0 100
Noise at 70mph72.6 dBs
0 100
Noise at 70mph70.6 dBs
0 100
Noise at 70mph70.8 dBs
0 100
Noise at 30mph64.4 dBs
0 100
Noise at 30mph64.6 dBs
0 100
Noise at 30mph62.7 dBs
0 100
Noise at 30mph66.4 dBs
0 100
QUIETEST AT 70MPH
Road noise is by far the
biggest intrusion; optional
large wheels don’t help
Audi A3 Saloon
BMW 3 Series
Lexus IS
Mercedes-Benz CLA
Lots of road noise and the
engine clatters like an
old-school diesel
Easily the quietest around
town, but it’s hard to stop
smoothly in the IS
Engine sounds gruff around
town, but it settles down at
higher speeds
Refinement
Audi
BMW
Lexus
Mercedes
The CLA is best avoided if you’re after a quiet life. You hear a lot of road and suspension noise over most surfaces, while its engine clatters like an old-school diesel unit when you’re driving around town or accelerating. True, it’s less intrusive at a steady cruise, and wind noise is minimal, but overall it’s the noisiest car here.
The 3 Series isn’t exactly super-refined, either, because wind noise builds up around its door mirrors on the motorway and its engine is rather gruff at low speeds. However, it never sounds as unpleasant as the CLA’s, and there’s far less road noise in the 3 Series.
According to our decibel meter, the A3 is noisier than the BMW (if quieter than the Merc), and this is almost exclusively down to the amount of road roar it generates. It’s particularly bad on the motorway, although our test car wasn’t helped by the fact it came with 18-inch wheels instead of the standard 17s. It also suffers from a slight vibration through the steering wheel and throttle pedal.
The gearbox is more of an issue in the A3, too, because it can be jerky during parking manoeuvres.
The IS is the quietest cruiser of the bunch, shutting out road noise better than the A3 and wind better than the 3 Series. What’s more, it can run near-silently on electric-only power at town speeds. It’s just a pity its engine emits a rather unpleasant drone when you put your foot down.
Lexus has fitted an Active Noise Control system, which is supposed to counter this engine noise, but it’s still loud enough to irritate.
It can also be hard to brake smoothly in the IS, due to a shortage of feel and inconsistent response to the pedal, whereas its rivals all have brakes that are easy to modulate. �
‘The IS is the quietest, and shuts out road and wind noise well’
Audi A3 Saloon vs BMW 3 Series vs Lexus IS vs Mercedes-Benz CLA EXECUTIVE CARS
50 | OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
TEST CENTRE
53
42
50
50
98
84
104
Boot capacity
425 litres
Boot capacity
480 litres
Boot capacity
450 litres
Boot capacity
470 litres
Tapering boot shape isn’t ideal but space is plentiful
Great generally, but folding rear seats are optional
Shortest load bay, but square boot shape is practical
Big capacity, but awkward boot opening frustrates
BIGGEST BOOT SPACE
Audi A3 Saloon
Lexus IS
BMW 3 Series
Mercedes -Benz CLA
Space and practicality
Audi
BMW
Lexus
Mercedes
The A3 and CLA are smaller than the 3 Series and IS, but only the Mercedes feels in any way claustrophobic. However, all four cars give the driver and front passenger plenty of head- and legroom.
It’s in the back that you’ll be more aware of the differences in size, because the A3 and CLA can both leave six-footers wishing they had a bit more kneeroom. That said, the Mercedes is the only one that’s cramped; its sleek, plunging roofline eats into headroom, and it makes the rear door apertures smaller.
The 3 Series and IS are better for adult passengers, although like their rivals, they have bulky transmission tunnels that make life uncomfortable for a central rear passenger.
More impressively, both the A3 and the CLA have rear seats that split and fold 60/40, whereas BMW charges £415 for folding seats, and the only way to get them on the IS is to upgrade to one of the more expensive trims. In fact, the A3’s boot is probably the most practical, despite having the smallest official capacity. It’s very square, which makes it easy to pack, and it has a low load lip and a very small step up to the seats when they’re folded.
The IS has a shallower, tapering load bay that could prohibit the occasional Ikea trip, even if it will be more than adequate for more common executive car duties. Meanwhile, the CLA’s narrow boot opening and high lip offset the usefulness of its deep space and standard folding rear seats.
Only the 3 Series’ boot gets close to matching the A3’s for usefulness because it’s the largest here and has some useful underfloor cubbies, but it’s still rather awkwardly shaped. �
98
101
103
101
102
‘Both the A3 and CLA have rear seats that split and fold 60/40’
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 51
Widest rear cabin space makes the BMW feel the most spacious here
Lexus has the most leg and headroom, but falls short for elbowroom
Despite being smaller, the A3 has as much space for the driver as the BMW
The most cramped rear cabin here; tall passengers won’t be comfortable
Generous headroom and a low-set seat makes for a comfortable position
Best up-front legroom here, and the cabin is just as wide as the BMW’s
More rear legroom than the Mercedes, and broader door apertures
74
95
90
111
71
68
114
93
94
73
111
90
BEST REAR SPACE
Plenty of room, but raked-back front pillars make it feel claustrophobic
94
89
112
BEST FRONT SPACE
Audi A3 Saloon vs BMW 3 Series vs Lexus IS vs Mercedes-Benz CLA
94
EXECUTIVE CARS
List price
Contract hire(per month)
Company car taxper month (20/40%)
1
2
3
4
Target Price
£21,750 73% £18,300 62%£18,286 71%
£17,900 60% £15,200 52%£15,195 59%
£14,700 49% £12,700 43%£12,620 49%
£12,550 42% £11,100 38%£11,075 43%
£29,935 £29,495£25,755
£391 £389na
£27,748 £28,168£25,002
Residual value (by year)
Prices
Total
£19,804
Total
£20,782
Total
£23,163
54.6mpg
99g/km
£1854
£4748£760
£878 £1122
109g/km118g/km
53.2mpg48.3mpg
18%
11%
16%
£60
£2505£2505
£2295
£40 £60
£4311£4068
£1280
£20,175 69%
£16,600 57%
£13,625 46%
£11,625 40%
£29,355
£386
£80/£159 £54/£108£77/£154 £88/£176
£28,781
Total
£23,377
£4586
50.0mpg
117g/km
£12,382 £13,048 £15,468 £15,156
Three-year cost
Emissions and economy
£0£0£0 £0
First-year road tax CO2True MPG Tax liability
18%
Insurance ServicingDepreciation Road tax True MPG
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 53
Buying and owning
Audi
BMW
Lexus
Mercedes
The vast majority of these saloons will end up in the hands of company cars drivers, and it’s here that the IS has a big advantage. Its sub-100g/km CO2 emissions, and the fact it’s fuelled by petrol rather than diesel, mean 40% taxpayers will sacrifice just £108 of their salary each month.
Anyone choosing the A3 will have to stump up an extra £46, while the 3 Series adds a further fiver to your tax bill. The CLA is the priciest of all at £176 a month.
Contract hire rates weren’t available for the A3 at the time of writing, but we expect it to be the cheapest of the four to lease due to its low list price. The other three cars cost virtually the same (between £386 and £391 a month).
The A3 also makes a lot of sense as a private buy, because it’s predicted to work out around
£1000 cheaper to own than the 3 Series over the first three years, even after you’ve factored in the bigger discounts available on the 3 Series.
The 3 Series is still a bargain compared with the CLA, though, which will cost you a further £2600 over the same period.
Despite offering the best real-world fuel economy (54.6mpg), the Lexus IS is only slightly cheaper than the CLA as a private buy because it’s let down by comparatively heavy depreciation. �
‘The Lexus will cost just £108 a month for company car drivers’
Audi A3 Saloon vs BMW 3 Series vs Lexus IS vs Mercedes-Benz CLA
Mercedes Most expensive
company and private buy
Audi Cheapest private buy and
second-cheapest as company car
BMW Low emissions help offset
relatively high price
Lexus By far the cheapest
company car in the test
CHEAPEST COMPANY CAR
EXECUTIVE CARS
54
Ratings
Performance
Ride & handling
Behind the wheel
Infotainment system
Quality & reliability
Equipment
Safety & security
Refinement
Space & practicality
Buying & owning
Performance
Ride & handling
Behind the wheel
Infotainment system
Quality & reliability
Equipment
Safety & security
Refinement
Space & practicality
Buying & owning
Performance
Ride & handling
Behind the wheel
Infotainment system
Quality & reliability
Equipment
Safety & security
Refinement
Space & practicality
Buying & owning
Performance
Ride & handling
Behind the wheel
Infotainment system
Quality & reliability
Equipment
Safety & security
Refinement
Space & practicality
Buying & owning
95% 84% 78% 86%
Turningcircle10.7m
446
196
70
53
90 98
71
94
140 135
142177
102
111
264
Turningcircle11.3m
462
203
67
50
98
93
73
95
141 139
143184
101
111
281
Turningcircle10.4m
467
203
70
84
42
90
74
94
141 135
143189
103
114
280
Turningcircle11.0m
463
201
104
73
50
89
68
94
140 137
144172
101
112
270
Figures in bold are best in test Dimensions in cm
Measurements
Economy
Safety
Buying
Car pictured Audi A3 Saloon in German specification
List price £25,755Target Price £25,002
List price £29,935Target Price £27,748
List price £29,495Target Price £28,168
List price £29,355Target Price £28,781
BMW 320d
Efficient Dynamics autoLexus IS 300h SE
Mercedes-Benz CLA 220 CDI Sport
Website www.audi.co.uk Website www.bmw.co.uk Website www.lexus.co.uk Website www.mercedes-benz.co.uk
Verdicts
Audi A3 Saloon 2.0 TDI 150 Sport S tronic
Space 450 litresSpace 425 litres Space 480 litres Space 470 litres
Size 2494cc, 4cyl, hybrid
Peak power 178bhp@6000rpm
Peak torque 163 lb ft@4200rpm
(E’tric motor 141bhp and 221 lb ft)
Size 2143cc, 4cyl, turbodiesel
Peak power 168bhp@3400rpm
Peak torque 258lb ft@1400rpm
Size 1995cc, 4cyl, turbodiesel
Peak power 161bhp@4000rpm
Peak torque 280lb ft@1750rpm
Size 1968cc, 4cyl, turbodiesel
Peak power 148bhp@3500rpm
Peak torque 236lb ft@1750rpm
Engine and performance
Car pictured BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics with optional
professional media package (£1990); black Dakota leather
(£1265); visibility package (£925); adaptive M Sport
suspension (£750); interior comfort package (£675);
front sports seats (£610); mineral white paint (£410)
Car pictured Lexus IS 300h Luxury with optional leather
seats (£2300); premium navigation (£1995); atlantic
blue paint (£610)
Car pictured Mercedes CLA220 CDI AMG Sport with
optional panoramic sliding sunroof (£960); distronic
plus (£880); seat memory package (£790); lane-tracking
package (£770); polar silver paint (£660), intelligent light
system (£570); and reversing camera (£300)
Stats, specs and ratings
| OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
TEST CENTRE
Average (Govt) 62.8mpg
Tank 50 litres
Emissions 118g/km, 18% tax
True MPG average 48.3mpg
Real-world range 531 miles
Average (Govt) 68.9mpg
Tank 57 litres
Emissions 109g/km, 16% tax
True MPG average 53.2mpg
Real-world range 667 miles
Average (Govt) 65.7mpg
Tank 66 litres
Emissions 99g/km, 11% tax
True MPG average 54.6mpg
Real-world range 793 miles
Average (Govt) 62.8mpg
Tank 50 litres
Emissions 117g/km, 18% tax
True MPG average 50.0mpg
Real-world range 550 miles
0-60mph
sec
8.9Top speed
mph
1300-60mph
sec
7.9Top speed
mph
1350-60mph
sec
8.4Top speed
mph
1240-60mph
sec
8.0Top speed
mph
139
Euro NCAP crash rating Not testedEuro NCAP crash rating xyxyxyxxxxxyxxxxxy Euro NCAP crash rating Not testedEuro NCAP crash rating Not tested
55
See how other executive cars rate in our new cars A-Z p115
THE 3 SERIES has dominated this class for the best part of a decade. In fact, we were starting to wonder if it would ever be beaten. That shows the magnitude of Audi’s achievement here.
Like most Audis, the new A3 Saloon offers a stunning interior, but it also out-drives the 3 Series and costs less to run, whether it’s a private or company buy.
True, the BMW still sets the standard for passenger space and performance, and if you specify your 3 Series with the Adaptive
For Flexible engine; smooth
gearbox; classy, practical cabin
Against Wind noise; adaptive
suspension should be standard
Verdict Still a fantastic choice,
but shaded by the A3 Saloon
For Tiny company car tax bills;
good refinement; decent ride
Against Sluggish responses;
numb steering; fiddly controls
Verdict Worth considering,
thanks to its low emissions
For Stunning looks; strong
performance; well equipped
Against Harsh ride; cramped in
the back; most expensive to run
Verdict Hard to recommend
given the standard of rivals
BMW 320d
Efficient Dynamics autoLexus IS
300h SEMercedes-Benz CLA
220 CDI Sport
Audi A3 Saloon
2.0 TDI 150 Sport S tronic
For Gorgeous cabin; enjoyable
handling; superb motorway ride;
extensive safety kit; low price
Against Road noise; cruise
control and parking sensors extra
Verdict The best compact
executive car around
Our verdict
M Sport suspension, it’s more of a dynamic match for the A3. Unfortunately, this option also pushes up the price.
The A3 is the better all-rounder, then, and if you prefer a manual gearbox to an automatic, it only extends its advantage. The manual attracts a lower company car tax rating than the auto, whereas the 3 Series sits in the same band no matter which gearbox you choose.
The new IS makes an even cheaper company car, thanks to its super-clean hybrid powertrain,
‘The A3 is the best all-rounder, and has a stunning cabin too’
plus it’s a quiet cruiser with a pretty comfortable ride.
While the IS is undoubtedly Lexus’s best car, it still has to settle for third place in this test due to its sluggish throttle responses, stodgy handling and slightly disappointing interior.
The CLA, meanwhile, is the noisiest car here, as well as the least comfortable and the most expensive to run. Yes, it’s an absolute stunner and its engine is strong, but these virtues are outweighed by too many vices.
2
1
3 4
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 |
7HVFR�LV�WKH�RIILFLDO�IXHO�SDUWQHU�IRU�:KDW�&DU"�WHVWV�
Audi A3 Saloon vs BMW 3 Series vs Lexus IS vs Mercedes-Benz CLA EXECUTIVE CARS
56
New Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota RAV4
TEST CENTRE
56 | OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
Photography John Bradshaw Thanks to The Boat Shop, Teddington Harbour
Is the CX-5 still the eco-SUV to beat?What we’re looking for: A car that can beat the Mazda’slow running costs, refinement and a practical interior
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 57
SUVs
YOU’RE LOOKING FOR an SUV, but are put off by potentially crippling running costs. What do you choose? Something with a diesel engine is a good place to start, quickly followed by two-wheel drive. In fact, the formula that this trio follows.
So far, so similar. What sets them apart is the size of their diesel engines; Honda has fitted its CR-V with the 1.6-litre unit from the Civic small family car. As a result, its official economy figures are the strongest, but you’re getting less power than its main rivals.
By contrast, the Toyota RAV4, which in Icon trim is £350 cheaper than the CR-V, gets a larger 2.0-litre engine and more torque.
The Mazda CX-5 is the smallest and cheapest SUV here, but is just as well equipped. Its 2.2 diesel engine is the largest and most powerful here, but matches the CR-V’s for CO2 emissions. {
Mazda CX-5 2.2 150 2WD SE-L
List price £22,995
Target Price £22,377
Combines sharp handling and the
latest fuel-saving technology.
Toyota RAV4 2.0 D-4D 2WD Icon
List price £24,295
Target Price £22,453
Toyota’s latest RAV4 is bigger
and more practical than ever.
Road TestCentre
The contenders
Honda CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC SE
List price £24,660
Target Price £24,660
It’s always had the space. Now
it has a frugal new 1.6 diesel.
NEW
58
TEST CENTRE
Smallest boot here, but still huge
Honda CR-V
Mazda CX-5
Toyota RAV4
Engine has to be worked hard, but 1.6 diesel rides better than heavier 2.2 Plenty of kneeroom for tall adults
Luggage space is large and deep
BEST TO DRIVE
Flexible rear seats split 40/20/40 The CX-5 steers and controls its body best, despite a firm low-speed ride
Rear legroom is the best in class
Longest boot and widest opening
The RAV4 has a comfy ride, although it’s the first to lose grip in corners
58 | OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
What are they like to drive?
Honda
Mazda
Toyota
Unsurprisingly, the CR-V’s small diesel produces the least amount of torque. What highlights its inflexibility most is the way the pull arrives later than the RAV4 and CX-5’s, and over a narrower band. This means you have to use the gears more frequently to keep the CR-V in its sweet spot.
The RAV4 is frustrating in other ways; although it responds from lower revs and with greater strength, it has a surging delivery that ensures smooth progress is hard to maintain.
The CX-5 is the star performer here. Its 280lb ft of torque (available below 2000rpm), and longer gearing make it impressively flexible. It’s also consistently powerful all the way to its peak 148bhp at 4500rpm, offering plenty of confidence for safe overtaking. Admittedly, its engine is noisy when worked hard.
The CR-V’s is noisier still, and the RAV4’s can be heard loud and clear in the cabin, and sends noticeably more vibration through the wheel and pedals.
The Mazda comes out on top again on twisty roads, with tight body control and weighty but accurate steering. Despite impressive grip, the Honda’s body leans the most in bends, although its steering is precise, if a little light for truly confident high-speed manoeuvres. The Toyota’s steering set-up becomes more inconsistently weighted and vague at speed, and its handling is mediocre. However, the RAV4 does at least ride well. Subtle fidgeting around town is its worst sin, but it smoothes out large bumps well and remains comfortable over most surfaces. Honda claims the CR-V has been stiffened in 1.6 form, but our test car rode better than the heavier 2.2-litre diesel version, which is available only with four-wheel drive.
The CX-5 also rides well, which is surprising considering how well it handles. It can feel a little firm at low speed, but it’s never uncomfortable, and feels more composed at higher speeds. Unfortunately, this is when the CX-5’s large door mirrors generate wind noise. The CR-V is more susceptible to road noise, while the RAV4 has an unexceptional background hum that’s more easily ignored. {
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 59
Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota RAV4
Close to hand
Dash-mounted gearlever
sits at a comfortable height
Great view out
Cabin is huge and CR-V
offers the best visibility
Honda CR-V
Mazda CX-5
Toyota RAV4
BEST CABIN
Analogue only
The CX-5 is the only car
that doesn’t get DAB radio
Sitting pretty
Lots of adjustment and
supportive seat for driver
Looks better than it feels
Switchgear is big and bold,
but quality is mediocre
Misses out
No driver lumbar support
unlike its two rival SUVs
‘The RAV4’s load space stretches to two metres with the seats folded’
While there are lots of buttons
on the CR-V’s centre console,
these are mostly large and
clearly labelled. Unfortunately,
the system still isn’t as user-
friendly as it should be, because
the main display is hard to read
at a glance, and the volume
control for the stereo doubles as
the main scroll dial. However, the
CR-V does come well equipped
(see panel on page 61).
Infotainment
Most functions are controlled
through a dashboard-mounted
touch-screen with simple menus.
Alternatively, you can scroll
through these menus using
a rotary dial that’s positioned
within easy reach between
the front seats. Standard kit
is pretty comprehensive,
although it’s disappointing that
a digital radio isn’t even available
as an option.
Infotainment
Like the CX-5, the RAV4 features
a central touch-screen and a
rotary scroll dial. Unfortunately,
its dial is on the left side of the
dash, where the driver has to
stretch to reach it, and the
screen can be hard to read
in bright sunlight because it
isn’t recessed. You get lots of kit
as standard, including Bluetooth
phone connectivity, a USB socket
and a DAB radio.
Infotainment
What are they like inside?
Honda
Mazda
Toyota
The RAV4 provides more space up front than either rival, plus it has loads of rear headroom and class-leading rear legroom. However, the CX-5 and CR-V are still big enough to keep four six-footers happy, and it’s actually the Honda that has the most supportive rear seats.
The CR-V and CX-5 keep the driver comfortable on even the longest trips, whereas the RAV4’s front seats are a bit short on lower back support because it’s the only one without lumbar adjustment.
Still, all three cars offer good forward visibility and the sort of elevated driving position that SUV buyers expect. It’s the CR-V that is easiest to see out of when the driver looks over their shoulder, mainly because its rear screen is larger than the RAV’s, and its rear pillars intrude less than the CX-5’s.
Take a look at the official boot capacity figures (page 62), and you’ll see that the CR-V has the most room for luggage, but the RAV4’s space is just as useable in the real world, thanks to its extra width. In fact, even the CX-5’s boot, which is the smallest here, is likely to be big enough for all your family’s clobber.
When you need to transport larger items, the rear seats of the CR-V and CX-5 can be folded virtually flat just by pulling handles in the boot. By contrast, the RAV4’s must be folded down from the side door.
On the up side, with the seats toppled, the RAV4’s load space stretches to nearly two metres. That’s around 20cm longer than the next longest, which is the CX-5’s.
The perceived quality of the RAV4’s cabin is less impressive, because there are too many hard plastics and cheap-looking details. Both the CR-V and the CX-5 are slightly classier inside, although they still feel a little dour. {
SUVs
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 61
List price
Contract hire(per month)
Company car taxper month (20/40%)
1
2
3
4
Target Price
£17,509 71%
£14,303 58%
£11,837 48%
£9864 40%
£24,660
na
Insurance
£24,660
Residual value (by year)
Prices Honda Mazda Toyota
Three-year cost
Total
£19,730
ServicingDepreciation Road tax True MPG
£2055
£4059£733
119g/km18%
£60
£1785
£74/£148
£12,823
£15,800 65%
£13,000 54%
£10,650 44%
£9125 38%
£24,295
£290
£22,568
Total
£20,236
£1061
46.9mpg
20%18%
£4890
£210
£2157
£81/£162
£11,918
Emissions and economy First-year road tax CO2True MPG Tax liability
£17,050 74%
£14,175 62%
£11,775 51%
£10,200 44%
£23,295
£322
£22,153
Total
£18,222
47.2mpg56.5mpg
119g/km 127g/km
£1141 £4858£60
£70/£139
£10,378
£0 £0£0
Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota RAV4
All the costs compared
CHEAPEST TO OWN
Honda CR-V Has the cheapest
servicing costs and lowest fuel bills
Mazda CX-5 Strong in every
area, especially its residual value
Toyota RAV4 It depreciates the
quickest and road tax is dearer
Comparing the essential equipment and option prices
��Standard��
���Not available
Honda CR-V � £500 �/� �/� � � �/� � � £765 �/� 6
Mazda CX-5 � £530 �/� �/� � � �/� � � £700 �/� 6
Toyota RAV4 � £495 �/� �/� � � �/� � � £750 £600 6
Alloy wheelsMetallic
paint
Air-con/
climate
control
Electric
windows
front/rear
Cruise
controlBluetooth
3.5mm
input/USB
Steering
wheel
controls
Navigation
system
Parking
sensors
front/rear
Number of
airbags
What will they cost you?
Honda
Mazda
Toyota
Honda hasn’t released final prices for the CR-V yet, but the preliminary figures suggest it will cost £365 more than the RAV4 and £1365 more than the CX-5.
The CX-5 is expected to have the strongest resale values of the three, although the CR-V’s should be better than the RAV4’s.
Insurance costs are yet another area where the CX-5 beats both rivals. The Mazda also performed slightly better than the Toyota in our True MPG fuel economy test, although it’s the Honda CR-V that beats both rivals’ True MPG figures.
However, the RAV4 does start to look more appealing if you’re buying on PCP finance. Put down a £5000 deposit, and it will cost you £307 a month over three years. That’s £38 a month less than the CX-5, while Honda is still to confirm the CR-V’s PCP deals.
The RAV4 is also cheaper to lease than the CX-5, but the Mazda’s combination of a low list price and low CO2 emissions make it the most affordable company car; it will cost a 40% taxpayer around £100 a year less than the CR-V and £266 a year less than the RAV4.
All three cars give you lots of equipment for your money, including cruise control, climate control and electric front and rear windows. The RAV4 does miss out on parking sensors as standard, but it compensates with a reversing camera. {
DAB
radio
‘The CX-5 is the most affordable company car here’
SUVs
62
93
73
9795
263
103
67
Turningcircle11.8m
457
149 143
210
161
106
165
196
54-91
98
71
95
270
107
100
75
Turningcircle11.7m
456
147 142
215
170
105
171
193
50-88
97
78
95
266
107
107
67
Turningcircle11.2m
457
134 140
211
191
112
166
209
51-86
Performance
Ride & handling
Refinement
Behind the wheel
Quality & reliability
Space & practicality
Infotainment systems
Buying & owning
Equipment
Safety & security
Measurements
Economy
Performance figures
Ratings
Weather conditions Dry
Space
589-1669 litres
Safety
Performance
Ride & handling
Refinement
Behind the wheel
Quality & reliability
Space & practicality
Infotainment systems
Buying & owning
Equipment
Safety & security
Space
503-1620 litres
Car pictured Mazda CX-5 2.2 175 Sport AWD with optional Safety Pack (£700);
Stormy Blue Mica metallic paint (£530)
Car pictured Honda CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC SR with optional pearlescent paint (£500)
Performance
Ride & handling
Refinement
Behind the wheel
Quality & reliability
Space & practicality
Infotainment systems
Buying & owning
Equipment
Safety & security
Website www.honda.co.uk
Buying
Website www.mazda.co.uk Website www.toyota.co.uk
Space
547-1746 litres
Car pictured Toyota RAV4 2.0 D-4D Invincible 2WD with optional Touch
and Go sat-nav (£750); Blind spot monitor (£650); and Decuma Grey metallic
paint (£495)
List price £24,660* Target Price £24,660 List price £23,295 Target Price £22,153 List price £24,295 Target Price £22,568
Honda CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC SE Mazda CX-5 2.2 Skyactiv-D 150 SE-L 2WD Toyota RAV4 2.0 D-4D Icon
Stats, specs and ratings
Size 1596cc, 4cyl, diesel
Peak power
118bhp@4000rpm
Peak torque
221lb ft@2000rpm
Size 2191cc, 4cyl, diesel
Peak power
148bhp@4500rpm
Peak torque
280lb ft@1800rpm
Size 1998cc, 4cyl, diesel
Peak power
122bhp@3600rpm
Peak torque
228lb ft@1600rpm
Engine and performance
0-60mph
sec
11.2Top speed
mph
1130-60mph
sec
9.5Top speed
mph
1200-60mph
sec
10.9Top speed
mph
116
TEST CENTRE
Average (Govt) 62.8mpg
Tank 58 litres
Emissions 119g/km, 18% tax
True MPG average 56.5mpg
Real-world range 721 miles
Average (Govt) 61.4mpg
Tank 56 litres
Emissions 119g/km, 18% tax
True MPG average 47.2mpg
Real-world range 581 miles
Average (Govt) 57.6mpg
Tank 60 litres
Emissions 127g/km, 20% tax
True MPG average 46.9mpg
Real-world range 619 miles
62 | OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
Euro NCAP crash rating xxxxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxyEuro NCAP crash rating xxxxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxyEuro NCAP crash rating xxxxxxxxxxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxy
89% 82% 66% 66% 94% 87% 64% 86%
Verdicts
Figures in bold are best in test. Dimensions in cm
93% 74% 68% 66%
30–50mph in 3rd/4th/5th/6th
50–70mph in 3rd/4th/5th/6th
44.7sec
18.8sec
6.6sec 5 10.7sec3
6
47.1sec
11.4sec
7.4sec 5 8.8sec3
6
Acceleration 30–70mph through the gears�
Braking 30–0mph/70–0mph
8.7m 46.4m
11.9 sec
30–50mph in 3rd/4th/5th/6th
50–70mph in 3rd/4th/5th/6th
43.7sec
13.7sec
5.4sec 5 8.7sec3
6
45.7sec
9.8sec
5.8sec 5 7.3sec3
6
Acceleration 30–70mph through the gears�
Braking 30–0mph/70–0mph
9.6m 53.5m
9.2 sec
30–50mph in 3rd/4th/5th/6th
50–70mph in 3rd/4th/5th/6th
44.8sec
19.8sec
7.2sec 5 12.9sec3
6
47.0sec
12.5sec
7.4sec 5 10.0sec3
6
Acceleration 30–70mph through the gears�
Braking 30–0mph/70–0mph
10.2m 54.4m
11.2 sec
* preliminary price
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 63
Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota RAV4
See how other SUVs compare in our new cars A-Z on p147
HONDA MIGHT HAVE given the CR-V one of the leanest, greenest diesel engines around, but it’s the CX-5 that stands proud here.
Even with its larger engine, and the resulting extra 30bhp and 59lb ft more torque, the CX-5 manages to perform just as well as the Honda where CO2 emissions are concerned. The icing on the cake is its smoother, more energetic engine.
Ultimately, the CX-5 is behind the others on space, but it copes with a family’s baggage as well
For Reassuring grip; impressive real-world
economy; big cabin; clever rear seats
Against Noisy engine; narrow powerband;
road noise
Verdict As family-friendly as ever, but could
be more refined and faster
For Huge interior space; good standard
equipment; comfortable ride
Against Surging power delivery; vibrations
from engine; poor interior quality
Verdict Has much of what families want, if
not the refinement
Honda CR-V
1.6 i-DTEC SEToyota RAV4
2.0 D-4D 2WD Icon
Mazda CX-5
2.2 Skyactiv-D 150 SE-L 2WD
For Smooth engine; strong
residual value; impressive
economy; generous kit
Against Firm low-speed ride;
wind and engine noise
Verdict A spacious, practical SUV
offering genuine affordability
Our verdict
as offering the practical touches they’ll love. It’s also proof that SUVs can be fun to drive and, importantly, affordable to run.
The Honda fights back in an important area, though: space and practicality. It has the biggest luggage space with the rear seats in place, and a huge amount once you’ve folded them flat with a simple pull of the boot-mounted lever. Furthermore, you can’t argue with the head- and legroom that’s available in the cabin both front and back.
‘The CX-5’s engine has the most poke of the three, but is as clean as the CR-V’s
The RAV4 should also be commended for the space it offers. It has the most luggage room with the seats folded and rear passengers will be chuffed with the amount of kneeroom. Unfortunately, the Toyota is let down by an inflexible, noisy engine and CO2 figures that look unremarkable against its rivals.
The Toyota also stands out as the most expensive car to own over three years, mainly because of steep depreciation, but also heftier VED and servicing costs.
2
1
3
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SUVs
64 | OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
TWIN TEST Ford Focus ST vs Skoda Octavia vRS
FAST, FUN, PRACTICAL and great value for money; if any car can live up to this ‘all things to all drivers’ claim, it should be the latest Octavia vRS.
Our reigning Hot Hatch of the Year, the Focus ST, might not be quite as capacious, but with more power and smaller dimensions, it has the qualities to make it an even better driver’s car.
What are they like to drive?Despite the Focus’s extra power, it and the Octavia are closely matched for straight-line pace. However, our vRS was fitted with
an optional dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which enabled it to change gear more quickly than the manual Focus.
This probably explains why the Skoda was slightly faster in our 30-70mph acceleration tests, although the Focus clawed its way off the line more effectively, so it pips the vRS from 0-60mph.
The ST-2 also sounds better. Ford has used a trick device called a ‘sound symposer’ that essentially channels engine noise into the cabin under hard acceleration; you get a properly sporty growl whenever you put your foot down.
Ford Focus
ST-2
List price £23,495
Target Price £21,910
With a stonking 247bhp from its
turbocharged 2.0-litre engine,
the ST is a formidable hatch.
Skoda Octavia
vRS 2.0 TSI
List price £22,990
Target Price £21,655
The latest incarnation of Skoda’s
hottest model brings space
and plenty of kit to the fray.
NEW
The contenders
Photography Will Williams
What we’re looking for: Sheer grunt is important, but so is the way in which it’s delivered. The Octavia vRS will need to be exceptional if it’s to beat the superb Focus ST
Quick decisionFord Focus ST vs Skoda Octavia vRS
Road TestCentre
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 |
The vRS, by contrast, sounds rather plain and muted.
Accelerating hard shows up one of the ST’s less desirable traits, though: torque steer. Even on a smooth, straight road you have to fight with the steering wheel to keep the front wheels pointing straight, and if you’re not delicate with the throttle on the exit of corners, you’ll find yourself being dragged off line.
On the plus side, the Focus responds eagerly to the slightest turn of the steering wheel and remains flat during quick changes of direction.
The Octavia isn’t as sharp. Attack a corner and there’s a delay between the front of the car reacting and the rear following suit, so even though the vRS offers plenty of grip, it isn’t as agile or fun as the ST.
The Octavia’s steering isn’t as accurate as the Ford’s, either, although it weights up reassuringly enough when you turn in to bends.
Overall, the Focus is the easier car to live with. While its firmer suspension means you’re more aware of road surface
imperfections, its effective damping always keeps the ride well controlled. On the other hand, the Octavia tends to become uncomfortably crashy over bigger bumps and potholes.
Motorway journeys are also more pleasant in the Focus because it’s better at shutting out road noise, although both cars do let in a fair amount of wind noise.
What are they like inside?The vRS’s cabin isn’t that different from any other Octavia’s. There’s sportier-looking seats, steering wheel and some discreet vRS badges, but otherwise you could be sitting in an entry-level car.
On the up side, that means you get the same great driving position, easy-to-use dashboard and classy materials. It’s just a shame the seat bolsters don’t hold you in position better in corners.
The Focus does a better job of reminding you it’s a hot hatch. Its bi-coloured Recaro sports seats look great and are very supportive, while there’s plenty of metal-effect silver trim throughout the cabin and a big red ‘ST’ badge on the base of the steering wheel. {
BEST DASHBOARD
Keeps things simple Large
touch-screen makes life a lot
easier in the Octavia
A little sensible? vRS doesn’t
do a great job of reminding
you it’s a hot hatch
Infotainment issues The
buttons for the stereo are oddly
shaped and poorly labelled
Driving position ST’s seats are
supportive, and the important
controls are easy to reach
BEST TO DRIVE ST not only
handles more
sharply, it’s
also more
comfortable
Skoda has lots
of grip, but
feels heavy and
suffers from
a crashy ride
65
HOT HATCHES
| OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com66
144
200
203
152
104
67
94 7395
70
426
50-85
264110
ALTHOUGH THE LATEST Volkswagen Golf GTI is a natural rival to both of these cars, it’s a lot more expensive to buy; an equivalent five-door model will cost you £26,500.
However, if you can find those extra few thousand pounds it’s definitely worth considering.
No other hot hatch blends such an easygoing nature with a properly entertaining drive. Ride quality is exceptional, yet the GTI somehow still manages to keep body sway neatly in check along twisting B-roads. It matches the Focus ST for agility, while feeling less nervous and twitchy on the limit. True, the Ford has sharper steering and a slightly livelier chassis, but the GTI is almost as fast in a straight line and transfers its power to the road with far less fuss.
Better still, the GTI has a seriously classy cabin by hot hatch standards, and comes better equipped than the Focus ST. You get climate control, xenon headlights, a DAB radio, an iPod dock, adaptive cruise control, city emergency braking and front and rear parking sensors.
In fact, the only real problem is the price; the GTI isn’t that much cheaper than proper performance cars, such as the BMW M135i. For this reason, we reckon you’re best off sticking
Golf’s boot is larger than the
Focus’s and has a wide opening
Like most Golfs, GTI has a classy
cabin and lots of standard kit
TWIN TEST Ford Focus ST vs Skoda Octavia vRS
Where’s the Golf GTI?
Performance figures
Figures in bold are best in test
Dimensions in cm
Measurements
Economy
Safety
VW Golf GTI 3dr
Space
380-1270 litres
Engine and performance
List price £25,845 Target Price £24,861
Weather conditions Dry
Size 1984cc, 4cyl, turbo
Peak power 217bhp@4500rpm
Peak torque 258lb ft@1500rpm
Euro NCAP crash rating xyxxxxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxy
True MPG average na
Average (Govt) 47.1mpg
Tank 50 litres
Emissions 139g/km, 19% tax
94% 89% 65% 71%
9.0m 46.1m
30–50mph in 3rd/4th/5th/6th
50–70mph in 3rd/4th/5th/6th
42.9sec 3.9sec 5 5.3sec 6 7.5sec
6.0sec
3
43.0sec 3.8sec 5 4.8sec3
Acceleration 30–70mph through the gears�5.6sec
Braking 30–0mph/70–0mph
6
‘The Golf GTI blends exceptional ride quality with great body control’
with three doors and a manual gearbox. The optional six-speed DSG ’box adds £1450 to the price and actually robs you of some driving enjoyment, because it doesn’t always respond quickly enough – even in ‘manual’ mode.
The Performance Pack is worth more of a look, because it adds a limited slip-differential, bigger brakes and an extra 10bhp for £995. The differential certainly helps the GTI claws its way out of slow corners more effectively, but if you’re looking for a seriously hardcore hot hatch, you’re better off with a Renault Mégane 265 Cup. That’s why we’d stick with the GTI’s standard setup.
While the GTI is far from cheap to buy, it’s remarkably affordable to run. Average fuel economy of 47.1mpg means (officially at least) it’s as efficient as rivals from the class below, including the Ford Fiesta ST and Peugeot 208 GTi – although we’ve yet to see if that claim is backed up in real-world driving. CO2 emissions of just 139g/km will be of particular interest to company car drivers, because they mean the Golf GTI attracts lower company car tax bills than similarly sized rivals.
To top it all off, the Golf is predicted to hold onto its value better than any of its hot hatch competitors. So, assuming you can afford the extra outlay in the first place, you’ll actually lose less money in depreciation. All things considered, then, the latest GTI is an utterly brilliant hot hatch.
0-60mph Top speed
sec mph6.2 152
148
204
201
147
103
72
9194 85
66
436
49-77
265105
145
225
202
192
101
70
9494
73
469
107
57-81
269108
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 |
For Handling; performance;
sound; superior ride
Against Torque steer;
pathetic turning circle
Verdict Great fun and
great value
For Strong performance;
massive boot; lots of kit
Against Less agile;
lumpy ride; road noise
Verdict Lesser Octavias
make much more sense
Unfortunately, the Focus’s dashboard isn’t as user-friendly as the Octavia’s; the centre console is festooned with small, poorly labelled buttons, while the infotainment system is tricky to use on the move due to its small display and clunky interface.
The Octavia is closer in size to a Mondeo than a Focus, so it’s easily the more practical of the two cars. Rear passengers are seriously well catered for, with plenty of headroom and limo-like amounts of kneeroom.
Four six-footers will fit in the Focus, too, but there’s a lot less legroom and getting into the back is trickier because of smaller door openings.
If anything, the Octavia has an even bigger advantage when it comes to boot space. Officially, its load bay is almost twice as big as the Ford’s, and it’s considerably longer and wider.
Will they break the bank?The Focus costs £505 more than the Octavia, but that gap narrows to just £255 after discounts and is actually reversed when you factor in the Focus’s resale values.
True, the vRS is cheaper to tax, service and insure, and the Government figures suggest it’s significantly easier on fuel. However, unless the manual version performs significantly better than the auto did in our real-world True MPG test, the ST-2 will still work out cheaper to own over the first three years.
Both cars come with 18-inch alloys, climate control, a DAB radio, Bluetooth and automatic lights and wipers, while the Octavia adds rear parking sensors (a £350 option on the Focus) and xenon headlights. The Focus counters with a heated windscreen (£200 on the Octavia) and keyless start (a £180 option on the vRS).
Our verdictThe ST wins this test because it’s simply more fun to drive. That fact that it’s more comfortable and cheaper to own only extends its advantage. The vRS is the more practical car and gets lots of kit, but if those are your priorities, you aren’t looking for a hot hatch.
Skoda Octavia vRS
Ford Focus ST-2
ST has the better driving position, although it doesn’t get adjustable
lumbar support as standard; screen is well placed but tricky to read
Octavia has a much bigger boot and far more rear legroom; six-speed
DSG auto gearbox is best avoided as it can be slow to respond
BEST BOOT
BEST REAR SPACE
2
1
67
7HVFR�LV�WKH�RIILFLDO�IXHO�SDUWQHU�IRU�:KDW�&DU"�WHVWV�
Performance figures*
Figures in bold are best in test Dimensions in cmMeasurements
Economy
Safety
Ford Focus ST-2 Skoda Octavia vRS
Space
316-1101 litres
Space
590-1580 litres
Size 1999cc, 4cyl, turbo
Peak power 247bhp@5500rpm
Peak torque 266lb ft@2000rpm
Engine and performance
List price £23,495 Target Price £21,910 List price £22,990 Target Price £21,655
Weather conditions Dry
Size 1984cc, 4cyl, turbo
Peak power 217bhp@4500rpm
Peak torque 258lb ft@1500rpm
Euro NCAP crash rating xxxxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxyEuro NCAP crash rating xxxxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxyxxxxxxy
Buying Website www.ford.co.uk
Car pictured Ford Focus ST-2 with optional Spirit Blue
metallic paint (£525)
Website www.skoda.co.uk
Car pictured Skoda Octavia vRS with optional DSG
gearbox (£1390); Columbus sat-nav (£1350); sunroof
(£750) and Race blue paint (£495)
True MPG average 32.6mpg
Average (Govt) 39.2mpg
Tank 62 litres
Emissions 169g/km, 25% tax
True MPG average* 30.7mpg
Average (Govt) 45.6mpg
Tank 50 litres
Emissions 142g/km, 20% tax
HOT HATCHES
0-60mph Top speed
sec mph6.1 154
0-60mph Top speed
sec mph6.5 154
93% 86% 66% 66% 92% 82% 72% 71%
*Performance figures for six-speed DSG version
30–50mph in 3rd/4th/5th/6th
50–70mph in 3rd/4th/5th/6th
42.8sec 3.7sec 5 5.0sec 6 6.9sec
6.2sec
3
43.0sec 3.8sec 5 5.1sec3
Acceleration 30–70mph through the gears�5.6sec
Braking 30–0mph/70–0mph
8.6m 44.7m
6
Braking 30–0mph/70–0mph
8.6m 45.3m
30–70mph in kickdown
30–50mph in kickdown
50–70mph in kickdown
5.3sec
2.1sec
3.2sec
A
A
68 | OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
TWIN TEST
ELECTRIC CARS. TOO many compromises, right? They’re too pricey, too impractical and too likely to run out of charge before you get to where you’re going. Well, the new Renault Zoe and revised Nissan Leaf are designed to change this.
With both cars, you lease the battery instead of buying it outright, which brings down the list price; the Zoe and Leaf are no more expensive than their diesel-powered rivals. What’s more, both have family-friendly hatchback bodies and a claimed range of more than 100 miles.
What are they like to drive?Both cars are usefully quick up to 30mph, and have accelerator pedals that are easy to modulate whether you’re driving in normal or eco mode. If you choose eco mode, it alters the accelerator response, regenerative braking force and air-con settings to help you eke out extra miles.
Sadly, the brakes are less intuitive; they need lots of pressure and deliver inconsistent responses that make it tricky to come to a progressive, gentle stop.
Where the two cars really differ is in the way they ride. The Zoe shimmies a little over scruffy urban roads, but is good at soaking up bigger bumps and keeping body movement in check.
The Leaf’s revised suspension does give it a comfortable ride in town, but is also responsible for
fairly stodgy body movement at higher speeds.
These cars can keep up with the traffic easily enough, although the Leaf is the faster of the two and has more punch at higher speeds.
The Zoe counters with greater composure in corners and steering that’s marginally more reassuring, if still rather light. Road noise is noticeable in both cars, even if this is due in part to the fact that there’s no engine noise.
What are they like inside?The Zoe has a clean simplicity to its cabin. With a single, brightly
Nissan Leaf Acenta Flex
List price £18,490*
Target Price £18,490
New trim grades, revised
suspension and a battery lease
option boost the Leaf’s appeal.
Renault Zoe
Dynamique Zen
List price £15,190*
Target Price £15,190
Smaller than the Leaf, but cheaper,
loaded with kit and promising an
equally impressive range.
*After £5000 Government grant
NEW
NEW
The contenders
Photography John Bradshaw
coloured driver’s readout and a user-friendly touch-screen dominating the dash, it’s minimalist but functional. High-gloss plastics break up the textured materials and make it feel more than classy enough.
Nissan has achieved a similar level of material finish, but the Leaf’s higher button count and quirky gearshifter ‘mouse’ looks more confusing at first glance.
However, the shortcut switches either side of the Leaf’s touch-screen are useful, and the major controls are easy enough once you’re used to them.
Equipment is generous in both cars, with sat-nav, auto lights and wipers, climate control, a USB input, Bluetooth, keyless entry and rear parking sensors. The Leaf also has a reversing camera.
Both have six airbags and five-star Euro NCAP ratings, and will seat four adults, but the supermini-sized Zoe inevitably feels smaller than the family-hatch Leaf. The driving position is flawed in both cars; the Zoe has no seat-height adjustment and the Leaf no steering wheel reach adjustment, although the Renault is easier to get comfortable in. �
Fight of the charge brigadeWhat we’re looking for: Parity with conventional hatchbacks. Do either of these electric cars have what it takes to persuade buyers to part with their cash?
New Renault Zoe vs new Nissan Leaf
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 |
ELECTRIC CARS
CLASSIEST CABIN
Simple touch-screen Zoe’s
menus have big icons and are
easy to fathom on the move
Futuristic view Letterbox
readout is easier to read at a
glance than Leaf’s busy screen
Sugar-coated Acenta
upholstery is made from
sugar cane and is recyclable
Wheel adjustment No reach
adjustment makes it difficult to
get comfortable while driving
69
Road TestCentre
| OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com70
Nissan Leaf vs Renault Zoe
Nissan’s revised Leaf has an extra 40 litres of boot space, which takes the total up to 370, whereas the Zoe makes do with 338 litres. The Leaf also benefits from a 60/40 split rear bench (the Zoe’s folds in one piece), but it’s actually the Renault’s boot that’s more useable, thanks to its wider, squarer opening.
How far will they go?Provided you have off-street parking, a wall-mounted charger will be installed at your house for free when you buy a Zoe or Leaf. The Leaf takes eight hours to charge from empty and the Zoe takes four hours, although the Leaf can be upgraded for similarly quick charging as a £99 option.
The Leaf also comes as standard with a three-point plug that fits a domestic wall socket. The Zoe doesn’t get a three-point plug, but its cable fits many public chargers. If you can find one of the rare fast-chargers, both cars can be fully charged in under an hour.
We range-tested the cars in their eco modes in 27C heat, with the air-con, radio and headlights on. The test route took in motorway, ¡ and slow town driving, and resulted in a range of
Our favourite diesel supermini
is the Renault Clio 1.5 dCi. It has
a higher list price than the Zoe in
comparable spec, but costs less
Can you live with electric?
TWIN TEST
Leaf is more powerful, and noticeably faster than the Zoe at higher
speeds. Ride soaks up bumps in town but body control could be better
Zoe feels more composed than the Leaf when cornering, the downside
being that it’s unsettled in town. Brakes are awkward to modulate
How reliable are they?
How easy is it to sell a used e-car?
How easy is it to insure an e-car?
How long will the battery last?
Is diesel cheaper than electricity?
What’s the deal with servicing?
What happens if I break down? Can the car be towed?
An electric motor has far fewer
moving parts than a combustion
engine, and should in fact be
substantially more reliable.
The Zoe is covered by a warranty
for four years and 100,000 miles,
and the Leaf for three years
and 60,000 miles.
There’s only one document to
sign to exchange ownership
(as with any car), and Nissan and
Renault deal with the exchange
of battery leasing contract, so
you don’t need to worry about
the buyer’s credit history or
finances, even if you sell privately.
Most major insurers will deal
with the Zoe or Leaf as with any
other car – you just need to tell
the insurer about the battery
lease contract when getting a
quote. Premiums are comparable
to a diesel equivalent.
You don’t need to worry about
it; the leased battery is the
responsibility of the manufacturer.
As soon as it drops below 75%
of its as-new efficiency, Renault
or Nissan will replace it. It’s
estimated it will take nine years
before that level of reduction in
efficiency will occur.
It’s the same as any normal car.
You take it to the dealership every
year and they’ll check it over and
stamp your book. It’s free for four
years with the Zoe, and will cost
£330 for three years on the Leaf.
No. Towing can damage an
electric car, so it will have to be
put on a flat-bed lorry. All major
recovery services will provide
a flat-bed lorry if you ask at the
time of breakdown, and both the
Zoe and Leaf have free lifetime
roadside recovery as part of the
battery leasing contract.
How do I find my nearest public charging point?Currently there is no official,
government-backed website to
show charging points. There are
good alternatives available, such
as zap-map.com, and electric cars’
sat-navs tend to have them listed.
Is it really any greener than a fossil-fuelled car, given the CO2 footprint of making it and producing the electricity?Manufacturers claim that an
electric car is responsible for
around half the ‘well-to-wheel’
CO2 output of a combustion-
engined car, or roughly 50g/km.
The Leaf and Zoe are around 95%
recyclable at end of life.
There are more than 3000
charging points in the UK
You’ll need a flatbed truck if
you end up stranded in an e-car
The Clio 1.5 dCi will cost less to
run… if you stay outside London
Electric cars ‘halve the CO2
emissions’ of conventional cars
BEST TO DRIVE
after discounts and is expected to
hold its value better.
The Clio also averaged 60.1mpg
in our True MPG test, which
translates into £2385 in fuel over
three years at today’s pump prices
(assuming you do 7500 miles a
year). The same number of miles
will cost £140 in electricity, at
roughly £1.50 per 80-mile charge,
although the battery lease fee
(see right) adds up to slightly more
than the Clio’s fuel costs and you
may pay a slightly different
amount for your electricity,
depending on your tariff.
Where the Zoe does work
out far cheaper is as a company
car. Plus, it’s exempt from the
Congestion Charge, so London-
based company car drivers are
on to a winner.
156
204
195
140
102
71
8699
69
64
408
63-93
259106
155
191
197
162
74
99
89 79
70
445
57-91
270105
101
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 |
For Smart interior;
composed handling;
lots of standard kit
Against No three-point
plug; body shimmy
Verdict The best electric
car on sale today
For Well specced; roomy;
comfortable ride in town
Against Pricier than Zoe;
small boot opening; body
control is a bit loose
Verdict Better than ever,
but is pipped by the Zoe
67.1 miles for the Leaf and 70.1 for the Zoe – not bad given the battery-draining mix of roads and heavy ancillary use.
Both cars should be able to cover more than 80 miles on a charge when driven mostly in town.
Will they break the bank?You won’t pay a penny in tax if you’re a company car driver.
Things are more complicated for private buyers. The Zoe and Leaf both qualify for a Government-funded £5000 discount, which makes their purchase prices comparable with those of similarly equipped, conventionally powered rivals.
However, you have to pay extra for the batteries; these come courtesy of a compulsory monthly contract. On both cars the cheapest contract is £70 per
Our verdictThe Leaf and Zoe prove that an electric car can be a viable alternative to a conventional hatchback for private buyers, and a complete no-brainer for business users. However, the Zoe wins because it’s cheaper to run, slightly better to drive and is hardly any less practical.
Nissan Leaf
Renault Zoe
Leaf is the roomier and has a 60/40 split rear bench. Its boot opening
is narrower and its driving position could do with more adjustment
Zoe’s minimalist interior has simple touch-screen, but the driver’s seat
doesn’t adjust for height. Rear visibility is better than in the Leaf, too
BEST BOOT
BIGGEST CABIN
2
1
70
7HVFR�LV�WKH�RIILFLDO�IXHO�SDUWQHU�IRU�:KDW�&DU"�WHVWV�
Performance figures
Figures in bold are best in test Dimensions in cmMeasurements
Economy
Safety
Nissan Leaf Acenta Flex Renault Zoe Dynamique Zen
Space
370-912 litres
Space
338-1225 litres
Size 360 volt, 192 cells
Peak power 107bhp@3008-10,000rpm
Peak torque 187lb ft@0-3008rpm
Engine and performance
List price £18,490* Target Price £18,490 List price £15,190* Target Price £15,190
Weather conditions Dry
Size 400 volt, 192 cells
Peak power 87bhp@3000-11,300rpm
Peak torque 162lb ft@250-2100rpm
Euro NCAP crash rating xyxxxxxxyxyxyxyEuro NCAP crash rating xyxxxxxxyxyxyxy
Buying Website www.nissan.co.uk
Car pictured Nissan Leaf Acenta Flex with optional
metallic paint (£525); heated steering wheel and front
and rear seats (£300); and rear roof solar panel (£260)
*After £5000 Government grant
Website www.renault.co.uk
Car pictured Renault Zoe Dynamique Zen with
optional metallic paint (£495); and Western European
mapping for sat-nav (£110)
Tested range 67.1 miles
Battery 24kWh lithium-ion
Emissions 0g/km, 0% tax
Tested range 70.1 miles
Battery 22 kWh lithium-ion
Emissions 0g/km, 0% tax
0-60mph Top speed
sec mph10.9 91
0-60mph Top speed
sec mph12.4 85
Acceleration
Braking 30–0mph/70–0mph
9.6m 51.0m
30–70mph in kickdown
30–50mph in kickdown
50–70mph in kickdown
13.8sec
4.8sec
9.0sec
A
A
Acceleration
Braking 30–0mph/70–0mph
9.2m 51.0m
30–70mph in kickdown
30–50mph in kickdown
50–70mph in kickdown
10.5sec
3.9sec
6.6sec
A
A
month, which covers you for 7500 miles a year over three years (higher-mileage deals are available). Over three years you’ll pay £2520, which makes it the second biggest expense after depreciation; the Renault should retain 35% of its value (or £6925) and the Leaf 33% (or £7365). The cost of electricity (see left) is paltry by comparison.
Servicing is free for the first four years on the Zoe, while three years’ servicing on the Leaf will come to £330. The Nissan also costs more to insure.
Overall, the Zoe is the cheaper car to run, at £12,351 over three years, compared with £15,958 for the Leaf. It’s worth remembering, though, that the Leaf is from the class above the Zoe, and its figures still look competitive when you compare it with regular rivals.
ELECTRIC CARS
89% 83% 65% 84% 89% 80% 66% 85%
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 73
7HVFR�LV�WKH�RIILFLDO�IXHO�SDUWQHU�IRU�:KDW�&DU"�WHVWV�
171g/km
38.2mpg
£790
26%47.1mpg
139g/km
£700
19%
Kia Procee’d vs Seat LeonQUICK TEST
Kia for the hot seat? The heat is on for Kia’s hottest Procee’d and Seat’s warmed-over Leon
The Kia’s 1.6-litre engine pumps out 201bhp, which makes the GT feel pretty fleet once the turbo has woken. The gearbox is too notchy, though, while the brakes feel underpowered. The steering feels artificial, and offers little idea of the grip available.
Comfort isn’t bad though; the GT rides bumps decently, but its body pitches and rolls a bit much.
There’s a reasonable amount of head- and legroom for the two sitting up front, but those in the rear pay the price for the sleek looks. It’s decidedly dark in there, mainly because of the upwards sweep of the windows and the small rear window; over-the-shoulder vision is appalling.
It’s all well built though – as good as the Seat in most areas, and even better in some.
The Procee’d GT is cheaper than the Seat but you can’t yet get a discount on it. In addition, it puffs out a lot more carbon dioxide, so it sits a full seven company car tax bands higher than the Seat.
Private buyers will also be put off because of the fact that it does almost 9mpg less than the Leon.
Kia offers a deal where the first three services are just £399.
On paper, the 178bhp Seat has quite a bit less power than the Kia, but in reality it feels every bit as keen to get on with things. It’s easy to make good progress in the Seat because the gearbox is light and precise. The steering is light but informative.
The ride is undeniably firm, but the Leon manages to avoid falling into the trap of being crashy.
The Seat is undeniably the more upright and staid-looking of the two, but this has benefits. It’s easier to see out of, it’s simple to get into the back of, and there’s decent space once you’re in there.
Space is good if you’re the driver or front passenger too, and the seats are supportive.
The dashboard doesn’t have the pizzazz of the Kia’s, but it’s well built and simplicity itself to use.
List prices favour the Procee’d GT, but as soon as you start to haggle the advantage swings back the Leon’s way. However, this may change when discounts become available on the Kia.
The Leon SC sits in group 25 for insurance, four lower than the Kia, so you can expect your annual premium to be around £90 less.
Kia Procee’d GT
List price £19,995 Target Price tbc
Seat Leon SC 1.8 TFSI FR
List price £20,290 Target Price £18,862
Kia
Seat
What are they like to drive?
What are they like inside?
Will they break the bank?
BEST TO DRIVE
BEST TO OWN
BEST INSIDE
Kia has plenty
of standard
equipment,
and it’s all
very well built
Seat dash is the
simpler of the
two; screen
senses when
finger is close
Kia Procee’d GT
Seat Leon SC FR
For Equipment; warranty; relatively supple rideAgainst Steering; body control; visibility; running costsVerdict Good to look at, not so good to drive or own
For Punchy pace; sharp handling; low running costsAgainst Cabin looks a little plain; firm ride
Verdict Great to drive; cheap to run. A clear winner.
Our verdict 12
Road TestCentre
Fuel economy
Company car tax rate
CO2 emissions
Average insurance cost
HOT HATCHES
0-62mph
sec
7.5Top speed
mph
1400-60mph
sec
7.4Top speed
mph
143
NEWNEW
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| OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
Ourcars
76
OUR CARS
DOWNSIZING IS ALL very well, apart from one potential problem: the downsizing itself. If you need proper small family car space, a supermini simply won’t do, no matter how tempting the lower price and cheaper running costs appear.
This is where the Skoda Rapid comes in. It offers more space
SKODA RAPID
Model 1.2 TSI 85 SE
Run by Barnaby Jones
My rating
Mileage 1875
List price £14,650
Target Price £13,167
Price as tested £15,145
than an equivalent Ford Focus, yet prices start at less than £13,000, closer to those of a Fiesta.
Which Rapid to choose, though? As with many cars, there are various engines and trim levels. Sadly, the ones with the attention-grabbing prices are those you wouldn’t want to live with. So, we avoided the super-cheap, non-turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol car. It’s the least economical engine and is likely to feel underpowered in something as big as the Rapid.
The next petrol engine up – an 85bhp turbocharged 1.2 – is our favourite, so that’s what I went for. It has decent low-rev shove, so it should be up to the job of hauling
around a Rapid full of people and luggage. It also promises low running costs: our True MPG figures suggest we’ll get about 43mpg, pretty good for a petrol car of this size. Low CO2 emissions will also help keep tax costs low.
Entry-level S trim offers the best trade-off between kit and price, but I like my creature comforts, so I opted for the plusher SE. For an extra £950, this adds alloy wheels and body-coloured door mirrors and handles, plus air-conditioning, Bluetooth, rear electric windows, a USB connection and a leather-covered steering wheel.
That accounted for almost everything I needed, so the only
A small family car that’s cheap to buy and run: perfect, right? We’ve got six months to find out
Skoda RapidNew arrival
‘The Rapid is easy to drive, with light and precise controls’
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 77
Skoda Rapid
option I added was Denim Blue metallic paint, at £495. All in, our Rapid cost £15,145, or £3500 less than my previous car, a similarly equipped Ford Focus.
Of course, the Rapid isn’t all about space and value for money. The cabin is refreshingly plain and simple. Sit in the driver’s seat for the first time, and the buttons and switches are self-explanatory and easy to use. However, the interior won’t win any awards for style, and while some will like its no-frills approach, others will think it’s boring. At least you won’t be left scratching your head when it comes to the dash controls.
A couple of aspects about the specification have caught my attention already, though. There are separate interior lights to illuminate the front and rear seats, which is good. The ones up front come on when you open a door, but you have to press a button to turn on the ones in the rear, which is bad. There are also four electric windows, but only two switches up front; the ones for the rear windows are in the back. Thankfully, there’s a button to deactivate the rear controls, but it’s an obvious (and unusual) money-saving measure.
It’s also clear the Rapid is built to a budget when you drive it. The seats are flat and short of lower-back support, and there’s quite a bit of noise at high speeds,
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Barnaby Jones
The cabin’s pretty basic, although SE trim does add a few creature comforts; 1.2 engine is already showing promise, but the ride is overly firm
so the Rapid isn’t the ideal choice if you regularly drive on the motorway. The ride is also uncomfortably firm and thumps crudely over potholes.
The Rapid is easy to drive, though, due to light and precise controls, and its narrowness is already proving a hit when parking on urban streets.
The engine is impressive, too. It feels far stronger than its modest output would suggest, and you don’t have to work it hard to keep up with traffic, even when the huge boot is full of bags and boxes.
I’ll certainly be putting the Rapid’s practicality to the test over the next six months, but it’s already clear you have to accept a few compromises with Skoda’s budget, small-family car. It’ll be interesting to see if these fade with familiarity, leaving me to appreciate the overall simplicity.
BUYING INFORMATIONList price £14,650
Target Price £13,167
Extras Denim Blue metallic
paint (£495)
RUNNING COSTSTest fuel economy 40.2
True MPG 43.1
Official fuel economy 55.4mpg
CO2/tax liability 119g/km/15%
Contract hire £233
Cost per mile 39p
Insurance group/quote 10/£399
FULL STORYwhatcar.com/ourrapid
Skoda Rapid 1.2 TSI 85 SElogbook
| OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com78
OUR CARS
IN AN ERA when spending no more than necessary is both a requirement and a fashion, the austere Ssangyong Korando we’ve driven for the past year ought to have been just the ticket.
It promises family-sized SUV motoring for less than £18,000. The SX model was a new addition to the range when we collected ours last summer. It’s the cheapest four-wheel-drive version, and comes with the
SSANGYONG KORANDO
Model 2.0d SX 4WD
Run by Andrew Golby
My rating
Mileage 15,542
List price £18,795
Target Price £17,795
‘Wind, road and engine noise frequently came in for criticism’
2.0-litre turbodiesel engine that powers all Korando models.
Having spent a year and 15,000 miles behind the wheel, I’ve had a long time to consider what austere means in 2013, and for that matter, whether cheap equals value.
Let’s not forget that the Korando is a two-star car by What Car?
standards. Those among its close competitors include Hyundai’s capable ix35, the highly rated Nissan Qashqai, Kia’s stylish Sportage and a new kid on the block, the Dacia Duster.
So do the weaknesses of a car that’s considered outclassed in its category fade away, or become ever more frustrating over time?
If refinement is a priority, then the Korando’s combination
of wind, road and engine noise will never be satisfactory. It’s noticeably worse than that produced by any of its rivals. I listen to the radio all the time, so turning it up a bit louder largely dealt with the issue for me. It’s hardly the answer to an engineering problem, though. When colleagues drove the Korando, noise was frequently one of the first criticisms they mentioned.
Cabin space was a mixed bag for our family. On the one hand, the rear is very spacious, with reclining seats that can help young children sleep on long journeys. However, if you choose to maximise your boot space by having the seats in their most
Final report
Ssangyong KorandoThis SUV can be yours for less than £18,000, but does cheap always mean good value? Here’s our verdict after a year with one
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 79
Ssangyong Korando
BUYING INFORMATIONPrice when new £18,795
Price now (new) £18,795
Extras Sat-nav/Bluetooth £999;
detachable towbar £602; metallic
paint £500; spare wheel £200
Total price new £21,096
Current part-ex value £10,260
RUNNING COSTSOverall test fuel economy
38.9mpg
Worst fuel economy 28.4mpg
Best fuel economy 42.7mpg
True MPG 42.6mpg
Official fuel economy 45.6mpg
CO2/tax liability 157g/km/26%
Contract hire £376
Cost per mile 61p
Insurance group/quote
19/£580
Ssangyong Korando 2.0d SX 4WD logbook
SERVICING AND REPAIRSServicing None
Repairs Squeaky clutch pedal;
passenger seat headrest rattle
FULL STORYwhatcar.com/ourkorando
Model
Ssangyong Korando 2.0d SX 4WD
Nissan Qashqai 1.6 dCi 360 4WD
Hyundai iX35 2.0 CRDi 134 Style 4WD
Create your own depreciation tables at whatcar.com
New Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
£26,000
£19,500
£13,000
£6500
£0
Four-wheel drive adds little to price; boot is okay, but rivals’ are bigger;
touch-screen is overly complex; even no-frills Duster gets more stars
comes as standard. Given the car’s popularity with caravan owners, we were surprised to find it came with not even a spacesaver.
Back inside the car, cabin storage is a particular strong point for the Korando. There are big door bins, dashboard-mounted and under-dash receptacles, a decent-sized centre console cubby and two cupholders.
The rest of the interior is a combination of perfectly acceptable plastics and a few areas that are just plain nasty. The 1970s-style digital clock is a low point, and so is the optional £1000 Kenwood/Garmin infotainment system. Its touch-screen was way too complicated to use easily, and the Bluetooth was patchy at best, although it did become better
when I switched to the latest version of the iPhone.
The interior is very durable, though. Despite the best efforts of my two boys (aged seven and 11), including plenty of snacking taking place over the past year, the seat cloth has remained unstained and bobble-free. The plastics have also stood up well, showing no obvious signs of wear and tear. There was one rattle that developed from the passenger seat headrest, but while our local dealer, Ssangyong West London, couldn’t trace it with confidence, whatever its technicians did made it stop. At the same time, they also rectified a squeaky clutch pedal.
A lot of my driving is spent on motorways and dual carriageways, so I was pleased that cruise control is a standard bit of kit on the Korando. However, on a number of occasions, it inexplicably stopped working, but always came back to life on the following journey.
Manual air-conditioning was also welcome during the summer months, but the heater system wasn’t powerful enough during the winter; it often took up to 20 minutes to warm the car sufficiently to be comfortable.
This lukewarm feeling is also how we ended up feeling towards the Korando after our time with it. Next year, an updated version is due that seeks to address many of the issues we’ve encountered.
upright position, the parcel shelf leaves around a third of the luggage area exposed to onlookers.
Our Korando was fitted with an optional Witter towbar, which was removable and could be stored in the boot. We only put this item to the test once, when it pulled an old Austin Princess home for restoration. It did the job respectably well, and our sister title, Practical Caravan, has also vouched for the SsangYong’s impressive stability while towing.
Partway through the year, we got a full-size spare wheel, which slotted into the boot. For those who tow, a proper spare is a ‘must-have’ £200 extra. Otherwise, you’re stuck with the (often ineffective) can of foam that
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Andrew Golby
| OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com80
OUR CARS
AFTER 12 MONTHS and 10,000 miles, our Suzuki Swift Sport has now left What Car?. We had high hopes for the little hot hatch when it first arrived with its ‘drive-me-now’ looks – and it has lived up to almost all of them.
It didn’t take long to realise the Swift Sport, with its rear spoiler, wraparound headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels and twin exhausts, is more than just a pretty face. What’s most striking
SUZUKI SWIFT
Model 1.6 Sport
Run by Emma Butcher
My rating
Mileage 10,232
List price £13,749
Target Price £11,610
‘The Swift has enough fizz to keep most thrill seekers satisfied’
is the car’s tremendous value. There’s no options list, so what you see is what you get – and what you get is a lot.
There’s a whole array of staple safety equipment: seven airbags, automatic lights and electronic stability control all go towards a five-star Euro NCAP rating.
Gadgets are plentiful, too: cruise control, integrated Bluetooth, wheel-mounted audio and voice controls, USB port, electric windows, heated power-fold mirrors, sports seats and automatic air-conditioning don’t cost a penny extra.
It’s a pretty compelling package, and that’s before you even start thinking about how many thrills this pocket rocket has up its
sleeve. The nippy Sport has been a godsend in town, where I do most of my driving, zipping around mini-roundabouts, making short work of ducking in and out of queues, and tucking neatly into the smallest of spaces.
It’s true this isn’t the fastest hot hatch on the market, but the 1.6-litre 134bhp engine, combined with the car’s featherweight 1045kg, delivers enough fizz to keep most thrill seekers satisfied. In our head-to-head tests, the Swift Sport left its Renault Twingo Renaultsport rival for dust from a standing start.
The Sport’s playfulness is really unleashed on curvy roads, where you can make the most of its agility. Motorway driving isn’t
Final report
Suzuki SwiftCheap thrills were what this supermini promised when it joined us. What’s the story a year later?
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whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 81
Suzuki Swift Sport
BUYING INFORMATIONPrice when new £13,499
Price now (new) £13,749
Extras na
Total price new £13,749
Current part-ex value £9080
RUNNING COSTSOverall test fuel economy
38mpg
Worst fuel economy 27.2mpg
Best fuel economy 44mpg
True MPG 38.9mpg
Official fuel economy 44.1mpg
CO2/tax liability 147/21%
Contract hire £228
Cost per mile 43p
Insurance group/quote 19/£580
SERVICING AND REPAIRSServicing 9000-mile
service £195
Suzuki Swift 1.6 Sport logbook
Winter tyres £676 (for wheels,
tyres, fitting and storage)
Repairs None
FULL STORYwhatcar.com/ourswiftsport
Model
Suzuki Swift 1.6 Sport
Renault Twingo Renaultsport 133
Ford Fiesta ST 1.6T 180 Ecoboost
Create your own depreciation tables at whatcar.com
New Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
£20,000
£15,000
£10,000
£5000
£0
Suzuki took the pain out of servicing; lots of room for kids in the rear;
winter tyres were well worth the effort; cumbersome keyless entry
local Suzuki dealer, like most in the network, offers a free collection and delivery service within a 10-mile radius.
Other manufacturers would do well to take a leaf out of Suzuki’s book when it comes to servicing. Its central online booking system allows you to compare dealer prices without picking up the phone.
Having winter tyres fitted involved two voluntary dealer visits. The Swift had to go down a wheel size and take on steel rims, and the service wasn’t cheap, but when the snow finally did arrive it completely justified the decision. Thankfully, the cold-weather kit didn’t affect the Swift’s driveability excessively, although the look was rather retro.
There were niggles. The inexplicably less-than-intuitive USB system got my blood boiling
when I had to revert to the handbook to work out how to use it. The keyless entry was also annoying – brilliant in theory, but you still need to remember to press buttons on the door handles and under the tailgate. I gave up in the end, reverting to the old-school key fob.
The rear parcel shelf, which has no tailgate fastening strings, was also rather frustrating. If I forgot to flip it back into place after filling the boot, I’d hop in and glance in the rear-view mirror, only to be greeted by a vista of black felt.
On the whole, though, the Swift was sublimely easy to live with, and pretty practical, too. Friends and family were quite comfortable in the rear on shorter journeys, and none had to be contortionists to clamber back there. However, the space was best suited to children.
I also found the boot ample enough for groceries or weekend luggage for two. Hard-shell suitcases were a no-no with the rear bench up, which meant I could only holiday with one friend at a time. Dropping the bench was a doddle, though.
I gave the Swift Sport four stars when it first arrived with us, and a year later I stand by all of them. It may not be the cheapest car of its size, but if you want more thrills, punch, presence and versatility than your average supermini, this little hot hatch really is knockout value.
hard work, either, thanks to a sixth gear and cruise control. The engine never felt strained, even overtaking happily at the speed limit.
The Sport and I racked up more than a few 300-plus-mile journeys together, and on those intensive hauls it didn’t guzzle fuel as quickly as I expected. In True MPG tests, it returned 38.9mpg. Mostly, I got close to that, although a lot of stop-start, short-run urban driving did give the car a bit of a thirst.
Overall, the Swift proved a low-maintenance motor. I was forced to send it back to the dealer just once – for its 9000-mile service, which I grumbled about at the time for being way too soon. That said, the experience was pretty painless because my
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| OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com82
OUR CARS
I TOOK A deep breath when I was handed the keys to the What Car? new Fiat 500L long-termer. I’m not generally a ‘small car’ person, you see, and quirky retro styling isn’t enough to impress me.
However, the idea behind the 500L is to allow owners of the regular 500 city car to stick with the brand (and keep some of the
FIAT 500L
Model 1.6 Multijet 105 Pop Star
Run by Melanie Falconer
My rating
Mileage 3110
List price £17,490
Target Price £16,908
Price as tested £18,990
style), when they need more space. It’s the same sort of principle that persuaded Mini to build the Countryman, a car that has been far more of a sales hit than its reviews ever suggested it would be.
As a result, the 500L put paid to my initial reservations the moment I saw it in the metal. For starters, it’s a lot bigger than its popular supermini smaller brother, and it manages to look both chic and grown-up.
There are a number of petrol and diesel options in the range, but in the end our choice really came down to the 1.6-litre Multijet diesel or the two-cylinder Twinair petrol. Our road testers reckon
that there’s not much to choose between the motors on refinement (they’re both a bit on the noisy side), so in the end we plumped for the extra torque of the diesel. We went for Pop Star trim, which brings air-conditioning, a touch-screen infotainment system, six airbags and cruise control as standard.
The L is designed to offer family-friendly practicality and space. While I might not have a family, I do need plenty of room and decent boot capacity to lug around lots of roller-derby equipment (a sport played by hard-hitting girls on roller skates), plus said derby girls. So the first
Can this appealing mini-MPV provide enough everyday practicality? We’ve got the next 12 months to find out
Fiat 500LNew arrival
‘Refinement isn’t one of the diesel engine’s strong suits’area to explore was exactly how much space was on offer, and how versatile the 500L is.
The rear seats slide forward to free up extra room in the boot, or you can fold and tumble them forward (this is so easy you can almost do it with one hand). The
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 83
Fiat 500L
boot has a useful three-position adjustable floor, which is great when lifting heavy kit bags in and out. The only downside is its fairly narrow opening, which can be a little restrictive. There’s also a long, slim, removable storage holder, which puzzles me. Its only conceivable use seems to be for umbrellas or snooker cues.
What I have been enamoured with so far is the light, airy cabin, and the glass panoramic roof (a £500 option), adds to the feeling of space. The roof is fixed, though. I would definitely prefer to be able to open it even a little bit.
The standard air-conditioning does a reasonable job, cooling the cabin down fairly quickly. Ten or so minutes on the highest setting normally does the trick in temperatures of more than 25c.
Up front, the cabin feels classy and well built, and the leather-covered gearknob and steering wheel are nicely finished, and look good. The seats are supportive and comfortable, with a good range of adjustment, including height, although I’d have liked lumbar adjustment as standard (it’s a £100 option, which we didn’t go for).
As yet, most of my driving has been in London traffic. The 1.6 diesel pulls cleanly enough, with a respectable amount of torque. However, refinement is not one of the engine’s strong suits; it’s noisy, and gets louder as you accelerate.
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Cabin exudes class, but poorly positioned steering wheel can make dash dials hard to see; ride quality around town is good – next stop, the M25
Luckily, ride quality is good. The suspension feels plush and soaks up even quite serious road imperfections well. I have some fairly unforgiving speed bumps on my route home, but the 500L almost floats over them.
One niggle so far is the analogue dials. They look funky, but are quite hard to read. This isn’t helped by the chunky steering wheel obscuring the speedo; it covers up the all-important 30-50mph range. To compensate, I’ve had to raise the wheel’s height.
Overall impressions up to now, though, are positive. Next, I want to find out how the 500L copes with longer journeys, in terms of comfort and fuel economy, and with a full passenger and luggage load.
BUYING INFORMATIONList price £17,490
Target Price £16,908
Extras Front foglights £160;
electric rear windows £200;
special pastel paint (Bossa Nova
White) £290; 17-inch alloy wheels
£350; fixed glass roof £500
RUNNING COSTSTest fuel economy 45mpg
True MPG 58.9mpg
Official fuel economy 62.8mpg
CO2/tax liability 110g/km/17%
Contract hire £263
Cost per mile na
Insurance group/quote 17/£545
FULL STORYwhatcar.com/ourfiat500l
Fiat 500L 1.6 Multijet 105 Pop Star logbook
Find out what you’ll
really get to the
gallon
Get your True MPG at whatcar.com/truempg
Use our online tool to get your personalised MPG figure based
on our exclusive real-world tests on UK roads
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 85
Volkswagen Up, Honda CR-V OUR CARS
Volkswagen Up 1.0 75 High Up 3drMileage 9079
List price £10,900
Target Price £10,472
Price as tested £10,740
Average MPG 42.8
My rating
Full story whatcar.com/ourup
An early morning sprint down to Hayling Island, and they were established on the pebbly beach before the crowds arrived. The Up’s smooth ride surprised them all on the motorway, and its boot easily accommodated their picnic blanket and sandwiches, and the boys’ buckets and spades.
Both kids were more than happy in the back seats, and loved their view of the world through
OUR UP HAS been lucky enough to go to the beach this month. It was set to be the hottest day of the year, so my colleague Michele and her family headed for the seaside.
the big rear windows as they drove along, waiting for the sea to appear on the horizon.
After a day spent digging holes, paddling in the warm water and eating ice-cream, it was time to go home. Unfortunately, the Up didn’t impress Michele and the boys so much on the return trip. The family is used to melting cabin temperatures in the summer, because their 20-year-old Volkswagen Golf doesn’t have the luxury of air-conditioning, but they were looking forward to taking advantage of the Up’s air-con. However, even on full power for half an hour, it made little impact, seeming to blow out only warm air. Michele gave up in the end and opened the windows, despite the noise from the traffic, but her boys both still fell asleep in the heat.
I think it’s time to investigate the problem because several other colleagues have also commented on it. I’ll get in touch with Volkswagen, and update you next month.
The kids soak up some rays, but they soon lost their cool in an airless Up
Round-up
Full story whatcar.com/ourv40
Mileage 17,965
List price £23,070
Target Price £21,310
Price as tested £27,570
Average MPG 50.6
My rating
There’s a lot I like about the V40:
the comfortable seats, the clear
and powerful stereo, the effective
air-con system and the efficient
diesel. It also offers something
different from its upmarket
German hatchback rivals. Not
everyone wants to drive an Audi,
BMW or Mercedes, after all.
There’s a lot I don’t like,
though, such as how gutless the
engine is at low revs, the vague
steering, the notchy gearshift
and the small boot.
My biggest issue with the V40,
however, is its ride. It’s unsettled
on seemingly smooth roads,
uncomfy on scruffy ones and
crashy on pockmarked surfaces.
It’s bad – plain and simple.
It’s also unforgivable,
considering our model has a
comparatively light four-cylinder
engine (the larger D3 and D4
five-cylinders are far heavier).
It also has the standard, smallest
wheels available, so the ride
should be as good as it can be
in a diesel V40.
This, therefore, is a deal-
breaker for me, which is a shame
because I really wanted the V40
to be a proper alternative to the
established big players.
‘The ride is unsettled, even on seemingly smooth roads’
Honda CR-V 2.2 i-DTEC EX autoMileage 21,200
List price £33,215
Target Price £30,641
Price as tested £33,150
Average MPG 37.1
My rating
Full story whatcar.com/ourcrv
away scarcely tested the car’s huge carrying capacity. Loading up could hardly have been easier, either. All I had to do was pull two levers in the boot, and the rear seat bases automatically flipped up and forward, then the seatbacks dropped to create a flat and long load bay. The big, square boot opening was also very helpful.
There was lots of storage space for our travel documents and my emergency stash of sweets, while up front there’s plenty of room
YOU LEARN A lot about a car when you use it as holiday transport, and I was pretty impressed after taking the CR-V to France recently.
Two people, two bikes and sufficient luggage for a few days
to stretch out, so the CR-V sailed through the practicality test.
However, not everything else went so smoothly. I never did get to grips with all the buttons scattered around the dash, and the automatic gearbox was sometimes slow to respond.
Still, that all seemed fairly trivial when the car broke down on the way home. The CR-V appeared to lock properly on the ferry (it beeps when something’s amiss), but when we tried to start it later to disembark, nothing happened. Cue embarrassment, a few muttered expletives and, after trying everything we could think of, defeat. Sadly, the CR-V wasn’t going anywhere under its own steam.
We were towed off the ferry, so I could call the AA, who quickly arrived and diagnosed a flat battery. Something had drained it during the 90-minute crossing.
Thankfully, we were on our way shortly after, but whatever caused the battery to go flat so rapidly remains a mystery. We’ll investigate and keep you updated.
Failure to launch – the holiday almost ended as flat as the CR-V’s battery
Volvo V40 1.6D D2 SE Nav
Rory White
Barnaby Jones
87whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 |
Dacia Sandero, Mazda 6 OUR CARS
The Stepway (left) may be a bit funkier, but we still prefer our Sandero
Dacia Sandero 0.9 TCe Laureate
Mazda 6 2.2D Skyactiv-D 150
Mileage 3503
List price £8795
Target Price £8795
Price as tested £9515
Average MPG 37.7
My rating
Full story whatcar.com/oursandero
Mileage7890
List price £22,595
Target Price £21,160
Price as tested £23,715
Average MPG 46.8
My rating
Full story whatcar.com/ourmazda6
comfortable ride. Inside, it’s hard to spot the difference really.
The biggest negative for both is refinement. Our Sandero is noisy at speed and has noticeable body roll in corners. The Stepway is even worse on both counts.
My experience with the Stepway made me glad we got the Sandero with the little petrol engine and in top-of-the-range specification. The Stepway has a diesel (and a clattery one at that), and came in Ambiance
hoping for a diagnosis – and hopefully a fix – within the next few days.
The tragedy is that, up to this point, the 6 had been a mightily impressive addition to our fleet. In fact, I tried a BMW 320d earlier this year, and I still reckon elements of the Mazda (in particular its 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine), are even better than the BMW’s. The power delivery in the 6 is really smooth and refined, and while the ride quality can get a bit
THE SANDERO HAS covered 600 miles this month because more people are using it. They’ve all been impressed by the amount of room in the cabin, and some have even enjoyed the ‘back-to-basics’ motoring experience.
I thought fuel consumption would improve with the extra mileage, but this hasn’t been the case. This month, the average was 37.7mpg – way off the claimed 56.5mpg. Temperatures have soared recently, so maybe it’s down to the air-conditioning. Or perhaps What Car? drivers just have lead feet?
We had another member of the Dacia family in this month: the Sandero Stepway. It has 4cm extra ground clearance, larger wheels, chunkier styling and costs about £400 more than our Sandero. Both cars are very similar, benefiting from a spacious cabin and a
A CONFESSION: THE Mazda 6 isn’t actually around at the moment. It’s been away for a few weeks now with a fault.
Ever since the car arrived back in February, there’s been a bit of judder through the clutch pedal as you pull away from a standing start. Some of my colleagues had barely noticed this, but it was proving a pain for me, particularly because my daily commute takes in the M25 and, by default, a lot of stop-start traffic.
First, I took the 6 to my local dealer, but the conclusion of the engineers there was individual cars may have different clutch set-ups when they leave the factory (I found this dismissive attitude alarming, quite frankly).
I then handed the 6 over to What Car?’s road testers, and they agreed with me something definitely wasn’t right. So, I’ve sent it back to Mazda head office. I’m
trim, which does without such niceties as rear electric windows, air-con and electric mirrors.
Both cars offer a lot for your money. If you prefer the raised driving height and funkier styling, go for the more expensive Stepway, but I’d probably just save my cash, or spend it on adding parking sensors to the Sandero.
fidgety on broken road surfaces, the supportive driver’s seat has prevented me from suffering any backache on longer journeys.
In fact, the more I write about it, the more I realise how much I’m missing the thing. It’s holiday season now, and that’s normally my cue to put a few hundred miles on my long-termer. Fingers crossed the 6 is back soon.
The 6 has had to be returned to Mazda to solve a juddery clutch issue
Matthew Burrow
Stephen Hopkins
Round-up
Full story whatcar.com/ourcivic
Honda Civic1.6 i-DTEC ES-TMileage 6150
List price £21,775
Target Price £19,764
Price as tested £22,350
Average MPG 56.3
My rating
I recently mentioned how our
Honda Civic’s engine stop-start
system was all too willing to
operate when it probably
shouldn’t: for example, shortly
after coming to a halt from
speed on the motorway, when
the turbo is still hot.
The stop-start works as it
should in town, though, cutting
the engine and restarting it
smartly. However, you certainly
know when this 1.6-litre diesel
rumbles back into life, because
it’s far from refined.
I’ve also noticed what seems
to be something of a stop-start
electrical gremlin. If you are
sitting at a standstill with
the engine running and your
foot on the clutch pedal, you
sometimes feel a little ‘hiccup’
from under the bonnet. It’s
almost as if the engine is about
to cut out, but then catches
itself before doing so.
It doesn’t do this every single
time you stop, but I notice it
happening at least once every
journey. I suspect it’s a case of
‘They all do that, sir’, so I won’t
be heading for the dealer any
time soon. It’s something to
keep an eye on, though.
‘The stop-start is all too willing to operate when it shouldn’t’
89whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 |
Audi A3 Sportback, BMW 3 Series GT OUR CARS
Audi A3 S’back 1.4 TFSI 122 SportMileage 2500
List price £21,050
Target Price £19,951
Price as tested £25,840
Average MPG 41.8
My rating
Full story whatcar.com/oura3sportback
me by getting in the way of my enjoyment of the car.
First, there’s the turbocharger clip, which has started to buzz at around 2000rpm. After mentioning this in our weekly online updates, I had some correspondence from What Car? readers who have encountered the same thing. The response from Audi dealers, however, seems to be patchy. Some, such as my local outlet, Camberley Audi, say it’s
I’M DEFINITELY BEGINNING to settle into life with our A3 Sportback now – to the point where a couple of recent problems have really bugged
a known problem. Other parts of the network deny all knowledge.
My customer rep at Camberley left me a voicemail message the other day to say there’s no sign of a new clip arriving just yet. It was a progress report detailing, er, precisely no progress, but at least it was communication, which is a good thing.
In other news, the A3’s windscreen received a stone chip at around 2000 miles, which turned into a nasty crack as soon as the Autoglass repair man tried to fix it, so I’m waiting for a replacement. In fact, scratch that: I’m waiting for a second one, because the first wasn’t ordered to the correct specification.
These glitches are doubly frustrating because, without them, the Sportback would be outstanding indeed. Even my drudge-worthy commute up what is currently a very sticky M3 hasn’t been able to destroy its fuel economy. It’s still sitting at almost 42mpg after more than 2000 miles. I count that as impressive.
Despite Autoglass’s best efforts, the A3 now needs a new windscreen
BMW 3 Series 318d GT ModernMileage 6130
List price £30,910
Target Price £28,919
Price as tested £41,945
Average MPG 44.6
My rating
Full story whatcar.com/our3seriesgt
passenger area is also very generously proportioned.
When a family member was competing in an archery tournament in Herefordshire, it meant not only a long drive, but also accommodating a longbow, arrows, quiver and other kit. The GT’s boot had no problem swallowing all the gear, and if you’ve seen the size of a longbow, you’ll realise that’s no mean feat.
The past month has also given me more time to reflect on how
RECENT ROAD TRIPS have reinforced my first impression that there’s a huge amount of space available inside our long-term 3 Series GT. It’s not just the boot that’s big; the rear
the GT drives, especially in relation to some of its competitors. While other manufacturers offer cars with similar styling and purpose – think Audi A5 Sportback – you could argue BMW’s own 3 Series Touring is the key rival for the GT.
The 3 Series GT has an impressive high-speed ride, but the Touring is definitely on a par, and its low-speed characteristics are much better than the GT’s. A lower centre of gravity also prevents the same amount of body lean in corners, and its steering is lighter and more precise.
However, as a spacious cruiser, I think the GT is my top choice in the 3 Series range. It has excellent forward vision, the legroom is better than in both the Touring and the Audi A5, and its rear seats recline to allow passengers to get even more comfortable.
The 3 Series Touring has the largest boot if it’s filled right up to the roof, but because I’m a photographer, I need to keep all my expensive kit hidden under the load cover. In this format, the GT also has the most space.
The English bowmen could have done with a few 3 GTs at Agincourt
John Mcllroy
John Bradshaw
Round-up
Full story whatcar.com/ourpanda
Fiat Panda 1.2 PopMileage 8238
List price £8900
Target Price £7500
Price as tested £9700
Average MPG 41.7
My rating
‘Muuum! I can’t put my seatbelt
on’ came the cry – in stereo –
from my two boys in the back
of the Panda.
I’d been spoiled when
borrowing the What Car?
Volkswagen Up a few weeks
before. Both kids could easily
climb in the Up and fasten their
own belts. Not so in the Panda;
our car has three rear seats (an
extra £100 option), compared
with the Up’s two, so each is
narrower, and consequently the
belt buckles are trickier to access.
This isn’t the only element
that lets the Panda down
compared with the Up. I find the
Fiat’s front seats quite rigid and
uncomfortable, and the ride is
pretty fidgety, too. It’s not that
it’s too firm, it’s just that the
whole car seems to bounce up
and down on bumpy roads.
True, the Panda is a few
hundred pounds cheaper than
the Up, and offers an equivalent
sense of roominess and boot
space, but it can’t match the
quality and refinement of the
VW, and comes with much less
standard equipment. If I were
to spend my own money, I’d
go for the Up every time.
‘With three rear seats, the belt buckles are trickier to access’
90 | OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
OUR CARS Ford Focus, Peugeot 208
Infotainment’s fiddly buttons and confusing menus can be distracting
Ford Focus ST-2
Peugeot 208 1.2 VTi Allure 3dr
Mileage 1900
List price £23,495
Target Price £21,910
Price as tested £24,020
Average MPG 25.3
My rating
Full story whatcar.com/ourfocusst
Mileage 7440
List price £13,695
Target Price £12,964
Price as tested £14,830
Average MPG 40.8
My rating
Full story whatcar.com/our208
are some prices to pay for that handling and performance.
I had a chat with a senior Ford engineer at that dinner. Most of the time, I was extolling the virtues of our ST, but when he asked me what I didn’t like about it, I didn’t hesitate: the infotainment system.
Maybe it’s just me, but the proliferation of tiny buttons on our Focus is distracting, and the menus for the trip computer
back in their eyeline. The general rule was that taller drivers, or those who set the seat high up, were able to see okay, while shorter individuals, and those who sat lower down, couldn’t.
I’ve found a compromise seat setting where I feel safe and can see everything just fine, but it still feels like I’m fitting around the Peugeot, which I don’t have to do in any other car of this size.
It makes me wonder whether there are any potential 208 buyers
OUR FOCUS ST seems to be something of a ‘mood car’. Let me explain: how I feel about it largely depends on my frame of mind. The other day was a good case in point. I had a business dinner near Oxford. On the way there, I felt fresh and drove the car just as it should be driven – hard and fast. Excellent it was, too.
On the way back, however, it was gone midnight, dark and raining, and my route home via the motorway was closed, so I had to make a sizeable detour. At that point, the ST’s firm ride and noticeable engine boom at 70-80mph irritated me more than I care to say.
My need to be in bed wasn’t exactly the Focus’s fault, I’ll admit, but it did make me think how careful you have to be when buying this sort of hot hatch. It’s brilliant in lots of ways, but there
I’VE COMPLAINED ABOUT the steering wheel in the 208 before. I can’t see the dashboard dials when the wheel’s in a position that feels comfortable to me. This isn’t unique to me, either; other people have pointed out the same thing. However, many of my colleagues have told me they have no problem with the wheel, so I’d begun to wonder if I was imagining things.
To solve this, I dragged a selection of co-workers down to the What Car? studio, and filmed them all getting settled behind the wheel of the 208, but without paying any attention to whether they could see the dials.
Once they’d done this, I asked whether they had a clear view of the speedometer and rev counter. Of the 18 people who took part, nine said the dials were easily accessible, but a further nine had to move the wheel to get the dials
and audio systems aren’t at all intuitive. Nearly all the other car manufacturers do this so much better, especially the Germans.
My Ford friend agreed. However, the company has a fix coming soon that will simplify the whole instrument panel. Sadly, it won’t be of any use to us, or anyone else with a current Focus.
who’ve tried to get comfortable, but failed and walked away. Equally, are there any of you out there who feel frustrated by having to drop the steering wheel lower than you’d like? Do email me and let me know.
The full video of our experiment is at whatcar.com/our208, along with my weekly updates on life with the Peugeot.
Video evidence: 50% of subjects found steering wheel obscured dials
Round-up
We’ve got almost £3000 of
options on our Jag, but for me
the most useful is the £500 front
parking aid, which beeps and
flashes to warn of imminent
impact. At the rear, you get the
beeps, flashes and a camera.
It’s a boon, but it can’t protect
the car from other road users.
Someone has nudged the front
bumper, and left a lovely scratch.
For months, I couldn’t work out
why most of my iPhone contacts
couldn’t be selected via the
Prius+’s touch-screen. Having
finally found time to ask my local
Toyota dealer, I’ve kicked myself
for not going there sooner.
Staff noted that the ‘missing’
contacts were all ones I’d entered
in the ‘other’ box on my phone,
rather than the dedicated ‘mobile’
box, which is the one the Prius+
downloads. Problem solved.
Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2.2D 200 Sport
Full story whatcar.com/ourxfsportbrake
Full story whatcar.com/ourpriusplus
Toyota Prius+ 1.8 VVTi T SpiritMileage 5444
List price £29,795
Target Price £28,517
Price as tested £30,445
Average MPG 43.8
My rating
Mileage 6050
List price £37,445
Target Price £32,857
Price as tested £40,180
Average MPG 37.5
My rating
Tom Webster
Chas Hallett
91whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 |
Mini Paceman, Renault Captur OUR CARS
Mini Paceman 1.6 Cooper SMileage 5450
List price £22,360
Target Price £21,829
Price as tested £28,870
Average MPG 43.1
My rating
Full story whatcar.com/ourpaceman
Whatever you think, you’ve got to admit it has presence.
Contrasting red and white bodywork and gleaming chrome, the Paceman’s a head-turner all right, and I’ve been surprised by how much people seem to like it, given its style with attitude.
In my experience, the more ostentatious the car, the less likely you are to be let out at junctions and the more likely you are to be cut up at traffic lights. Not so in the
THE MINI PACEMAN is an opinion-divider, variously described as snub-nosed, ugly or OTT by some people, but striking, sporty or even pretty by others.
Mini, I’ve been enjoying hassle-free drives; even pedestrians wave the car on, so they can linger longer to check out this curiosity.
What the Paceman doesn’t have, though, is grace. Manoeuvring around town, you’re under no illusions you’re behind the wheel of a big, heavy lump of metal.
It’s cumbersome to handle, so parking is a gingerly executed affair. In small spaces, it tends to take more than one attempt, because the Paceman’s voluptuous curves give the impression of you being much closer to the kerb than you actually are. Thank goodness, also, for the rear parking sensors, although often I’ve wished our car had front sensors too.
However, while this Mini may not be an urban native, it’s transformed on the open road. The engine feels like it’s impatient to unleash its power, and the car’s lumbering weight seems to fall off as it picks up speed, making the 340 miles up the long straights of the M40 and M6 on a recent drive to Cumbria positively fly by.
A cumbersome city car, the Paceman is more at home on the open road
Read updates
on our fleet
every week at
whatcar.com
Audi A3 Sportback
BMW 3 Series GT
Dacia Sandero
Fiat 500L
Fiat Panda
Ford Focus Ecoboost
Ford FocusST
Honda Civic
Honda CR-V
Jaguar XF Sportbrake
Mazda 6
Mini Paceman
Peugeot 208
Renault Captur
Renault Twizy
Skoda Rapid
Toyota Prius+
Volkswagen Up
Volvo V40
Our fleet
Renault Captur 1.5 dCi 90Mileage 2803
List price £16,395
Target Price £16,241
Price as tested £17,540
Average MPG 55.0
My rating
Full story whatcar.com/ourcaptur
round-trip commute, and on the whole, it performed rather well.
The interior isn’t as plush as a Peugeot 2008’s, but it’s comfortable enough. There’s also more than adequate boot space for a week’s holiday for two, while the door bins and compartments on the dashboard and between the seats easily contain all the usual holiday detritus.
Yes, the ride is firm and a bit unsettled on rough roads, but cruising down smoother-surfaced
LAST MONTH, I took our Renault Captur long-termer down to Cornwall on a week’s holiday. It was my first opportunity to try out the Captur on something other than my regular 50-mile
motorways and A-roads was a relaxing experience. With its fairly tall gearing, even the lack of a sixth gear wasn’t a major issue. Fuel economy on the way down didn’t match the returns on my daily commute, but the trip computer still indicated nearly 60mpg.
However, the same can’t be said when it came to driving around the steep, narrow, Cornish coast roads. The driving style required, with constant changes down into second gear to make it to the top of the next hill, resulted in holiday miles that averaged out at only 44mpg. Compare this with a genuine 63mpg achieved on my usual route, and you can see how the district in which you live can have a major impact on fuel consumption.
Our True MPG team has already tested this engine in the Renault Captur, and recorded 58.3mpg. If you use our tool at whatcar.com/truempg, always make sure you adjust for driving style and conditions, to give a more accurate indication of your likely real-world fuel economy.
The rigours of coastal motoring put a dent in the Captur’s fuel economy
Ed Callow
Emma Butcher
Thinking about your next used car? Log on to whatcar.com to see our winners
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whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 93
How good is your dealer?
Advice and tips to help you save £££s
94
Personal shopperChris and Clair try a Hyundai ix35, Skoda Octavia and VW Golf Plus
106
110
Used twin testKia Sportage vs Nissan Qashqai: family-friendly SUVs from £9500
103
HelpdeskA Mazda MX-5 with rust, a badly repainted BMW and a glitchy Ford
JD Power Satisfaction Survey reveals which brands aren’t worth your trouble
Buying & owning
‘The number of used vehicles bought with finance in April this year was 22% higher than in April 2012’Matthew Burrow, consumer reporter p105
Buying usedVolkswagen Eos offers practical, convertible fun from just £5800
100
Plus All you need to know about how to buy and finance your next car on p250
| OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com94
BUYING AND OWNING
HOW GOOD IS YOUR DEALER?
You’ve bought a new car and are happy with your decision, but what sort of service can you now expect from the dealer? Find out with the 2013 JD Power Satisfaction Survey service results
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 95
JD POWER DEALER SATISFACTION SURVEY
27 23=
26 22
25 21
23= 20
Did you know? Chevrolet customers awarded dealers the lowest scores in most categories
Chevrolet69.7%
Alfa Romeo72.7%
Mazda77.2%
Fiat75.7%
Suzuki77.6%
Vauxhall77.7%
Peugeot76.9%
Among the best Better than most Doesn’t stand out The rest
Mitsubishi76.9%
Another year at the bottom of the survey for
Chevrolet. Customers awarded it the lowest
marks in every category bar one. Work was too
pricey and took too long, said owners. Service
advisers were the best part, while limited
parking was a particular bugbear. More than
40% said they probably wouldn’t go back.
A lacklustre showing drops Mitsubishi nine
places. Although clean dealerships manned
by friendly staff were rated well, complaints
included uncomfortable waiting areas and
difficulty with access and parking. Almost a
third said they wouldn’t be back, although 85%
said they’d recommend the network to others.
Alfa falls six places in the survey. Customers
criticised everything from inconvenient parking
to the size of their bills. In fact, when it came to
value for money, Alfa was rated worst overall.
Polite service advisers were their dealers’
saving grace, although more than a quarter of
customers said they wouldn’t buy there again.
Customers upped their scores for Mazda,
resulting in a three-place rise. Simple booking
procedures and clean premises won dealers their
best marks, while cars were returned in good
nick after servicing. Insufficient parking and
steep charges were the biggest gripes, but most
customers said they might be tempted back.
Fiat customers reported a better experience this
year than last, moving the dealer network up
one place. Highest praise went to dealership
cleanliness and helpfulness of staff at pick-up.
Cars were returned in reasonable condition, but
customers didn’t feel prices were fair. However,
more said they’d continue with Fiat than in 2012.
Suzuki dealers raised their game this year.
Customers found it easy to book a service
at a convenient time, and enjoyed a good
relationship with staff. The network was let
down by poor waiting areas, and prices that
were a little too steep. However, 88% said they’d
recommend their dealer to family and friends.
Peugeot plummets 12 places after 26% of its
customers said they’d be unlikely to revisit their
dealer. Polite and friendly service advisers were
given highest marks, while owners felt their cars
were returned in almost spotless condition. Bills
weren’t quite so agreeable, though, and the work
could have been carried out more quickly.
Vauxhall customers said it was easy to book
in their cars for servicing, and said friendly
advisers were on hand to help them. Customer
perceptions of their experience from then on
were rather less impressive, although dealers
did improve enough for the network to climb
three places up the index. {
The analysis is based on the dealer service portion of JD Power’s 2013 UK Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Study, and considers the views of 13,511 customers who had a service experience with their dealership within the past 12 months. They gave feedback on vehicles bought between January 2010 and December 2011.
This part of the survey focuses on a number of areas, including the booking process, overall staff helpfulness, dealership facilities, quality of work and how fair the service charges were.
Every new car buyer deserves a friendly, efficient, and value-for-money service from their local dealership. What Car? has teamed up with JD Powe-r and Associates, the world leading publisher of research into vehicle ownership, to find out which manufacturers get it right, and which ones don’t.
The ratings range from two to five ‘Power Circles’:
How the resultsare calculated
Good service makes all the difference
The JD Power ratings
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 97
JD POWER DEALER SATISFACTION SURVEYBUYING AND OWNING
15=19
13=18
13=15=
1215=
Who has the fairest charges?1 Lexus2 Honda3 Jaguar4 Mini5 Skoda
…and who has the least fair charges?23 Peugeot24 Mazda25 Fiat26 Chevrolet27 Alfa Romeo
Who delivers service with a smile?1 Jaguar2 Lexus3 Honda4 Mercedes-Benz5 Skoda
…and who doesn’t?23 Mazda24 Mitsubishi25 Fiat26 Alfa Romeo27 Chevrolet
Most recommended*Lexus 47%Jaguar 46%Honda 43%Mercedes-Benz 42%Land Rover 41%
Least recommended*Fiat 26%Mazda 26%Peugeot 25%Mitsubishi 24%Chevrolet 20%
* % of customers who ‘will definitely’ recommend their dealership’s services
Audi78.0%
BMW79.1%
Ford78.6%
Volkswagen79.2%
Mini79.1%
Hyundai79.2%
Citroën79.1%
Renault79.3%
BMW dealers were rewarded for their improved
service levels with scores that boosted them one
place. Dealerships were judged clean and comfy,
while technicians carried out top-quality work.
This premium service came at a premium price,
however, and many owners were unhappy
about long waits for their cars to be serviced.
A fall of nine spots for Audi drops it out of the
top 10 and into the table’s bottom third. Owners
complained about high charges, but did say
dealership facilities were what you’d expect of
a premium brand. They felt their cars were in
safe hands, but in general, scores suggested they
found the experience rather underwhelming.
Customers felt Volkswagen dealers took pride
in their premises, customer care and work, and
reported a job well done – and with a smile.
More than three-quarters said they’d probably
buy another VW from the same place, and even
more said they’d recommend their dealer. Better
parking and cheaper bills would be nice, though.
Ford rose two places, after owners said their
dealers had nailed the service booking process.
Staff were friendly and cars were handed back
clean and in good condition. However, bills were
higher than expected, while parking was tight
and waiting areas weren’t as salubrious as many
customers expected from a market leader.
Hyundai customers’ renewed confidence in
their dealers helped push the network up five
places. Staff were friendly and flexible when
it came to bookings, while premises were clean
and tidy. On the whole, work was thorough,
with cars handed back in fine fettle. However,
customers felt they paid over the odds.
Getting their car into the workshop was the
biggest hurdle Mini owners faced, and they gave
their lowest scores to the booking process. They
also reported a finger-tapping wait at vehicle
drop-off. However, work was completed quickly
and to a high standard, and cars were returned in
good condition. Even charges were deemed fair.
Customers reported an impressive aftersales
experience, highlighting courteous and helpful
staff. Dealerships were clean, although waiting
areas could do with a few more creature
comforts, and more parking bays would help.
The network was deemed one of the 10 fairest
in the survey when it came to service charges. {
Citroën has moved up four places. Customers
were impressed with the speed and efficiency
of bookings. Service advisers were friendly
and helpful, and workmanship was deemed
top-notch. On the downside, customers said
they’d prefer lower bills, more comfortable
waiting areas and more parking spaces.
The JD Power surveyasked customers…
Did you know? Lexus customers rate their dealerships as the best for fair service charges
| OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com98
BUYING AND OWNING
711
5=9=
5=9=
48
Seat79.5%
Skoda81.4%
Honda84.0%
Nissan80.2%
Toyota82.0%
Kia80.2%
Land Rover82.0%
Lexus85.4%
Volvo80.8%
Mercedes-Benz82.6%
Skoda customers were happier than ever with
their dealers. A staggering 89% reported they’d
heartily recommend them to others, after being
impressed by their slick bookings service and
caring, friendly advisers. Owners also felt they
were charged fairly compared to rivals, but
said waiting areas could be better appointed.
Seat customers said they could rely on their
dealer to look after their car and leave no stone
unturned in the workshop. They also felt cared
for by staff. Dealerships were clean, although
perhaps not as comfortable as they could be.
Finding a parking spot was particularly tough,
however, and charges were on the steep side.
Loyalty is Toyota’s reward for delivering
consistently outstanding service. An impressive
80% of Toyota owners said they’d buy another
car from their dealer, and a stonking 88% said
they’d tell their friends about the excellent
service they’d enjoyed, citing polished premises
and professional, helpful and friendly staff.
Clean dealerships and cars that were well
valeted before being handed back helped to
keep Nissan in the top 10. Customers were also
pleased with the quality of work and the helpful
staff. Bookings were hassle-free, too. Only a
dearth of parking and tricky-to-access premises
took the shine off the experience.
Land Rover owners said their dealer experience
was befitting of their cars’ premium badge,
reporting that staff made them feel welcome
and cared for, but rave reviews also went to the
dealerships themselves – for plush surroundings
and refreshments on tap. Most importantly, they
trusted the technicians to look after their cars.
The Kia network makes it into the top 10
after customers raved about the quality of
workmanship at their dealers; an impressive
87% said they’d recommend their service to
friends. It wasn’t all high praise, though. Owners
often found it tricky to negotiate dealership
entrances and park, and said bills were too high.
Another year, another impressive performance
from Mercedes-Benz dealers, who customers
said excelled at making them feel valued and
well cared for. A third of customers rated their
service advisers as outstanding, while 56%
found dealer waiting areas positively sumptuous,
although they did feel this luxury came at a price.
Volvo dealers were as solid and reliable as their
cars, said owners. They gave their highest praise
to workshop technicians, who were deemed
quick, thorough and helpful, taking the time to
explain any work that needed to be done.
The worst scores were reserved for high prices
and a limited number of parking spaces.
3
2
Lexus owners are happier than ever with
their dealers, rating them even more highly
than last year. They reported seamless,
textbook levels of service from the moment
they picked up the phone to make a booking,
to collecting their car after it had been in the
workshop. Work was completed on time,
cars were returned in mint condition and
keys handed back promptly and with a
smile. Customers had no qualms about
paying their bills, either, and they rated the
network the best in the survey for fair prices.
Accommodating, helpful, professional,
friendly: the Honda dealer network is
getting most things right when it comes
to aftersales, according to their customers.
Only limited parking spaces took the shine
off some owners’ experiences. Every other
part of the service was rated as exceptional.
Customers felt that they were getting value
for money, too, with 31% stating that the
fairness of the charges was outstanding. No
surprise that 92% would recommend their
Honda dealer to friends and family, then.
Over 90% would recommend their dealers
Dealers came very close to beating Jaguar’s
Did you know? Toyota dealers impressed 80% of owners enough to buy another car from them
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 99
Average 78.5%
19 Audi 78.0%
20 Vauxhall 77.7%
21 Suzuki 77.6%
22 Mazda 77.2%
23= Mitsubishi 76.9%
23= Peugeot 76.9%
25 Fiat 75.7%
26 Alfa Romeo 72.7%
27 Chevrolet 69.7% Jaguar dealers’ work was universally praised
JD POWER DEALER SATISFACTION SURVEY
1It’s official: Jaguar owners love their dealers
as much as their cars, yet again awarding the
network top marks in the survey. Customers
gave glowing reviews about their dealers
right across the board, feeling they gave
the ultimate in customer care.
Friendly advisers were flexible and
understanding in finding booking slots that
suited customers’ busy schedules, vehicle
hand-over and pick-up was quick and
painless and staff took the time to explain
the technical details of any work that was
required. The quality of what they did was
also praised, with 68% of customers rating
work as excellent or outstanding.
It’s a performance that’s highlighted by this
year’s Motor Codes Franchised Garage of the
Year, Sturgess of Leicester – a Jaguar main
dealer. ‘Excellent attention to detail’, ‘happy
to go the extra mile to help’, ‘a quick, efficient
service and within the agreed timescale’ are
all typical comments from happy customers.
JAGUAR85.5%
The overall scores
Ranking Dealer Score Rating network
1 Jaguar 85.5%
2 Lexus 85.4%
3 Honda 84.0%
4 Mercedes-Benz 82.6%
5= Land Rover 82.0%
5= Toyota 82.0%
7 Skoda 81.4%
8 Volvo 80.8%
9= Kia 80.2%
9= Nissan 80.2%
11 Seat 79.5%
12 Renault 79.3%
13= Hyundai 79.2%
13= Volkswagen 79.2%
15= BMW 79.1%
15= Citroën 79.1%
15= Mini 79.1%
18 Ford 78.6%
Did you know? 68% of Jaguar owners felt work done on their cars was ‘excellent’ or ‘outstanding’
100 | OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
VOLKSWAGEN EOSBUYING USED
Two proper rear seats mean four adults can be carried in comfort; boot space is a useful 380 litres with roof up
Rear seats and boot
Volkswagen EosThis stylish convertible with a folding metal roof has space for four adults, and is now available for as little as £5800Photography John Bradshaw
CONVERTIBLES AREN’T NORMALLY the most practical form of transportation. The Volkswagen Eos seems to go against that trend, however. It has a 380-litre boot with the roof up and seats four adults. It’s also great to drive, and the metal roof gives refinement and useability all year round.
The Eos went on sale in 2006 and was face-lifted in 2010. Its combination of fun, quality and practicality makes it a good used buy, and resale values are good.
How much should I pay?Cars from 2006 can be found for as little as £5800. For that, you get a 1.6-litre petrol model with high mileage. Face-lifted cars from the end of 2010 can be bought for around £13,700.
Our choice here is the 1.4 TSI SE, which starts at about £10,700 for a pre-face-lift model. The 158bhp 1.4-litre petrol is the pick of the range because it has more power but is still economical, returning 41mpg. The diesels are more expensive to buy.
What to look for?One of the Eos’s main attractions is its metal folding roof, which includes an integrated sunroof. When it’s down, you get the wind-in-your-hair motoring experience but with it up the Eos feels like a coupé.
The roof operates well most of the time, although there
have been reports of leaks and malfunctions, so make sure you check it thoroughly. There should be no rattles when you’re driving, and no water damage to the floor mats, which could indicate past seepage issues.
Volkswagen has recalled the Eos twice: once for potential fuel leaks and the second time to fix
On sale 2008-present
Our pick 1.4 TSI 160 SE
MPG 41.0
CO2 157g/km
Typical price’11/60, 19,000 miles
£13,900
‘The Eos combines fun with more than a little practicality’
101whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 |
Front seats Dashboard
Cabin materials are mostly good,
but with some scratchy plastics
Dashboard from the Golf is a bit
bland but clear and easy to use
Owners have had issues with the folding roof (1). Water can sometimes get in, so check for damage to the
floor mats (2). The door seals (3) can fill with water, too, so examine them when you get in. Some cars were
recalled to fix a problem with the DSG gearbox (4); if yours was one, make sure a VW dealer did the work
Ones we found
1.4 TSI 160 SE’11/60, 18,900 miles, £13,920Car comes with low mileage and is sold by a VW dealer
2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport’11/11, 11,400 miles, £20,000This model is more expensive to buy, but averages 58mpg
OPEN-TOP CAR
a problem with the programming of the DSG gearbox. If your car was one of those affected, check the remedial work was done by VW.
What’s it like?The Eos is a stylish convertible, and its Golf underpinnings mean it has a quality ride. The metal roof makes it a refined cruiser, and quieter than other convertibles.
There are petrol and diesel engines, all with a choice of six-speed manual or semi-automatic DSG gearboxes.
All models get air-conditioning, electric windows, a CD player and rear parking sensors, but the 1.4 petrol has the best mix of value for money, performance and kit. SE trim adds 17-inch alloy wheels and automatic wipers. As the most popular used version, there are plenty to choose from.
Excellent driving position; easy to get
into and out of; good all-round visibility
2
3
4
1
Go towhatcar.com/used for your next used car
web
What goes wrong?
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 103
149g/km
44.1mpg
£399
£140
45.6mpg
144g/km
£545
£140
Used TestCentre
Why buy this one?
Why buy this one?
Kia Sportage 1.6 GDi 1
For Generous specification and huge boot; great warranty
Against Rivals are better to drive; visibility isn’t great
Verdict Roomy cabin and boot, but not so great to drive
BUYING USEDNissan Qashqai vs Kia SportageUSED TWIN TEST
Family-friendly SUVs from £9500
Prices
What to look for
What’s itlike inside?
On the road
The Kia’s perky 1.6-litre petrol engine costs the least, and it’s
more flexible than the diesels. The entry-level trim comes
with lots of kit, such as cruise control and air-conditioning.
The dashboard is simple and easy to use. The cabin has lots
of room for four people, and there’s a 564-litre boot. Thick front pillars and a small rear
window compromise visibility.
The seven-year warranty when new is a big selling point, and
whatever’s left is transferred to the new owner. Insurance
costs are low and the petrol engine returns 44.1mpg.
There have not been any major recalls for this car. Keep
a lookout, though, for issues with the stop-start system and
rear numberplate light, along with torn leather in the cabin.
It’s not the best thing to drive. The ride is bouncy, and the
steering is light and not precise enough. It’s okay
around town, but it can be a bit difficult at motorway speeds.
Expect to pay around £12,500 for an ’11/11 1.6 GDi that’s
covered around 20,000 miles. You can get a nearly new ’12/12 model that has done less than
10,000 miles for £14,500.
The costs The costs
Prices
What to look for
What’s itlike inside?
On the road
The face-lifted Qashqai has better soundproofing and styling. The 1.6 petrol is also the cheapest option. Acenta trim includes rear parking sensors and climate control.
Four adults fit comfortably in the cabin, and a fifth will be okay on short trips. The high driving position and well-designed dash are pluses, and the boot is a decent 410 litres.
The 1.6 diesel engine is more economical than the petrol, but costs more to buy. The petrol averages 45.6mpg and emits 144g/km of CO2, which keeps down the cost of tax.
There have been recalls to fix fuel leaks and steering problems. Listen for a knocking noise, which is caused by faulty rear shock absorbers; these will have to be replaced.
The Qashqai is very refined. Its supple suspension gives a smooth ride, but this also results in a lot of body roll. However, for normal driving, this isn’t much of an issue.
A 1.6-litre petrol ’10/10-plate car with 55,000 miles on the clock will cost in the region of £9500. Alternatively, a 2011 model with a 60 plate on 11,000 miles will set you back around £11,000.
They’re both roomy workhorses, but there’s only one real winner here
Th
an
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to
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w.c
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Nissan Qashqai 1.6 117 Acenta
For Refined and comfy, with lots of room for the family
Against Some body roll; rear suspension problems
Verdict Stylish and comfortable family transport
Kia
Sportage
1.6 GDi 1
Years made
2010-present
Price range
£12,500-
£22,000
Nissan
Qashqai
1.6 117 Acenta
Years made
2010-present
Price range
£9500-
£17,000
Fuel economy
Annual road tax
CO2 emissions
Avg. insurance cost
1 2The verdict
104 | OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
USED NEWS THIS MONTHBUYING USED
Hot used deals
Clio Renaultsport promises cheap thrills
Used cars still rising in valueFigures collected by British Car
Auctions show the average
value of used cars has passed
the £7000 mark. This is 8% up
on last month, and an increase
of more than 15% on this time
last year. The average price for
the same period in 2012 was
£6908; it’s now £7045.
There are lots of cars on the
market, but buyers are unwilling
to settle for second best, and are
paying more for a better product.
This is pushing the value of used
cars higher and higher.
The Trading Standards Institute
has formed a partnership with
the Motor Codes organisation
to offer government-backed
standards of practice for garages
to follow. The aim is to provide
clarity, honesty and a simple
complaints procedure for buyers
should something go wrong.
More than 7500 garages have
signed up to the scheme so far.
Among the benefits to motorists
are assistance in finding a garage
that offers the best service, and
a free advice phone line to help
resolve any problems.
Used news
Ones we found
NOW’S A GOOD time to buy a used hot hatch. Prices are 2.5% lower than this time in 2012, with a 0.3% fall over last month, so why not give in to temptation and bag a bargain pocket rocket?
The arrival of the new Ford Fiesta ST, Peugeot 208 GTi and Renault Clio Renaultsport has made their used counterparts great value for money.
Renault has quite a history of creating fast small cars, and has put a lot of that heritage into making the Clio Renaultsport (on sale from 2006 to 2012), a fantastic hot hatch. All models get a 2.0-litre petrol engine that produces 194bhp in earlier cars, and 197bhp in models sold from mid-2009 on. The 0-62mph sprint takes less than
seven seconds, while average fuel consumption of 33mpg is not terrible for a hot hatch.
Standard Clio Renaultsports get a CD player, alloys, air-conditioning, cruise control and sports seats. Cup models lose out on some of these extras to save weight and improve performance.
The Renaultsport can seat four, and has a 288-litre boot. The suspension is quite firm, which gives a hard ride, especially around town, but this improves out in the country, where the car is in its element.
There are large numbers of this agile Renault on the used market, with ’06-plate cars starting at £4200. That’s not a lot for a great hot hatch.
The Clio Renaultsport’s firm suspension gives precise handling and plenty of grip on the open road
Hot low-milerRenault Clio Renaultsport 200’10/59, 11,000 miles,£9495
Nearly new bargainRenault Clio Renaultsport 200’12/62, 3500 miles,£12,600
Less powerful model Renault Clio Renaultsport 197’07/07, 34,700 miles,£5750
TSI and Motor Codes set new standards
USED BARGAIN OF THE MONTH
The latest news, deals and opinions on the used car market
For free usedcar valuations,go to whatcar.com/valuations
web
105whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 |
HOT USED DEALS
Marketwatch
The percentage fall in used cars sales during 2013’s first quarter compared with the same period last year
5.06%
FAMILY CARS HAVE experienced a slight drop in price of 0.4% from this time last month. They’re also 2.0% cheaper than for the same period in 2012.
We found a Ford Mondeo 2.0 TCDi Zetec Business Edition on a 62 plate with 4400 miles on the clock for £14,299. That’s almost a third less than the list price of £21,195.
New vs used
Did you know?
Family car savings
Source: Experian
The price of used cars is
still rising, forcing private
buyers to explore finance
options to fund their purchases.
The number of used vehicles
bought on finance in April this year
was 22% higher compared with
April 2012, with the figure standing
at more than
81,000.
Dealerships
provide a
variety of
buying options,
such as hire
purchase,
personal
contract
purchase
and personal
contract
hire plans.
Dealers offering finance have to
conform to the Consumer Credit
Act, which gives the customer
greater protection. Make sure you
read everything, and if you don’t
understand, ask.
The advantages of finance are
that it brings peace of mind, fixed
costs and protection should
something go wrong.
Consumer reporter [email protected]
Audi A3 Saloon2.0 TDI SportList price £24,275
The saloon version of What
Car?’s Car of the Year has an
economical yet pacy 2.0-litre
diesel, a high-quality interior
with room for four adults, and
a 425-litre boot. If downsizing
from a larger executive saloon,
you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
BMW 320d SE’12/12, 6700 miles,£24,000
The 3 Series saloon is one of
our favourite used cars. Build
quality is great, the cabin
comfortable and the drive
engaging. There are lots on the
market, so you can afford to be
picky. It has more room than the
A3, and handles brilliantly.
Consumer reporter Matthew Burrow gets beneath the surface of the used car world
‘Some of the advantages of finance are that it brings fixed costs and protection’
Prices of used family cars such as the Mondeo continue to fall
Family car savings
CBs
es of used family cars such as the Mondeo continue to fall
106 | OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
BUYING AND OWNING
CHRIS WILSON AND Clair Goodwin’s Vauxhall Astra has done them proud for 50,000 miles. However,
with Chris’s 6ft 6in frame plus two growing boys – Ben, who’s almost 13, and 10-year-old Jack – it’s now becoming a squeeze too far.
The couple downsized to the Astra three years ago, but accept they need to scale up again. They
WHAT THEY WANT
Chris and Clair’s Vauxhall Astra is too small for their needs. Emma Butcher offers three bigger options
Personal shopper
Need help? Email [email protected] with details of your current car, your budget and what you need from your next car
Chris Wilson and Clair Goodwin
Ages 33 and 38
Live Kidderminster, Worcestershire
Budget £20,000
Current car Vauxhall Astra
Annual mileage 10,000
Uses car for Commuting, family
life and holidays to Scotland
Photography Will Williams
107whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 |
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PERSONAL SHOPPER
‘I absolutely adore this car,’ said Clair. ‘It’s really blown me away. If it were just up to me, this is what I’d go for. I know there are gadgets on this particular model that we’d have to go without, but what I really love is the height. The view of the road is fantastic, and it’s so comfortable.
‘I also really love the all-round electric windows, which we’ve missed more than I thought we would on the Astra. The two sunroofs are just great, too. They make the cabin really light and airy.’
Chris wasn’t so easily convinced. ‘It’s a good-looking car,’ he said, ‘and the gadgets are excellent – even those we could afford – but I find it hard to get comfortable behind the wheel. The seats are too firm, and the media display sits at a strange angle, so I have to lean across to see it. I also prefer to sit lower in a car.’
CHOICE ONE HYUNDAI ix35 2.0 CRDi PREMIUM 4WD AUTOTHE SHORTLIST
CHOICE TWO SKODA OCTAVIA 1.2 TSI SE
List price £25,450
Target Price £23,543
Best deal £21,522
(Orangewheels.co.uk)
Chris & Clair’s rating
‘I adore this car. The view of the road is just fantastic, and it’s so comfortable’
The twin sunroofs and four electric windows
were great, but Chris couldn’t get comfortable
1 Hyundai ix35
2.0 CRDi Premium 4WD auto
2 Skoda Octavia 1.2 TSI SE
3 Volkswagen Golf Plus
1.4 TSI SE
WITH LEGROOM IN mind, our first pick was an easy one: Skoda’s new Octavia, with its mammoth cabin and cavernous boot. Not only does this economical yet nippy 1.2-litre motor come in well under budget, in SE trim the spec is very generous. Chris will get his climate control – dual zone, no less – while parking sensors, Bluetooth and DAB radio are also thrown in.
Next up, another Volkswagen Group model: the versatile Golf Plus. Its innovative sliding rear {
‘The performance surprised us most,’ said Chris. ‘You’d never guess the engine was only a 1.2. It feels like at least a 1.6; it really goes. I’d never have gone for a 1.2 before this.’
A promising start for the Octavia, but what about the crucial legroom test?
‘It more than ticks that box,’ said Clair. ‘It’s like the Tardis inside. There have been no complaints from the boys, that’s for sure.’
Chris agreed. ‘I didn’t even need to push my chair right back on its runners, and the boot is just enormous,’ he said. When I first lifted the lid, it took my breath away. We were also impressed with the DAB radio and optional built-in sat-nav.’
‘I have just one complaint,’ said Clair. ‘I’ve found the seatbelt digs into my neck, even with the seat as low as it goes.’
List price £17,190
Target Price £15,806
Best deal £14,863
(Carfile.net)
Chris & Clair’s rating
‘You’d never guess there was a 1.2-litre engine under the Octavia’s bonnet’
Masses of space for luggage and occupants,
although the seatbelt was an annoyance
don’t have many demands, just the bare essentials: space in the back for the boys and a bigger boot.
As well as needing a car for day-to-day life, there are holidays to think of, too. The family makes the long trip up to Scotland twice a year to visit Clair’s parents.
An upgrade would be nice, as well. Nothing too fancy, but electric windows in the back and a few gadgets wouldn’t go amiss.
‘I’d really like cruise and climate controls,’ said Chris, ‘and if it had sat-nav and DAB radio, that would be perfect, but I’m not too picky.’
Neither Chris nor Clair has any particular preference on style, brand or engine. ‘Legroom is the key’, was the single mantra they gave us for our mission.
108 | OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
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BUYING AND OWNING
Chris and Clair’s choice Skoda Octavia 1.2 TSI SE
CHOICE THREE VOLKSWAGEN GOLF PLUS 1.4 TSI SE
VERDICT
seats will give Chris and Clair the option of a bigger boot if they need it, or more space in the back for the boys when luggage isn’t a priority. This mega-sized Golf also represents decent value for money, with impressive fuel economy and a few luxuries, too, including parking cameras.
Finally, to throw a little bit of variety into the mix, we suggested the Hyundai ix35. The Premium trim model that was available for Chris and Clair’s test week is a little pricey for their budget, so if they like the ride and accommodation, we’d recommend that they go for the 2.0-litre diesel Style model. If bought at Target Price, this comes in just a couple of hundred pounds over budget. Hyundai’s five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty makes the deal even more attractive.
‘The ix35 might offer good
visibility and a huge boot, but
Chris and Clair will find it tiring
to drive on their trips up to
Scotland, because the steering
is vague at speed and the ride
rather bouncy.
‘Chris and Clair’s favourite
car, the Octavia, is a much
better choice. It’s even more
spacious than the Hyundai and
feels a lot more composed at
higher speeds. What’s more, it
has a classier interior and SE
trim comes with a longer list
of standard equipment.
‘The Golf Plus also has its
strengths, most notably its
airy cabin, sliding rear seats
and strong engine. However,
it’s based on the Mk5 Golf
hatchback rather than the latest
MK7 version, and is feeling
its age in some areas. The
dashboard looks particularly
dated, and the Golf Plus lets in
a lot of wind noise at speed.’
Steve Huntingford
Road test editor
Road testers’ choice
‘I really like the standard Golf, but it’s too small for us, so I was keen to try this bigger version,’ said Clair.
‘We like it,’ said Chris. ‘It’s not a bad car at all, and the engine is great, although it’s a bit short on gadgets compared with the other two.’
‘The cabin is really cleverly designed,’ said Clair. ‘Lots of storage space, four cupholders in the back and drawers under the front seats.
‘What I don’t understand is that it’s got all the ingredients to make a really practical family car, and it looks big, but there’s not an awful lot more space than in our Astra.’
Chris agreed: ‘Yes, the boys have enough legroom with the rear seats slid all the way back, but that compromises the space in the boot. One large suitcase is about all we’d be able to get in.’
List price £21,385
Target Price £18,473
Best deal £17,264
(Orangewheels.co.uk)
Chris & Clair’s rating
‘It looks like it should be a practical car, but it isn’t much bigger than our Astra’
Clair liked the under-seat drawers, but boot
space was limited with the rear seats slid back
Although Chris and Clair were
impressed with the feel and
ride of the Golf Plus, they were
less taken with the minimalist
cabin and limited space
compared with its rivals here.
That left the Skoda and
Hyundai. After much debate,
Clair agreed to put her love
of the ix35 aside in favour of
the Octavia. ‘It’s not really
a compromise, because I think
we’ve just found our perfect
car,’ she said. ‘I’m definitely
sold,’ said Chris. ‘The only thing
I’d change is the colour; black is
probably more our style.’
‘The Skoda has lots of legroom, the Golf Plus sliding seats and the ix35 a great warranty’
109whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 |
PERSONAL SHOPPER
Quick shopper BUDGET £15,000
NEARLY NEW OUR PICK
USED
BUDGET £30,000
NEARLY NEW
USED
New, nearly new and used cars for different budgets
Name Julia Burrow
Age 22
Drives Fiat 500
Annual mileage 10,000
Name Jim Thomson
Age 70
Drives Mercedes C220 CDI SE
Annual mileage 5000
Julia is looking for a fun, small convertible to use
mostly at the weekends to escape London. She’d
like something with pace, but is willing to sacrifice
some performance to lower her insurance costs.
Jim’s C-Class is coming to the end of its lease,
and he needs to decide whether to buy it or go
for something else. He and his wife are looking
for a car that’s easier to get into and out of.
Mini Convertible
1.6 Cooper
’12/62, 1700 miles
£14,950
Audi A3 Cabriolet
1.2 TFSI
’11/11, 10,600 miles
£14,495
Mazda CX-5
2.2D Sport Nav AWD
’13/13, 2400 miles
£28,995
BMW X3
2.0 xDrive20d SE
’11/11, 11,900 miles
£27,990
The Mini Convertible is all about fun. It even
features a dial that records how long you’ve
been driving with the roof down.
Or try a… Peugeot 207 CC 1.6 VTi Allure
’12/12, 4300 miles, £12,995
Audi’s A3 Cabriolet is a desirable option. It’s not
quite as thrilling to drive as the other cars in
this selection, but it seats four adults and has
a decent-sized boot, unlike some of its rivals.
Or try a… Volkswagen Eos
’11/60, 13,900 miles, £14,995
Mazda’s CX-5 is one of What Car?’s favourite
compact SUVs, with a frugal diesel engine
and plenty of toys with this trim level.
Or try a… Land Rover Freelander 2.2 SD4 HSE
’12/12, 4000 miles, £29,995
The X3 offers Jim the high-quality cabin and
equipment he’s used to. It’s good to drive and
practical, too. He should also find it easier to get
into and out of than his current Mercedes.
Or try a… Lexus RX 450h SE-L
’10/10, 19,000 miles, £29,995
Julia’s shortlist Jim’s shortlist NEW NEW OUR PICK
Fiat 500
Convertible
1.2 Lounge
List price £14,360
Target Price £13,817
Volvo XC60
2.0 D4 SE
List price £30,735
Target Price £30,735
The 500’s retro styling has won it many admirers,
and it’s a good-value introduction to wind-in-
your-hair motoring. The hood folds back, but the
pillars stay in place, maintaining the car’s looks.
Or try a… Citroën DS3 Cabriolet 1.2 VTi DSign
List price £15,205 Target Price £14,101
The XC60 has a generous specification, with
auto wipers and headlights, and electric folding
mirrors. It’s a refined cruiser and the raised
driving position allows easy entry and exit.
Or try a… Honda CR-V 2.2 i-DTEC SR AWD
List price £29,055 Target Price £26,917
Need help? Email [email protected] with a digital photograph of you, plus your full name, age, budget, current car and annual mileage
Used alternative
BMW 5 Series Touring
520d M Sport Business Edition
’10/10, 21,500 miles, £19,850
The 5 Series Touring is a great
used buy. The diesel engines
are smooth and fuel efficient
and the cabin is classy and
practical. Rear passengers
get generous legroom, too.
Chris would like the amount
of kit on offer; the Business
Edition comes with climate
control, cruise control and sat-nav.
The only thing it misses out on is
a DAB digital radio.
This example comes from
a BMW dealer, and benefits
from a 12-month warranty.
BUYING AND OWNING
| OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com110
STEVEN WINTERS HAD been saving up for months while looking for his dream car: a white BMW 3 Series M Sport. His search reached its conclusion last Christmas Day, when he spotted a 2011-plate BMW at Phoenix Motown in Paisley.
Steven drove away a happy man a few days later, but his smile disappeared when, in the sunlight, he noticed the driver’s side door was a different shade of white to the rest of the car. He hot-footed it back to Phoenix, who he’d already got to know well as he’d had ongoing issues with the car’s service history. The salesman was sympathetic but said it was a manufacturing defect and BMW’s responsibility.
Steven made an appointment with his local BMW dealer, Douglas Park, and was staggered to learn this was no production line fault; the door had been badly repainted.
Armed with a £795 repair estimate, Steven got in touch with Phoenix, but his calls and emails went unanswered.
Then he consulted the car’s logbook and discovered its previous owner was a car hire company – Scot Group, trading as Thrifty. It’s an advertised policy of
1 Never buy a car before
checking that all the
supporting documentation,
including service book,
is present.
2 If you have any concerns
about the car’s history contact
the previous owner using their
address in the logbook.
3 Third parties such as the
AA and RAC carry out vehicle
inspections that can reveal
accident damage.
HelpdeskSteven Winters
Got a problem you can’t resolve? Get in touch, because we’re here to help
Car BMW 3 Series M SportProblem Dodgy paint repair
‘Steven’s smile disappeared the moment he saw the colour mismatch on the driver’s door’
Need our help? Email [email protected]
AVOID THIS HAPPENING TO YOU
Inspection found broken glass
HELPDESK
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 111
1 Take dated photos of any defect as soon as you spot it.
2 Don’t hang around. Take the car to the dealer as quickly
as possible. The claim is more likely to be accepted if
you don’t dawdle.
3 If the dealer won’t approve your claim, send the photos and
inspection documents directly to the manufacturer. {
AS SOON AS Richard Carling noticed rust
developing on his Mazda MX-5 he rushed it to his local dealership, SG Petch, in Darlington. The Copper Red MX-5 was bought new in 2008 and had been well looked after, so Richard was shocked to find rust around the indicator repeater on the driver’s side after just 11,900 miles. To make matters worse, the paintwork around the repeater on the passenger side soon started to blister, too.
SG Petch took photos of the rust, which were then sent to Mazda UK customer services. Bodywork inspection records were also requested by Mazda. However, the arrival of the requested documents was delayed, so Richard sent the company his own copy of the car’s service records, including a bodywork inspection carried out in September 2012 – just seven months before the rust was noticed. The report clearly showed there were no problems with the bodywork at that time.
Mazda UK refused the claim, which was made under the manufacturer’s 12-year anti-perforation warranty. It argued that the repeaters had been replaced before Mr Carling bought the car new, and therefore the warranty was no longer valid.
However, as a gesture of goodwill, Mazda offered to pay 25%
of the £500 repair cost. Richard rejected the offer on the grounds that the car is in otherwise fantastic condition and has always been serviced by a Mazda dealership.
Richard was about to get in touch with Mazda in Japan to see if he could get a resolution from the top, but before he did, he contacted Helpdesk. We informed him of his legal rights and he went back to SG Petch and appealed to the service manager, who tracked down Mazda’s local area manager, who then negotiated on Richard’s behalf.
On seeing all the facts, Mazda upped its goodwill offer to 50%, and SG Petch went the extra mile, offering to cover the remaining 50%. A spokesman for SG Petch said: ‘We decided to help out Mr Carling as he is a loyal customer.’
Car Mazda MX-5
Problem Rust repair claim dismissed
Richard CarlingPhoenix Motown’s that it never sells pre-rental cars; it can vouch for the history of every vehicle.
Steven got in touch with Helpdesk and we contacted Thrifty to ask about the car’s history. The company refused point blank to speak to us.
We then appealed for Phoenix Motown to shed some light on the car’s history, and to pay for the door to be repainted properly. The company responded swiftly; the car had been serviced in line with BMW’s warranty requirements and Phoenix could supply all supporting documents.
However, Phoenix disputed the paint repair had affected the car’s value. It did agree to buy the car back, but at several thousand pounds less than Steven had paid.
We believed Steven should not lose money through no fault of his own and got in touch with Douglas Park BMW. It agreed to conduct an extensive inspection of Steven’s car and ascertain its value.
The examination revealed a catalogue of problems pointing at vandalism. All the windows bar two rear quarter panes had been replaced. There were loose glass shards beneath the seats and behind the door trim.
Rejection was now the only option. We went back to Phoenix Motown. The dealer is a member of the What Car?-endorsed Trusted Dealer network, so we wasted no time informing both MDs.
It wasn’t long before we heard from Phoenix Motown’s sales director. He explained the BMW had been acquired for a customer who had been unable to raise the necessary finance.
‘It’s not our policy to sell ex-rental cars, or cars in the condition it’s now clear this one is in,’ he said. ‘Obviously the right thing to do is give Mr Winters his money back.’
Steven has now bought a new BMW 318d M Sport, and was happy to deal with Douglas Park BMW.
Helpdesk result
Rejection accepted and a full refund
issued
IF THIS HAPPENS TO YOU
Illu
str
ati
on
Ja
me
s F
rye
r
�
Helpdesk result
Mazda and dealer foot the
entire £500 rust repair
bill
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 113
Citizens’ Advice Bureau
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Service and repair standards
www.motorcodes.co.uk
Check car has a valid MoT test
www.motinfo.gov.uk
Check if a car has
outstanding finance
www.whatcar.com/historycheck
Trading Standards
www.tradingstandards.gov.uk
Office of Fair Trading
www.oft.gov.uk
New or used?
John Harrison couldn’t believe
his luck when he found a Mazda
CX-5 on an internet broker site
being advertised as new for
thousands of pounds less than
the list price. When the logbook
failed to arrive, however, alarm
bells started to ring. He chased
it up, but to no avail. When
eventually it did arrive it showed
the car had been pre-registered.
Should he complain?
Yes he should, and
vociferously. John bought
the car on the basis that he
would be its first registered
keeper, and therefore it was
mis-sold to him. In addition,
while he had the car but it was
registered to someone else,
he was committing an offence.
Finance opt-out
Louise Smith was devastated
when her partner died suddenly.
Her grief was made worse
when, tidying up his affairs, she
realised there was outstanding
finance on his car. She can’t
afford to continue these
payments. What can she do?
Sadly these very sensitive
cases are rarely clear cut.
Strictly speaking, the finance
company could insist on
repayments being made under
the terms of the agreement,
but each case is different.
If the agreement has nearly
ended Louise may benefit from
finishing the deal, selling the
car and keeping the proceeds.
The best advice is for
Louise to contact the finance
company as soon as possible,
and explain her situation.
HelpdeskExpress
Useful websites
SPACE, COMFORT AND fuel economy attracted Martin Gore to the Ford Mondeo, and in February he found what he thought was the perfect example at Arnold Clark in Leyland, Lancs. By the time Martin went to collect the car it was late and dark, and although he persevered with a cursory inspection, there was no time for a test drive.
After signing the paperwork, he noticed one of the front tyres was nearly flat. Not a good start. The salesman drove with Martin to a local garage to reinflate the tyre. Finally Martin was homeward bound, but he didn’t get far before the road noise prompted him to turn round and take the car right back to Arnold Clark.
The salesman he’d been dealing with had gone home for the evening, but one of his colleagues was able to help. He went out in the car with Martin but said he couldn’t hear anything unusual. He suggested the noise was due to Martin not being used to the car.
However, the next day Martin noticed a hesitation when changing from first to second gear.
HELPDESKBUYING AND OWNING
Martin Gore
Car Ford Mondeo
Problem Mechanical complaints disputed
Dealer pays for full independent
inspection of the car
Ford and Arnold Clark couldn’t find anything wrong with the Mondeo’s gearbox, but the ECU update helped
The revs rose by around 300rpm and then the car lurched forward. He went back to Arnold Clark
who suggested he take the car to a Ford dealership.
No one was able to find a fault with the gearbox, although the ECU was updated a number of times.
When the car’s fuel economy started to slump considerably,
Martin tried to reject the car, only to be told by Arnold Clark
that he couldn’t do that as he had bought the car on finance. He got in touch with the finance company but both parties insisted upon an independent report from DEKRA costing around £200. Martin then called Helpdesk.
We got in touch with Arnold Clark, outlining everything Martin had been through. After investigating further, it offered to pay for a full independent mechanical inspection of the car to reassure Martin or allow him to pursue repair or rejection.
As we went to press, the software on the Mondeo’s onboard computer had been updated by Ford, and Martin said he’d noticed an improvement in its running.
Need our help? Email [email protected]
IF THIS HAPPENS TO YOU
1 Always take a test drive, and if
you’re unhappy about any
aspect of it, do not buy the car.
2 Try to avoid taking delivery of
the car when it’s dark and time
is limited.
3 If you buy your car on finance,
update your finance company
as soon as possible and ask for
its intervention.
Helpdesk result
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A to ZClass by class,
every new car pictured, reviewed and rated
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 115
A t
o Z
116 City cars 117 Superminis 119 Small family cars
122 Family cars 123 Executive cars
125 Luxury cars 126 Estate cars 128 MPVs
131 SUVs 135 Coupés 137 Sports cars
139 Hot hatches 140 Open-top cars
PLUS Our new and used best buys in every class
all family
PLUS Our new and usedd best buys in every
Citroën C1Price £8095-£10,845
Target Price £6887-£10,251
MPG 65.7 CO2 99g/km
For Cheap to buy and run, and the deals from Citroën make it even more affordable.Against The C1’s ride is too firm on all but the smoothest roads, which can make life more of a chore than it should be. It’s also tight for rear space.Our pick 1.0 VT 3drWhat Car? says
Hyundai i10Price £8345-£9495
Target Price £6995-£9061
MPG 61.4-67.3
CO2 99-108g/km
For It’s a lot of car for not much cash. It’s good to drive, cheap to run, well equipped and spacious.Against The eco-focused Blue model doesn’t add up unless you live in a city, and there could be more security kit provided.Our pick 1.2 Classic What Car? says
Fiat PandaPrice £8900-£14,950
Target Price £7500-£13,748
MPG 54.3-72.4
CO2 95-125g/km
For With five doors and decent space inside, the Panda is a pretty practical city car. It’s cheap to run.Against It’s pricey, the ride is unsettled and the cabin plastics are utilitarian. The Twinair engine is gruff and inflexible.Our pick 0.9 85 4x4What Car? says
Nissan PixoPrice £7250-£8250
Target Price £7250-£8250
MPG 65.7 CO2 99g/km
For Very cheap to buy and the running costs are low. The engine is perky enough in town.Against There’s not a lot to love about the interior, the Pixo isn’t brilliant to drive anywhere other than around town, and the entry model is short of safety kit.Our pick 1.0 VisiaWhat Car? says
Chrysler YpsilonPrice £10,695-£14,950
Target Price £9653-£13,492
MPG 57.6-74.3
CO2 99-115g/km
For An attractively styled alternative to ho-hum superminis. The top models are well equipped.Against It’s not as good to drive as most, with wallowy handling and a lumpy ride. It’s pricey and looks ordinary inside.Our pick 1.2 SWhat Car? says
Kia PicantoPrice £8045-£11,945
Target Price £7686-£11,337
MPG 60.1-67.3
CO2 99-109g/km
For You get a classy cabin, good levels of equipment, fine driving position and a seven-year warranty. Against The brakes and clutch are sharp; it has numb steering and a knobbly ride. The entry-level engine is weedy.Our pick 1.0 1 Air 3drWhat Car? says
Chevrolet SparkPrice £8695-£9815
Target Price £8194-£9249
MPG 55.4 CO2 119g/km
For It’s more practical than most city cars and is reasonably refined. All versions get six airbags.Against Basic models are short of some kit and those with decent equipment aren’t as keenly priced as rivals. The cabin plastics aren’t that appealing.Our pick 1.2 LSWhat Car? says
Ford KaPrice £8725-£12,225
Target Price £7890-£10,880
MPG 57.7-68.9
CO2 109-115g/km
For More fun to drive than the Fiat 500 it’s based on, and passably practical, too.Against Nowhere near as charming as a 500; it’s also overpriced and under-equipped. There’s a diesel option, but it makes no economic sense.Our pick 1.2 ZetecWhat Car? says
Renault TwingoPrice £10,550-£13,770
Target Price £10,162-£13,325
MPG 43.5-55.4
CO2 119-150g/km
For A surprisingly mature four-seater with a supple ride and fine road manners. Renaultsport version adds extra zip.Against The interior plastics look and feel rather cheap. Curtain airbags cost extra.Our pick 1.6 Rn’ltsport 133What Car? says
Proton SavvyPrice £8000
Target Price £7579
MPG 49.6 CO2 134g/km
For It’s one of the cheapest new cars around. It rides and handles reasonably well, and looks striking.Against The 1.2-litre engine is rough and unwilling, space is limited, and the interior looks dated and cheap. There’s no steering wheel adjustment, either.Our pick 1.2 StyleWhat Car? says
Perodua MyviPrice £6999-£9399
Target Price £6999-£9399
MPG 44.1-48.7
CO2 137-151g/km
For It’s affordable, has good space inside and comes with a decent level of equipment.Against The interior is drab, there’s not much safety kit and refinement is poor. There’s not much grip, either.Our pick 1.3 SXiWhat Car? says
Aston Martin CygnetPrice £30,995
Target Price £30,995
MPG 56.5 CO2 116g/km
For It looks smart, fits in tight parking spots and is nimble in town. It’s well equipped and cheap to run.Against The price – it’s more than double that of the Toyota iQ on which it is based. You have to choose between rear passengers or boot space.Our pick 1.33What Car? says
Fiat 500Price £9960-£16,060
Target Price £9590-£15,451
MPG 43.5-72.4
CO2 95-155g/km
For Quirky looks, flexible engines and undercuts some rivals on price. It’s also one of the safest and most desirable baby cars.Against The ride is jittery, the handling is so-so and the boot is small. Air-con costs extra on some.Our pick 1.2 Pop S/S What Car? says
Peugeot 107Price £7995-£10,145
Target Price £7195-£9446
MPG 65.7 CO2 99g/km
For Peugeot’s little hatchback has cheeky looks, a willing engine and low running costs. It’s nippy in town and can hold its own on faster roads.Against It rides stiffly and out-of-town refinement is poor. The boot is also tiny and access isn’t great.Our pick 1.0 Active 3drWhat Car? says
116 | OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
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A to ZCity cars
BestBuys
1 Volkswagen Up 1.0 75 High Up2 Skoda Citigo 1.0 60 Greentech SE3 Hyundai i10 1.2 Classic
Volkswagen UpPrice £8185-£11,920
Target Price £7870-£11,449
MPG 60.1-68.9
CO2 96-108g/km
For It’s economical, spacious, comfortable and good to drive. It’s also smarter inside than the class norm.Against It looks a bit pricey compared with rivals, and the lower-powered version can feel slow.Our pick 1.0 75 High Up 3drWhat Car? says
Skoda CitigoPrice £7720-£10,460
Target Price £7370-£9976
MPG 62.8-68.9
CO2 96-105g/km
For It’s economical, solidly built and mature to drive. It’s also cheaper than the Volkswagen Up.Against It’s not as attractive as the Up, and the lower-powered engine can struggle at speed.Our pick 1.0 60 Greentech SE 5dr What Car? says
Smart FortwoPrice £9575-£15,375
Target Price £8804-£14,434
MPG 54.3-85.6
CO2 86-119g/km
For Smart owners can park where other drivers can’t. The running costs and emissions are very low.Against The ride is too firm, it’s noisy and poor to drive. The entry-level model is stingily equipped and the diesel is too slow.Our pick Electric DriveWhat Car? says
Toyota iQPrice £10,995-£12,995
Target Price
£10,470-£12,367
MPG 57.6-64.2
CO2 99-113g/km
For The iQ is a cinch to park and is nimble in town. It’s well kitted, cheap to run and emissions are low.Against You must choose between rear passengers or boot space. It struggles on faster roads, too.Our pick 1.0 VVT-iWhat Car? says
Seat MiiPrice £7925-£10,840
Target Price £7559-£10,338
MPG 60.1-68.9
CO2 96-108g/km
For It’s remarkably grown up to drive for a city car. It’s also economical, well built, and cheaper than the near-identical VW Up.Against Seat is renowned for Latin flair, so it’s a shame the Mii looks plain. A Skoda Citigo is cheaper.Our pick 1.0 60 Ecomotive What Car? says
Toyota AygoPrice £8535-£10,490
Target Price £7919-£9872
MPG 65.7 CO2 99g/km
For The Aygo has cute looks and low running costs. It’s solidly built and has a five-year warranty. Against The ride is stiff and refinement is poor once out of town. There’s not much standard kit and the boot is tiny, with a very small opening.Our pick 1.0 VVT-i + 3drWhat Car? says
Audi A1/A1 SportbackPrice £13,790-£21,710
Target Price
£13,661-£20,787
MPG 47.9-74.3
CO2 99-139g/km
For All the desirability and quality of a larger Audi in a smaller package. The petrol engines are good.Against As you go up the trims you get firmer suspension, bigger wheels and a poorer ride. Our pick 1.4 TFSI Sport 3dr What Car? says
Suzuki AltoPrice £7199-£9599
Target Price £6107-£8115
MPG 65.7 CO2 99g/km
For It’s economical, cheap to insure and has a simple dashboard. Its size and tight turning circle are great in the city.Against The boot is tiny and has a high lip. The cabin plastics are poor and the steering is heavy when parking.Our pick 1.0 SZ3What Car? says
Alfa Romeo MitoPrice £12,500-£18,765
Target Price £11,714-£17,573
MPG 47.1-80.7
CO2 90-139g/km
For It looks distinctive and has a smart cabin. Resale values are strong.Against The ride is uncomfortable, refinement is poor and so is rear visibility. There’s also little rear legroom.Our pick 1.4 135 Multiair DistinctiveWhat Car? says
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 117
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A to ZSuperminis
BestBuys
1 Ford Fiesta 1.0T Ecoboost 100 Zetec 5dr2 Audi A1 1.4 TFSI 122 Sport 3dr3 Dacia Sandero 1.2 Ambiance
Toyota Aygo 1.0 VVT-i + 3dr’09/09, £4110
With funky looks and
rock-bottom running
costs, the Aygo is the
ideal used city car.
It’s also easy to drive.
Or try a…
Fiat 500 1.2 Sport
’08/08, £5305
The 500 is super stylish
and reassuringly safe.
The 1.2-litre petrol engine
is willing and flexible, too.
UsedBestBuy
Chevrolet AveoPrice £10,535-£13,855
Target Price £9825-£12,917
MPG 44.8-78.4
CO2 95-147g/km
For The Aveo offers plenty of space inside and is easy to manoeuvre. It’s backed by a five-year warranty.Against The petrol engines are short of pull at low revs and noisy at high revs, and the quality of some cabin plastics is disappointing.Our pick 1.2 LTWhat Car? says
Citroën C3Price £12,990-£16,000
Target Price £11,042-£13,502
MPG 49.6-83.1
CO2 87-132g/km
For It’s stylish, refined and rides well, and has a decent-sized boot.Against The steering and body control are poor, and the C3 isn’t as spacious in the back as many rivals. Its crash test rating could be better, too.Our pick 1.2 VTi 82 VTR+What Car? says
Vauxhall AdamPrice £11,255-£15,290
Target Price £10,844-£14,721
MPG 51.4-56.5
CO2 118-129g/km
For It has a smart cabin and all versions are well equipped There are many ways to personalise it.Against The ride is firm and the handling isn’t assured enough at speed. It’s pricey and there’s very little space in the back.Our pick tbcWhat Car? says
Citroën DS3Price £12,840-£21,345
Target Price £11,857-£19,932
MPG 47.9-78.5
CO2 91-136g/km
For Citroën’s answer to the Mini gives you loads of style. The cabin is classy and there are some strong engines on offer.Against It isn’t a Mini to drive, the ride is crashy and rear space isn’t great. Our pick 1.6 THP 150 DSportWhat Car? says
Nissan MicraPrice £9880-£13,980
Target Price £8125-£13,094
MPG 56.5-68.9
CO2 95-115g/km
For A tight turning circle, light steering and good visibility make it easy to drive, and low emissions make it cheap to run.Against Ride, handling, refinement and cabin quality aren’t as good as those of most rivals.Our pick 1.2 AcentaWhat Car? says
Peugeot 208Price £9995-£18,895
Target Price £9473-£18,895
MPG 47.9-83.1
CO2 87-139g/km
For Looks great inside and out, with chic styling and a high-quality cabin. Most versions are cheap to run.Against The ride and handling disappoint, and the cabin has some ergonomic issues.Our pick 1.2 VTi 82 Active 5drWhat Car? says
Proton Satria NeoPrice £8500-£9500
Target Price £8055-£9001
MPG 42.8 CO2 157g/km
For You get reasonable handling and performance, and a fair amount of kit. An auto gearbox is an option.Against It’s short of space and safety kit, the price is too high and the ride is firm. It’s also unrefined, expensive to run and the cabin is unappealing.Our pick 1.6 GSXWhat Car? says
Seat IbizaPrice £10,095-£18,575
Target Price £9702-£16,035
MPG 47.9-80.7
CO2 92-139g/km
For The Ibiza is attractively priced and smartly styled. It has competitive running costs, decent equipment and a composed ride.Against Quality isn’t up to the best and rear space is tight. Some engines are underpowered and noisy.Our pick 1.4 85 SE 3drWhat Car? says
Mini
Price £11,870-£28,795
Target Price
£11,287-£27,488
MPG 42.8-74.3
CO2 99-153g/km
For The Mini drips with style and is great fun to drive. No other rival holds its value as well.Against The boot is small and the interior quality is disappointing,considering the car’s classy image.Our pick 1.6 CooperWhat Car? says
Mazda 2Price £10,495-£13,495
Target Price £9882-£12,713
MPG 44.8-56.5
CO2 115-145g/km
For It handles well and is keenly priced. It’s pretty economical and resale values are strong.Against The ride is jolty, there’s road roar and the diesel engines are noisy. The boot is small and the cabin plastics are drab.Our pick 1.3 75 TS AC 3drWhat Car? says
Renault ClioPrice £10,595-£18,995
Target Price
£9938-£18,282
MPG 44.8-88.3
CO2 83-144g/km
For It’s comfortable, refined and cheap to run. There are also lots of personalisation options.Against The gearshift is notchy and some of the cabin plastics are hard.Our pick 1.5 dCi 90 Dynamique Media NavWhat Car? says
118 | OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
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Hyundai i20Price £9995-£14,295
Target Price £8695-£13,258
MPG 52.3-88.3
CO2 84-126g/km
For The i20 is cheap to buy and run, and comes stacked with kit. Safety is top-drawer and the car feels civilised.Against It’s not as much fun to drive as some other cars in this class and the cabin is dull.Our pick 1.2 Classic 5drWhat Car? says
Kia RioPrice £9995-£14,895
Target Price £9108-£13,936
MPG 51.4-88.3
CO2 85-128g/km
For An impressively refined supermini that’s a credible and good-value rival for the Polo. Its ride is comfortable, too.Against A Fiesta is better to drive, the 1.4-litre diesel could be more flexible and the boot lip is high.Our pick 1.25 1 Air 5drWhat Car? says
Honda JazzPrice £11,695-£19,865
Target Price
£11,157-£18,693
MPG 50.4-62.8
CO2 104-129g/km
For There’s masses of space, resale values are strong and it’s reliable.Against The low-speed ride is jiggly, the car’s very noisy on the motorway and the handling is uninspiring. Top models are dear to buy.Our pick 1.4 ESWhat Car? says
Ford FiestaPrice £9995-£17,995
Target Price £9501-£16,776
MPG 47.9-85.6
CO2 87-138g/km
For The class benchmark for driving pleasure and it rides comfortably. Stylish inside and out, and the engines are economical.Against Trails the best for space and some of the cabin plastics feel cheap.Our pick 1.0T Ecoboost 100 Zetec 5dr What Car? says
Fiat PuntoPrice £9800-£16,857
Target Price £8295-£16,857
MPG 47.1-80.7
CO2 90-142g/km
For The interior is smart and spacious, and the 1.4 Multiair petrol engines are strong and economical.Against The low-speed ride is too firm and the steering is vague. There’s too much wind noise and the pedal area is cramped.Our pick 1.4 8v Easy 3drWhat Car? says
Dacia Sandero/ Sandero StepwayPrice £5995-£10,795
Target Price £5995-£10,795
MPG 48.7-74.3
CO2 99-135g/km
For It’s incredibly cheap to buy, it has loads of interior and boot space, and is decent to drive. The cabin feels decently solid.Against Its safety rating is below-par and there’s too much road noise.Our pick 1.2 AmbianceWhat Car? says
Mitsubishi MiragePrice £9054-£12,054
Target Price £8878-£11,819
MPG 65.7-67.3
CO2 96-100g/km
For The 1.2-litre petrol engine is efficient and pretty strong, and there’s lots of safety equipment.Against Many rivals are better to drive and there’s too much wind noise. The interior feels cheap and the driving position is poor.Our pick tbcWhat Car? says
Renault ZoePrice £13,995-£15,195
(after Govt grant)
Target Price £13,995-£15,195
Battery hire
£70-£113/month
Range 130 miles
For It’s cheap for an electric car, looks funky and the cabin is practical.Against You’ll have to pay a monthly cost for battery leasing. The high-speed ride is firm.Our pick ZoeWhat Car? says
Audi A3/A3 SportbackPrice £17,905-£28,785
Target Price
£17,905-£28,785
MPG 40.4-74.3
CO2 99-162g/km
For The engines are strong and efficient, and the cabin is beautifully built. SE suspension successfully mixes comfort and control.Against Prices are high and rear-seat space could be a bit more generous.Our pick Sp’k 1.4 TFSI 122 SEWhat Car? says
BMW 1 SeriesPrice £17,510-£31,100
Target Price
£16,486-£28,723
MPG 35.3-74.3
CO2 99-188g/km
For The only rear-wheel-drive hatch in the class is enjoyable to drive and offers strong performance, economy and emissions.Against It’s not very roomy in the back and the driving position is offset. Our pick 116d EDWhat Car? says
Skoda FabiaPrice £9945-£17,150
Target Price £8751-£15,057
MPG 45.6-83.1
CO2 89-148g/km
For It rides smoothly and space for passengers and luggage is good. It’s solidly made and affordable.Against The cabin plastics are tacky and the gearshift is sloppy. Curtain airbags are standard only on the top model. Our pick 1.2 TSI 105 SEWhat Car? says
Vauxhall CorsaPrice £9495-£22,390
Target Price £9495-£20,617
MPG 37.2-85.6
CO2 88-178g/km
For The Corsa is refined, roomy, comfortable and good to drive. Running costs are affordable.Against The smaller engines are short of pace. Resale values are poor and bulky screen pillars obscure your view.Our pick 1.4 VVT Excl’ 5drWhat Car? says
Suzuki SplashPrice £9599-£11,879
Target Price £8115-£10,023
MPG 55.4-60.1
CO2 109-118g/km
For It looks cute inside and out and has a spacious cabin. It’s well equipped and good to drive.Against The tiny boot limits practicality, it’s pricey and a few details are annoying, such as the hard-to-read rev counter.Our pick 1.2 SZ3What Car? says
Volkswagen PoloPrice £10,650-£20,190
Target Price £10,207-£18,951
MPG 47.9-80.7
CO2 91-139g/km
For Mixes a comfortable ride with secure handling. The cabin is spacious and classy, and most versions are well priced.Against The cheaper Polos are basic inside and use slow and noisy 1.2-litre petrol engines.Our pick 1.4 85 Match 5dr What Car? says
Alfa Romeo GiuliettaPrice £17,765-£25,530
Target Price
£16,348-£23,483
MPG 37.2-64.2
CO2 114-177g/km
For It looks distinctive and most versions are well priced and kitted.Against Rear space and cabin quality are below par. Refinement is a weakness and the Giulietta isn’t fun or comfortable enough.Our pick 1.4 TB 120 LussoWhat Car? says
Vauxhall AgilaPrice £8495-£13,355
Target Price £7699-£12,072
MPG 55.4-60.1
CO2 109-118g/km
For A small car that’s practical and good to drive. The cabin is spacious.Against The 1.2-litre versions cost more than those of the near-identical Suzuki Splash. Resale values are weak and some rivals have more kit.Our pick 1.0 Ecoflex SWhat Car? says
Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec 5dr’09/09, £5970
Fun to drive, refined,
comfortable and roomy;
the Fiesta suits most
’mini buyers perfectly.
Or try a…
Mini 1.6 Cooper
(Pepper pack)
’08/08, £6905
Few cars have the Mini’s
desirability or fun factor,
and used examples are
decently priced.
Toyota YarisPrice £10,895-£17,195
Target Price
£10,195-£16,070
MPG 52.3-80.7
CO2 79-127g/km
For The Yaris is roomy and packed with equipment, while superb reliability and a long warranty reassure.Against It’s not as good to drive as rivals and the interior is unappealing. Refinement isn’t great.Our pick 1.5 Hybrid T3 5drWhat Car? says
Suzuki SwiftPrice £10,799-£14,249
Target Price £9119-£14,249
MPG 44.1-72.4
CO2 101-147g/km
For It’s smart-looking, handles well and is keenly priced. Running costs are affordable.Against The 1.2 petrol is a little weedy, refinement isn’t great and it can’t match the best for quality or practicality.Our pick 1.2 SZ3 5drWhat Car? says
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 119
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SUPERMINIS & SMALL FAMILY CARS A to Z
A to ZSmall family cars
BestBuys
1 Audi A3 Sportback1.4 TFSI 122 SE
2 Seat Leon 1.2 TSI 105 S3 Kia Cee’d 1.6 CRDi 128 1
UsedBestBuy
Chevrolet CruzePrice £14,570-£18,975
Target Price
£13,595-£17,686
MPG 42.8-62.7
CO2 117-155g/km
For The Cruze has plenty of interior space, and the bargain price and long warranty are tempting.Against The petrol engines are gutless and the Cruze isn’t particularly exciting or comfortable to drive.Our pick 1.6 LS 5drWhat Car? says
Chevrolet Volt Price £30,255
(after Govt grant)
Target Price £30,255
MPG 235.4 CO2 27g/km
For The Volt is amazingly efficient and you’ll go much farther than an electric car thanks to its petrol-engine generator. Against It’s expensive to buy, the cabin plastics aren’t appealing and rear visibility is awful.Our pick VoltWhat Car? says
Chrysler DeltaPrice £16,000-£18,495
Target Price
£14,530-£16,780
MPG 44.8-60.1
CO2 122-146g/km
For It’s one of the most spacious small family cars, with a good-sized boot and sliding rear seats.Against Poor body control, vague steering and an unsettled ride. Parts of the cabin feel cheap.Our pick 1.4 M-Air 140 SEWhat Car? says
120 | OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
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Mercedes-Benz A-ClassPrice £20,370-£37,845
Target Price
£19,840-£37,845
MPG 40.9-70.6
CO2 98-161g/km
For The engines are strong and efficient, it looks stylish and resale values are strong.Against The ride is too firm, yet most models handle poorly. It’s not as refined as it should be.Our pick A180 SEWhat Car? says
Mercedes-Benz B-ClassPrice £21,670-£25,080
Target Price
£20,396-£23,615
MPG 46.3-64.2
CO2 114-144g/km
For There’s a big, classy cabin and boot, and the engines balance power and economy well. Against Poor ride and refinement make it disappointing to drive. Our pick B180 CDI Blue Efficiency SEWhat Car? says
Mazda 3Price £15,995-£23,995
Target Price
£15,299-£22,967
MPG 30.1-65.7
CO2 115-219g/km
For Good to drive, with agile handling and plenty of grip. Lots of kit and most 3s are reasonably priced.Against The 1.6 petrol is sluggish and the ride has a firm edge. Space in the rear is no more than okay.Our pick 1.6D VentureWhat Car? says
Lexus CT200hPrice £21,995-£30,995
Target Price
£20,593-£28,998
MPG 68.9-74.3
CO2 87-94g/km
For Posh hatch with hybrid tech for low emissions, high mpg and small tax bills. Lots of kit for the cash.Against Dreadful ride and lifeless steering. Hybrid powertrain is short of poke and the CVT auto whines.Our pick SWhat Car? says
Kia Cee’dPrice £14,400-£23,595
Target Price
£12,900-£21,584
MPG 38.2-74.3
CO2 97-171g/km
For It offers lots of space, a high-quality cabin and plenty of equipment for a competitive price.Against It’s not as good to drive as many rivals, and the 1.6 petrol engine could be punchier and quieter.Our pick 1.6 CRDi 128 1What Car? says
MG 6 GT/6 MagnettePrice £15,455-£21,195
Target Price £15,455-£21,195
MPG 37.7-53.5
CO2 139-174g/km
For It’s spacious and good to drive, and has lots of standard equipment.Against The interior plastics look cheap, and running costs are high due to poor fuel consumption and high emissions. The engines are noisy, too.Our pick 1.9 DTi GT S 5drWhat Car? says
Honda InsightPrice £20,100-£23,190
Target Price £18,913-£21,814
MPG 61.4-64.2
CO2 101-105g/km
For It’s efficient, well kitted and decently practical.Against The hybrid engine is short of muscle and isn’t particularly refined. The ride is crude, the steering has virtually no feel and the gearbox is jerky. Some rival hybrids are cheaper.Our pick 1.3 SEWhat Car? says
Hyundai i30Price £14,605-£20,415
Target Price
£13,062-£18,768
MPG 46.3-76.3
CO2 97-143g/km
For The spacious cabin is as good as any for quality and equipment. It rides well and has good engines.Against The steering is lifeless and vague around the straight ahead, and the gearshift is notchy.Our pick 1.6 CRDi 110 Active What Car? says
Honda Civic Price £16,955-£27,090
Target Price
£16,118-£24,572
MPG 46.3-78.5
CO2 94-145g/km
For A huge boot and rear seats that flip up to give extra storage. The diesels and 1.8 petrol are strong.Against The steering and ride disappoint, while refinement, headroom and visibility are poor.Our pick 1.6 i-DTEC ESWhat Car? says
Ford FocusPrice £13,995-£25,495
Target Price
£13,590-£23,773
MPG 39.2-83.1
CO2 88-169g/km
For The Focus is superb fun to drive. It’s also refined, has lots of safety kit and competitive CO2 emissions.Against The boot is small, interior quality is average and some of the controls are fiddly.Our pick 1.6 TDCi 115 ZetecWhat Car? says
Citroën DS4Price £17,580-£23,430
Target Price £16,557-£22,041
MPG 44.1-64.2
CO2 114-149g/km
For The DS4 is a good-looking, high-quality alternative to other small family hatches. All trim levels are well equipped.Against It’s expensive and not very practical. Its hard ride is just too harsh for UK roads.Our pick 2.0 HDi 160 DStyleWhat Car? says
Fiat BravoPrice £15,805-£17,800
Target Price
£15,805-£17,800
MPG 44.8-62.8
CO2 115-146g/km
For The Bravo looks good and is cheap to buy and run. There are strong engines and it’s refined.Against The ride and handling disappoint, while build quality is below par. Depreciation is heavy.Our pick 1.4 ActiveWhat Car? says
Citroën C4Price £13,995-£20,945
Target Price
£12,127-£18,609
MPG 44.1-74.3
CO2 98-148g/km
For It’s refined and there are some fine engines and a few innovative features.Against It’s not the best to drive nor the roomiest. The semi-auto gearbox is jerky and many of the controls are fiddly.Our pick 1.4 VTi 95 VTR+What Car? says
Mercedes-Benz CLAPrice £24,355-£31,555
Target Price
£23,891-£30,950
MPG 40.9-62.8
CO2 117-161g/km
For It doesn’t look like your average saloon and it has lots of standard kit. The cabin is smartly styled.Against Rivals are better to drive, quieter and more practical. The petrol model is sluggish at low revs.Our pick 220 CDI SportWhat Car? says
Most popular small family cars on whatcar.com
1 Volkswagen Golf
2 Audi A3
3 Ford Focus
4 Seat Leon
5 BMW 1 Series
6 Kia Cee’dRanking based on most
searched-for cars on whatcar.com
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Proton Gen-2Price £9200-£11,215
Target Price £8695-£10,603
MPG 39.8-40.9
CO2 164-170g/km
For The Gen-2 is smartly styled, and rides and handles well. Prices undercut rivals’ by a lot.Against The cabin is of abysmal quality and the driving position is awkward. Engine is gruff and resale values are weak.Our pick 1.6 GSX 5drWhat Car? says
Peugeot 308Price £15,550-£20,600
Target Price
£13,234-£17,949
MPG 42.2-76.4
CO2 95-155g/km
For Excellent diesel engines, an attractive cabin and plenty of safety kit.Against The ride is crashy and the steering is vague. Visibility and rear legroom are poor, and the driving position is offset.Our pick 1.6 e-HDi 112 Act’veWhat Car? says
Mini CountrymanPrice £16,545-£28,605
Target Price
£15,805-£27,312
MPG 38.2-64.2
CO2 115-172g/km
For It blends the retro style that Mini buyers love with enough practicality for a small family. Against The ride is firm and it isn’t as much fun to drive as a Mini hatch. Some versions are pricey.Our pick 1.6 Cooper 2WDWhat Car? says
Nissan LeafPrice £15,990-£25,490
(after Govt grant)
Target Price
£15,990-£25,490
Range 124 miles
For The all-electric Leaf is easy, fun and comfortable to drive. It’s roomy and costs peanuts to run.Against The standard eight-hour charging time. Limited range, which is cut drastically in cold weather.Our pick VisiaWhat Car? says
Toyota PriusPrice £21,845-£33,245
Target Price
£20,350-£30,940
MPG 70.6-134.5
CO2 49-92g/km
For It has a smooth drivetrain and roomy cabin; emissions and economy are first-rate.Against The interior plastics are disappointing and the ride unsettled. Rear visibility is poor.Our pick 1.8 VVT-i T3 What Car? says
Toyota AurisPrice £14,495-£21,745
Target Price
£13,325-£20,205
MPG 46.3-74.3
CO2 84-140g/km
For The Auris is keenly priced, well equipped and affordable to own.Against It doesn’t ride or handle as well as the class best. Many rivals are more spacious and there’s too much wind noise at speed.Our pick 1.8 HSD IconWhat Car? says
Seat LeonPrice £15,370-£22,375
Target Price
£14,283-£20,791
MPG 47.1-74.3
CO2 99-139g/km
For It handles well, the engines are strong, and the cabin is practical and user-friendly. Cheaper models are great value. Against The 1.6-litre diesel engine is noisy and some cabin plastics feel cheap.Our pick 1.2 TSI 105 SWhat Car? says
Renault MéganePrice £16,550-£22,850
Target Price
£13,983-£19,249
MPG 40.9-80.7
CO2 90-159g/km
For The Mégane is keenly priced, has plenty of kit and some fine engines.Against Rear head- and legroom are poor. It isn’t as classy, fun to drive or comfortable as the best cars in the class.Our pick 1.5 dCi 90 Expr’n+What Car? says
Vauxhall AmperaPrice £29,995-£33,995
(after Govt grant)
Target Price
£29,241-£33,153
MPG 235.4 CO2 27g/km
For The Ampera is very efficient, and when the batteries get low the petrol engine charges them. Against It’s expensive to buy, the cabin plastics could be better and rear visibility is awful.Our pick Ampera EarthWhat Car? says
Volkswagen JettaPrice £17,880-£21,960
Target Price
£15,415-£19,258
MPG 44.8-67.3
CO2 109-145g/km
For The Jetta is an elegant saloon that is well built and keenly priced. It has a big cabin and a huge boot. Against It’s unloved by hatchback-mad UK buyers, so its resale values suffer.Our pick 1.6 TDI 105 Bluemotion Tech SEWhat Car? says
Volkswagen BeetlePrice £15,515-£22,240
Target Price
£14,357-£20,545
MPG 38.2-65.7
CO2 113-169g/km
For There’s good head- and elbowroom up front, and the large side windows light up the cabin. There are some fine engines.Against The rear seats are cramped and some of the interior feels cheap. Our pick 1.2 TSI 105What Car? says
Vauxhall AstraPrice £12,995-£25,180
Target Price
£12,995-£22,093
MPG 41.5-76.3
CO2 99-160g/km
For The Astra looks great and the cabin is solidly put together. It’s pretty refined and the ride is smooth.Against It’s expensive to buy or lease, and doesn’t hold its value well. The steering is vague.Our pick 1.4T ExclusivWhat Car? says
Seat ToledoPrice £12,500-£17,840
Target Price
£11,716-£16,708
MPG 46.3-72.4
CO2 104-137g/km
For It offers a roomy cabin and a huge boot, and is significantly cheaper than many rivals.Against The ride is firm, refinement could be better and there are signs of cost-cutting in the cabin.Our pick 1.2 TSI 85 SWhat Car? says
Skoda RapidPrice £12,905-£17,850
Target Price £11,290-£15,565
MPG 47.9-64.2
CO2 114-137g/km
For You get loads of interior and boot space, all for a lot less than a similarly equipped rival.Against The ride is uncomfortable and there’s too much wind noise at motorway speeds. The cabin feels cheap in places.Our pick 1.2 TSI 85 SWhat Car? says
Volkswagen GolfPrice £16,495-£26,500
Target Price
£15,172-£25,491
MPG 47.1-88.3
CO2 85-139g/km
For It’s comfortable, refined and fun to drive. The cabin is classy, resale values are strong and there’s lots of safety kit.Against The most basic engines in the range don’t have a lot of power.Our pick 1.4 TSI 122 SEWhat Car? says
Citroën DS5Price £22,960-£33,360
Target Price
£21,080-£30,042
MPG 42.2-74.3
CO2 91-155g/km
For It looks striking, cabin quality is good and the engines are refined.Against The ride is too hard and rear space is tight. Visibility could be better and the hybrid model’s boot is small.Our pick 2.0 HDi 160 DSignWhat Car? says
Peugeot 508Price £18,855-£31,850
Target Price
£17,842-£28,840
MPG 45.6-78.5
CO2 95-150g/km
For It’s good to drive, has strong engines and a classy cabin. The 1.6 e-HDi diesel model is very efficient.Against The ride is firm, there’s too much wind noise and some rivals provide more space.Our pick 1.6 e-HDi 112 Act’veWhat Car? says
Mazda 6Price £19,595-£26,095
Target Price
£18,351-£24,438
MPG 47.9-67.3
CO2 108-135g/km
For Low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions make the 6 affordable to run, and there’s lots of cabin and boot space.Against The ride is firm and there’s too much road noise.Our pick 2.2D 150 SE-LWhat Car? says
Ford MondeoPrice £15,995-£28,255
Target Price
£15,687-£25,925
MPG 36.7-65.7
CO2 114-179g/km
For Huge space inside, and it’s comfortable and fun to drive. The diesel engines are strong and economical.Against Its size can be daunting. Too much road noise on coarse surfaces.Our pick 1.6 TDCi 115 Eco Zetec S/S What Car? says
Toyota AvensisPrice £19,160-£28,255
Target Price
£19,160-£28,255
MPG 43.5-62.8
CO2 119-167g/km
For It’s effortless to drive and to live with. Ownership costs are relatively low and equipment levels are good.Against The diesel engines are gruff and the pricier models aren’t much better than the cheaper ones.Our pick 2.0 D-4D IconWhat Car? says
Suzuki KizashiPrice £21,995
Target Price £20,917
MPG 34.0 CO2 191g/km
For It has 4wd and lots of equipment, including a CVT automatic gearbox.Against The running costs are high, the engine is short of low-rev punch and the ride is unsettled. The steering feels inconsistent, and there’s lots of wind and road noise. Our pick 2.4 CVT 4WDWhat Car? says
Skoda SuperbPrice £18,555-£32,500
Target Price
£17,304-£30,308
MPG 30.4-67.3
CO2 109-215g/km
For You get an innovative boot/hatch arrangement, a vast and classy interior, and plenty of equipment.Against Cheaper rivals are almost as spacious, while its sheer size can make parking tricky.Our pick 1.4 TSI S What Car? says
Hyundai i40Price £18,515-£23,820
Target Price
£17,988-£22,183
MPG 55.4-65.7
CO2 113-134g/km
For The i40 is spacious and packed with kit. It has efficient diesel engines.Against Most rivals are better to drive. The gap between boot and cabin is small and oddly shaped.Our pick 1.7 CRDi 115 Blue Drive ActiveWhat Car? says
Honda AccordPrice £22,765-£33,180
Target Price £21,319-£31,043
MPG 40.9-52.3
CO2 138-199g/km
For Build quality and reliability are top-notch. The seats are comfortable.Against Costs more to buy and run than most rivals, which also offer more rear-seat space, a smoother ride and sharper handling. Too much road noise.Our pick 2.2 i-DTEC 150 ESWhat Car? says
122 | OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
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SMALL FAMILY CARS & FAMILY CARS A to Z
Kia OptimaPrice £19,595-£24,495
Target Price
£18,343-£22,919
MPG 57.6 CO2 128g/km
For The Optima’s cabin and boot are roomy. The basic model is temptingly priced and well equipped.Against Many rivals are far more comfortable and quieter, and feel classier inside. Some versions are pricey.Our pick 1.7 CRDi 1What Car? says
Citroën C5Price £20,455-£29,060
Target Price £16,431-£26,826
MPG 47.9-62.8
CO2 117-155g/km
For The C5 is a stylish and refined saloon. There are some fine diesel engines and the ride is cushy.Against The steering and handling aren’t as good as rivals’, and the dashboard layout is confusing. Resale values are weak.Our pick 1.6 HDi 115 VTR+What Car? says
1 Ford Mondeo 1.6 TDCi 115 Eco Zetec S/S2 Volkswagen
Passat 2.0 TDI 140 Bluemotion Tech Highline
3 Skoda Superb 1.4 TSI S
A to ZFamily cars
FFForddd MMMonddeo
BestBuysVolkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI Match 5dr’10/60, £11,140
No rival matches the Golf
for fun and comfort, and
this diesel model keeps
fuel bills low. It’s classy
and spacious, too.
Or try a…
Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi
Zetec 5dr
’09/09, £6810
Great to drive and cheap
to run, the Focus is
a superb all-rounder.
Volvo V40Price £18,995-£34,065
Target Price
£17,524-£31,481
MPG 35.8-83.1
CO2 88-185g/km
For The V40 has a smart, high-quality cabin and lots of safety and convenience equipment. The engines are strong and efficient.Against The ride is firm, the gearshift is notchy and the turning circle is wide.Our pick 1.6D D2 115 SEWhat Car? says
UsedBestBuy
Skoda OctaviaPrice £15,990-£22,990
Target Price
£14,706-£22,990
MPG 45.6-74.3
CO2 99-142g/km
For It has a huge, classy cabin and lots of standard equipment. It’s good to drive, and most versions are cheap to buy and run.Against It’s not the most exciting car to sit in. The diesels are a touch noisy.Our pick 1.2 TSI SWhat Car? says
Vauxhall InsigniaPrice £16,279-£30,870
Target Price
£13,912-£28,577
MPG 26.4-67.3
CO2 112-251g/km
For It’s good-looking inside and out. It also comes with plenty of high-tech kit.Against It’s not as refined as it should be, rear headroom is tight and the steering is dull. Ride and handling are below par.Our pick 2.0 CDTi 160 Exc’vWhat Car? says
Volkswagen PassatPrice £20,005-£25,145
Target Price
£18,259-£22,948
MPG 39.2-68.9
CO2 109-169g/km
For It is spacious and good to drive. Resale values are strong and most versions are well equipped.Against Some interior trim is dour, while the front seats need more support.Our pick 2.0 TDI 140 Bluemotion Tech HighlineWhat Car? says
Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec’09/58, £7040
The Mondeo is spacious,
refined, comfortable and
great to drive, all for an
incredibly low price.
Or try a…
Volkswagen Passat
2.0 TDI 140 SE
’07/07, £5945
The Passat is a cut above
most family cars for
quality, yet this version is
affordable to buy.
Volkswagen CCPrice £25,455-£28,580
Target Price
£23,204-£26,072
MPG 38.7-61.4
CO2 120-169g/km
For The cabin is plush and the boot is big. The engines are strong and efficient.Against It’s pricey, rear headroom is limited and the ride can be jiggly on rough surfaces. Our pick 2.0 TDI 140 Bluemotion TechnologyWhat Car? says
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 123
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FAMILY CARS & EXECUTIVE CARS A to Z
UsedBestBuy
BestBuys
Audi A7 SportbackPrice £41,170-£83,495
Target Price
£35,731-£83,495
MPG 28.8-55.4
CO2 135-229g/km
For Stunning high-speed composure and impressive refinement. The cabin is beautifully built.Against The coupé-like roof limits boot space. Much of the fantastic high-tech kit costs extra.Our pick 3.0 TDI 204 SE What Car? says
Audi A6Price £30,985-£54,505
Target Price
£26,974-£50,586
MPG 29.4-57.6
CO2 129-225g/km
For The A6 is refined and has a spacious, luxury interior. It’s also well kitted, clean-running and frugal.Against Not as rewarding to drive as a Jaguar XF. Some minor controls are a little fiddly to operate.Our pick 2.0 TDI SEWhat Car? says
Audi A4Price £23,960-£40,095
Target Price £21,694-£37,519
MPG 34.9-65.7
CO2 112-190g/km
For The A4 is decent to drive and has powerful engines. Resale values are strong and running costs are competitive.Against You’ll have much more fun driving a BMW 3 Series, and you’ll be more comfortable, too. Our pick 2.0 TDIe 136 SEWhat Car? says
BMW 3 SeriesPrice £23,185-£37,885
Target Price
£21,549-£33,677
MPG 35.8-68.9
CO2 109-186g/km
For It’s tax efficient and the engines are economical and punchy. The cabin is spacious and classy.Against The low-speed ride can be unsettled and there’s wind noise at speed. Our pick 320d Efficient Dynamics automatic What Car? says
A to ZExecutive cars
1 BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics automatic
2 BMW 520d SE automatic3 Jaguar XF
3.0D V6 Luxury
BMW 5 Series Gran TurismoPrice £37,010-£60,380
Target Price
£32,846-£53,936
MPG 30.7-53.3
CO2 139-214g/km
For Limousine-like space, a classy cabin and a high-set seating position.Against The ride and refinement disappoint, as does the size and versatility of the boot.Our pick 520d SEWhat Car? says
Audi A5 SportbackPrice £26,425-£42,595
Target Price
£24,164-£39,752
MPG 34.9-64.2
CO2 117-190g/km
For It’s as spacious as an A4 saloon and has added versatility. It has some good engines, too.Against It’s not exciting to drive, nor is it comfortable enough to be relaxing. The pedals are off-set.Our pick 2.0 TDI 177 SEWhat Car? says
BMW 3 Series Gran TurismoPrice £29,835-£39,735
Target Price
£27,926-£38,981
MPG 34.9-62.8
CO2 119-188g/km
For There’s plenty of cabin space and a large boot. You get a raised driving position and plenty of kit.Against It’s expensive and isn’t as good to drive as a standard 3 Series.Our pick 320d SEWhat Car? says
BMW 5 SeriesPrice £29,830-£73,375
Target Price
£27,833-£68,565
MPG 27.2-62.8
CO2 119-242g/km
For Impressively refined, economical and tax efficient. The cabin is plush and beautifully assembled.Against It needs optional Variable Damper Control or Adaptive Drive to make it ride and handle properly. Our pick 520d SE automaticWhat Car? says
BMW 6 Series Gran CoupéPrice £61,625-£97,515
Target Price
£56,699-£92,351
MPG 28.5-50.4
CO2 148-232g/km
For It’s a striking-looking car with a classy and comfortable interior, and a range of excellent engines.Against It needs the pricey adjustable suspension to ride and handle well.Our pick 640d SEWhat Car? says
BMW Alpina B5/D5Price £56,950-£78,150
Target Price
£56,950-£78,150
MPG 26.6-47.9
CO2 155-247g/km
For It’s effortless and relaxing to drive, despite being so powerful. The ride is surprisingly supple, too. Against The handling isn’t that engaging and those huge tyres kick up road noise on rough surfaces.Our pick D5 BiturboWhat Car? says
124 | OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
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EXECUTIVE CARS A to Z
Mercedes-Benz E-ClassPrice £32,400-£73,745
Target Price
£29,047-£68,408
MPG 28.8-68.9
CO2 109-230g/km
For It majors on comfort and safety. Fuel economy, CO2 emissions and equipment levels are good.Against Refinement is disappointing and the interior looks drab.Our pick E350 CDI Blue Efficiency AvantgardeWhat Car? says
Porsche PanameraPrice £62,922-£107,903
Target Price
£62,922-£107,903
MPG 26.4-91.1
CO2 71-249g/km
For Handles brilliantly, has enough space for four and all versions are rapid. It’s refined and classy, too.Against It’s practical for a Porsche, but rivals are better on that score. It’s pricey to buy and run.Our pick 3.0D V6What Car? says
Mercedes-Benz CLSPrice £47,605-£88,425
Target Price
£40,857-£80,008
MPG 28.5-54.3
CO2 135-231g/km
For It’s hugely desirable, offers strong performance and excellent refinement. It’s also pretty practical.Against It’s expensive and the ride isn’t as cosseting as an E-Class’s.Our pick 250 CDI Blue EfficiencyWhat Car? says
Mercedes-Benz
C-ClassPrice £26,275-£56,965
Target Price
£22,967-£52,343
MPG 23.5-68.9
CO2 109-280g/km
For It’s roomy, generously kitted and decent to drive.Against Poor refinement and the smaller diesels are rough. Prices and contract hire rates are steep.Our pick C220 CDI Blue Efficiency Executive SE What Car? says
Volvo S80Price £29,520-£39,030
Target Price
£25,415-£33,599
MPG 46.3-68.9
CO2 109-159g/km
For Strong engines, plenty of space and a nicely trimmed cabin.Against An unsettled ride, noisy suspension and numb steering. Contract hire rates are high and front visibility is poor.Our pick 2.0 D3 SEWhat Car? says
Volvo S60Price £20,250-£40,665
Target Price
£20,250-£35,289
MPG 28.5-72.4
CO2 103-231g/km
For Cabin is classy, comfy and spacious. It rides smoothly and offers a huge array of safety kit.Against The five-cylinder diesel engines can be boomy and the manual gearbox is vague.Our pick 1.6D Business Ed’nWhat Car? says
UsedBestBuy
Vauxhall VXR8Price £45,065-£51,315
Target Price
£45,065-£51,315
MPG 20.6-20.9
CO2 320-324g/km
For Searing pace and capable handling make the VXR8 great fun. With space for four and a big boot, it’s practical, too.Against A huge thirst for fuel means hefty running costs. The cabin is bland.Our pick 6.2 V8 GTSWhat Car? says
Jaguar XFPrice £29,945-£79,995
Target Price
£26,293-£79,995
MPG 24.4-55.4
CO2 135-270g/km
For Stylish looks, a dramatic interior, sensational handling and superb refinement.Against Its economy and CO2 emissions can’t match a BMW 5 Series’, and rear headroom is a little tight. Our pick 3.0D V6 Luxury What Car? says
Lexus GSPrice £32,995-£50,995
Target Price
£31,294-£48,298
MPG 31.7-46.3
CO2 141-207g/km
For It’s a comfortable cruiser that’s loaded with convenience and safety kit.Against It feels unwieldy unless you go for the expensive models. There’s no diesel version and the hybrid is pricey.Our pick 450h F SportWhat Car? says
Lexus ISPrice £26,495-£38,495
Target Price
£26,495-£38,495
MPG 30.7-65.7
CO2 99-213g/km
For The hybrid is tax efficient. Plenty of kit and it feels solidly put together.Against You have to work the engines hard for decent progress, and the hybrid is noisy when you do. Rear headroom is a bit tight.Our pick 300h SEWhat Car? says
Infiniti MPrice £38,955-£46,825
Target Price
£37,126-£44,592
MPG 27.7-40.9
CO2 159-235g/km
For The M gets almost every luxury, and tidy handling makes it fun.Against The low-speed ride is jittery and its emissions are high. It’s also far too expensive, considering its weak resale values.Our pick 3.0d V6 GTWhat Car? says
Chrysler 300CPrice £36,000-£40,000
Target Price
£25,995-£36,908
MPG 39.2-39.8
CO2 185-191g/km
For It’s a lot of car for the money and it looks different from established German rivals.Against There’s no four-cylinder diesel engine and cabin quality leaves a little to be desired.Our pick 3.0 V6 LimitedWhat Car? says
Infiniti G37Price £34,960-£40,670
Target Price
£33,163-£38,565
MPG 25.7-26.9
CO2 246-255g/km
For You’ll rarely see another, so you’ll have that ‘exclusive’ cachet. The G37 is rapid and refined.Against The V6 petrol engine means high fuel and tax bills. The cabin materials don’t feel special.Our pick 3.7 V6 G37 GTWhat Car? says
Maserati GhibliPrice £48,830-£63,415
Target Price
£48,830-£63,415
MPG 27.2-47.9
CO2 158-242g/km
For It’s got more cachet than a BMW or Jaguar, and is a pretty quiet motorway cruiser. The cabin is stylish.Against The ride is shuddery on patchy surfaces and there’s not much rear-seat space.Our pick 3.0 V6 DieselWhat Car? says
Audi A6 2.0 TDI SE’09/09, £13,095
There are few nicer
places to be than the
cabin of an A6, and this
economical diesel model
is good value used.
Or try a…
BMW 320d SE
’08/08, £9685
Not only is the 320d
refined and cheap to run,
it also handles and steers
superbly. The classy
cabin is solidly built, too.
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LUXURY CARS A to Z
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 125
Aston Martin Rapide SPrice £149,995
Target Price £149,995
MPG 19.9 CO2 332g/km
For Aston’s four-door ‘saloon’ is beautiful and fast. It’s incredibly civilised and comfortable, yet also feels nimble and compact.Against Getting in and out of the back with dignity isn’t easy, and although there are four seats, rivals are far more spacious.Our pick 5.9 V12What Car? says
A to ZLuxury cars
BestBuys
1 Land Rover Range Rover 3.0 TDV6 Vogue SE
2 Mercedes S350 Bluetec SE Line
3 Rolls-Royce Phantom
Audi A8Price £53,685-£95,440
Target Price
£47,602-£84,652
MPG 23.7-47.1
CO2 147-277g/km
For Advanced, refined and superbly made. Standard kit is good and the diesels are quick and economical.Against Standard-length car isn’t as roomy as some rivals and the steering is short of feedback.Our pick 3.0 TDI SE Exec LWhat Car? says
BMW 7 SeriesPrice £58,120-£104,085
Target Price
£53,000-£93,583
MPG 21.1-50.4
CO2 148-314g/km
For It’s technologically advanced, beautifully made and spacious. The diesel models have very low CO2 emissions.Against Refinement and ride comfort aren’t good enough for a luxury car.Our pick 730d SEWhat Car? says
Jaguar XJPrice £56,865-£95,870
Target Price
£49,859-£95,870
MPG 24.4-46.3
CO2 159-270g/km
For It’s agile, and the engines are punchy and refined. Kit is lavish and the interior looks great. Against You sit low in the back, yet headroom is a bit tight. The ride could be more comfortable, too.Our pick 3.0D V6 Luxury What Car? says
Bentley MulsannePrice £224,700
Target Price £224,700
MPG 16.8 CO2 393g/km
For There’s massive performance, spectacular refinement, controlled handling and a superb ride. The cabin is as opulent as it is huge, and there are plenty of bespoke options.Against Some controls are similar to those found in mainstream Audis.Our pick 6.75 V8What Car? says
Bentley Flying SpurPrice £149,900-£151,340
Target Price
£149,900-£151,340
MPG 19.0 CO2 343g/km
For Fabulously appointed inside, refined and comfortable. It’s also seriously fast yet relaxing. Has a level of cachet that few rivals can match.Against It’s expensive to buy and run, even by luxury car standards.Our pick 6.0 W12What Car? says
Rolls-Royce GhostPrice £200,500-£230,000
Target Price
£200,500-£230,000
MPG 20.8 CO2 317g/km
For A magnificent V12 engine and eight-speed auto gearbox give pace and smoothness. It feels reasonably light-footed.Against The ride is too firm, most noticeably in town. Its size means it can be awkward to manoeuvre.Our pick 6.6 V12What Car? says
Mercedes-Benz S-ClassPrice £62,650-£88,130
Target Price
£62,650-£88,130
MPG 27.9-51.4
CO2 146-237g/km
For Combines a cosseting ride with composed handling. The cabin is sumptuous and the refinement exceptional.Against Some of the most desirable kit costs extra.Our pick S350 Bluetec SE LineWhat Car? says
Maserati QuattroportePrice £110,000
Target Price £110,000
MPG 23.9 CO2 274g/km
For Fabulous performance and sporty handling, plus a luxurious cabin with limousine levels of space in the back.Against It’s expensive, and maybe too sporty and unrefined if you want to spend most of the time in the rear seats. Our pick 3.8T V8What Car? says
Lexus LSPrice £71,995-£99,495
Target Price
£68,894-£95,166
MPG 26.4-32.8
CO2 199-249g/km
For The LS is whisper quiet, especially the hybrid version. It’s also superbly built and packed with kit.Against The cabin doesn’t feel special enough and the LS is uninspiring to drive. Gearbox can be hesitant.Our pick 600h LWhat Car? says
Land Rover Range Rover Price £71,310-£98,430
Target Price
£71,310-£98,430
MPG 20.5-37.7
CO2 196-322g/km
For Brilliant on and off road, and it’s superbly refined. The swish cabin is a fabulous place to be.Against It’s pricey to buy and will be expensive to run if you go for a V8.Our pick 3.0 TDV6 Vogue SEWhat Car? says
Volkswagen PhaetonPrice £53,915-£56,475
Target Price
£45,883-£48,393
MPG 32.2 CO2 224g/km
For It’s refined, luxurious, hugely roomy and superbly built.Against Resale values are awful, so it makes little financial sense. Parts of the cabin look dated and the dashboard is cluttered.Our pick 3.0 V6 TDI 240 4Motion SWBWhat Car? says
Rolls-Royce Phantom
Price £285,200-£336,700
Target Price
£285,200-£336,700
MPG 17.9-18.0
CO2 377-380g/km
For It’s refined, immensely comfortable and fast, and more agile than it looks. It’s put together beautifully.Against Too much wind noise at speed, and the styling and rear-hinged rear doors are love-or-hate.Our pick 6.75 V12 What Car? says
UsedBestBuy
Audi A8 3.0 TDI quattro SE’07/07, £10,305
The A8 is big, refined
and sophisticated. This
model has four-wheel
drive and an economical
diesel engine.
Or try a…
Land Rover Range Rover
TD6 Vogue
’06/06, £16,030
A luxury car that’s also
a great 4x4. Diesel engine
keeps fuel bills bearable.
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ESTATE CARS A to Z
Ford Mondeo EstatePrice £17,245-£29,505
Target Price
£16,912-£27,071
MPG 36.7-65.7
CO2 114-179g/km
For It’s refined, the diesel engines are strong and frugal, and the boot is huge. It’s superb to drive.Against Resale values are poor and some might find its sheer size off-putting. Too much road noise.Our pick 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec What Car? says
Mazda 6 TourerPrice £21,265-£26,245
Target Price
£19,923-£24,578
MPG 47.9-64.2
CO2 116-136g/km
For It’s cheap to run, thanks to excellent fuel economy and CO2 figures. Cabin and boot space are similarly impressive.Against The ride is too firm for a family estate and there’s a lot of road noise.Our pick 2.2D 150 SE-LWhat Car? says
Hyundai i40 TourerPrice £19,765-£25,070
Target Price
£19,150-£23,344
MPG 39.2-65.7
CO2 113-169g/km
For An estate to take Hyundai upmarket. It’s roomy and interior is good.Against It’s no bargain, and the diesel engine can feel unresponsive. The rear seats don’t fold flat.Our pick 1.7 CRDi 115 Blue Drive ActiveWhat Car? says
Hyundai i30 TourerPrice £16,300-£21,515
Target Price £14,692-£19,777
MPG 42.8-67.3
CO2 110-150g/km
For It’s spacious, practical and classy, while the diesel engines are economical. It rides well and has plenty of standard equipment.Against Many rivals are more refined, the steering is vague and the gearshift is notchy.Our pick 1.6 CRDi 110 ActiveWhat Car? says
Honda Accord TourerPrice £24,265-£34,680
Target Price
£22,720-£32,444
MPG 32.5-50.4
CO2 143-201g/km
For Excellent build quality and reliability, and the boot is a decent size.Against It’s expensive and doesn’t ride or handle well enough. It’s not that practical, either, and there’s too much road noise.Our pick 2.2 i-DTEC 150 ESWhat Car? says
Jaguar XF SportbrakePrice £31,945-£51,510
Target Price
£28,044-£45,172
MPG 46.0-55.4
CO2 135-163g/km
For It’s an elegantly proportioned estate with sensational handling and a supple high-speed ride.Against The boot is shallow, and rivals are more efficient and have classier cabins.Our pick 3.0D V6 LuxuryWhat Car? says
Kia Cee’d SportswagonPrice £16,895-£24,795
Target Price
£15,279-£22,731
MPG 64.2-67.3
CO2 109-116g/km
For It’s good value for money, with lots of space, a high-quality cabin and plenty of equipment.Against It’s not as good to drive as many rivals, the gearshift is notchy and road noise is an issue.Our pick 1.4 CRDi 90 1What Car? says
Citroën C5 TourerPrice £21,555-£30,160
Target Price
£17,490-£27,886
MPG 46.3-62.8
CO2 117-159g/km
For It’s refined, the ride is comfortable and the diesel engines are strong and economical.Against The steering and handling aren’t as good as many rivals’ and resale values are weak.Our pick 1.6 HDi 110 VTR+ What Car? says
Ford Focus EstatePrice £17,405-£24,745
Target Price
£15,308-£22,063
MPG 39.2-67.3
CO2 109-169g/km
For Handles sweetly and is as practical as most rivals. It’s also well equipped and attractively priced. Against The low-speed ride is a touch firm, and the interior quality isn’t as good as a VW Golf’s.Our pick 1.6 TDCi 115 ZetecWhat Car? says
BMW 5 Series TouringPrice £32,955-£58,865
Target Price
£30,222-£53,244
MPG 26.4-57.6
CO2 130-249g/km
For It is comfortable, has loads of space, and punchy and economical engines. It’s a must-have car.Against You must pay for Variable Damper Control or Adaptive Drive to make it ride and handle well.Our pick 520d SE automaticWhat Car? says
Chevrolet Cruze SWPrice £15,680-£20,890
Target Price
£14,629-£19,482
MPG 39.2-62.7
CO2 119-170g/km
For It’s a spacious and practical estate with low prices and a long warranty.Against It isn’t particularly enjoyable or comfortable to drive, and the 1.6-litre petrol engine is gutless and noisy.Our pick 1.7 VCDi 130 LTWhat Car? says
BMW 3 Series TouringPrice £26,510-£38,035
Target Price
£24,620-£35,263
MPG 41.5-62.8
CO2 123-159g/km
For Excellent performance and economy, and a plush cabin. The big boot has lots of practical touches.Against Needs the optional adjustable suspension to ride and handle well. A tad too much wind noise.Our pick 320d SEWhat Car? says
Audi A4 AvantPrice £25,260-£55,525
Target Price
£22,867-£55,525
MPG 26.4-64.2
CO2 116-249g/km
For It has a well-shaped boot and a roomy cabin. It’s good to drive and resale values are strong.Against The rear seats don’t fold flat, the pedals are offset and some plastics aren’t that good.Our pick 2.0 TDIe 136 SEWhat Car? says
Audi A6 AvantPrice £33,110-£56,725
Target Price
£28,835-£52,939
MPG 28.8-57.6
CO2 132-229g/km
For There’s a big, high-quality cabin and plenty of standard equipment. It’s a refined motorway car.Against Boot capacity is some way short of some rivals’. It isn’t as good to drive as a BMW 5 Series.Our pick 2.0 TDI SEWhat Car? says
1 Skoda Octavia Estate 1.6 TDI 105 SE
2 BMW 520d Touring
SE auto3 Kia Cee’d
Sportswagon 1.4 CRDi 90 1
A to ZEstate cars
BestBuys
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Mercedes-Benz
C-Class EstatePrice £27,475-£58,165
Target Price
£24,070-£53,507
MPG 23.2-60.1
CO2 124-285g/km
For It’s economical, the boot is big and safety equipment is excellent.Against It’s unrefined and the smaller diesel engines are gruff. Prices are high.Our pick C220 CDI Blue Efficiency Executive SEWhat Car? says
Mercedes-Benz
E-Class Estate Price £34,315-£75,535
Target Price
£30,874-£70,111
MPG 28.3-62.8
CO2 119-234g/km
For It’s bigger and more practical than rivals, and has potent engines.Against It’s pricey and the smaller engines aren’t refined enough.Our pick E350 CDI Blue Efficiency AvantgardeWhat Car? says
Mini ClubmanPrice £14,570-£26,260
Target Price
£13,848-£25,071
MPG 42.2-72.4
CO2 103-155g/km
For It’s a Mini with more space, so it’s fun to drive, has a reasonable ride and room for four. Against The one rear door is on the ‘traffic’ side. It’s bigger than the hatch, but still impractical.Our pick 1.6 CooperWhat Car? says
Mercedes-Benz
CLS Shooting Brake Price £49,390-£83,080
Target Price
£42,568-£74,885
MPG 28.0-53.3
CO2 139-235g/km
For Offers slinky styling, estate car practicality and strong, efficient engines.Against It’s pricey, rear visibility is poor and some of the controls are fiddly. Our pick 250 CDI Blue EfficiencyWhat Car? says
Peugeot 207 SWPrice £12,150-£17,695
Target Price £11,069-£15,862
MPG 42.2-67.3
CO2 110-155g/km
For The 207 SW has more boot and rear space than the 207 hatch. It’s good to drive and large discounts are available at dealers.Against It’s expensive and the diesel-engined models don’t ride as well as the petrol versions.Our pick 1.4 VTi 95 ActiveWhat Car? says
Peugeot 308 SWPrice £17,100-£22,550
Target Price
£14,729-£19,684
MPG 41.0-62.8
CO2 110-159g/km
For There’s a massive boot, and top-spec versions get seven seats. It is better to drive than the hatchback.Against There’s not enough space in seven-seat mode. It’s pricey, and the driving position is offset.Our pick 1.6 HDi 112 SWhat Car? says
Renault Mégane Sport TourerPrice £17,350-£23,650
Target Price
£14,653-£19,919
MPG 40.9-80.7
CO2 90-159g/km
For It’s spacious, affordable and has a well-built cabin. It handles well.Against The rear seats won’t fold flat. Resale values are relatively weak.Our pick 1.5 dCi 110 Expression+ S/SWhat Car? says
Peugeot 508 SWPrice £19,880-£33,895
Target Price
£18,809-£30,845
MPG 44.8-68.9
CO2 107-154g/km
For It handles well, the cabin is plush and the 1.6 e-HDi version is efficient.Against The ride is firm and some rivals have more cabin and boot space. Entry-level versions aren’t especially well equipped.Our pick 1.6 e-HDi 112 Act’veWhat Car? says
Seat Ibiza STPrice £12,260-£17,475
Target Price £10,811-£14,967
MPG 47.9-80.7
CO2 92-139g/km
For The Ibiza ST is a spacious, attractive estate. Economy and emissions are spectacular on the Ecomotive diesel model.Against The interior is rather utilitarian; the 1.4 petrol and 1.2 diesel are weak performers.Our pick 1.2 TSI 105 SEWhat Car? says
Skoda Fabia EstatePrice £11,215-£18,000
Target Price £9859-£15,798
MPG 45.6-67.3
CO2 89-148g/km
For There’s huge luggage space, and it has good resale values. It handles tidily and rides well.Against The cabin plastics are disappointing and the engines are noisy. Some versions miss out on curtain airbags.Our pick 1.2 TSI 105 SEWhat Car? says
Subaru LegacyPrice £26,900-£31,375
Target Price
£25,047-£29,228
MPG 33.6-49.6
CO2 149-196g/km
For Every Legacy gets four-wheel drive and a long list of standard kit. The cabin and boot are roomy.Against It’s dearer to buy and run than some rivals, and it’s unremarkable to look at, sit in or drive.Our pick 2.0D SWhat Car? says
Skoda Superb EstatePrice £19,680-£34,430
Target Price
£18,352-£32,103
MPG 30.4-65.7
CO2 113-217g/km
For Vast boot and cabin. It’s well priced, relaxing to drive and feels solid inside.Against You get a stepped load area when you fold the rear seats. An Octavia Estate is better value and almost as big.Our pick 2.0 TDI 140 SWhat Car? says
Skoda Octavia EstatePrice £16,790-£25,450
Target Price
£16,790-£25,450
MPG 45.6-74.3
CO2 99-142g/km
For Offers a huge amount of boot and cabin space for a competitive price. Good to drive and classy inside. Against You have to pay extra or buy the top model to get a flat boot floor when the rear seats are folded.Our pick 1.6 TDI 105 SEWhat Car? says
Toyota Auris Touring SportsPrice £15,795-£23,245
Target Price
£15,795-£23,245
MPG 46.3-76.3
CO2 85-140g/km
For It’s a practical and user-friendly estate. The hybrid version is cheap to run as a company car.Against It’s disappointing to drive, the cabin is drab and the hybrid feels slow.Our pick tbcWhat Car? says
Most popular estate cars on whatcar.com
Ranking based on most
searched-for cars on whatcar.com
1 Ford Mondeo
2 Ford Focus
3 BMW 3 Series
4 BMW 5 Series
5 VW Passat
128 | OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
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Chevrolet OrlandoPrice £17,620-£24,190
Target Price
£16,436-£22,553
MPG 40.3-53.3
CO2 139-164g/km
For The Orlando has space for seven. It’s cheaper than many rivals and running costs are low.Against It’s not as versatile as some rivals and resale values are poor. The petrol engine is weak and noisy.Our pick 2.0 VCDi 130 LTWhat Car? says
Chrysler Grand VoyagerPrice £28,265-£36,265
Target Price
£28,265-£34,087
MPG 33.6 CO2 222g/km
For It offers loads of space and fold-away rear seats. A classy image means resale values are fair, too.Against It’s expensive, the diesel engine is sluggish and thirsty, and interior quality is disappointing.Our pick 2.8 CRD TouringWhat Car? says
Citroën Berlingo MultispacePrice £12,960-£17,130
Target Price £11,606-£15,652
MPG 42.0-58.9
CO2 125-155g/km
For You can buy the vast space that a family needs for the price of a supermini. It is civilised to drive and affordable to run.Against Cheaper models are meanly equipped, notably for safety.Our pick 1.6 HDi 90 VTRWhat Car? says
Citroën C4 PicassoPrice £17,500-£21,060
Target Price
£16,808-£20,219
MPG 44.8-74.3
CO2 98-145g/km
For A classy interior with space for five and a big boot. Most versions have low running costs.Against Ride comfort could be better and there are too many functions on the touch-screen system.Our pick tbcWhat Car? says
Citroën C3 PicassoPrice £12,995-£17,865
Target Price
£9890-£15,452
MPG 44.1-67.2
CO2 112-149g/km
For A spacious interior and a big boot. Ride comfort and refinement are impressive, while forward vision is excellent.Against Some rivals are cheaper and the entry-level model has just two airbags.Our pick 1.4 VTi 95 VTR+ What Car? says
Volvo V70Price £25,395-£35,970
Target Price
£21,553-£30,603
MPG 58.9-67.3
CO2 111-126g/km
For It’s practical and has a well-shaped boot. The cabin is comfortable and standard kit is generous.Against The ride is choppy around town, the steering is vague and the larger diesel engines are noisy.Our pick 2.0 D3 SEWhat Car? says
Volkswagen Passat Estate 2.0 TDI 140 SE’08/58, £7755
The Passat has a big,
flat-sided boot, and is
classy, comfortable,
spacious and good value.
Or try a…
Volvo V70 2.0D SE
’09/09, £11,270
Volvo has a reputation for
making excellent estates,
and the V70 is another
fine example. It’s practical
and used prices are low.
A to ZMPVs
1 Seat Alhambra
2.0 TDI 140 Ecomotive S2 Peugeot 5008
1.6 HDi 112 Active
3 Citroën C3 Picasso 1.4 VTi VTR+
S t
BestBuys
UsedBestBuy
Volvo V60Price £21,450-£41,965
Target Price
£21,450-£36,778
MPG 27.7-68.9
CO2 108-237g/km
For A classy, comfortable and spacious cabin. It’s keenly priced and there’s a big choice of safety kit.Against The boot isn’t as big as you’d expect, and the V60 isn’t as much fun to drive as some competitors.Our pick 1.6D Business Ed’nWhat Car? says
Volkswagen
Passat EstatePrice £21,340-£28,985
Target Price
£19,475-£26,427
MPG 39.2-65.7
CO2 113-169g/km
For It’s good to drive. The boot is well shaped, resale values are strong and most versions have plenty of kit.Against Some interior trim is a bit dour.Our pick 2.0 TDI 140 Bluemotion Tech HighlineWhat Car? says
Volkswagen
Golf EstatePrice £17,915-£24,440
Target Price £17,915-£24,440
MPG 53.3-72.4
CO2 102-124g/km
For The big boot is a practical shape, and the cabin is roomy and classy. The Golf is comfortable, refined and good to drive.Against The equivalent Skoda Octavia Estate is cheaper and even bigger.Our pick tbcWhat Car? says
Vauxhall Insignia Sports TourerPrice £18,629-£32,300
Target Price
£15,892-£29,895
MPG 25.0-55.4
CO2 119-265g/km
For It’s stylish; there’s more rear headroom than you’ll find in the hatchback.Against You have to lift items over the deep bumper. It’s not as good to drive as some rivals.Our pick 2.0 CDTi 160 Excl’What Car? says
Toyota Avensis TourerPrice £20,210-£29,905
Target Price
£20,210-£29,905
MPG 42.8-62.8
CO2 119-173g/km
For It has a big boot, it’s easy to drive and the cabin is comfortable. Most have low running costs.Against It’s not much fun to drive, the diesels are noisy and the pricier models aren’t good value.Our pick 2.0 D-4D IconWhat Car? says
Vauxhall Astra Sports TourerPrice £17,280-£25,175
Target Price
£15,960-£22,089
MPG 44.1-70.6
CO2 105-149g/km
For It’s practical and comfortable, and the cabin is solidly built.Against It’s expensive and doesn’t hold its value well. The steering is vague.Our pick 1.7 CDTi 130 Ecoflex Tech LineWhat Car? says
Vauxhall VXR8 TourerPrice £49,500
Target Price £49,500
MPG 20.9 CO2 324g/km
For It’s big, brash and loud, so offers something different from the norm. The boot is massive and the V8 engine thunderous.Against You’d better like paying for fuel and tyres, and the heavy gearbox and clutch certainly give you a workout.Our pick 6.2 V8What Car? says
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Fiat DobloPrice £13,420-£18,310
Target Price £12,369-£16,838
MPG 39.2-56.5
CO2 133-166g/km
For The sliding side doors and deep boot are good for families, as is the comfortable ride. Against Cheaper models don’t have much kit. The rear tailgate is heavy and rear legroom isn’t as generous as you’d hope.Our pick 1.6 M’jt 105 MylifeWhat Car? says
Fiat 500LPrice £14,995-£19,590
Target Price
£14,503-£19,590
MPG 45.6-67.3
CO2 110-145g/km
For It’s a stylish mini-MPV with plenty of room, an airy cabin and some neat practical touches.Against Rivals are better to drive and more refined. It’s a bit pricey and the petrol models feel slow.Our pick tbcWhat Car? says
Fiat QuboPrice £11,490-£15,080
Target Price
£10,643-£13,938
MPG 42.8-68.9
CO2 107-152g/km
For Compact outside, but spacious inside. It’s easy to drive and comfortable.Against There’s not much safety or security kit, you need space to open the long tailgate and the rear windows don’t open far.Our pick 1.4 MylifeWhat Car? says
Ford C-Max/Grand C-MaxPrice £17,850-£25,950
Target Price
£15,633-£22,868
MPG 42.8-61.4
CO2 117-154g/km
For It’s one of the best-handling cars in its class and running costs are low.Against It’s not as versatile as some and reliability could be better.Our pick Grand 1.6 TDCi 115 ZetecWhat Car? says
Ford B-MaxPrice £12,995-£18,895
Target Price
£12,682-£16,763
MPG 44.1-70.6
CO2 104-149g/km
For It’s brilliant to drive and very practical. Having sliding rear doors and no middle pillar makes access to the rear seats easy.Against Entry-level models don’t get much kit and the top versions are pricey.Our pick 1.4 90 ZetecWhat Car? says
Ford GalaxyPrice £25,165-£32,365
Target Price
£23,040-£29,628
MPG 34.9-54.3
CO2 139-189g/km
For It is good to drive, and refined. The cabin is roomy and versatile, and all versions are well equipped.Against The S-Max costs less, is better to drive and is almost as practical. Resale values aren’t strong.Our pick 2.0 TDCi 140 ZetecWhat Car? says
Ford S-MaxPrice £22,805-£31,115
Target Price
£20,818-£28,405
MPG 34.9-54.3
CO2 139-194g/km
For The S-Max is more fun to drive than most, yet it’s also refined. The cabin is roomy and versatile.Against The two rear seats are cramped for adults and are fiddly to fold. Higher-spec models are expensive.Our pick 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec What Car? says
Kia CarensPrice £17,895-£23,895
Target Price
£17,895-£23,895
MPG 44.1-60.1
CO2 124-149g/km
For It’s a family-friendly seven-seater with a supple ride and a smart interior. The controls are simple to use and visibility is good.Against Access to the rear seats could be better and it’s pretty ordinary to drive.Our pick 1.7 CRDi 114 1What Car? says
Hyundai ix20Price £12,320-£16,145
Target Price £11,471-£15,006
MPG 47.1-64.2
CO2 117-140g/km
For The ix20 is roomy and the cabin is stylish. Comfort and safety kit is comprehensive.Against It’s no better than average to drive and the interior isn’t as classy as it looks. The diesel engine is noisy and inflexible.Our pick 1.4 ClassicWhat Car? says
Hyundai i800Price £22,700-£24,620
Target Price
£22,700-£23,090
MPG 32.1-37.7
CO2 197-231g/km
For There’s space for eight. It’s well priced and the engine is powerful.Against The driving position is too van-like and the ride can be bouncy. There are just two airbags and the cabin is utilitarian.Our pick 2.5 CRDi StyleWhat Car? says
Kia SoulPrice £12,800-£18,695
Target Price £11,271-£16,900
MPG 44.1-57.6
CO2 129-149g/km
For It has a spacious cabin and plenty of safety and security kit. The petrol engine is decently strong.Against The ride, handling and refinement are poor. It’s not especially cheap to buy and run, and the cabin isn’t versatile enough.Our pick 1.6 GDi 1What Car? says
Mercedes-Benz VianoPrice £35,745-£42,695
Target Price
£33,642-£40,175
MPG 32.8-38.7
CO2 195-226g/km
For Comes in three body lengths and two wheelbases, plus a variety of seating arrangements.Against It’s pricey, noisy and uncomfortable. The seats are heavy to remove.Our pick 2.2 CDI Ambiente SWBWhat Car? says
Mercedes-Benz R-Class Price £44,620-£48,775
Target Price
£36,650-£39,520
MPG 33.2-37.2
CO2 201-223g/km
For It’s a smooth, quiet cruiser with hushed engines. It is good to drive.Against It’s very expensive, and the standard model is too cramped in the rear. The car feels huge.Our pick R350L CDI Grand Edition 4WDWhat Car? says
Mazda 5Price £19,995-£21,295
Target Price
£19,221-£20,468
MPG 40.9-54.3
CO2 138-159g/km
For The Mazda 5 handles well, is well priced and is generously specified.Against The cabin isn’t as roomy or clever as those in many MPVs. The ride is firm, while some of the interior plastics feel flimsy.Our pick 1.6D VentureWhat Car? says
Kia VengaPrice £11,595-£17,970
Target Price £10,523-£16,274
MPG 47.9-64.2
CO2 117-139g/km
For The cabin is spacious and reasonably stylish. There’s lots of comfort and safety equipment.Against The Venga isn’t particularly cheap, it’s lacklustre to drive and the diesel engine is noisy and inflexible.Our pick 1.4 90 1What Car? says
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Toyota VersoPrice £17,500-£23,450
Target Price
£16,406-£21,963
MPG 41.5-57.6
CO2 129-159g/km
For There’s lots of space in the front two rows and a big boot in five-seat mode. It’s comfortable and has lots of safety equipment.Against Not as roomy or as clever as some rivals. Rear visibility could be better.Our pick 2.0 D-4D IconWhat Car? says
Toyota Verso-SPrice £15,145-£16,445
Target Price
£14,160-£15,371
MPG 51.4 CO2 127g/km
For There’s masses of space, despite it being small and easy to park. Running costs are low.Against It’s not particularly cheap or practical. The engine is pretty weak and the CVT gearbox makes it very noisy.Our pick 1.3 VVT-i TRWhat Car? says
Vauxhall Zafira TourerPrice £20,145-£29,190
Target Price
£18,789-£25,103
MPG 39.2-62.8
CO2 119-169g/km
For The cabin looks and feels classy. Standard kit is competitive and the Tourer rides well at speed.Against The diesel engines are noisy, others are more practical and raising the middle-row seats is tricky.Our pick 2.0 CDTi 130 Excl’What Car? says
Vauxhall ZafiraPrice £18,570-£25,505
Target Price £15,116-£20,683
MPG 39.2-55.4
CO2 134-168g/km
For As roomy as any other, and good to drive. There are big discounts to be had.Against The one-piece second-row seat means the cabin isn’t that versatile. Ride and refinement aren’t up to standard and visibility isn’t great.Our pick 1.7 CDTi E’flx Excl’What Car? says
Vauxhall MerivaPrice £12,505-£22,155
Target Price
£12,505-£19,453
MPG 44.1-68.9
CO2 109-149g/km
For Rear-hinged rear doors mean access is easy. It’s full of family-friendly features.Against It struggles to take five people comfortably. The steering is vague, the engines are weak and economy is so-so.Our pick 1.4T 120 ExclusivWhat Car? says
Toyota Prius+Price £26,495-£29,795
Target Price
£25,362-£28,517
MPG 64.2-68.9
CO2 96-101/km
For It has class-leading environmental performance, lots of kit and decent versatility.Against It’s expensive next to similar rivals, it’s slow and the interior materials look and feel cheap.Our pick 1.8 VVT-i T4What Car? says
Seat Altea/Altea XLPrice £16,430-£20,735
Target Price
£15,197-£19,166
MPG 43.5-62.8
CO2 119-152g/km
For The Altea is enjoyable to drive. It’s roomy, keenly priced and well-equipped.Against It isn’t as quiet and refined as some, and Sport models ride too firmly. Its cabin isn’t that versatile.Our pick XL 1.6 TDI 105 Ecomotive SWhat Car? says
Ssangyong TurismoPrice £18,000
Target Price £18,000
MPG 35.0 CO2 212g/km
For Space for seven and luggage for a temptingly low price. It has a long warranty and four-wheel-drive versions are available.Against It’s short of safety equipment and you have to put up with lots of body lean, slow steering and a bouncy low-speed ride.Our pick tbcWhat Car? says
Skoda RoomsterPrice £11,970-£16,195
Target Price £10,371-£13,976
MPG 45.6-76.4
CO2 109-143g/km
For The cabin is airy and spacious, and there’s a large, well-shaped boot. Big discounts are available.Against The interior plastics are drab and the entry-level model is poorly equipped. The engines are noisy, too.Our pick 1.2 TSI 85 SEWhat Car? says
Seat AlhambraPrice £25,040-£31,885
Target Price
£23,094-£29,405
MPG 47.1-50.4
CO2 146-158g/km
For It is incredibly spacious and practical. It’s also refined and smooth-riding.Against It’s big, so finding a parking space can be tricky. The rearmost seats don’t fold away as quickly as those in some rivals.Our pick 2.0 TDI 140 Ec’v S What Car? says
Renault Scénic/Grand ScénicPrice £17,955-£23,395
Target Price £17,955-£23,395
MPG 36.7-68.9
CO2 105-178g/km
For There’s a large, practical boot and the diesel versions have low CO2 emissions.Against The cabin isn’t that big or clever, and reliability could be better. Our pick Grand 1.5 dCi 110 Dynamique TomTomWhat Car? says
Peugeot 5008Price £18,350-£25,605
Target Price
£15,868-£23,303
MPG 40.4-65.7
CO2 113-163g/km
For It’s one of the most practical MPVs, thanks to its spacious cabin and flexible seating. Against Some of the switches are fiddly and hard to reach. There are no alloys on entry models.Our pick 1.6 HDi 112 Active What Car? says
Peugeot Partner TepeePrice £12,960-£16,210
Target Price £11,407-£14,528
MPG 38.7-58.9
CO2 125-169g/km
For It’s spacious and practical. The engines are smooth and it feels solid.Against Some versions are costly, and you’ll have to spend extra on desirable comfort and safety kit. It jolts over potholes and the cabin plastics are hard.Our pick 1.6 HDi 92 SWhat Car? says
Peugeot Bipper TepeePrice £12,595-£14,245
Target Price £11,433-£12,994
MPG 62.8-68.9
CO2 107-119g/km
For It’s hugely practical. The ride is smooth and, considering it is van-based, refinement is good.Against It’s short of some safety kit, the rear windows don’t open fully and the long tailgate is tricky to open in tight spaces.Our pick 1.3 HDi 75 S S/SWhat Car? says
Nissan NotePrice £11,900-£16,950
Target Price
£11,900-£16,950
MPG 54.3-78.5
CO2 95-119g/km
For Offers a spacious cabin, generous equipment levels and low running costs. It’s also quiet on the motorway and good to drive.Against Practicality could be better and the cabin isn’t particularly plush.Our pick tbcWhat Car? says
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 131
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Volkswagen CaravellePrice £35,205-£42,705
Target Price
£33,375-£40,479
MPG 35.8-39.2
CO2 189-208g/km
For The Caravelle has plenty of space and a flat floor. It has an adaptable cabin and is good to drive.Against It’s costly, and has van-like looks and size. The seats are heavy to remove.Our pick 2.0 TDI 140 SE SWBWhat Car? says
Volkswagen Sharan Price £24,600-£33,050
Target Price
£21,904-£30,111
MPG 33.2-50.4
CO2 146-198g/km
For A versatile seven-seat cabin that feels classy yet hard-wearing. It’s good to drive, and the sliding rear doors are really handy. Against Entry trim is basic. The third-row seats could be easier to fold flat.Our pick 2.0 TDI 140 SEWhat Car? says
Volkswagen Golf Plus Price £18,060-£23,335
Target Price
£15,372-£20,286
MPG 43.5-65.7
CO2 114-153g/km
For Offers more space and easier access than a regular Golf hatchback.Against It’s not as versatile as many compact MPVs. Dearer than the equivalent Golf hatch and doesn’t hold its value as strongly.Our pick 1.4 TSI SEWhat Car? says
Volkswagen Touran Price £19,210-£26,355
Target Price
£17,764-£24,338
MPG 34.9-61.4
CO2 121-159g/km
For Has a spacious cabin, great engines and is good to drive. All versions are well equipped.Against It’s pricey, and you have to lift out the mid-row seats for best load space.Our pick 1.2 TSI SE Bluemotion TechWhat Car? says
Ford S-Max 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec ’09/09, £10,705
Space for seven, agile
and composed handling,
and a comfortable ride:
the S-Max offers all this,
and its diesel engine
keeps running costs low.
Or try a…
Vauxhall Zafira
1.6 Exclusiv, ’08/08, £4570
The Zafira is a bargain
seven-seater. There are
lots to choose from, too.
Audi A6 Allroad Price £43,805-£50,105
Target Price
£38,859-£44,453
MPG 42.2-46.3
CO2 159-176g/km
For Classy blend of SUV and estate with strong diesel engines, superb quality and a huge boot.Against It’s pricey, there’s a little too much wind noise and the rear seats are uncomfortable for three.Our pick 3.0 V6 TDI quattroWhat Car? says
Audi A4 AllroadPrice £31,810-£37,275
Target Price
£29,458-£34,509
MPG 38.7-46.3
CO2 159-170g/km
For Offers some of the image and ability of a 4x4 in estate-car form. It also has a practical boot, strong engines and plenty of kit.Against It’s pricey, the pedals are offset and the ride isn’t smooth enough.Our pick 2.0 TDIWhat Car? says
1 BMW X3 xDrive20d SE automatic2 Land Rover
Discovery 3.0 SDV6 XS3 Mazda CX-5
2.2D Skyactiv-D 150 SE-L 2WD
Audi Q5 Price £30,980-£44,055
Target Price
£28,994-£41,208
MPG 37.7-47.9
CO2 154-174g/km
For Great refinement, and a big boot and cabin. It’s also well equipped and the dashboard is easy to use.Against The biggest problem is its over-firm ride, although high prices and wind noise are niggles.Our pick 2.0 TDI 170 SE S/SWhat Car? says
Audi Q3 Price £25,270-£32,080
Target Price
£23,771-£30,101
MPG 36.7-54.3
CO2 137-179g/km
For Impressively smooth and quiet; it’s also a punchy performer and it rides well, too. Interior finish is impeccable.Against Some extras are pricey. Resale values aren’t quite what you’d hope for. Our pick 2.0 TDI 140 SEWhat Car? says
A to ZSUVs
UsedBestBuy
UVsBestBuys
BMW X6Price £47,230-£86,220
Target Price
£43,979-£81,568
MPG 20.3-38.2
CO2 195-325g/km
For One of the best SUVs to drive. It’s also refined and economical.Against Just four seats as standard, and the sloping roofline means head- and legroom suffer. The diesel engines are slightly coarse.Our pick xDrive30dWhat Car? says
BMW X5Price £45,560-£83,800
Target Price
£42,415-£77,982
MPG 20.3-38.2
CO2 195-325g/km
For Few big SUVs are as good to drive. It’s agile and mixes strong performance with good economy.Against The ride is a little firm over rough surfaces. The X5 looks costly next to a Land Rover Discovery.Our pick xDrive30d SEWhat Car? says
BMW X1Price £25,030-£33,235
Target Price
£23,368-£31,022
MPG 37.7-62.8
CO2 119-176g/km
For It’s a refined cruiser that’s also composed in bends. It’s economical and has low CO2 emissions.Against Interior quality is disappointing and the cabin isn’t hugely practical. The ride is unsettled. Our pick sDrive18d SEWhat Car? says
BMW X3Price £28,970-£42,900
Target Price
£27,390-£40,538
MPG 46.3-55.4
CO2 135-162g/km
For With optional Dynamic Damper Control, the X3 is comfortable and agile. The cabin is spacious, and running costs are low.Against Space isn’t great in the mid-rear seat and the manual gearbox is clunky.Our pick xDrive20d SE auto What Car? says
Audi Q7Price £43,660-£60,875
Target Price
£40,224-£56,077
MPG 30.7-39.2
CO2 189-242g/km
For Imposing looks, broad engine choice and reasonably sporty to drive.Against It is so big that it’s a nightmare to park. The third row of seats is cramped, and it’s pricey to buy and run.Our pick 3.0 V6 TDIWhat Car? says
132 | OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
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Jeep WranglerPrice £28,665-£32,490
Target Price
£27,226-£30,877
MPG 23.7-34.9
CO2 213-273g/km
For It’s great off road. Cabin finish is competent and the diesel engine pulls hard. Against It’s slow, noisy and rough on-road. The steering is vague, and resale values are nowhere near a Land Rover’s.Our pick 2.8 CRD Sport 3drWhat Car? says
Kia SorentoPrice £26,500-£35,105
Target Price
£23,809-£32,186
MPG 41.5-47.9
CO2 155-178g/km
For It has a spacious cabin, a strong diesel engine and lots of equipment. It’s also relatively cheap for a seven-seat SUV. Against The ride is unsettled and the interior plastics feel cheap.Our pick tbcWhat Car? says
Jeep Grand Cherokee Price £38,615-£59,630
Target Price
£36,850-£56,909
MPG 20.2-37.7
CO2 198-327g/km
For It has imposing styling and plenty of equipment. It’s good off road, too.Against Cabin quality doesn’t match the price. Cheaper models don’t ride or handle particularly well, and the steering is vague.Our pick 3.0 CRD V6 Overl’dWhat Car? says
Land Rover Defender Price £21,415-£33,000
Target Price
£20,070-£30,917
MPG 25.5-28.8
CO2 266-295g/km
For Its ability in the rough stuff is legendary, and the diesel engine is strong.Against On road, there’s vague handling and a bouncy ride. The driving position is cramped.Our pick 110 2.2D County Station WagonWhat Car? says
Kia SportagePrice £17,305-£26,940
Target Price
£16,294-£25,352
MPG 35.8-54.3
CO2 135-188g/km
For The Sportage looks great and has a practical, stylish cabin. It’s cheap to buy and well equipped.Against The diesel engines aren’t as flexible as some’. The ride can be unsettled, while the steering is vague.Our pick 1.6 GDi 1What Car? says
Infiniti EX Price £37,170-£45,875
Target Price
£35,330-£43,610
MPG 25.0-33.2
CO2 224-265g/km
For It handles well, the interior is high-quality and the dashboard is well laid out. Kit is very generous.Against It’s too expensive and the V6 petrol is thirsty. Rear space is cramped and the boot is too small.Our pick 3.0dWhat Car? says
Jeep Compass Price £17,465-£24,215
Target Price
£16,291-£22,579
MPG 32.8-42.8
CO2 172-199g/km
For Cheaper to buy than key rivals and every version is well equipped. Plenty of room for four.Against Ride and handling disappoint, and the diesel engine is noisy. The cabin plastics are cheap. Our pick 2.2 CRD Sp’t+ 2WDWhat Car? says
Infiniti FX Price £46,815-£100,835
Target Price
£44,502-£100,835
MPG 21.6-31.4
CO2 238-307g/km
For Fearsome to look at and powerful engines mean strong performance.Against It costs a bomb to buy and run, and resale values aren’t great. The ride is appalling and the cabin isn’t big or classy enough.Our pick 3.0d GTWhat Car? says
Honda CR-VPrice £21,505-£31,555
Target Price
£19,949-£29,228
MPG 37.2-62.8
CO2 119-177g/km
For You get loads of cabin and boot space, and it’s comfortable and easy to live with.Against The handling is sloppy and the top models are pricey. The optional automatic gearbox is slow.Our pick 1.6 i-DTEC SEWhat Car? says
Hyundai Santa FePrice £25,850-£33,170
Target Price
£24,746-£31,744
MPG 46.3-47.9
CO2 155-159g/km
For It’s practical, classy and well equipped. The diesel engine is strong and keeps running costs bearable.Against Pricey compared with some rivals and the manual gearbox is notchy.Our pick 2.2 CRDi Style 4WD 7st autoWhat Car? says
Hyundai ix35Price £17,555-£27,970
Target Price
£16,299-£25,866
MPG 41.5-49.6
CO2 139-158g/km
For Cheaper to buy and better equipped than many. It’s practical, and the 1.6 petrol engine is willing. Against The ix35 falls short of its key rivals for ride comfort, refinement and interior quality.Our pick .1.6 GDi StyleWhat Car? says
Chevrolet CaptivaPrice £22,910-£31,365
Target Price
£21,198-£28,020
MPG 44.1-45.5
CO2 164-170g/km
For It’s a practical family SUV that comes with a five-year warranty.Against It’s noisy and inefficient, the cabin feels cheap and the versions you’ll want are expensive.Our pick 2.2 VCDi 184 LT 7st AWDWhat Car? says
Dacia DusterPrice £8995-£14,995
Target Price
£8995-£14,995
MPG 35.3-62.7
CO2 130-185g/km
For It’s a lot of car for the money, with a spacious cabin and a big boot.Against The refinement and handling disappoint, and basic models are sparsely equipped.Our pick 1.5 dCi 110 Ambiance 4WDWhat Car? says
Ford KugaPrice £20,900-£29,055
Target Price
£19,333-£26,882
MPG 36.7-53.3
CO2 139-179g/km
For Offers decent cabin space, good handling and a generous equipment list. The diesel engines are strong and economical.Against Not as practical as rivals, especially in the boot. Too much wind noise.Our pick tbcWhat Car? says
Chevrolet TraxPrice £15,495-£20,495
Target Price
£15,495-£20,495
MPG 43.4-45.5
CO2 120-153g/km
For The chunky looks will appeal to some, and it has a practical cabin. Most versions are well priced.Against Rivals are far quieter and better to drive. The boot isn’t as big as some competitors’.Our pick tbcWhat Car? says
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Land Rover Freelander Price £23,705-£37,215
Target Price
£22,096-£34,691
MPG 40.4-47.1
CO2 158-185g/km
For It’s comfortable on road and capable off it. Resale values are strong.Against Prices are steep, and rivals provide far more rear legroom and boot space.Our pick 2.2 TD4 150 XS 4WDWhat Car? says
Land Rover DiscoveryPrice £38,850-£52,475
Target Price
£36,992-£49,950
MPG 32.1 CO2 230g/km
For Brilliant on and off road. There’s space for seven, plus superb versatility. It’s refined and has excellent visibility.Against It’s expensive to run, either privately or as a company car. Japanese rivals are far more reliable.Our pick 3.0 SDV6 XS What Car? says
Land Rover Range Rover SportPrice £51,550-£81,550
Target Price
£51,550-£81,550
MPG 22.1-38.7
CO2 194-298g/km
For Wonderfully refined, luxurious and comfortable. Roomy for five and there’s the option of seven seats. Against Pricey to buy and run. It feels big and heavy compared with rivals. Our pick 3.0 SDV6 HSEWhat Car? says
Land Rover
Range Rover EvoquePrice £29,200-£41,510
Target Price
£28,277-£40,206
MPG 32.5-57.6
CO2 129-199g/km
For Stylish, fun to drive and hugely desirable.Against It’s not as green as some, and the high waist and small windows mean the cabin can feel gloomy.Our pick 2.2 SD4 190 Pure 5drWhat Car? says
Lexus RXPrice £44,495-£55,495
Target Price
£42,255-£52,689
MPG 44.8 CO2 145g/km
For It’s very tax-efficient and has low running costs. It’s stacked with kit, refined and takes five plus luggage.Against The ride is fidgety, the steering is short of feel and the CVT gearbox takes some getting used to. Some of the controls are fiddly.Our pick 450h SEWhat Car? says
Mazda CX-5Price £21,395-£27,795
Target Price
£20,616-£26,781
MPG 47.1-61.4
CO2 119-139g/km
For You get lots of space and kit for a good price. CO2 emissions and fuel economy are top drawer.Against The ride and refinement could be better. Some of the interior trim is a little drab.Our pick 2.2D 150 SE-L 2WDWhat Car? says
Mercedes-Benz M-ClassPrice £43,870-£83,655
Target Price
£40,653-£78,849
MPG 23.9-44.8
CO2 158-276g/km
For Superb refinement and high-speed stability. The diesel models have pretty low running costs.Against Cabin quality isn’t that good. The optional extras are very expensive.Our pick ML350 Bluetec SEWhat Car? says
Mercedes-Benz GLPrice £59,485-£91,715
Target Price
£55,276-£86,572
MPG 23.0-35.3
CO2 209-288g/km
For There’s space and comfort for seven, and the engines are refined and offer strong performance. The cabin is classy.Against High prices and running costs, and it feels cumbersome in town. Our pick GL350 BluetecWhat Car? says
Mercedes-Benz G-ClassPrice £83,005-£123,175
Target Price
£76,026-£114,230
MPG 20.5-25.2
CO2 295-322g/km
For It has awesome off-road ability and you can personalise the interior to your heart’s content.Against It’s very expensive to buy and run, and isn’t easy to drive or park.Our pick G350 BluetecWhat Car? says
Mitsubishi ASXPrice £16,679-£25,075
Target Price
£15,548-£23,369
MPG 47.1-54.3
CO2 136-139g/km
For It has a spacious, solidly built cabin, a well-controlled ride and a keen list price. The diesel engine is efficient.Against Refinement could be better and the diesels have to be serviced often.Our pick 1.8 DI-D 3 2WDWhat Car? says
Most popular SUVs on whatcar.com
1 Mazda CX-5
2 BMW X3
3 Nissan Qashqai
4 Audi Q3
5 Hyundai ix35
6 Honda CR-VRanking based on most
searched-for cars on whatcar.com
Mitsubishi OutlanderPrice £23,879-£34,229
Target Price
£22,951-£32,897
MPG 48.7-53.3
CO2 138-153g/km
For It’s practical, with seven versatile seats and a big boot. The ride is generally comfortable.Against The cabin is dull and some rivals are more efficient. High-spec models are expensive.Our pick tbcWhat Car? says
Mitsubishi ShogunPrice £30,774-£43,474
Target Price
£28,564-£40,331
MPG 34.9-36.2
CO2 207-213g/km
For It’s superb off road and feels robust. It seats seven and gets lots of equipment.Against The ride is too uncultured on road and the Shogun doesn’t handle well. Refinement is so-so.Our pick 3.2 DI-DC 197 EquippeWhat Car? says
Nissan Pathfinder Price £32,945-£36,280
Target Price
£30,970-£34,101
MPG 33.2 CO2 224g/km
For Capable in the rough and its cabin has seven seats. Every version comes with plenty of equipment.Against It rides and handles like the pick-up it’s based on, and the engine is noisy and inflexible. Resale values are weak.Our pick 2.5 dCi 190 AcentaWhat Car? says
Nissan JukePrice £12,995-£22,600
Target Price
£12,995-£21,292
MPG 38.2-67.3
CO2 109-169g/km
For Strikingly styled small SUV that’s well equipped and attractively priced.Against The rear seats are cramped and the boot is small. It’s noisy, not great to drive and cabin quality isn’t a strong point.Our pick 1.6 92 Visia What Car? says
134 | OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
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SUVs A to Z
Subaru XVPrice £18,995-£27,695
Target Price
£18,995-£27,695
MPG 40.9-50.4
CO2 146-160g/km
For It handles well and the diesel engine offers strong performance. There’s lots of legroom in the back.Against Most rivals are cheaper to buy and own. Ride and refinement are poor at all speeds. Our pick 2.0D SEWhat Car? says
Subaru OutbackPrice £28,870-£32,375
Target Price
£26,879-£30,157
MPG 33.6-47.8
CO2 167-194g/km
For Comes with four-wheel drive and plenty of kit. The cabin is roomy and the diesel engine is flexible.Against The Outback costs more to buy and run than some, and it’s nothing special to sit in or drive.Our pick 2.0D SEWhat Car? says
Subaru ForesterPrice £24,995-£30,995
Target Price
£24,284-£30,118
MPG 33.2-49.6
CO2 150-197g/km
For Impressive off-road ability and cabin space. It also handles well and has plenty of equipment.Against It’s expensive, running costs are higher than most rivals’ and the cabin is plain.Our pick 2.0D XWhat Car? says
Skoda YetiPrice £15,140-£26,410
Target Price
£13,833-£24,095
MPG 35.3-61.4
CO2 119-189g/km
For Sharp steering and fine body control. The cabin is massive and the seating set-up is versatile.Against Too much wind and road noise, and the ride is jittery. Removable rear seats are heavy to lift.Our pick 1.2 TSI S 2WDWhat Car? says
Ssangyong KorandoPrice £14,995-£21,445
Target Price
£14,200-£20,308
MPG 44.1-47.1
CO2 157-169g/km
For Attractively styled and spacious enough for five adults. The diesel engine makes for swift progress.Against The diesel is also rattly and has high emissions, while the car’s handling disappoints. Our pick 2.0D SX 4WDWhat Car? says
Nissan X-TrailPrice £26,215-£31,700
Target Price
£24,188-£29,258
MPG 39.8-44.1
CO2 168-188g/km
For The X-Trail has a decent ride and composed handling. It’s better off road than many rivals.Against Rear-seat space isn’t as good as in some rival 4x4s, and access is restricted. Our pick 2.0 dCi 173 AcentaWhat Car? says
Peugeot 3008Price £17,400-£24,400
Target Price £14,745-£21,829
MPG 40.9-83.1
CO2 88-159g/km
For Excellent refinement, a classy interior, versatility and excellent engines. It’s a great family all-rounder.Against Rear kneeroom is tight and the ride and handling aren’t impressive unless you get a car with Dynamic Roll Control.Our pick 1.6 THP 156 Active What Car? says
Porsche CayennePrice £42,990-£86,896
Target Price
£42,990-£86,896
MPG 24.6-39.2
CO2 189-270g/km
For Handles brilliantly, it’s refined and performance is sensational. The cabin looks and feels classy, and there’s good space for five.Against The low-speed ride is unsettled and it’s costly to buy and run. Our pick 4.2 V8 Diesel SWhat Car? says
Peugeot 508 RXHPrice £33,895
Target Price £30,845
MPG 68.9 CO2 107g/km
For Low CO2 emissions make it tax-efficient. It switches smoothly from diesel to electric power.Against The semi-auto gearbox is slow and clunky, and the ride is unsettled. It’s expensive to buy and the batteries eat into the boot space.Our pick 2.0 HDi Hybrid4What Car? says
Peugeot 2008Price £12,995-£19,195
Target Price
£12,664-£18,697
MPG 47.9-74.3
CO2 98-135g/km
For It has a classy and practical interior, plus most versions are well equipped and cheap to run.Against It’s ordinary to drive and not everyone will be able to get comfortable behind the wheel.Our pick 1.2 VTi 82 ActiveWhat Car? says
Renault CapturPrice £12,495-£18,695
Target Price £12,379-£18,518
MPG 52.3-76.4
CO2 95-125g/km
For It looks quirky and handles better than many small SUVs. It’s good value and the boot is big.Against The ride is unsettled, the engines can struggle at speed and some cabin trim is hard.Our pick 1.5 dCi Dynamique Media NavWhat Car? says
Suzuki SX4Price £12,595-£17,699
Target Price £10,648-£14,917
MPG 45.6-53.3
CO2 139-149g/km
For The Suzuki SX4 is good to drive, decently equipped and attractively priced. It has the looks of a 4x4, but without the running costs.Against It doesn’t look as funky as other crossovers, the 1.6-litre petrol engine is noisy and the boot is small.Our pick 1.6 SZ3 2WDWhat Car? says
Suzuki Jimny Price £11,995-£13,295
Target Price £11,247-£12,461
MPG 39.8 CO2 162g/km
For It’s capable off road thanks to its low-ratio gearbox. It’s cheap and the warranty is good.Against There are too many shortcomings in the way it drives on the road; it’s very slow, the ride is too firm and it’s short of grip. Rear cabin space is tight.Our pick 1.3 SZ3What Car? says
Suzuki Grand VitaraPrice £15,995-£23,875
Target Price
£14,967-£22,296
MPG 31.3-41.5
CO2 179-208g/km
For It’s cheaper than many rivals and has genuine off-road ability.Against The ride is firm, the engines are noisy and there’s too much wind noise. It’s also costly to run and not very practical.Our pick 1.6 SZ3What Car? says
Nissan Qashqai/Qashqai +2Price £16,895-£28,850
Target Price
£15,505-£26,481
MPG 35.8-62.8
CO2 119-183g/km
For Funky styling, good prices and strong resale values. Refinement and comfort are impressive.Against Such a cushy ride means plenty of body lean. The 1.5-litre diesel is noisy.Our pick 1.6 dCi Ac’nta 2WD What Car? says
Toyota Land CruiserPrice £32,765-£52,915
Target Price
£30,385-£49,006
MPG 34.9 CO2 213-214g/km
For It’s practical, built to last and will take you wherever you want it to.Against It’s huge, so can be difficult to manoeuvre. It’s also not as agile as many rivals on road, and the four-cylinder diesel engine is rather weedy. Our pick 3.0 D-4D LC3What Car? says
Volkswagen
Passat AlltrackPrice £28,985-£31,760
Target Price
£26,427-£31,760
MPG 47.9-49.6
CO2 149-155g/km
For It’s practical, spacious, refined and comfortable, and is four-wheel drive.Against Prices are high, some of the cabin looks cheap and folding the rear seats flat is fiddly.Our pick 2.0 TDI 140What Car? says
Volvo XC90Price £36,865-£45,465
Target Price
£33,211-£37,776
MPG 34.4 CO2 215g/km
For A practical, seven-seat cabin that’s solid enough to deal with family life. The ride is smooth.Against It’s not as sharp to drive as some and the boomy diesel engine feels tardy at low revs. The rear two seats are for kids only.Our pick 2.4 D5 200 ESWhat Car? says
Toyota Land Cruiser V8Price £65,220
Target Price £60,394
MPG 29.7 CO2 250g/km
For Huge seven-seat cabin and a strong engine. It’s great off road, well built and has plenty of kit.Against Its sheer size can make it difficult to manoeuvre, and rivals are better on road. The cabin doesn’t feel special enough, either.Our pick 4.5 D-4DWhat Car? says
Volkswagen TiguanPrice £21,250-£29,215
Target Price
£19,546-£27,873
MPG 33.2-53.3
CO2 139-199g/km
For Fun to drive, thanks to responsive engines and a balanced chassis. It’s got a spacious and flexible cabin.Against It’s not cheap as some rivals and rear visibility isn’t great. Our pick 2.0 TDI 140 Bluemotion Technology SEWhat Car? says
Vauxhall AntaraPrice £19,785-£27,325
Target Price
£17,306-£23,786
MPG 32.1-46.3
CO2 160-206g/km
For Good passenger space and it is well equipped.Against It’s not as cheap or as good to drive as key rivals. The gearshift is clumsy and the diesel engine is flat at low revs. The boot is pretty small.Our pick 2.2 CDTi 163 Excl’vWhat Car? says
Vauxhall MokkaPrice £15,999-£23,699
Target Price
£15,704-£22,463
MPG 43.5-62.8
CO2 120-153g/km
For It looks good, has a fairly practical cabin and boot, and the cheaper versions are decent value.Against Rivals are more comfortable and more refined, and the diesel engine is noisy.Our pick 1.6 Tech LineWhat Car? says
Volvo XC70Price £32,795-£43,160
Target Price
£26,453-£36,535
MPG 26.7-53.3
CO2 139-248g/km
For It’s practical, well built and the four-wheel-drive models are decent off road.Against The ride is choppy around town and the steering is vague. The engines are noisy and the boot is rather shallow.Our pick 2.0 D4 SEWhat Car? says
Volvo XC60Price £30,735-£43,550
Target Price
£26,793-£38,986
MPG 26.4-53.3
CO2 139-249g/km
For It’s a smooth, quiet cruiser with plenty of power. There’s good space for five and a huge boot.Against The five-cylinder diesel engines could be quieter and the dashboard has some fiddly buttons.Our pick 2.0 D4 SE What Car? says
Toyota RAV4Price £22,595-£28,200
Target Price
£20,993-£26,197
MPG 39.2-57.6
CO2 127-167g/km
For There’s plenty of room for people and luggage, and most versions are well equipped.Against The diesel engines are noisy and the ride can be unsettled. The cabin is unappealing.Our pick 2.0 D-4D IconWhat Car? says
Volkswagen TouaregPrice £41,535-£60,625
Target Price
£36,753-£55,989
MPG 31.0-40.4
CO2 184-239g/km
For It’s cheaper to buy than most rivals and comes with lots of equipment. Against There’s no seven-seat model and it doesn’t feel special enough inside. Resale values don’t match the best in class.Our pick 3.0 V6 TDI SEWhat Car? says
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Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi Acenta ’08/58, £8505
Blends the practicality
and low running costs of
a small family car with
the high-rise visibility
of an SUV. It’s also
comfortable and refined.
Or try a…
Hyundai Santa Fe
2.2 CRTD CDX 7st,
’08/58, £9140
Spacious, practical,
reliable and a bargain.
UsedBestBuy
A to ZCoupésp
BestBuys
1 Audi TT 2.0 TFSI 211 Sport
2 Volkswagen Scirocco
1.4 TSI 1603 BMW 640d
M Sport
Aston Martin DB9Price £131,995
Target Price £131,995
MPG 19.8 CO2 333g/km
For Gorgeous looks and searing performance. The V12 engine has huge pull from low revs. The cabin is attractive and comfortable.Against The ride is firm and the steering is heavy at low speeds. The cramped rear seats are good only as extra luggage space.Our pick 5.9 V12What Car? says
Audi A5Price £28,845-£59,350
Target Price
£26,165-£59,350
MPG 26.9-64.2
CO2 115-246g/km
For Classy, solidly built and desirable. Performance is strong from all and the handling is composed.Against Rear leg- and headroom are tight. The ride is poor on S line models.Our pick 2.0 TDI 177 SEWhat Car? says
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Mercedes-Benz
E-Class CoupéPrice £35,095-£46,265
Target Price
£35,095-£46,265
MPG 37.2-60.1
CO2 123-177g/km
For It’s stylish, well built and has lots of kit. Running costs are competitive.Against Most models come with overly firm sports suspension as standard. The boot is oddly shaped.Our pick E220 CDI SEWhat Car? says
Mercedes-Benz CLPrice £95,525-£164,815
Target Price
£77,763-£145,025
MPG 19.5-29.4
CO2 227-334g/km
For An awesomely comfortable luxury coupé, with loads of style and deep reserves of power.Against It costs an awful lot to buy, and the big bills don’t stop there. Our pick CL500 CGI Blue EfficiencyWhat Car? says
Mercedes-Benz
C-Class CoupéPrice £30,450-£98,765
Target Price
£27,023-£98,765
MPG 23.5-68.9
CO2 109-280g/km
For A smart compact coupé with lots of luxury and safety equipment.Against Refinement, comfort and interior quality are disappointing.Our pick C350 CGI AMG SportWhat Car? says
Mini CoupéPrice £16,640-£26,350
Target Price
£16,048-£25,408
MPG 42.8-65.7
CO2 114-153g/km
For Has bags of style and is fun to drive. It’s more affordable than its rivals.Against There are just two seats, rear visibility is hopeless, and the diesel engine could be punchier and more refined.Our pick 1.6T Cooper SWhat Car? says
Maserati GranturismoPrice £82,140-£109,995
Target Price
£82,140-£109,995
MPG 19.6-19.8
CO2 330-337g/km
For It’s refined and fun to drive, with well-weighted steering and plenty of grip. There’s space for four, too.Against It’s costly to own, the ride is unsettled and rear visibility is poor. The 4.2 is short of low-rev pull.Our pick 4.7 V8 SportWhat Car? says
Infiniti G37 CoupéPrice £36,760-£41,840
Target Price
£34,866-£39,672
MPG 26.9 CO2 246g/km
For Quick, responsive, attractive and rare coupé. Rear seats are good for kids.Against Running costs, fuel consumption and emissions are high, while resale values could be low. The entry-level trim misses out on leather upholstery.Our pick 3.7 V6 G37 SWhat Car? says
Hyundai VelosterPrice £18,005-£22,120
Target Price
£16,697-£20,502
MPG 40.9-47.9
CO2 137-157g/km
For Cheaper than its rivals and has a handy extra door on the passenger side to make rear access easier.Against Numb steering and a fidgety ride. Refinement is poor and rear space is limited.Our pick 1.6 GDiWhat Car? says
Jaguar XKPrice £65,465-£97,465
Target Price
£57,652-£97,465
MPG 23.0-25.2
CO2 264-292g/km
For GT refinement and sports-car sharpness. It’s roomy in the front and the engines sound fabulous.Against It’s expensive to buy and run, and the rear seats are best used as just extra luggage space.Our pick 5.0 V8 XKWhat Car? says
Honda CR-ZPrice £20,750-£24,720
Target Price
£19,867-£23,232
MPG 54.3-56.5
CO2 116-122g/km
For It looks stunning, it’s fun to drive and is well equipped. The smooth petrol-electric hybrid system keeps costs low.Against Too much road noise, the ride is firm and the rear seats are useless.Our pick 1.5 i-VTEC SportWhat Car? says
Ferrari FFPrice £227,077
Target Price £227,077
MPG 18.3 CO2 360g/km
For Room for four and all their luggage. Sensational performance, brilliant four-wheel-drive traction and a supple ride.Against You won’t get much touring done between fuel stops. The brakes could do with being stronger, too.Our pick 6.3 V12What Car? says
BMW 1 Series CoupéPrice £22,600-£32,995
Target Price
£20,566-£28,779
MPG 33.2-62.8
CO2 118-198g/km
For Fun to drive, with good steering feedback. The diesels are frugal and the driving position is spot-on.Against The lower-powered petrol engines need to be worked hard. M Sport models ride firmly.Our pick 120d SEWhat Car? says
BMW 3 Series CoupéPrice £27,235-£54,980
Target Price
£24,704-£51,598
MPG 22.8-60.1
CO2 125-290g/km
For It’s good to drive and has impressive engines. There’s space for four and a reasonable boot. The cabin is classy and well made.Against Its looks are conservative and it rides too firmly. Our pick 335i SEWhat Car? says
BMW 6 SeriesPrice £59,880-£93,845
Target Price
£53,154-£88,878
MPG 28.5-52.3
CO2 144-232g/km
For Can cover large distances with ease, helped by the punchy, refined engines. Cabin is stylish.Against Not thrilling to drive; the 6 Series is best as a high-speed cruiser. The rear seats are just for kids.Our pick 640d M SportWhat Car? says
Bentley Continental GTPrice £123,850-£151,100
Target Price
£123,850-£151,100
MPG 19.5-26.9
CO2 246-385g/km
For Effortless pace, and provides all the comfort and class you’d want. The V8 feels genuinely agile.Against This big Bentley doesn’t come cheap, to buy or to run. The refinement is a little disappointing.Our pick 4.0 V8What Car? says
Audi TTPrice £24,075-£48,945
Target Price
£22,079-£48,945
MPG 31.4-53.3
CO2 139-209g/km
For As good to drive as it is to look at and it’s well built. The cheaper models are affordable to own.Against It’s popular, so you won’t be alone in having one. Models higher up the range aren’t great value. Our pick 2.0 TFSI 211 Sport What Car? says
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whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 137
Vauxhall Astra GTCPrice £19,045-£27,010
Target Price
£16,777-£23,792
MPG 34.9-68.9
CO2 109-189g/km
For Affordable coupé that’s practical, good to drive and has plenty of safety kit.Against Resale values aren’t particularly strong. The 1.4-litre petrol engine is boomy and the diesels are clattery. Our pick 1.6T 180 SportWhat Car? says
Volkswagen SciroccoPrice £20,275-£33,135
Target Price
£18,602-£31,879
MPG 34.9-62.8
CO2 118-189g/km
For Has sharp styling and drives sweetly, with grippy handling, precise steering and fine engines. Against Its few drawbacks are limited to the cramped headroom in the rear and the dinky boot. Our pick 1.4 TSI 160 What Car? says
UsedBestBuy
A to ZSports carsp
BestBuys
1 Porsche Boxster
2.72 Porsche 911 Carrera PDK3 McLaren 12C Spider
Aston Martin Vantage Coupé/RoadsterPrice £84,995-£150,000
Target Price
£84,995-£150,000
MPG 17.3-21.9
CO2 299-388g/km
For Looks great and handles well, while the engines sound fabulous.Against Heavy controls can make it a struggle to drive and it’s hard to see out of at angled junctions.Our pick V8 Vantage CoupéWhat Car? says
Rolls-Royce
Phantom CoupéPrice £313,200
Target Price £313,200
MPG 18.0 CO2 377g/km
For Refined, hugely comfortable and very fast, featuring a hand-finished interior that’s built to the highest standards.Against Rear visibility is cut by a swooping roofline, a slot of a rear window and tiny rear-view mirrors.Our pick 6.75 V12What Car? says
Aston Martin
VanquishPrice £189,995
Target Price £189,995
MPG 19.6 CO2 335g/km
For It’s hugely fast, yet also cultured and civilised. The steering is accurate, and the interior looks and feels very classy.Against Many rivals are more exciting to drive and the ride can get turbulent on poor surfaces.Our pick 5.9 V12What Car? says
Renault Mégane CoupéPrice £17,050-£26,455
Target Price
£14,402-£22,289
MPG 37.7-80.7
CO2 90-174g/km
For It’s keenly priced, handles well and comes with lots of kit. The smaller engines are economical.Against There’s not much room in the rear. Its resale values aren’t strong.Our pick Renaultsport 2.0T 265 CupWhat Car? says
Mini PacemanPrice £18,975-£29,545
Target Price
£18,526-£29,545
MPG 38.2-64.2
CO2 115-172g/km
For Resists body roll well and is pretty comfortable. It gives you a slightly raised driving position.Against Neither as good to drive nor as classy as rivals. There’s too much wind and road noise.Our pick 1.6T Cooper SWhat Car? says
Peugeot RCZPrice £21,600-£26,385
Target Price
£20,381-£24,887
MPG 42.1-53.2
CO2 139-155g/km
For The RCZ looks the part, with its double-bubble roof and distorted rear window. It has a classy cabin, too.Against It’s disappointing to drive, the tiny rear seats are next to useless and resale values aren’t great.Our pick 1.6 THP 156 GTWhat Car? says
Audi R8/R8 SpyderPrice £92,710-£125,810
Target Price
£92,710-£125,810
MPG 19.0-19.9
CO2 332-349g/km
For Mixes staggering performance and brilliant handling with everyday useability and decent refinement.Against The switchgear and infotainment system are starting to look dated.Our pick 5.2 V10What Car? says
Ferrari 458 Italia/458 SpiderPrice £178,461-£198,906
Target Price
£178,461-£198,906
MPG 21.2-23.9
CO2 275-307g/km
For Awesome pace and chassis makes any driver feel special. The Spider convertible is intoxicating. Against The steering wheel buttons may confuse. View at angled junctions is poor.Our pick 4.5 V8 Italia What Car? says
Ferrari F12 BerlinettaPrice £250,000
Target Price £250,000
MPG 18.8 CO2 350g/km
For Towering performance and beautifully balanced handling. Reasonable ride comfort and decent high-speed refinement make it a fine tourer.Against It’s incredibly expensive and the quick steering can make the F12 feel nervous.Our pick 6.3 V12What Car? says
Jaguar F-typePrice £58,250-£79,985
Target Price £58,250-£79,985
MPG 25.5-31.4
CO2 209-259g/km
For It looks stunning, plus most versions are seriously rapid, great to listen to and involving to drive.Against The entry-level model looks overpriced and is nowhere near as fun as the pricier versions. The boot is small.Our pick 3.0 V6 SWhat Car? says
Audi TT 2.0 TFSI’08/08, £12,105
The TT looks great inside
and out, it’s fantastic to
drive and the turbo petrol
engine is punchy. To top
it all, it’s also reasonably
cheap to run.
Or try a…
Jaguar XK 4.2
’08/08, £20,945
The XK is a superb blend
of sports coupé and
grand tourer, and a
bargain at this price.
Lamborghini
AventadorPrice £242,280
Target Price £242,280
MPG 16.4 CO2 398g/km
For Scintillating performance and handling. Nothing else looks, feels or sounds like it. Against It’s not easy to get comfortable behind the wheel. Ferrari and McLaren are cheaper and demand fewer compromises.Our pick 6.5 LP700-4What Car? says
138 | OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
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Toyota GT86Price £24,995-£31,495
Target Price
£23,534-£30,588
MPG 36.2 CO2 181g/km
For Sharp handling and positive controls make it fun to drive. You get lots of equipment for the money.Against Performance is flat unless you thrash the engine. The cabin plastics look cheap and the rear seats are tiny.Our pick 2.0What Car? says
Subaru BRZPrice £24,995-£26,495
Target Price
£24,407-£25,871
MPG 36.2 CO2 181g/km
For It’s fun to drive, with sharp handling and crisp responses. It’s also well equipped and affordable.Against You need to thrash the engine and the interior looks pretty cheap. It’s not as practical as other four-seat rivals.Our pick 2.0 SEWhat Car? says
Porsche BoxsterPrice £37,589-£45,384
Target Price
£37,589-£45,384
MPG 32.1-34.4
CO2 192-206g/km
For Huge grip, agile responses and great pace. It’s practical, quiet with the roof up and economical.Against You’ll pay extra for items such as a wind deflector, and the ride is firm on 20-inch wheels.Our pick 2.7What Car? says
Porsche 911/911 Cabriolet Price £71,449-£96,619
Target Price
£71,449-£96,619
MPG 28.2-31.4
CO2 212-236g/km
For It’s seriously rapid and grippy, yet also refined and comfortable. The cabin is well finished. Against Steering doesn’t offer enough feedback and standard kit isn’t generous.Our pick 3.4 Carrera PDK What Car? says
Porsche CaymanPrice £39,694-£48,783
Target Price
£39,694-£48,783
MPG 32.1-34.4
CO2 192-206g/km
For Combines sublime, involving handling with a classy cabin and decent practicality. It’ll hold its value well, too.Against The standard kit list is stingy and there’s too much road noise.Our pick 2.7What Car? says
Nissan GT-R Price £76,610-£86,615
Target Price
£76,610-£86,615
MPG 24.0 CO2 275g/km
For All the power and acceleration you can handle, plus first-class grip, lightning-quick handling and edgy styling.Against The rear seats are very tight for space. The cost of tax, insurance, fuel and tyres will be high.Our pick 3.8T V6What Car? says
Nissan 370Z/370Z RoadsterPrice £30,000-£35,415
Target Price
£28,219-£33,316
MPG 25.2-26.6
CO2 248-262g/km
For Sharp looks, muscular performance and lots of kit at a competitive price.Against It’s noisy, costly to run and neither as good or drive nor as practical as most rivals.Our pick 3.7 V6What Car? says
McLaren 12C/12C SpiderPrice £176,000-£195,500
Target Price
£176,000-£195,500
MPG 24.2 CO2 279g/km
For Jaw-dropping speed, incredible composure and grip, and a superb ride. It’s efficient for a supercar.Against You don’t engage with it as you do a Ferrari 458. It’s a bit blustery in the Spider with the roof down.Our pick 12C SpiderWhat Car? says
Mercedes-Benz
SLS/SLS Roadster Price £168,485-£176,985
Target Price
£168,485-£176,985
MPG 21.4 CO2 308g/km
For It has vast performance and awesome grip. The engine makes a glorious noise, and the Roadster lets you hear it that bit better.Against The interior isn’t special and those gullwing doors are impractical.Our pick 6.2 V8 AMGWhat Car? says
Mazda MX-5/MX-5 Roadster-Coupé
Price £18,495-£23,095
Target Price £16,717-£21,539
MPG 36.2-39.8
CO2 167-181g/km
For All the fun and style you’d want from a roadster. It’s also well made and cheap to buy.Against The engines are short of low-rev pull and can be boomy. Rivals are cheaper to run.Our pick 1.8 SE What Car? says
Lotus ExigePrice £54,610
Target Price £54,610
MPG 28.0 CO2 236g/km
For It’s exhilarating to drive, with phenomenal grip, handling and performance. It looks every inch the compact supercar.Against It’s expensive, cramped and the cabin is dated. You need to be as supple as a wet rag to get in and out.Our pick 3.5 V6 SWhat Car? says
Lotus EvoraPrice £53,080-£64,190
Target Price
£53,080-£64,190
MPG 28.7-30.3
CO2 217-229g/km
For A heady mix of stunning performance, control and comfort. It’s also fairly cheap to run.Against The rear seats in the 2+2 are too cramped, and the instruments are hard to read.Our pick 3.5 V6 What Car? says
Lamborghini Gallardo/Gallardo SpyderPrice £157,668-£188,388
Target Price
£157,668-£188,388
MPG 18.8-20.9
CO2 319-351g/km
For A howling V10 engine and superb body control. For even more drama, there’s the soft-top Spyder.Against Harsh ride and the semi-auto gearbox is jerky. Terrible driving position.Our pick 5.2 V10 LP560-4What Car? says
Lotus ElisePrice £28,580-£37,205
Target Price
£28,580-£37,205
MPG 37.5-45.0
CO2 149-175g/km
For Sensational handling, sublime steering and stunning grip.Against Could be faster. The refinement and hood design let the side down. It’s short of security and safety equipment. Our pick 1.6What Car? says
Most popular sports cars on whatcar.com
1 Porsche Cayman
2 Porsche 911
3 Audi R8
4 Nissan GT-R
5 Toyota GT86
6 Subaru BRZRanking based on most
searched-for cars on whatcar.com
Mazda 3 MPSPrice £23,995
Target Price £22,967
MPG 30.1 CO2 219g/km
For Stunningly quick and stuffed with kit, and it’s practical enough for the hooligan with a family.Against The steering wheel writhes when you accelerate hard, the throttle response is sloppy and the cabin is dull. It’s also very expensive to run.Our pick 2.3 MPSWhat Car? says
Ford Fiesta STPrice £16,995-£17,995
Target Price
£15,844-£16,776
MPG 47.9 CO2 138g/km
For It’s sensational to drive when you want some fun, yet civilised when you want to take things more sedately. It’s also a bargain.Against Rear legroom is tight and getting into the back is tricky because the front seats are bulky.Our pick 1.6T STWhat Car? says
Ford Focus STPrice £21,995-£25,495
Target Price
£20,512-£23,773
MPG 39.2 CO2 169g/km
For Delivers serious punch and has masses of grip and superb body control. It’s also comfortable and impressive value.Against The turning circle is wide and the power can make the steering wheel squirm in your hands.Our pick 2.0T STWhat Car? says
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A to ZHot hatches
BestBuys
1 Ford Focus ST2 Renault
Mégane Renaultsport
265 Cup3 Suzuki Swift 1.6 Sport
Alfa Romeo Mito Quadrifoglio VerdePrice £18,765
Target Price £17,573
MPG 47.1 CO2 139g/km
For The engine is punchy and smooth, and economy and CO2 emissions are impressively low.Against It’s nowhere near as good to drive as rivals. There’s too much wind and road noise, and the rear seats are cramped.Our pick 1.4 170 Qu’ VerdeWhat Car? says
Alfa Romeo Giulietta CloverleafPrice £25,530
Target Price £23,483
MPG 37.2 CO2 177g/km
For It’s fast enough to keep you entertained and is one of the most stylish hot hatches around.Against Compared with similarly priced rivals, it’s average to drive. It’s also tricky to get comfortable behind the wheel.Our pick 1750 TBi Cloverl’fWhat Car? says
Audi S3Price £30,640-£31,260
Target Price
£30,640-£31,260
MPG 40.4 CO2 162g/km
For It’s seriously rapid and confidence inspiring, yet refined and comfortable with it. It’s also classy, practical and reasonably cheap to run.Against It could be more involving to drive and the seats more supportive.Our pick 2.0T S3What Car? says
Citroën DS3 1.6 THP 155Price £17,475-£21,345
Target Price
£16,261-£19,932
MPG 47.1 CO2 135g/km
For It’s quick and has lots of equipment. It also looks distinctive and you can personalise it to your heart’s content.Against A Mini is more fun to drive, the steering is short of feel and there’s not much rear-seat space.Our pick 1.6 THP 155 DSportWhat Car? says
Mercedes-Benz
A250/A45 AMGPrice £27,105-£37,845
Target Price
£26,397-£37,845
MPG 40.9-45.6
CO2 145-161g/km
For The A45 is seriously rapid and both versions handle well.Against They’re expensive, the ride is firm and the automatic gearbox isn’t the slickest.Our pick A45 AMGWhat Car? says
Mazda MX-5 2.0’08/08, £6830
The MX-5 is one of the
best cars to drive,
regardless of budget or
badge. It’s also reliable
and cheap to run.
Or try a…
Porsche Boxster 2.7
’05/05, £10,195
Fast when you want it to
be, yet comfortable and
refined when you need it
to be, the Boxster is an
everyday sports car.
UsedBestBuy
Fiat 500 AbarthPrice £14,205
Target Price £14,205
MPG 43.5 CO2 155g/km
For Mini hot hatches don’t come more stylish than the this. It’s fun to drive and you get lots of luxury kit.Against It’s pricier than some rivals, and while it’s fun to drive, it’s not exactly polished. The ride is too firm and the driving position feels awkward.Our pick 1.4 T-Jet AbarthWhat Car? says
Mini Cooper S/JCWPrice £18,185-£28,795
Target Price
£17,369-£27,488
MPG 42.8-48.7
CO2 136-153g/km
For Bags of performance from any revs and it’s an absolute hoot in corners. It’s also stylish and affordable to run.Against You won’t get much kit as standard or much luggage in the boot.Our pick 1.6T Cooper SWhat Car? says
BMW 125i/135iPrice £25,755-£31,100
Target Price
£23,776-£28,723
MPG 35.3-42.8
CO2 154-188g/km
For Strong performance from any revs and the ride is smooth for something so fast. Considering the power, the 135i is a bargain.Against Pedals are offset to the right and it looks too similar to a normal 1 Series.Our pick 135i 5drWhat Car? says
Kia Procee’d GTPrice £19,995-£23,995
Target Price
£19,995-£23,995
MPG 38.2 CO2 171g/km
For It’s brisk, comfortable and well equipped. There’s lots of space in the classy cabin, plus a big boot.Against It doesn’t feel especially agile or focused, and the steering is vague. Rivals have far better economy and CO2 figures.Our pick 1.6 T-GDi What Car? says
Nissan Juke NismoPrice £20,395-£22,600
Target Price £19,210-£21,292
MPG 38.2-40.9
CO2 159-169g/km
For Fast once the turbo kicks in, the seats are supportive and comfortable, and the standard kit list is long.Against Poor steering, body control and ride. It’s expensive and parts of the cabin look and feel cheap.Our pick 1.6T NismoWhat Car? says
UsedBestBuy
140 | OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
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Aston Martin
DB9 VolantePrice £141,995
Target Price £141,995
MPG 19.8 CO2 333g/km
For Sensational looks beaten only by the sound of the growling V12 engine.Against Bumps send shudders through the Volante’s structure and the ride could be smoother. Rear visibility is woeful with the roof up.Our pick 5.9 V12What Car? says
A to ZOpen-top cars
BestBuys
1 Mini Roadster 1.6T Cooper S
2 Audi TT Roadster
2.0 TFSI 211 Sport3 BMW 6 Series
Convertible 640d SE
Vauxhall Corsa VXRPrice £18,995-£22,390
Target Price
£17,501-£20,617
MPG 37.2-38.7
CO2 172-178g/km
For Seriously quick, thanks to its 1.6-litre turbo engine. The handling is sharp and it’s refined at speed. The cabin is classy.Against It can’t match a Renault Clio Cup for fun. Resale values are weak-ish.Our pick 1.6T VXRWhat Car? says
Volkswagen Golf2.0 GTI 5dr’07/57, £8615
Combines agile handling
and strong performance
with a supple ride and
impressive refinement.
It’s also practical.
Or try a…
Ford Focus 2.5 ST2 5dr
’08/08, £8570
In-your-face styling,
222bhp and a raucous
exhaust note. At this
price, it’s superb value.
Volkswagen Polo GTIPrice £19,570-£20,190
Target Price
£18,371-£18,951
MPG 47.9 CO2 139g/km
For Offers fast and flexible performance, a slick automatic gearbox and composed handling. The cabin is spacious.Against It could be more fun to drive, it’s expensive to buy and the boot is a little shallow. Our pick 1.4 TSI 180 GTI 3drWhat Car? says
Suzuki Swift SportPrice £13,749-£14,249
Target Price £11,610-£14,249
MPG 44.1 CO2 147g/km
For Loves to be thrashed, helped by a rev-hungry engine and snappy gearchange. It’s keenly priced and loaded with kit.Against The cabin looks plain, so there’s none of the ‘wow’ factor that hot hatch buyers crave. It’s not the fastest hot hatch, either.Our pick 1.6 SportWhat Car? says
Vauxhall Astra VXRPrice £27,010
Target Price £23,792
MPG 34.9 CO2 189g/km
For It’s a fast, comfortable and refined hot hatch with a surprisingly spacious interior.Against It has vague steering and unruly handling. It’s expensive to buy, rear visibility is poor and the dashboard is cluttered with buttons.Our pick 2.0T VXRWhat Car? says
Skoda Octavia vRSPrice £22,990-£24,060
Target Price
£22,990-£24,060
MPG 45.6-61.4
CO2 119-142g/km
For It’s effortlessly quick and has a huge cabin and boot. It’s also well kitted.Against The ride is crashy and there’s a lot of road noise. It doesn’t handle as well as rivals, either.Our pick 2.0 TDI 184 vRS EstateWhat Car? says
Renault Mégane RenaultsportPrice £25,255-£26,455
Target Price
£21,285-£22,289
MPG 37.7 CO2 174g/km
For Offers a scintillating mix of power, poise and precision, and bristles with feel. It’s pretty refined, too.Against The ride is firm, rear headroom is limited and over-the-shoulder visibility is poor.Our pick 2.0T 265 Cup What Car? says
Renault Twingo RenaultsportPrice £13,770
Target Price £13,325
MPG 43.5 CO2 150g/km
For The 1.6-litre engine loves to be thrashed, and the suspension is tuned to hold the body flat through corners, but has enough give to soak up the bumps.Against It’s noisy, has a plain cabin and the driving position won’t suit all.Our pick 1.6 Ren’ltsport 133 What Car? says
Seat Ibiza CupraPrice £18,575
Target Price £16,035
MPG 47.9 CO2 139g/km
For It’s quick and effortless to drive, thanks to the punchy 1.4-litre engine and standard automatic gearbox. It’s refined, too.Against The Cupra isn’t much fun to drive and it’s expensive to buy. The steering doesn’t inspire much confidence, either.Our pick 1.4 TSI 180 CupraWhat Car? says
Renault Clio RenaultsportPrice £18,995-£19,995
Target Price
£18,282-£19,995
MPG 44.8 CO2 144g/km
For It’s fast and grippy, and the engine sounds great. It’s also comfortable and refined for a hot hatch.Against Some of the auto gearbox’s gears are widely spaced and the seats aren’t supportive enough.Our pick 1.6T 200 What Car? says
Volkswagen Golf GTIPrice £25,845-£26,500
Target Price
£24,861-£25,491
MPG 47.1 CO2 139g/km
For It’s fast and fun when you want it to be, yet comfortable and easy to live with when you don’t. Running costs aren’t too high, and it’s also practical and classy inside.Against It’s pricey to buy compared with rivals.Our pick 2.0 TSI 220 GTI 3drWhat Car? says
Peugeot 208 GTiPrice £18,895
Target Price £18,895
MPG 47.9 CO2 139g/km
For It’s seriously quick if you keep the revs up, and the ride is comfortable for a hot hatch. The plush cabin looks suitably sporty.Against The driving position won’t suit everyone, the handling is sloppy and the steering is inconsistently weighted.Our pick 1.6T GTi What Car? says
Skoda Fabia vRSPrice £17,150-£18,000
Target Price £15,057-£15,798
MPG 45.6 CO2 148g/km
For Strong performance and a slick automatic gearbox. It’s spacious and well priced, too.Against Most rivals are more fun and there’s a lot of wind noise. It’s easy to mistake it for more humdrum Fabias and the interior is desperately dull.Our pick 1.4 TSI 180 vRSWhat Car? says
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 141
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OPEN-TOP CARS A to Z
BMW 3 Series ConvertiblePrice £33,935-£59,075
Target Price
£31,240-£55,433
MPG 22.2-55.4
CO2 135-297g/km
For It’s as good to drive as it is to look at. It’s superbly built, there’s a choice of excellent engines and resale values are strong.Against The folding roof impinges on space. Our pick 325i SE What Car? says
BMW 6 Series ConvertiblePrice £66,010-£99,045
Target Price
£59,104-£93,798
MPG 27.4-50.4
CO2 148-239g/km
For The engines are powerful and sound great. Impressive refinement and a good ride at speed.Against It’s pricey, the low-speed ride is firm and rear-seat space is tight.Our pick 640d SEWhat Car? says
BMW 1 Series ConvertiblePrice £24,935-£36,140
Target Price
£23,233-£33,048
MPG 32.8-57.6
CO2 127-200g/km
For It’s enjoyable to drive, the diesels are frugal and the larger engines have plenty of power. Against The lower-powered petrol engines need to be worked hard.Our pick 120d SEWhat Car? says
Fiat 500CPrice £12,960-£19,060
Target Price £12,472-£18,333
MPG 43.5-72.4
CO2 95-155g/km
For The 500C is desirable, cheap to run and full of character. The rear seats offer adult-sized space.Against It’s slow, especially with the 1.2 petrol engine, and it’s not really a full convertible, because the roof pillars remain in place.Our pick 1.2 Pop S/SWhat Car? says
Bentley
Continental GTCPrice £136,250-£167,900
Target Price
£136,250-£167,900
MPG 19.0-25.9
CO2 254-347g/km
For Serious visual drama, mighty performance and capable handling. Refined and hugely luxurious.Against Costs big money to buy and run. The ride could be better at low speeds.Our pick 4.0 V8What Car? says
Ferrari CaliforniaPrice £152,086
Target Price £152,086
MPG 21.6 CO2 270g/km
For It’s the most usable Ferrari on sale, thanks to its folding metal roof. The ride is supple.Against It doesn’t work as a two-plus-two – just accept it as a practical two-seater. Avoid the optional HS package, which makes the car too skittish.Our pick 4.3 V8What Car? says
BMW Z4
Price £29,715-£45,815
Target Price
£27,666-£39,369
MPG 30.1-41.5
CO2 159-219g/km
For The Z4 is good to drive, with strong engines, capable handling and a supple ride.Against The steering doesn’t have enough feel. Boot space is limited with the roof down.Our pick sDrive20i What Car? says
Citroën DS3 Cabrio
Price £15,205-£19,840
Target Price £14,101-£18,504
MPG 47.9-57.6
CO2 112-137g/km
For The cabin is chic, classy and decently practical. The DS3 Cabrio is good to drive and there are lots of ways to personalise it.Against The roof pillars stay in place, so it’s not a full open-top. Rear vision is awful with the roof down.Our pick tbcWhat Car? says
Jaguar XK ConvertiblePrice £71,465-£103,465
Target Price
£62,918-£103,465
MPG 23.0-25.2
CO2 264-292g/km
For The V8 engines’ power and sound will thrill you. The Convertible handles almost as well as the coupé.Against It isn’t as stiff as the coupé, so doesn’t ride as smoothly. High running costs match the price.Our pick 5.0 V8 XKWhat Car? says
Maserati GrancabrioPrice £98,200-£102,615
Target Price
£98,200-£102,615
MPG 18.5-19.5
CO2 337-354g/km
For Few cars do four-seat open-top luxury on a grander scale. The V8 engine sounds fantastic.Against The boot is minuscule and there’s too much body shake across poor roads. Our pick 4.7 V8 SportWhat Car? says
Infiniti G37 Coupé CabrioletPrice £45,705
Target Price £43,341
MPG 24.8 CO2 264g/km
For It is well made and packed with equipment. It’s an interesting, good-looking alternative.Against It’s better to look at than it is to drive – there’s too much body shake and performance disappoints.Our pick 3.7 V6 G37 GT PremiumWhat Car? says
Audi TT RoadsterPrice £26,370-£51,205
Target Price
£24,306-£51,205
MPG 31.0-51.4
CO2 144-212g/km
For The TT is fast and great fun to drive. It’s solidly built, and neatly designed. Its resale values are good.Against Over-the-shoulder vision is compromised when the roof is up, and the boot is shallow.Our pick 2.0 TFSI 211 Sport What Car? says
Audi A5 CabrioletPrice £31,965-£68,985
Target Price
£29,065-£68,985
MPG 26.4-58.9
CO2 126-249g/km
For It’s as classy and desirable as you’d expect an Audi to be, yet also surprisingly practical.Against An unsettled ride, body shake and rubbery steering. Roof down, there’s too much buffeting.Our pick 1.8 TFSI 170 SEWhat Car? says
Mercedes-Benz
E-Class CabrioletPrice £38,465-£49,635
Target Price
£38,465-£49,635
MPG 35.8-57.7
CO2 127-185g/km
For It’s relaxing to drive and classy, and bluster-free with the roof down.Against Most versions don’t ride well enough. The boot is an awkward shape.Our pick E350 Bluetec AMG SportWhat Car? says
Most popular open-tops on whatcar.com
Ranking based on most
searched-for cars on whatcar.com
1 BMW Z4
2 Mercedes E-Class
3 BMW 3 Series
4 Mercedes SLK
5 VW Eos
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 143
Mercedes-Benz SLPrice £72,530-£168,285
Target Price
£66,129-£158,162
MPG 24.4-37.7
CO2 176-270g/km
For Combines stunning performance, a supple ride, balanced handling and superb refinement. Plenty of space and equipment.Against It’s costly to run and some of the controls are fiddly.Our pick SL350What Car? says
OPEN-TOP CARS A to ZO
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Mercedes-Benz SLKPrice £30,345-£55,335
Target Price
£27,123-£51,213
MPG 33.6-56.5
CO2 132-195g/km
For Sharp-looking, all-seasons roadster with lots of luxury and safety equipment as standard. Against The four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines are coarse and noisy, and the handling is sloppy. Our pick 200 CGIWhat Car? says
Mini ConvertiblePrice £16,075-£27,765
Target Price
£15,282-£26,506
MPG 38.7-70.6
CO2 105-169g/km
For All the open-top driving thrills you’d want and resale values are high.Against The ride is firm and the Convertible isn’t as sharp to drive as the hatchback. Rear visibility is poor with the roof down.Our pick 1.6 CooperWhat Car? says
Mini RoadsterPrice £18,055-£24,790
Target Price
£17,714-£24,318
MPG 41.5-62.8
CO2 118-157g/km
For It’s stylish and has agile handling and low running costs. It’s also more affordable than its rivals.Against There’s wind noise with the roof up and buffeting with it down. Rear visibility is poor.Our pick 1.6T Cooper SWhat Car? says
Renault Mégane Coupé-CabrioletPrice £24,655-£25,095
Target Price
£20,783-£21,105
MPG 38.7-64.2
CO2 115-169g/km
For Stylish and well-kitted, it features a full-length glass folding roof. Against It feels heavy on twisty roads, and it’s cramped in the back.Our pick 1.4 TCe 130 Dynamique TomTomWhat Car? says
Peugeot 308 CCPrice £22,650-£27,350
Target Price
£19,627-£23,887
MPG 39.2-57.5
CO2 128-167g/km
For The 308 CC is well built. It has some good engines and is well equipped.Against The CC’s weight affects its performance. It feels shaky with the roof down and it’s not a four- seater, as Peugeot claims.Our pick 1.6 THP 156 ActiveWhat Car? says
Peugeot 207 CCPrice £16,800-£20,295
Target Price
£14,897-£18,232
MPG 38.2-58.9
CO2 124-170g/km
For Well equipped, and blends hard-top coupé and convertible. Good ride and handling on smooth roads.Against It’s heavy, which dents performance. There’s too much wind noise with the roof up.Our pick 1.6 VTi ActiveWhat Car? says
Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead CoupéPrice £332,400
Target Price £332,400
MPG 18.0 CO2 377g/km
For Rolls-Royce’s most exclusive model. It has beautiful wood decking on the rear and the thick fabric roof keeps things suitably quiet in the cabin.Against Things get very blustery with the top down and rear visibility is poor.Our pick 6.75 V12What Car? says
Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet Price £21,325-£33,170
Target Price
£19,560-£33,170
MPG 34.4-64.2
CO2 117-190g/km
For Enjoyable to drive and most versions are cheap to run. There’s space for four in the cabin.Against The body flexes over bumps, and there’s too much wind noise. Our pick 1.4 TSI 122 SEWhat Car? says
Volvo C70 Price £32,560-£39,545
Target Price
£29,603-£35,979
MPG 30.1-47.9
CO2 154-219g/km
For The luxurious and spacious cabin has room for four, and the boot is big. Against Doesn’t cope well with bumps or handle sharply, and the more powerful cars struggle to put down their power. Our pick 2.0 D3 SEWhat Car? says
Volkswagen Eos Price £26,615-£30,335
Target Price
£24,465-£27,861
MPG 39.8-58.9
CO2 125-165g/km
For It’s good to drive, has plenty of rear-seat space and superb build quality. It transforms from a coupé to a cabriolet in a jiffy.Against It’s pricey, while dropping the roof almost halves the boot space.Our pick 1.4 TSI 160 SportWhat Car? says
Smart Fortwo CabrioletPrice £11,075-£16,875
Target Price
£10,260-£15,890
MPG 54.3-85.6
CO2 86-119g/km
For Great for life in urban areas. Running costs and emissions are very low.Against It’s uncomfortable, noisy and struggles to perform at higher speeds. It costs much more than the coupé.Our pick 1.0 70 PassionWhat Car? says
Vauxhall CascadaPrice £23,995-£29,085
Target Price £22,355-£27,083
MPG 39.2-54.3
CO2 138-168g/km
For There’s space for four adults in the roomy cabin. You get lots of equipment and refinement is good.Against It’s heavy, so the lower-powered engines have to be worked hard. It’s expensive compared with similarly spacious rivals.Our pick 2.0 CDTi 165 SEWhat Car? says
Audi TT Roadster 2.0 TFSI’08/08, £13,000
Fast and thrilling, yet also
effortless to drive, the TT
is a fantastic open-top. It’s
classy, too, and won’t cost
a huge amount to run.
Or try a…
Nissan 350Z Roadster
’07/57, £9690
With rear-wheel drive
and a brawny V6 engine,
the 350Z makes every
journey fun.
UsedBestBuy
Volkswagen Beetle CabrioletPrice £18,405-£26,845
Target Price
£17,022-£26,845
MPG 37.7-62.8
CO2 118-174g/km
For It looks like nothing else. Good space up front and a decent-sized boot.Against Rear visibility is poor and there’s not much space in the rear seats. The low-speed ride is firm.Our pick 1.2 TSI 105 DesignWhat Car? says
All the facts and figures on every new car
Buyer’sguide
Price indexEvery new car on sale today, listed in price order
Shopping@ What Car?Look here for leasing, dealers, new car brokers and more
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New car buyer’s guideHow our data works – including what every car should cost with our Target Price, plus our True MPG service, which gives you real-world fuel economy figures
New car prices anddata184,000 essential car-buying facts – it’s Britain’s biggest and best new car data section
whatcar.com OCTOBER 2013 | 147
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TrueMPG
Verdict and prices
Running costs
Performance and data
Equipment
HO
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HOW TO USE THE BUYER’S GUIDE
Your guide to new carsGet the most from our exclusive car-buying facts and stats
VERDICT Our road test reviews are the standard
by which the car industry judges new cars.
Our ratings are:
�Outstanding
�Good
�Average
�Below par
�Poor
PRICE ON THE ROAD The price set by car makers,
including delivery and the variable rate of Vehicle
Excise Duty (VED). All prices include VAT at 20%.
THREE-YEAR COST @ 36,000 MILES The overall
cost of running the car over three years/36,000
miles. Includes Target Price, retained value,
insurance, road tax, servicing and fuel.
CONTRACT HIRE We include indicative
monthly contract hire rental prices supplied by
Wessex Fleet Solutions. These are based on
a three-year/36,000-mile contract, excluding
maintenance and VED. Rentals can vary to reflect
temporary discounts on the purchase price or
maintenance. For quotes, call Wessex Fleet
Solutions on 01722 322888.
PERFORMANCE FIGURES
Our figures show acceleration
(0-60mph) and top speed,
as well as power output and
torque (pulling power). Most of
the performance figures are set
by the vehicle manufacturers.
Please note that some manufacturers’ acceleration
figures represent 0-62mph (0-100kph). Figures in
bold type represent What Car? road test results.
If you are choosing an automatic gearbox as
a cost option, please consult your dealer for
performance data.WHAT CAR? TARGET PRICE
Most main dealers will be
prepared to offer you a discount;
Target Price tells you how low
they should be able to go. If your
dealer won’t match it, we’ll tell you
one who will: call 0845 527 6394.
All Target Prices are correct at the
time of going to press.
WHAT CAR? TRUE MPG
This is our own average
fuel economy figure; it’s
calculated over 50 miles
of real UK roads (rather
than in a lab), so you can
expect to achieve it
yourself. To get your
personalised data based
on your regular routes
and driving style, visit
whatcar.com/truempg.
CO2 G/KM / TAX LIABILITY Company car tax is
charged on a sliding scale based on carbon dioxide
(CO2) emissions. Our tax liability figures show the
percentage of the list price (including options) on
which you will be taxed. The scale alters each April.
MONTHLY COMPANY CAR TAX BILL What you
can expect to pay in company car tax each month,
whether you’re a 20% or 40% taxpayer.
VED RATING Also known as road tax, Vehicle
Excise Duty is calculated on a sliding scale
according to the vehicle’s CO2 emissions.
Alternative-fuelled cars (eg hybrids) attract
a £10 discount on all VED rates.
COST PER MILE Calculated over three
years/36,000 miles. Includes depreciation,
VED, maintenance and fuel, but not insurance.
Data supplied by Lex Autolease (0800 085 4128).
SERVICING COSTS Regular maintenance costs,
including parts and labour, tyres, batteries
and exhausts. Service cost data supplied by
Lex Autolease (0800 085 4128).
EURO NCAP CRASH TEST RATINGS
Cars tested before 2009 are awarded stars in
three areas: adult and child occupant protection
(both out of five), and pedestrian protection
(out of four). Cars tested from 2009 get an overall
star rating out of five, which is made up of four
criteria: adult, child, pedestrian and safety assist
(covering driver aids such as stability control).
These criteria are expressed as percentages.
148 | OCTOBER 2013 whatcar.com
AVERAGE MPG Based on official EU tests, this
figure is a weighted average of two tests: Urban
(cold start, average 12mph) and Extra Urban
(warm start, average 39mph). Note: the official fuel
consumption figures are published as a guide only.
RANGE This is the maximum distance you’re able
to travel between refills in a petrol or diesel car,
or recharges in an electric car. Note: the tank range
is based on official average fuel consumption
figures and is published as a guide only.
ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT
Shows which safety kit, technology and gadgets
are standard, and their cost if they’re not.
When ordering a new car, always check the full
specification with your supplier. Manufacturers
often amend trim or data on new models.
Safety ratings
INSURANCE GROUP Set by the Association
of British Insurers (ABI), and advisory only.
The typical quotes are based on a 35-year-old male
accountant who lives in Swindon, commutes in his
1 £273
2 £285
3 £291
4 £301
5 £319
6 £338
7 £349
8 £367
9 £385
10 £399
11 £417
12 £435
13 £457
14 £479
15 £501
16 £522
17 £545
18 £562
19 £580
20 £595
21 £618
22 £640
23 £661
24 £685
25 £700
26 £719
27 £741
28 £765
29 £790
30 £816
31 £835
32 £849
33 £865
34 £886
35 £903
36 £924
37 £947
38 £969
39 £983
40 £1002
41 £1015
42 £1033
43 £1054
44 £1078
45 £1099
46 £1117
47 £1136
48 £1154
49 £1178
50 £1195
TYPICAL INSURANCE QUOTES BY GROUP
CO2 emissions (g/km) First year 2nd year on
A Up to 100 £0 £0
B 101-110 £0 £20
C 111-120 £0 £30
D 121-130 £0 £105
E 131-140 £125 £125
F 141-150 £140 £140
G 151-165 £175 £175
H 166-175 £285 £200
I 176-185 £335 £220
J 186-200 £475 £260
K 201-225 £620 £280
L 226-255 £840 £475
M More than 255 £1065 £490
VED RATES 2013-2014
car and parks off-street. He has a clean licence
and full no-claims bonus. Call LV= on 0800 066
5161 for your personal quote.
RETAINED VALUE An estimate of what you
are likely to be offered if you trade in the
car after three years/36,000 miles for
the same model.
£Target Price
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