Peugeot 3008 SUV wins top trophy

Carbuyer.co.uk has revealed the winners of its Best Cars 2017, with the all-new Peugeot 3008 SUV picking up to the highest accolade.

A total of 20 category winners were named and the main prize of Carbuyer Best Car for 2017 went to the Peugeot 3008.

The 3008 was named overall winner thanks to an unbeatable combination of chic styling, efficient engines, excellent practicality and a stunning interior. It also took the award for Best SUV.

Carbuyer editor Stuart Milne said: “Repositioning the 3008 as a more conventional SUV was a masterstroke, meaning Peugeot has introduced a brilliant car at a time when the SUV market is booming.

“There’s so much for 3008 owners to enjoy, from that gorgeous interior, to a smooth driving experience and Peugeot’s clever i-Cockpit digital instrument display.”

Carbuyer Best Cars 2017

Car of the Year: Peugeot 3008
Best SUV: Peugeot 3008
Best first car: Skoda Citigo
Best small car: Skoda Fabia
Best family car: Vauxhall Astra
Best used car: Kia Cee’d
Best automatic car: SEAT Leon
Best seven-seater: Citroen Grand C4 Picasso
Best hybrid: Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
Best electric car: Renault ZOE
Best car for under £150 a month: Skoda Yeti
Best estate car: Skoda Superb Estate
Best car for under £10,000: Ford Ka+
Safest new car: Alfa Romeo Giulia
Best road-tax-exempt car: Hyundai Ioniq Electric
Best hot hatchback: Ford Focus ST
Most reliable car: Lexus IS
Best economical car: Toyota Prius
Best convertible: Audi A3 Cabriolet
Best car that’s cheap to insure: Hyundai i10
Best pickup: Mitsubishi L200

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Audi A1 Sportback review

Looking for a small car with a premium look and feel, plus that all-important badge appeal? If so, the evergreen Audi A1 should be on your shopping list.

It’s now been with us for a few years and it’s built up a strong following – and now there’s another good reason to own one.

It’s available with an impressive new small engine which is all about extracting the maximum performance and economy.

The rise of three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines has been one of the biggest growth areas of recent years – and the 1.0-litre unit in the A1 is one of the best available.

I tested the entry level A1 Sportback 1.0 TFSI SE with a basic price of £15,150, but inflated to more than £20,000 thanks to a raft of optional extras including Black Milano leather seats and “Floret silver interior elements in contrast colour”… whatever they are.

The Sportback is visually similar to the regular hatchback, except that it has five doors and a slightly higher roof line.

The A1 has aged well, and though it’s not as quirky as some rivals, including the Fiat 500 and MINI, it is a grown-up small car with a premium look and feel.

Inside especially, it’s comfortable and plush with a well laid out dashboard, complete with a 6.5-inch infotainment system, which also benefits from Audi’s rotary controller below in the centre console.

There are also 15-inch alloys, DAB, air conditioning and fully electric windows, while further up the trim levels there are Alcantara sports seats, xenon headlights, rear diffuser and roof spoiler, plus automatic lights and wipers.

Push the Start button and it’s immediately obvious that the A1 Sportback is very refined, with just a hint of a thrum from the engine, but overall sound-proofing is impressive.

With light steering and compact proportions, it’s ideal for driving in the city, but it’s also happy stretching its legs on A roads and motorways.

The punchy little engine gives the A1 the feel of a pocket rocket, capable of 0-62mph in 11.1 seconds (though it seems brisker) and a top speed of 116mph.

It’s frugal too. In theory it’s capable of 67.3mpg, though in the real world it’s closer to 50mpg, with CO2 emissions below the magic 100g/km level (97) which means it’s tax-free too.

The A1 is also fun to drive with sharp handling and surprisingly well controlled body lean in corners. The gearbox is slick and the clutch has a light action – just as it should be.

The A1 Sportback is comfortable and spacious up front, while rear seat legroom is average and taller passengers may struggle for head space.

It gained a maximum five-star crash safety rating the last time it was tested by Euro NCAP, and it’s well equipped with a full complement of airbags.

Verdict: The A1 Sportback is pretty much all you’d expect from a baby Audi. A premium small car choice, with its extra doors, increased passenger space and zippy engine, it makes serious sense for small families and other car owners downsizing or just getting a first step on the Audi ladder.

Review: @garethherincx

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Subaru sensation: seriously capable 4×4 fun

Subaru couldn’t have picked a better week to demonstrate the all-terrain skills of three of its cars – the Forester, Outback and XV.

The off-road course created in the heart of Lincolnshire was challenging enough before Storm Angus battered Britain.

Farm tracks were quickly transformed into foot-deep muddy ruts, streams were swollen into rivers and steep hills and descents suddenly became rather more hazardous.

However, it’s a testament of Subaru’s faith in its famed Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive that the event went ahead – and the vehicles were left to do their stuff.

First introduced in 1971, Subaru’s 4×4 system is at the heart of all of its cars (except the BRZ sports coupe).

Since then, Subaru has continuously developed and enhanced its AWD technology. In 2015, AWD-equipped models accounted for 98% of Subaru’s global sales.

In March 2016, Subaru announced that total production of vehicles equipped with its 4×4 system had reached 15 million.

Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

The entire drive system, from the longitudinally-mounted horizontally-opposed Boxer engine to the rear differential, is mounted in a straight, symmetrical line.

Subaru says the advantage of this combination over a traditional 4WD set-up is that the weight of the engine and gearbox are spread across the front axle, “resulting in perfect weight distribution across the chassis” and “outstanding traction”. There’s also less rolling and pitching, for maximum stability.

Having driven a Forester, Outback and XV, I have no reason to question the logic of the above – all three cars were shod with regular road tyres, yet took the extensive off-road course in their stride.

Priced from £25,495, the Forester was launched in 1997 and is the biggest-selling Subaru in the UK. Practical, reliable and good to drive, it’s the most out-and-out SUV of the trio and made mincemeat of the off-road course.

I’d recommend opting for the Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission option for each of the cars – it’s smoother than most CVT systems I’ve tried from other manufacturers and makes life a lot simpler in the wilds.

Next, the very good looking Outback. Priced from £30,995 and originally launched in the UK in 1995, Subaru claims the Outback is the “world’s first crossover, successfully combining the benefits of a passenger estate car with the all-road capabilities of an SUV”.

Frankly, the Outback blew me away, Yes, it looks like an estate, yet it’s also a revelation off-road. Like the Forester, the Outback is fitted with an X-Mode button with hill descent. Just take your foot off the gas in tricky downhill sections and let the car control the speed, leaving you to concentrate on the steering.

Finally we drove the XV compact SUV. Priced from £21,995 is’ still very capable, though there’s no X-Mode button which means that you have to accelerate and brake manually, rather than just engage hill descent.

Like all Subarus (except the WRX STI), it’s covered by a 5-year/ 100,000 mile warranty (whichever is sooner).

In short, the three Subarus I drove were a revelation off-road. Some critics rightly have issues with Subaru interiors which are more practical and durable than flash, but that aside, I couldn’t think of a better value range of genuine 4x4s.

And if that hasn’t convinced you that you should consider a Subaru if you’re looking for a genuine all-terrain vehicle, here’s one more fact – Subaru claims that 99.3% of Subarus in the UK are still on the road after 10 years.

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Grandmother wins surprise £20,000 BMW with Bridgestone

Jane Robinson got more than she bargained for when she took the family car in for its routine MOT at Bush Tyres in Grimsby.

The 65-year-old from Waltham, Lincolnshire, was given the keys to a brand new BMW 1 Series.

Bridgestone ran a promotion over August and September, which gave motorists the chance to win the headline prize after purchasing a set of the company’s premium products. Jane bought a new set of tyres, entered the competition, then thought nothing more of it.

“We entered the competition and completely forgot about it,” laughed Jane. “I never win anything.”

She added: “I can’t wait to take my first drive in the car. I’ll make sure that I get into the driver’s seat before my husband does!”

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Start your engines for Ferrari Land

The countdown has begun the for ultimate petrolhead theme park experience – Ferrari Land.

The official opening of the the new PortAventura World attraction in Spain is scheduled for April 7, 2017 and tickets go on sale from December.

Ferrari Land is PortAventura’s own interpretation of the Ferrari legend and each of the Ferrari Land rides is designed to emulate the sensations of the F1 driving experience.

The new theme park will be aimed primarily at families and Ferrari fans of all ages. It will feature adrenaline-fuelled attractions with high levels of innovative technology, including the Vertical Accelerator, a speed-lover’s dream which accelerates at 180 km/hour in just 5 seconds and stands at a height of 112 metres.

In addition to the Accelerator, the new park will also have another seven family attractions such as a racing circuit, two bounce-back free fall towers, F1 simulators for adults and children, and a magnificent Ferrari Experience, a surprise yet to be revealed.

Next to these, visitors will find many different restaurants, shops and shows. PortAventura World Parks & Resort already boasts three theme parks in one location as well as 2,100 rooms across five themed hotels and a wide range of restaurants and shows aimed at families.

Ferrari Land is the largest project and single investment in the history of PortAventura.

Ferrari test driver Marc Gené added: “Attractions like the vertical accelerator will allow visitors to experience firsthand some of the sensations of driving a Formula 1 racing car.

“It’s a park for all ages, where even the youngest members of the family can discover the legendary spirit of Ferrari”.

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Alfa Romeo Giulia sets blindfolded’ Silverstone record

The all-new Alfa Romeo Giulia has set a lap record of the Silverstone circuit with an epic twist – the car’s windows were completely blacked out.

The feat required more than just driver determination and memory power, but thankfully the flagship Quadrifoglio version of Alfa Romeo Giulia is packed full of high-performance technologies.

As well as Alfa Chassis Domain Control (CDC) system, which distributes the power evenly through the Torque Vectoring and Active Suspension systems to ensure maximum drive through the rear wheels, the front Active Aero Splitter and rear air diffuser helped keep the rear-wheel drive sports saloon ‘glued’ to the track, while the on-board Alfa Connect infotainment system allowed the driver to stay in touch with the support team.

In addition, and working almost as a sixth sense for the driver, the active safety systems such as Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Brake (AEB) with pedestrian recognition and Lane Departure Warning (LDW), allowed the driver to have complete confidence in the task at hand.

Driven by Ed Morris – the youngest ever Brit to compete at Le Mans – the car reached speeds in excess of 100mph, despite windows completely covered by black vinyl, and the fastest “blindfolded” lap recorded was 1:44.3secs.

“I’ve driven hundreds of cars but never one with all the windows blacked out,” said Ed.

“As a racing driver it’s in your nature to push yourself and the car to its limits and knowing the Alfa Romeo Giulia is packed with so many high-performance technologies really allowed us to have complete trust in it and focus on setting a record.”

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Car parks are a tight squeeze for big SUVs

An increasing number of new cars are getting too big for Britain’s parking spaces, leading to an increase in parking-related accidents.

The popularity of big SUVs, such as the BMW X5 and Audi Q7, is a possible factor in the 35% surge in parking prangs costing £1.4bn per year, according to accident aftercare specialist Accident Exchange.

Some car parks are now ‘no-go’ areas as 87% of councils use outdated government guidelines of 4.8 x 2.4 metres, even though large SUVs measure as much as 5.0 x 2.0 metres. There’s also the added challenge of pillars and tight ramps in multi-storey car parks.

It’s not just the popularity of SUVs which is impacting the average size of vehicles, smaller cars are significantly larger than their counterparts just 15 years ago.

Car parking incidents now account for more than 30% of all accidents, says Accident Exchange, which assists vehicle manufacturers and dealerships in keeping motorists mobile in the event of an accident.

It is now estimated that there are over 675,000 car parking collisions of this type annually – a staggering 1,859 every day. And with an average bill of £2,050 to repair accident-damaged vehicles, that’s serious money.

“Drivers are having to squeeze increasingly large cars into spaces that generally haven’t got any larger for a very long time,” explained Scott Hamilton-Cooper of Accident Exchange.

“Almost all of the councils we researched carried over the government’s recommendation, which makes things tight for large cars. This could be contributing to the rise in car parking incidents we are seeing. Manufacturers follow the market, and so cars are outgrowing parking spaces.

“Not only are popular SUVs usurping smaller hatchbacks when it comes to new cars sales, older smaller cars are being taken off the street.”

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#KUGAdventure highlights

Our Race Red Kuga ST-Line looked the business in the Arctic conditions. Starting off in Oulu, we drove some 500km north to Ivalo.

This was as warm as it got during our time in Finland.

… and this was a close as I got to Santa when we stopped off at his main Post Office.

More treacherous roads. Thankfully, the new Ford Kuga’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system was well up to the job.

Santa Claus is a constant theme in Lapland…

Not everything went to plan. It was too cloudy to see the Northern Lights (it was around 11pm when I took this photo), but still magical.

A lake too far. Even though most of the lakes are frozen over, the ice isn’t strong enough at the moment, so this was as far as we dare go…

Wherever you choose to go, it’s a long, cold journey…

Too warm for husky dogs: minus 5 Degrees was too mild for the huskies (they operate best at -20 Degrees) so we had to be content with a quick circuit in a wheeled buggy. A remarkable experience all the same.

The new Ford Kuga is a very capable car. Read the review here…

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Ford Kuga review

Ford has gone to town with the launch of its refreshed new Kuga SUV.

A fleet of the cars took part in the #KUGAdventure – an epic 5,000km roadtrip which began in Athens and finished in Norway.

We were invited to Leg 13 in Finland, driving some 500km up from Oulu to Ivalo, just inside the Arctic Circle. Our route took us along a series of challenging roads in sub-zero temperatures.

At our disposal were a selection of Kugas, sporting 1.5-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel engines.

All were fitted with Ford’s optional Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, which automatically adjusts the amount of power sent to each wheel, optimising handling and traction.

Finland’s combination of iced-up and snow-covered roads was the perfect test for the AWD Kuga, and it passed with flying colours.

It’s not a hardcore 4×4, but with the aid of Continental winter tyres it is very capable and was able to give that all-important confidence factor in often treacherous conditions.

The Kuga has been with us since 2008, though the second generation first appeared in 2012, and it’s selling better than ever.

However, cars in the hotly-contested mid-sized SUV sector need to be as competitive as possible. So, not only has Ford given the Kuga a major facelift, but it’s now also with some of the latest tech.

It’s up against formidable rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai, Renault Kadjar, plus the new Peugeot 3008 and Seat Ateca, so it has to be good.

The good news is that Ford has done a great job with the new Kuga which is a car transformed.

The familiar Kuga profile is still in evidence, but the lines after softer and it has a more modern, sportier look.

Up front there’s a new nose with Ford’s signature trapezoidal grille, featuring new headlights and LED daytime running lights.

The rear tailgate has also been redesigned. It now incorporates new light clusters, bringing it into line with other models in Ford’s SUV range – especially the Kuga’s new big brother, the Edge.

Inside, the dashboard design is clear and the new SYNC3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen at its heart on the centre console, looks good and is easy to use.

The materials used have a quality feel, while the seats are comfortable, but as ever, if you can afford full leather seats, it’s worth the extra.

There’s good space up front with excellent visibility (the panoramic sunroof also bathes the cabin in light), though rear legroom is average in its class.

However, the new tech on offer also brings the new Kuga bang up to date.

Optional extras now in include Adaptive Front Lights (which are very effective), a heated steering wheels (also very useful in -5 Degree temperatures), semi-autonomous parking and Cross Traffic Alert, which warns drivers reversing out of a parking space of oncoming traffic.

There’s also Active City Stop which applies the brakes at speeds of up to 31mph if the system senses an impending collision.

Meanwhile, SYNC3 enables drivers to control systems including audio and navigation, connect to Android and Apple smartphones, and it can even recognise voice commands.

Despite the Kuga’s commanding driving position, it drives more like a hatchback with well-controlled body roll, while the ride is smooth and the bigger engines are refined.

We tried 180PS versions of Ford’s 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol and 2.0-litre diesel engines in ST-Line and Titanium specs respectively.

Both units offer ample torque and decent economy (38.2mpg and 54.3mpg), while there’s little to choose between the slick manual and automatic six-speed gearboxes.

However, if economy is key, go for the new 120PS diesel engine (offered with front-wheel drive) which emits just 115g/km of CO2 and is capable of 64.2mpg.

The Kuga’s boot can swallow 456 litres of luggage (1,603 litres with the seats down).

And of course, the Kuga’s party trick is still intact – the rear tailgate can be opened and closed by simply waving your foot beneath the rear bumper.

Verdict: Priced from £20,845, the new Ford Kuga is better than ever. Packed with the latest tech and boasting a fresh, sportier design, it’s easy to drive, practical and good value for money.

Review: @garethherincx

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World’s oldest Ford Mustang owner

Meet 97-year-old Swede Lennart Ribring, who’s just bought a brand new 5.0-litre V8 Ford Mustang.

Looking for a “little fun in life”, the nonagenarian thrill-seeker says the 412bhp fastback, capable of 155mph and 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds, is “the real thing”.

Young-at-heart Lennart fell in love with Mustangs after being among the first in his native Sweden to buy an original model when it was launched in the 1960s.

Born in 1919, when the Ford Model T had only been in production for 11 years, Lennart got his driving licence at the first opportunity, when he turned 18 in 1937. Now he has treated himself to a new Ford Mustang fastback.

“I fell in love with the first Mustangs that came out and I have hardly thought about another car since. You felt a bit like king of the road,” explained Lennart.

“I don’t have long to live now, maybe. So, I want to take the opportunities I have to drive and have a little fun in life. This is the real thing.”

The new Mustang, the first to go on sale across Europe since the model was first launched in the US in 1964, is available as a fastback or convertible, and with a 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, as well as the 5.0-litre V8.

Lennart’s race red sports car takes pride of place on his driveway at his home in Stockholm, Sweden.

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Coast to coast in a Mercedes-Benz

A fleet of Mercedes-Benz four-wheel drive vehicles have successfully traversed the UK, from the east coast to the west coast, without the use of any open public roads.

In what is believed to be the first ever journey completed off-road, the 12 vehicles – a mixture of GLE, GLS and G-Class models – made the 65-mile journey across the Scottish Highlands, over the course of two days.

The 4x4s were all standard UK-specification cars, fitted with road-legal ‘mud tyres’, but with no modifications apart from the removal of side steps where fitted.

The secret route was made possible thanks to the kind permission of 11 landowners.

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Bride opts for the perfect pick-up

A Yorkshire farming couple rejected the traditional wedding car in favour of a fleet of 11 rugged Isuzu D-Max pick-ups.

David Lee and his bride Esther, who run a farm in Thirsk, tied the knot in Croft-on-Tees, Yorkshire.

Both run Isuzu D-Max pick-ups, a firm favourite with many a farmer because of its ability to cope with tough workloads and challenging rural terrain, while also being refined and comfortable inside.

On their wedding day, the groom chose to arrive at the church in style in his own Isuzu D-Max, while a whole fleet of D-Max vehicles, all owned by family members and friends, delivered ushers and bridesmaids to the ceremony.

After completing their nuptials, the newlyweds were chauffeured to the reception in Esther’s own accessorised D-Max.

Even the local Isuzu dealership helped out, as Colin Huggins explains: “We heard that Mr Lee and his bride, as well as their family and friends, were using D-Max’s for their wedding day, and we were delighted to offer them our demonstrators – in ‘Blade’ and ‘Huntsman’ specification – for transporting other members of the wedding party.

“The procession of gleaming, ribbon-adorned Isuzu pick-ups making their way through the Yorkshire countryside was an amazing sight, and I’m proud that we played a part in making the day extra special for the bride and groom.”

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Young drivers ‘licensed to lose points’

One in three young drivers will receive points on their licence within 12 months of passing their test, a survey has revealed.

New research by money saving website www.VoucherCodesPro.co.uk indicates that more than a third of drivers receive points on their licence in the first year.

Furthermore, it was found that one in 10 young drivers polled lost their license within the first two years of passing.

It was also found that first time drivers spend on average £940 on their first car if it was not gifted to them.

The team at VoucherCodesPro.co.uk polled a total of 2,457 respondents aged 18-25. All participants held a valid driving license for at least one year and own their own car.

Initially, respondents were asked if they felt they are a good driver. The majority of participants (89%) stated they did think they were good on the road.

Next all participants were asked if they had ever received points on their licence to which 55% stated they did, with 34% stating they received points on their licence in the first year of them driving.

Following on from this, participants were asked if they still held a valid licence, to which 11% stated they did not. All of these said they lost their licence in the first two years of passing.

To understand this more, participants who stated they have received points were asked how they got these. The following answers emerged as the top 5:

1. Using a device while driving (eg phone) – 34%
2. Speeding – 18%
3. Dangerous driving – 16%
4. Running a red light – 14
5. Using a defective vehicle – 12%

Next, all participants were asked how much they spent on their first car – 36% stated it was a gift. Of the remaining 64%, it was found that, on average, participants spent £940 on their first car.

Finally, participants were asked if they had ever had to take their car to the garage due to ‘reckless driving’ to which 41% stated they had. Finally all respondents were asked “Have you ever had a car written off?” to which 21% stated they had.

“Young, first-time drivers are often seen as reckless racers that have little regard for road rules and with results like this it’s easy to see where this image comes from,” said George Charles of www.VoucherCodesPro.co.uk.

“It’s sad as so many young people are fantastic drivers who take their safety and their cars safety, which they probably have spent a lot of money on, seriously.

“Risking your life for a laugh or wasting money by having your licence revoked or car written off isn’t funny or hard. It’s pretty ridiculous.”

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Winter car maintenance essentials

Avoid the misery of a breakdown this winter with these five basic car maintenance tips…

Road safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist is offering advice for drivers to ensure trouble-free journeys over the next few months.

Here are GEM’s simple steps for reducing the chance of a breakdown or malfunction this winter:

• Make sure all the lights on your car, inside and out, are working properly. Clean them regularly to ensure they are free of dirt, so that you can see, and others can see you.
• Check tyre tread depth and pressure weekly through the winter. Good tyres will ensure the safety systems on your car are as effective as possible. GEM recommends a minimum tread depth of 3mm (the legal minimum is 1.6mm), as this will disperse much more water from the road and will minimise your risk of skidding and losing control.
• Get the battery and charging system checked to ensure best performance. A large number of winter calls to GEM’s breakdown control centre relate to flat batteries. Cold weather puts a lot of strain on tired batteries, so consider changing it now to avoid the inconvenience of a breakdown.
• Ensure your car’s cooling system has the correct levels of anti-freeze, which is vital to prevent the water in your engine’s cooling system from freezing. GEM recommends you consult your local dealer or a qualified mechanic to ensure this is done correctly.
• Do you need new windscreen wipers at front and rear? Check for efficient working and use cold weather washer fluid. Do not use the windscreen wipers to clear ice, as this will very quickly lead to damage.

“The current cold snap is likely to have caught many drivers by surprise, and the last thing anyone needs is to break down on a chilly morning,” said GEM road safety officer Neil Worth.

“Prevention is always better than cure, so by paying some attention to basic winter maintenance needs, you have the best chance of ensuring you don’t get stranded out in the cold.”

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from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/11/winter-car-maintenance-essentials/
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Mazda3 – range refresh review

Mazda’s classy Focus/Astra challenger has only been with us since 2014, yet it’s just received a makeover to bring it bang up to date.

The changes to the biggest selling car globally (five million sales and counting) in Mazda’s range are subtle to say the least.

In fact, from the outside you’d struggle to notice any difference. Inside, the switch from a traditional handbrake to an electronic switch is the most obvious change.

Personally, I prefer proper handbrakes to electronic switches (even if it does free up space in the centre console), but there you go…

The reality is that a lot has been going on. For instance, the 2017 Mazda3, which as before is available as a hatchback and fastback, marks the world debut of G-Vectoring Control (GVC). It varies engine power to optimise the load on each wheel, thus improving handling and comfort.

There’s also something called Natural Sound Smoother (NSS) which is supposed to refine the diesel engines on offer.

Technology highlights include an enhanced head-up display with full colour, plus adaptive LED headlights are now available too.

If you look very carefully outside the car you’ll notice that it’s a little more slippery with a revised grille, new front fog light housing, tweaked door mirrors now featuring wraparound indicators, while hatchback versions get a redesigned rear bumper.

Inside, there are “higher-quality” switch panels and door handles, revised dashboard trim and a new leather steering wheel design.

Finally, the Mazda3 is now available in eight colours, including on-trend Machine Grey Mica, which debuted on the new MX-5 RF at the 2016 New York Motor Show, plus Eternal Blue Mica.

So, more evolution than revolution, but then there wasn’t much wrong with the car in the first place.

Otherwise, the 3 is much the same, which isn’t a bad thing because it’s a serious contender to its more run-of-the-mill opposition – not just in looks, but driving dynamics too.

Engine options are as before. Choose between a 1.5-litre (118bhp) or 2.0-litre (163bhp) petrol, or a 1.5-litre (103bhp) or 2.2-litre (148bhp) diesel, then select one of the two super slick six-speed gearboxes – automatic or manual.

If you’re after zero road tax, economy and low emissions, go for the smaller diesel, but don’t expect thrills. It’s smooth and capable of an impressive 74mpg with a CO2 figure of just 99g/km.

But perhaps it’s the 2.0-litre petrol unit which offers the best blend of performance, economy and refinement.

With a 0-62mph time of 8.9 seconds (10.4 for the automatic), a 121mph top speed, claimed economy of 55.4mpg (50.4 auto) and low C02 emissions of 119g/km, this version of the 3 ticks the right boxes.

The Mazda3 is as comfortable as ever, featuring a low-slung seating position. It’s also fun to drive with a firm, sporty feel.

Inside it feels classy and well built with plenty of space up front, though it’s slightly tighter at the back, especially for taller passengers, thanks to the sweeping roofline.

Boot space is a decent 364 litres in the hatchback (1263 with the rear seats down) or 419 litres for the fastback.

The infotainment system is one of the best out there and it’s great to see that Mazda is sticking with the additional rotary controller near the gear selector.

The range starts at £17,595, rising to £24,195, so the 2017 Mazda3 is still a strong contender in a highly competitive market. Distinctively styled, well equipped and with a classy interior, it’s as driver-focused as ever. One of the best just got better.

Review: @garethherincx

The post Mazda3 – range refresh review appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/11/mazda3-range-refresh-review/
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Audi Q2 review

Funky isn’t a word you’d necessarily associate with Audi’s “Vorsprung durch Technik”, but that’s precisely what you get with the distinctive new Q2.

The newest, smallest SUV to join the ever-expanding Audi range will please traditionalists, while also attracting newer customers who might otherwise go for the established, more run-of-the-mill alternatives.

Audi claims it’s created a new compact premium SUV segment with the Q2, but in reality its rivals include the Mercedes-Benz GLA, MINI Countryman and Mazda MX-3 at one end, and the Renault Captur, Vauxhall Mokka and Citroen C4 Cactus at the other.

Slightly lower than most of its competitors thanks to its sporty roofline, the Q2 is perhaps closest in size overall to the Cactus.

Priced from £22,380, there are three trim levels to choose from (SE, Sport and S Line) and five engines, ranging from a 150PS 1.0-litre three-cylinder TFSI petrol to a 160PS 2.0-litre diesel, with a 190PS 2.0-litre TFSI to follow late in 2017.

I drove versions with the 1.6-litre diesel and 1.4-litre petrol units. Unusually, Audi expects the latter to be the most popular, while customers are also expected to go for the higher trim levels (Sport and S Line).

Our pick would be a 1.4 TFSI model in S Line spec with 7-speed S tronic gearbox, though we’re looking forward to driving the 1.0-litre TFSI version, featuring one of the best three-pot engines in the business.

The first thing that strikes you about the Q2 is that it looks like no other compact SUV. We’ve already mentioned its height, but it also features clean, sculpted lines and a C-pillar which is available in various colours.

Add that to the range of exterior colours, including our favourite – Vegas Yellow – and you have a car that stands out, in a good way.

Hop inside and it has Audi’s signature premium look and feel, and the higher the trim level you opt for, the better it gets.

The seating position is comfortable, if a fraction lower than some rivals. Visibility is good and there’s plenty of room up front and in the rear. There’s definitely room for four 6ft adults, though much taller passengers at the back might struggle for headroom. Luggage space is a decent 405 litres (1,050 with the back seats down).

The dashboard design, ventilation controls and materials used are up to Audi’s high standard, and naturally it features state-of-the-art connectivity, plus multi-colour LED mood lighting.

The Q2 is equipped with a 7-inch infotainment screen (an 8-inch upgrade is available) positioned high on the instrument panel and there’s a rotary controller and additional shortcut switches lower down near the gear selector.

DAB radio, multi-function steering wheel, air-conditioning are standard, but if you got for the higher trim levels, options such as cruise control, automatic lights and wipers, plus various driver and safety aids come within range.

We’d recommend going for the Audi Virtual Cockpit – the impressively fluid 12.3-inch driver’s digital display first seen on the TT.

So how does it go? Well, it’s easy to find the right driving position and the smooth 1.4-litre petrol engine is a punchy performer, while the car itself drives more like a hatchback than an SUV/crossover.

The ride may be a little firm for some, but it’s refined and more spirited drivers can switch to the Dynamic option in Audi Drive Select where the Q2 feels particularly planted with well-controlled body lean and precise steering. Most off all, it’s a lot of fun. For the record, it’s capable of 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 132mph.

With a claimed 54mpg and low CO2 emissions of 119g/km, running costs are competitive.

The Q2 is a premium choice with plenty of kit, but for many it will be the connectivity and personalisation options that swing it.

Whether it’s switching the mood lighting inside or choosing a vibrant colour and contrasting C-pillar blade for the exterior, few Q2s will look identical.

Yes, the Audi Q2 1.4 TFSI S line S tronic will set you back around £30,000, but for that money you get a classy, practical, modern compact SUV with a sportier, lower profile and impressive driving dynamics.

Review by @garethherincx

The post Audi Q2 review appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/11/audi-q2-review/
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