Never mind the McLaren Senna, Bugatti Chiron or even the Ford GT. You can now buy, modify and drive a classic 1965 Ford Transit van in Forza Horizon 4.
Ford of Britain allowed the eggheads from Forza’s modelling and photography team to use its immaculate 1965 Transit to help bring the digital version to life.
First, over 1,000 photographs of the vehicle are taken. These are then sent to the modelling people, who develop the car in the game based on the imagery.
Every angle and every detail is captured and recreated for the game.
The Transit joins a range of cool Fords available in Horizon 4, including the GT supercar and Ranger Raptor pick-up. The Ford GT was, in fact, the cover star for 2015’s Forza Motorsport 6.
It’s not going to keep up with them, mind, with its humble 75hp engine. Unless of course, you decide to modify it…
“The Ford Transit is such a unique car that we wanted to have the very first one in the game” said Miko Russell, Forza Horizon 4 photographer. “We like to switch it up on people a little bit!”
The Transit is a curious addition to a range of sports and performance cars, although it’s entirely appropriate given the game’s UK setting.
“Where are my socks?” is just one of the more unusual questions received by the DVLA.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has revealed some of the questions posed by motorists using voice assistants.
But while it’s possible to ask the DVLA when your vehicle tax is due, the government agency is not the place to contact if you’ve mislaid your socks or need to know how to remove chewing gum off a sofa.
DVLA chief executive Julie Lennard said: “We want motorists to be able use our services quickly and easily and voice assistants are becoming more and more popular.
“While some of the questions customers have asked us fall a little outside our area of expertise, we will continue to make our services simpler, better and safer.”
Since the DVLA launched its digital service two years ago, more than 20,000 unique users have turned to Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa to find out when their tax is up for renewal.
Today, 98 percent of all interactions with the DVLA are carried out using one of its digital services.
The dreaded MOT test: it’s something we all face with cars over three years old, and you can never take a pass for granted, regardless of how meticulously your car is maintained. Now, we reveal the top 10 winners and losers at MOT testing stations across the UK, according to figures obtained by What Car?.
The cars least likely to fail an MOT
Firstly, the winners. These are the cars to consider buying if you want your MOT test to be smooth sailing. It is worth bearing in mind, however, that even these cars don’t offer a free pass. Maintenance and sympathetic driving are still integral to the ongoing performance and safety of your car.
Smart Fortwo
This might come as a surprise to some, but the 2007-2014 Smart is the 10th-placed MOT hero here. Just 14.4 percent fail when they show up for a test.
Ford Ka
A trend you might note is that many of the cars in the top performers are quite new. That’s no coincidence. The 2008-2016 second-generation Ford Ka does well, with a 13.5 percent fail-rate. Read on and you’ll discover its predecessor isn’t such a strong performer…
Hyundai i10
Hyundai’s city car is competent and deservedly popular. Not too stylish, mind, but it’s clearly dependable, with just 12.5 percent of 2008-2013 models failing the MOT test.
Suzuki Alto
Suzuki is famous for producing affordable, dependable and likeable little cars. The Alto is a bit quirky, but it delivers the goods when it comes to MOT tests. The 2009-2015 model manages an impressive 11.7 percent fail-rate.
Seat Mii
Seat’s tiny tot joins its Volkswagen Group siblings on this list of MOT stars. Just 10.8 percent of Miis fail the annual test.
Vauxhall Adam
Much-derided by car journalists, the Vauxhall Adam is at least decently reliable, achieving a mere 10.6 percent fail-rate.
Kia Picanto
Being related to the Hyundai i10, it makes sense that the funky little Picanto does well. The 2011-2017 model has an impressive 9.8 percent MOT test fail-rate.
Volkswagen Up
The Volkswagen Up makes it into the top three; only 6.7 percent don’t pass an MOT first time.
Peugeot 108
The Up is beaten by the Peugeot 108 (whose Toyota Aygo and Citroen C1 siblings, interestingly, are nowhere to be seen). It achieves a six percent fail-rate.
Skoda Citigo
The Citigo comes joint-top with the Peugeot, also on six percent. Cheap to buy and run, it’s clearly also very reliable.
The cars most likely to fail an MOT
Now we’ve seen the best, it’s time to consider the worst performers in MOT tests. Spoiler alert: many come from the same brands as the best cars. So choose wisely.
Citroen C2
We start with the Citroen C2, which was produced between 2003 and 2009. It’s the 10th-worst performer, with 28.1 percent failing the MOT.
Chevrolet Matiz
As do exactly the same proportion of 2005-2010 Chevrolet Matiz cars that are tested.
Seat Arosa
In contrast to the strong performance of the Mii, grandpa Arosa doesn’t have a good time at MOT test stations. The 1997-2005 model fails on 28.3 percent of occasions.
Fiat Seicento
The Fiat Seicento, made between 1998 and 2004, is even worse, with 31.1 percent failing the MOT.
Peugeot 106
Unlike the top-performer 108, the 106 has a hard time here. We suspect advancing age and lower value mean that these older models are withering away at a rate that owners aren’t willing to keep up with. In total, 31.7 percent of 106s fall short of the MOT test standard.
Hyundai Amica
Think of the Amica as a Hyundai i10 from another time. The 2000 to 2003 model fails its MOT at a rate of 32.7 percent.
Suzuki Alto
The 2004 to 2009 Suzuki Alto doesn’t fare well either. It also scores a 32.7 percent fail-rate. Remarkably, this is the second Alto here (after the top-performing 2009-2015 model), but not the last…
Ford Ka
Hopefully this isn’t a sign that the second-generation Ka has some hard times ahead. The first Ka, built between 1996 and 2008, has a 34.6 percent fail-rate. Another sign that the cheapest cars are potentially the least looked-after?
Suzuki Alto
The final Alto is almost the worst performer. The 1997-2004 model has a 36.4 percent MOT fail-rate. More evidence that age and cheapness are a killer.
Daewoo Matiz
The second Matiz, this time a Daewoo, is the biggest MOT loser. With a fail-rate of 38.8 percent, the 1998-2005 Matiz flunks an MOT on nearly four out of every 10 visits to the test station.
Conclusion on MOT stats
It’s interesting that the worst and best performers broadly come from the same brands. Does this suggest an enormous improvement in quality from one generation to the next? We don’t think so. More likely, older and cheaper models aren’t ageing well, and that – combined with not being cared for because they’re not worth much – means they get a bad record.
A car can be a reflection of its owner. Look after your car well and it should look after you.
The ADR 630 Shooting Grand, which pays homage to the original Austro Daimler ‘Bergmeister’ of 1931, will make its UK debut at Salon Prive in September. For us, it’s an opportunity to revisit 49 other supercar obscurities. Stay tuned for crazy styling and even crazier levels of performance.
Icona Vulcano
The Icona Vulcano isn’t made from volcanic ash and powered by molten lava, but it could top 220mph. The one-off Italian supercar is powered by a 6.2-litre supercharged engine sourced from the Corvette ZR1.
Dome Zero
The Dome Zero was a hero of the 1978 Geneva Motor Show. Sadly, it was destined for little more than a life in Gran Turismo.
Panther 6
The Panther 6 is straight out of the 1970s guide to building a supercar. Longer than a football pitch and complete with six wheels.
Nissan R390 GT1
Only two road-going R390s were ever built, so this Nissan is as rare as it is stunning. Power was sourced from a twin-turbocharged V8.
Ascari KZ1
The Ascari KZ1’s 5.0-litre V8 engine was sourced from the BMW M5 and helped to give it a top speed of around 200mph.
Volkswagen W12
Giorgetto Giugiaro’s brief was simple: build a mid-engined car to accommodate a W12 engine and VW’s four-wheel-drive system. The results were stunning.
Lotec Sirius
Lotec claimed the 1,200hp engine in the Sirius supercar was enough to give it a top speed of 248mph. You cannot be Sirius?
Bristol Fighter
OK, so you’ve probably heard of the Bristol Fighter, a uniquely British take on the supercar formula.
Tramontana
The Tramontana is unlikely to feature on many bedroom walls, but with a choice of V10 and V12 powertrains, and styling inspired by the world of F1, it ticks many supercar boxes.
Trion Nemesis
This thing ticks even more supercar boxes. It looks great, has a brilliant name and pumps out some 2,000hp. Still want that Chiron?
Yamaha OX99-11
Yamaha’s role in producing the achingly good looking Toyota 2000GT is largely forgotten. The OX99-11 of 1992 was its attempt at making a supercar.
Arrinera Hussarya
The difficult to pronounce – not to mention spell – Arrinera Hussarya is Poland’s first attempt at making a supercar. Not a bad debut.
Zenvo ST1
Fans of Top Gear will remember the Zenvo ST1 as the Danish supercar that caught fire on the Top Gear test track. Can anyone smell bacon?
Keating Supercars TKR
Ladies and gentlemen, here’s your Top Trumps winner. Top speed: 260.1mph. 0-60mph: 2.0 seconds. Engine: 7.0-litre V8. Horsepower: 2,002.
Keating Supercars Bolt
The Keating Supercars Bolt arrived in a blaze of glory in 2013, with bold claims about a 340mph top speed. Usain, eat your heart out.
TranStar Racing Dagger GT
When we first prepared this gallery, TranStar Racing was looking for backers to make the 2,000hp, 315mph Dagger GT a reality. It’s still looking.
Panoz Abruzzi
The Panoz Abruzzi looks like a cast off from the decidedly average League of Extraordinary Gentlemen film. It would look better underwater…
Hulme CanAm Spyder
Hardcore, you know the score. No roof, no airbags, no windscreen, no ABS and no traction control. The Hulme CanAm isn’t a car for the faint-hearted.
Beck LM 800
With a full tank of fuel and a driver, the Swiss-built Beck LM 800 weighs a mere 900kg. That’s a truly remarkable figure for a 650hp supercar.
Bentley Hunaudieres
The Bentley Hunaudieres was unveiled at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show and bears a passing resemblance to a certain Bugatti hypercar.
Chrysler ME412
Oh, Chrysler, this is a stunning looking creation. It also packed a 850hp punch, courtesy of an AMG-sourced 6.0-litre V12.
Ford GT90
Readers of a certain age will remember the Ford GT90 as a pretty handy Top Trumps card. It remains one of Ford’s best-ever creations.
Jaguar XJ13
The Jaguar XJ13 was intended to go racing at Le Mans, but the development took too long. By the time it was ready, it was already obsolete.
Vector W2
It’s not difficult to imagine a Vector W2 appearing in an episode of Miami Vice. Probably driven by an alligator. Or something.
Isdera Commendatore 112i
If you detect a hint of Porsche in the front-end styling, that’s because the Commendatore was the work of former Porsche designer, Eberhard Schulz.
Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale
Was this Alfa Romeo’s first genuine supercar? Who cares, we could look at the 33 Stradale all day.
SSC Ultimate Aero XT
The Shelby SuperCars Ultimate Aero XT had a claimed top speed of 273mph and a 9,200rpm redline.
Cizeta V16T
The music composer, Giorgio ‘Together in Electric Dreams’ Moroder was involved in the development of this Gandini-designed supercar.
Arash AF10
The AF10 was the first car to be designed under the Arash name. Only one car was ever produced and it had a claimed top speed of 205mph.
Maybach Exelero
German tyre company, Fulda, commissioned the one-off Maybach Exelero to demonstrate a new range of super-wide tyres. As you do.
Monteverdi Hai 450 SS
Peter Monteverdi built the Hai 450 SS to go head-to-head with the likes of Lamborghini and Ferrari. Sadly, a huge price tag meant it never got beyond the prototype stage.
Kodiak F1
How many Serbian-German supercars can you name? Well, in case the question comes up during the next pub quiz, this is the Kodiak F1.
Gigliato Aerosa
Unveiled at the 1997 Geneva Motor Show, the Mustang-powered Aerosa was destined to be a joint venture between Lamborghini and Gigliato.
Shayton Equilibrium
“The hypercar of the 21st century” is how Shayton introduces its Equilibrium supercar. The technical details are currently missing from the firm’s website…
Argyll GT
The Scottish-built Argyll GT was a proper ‘bitza’ of a supercar, featuring a Renault 30 engine, Morris Marina door handles and a Triumph Dolomite steering wheel.
Farbio GTS 350
The Farbio GTS 350 was a development of the earlier Farboud GTS, powered by a supercharged V6 engine. It later became the Ginetta F400.
Tushek Renovatio T500
Looking for Slovenia’s first supercar? You’ve come to the right place, because this is the Tushek Renovatio T500. Catchy name, right?
Vencer Sarthe
At launch, the Dutch-built Vencer Sarthe cost an eye-watering £250,000. For that, you got a 6.3-litre V8 engine and a 210mph top speed.
Trident Iceni Magna
If you’re prepared to shun the lure of a V12 petrol engine, how about a 6.6-litre turbodiesel? In standard form, the Iceni produces 950lb ft of torque.
Mega Track
We can’t help but love the Mega Track. It sent 394hp from its V12 engine to all four wheels and, crucially, featured adjustable ride height up to 13 inches.
Covini C6W
What is it about obscure supercars and six wheels? We reckon the bosses of these fledging supercar firms grew up watching Thunderbirds.
Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus SCG 003
Surely winning the prize for the longest name in the whole of supercardom, the Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus SCG 003 was launched in 2015 and designed by a former Pininfarina employee.
W Motors Lykan Hypersport
The first supercar to be produced in the Middle East, the Lebanese Lykan Hypersport featured in Furious 7 as well as a number of video games.
Rimac Concept One
Despite sounding like a ladies shaving cream, the Rimac Concept One is a Croatian electric supercar with a 0-62mph time of 2.8 seconds. Thanks to a certain Richard Hammond, it’s not the obscure supercar it once was.
Capstone Turbine CMT-380
The Capstone Turbine CMT-380 was an electric hybrid capable of running on either diesel or biodiesel. The claimed range was up to 500 miles.
Velozzi Supercar
The Velozzi Supercar is a development of the CMT-380 prototype, with a range of 1,000 miles. Top speed is a claimed 225mph.
Vector W8
A generation of petrolheads grew up in awe of the 6.0-litre V8 Vector W8. It was a development of the aforementioned W2 and featured 5,000 aircraft-spec rivets.
Devon GTX
Powered by clotted cream teas, the Devon GTX was the first supercar to emerge from the West Country. None of this is actually true.
Revenge Design Verde
If Kermit drove a supercar, it would probably be the Revenge Verde. He’d also approve of the optional E-85 ethanol V8 engine.
Artega GT
More sports car than supercar, but we rather like the Artega GT. Just don’t mention the Volkswagen Passat engine.
Renault has stunned performance car fans by revealing the limited-run Megane R.S. Trophy-R hot hatch will cost from £51,140 – with the Nurburgring Record edition priced at a staggering £72,140.
The breathtaking prices are way in excess of the standard Megane R.S. RRP of £27,835.
Trophy-R models only have 20 horsepower more than the regular 280hp model, too.
Renault justifies the price by saying the new model has ‘many bespoke, lightweight parts’. These include Ohlins dampers, an Akrapovic titanium exhaust, a carbon composite bonnet and a carbon rear diffuser.
The interior is stripped out; the rear seats have been removed and race-style composite Sabelt seats fitted in the front.
It weighs an impressive 130 kg less than the standard Megane R.S., which is how it was able to break the front-wheel-drive production car lap record at both the Nurgurgring and Spa Francorchamps in Belgium.
Further weight can be saved with the £63,140 Carbon Wheel variant. Exotic carbon fibre wheels are fitted, which cut 2kg. They are meant for racetrack use: they can be stored in tailored bags in a cradle behind the front seats when you drive on the road.
The £72,140 Nurburgring Record model uses the same wheels, plus bigger front brakes with gold Brembo calipers, and a ‘dynamic air intake’ in the front bumper that saves 2kg.
Only 500 examples of the Megane R.S. Trophy-R (a car costing more than the two-seater Alpine A110 sports car, also built by Renault) will be built globally – and just 32 are coming to the UK.
Investment in the British car industry has all but stalled in 2019 as car makers instead pump hundreds of millions into preparing for a hard Brexit that may never happen.
The Brexit bill currently totals £330 million, reveals the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Investment in new models, facilities and jobs, in contrast, is just £90 million.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes says the fear of no deal is causing investors to “sit on their hands… the entire global car industry is investing [in the future], but in Britain, they’re spending on Brexit contingencies”.
This huge expenditure is “potentially for no reason” if a Brexit deal is struck.
Hawes described 2019’s £90 million newly-pledged investment in the UK car industry as “way below trend”. Billions are normally spent each year preparing for new models and factory expansions.
Over the past seven years, the average annual investment in the UK car industry is £2.7 billion.
What could turn the 2019 trend around? “An ambitious Brexit deal that maintains frictionless trade… we look to the new administration to get a deal done quickly so manufacturers can get back to the business of building cars”.
Google is rolling out a slick new update for its Android Auto in-car interface. Here’s what you need to know about the new and improved system.
A crisp new look
The on-screen appearance is your first giveaway about the update. It’s darker and the fonts look crisper, to better blend in with modern car cabins.
Google’s website says: ‘We’re evolving Android Auto’s design to fit in better with your car’s interior. A dark theme, coupled with colorful accents and easier to read fonts, also helps improve visibility’.
Improved functionality
Google claims there’s been a massive boost in functionality. You can now control other apps, even with maps in use, via the new navigation bar. You can skip a song and keep an eye on your route, without impeding either function.
‘With the new navigation bar, you’ll be able to easily control your apps with one tap. Get turn-by-turn directions, rewind your podcast or take an incoming call all on the same screen,’ says Google.
There’s a new notification centre, too: ‘The new notification center shows recent calls, messages and alerts, so you can choose to view, listen and respond at a time that’s convenient and safe for you.’
Performance and availability
Google is keen for Android Auto to work quickly. That’s why maps and media functionality will be up and running as soon as you fire up your car.
Android Auto will make better use of the screen on which it operates, too, whatever the size.
‘If you have a car with a wider screen, Android Auto now maximizes your display to show you more information, like next-turn directions, playback controls and ongoing calls.’
Here is the link to the full debate on roadside recovery vehicles – the use of red lights. I know my constituent Sam is really grateful for everyone's support on this issue so thank you:https://t.co/JOIorhgbDN
“There are nearly half a million roadside operators, in a variety of guises, who deserve protection,” said Crouch. “I want to focus on one specific call: to allow the use of red lights by the roadside recovery industry.
“We are simply asking for recovery operators to be permitted to use prominent red warning beacons while attending accidents and breakdowns on the hard shoulder or on other roads.”
Crouch is calling for a review of the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989, which prohibit roadside recovery vehicles from using red lights.
Red lights encourage drivers to become more cautionary in their approach, says Crouch.
‘A way to go yet’
Roads minister Michael Ellis said that the government would be reviewing the issue over the coming months, a move welcomed by members of the house.
Sir Mike Penning, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Roadside Rescue Recovery, said: “It is right that the Department for Transport are conducting this review.
“As chair of the APPG, I have heard evidence from groups throughout the industry. Allowing recovery operators to use flashing red lights has widespread support. I hope the government will continue to listen to the industry throughout the process.”
Sam Cockerill added: “Following Steve’s death I have sought to work to make sure that no one has to go through what I went through; I am convinced he would still be today if there was a red flashing warning beacon displayed on his vehicle.
“I know that there is a way to go yet in this fight, but to see the cogs of government beginning to move means a lot to me.”
Halfords is looking to ‘put the brakes on motoring costs’ by offering a one-off payment for braking consumables such as pads and shoes. Yes, one-off, forever – even if you get a new car.
No, this offer doesn’t include discs, callipers or any of the other more expensive bits, but it’s an intriguing deal nonetheless. Buy one set of pads or shoes, and the rest are free, forever…
It’s part of an initiative called Brakes4Life which seeks to incentivise good braking system maintenance habits by reducing costs for motorists. Halfords claims it could save the average car owner around £1,600 in their lifetime.
Halfords also offers free brake checks, with an inspection of the entire braking system. That’s everything from the pedals and the linkages, to the lines and fluids, through to the callipers, discs and pads.
“With fuel prices and insurance costs driving up the cost of motoring, our Brakes4Life initiative offers motorists unprecedented value for money and peace of mind,” said Bob Masters from Halfords.
“A one-off payment guards against future unexpected brake-related costs. Driving with worn brakes can increase your stopping distance, while letting the brake pads wear all the way to the wear indicator may mean your brake discs need to be replaced too.
“This can leave motorists facing additional unexpected costs when they take their car in for a service or MOT. However, Brakes4Life removes that risk and we find that when we explain that it really does cover them and their current as well as future car they own it results in some surprised and very satisfied customers.”
Put simply, depreciation is the difference between the price you paid for a new car and the amount you get when you sell it. According to What Car?, most cars lose between 50 and 60 percent of their value in the first three years, with vehicles taking the biggest hit in year one. Because SUVs are in demand, they tend to depreciate slower than many other vehicles. Here, using data from CAP, we can reveal the 20 slowest depreciating SUVs in the UK.
20. SsangYong Tivoli – 40.1 percent
The data provided by CAP is based on SUV values after three years and 60,000 miles. Thanks to its comprehensive seven-year warranty, the SsangYong Tivoli creeps into the top 20 ahead of some of the more well-known names in the segment. The Tivoli compact SUV provides excellent value for money and will retain 40.1 percent of its value after three years.
19. MG GS – 40.2 percent
It’s worth remembering that although the depreciation percentage difference between some SUVs might be small, the cash hit will be more severe on an expensive model. So while a SsangYong or MG could lose between £10,000 and £12,000 after three years, a premium SUV might lose £30,000, £40,000 or even £50,000. Buy a new MG GS and you’ll lose just under £11,000, with the SUV retaining 40.2 percent of its value.
18. BMW X1 – 40.9 percent
The BMW X1 retains 0.7 percent more value than the MG GS after three years, but while this equates to around £11,000 in the MG, the BMW owner would see around £19,500 wiped off the value of their vehicle. Although motorists who buy a car on a PCP deal might feel that depreciation isn’t an issue for them, it’s worth nothing that PCP contracts are based on a car’s ability to hold its value. PCP customers are effectively paying for the depreciation.
17. Mercedes-Benz GLS – 43.2 percent
Talk about taking a big hit. If you pay cash for a new Mercedes-Benz GLS, you’d lose just under £50,000 in depreciation after three years. Something to think about before you spend upwards of £73,500 on a 2020 model. You could treat yourself to a Porsche 718 Cayman for the price of that deprecation.
16. Volkswagen Tiguan – 45.1 percent
New figures from JATO Dynamics suggest that, after years of rapid growth, demand for SUVs is slowing down. European sales grew by just 0.7 percent in June, but the market saw a five percent drop in the popularity of large premium SUVs. Meanwhile, Volkswagen Tiguan sales were down 18 percent in the month. On the plus side, the Tiguan is very good at holding its value.
15. Land Rover Discovery – 45.4 percent
Next we find a couple of Land Rovers, starting with the regular Discovery. According to CAP, a ‘Disco’ will lose 45.4 percent of its value after three years and 60,000 miles, which equates to around £30,000. Land Rover Discovery prices start from just under £48,000.
14. Land Rover Discovery Sport – 45.6 percent
There are three reasons to choose a Discovery Sport over a Discovery. Firstly, it has a nice bottom. Secondly, it retains more value after three years. Thirdly, because it’s cheaper to buy new, you’ll lose less money. Win, win, win.
13. Volvo XC90 – 46.1 percent
Four years on from its launch, the Volvo XC900 remains in high demand, which is why it retains 46.1 percent of its value after three years. The XC90 is the largest of three SUVs built by Volvo, with prices starting from £52,000.
12. Mercedes-Benz GLC – 47.1 percent
The new prices and values retained after three years are based on averages, so should be used solely for guidance purposes. The true depreciation will be influenced by a number of factors, such as engine, specification, trim level, colour and the popularity of the particular car. Paint your 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLC ‘Katie Price pink’ and you can kiss goodbye to your 47.1 percent retained value.
11. Seat Ateca – 47.6 percent
Seat is a relative latecomer to the SUV party, but it has hit the ground running with a trio of accomplished vehicles. The Arona is one the best compact SUVs, the Tarraco is a credible alternative to the Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, while the Ateca offers the best of both worlds. Little wonder it’s one of the slowest depreciating SUVs you can buy.
10. Suzuki Ignis – 47.9 percent
In cash terms, the Suzuki Ignis is the best car on the list. Buy one new and you’ll lose just £7,000 after three years, giving it a retained value of 47.9 percent. Proof that you don’t need a premium badge to find a car that holds its value. We wonder if the Jimny will deliver similarly rock-solid residuals.
9. Lexus RX – 48.4 percent
The Lexus RX premium SUV is available in two flavours: standard five-seat and seven-seat RX L. You’ll pay a little over £2,000 more for the additional seats, but you might find that the RX L is in greater demand on the used car market. Overall, the Lexus RX retains 48.4 percent of its value.
8. Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe – 48.8 percent
Interestingly, the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is less practical than the regular GLC, but it retains 1.7 percent more value after three years. This suggests that buyers put ‘style’ ahead of practicality…
7. Jaguar F-Pace – 49.2 percent
Jaguar F-Pace prices start from £38,820, but CAP’s data lists an average new price of £45,020. After three years, an F-Pace will retain 49.2 percent of its value, which is average depreciation of £22,920.
6. Bentley Bentayga – 50.0 percent
The Bentley Bentayga is the most expensive SUV in the top 20 by a considerable margin, but it’s rather good at holding its value. Which is just as well, because a straight 50 percent delivers a loss of £81,400 after three years. You could buy a new Mercedes-Benz GLS for that.
5. Toyota C-HR – 50.2 percent
If you were expecting five premium SUVs at the top of the list, prepare to be shocked. The Toyota C-HR beats the Bentley Bentayga by 0.2 percent, which is sure to impress your chums at the golf club this weekend.
4. Maserati Levante – 51.3 percent
You’ll spend upwards of £58,000 on a new Maserati Levante, so it’s good to know that it’s pretty good at holding its value.
3. Kia Niro – 51.4 percent
We suspect the seven-year warranty is a factor in this result, but we’re surprised the Kia Sportage didn’t make the cut. There’s also no room for the Hyundai Santa Fe, which, like the Sportage, has historically performed well in depreciation studies.
2. Mercedes-Benz GLC – 53.4 percent
Which leaves the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC to take the silver model. Those who have been paying attention will notice that this is the second appearance for the regular GLC (the third if you include the GLC Coupe). A 2016 model holds more value than a 2015 GLC. A facelifted version (pictured) is now available.
1. Peugeot 3008 – 54.2 percent
Many motoring journalists are quick to proclaim the Peugeot 3008 as one of the best SUVs you can buy, so it’s no surprise to find it topping the depreciation table. A smart exterior design, stylish interior and a range of economical engines combine to create a modern SUV that’s almost without vices. Little wonder it will retain 54.2 percent of its value after three years.
