20 seriously cool family cars

April 19, 2017

20 seriously cool family cars Being practical doesn’t necessarily mean having to give up your street cred. When the time comes to transport a growing family, there are ways and means to resist the slide into blandness. These 20 cars prove that you can achieve domestic bliss, yet still gain envious glances in the supermarket car park.

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1982 Peugeot 505 Familiale

Notable for being Peugeot’s last rear-wheel-drive production car, the 505 was produced in various forms between 1978 and 1999. With more than 1.3 million sold, it must have done something right, but the version we’re interested in is the ‘Familiale’. Introduced at the 1982 Geneva Motor Show, this estate offered seating for up to eight thanks to a folding third-row bench. Oh, and the styling was a collaboration with Pininfarina, which clearly ratchets up the cool points.

1984 Renault Espace

Often cited as being the first real MPV, the original Espace landed in 1984 after a lengthy and tumultuous gestation period. Designed by Chrysler UK to replace the uncool Talbot Rancho, it then ended up in the hands of PSA Peugeot Citroen. Finally, via Matra, the Espace went on sale badged as a Renault. Its fibreglass body was novel, but customers took time to warm to the radical styling. Today, if you can find one, it would make a suitably leftfield family transporter.

1986 Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class Estate

Get ready to tick off the typical Mercedes-Benz list of clichés with the W124 E-Class. Yes, this estate is from the time when Mercedes models were associated with ‘vault-like’ build quality and ‘bulletproof’ reliability. Most significant was the option of seven seats, courtesy of a rear-facing third row that folded flat into the boot floor. This combination of space, plus the ability to rack up galactic mileage, means the W124 wagon still commands strong prices.

1957 Chevrolet Nomad

Proving that family transportation was cool more than six decades ago, the Nomad was related to the iconic Chevy Bel Air. Featuring a two-door shooting brake design with a split two-piece tailgate, the Nomad offered practicality and good looks. For 1957, it gained the option of the wondrously named ‘Super Turbo Fire V8’ with 283hp from this cutting-edge fuel-injected engine. Only sold for three years, you’ll need at least $45,000 (£35,000) to rock this retro-cool look.

1959 Ford Country Squire

Proving that car manufacturers were doing ‘lifestyle’ photoshoots long before the Lycra-clad 1990s, it’s the 1959 Ford Country Squire. This particular car featured push-button lifestyle accessories, with a roof-mounted boat that flipped over to reveal a tent beneath. There was even an electric fridge in the boot. The Country Squire soldiered on as part of the Ford range until 1990 when America fell out of love with the station wagon. In case you’re wondering, the woodgrain trim was fake – and had been since 1953.

1991 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

Another car guilty of the fake veneer treatment was one that can legitimately claim to be the first premium SUV. Introduced in 1963 by the Kaiser Jeep Corporation, the Wagoneer had an upmarket interior that set it apart from other 4×4 models at the time. By 1991, and under the control of Chrysler, the last few Grand Wagoneers were even more luxurious and better equipped. Accordingly, they attract premium prices from collectors.

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk

Jeep hasn’t forgotten how to produce cool family machines since the Wagoneer, although the brand-new Trackhawk is desirable for slightly different reasons. Taking the 707hp 6.2-litre supercharged V8 engine from the Dodge Challenger Hellcat and mating it to a 4WD system means 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds. Top speed is an equally ridiculous 180mph.Plus, you can set the suspension and gearbox to ‘Track mode’ should you want to get impress at the race circuit. Sick bags don’t appear on the options list, but at least the leather upholstery will be wipe-clean.

1998 Toyota Land Cruiser Amazon

Cool doesn’t necessarily mean fast or stylish. In fact, for family transport, automotive chic can be as simple as dependability in the most extreme situations. With a lineage that stretches back to 1951, the Land Cruiser has built a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness. Just ask Land Rover what it did for their export sales in places like Australia. The J100 Amazon, introduced in 1998, could be had with a 4.7-litre V8 engine, and offers a sense of quiet confidence when tackling the school run.

2000 Volkswagen Sharan 2.8 VR6

Much like this decade has been defined by the SUV, the 1990s were the era of the MPV. Offerings like the Sharan – and its Ford Galaxy/SEAT Alhambra sisters – were the answer to almost every family problem. Even the need to drive a seven-seater MPV, with a 2.8-litre 201hp narrow-angle V6 engine, was covered. Picking the VR6 still only meant 0-60mph in 10.6 seconds, but fuel economy dropped to a faintly ridiculous 22mpg. A small price to pay for transporting your kids with a six-cylinder soundtrack?

2001 Vauxhall Zafira GSi

The first-generation Zafira suffers from something of an image problem, perhaps not helped by Vauxhall’s TV adverts with Griff Rhys Jones. But in 2001, Vauxhall launched the sporty GSi version, with a 189hp turbocharged 2.0-litre engine from the Astra. A 0-60mph sprint of 7.5 seconds, combined with relatively subtle styling, make this something of a Q-car. If you can cope with the badge snobbery…

2006 SEAT Altea FR TFSI

Rarer and even more random than the Zafira, the Altea FR TFSI offers a fleeting chance that buying a compact MPV doesn’t mean giving up completely. Not only does it feature styling by Walter de Silva – he of Alfa Romeo 156 fame – but the FR had the option of a 197hp 2.0-litre TFSI engine. That’s the very same engine that powered the Mk5 Golf GTI, to much acclaim from journalists and enthusiasts alike. FR spec also means sports suspension, meaning this Altea handles better than you might imagine.

2006 Ford S-Max 2.5 Titanium

However, the title of ultimate performance MPV must go to the original Ford S-Max. Using the 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine from the Focus ST, its 216hp output means 0-60mph in 7.4 seconds and top speed of 143mph. Add a five-cylinder warble, seven seats and impressive handling, and the S-Max becomes quite a desirable package. It also proved popular with numerous police forces, adding an extra layer of coolness.

1995 Volvo 850 T-5R

Also beloved of the constabulary, the 850 T-5R was a worrying presence in the rear-view mirror of many motorway drivers. Created as Volvo went through a period of reinvention, the T-5R was a limited edition that used a 245hp 2.3-litre turbocharged engine. Although offered in estate and saloon body styles, the wagon was infinitely cooler – not least because of the 850 estate campaigned in the British Touring Car Championship.

2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX Wagon

Not officially sold outside of Japan, and created in limited numbers, the Evo IX Wagon is an opportunity to transport your family in a unique machine. Only 2,500 were built, melding the Evo IX saloon chassis to bodywork from the regular Lancer estate, with extensive additional welding and strengthening. Power was unchanged at 276hp, as was the full-time 4WD system with active centre differential. Tracking down an import might not be easy, but will be worth it.

2006 Audi B7 RS4 Avant

Flared wheelarches, Audi build quality and a 4.2-litre V8 engine that also saw service in the original R8 supercar. Not a bad place to start for a five-door estate, and such qualities made the RS4 a genuine challenger to the BMW M3. A rear-biased Quattro drivetrain offered slip and security in equal measure, while 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds is more than fast enough for a family wagon.

2007 BMW E60 M5 Touring

In the early 2000s, BMW established a reputation for building the most powerful V10 engines in Formula 1. Although they never took a World Championship against a dominant Ferrari team, BMW still won plaudits for its 10-cylinder powerplant. Seeking to capitalise on this, it equipped the E60 M5 with a 5.0-litre V10 producing 500hp. A semi-automatic gearbox allowed drivers to live out their inner Juan Pablo Montoya fantasies, with launch control offering lightning-fast getaways from a standing start. Today it looks almost subtle but, to those in the know, this is an achingly cool machine.

2017 SEAT Leon ST Cupra 300

Despite the love for crossovers and SUVs, compact estate cars have seen a renaissance in recent years. The SEAT Leon ST has proven to be very popular, not least because of striking good looks, strong equipment levels and decent value. Top of the tree is the Cupra 300, which makes, as the name suggests, 300hp from its 2.0-litre turbo engine. Consider the Cupra 300 a cut-price version of the Golf R Estate and it makes a surprising amount of sense, with even the option of 4WD on the cards.

2004 Subaru Forester STi

If 4WD really is a necessity for your family needs, how about another import-only Japanese creation? With the 2.5-litre flat-four boxer engine from the Impreza WRX STi, this second-generation Forester made 265hp. That’s good enough for 0-62mph in around 5.0 seconds, with Brembo brakes and tuned suspension to keep everything in check. Fuel economy might not be family-friendly, at 25mpg or less, but just remind yourself that you’re buying a practical estate with rally pedigree.

2016 Audi RS Q3 Performance

Should you want retro-rally ancestry in your family car, the RS Q3 could be the choice for you. The five-cylinder turbocharged engine sounds like those used in the wild Group B Quattro rally cars of the 1980s, even if the RS Q3 has to make to do with only 362hp. Performance specification brings cool-looking titanium alloy wheels and blue Alcantara seats. But ultimately you’re buying it for the noise made by the giant oval tailpipe.

2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI five-door

If a hot hatch is meant to be all things to all people, the Golf GTI is surely the ultimate expression of that. It’s classless yet classy, desirable but affordable, and as practical as a regular Golf hatchback. Does family motoring get cooler than this? The latest GTI is an absolute corker, with 230hp on tap from its 2.0-litre turbo motor. Make sure you keep it five-door and you’ll have a car that’s as usable as any normal family hatchback, but with a badge that truly means something.

The 10 hottest new SUVs at the New York Auto Show

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

April 13, 2017

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past decade, you’ll know that SUVs are hotter than hot cakes right now. New car buyers simply cannot get enough of the high-ridin’ heroes of the high street.

The 2017 New York Auto Show offers everything from a supercar-taming Jeep to a crazy concept from Toyota. We check out 10 of the best SUVs on display.

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Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk

Jeep’s claim that the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is the “quickest SUV ever” might ruffle a few feathers at Tesla, but there’s no doubting its performance credentials. The supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine delivers 707hp and 645lb ft, enough to keep that new Dodge Demon thingy on its toes.

The top speed is 180mph, while the 0-60mph time is polished off in 3.5 seconds. For reference, the Tesla Model X will sprint to 60mph in a claimed 2.9 seconds. But if the Tesla represents the future of the SUV, the Trackhawk is thoroughly old-school. A jackhammer to Tesla’s silent assassin.

Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S Coupe

Nearly 50 years of AMG history has led us here: to the Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S Coupe. The 4.0-litre V8 biturbo produces 503hp and 516lb ft of torque, helping to propel the aesthetically-challenged SUV to 60mph in 3.7 seconds.

The Coupe shares many of its styling cues with the standard and more practical GL63 SUV, which means a bold AMG Panamericana grille at the front and an aggressive rear bumper featuring an integrated diffuser. The key difference is the sloping roofline, which gives it the look of a classic coupe. That’s if you squint. Like, really hard. No, harder than that.

Chevrolet Tahoe RST

Keen not be left chasing shadows – or rather the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk – Chevrolet has released a Rally Sport Truck (RST) package for the Suburban and Tahoe. The RST delivers the obligatory styling upgrades and larger wheels, but it’s the Tahoe that has piqued our interest.

Tick the box marked ‘Performance’ and the Tahoe RST is treated to the 6.2-litre V8 engine lifted straight out of the Silverado. While 420hp and 460lb ft of torque might not seem like a big deal in a world where the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk exists, it certainly makes for an interesting SUV. The 0-60mph time of 5.7 seconds is more hot hatch than supercar, mind.

Lincoln Navigator

Nobody does supersize SUVs quite like the Americans, and the new Lincoln Navigator has the potential to be the best of the breed. Lincoln claims that it will elevate “family travel to first class” and it’s certainly large enough to rival an airliner, with enough comfort and convenience features to challenge a first class departure lounge.

It’s lighter, too, with a new aluminium-alloy helping the new Navigator to tip the scales some 200 pounds lighter than before. That said, it’ll still weigh the equivalent of an out-of-town supermarket. Power is sourced from a twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 450hp.

Volvo XC60

If the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade are prime examples of all-American SUVs, the Volvo XC60 offers a more European flavour. Introduced at the 2007 North American International Auto Show, the XC60 muscled in on the US market, quickly establishing itself as Volvo’s best-selling vehicle.

More than a million XC60s have been sold, which represents 30% of Volvo’s global sales, so there’s a lot of pressure resting on the shoulders of this good looking SUV. If it’s as good as the XC90 – which we suspect it will be – it stands every chance of picking up where the old model left off.

Buick Enclave

The Enclave is as important to Buick as the XC60 is to Volvo. Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global Buick and GMC, called the original model a “game-changer”: a reference to the fact that it arrived at a time when GM was in need of a hero. The outgoing model has been on sale for close to a decade: a testament to its success and popularity.

The new Enclave is bigger than before, but remains powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine, with power increased to 302hp. Buick has used the new Enclave to launch the new Avenir sub-brand. Think along the lines of Ford’s Vignale, with plusher materials, improved tech and a higher price.

Subaru Ascent

If Subaru wants to mix it with the big boys, it needs an authentic SUV. Something larger than the Outback, tougher than the XV and less niche than the Forester. The Ascent concept previews a future three-row SUV that will be called the, er, Subaru Ascent.

The good news is that the interior looks superb, complete with middle-row captain’s chairs and three seats in the third row. You also know that it will be formidable off-road. The bad news is that the Ascent will be sold exclusively in North America.

Infiniti QX80 Monograph

To say that the Infiniti QX80 Monograph is slightly less ugly than the current QX80 would be like saying Freddy Krueger is slightly less scary than Michael Myers. While it might be true, it’s still going to give you nightmares. But don’t worry, it’s just a design study, so there’s still time for Infiniti to have a rethink.

Infiniti has issued many words to promote the Monobrow – 1,224, to be precise – but doesn’t give too much away. The alloy wheels, in case you’re wondering, are 24-inch in diameter and overlap the tyres to present the appearance of 26-inch rims. An SUV for the Middle East, perhaps, but not one for Middle England.

Range Rover Velar

The Range Rover Velar is old news. Fresh from its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, Ellie Goulding was invited to take a tour of New York in the SUV that will sit between the Evoque and Sport in the Range Rover range.

Three engine options will be offered in the US, including a 247hp 2.0-litre petrol, 180hp 2.0-litre diesel and 380hp supercharged V6 petrol. “I have always been a big Range Rover fan”, said a starry-eyed Ellie Goulding.

Toyota FT-4X

Half-Blade Runner escapee, half-lifestyle accessory, the Toyota FT-4X concept is based on the same platform as the new CH-R. That makes it a potential rival for the Jeep Renegade – if Toyota builds it.

Inside, there’s an instrument cluster that looks like a smartphone, a removable radio and door handles that double as water bottles. There’s also a GoPro camera mounted in the door mirror. Young, outdoorsy types will love it. If only they could afford to buy new cars…

The cars most likely to be written off

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

April 12, 2017

The percentage of vehicles checked with at least one serious warning against them increased from 25.6% in 2015 to 28.5% in 2016. That’s the warning from used vehicle checker Mycarcheck.com, which has released write-off, finance and stolen risk data for its 10 most searched-for makes.

The most common serious risk, write-off, increased from 29% of all warnings in 2015 to 33.6% last year. It pays to approach with caution when buying a used car as doing a little pre-purchase research will reduce the risk of buying a pup. The question is: what cars are most likely to be written off?

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10. BMW: 17.88

There are four write-off categories, ranked in order of serious. In summary, these are: Category A – scrap only; Category B – car to be crushed, but parts can be salvaged; Category C – vehicle repairable but costs exceed market value; Category D – vehicle repairable, but repair costs are significant.

Taking this into consideration, a car declared a Category C or D write-off needn’t be a risky purchase, you simply need to do your homework.

9. MINI: 18.28%

It’s also worth bearing in mind that a Category C or D car will be worth less on the used car market. This should play a part in your negotiations.

MINI finished 9th with 18.28% of vehicles checked returning a write-off warning.

8. Renault: 18.59%

In June 2001, the Renault Laguna became the first car to be awarded a five-star Euro NCAP rating for occupant protection.

According to Mycarcheck.com, 18.59% of all Renault vehicles checked returned a write-off warning.

7. Nissan: 18.61%

If you want to keep a car declared as a Category C or D write-off, the insurance company will provide a payout and then sell the vehicle back to you. You must send the complete log book back to your insurance company before applying for a duplicate log book using a V62 form.

Around 18.6% of Nissan vehicles checked returned a write-off warning, according to the Mycarcheck.com figures.

6. SEAT: 18.69%

Meanwhile, SEAT finished 6th with 18.69% of vehicles checked returning a write-off warning.

5. Peugeot: 18.81%

In September 2016, the Peugeot 208 Active was revealed to be the most written-off car in the UK, based on mycarcheck.com data collected between January and June 2016.

Nearly half of all 208 Active models checked were previously written off. Across the entire year, Peugeot finished fifth.

4. Suzuki: 19.09%

Roger Powell said: “Any previously written off vehicle must be viewed with caution, especially when inspecting the quality of repairs.

“The implications of being involved in a further accident in a car which has not been properly repaired don’t bear thinking about.”

3. Ford: 19.21%

Powell continued: “In a survey a couple of years ago, 79% of mycarcheck.com customers said they wouldn’t buy one.

“The flipside is that some buyers are happy to look at Category C or D write-offs and use the data to push for a price reduction.”

2. Vauxhall: 19.99%

In a previous Mycarcheck.com survey, three of the vehicles in the top 10 had a Vauxhall badge. More specifically, the Corsa Limited Edition, Corsa SRi and Corsa SXi.

Vauxhall finished second in the table of the most searched-for makes.

1. Honda: 21.65%

For the second year running, Honda was the worst for written-off cars, with 21.65% of all vehicles checked returning a warning.

If in doubt, get a used car check. If you’re still in doubt, walk away and look at something else. There are plenty more cars in the classifieds.

Jaguar F-Pace wins World Car of the Year 2017

Richard Aucock

April 12, 2017

The World Car Awards this year had the honour of opening the New York Motor Show, revealing the 2017 winners at a big ceremony.

With the first all-SUV showdown for the overall World Car of the Year Award, plus intriguing big-brand battles in the other categories, it was guaranteed to be standing room only. And so, without further ado, the awards got underway…

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World Car of the Year 2017: Jaguar F-Pace

Runners up: Audi Q5, Volkswagen Tiguan

The Jaguar F-Pace has triumphed in the 2017 competition, scooping the overall World Car Awards’ Car of the Year prize. In a resounding victory, Jaguar’s first-ever SUV beat the formidable pairing of the Audi Q5 and Volkswagen Tiguan.

Jaguar Land Rover CEO Dr Ralf Speth was on hand to collect the prize – and was absolutely delighted at beating the might of the Volkswagen Group. He made sure to send thanks back to the design and engineering teams back in the UK, and suggested that this success “gives me more energy to go and do more.”

The World Car Awards jury offers prizes for individual categories as well. It celebrates the finest luxury, performance and green cars in the world – plus, new for 2017, the best urban cars. A World Car Design of the Year Award is also given out. Let’s see which other brands triumphed.

World Luxury Car of the Year 2017: Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Runners-up: BMW 5 Series, Volvo S90/V90

The World Luxury Car prize is always hotly-fought. This year, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class took the prize – but it didn’t come without a fight…

The all-new BMW 5 Series is brilliantly capable: a driver’s delight and a luxury car star. The trouble is, the latest Mercedes E-Class is fantastic, too. Ultimately, the prize this year went to Stuttgart, not Munich.

Volvo was proud to make the top three with its groundbreaking new S90 saloon and V90 estate. They couldn’t quite beat the BMW or Mercedes-Benz, but going head-to-head with them in the run-off is nothing to be ashamed of.

World Performance Car of the Year 2017: Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman

Runners up: McLaren 570 GT and Audi R8 Spyder

The latest Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster have proven controversial new additions because of their four-cylinder turbo engines. It seems the WCOTY jurors looked past the shock of the new, though, and discovered just what brilliant performance cars this well-priced duo are.

Porsche beats McLaren – yes indeed! The 570S ‘Sports Series’ is a top-notch supercar, but it’s perhaps not quite the well-rounded package Porsche offers with its 718 range.

The Audi R8 is a former winner of the World Performance Car prize, but its Spyder soft-top sibling couldn’t quite nose over the line ahead this year. A finalist place is still commendable, though.

World Urban Car of the Year 2017: BMW i3 94Ah

Runners up: Citroen C3, Suzuki Ignis

This is a new category for 2017. The World Urban Car honours models that are small in size, but not in ability. The inaugural winner is the BMW i3 94Ah, with its extended EV battery finally making it the complete package in the judges’ eyes.

Citroen has rediscovered its mojo. The funky-looking C3 is a supermini that’s jumped from the bottom of the class to the top of its game. A very worthy finalist indeed.

The third World Urban Car finalist was the Suzuki Ignis, a radically-styled budget city car that’s charming and charismatic, but also well-designed and fun to drive. Throw in great-value prices and it’s easy to see why it was a top-three finalist.

World Green Car of the Year 2017: Toyota Prius Prime

Runners up: Chevrolet Bolt, Tesla Model X

The World Green Car award celebrates forward-looking green tech. This year, it seems the plug-in hybrid capabilities of the Toyota Prius Prime – known as the Prius Plug-In in the UK – impressed the judges most. All the usability of the best-selling Prius, but with added EV-running capabilities: what’s not to like?

The surprise of the World Car Awards 2017 was the Chevrolet Bolt not scooping the Green Car award. It seems the judges liked the all-round abilities of the Toyota more than they valued the innovative design of the Chevy Bolt. A bolt from the blue for GM?

Sorry, Elon Musk, the World Green Car of the Year prize was denied you. Your Model X is fantastic, but it’s just a bit too expensive and exotic to be a genuine real-world green car contender. Maybe the Model 3 will change things?

World Car Design of the Year 2017: Jaguar F-Pace

Runners up:Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet, Toyota C-HR

There was an added surprise for Jaguar – it also won the World Car Design of the Year, again for the F-Pace. “This one’s for you, Ian Callum,” said Dr Ralf Speth when accepting the prize. A fine tribute to the man who has done so much for Jaguar design, including overseeing the creation of a double World Car Awards-winner.

The fancy, fantastic S-Class Cabriolet is a luscious-looking thing, but the expert design panel felt it wasn’t quite innovative enough to topple the Jaguar.

And the Toyota C-HR is a futuristic design, all lines, creases, angles and slashes. But perhaps it’s just too radical for the 2017 WCOTY judges?

Car insurance premiums set to hit £1,000 average by next year

Andrew Brady

April 11, 2017

Drivers are paying £110 more on average for car insurance than they did just one year ago – and premiums could hit a record high of £1,000 by next year.

That’s according to the latest car insurance price index report from Confused.com, which reveals that the average fully-comp premium is a staggering £781 – 16% higher than in 2016, and just £77 less than the record highest average premium achieved in 2011.

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The comparison website blames “pressures imposed on the insurance industry” for the price rises, and says premiums will continue their upward spiral into 2018. These pressures include a change in the way compensation for life-changing injuries is calculated, along with increases in Insurance Premium Tax (IPT).

“As the industry adapts to additional pressures, such as the drastic Ogden rate cut and the hike in IPT to 12% from June this year, we could be on course to drive past the £858 peak we saw in 2011,” said Confused.com’s motoring editor, Amanda Stretton. “As car insurance costs continue to climb, average premiums could even break the £1,000 barrier by next year.

“Thankfully, insurers are now required to show drivers their premium from the previous year at point of renewal. So being able to compare the amount they paid in the previous year and armed with the knowledge that prices are rising across the board, motorists should be more inclined to shop around.”

Data from the website reveals that there continues to be a disparity between how much male and female drivers pay for insurance, despite an EU gender directive that states gender cannot be taken into account when calculating car insurance prices.

It found that men spend £824 on average – £96 more than female drivers, who typically pay £728 for their car insurance. The gender gap is most noticeable for younger drivers, with males aged between 17 and 20 paying a hefty £2,363 on average, compared to the £1,746 paid by women.

Techno Classica: Europe’s best classic car show

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

April 11, 2017

In 2016, more than 200,000 visitors from around the world visited the Techno Classica car show in Essen, Germany. It’s considered to be Europe’s best classic car show, as demonstrated by these photos taken at this year’s event.

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Skoda stand

The Skoda Fabia or Octavia parked on your street can their roots back to Václav Laurin and Václav Klement and the founding of a bicycle factory in 1895. Laurin & Klement – as Skoda was formerly known – began building motorised bicycles in 1899 and cars in 1905.

Skoda looked back on 122 years of the history with the help of so-called “impressive milestones”, including the 935 Dynamic aerodynamic prototype, Popular Monte Carlo, Rapid Dalnice and a display of Favorit variants. The Favorit was the last car built by Skoda before it was swallowed by the Volkswagen Group.

Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia

If we were dishing out awards for the coolest car in Essen, the Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be in with a shout. The Beetle-based coupe may have flattered to deceive when it came to performance, but it oozed West Coast cool.

As the name suggests, the pretty 2+2 was styled by Ghia and built by Karmann, positioned as an affordable – and slower – alternative to the Porsche 356. The Karmann-Ghia was superseded by the Porsche 914, the bodies of which were built at the Karmann factory in Osnabrück.

Volkswagen T1

The Type 2 was unveiled at the 1949 Geneva Motor Show and so-called because it was the German carmaker’s second model. The first generation models – built between 1950 and 1967 – retrospectively became known as the T1.

We suspect this 1950 model has never been stuck in a jam on the A303 or queued to get into a National Trust car park in Cornwall.

Ferrari 225 S

The Ferrari 225 S first appeared at the 1952 Giro di Sicilia and was powered by a V12 which was being continually developed at the time. In this race, both open and closed versions were on show, each one bodied by Vignale, as seen here.

The 225 S emerged victorious in the 1952 Monaco Grand Prix, with Italian Vittorio Marzotto at the wheel. In the book, Ferrari 70 Years by Dennis Adler, it is claimed that 20 were built and that all but one had coachwork by Vignale.

Dino 246 GT

Despite looking almost identical to the earlier 206 GT, the Dino 246 GT introduced a number of changes. Eagle-eyed Ferrari fans at the 1969 Turin Motor Show would have noticed a repositioned fuel filler cap, longer engine cover, larger exhausts and new alloy wheels.

The wheelbase was increased by 60mm, while the engine capacity was boosted from 2.0- to 2.4-litres. A total of 2,487 units were built between 1969 and 1974.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR ‘Uhlenhaut Coupe’

The hardtop version of the 300 SLR ‘Uhlenhaut Coupe’ was built to go racing in the 1956 season, but with Mercedes-Benz withdrawing from racing in 1955, it was left without a competition.

Instead, it provided transport for the head of the test department, Rudolf Uhlenhaut. Two were built, but while this one lives in the Mercedes museum, the whereabouts of the other model is unknown. Check your nearest barn…

BMW 328

The BMW 328 was the car that put the Bavarian company on the map and would influence the styling of roadsters for years to come. Indeed, the 328 – introduced in 1936 – inspired elements of the Z3 and Z4.

It was hugely successful on the race track, too, notching up a win whilst still in prototype form at the Nurburgring, averaging 67mph over 70 miles. Only 462 units were built, making it one of the most prized sports cars of the pre-war era.

Cadillac Eldorado Brougham

The Cadillac Eldorado Brougham was one of the finest automobiles of the 1950s, driven exclusively by the rich and famous. None other than Frank Sinatra owned a third generation model, as seen here on display in Essen.

The Brougham cost a staggering $13,074 – more than double the price of a regular Eldorado – a price justified by opulent styling and lavish features. Air suspension, power seats, automatic boot opening, air conditioning and a perfume dispenser were just a few of the trinkets.

Porsche 356 B

The Porsche 356 B arrived in 1960 and introduced a number of styling changes to mark it out from the 356 A. The larger bumpers, increased amount of chrome and the repositioned headlights are just three of the distinguishing features.

Three body styles were available – Cabriolet, Roadster and Speedster – with power ranging from 60hp in the standard 1.6-litre 356 B to 140hp in the 2000 GS-GT Carrera 2.

Maserati 250F

According to Sir Stirling Moss, the Maserati 250F was “probably, of its era, the nicest Formula One, front-engined car to drive”.

Others believe the 250F is the most beautiful single-seater racing car of the post-war era. Is it? One to discuss over dinner…

NSU Prinz 30

The Prinz 30 was launched at the 1957 Frankfurt Motor Show and was the German company’s first post-war vehicle. It was powered by a motorcycle engine and despite its diminutive size, there was enough room for four people. It was a bit of a tight squeeze, mind.

Mercedes-Benz Model S

The model S of 1927 was the first in a series of supercharged Mercedes-Benz sports cars nicknamed ‘White Elephants’. The ‘S’ stands for Sport and the Model S was victorious in its very first race at the Nurburgring.

BMW Isetta

Until the Mini arrived, microcars such as the BMW Isetta were all the rage. They provided cheap and reliable transport for many, and were economical enough prove invaluable during the Suez Crisis.

BMW 502

The 501 was the first car be produced by BMW after the Second World War and was nicknamed the ‘Baroque Angel’ by the German public. The 502 – which arrived in 1954 – was powered by a new V8 engine and was, at the time, the fastest saloon car in Germany.

Opel Kapitan

This Opel Kapitan rolled off the production line in 1956 and took the honour of being the two-millionth Opel vehicle ever built. Note the gold-plated fittings, which were also a feature of the cabin.

Mercedes-Benz 540 K Streamliner

The one-off Mercedes-Benz 540 K Streamliner was designed as a vehicle for competition but became a test vehicle for aerodynamics and efficiency. The priceless car was put into storage in 1945 before being restored in time for the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours.

Skoda Popular Monte Carlo

Speaking of aerodynamics, the Skoda Popular Monte Carlo was at the forefront of research and development in this field. Only 72 coupe and cabriolet models were built between 1936 and 1938, each one marking the success of Skoda at the 1936 Monte Carlo Rally.

Best of Show: Alfa Romeo 3000 CM Superflow IV

This car was produced in four different body styles and had a clear influence on the original Alfa Romeo Spider. It was awarded ‘Best of Show’ at Techno Classica 2017.

BMW

BMW put on quite a show in its home country, as demonstrated by this stunning line-up of vehicles.

1937 Lagonda LG45 Rapide

The Lagonda LG45 Rapide can boast an enviable competition history, including victory at Le Mans in 1935. Designed to rival contemporary Bentley models, the Lagonda was enjoyed by wealthy motorists of the time. Only 25 were built.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe Black Series

When new, the 6.2-litre V8 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe Black Series – catchy name – cost around £230,000. Top speed is limited to 196mph and it’ll sprint to 62mph in 3.6 seconds.

Citroen Traction Avant 11CV

The game-changing Citroen Traction Avant is the godfather of the modern motor car. It was the first front-wheel drive production car to boast a steel monocoque body, and also featured fully independent suspension.

Mercedes-Benz E500 Limited

Given the popularity of the W124 in the early 90s, you’d have been forgiven for not spotting an E500 Limited looming into view. That’s until the Porsche-built, 5.0-litre V8 super-saloon breezed past you without breaking sweat.

21 great 21st century car designs

John Redfern

April 5, 2017

We might be less than two decades into the new millennium, but automotive design has already moved on apace. We’ve picked out 21 cars that demonstrate truly great design since the year 2000. Not every car here is conventionally beautiful, but each showcases innovation, creativity, or the ability to tap into what buyers really desire. Of course, some are also here because they look too good to ignore.

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2000 MINI Cooper

Remember the year 2000? The future was here, everything seemed to be painted silver and BMW had rid itself of the Rover brand. But it kept hold of the jewel in the crown: MINI. Setting the scene for design trends to follow, the R50 MINI Cooper was unashamedly retro, taking elements of the Alec Issigonis original to create a bigger, more modern machine.

Frank Stephenson was responsible for the design, and used classic Mini features such as the chrome grille, white wheels and contrasting roof to make the new car instantly recognisable. A central speedometer, combined with toggle switches, ensured the interior was equally retro-influenced. Although it didn’t push packaging boundaries like the original, it did prove to be hugely successful (and profitable) for BMW.

2001 Renault Avantime

At the turn of the millennium, Renault was in a buoyant mood, pushing its brand towards cutting-edge modernism. Along with the slightly more conventional Vel Satis, the Avantime was Patrick Le Quément’s vision of where Renault should go. But buyers weren’t really interested in making that journey, and only 8,500 were willing to buy one.

With a name that means ‘ahead of time’ the Avantime was just too leftfield, and lasted less than three years in production. Yet its pillarless one-box construction was ingenious, with special double hinges for the giant doors and a button that would retract all the windows and sunroof at once. Good design pushes boundaries, and there is no denying the Avantime did that.

2002 Ford GT40 concept car

Current focus is on the new Ford GT, but travel back 15 years and the 2002 Detroit Auto Show saw the launch of a special GT40 concept car. Intended to celebrate Ford’s centenary, the design was slavish in recreating the GT40 racer from the 1960s, albeit taller than the 40-inch height of the original. Public reaction was overwhelming, and a production version was prepared virtually unaltered.

Ford was unable to agree terms with the owner of the GT40 name, meaning finished versions would simply be titled ‘GT’. Other changes for the production cars included the addition of a rear bumper to meet impact tests, plus only one fuel filler cap instead of two. While it may have borrowed wholesale from the original GT40, the 2002 concept was unquestionably beautiful.

2003 BMW E60 5 Series

It might seem a little hard to believe, but maybe we were all wrong about Chris Bangle and his tenure as BMW’s chief of design. The E60 5 Series was met with scorn and derision by many, appearing far too radical in looks compared to the previous E39 version. Sharp creases, wraparound headlights and that tailgate all seemed to be very un-BMW like.

But look at the E60 now. This design is almost 15 years old, yet still manages to look modern and, whisper it, actually quite handsome. Over 1.3 million examples were sold between 2003 and 2009, suggesting buyers couldn’t have hated it as much as we were led to believe. Chris Bangle, we’re sorry – you got this one right.

2003 Porsche Carrera GT

The Carrera GT was the fortunate by-product of Porsche finding itself with a race-spec V10 engine, but no suitable home for it. The motor made its way into the Carrera GT concept car, shown at the 2000 Paris Motor Show. Following a positive reception, Porsche planned a limited production run for the Carrera GT, featuring a 612hp version of the 5.7-litre V10.

With a monocoque chassis built from pure carbon fibre, carbon ceramic brake discs and carbon fibre body panels, the Carrera GT was primarily a lesson in lightweight construction. Styling was dictated by the need to resemble the rest of the Porsche model range, but also incorporate the cooling needs of the V10, along with aerodynamic stability and performance. The result was a hypercar that looks relatively subtle compared to more recent creations, but it was brutally effective.

2004 Alfa Romeo 159

Everyone remembers the Alfa 156. It won European Car of the Year in 1998, gained praise for the clever hidden rear door handle, and featured a distinctive off-centre number plate. This made life hard for the 159 that had to follow it in 2004. Famed Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro was the man tasked with the styling job, and he was clearly undaunted by the task at hand.

With direct influences from the Brera concept car of 2002, the 159 retained the central V-shaped grille and off-centre number plate from the 156. Giugiaro produced a cohesive and distinctly Alfa design, while also incorporating the need to make the car larger. Platform development squabbles between Fiat and General Motors would hamper the finished product, but the 159 remained an elegant saloon – on the outside at least.

2004 Aston Martin DB9

If you have ever complained that all new Aston Martins look the same, then the DB9 is the genesis of that design philosophy. Henrik Fisker’s work would go on to also inspire the V8 Vantage, Rapide, and various other cars also derived from the DB9. That the design was able to continue virtually unaltered until 2016 testament to how right Fisker was in the first place.

The DB9 did without aggressive spoilers and wings, reflecting its GT car nature. Classic Aston Martin elements like the front grille were incorporated into an elegant body. The car gained a unique ‘Sub Zero’ spot on the Top Gear ‘cool wall’, helping cement its place as a design icon.

2004 Chrysler 300C

Channelling the ‘Forward Look’ styling language of the Chrysler 300 range from the 1950s, the 300C was another unashamed retro recreation. A huge grille, shallow glasshouse and slab sides endowed the 300C with imposing street presence. More impressive was that it managed to be accepted on both sides of the Atlantic – something American cars have rarely achieved.

So popular was the 300C when launched that it racked up a range of celebrity endorsements. Famous 300C owners included Barack Obama, Snoop Dogg, Dr Dre and Ice Cube, and the car became a staple of hip-hop music videos. We’ll gloss over the trend for owners to replace the regular grille with a Bentley-badged one, however.

2004 Volkswagen Mk5 Golf GTI

After the criticism of the Mk3 and Mk4 versions of the Golf GTI, Wolfsburg hit back in 2004 with a car that truly lived up to the legacy of the original hot hatch. A comprehensive mechanical overhaul underneath the bodywork helped the Mk5 GTI drive as it should, but the intelligent design changes made it look like it belonged. Honeycomb mesh filled the bumper inserts, while a red stripe paid homage to the grille of the iconic Mk1.

Standard fit 17-inch Monza alloy wheels, along with black plastic side skirts, sharpened up the side profile, while the rear bumper featured twin exhaust tailpipes and a subtle spoiler. Inside, the return of tartan cloth trim made certain there was no confusing the GTI for a lesser Golf.

2006 Audi R8

What makes the Audi R8 an iconic design? The fact it shows the confidence of the brand to produce a mid-engined supercar, capable of taking the fight to established rivals like Ferrari and Porsche. The R8 borrowed heavily from the Audi RSQ concept, featured in the 2004 film I, Robot, although obviously it lacked the spherical wheels used in the movie…

Most notable in the design of the R8 were the ‘side blades’ fitted behind the trailing edge of the doors. Offered in a number of finishes, they broke up the flank of the supercar and stopped it appearing like a generic mid-engined machine. They also served a functional role as air intakes for the V8 or V10 engines. Now into its second-generation, the R8 cemented the premium market position of the Audi brand.

2006 Dodge Challenger concept

Many cars since the turn of the millennium have used retro touches and influences. However, for the Challenger concept, Dodge went all-out, recreating the classic 1970 R/T model in an almost exact likeness. From the overall shape of the body to details like the quad headlights and front indicators, this was a slavish reproduction. Yet reconstructing one of the most iconic muscle cars can hardly be considered a bad idea.

After being shown at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, Dodge released the production Challenger in 2008, with minimal alterations from the concept machine. The Challenger Concept was also important for playing a part in the muscle car revival of the late 2000s. With Ford and Chevrolet releasing ‘retro-futuristic’ interpretations of classic muscle cars, a previously dormant segment was recreated for those who could previously only dream of owning an original from the 1960s.

2007 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

This may well be the most achingly beautiful car on our list. Long of nose, short of tail, and wearing a classic Alfa V-shaped grille, we’ll forgive you if you linger over images of the 8C Competizione for a little longer than most. Originally shown at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show, it took until 2007 for the 500 lucky customers to start receiving their completed cars.

Despite the Italian style, the 8C Competizione was actually created by a German designer – Wolfgang Egger. Under its lengthy bonnet was a Ferrari/Maserati 4.7-litre V8 engine, producing 450hp and an incredible sound. In all honesty, it could have been powered by a 1.0-litre diesel with 50hp and we’d still be begging to have one.

2007 Fiat 500

More than 1.5 million Fiat 500s have been sold globally, 250,000 of them in the UK alone. Yet dismissing the new 500 as an obvious choice ignores the fact it has been significantly responsible for propping up the Fiat brand, through faithfully copying the original 1957 car. It’s worth noting that Frank Stephenson, he of MINI Cooper fame, was responsible for creating the finished production version.

The design of the new 500 is not without merit, picking up the city car prize for the World’s Most Beautiful Automobile in 2007, along with the European Car of the Year award in 2008 and World Car Design of the Year in 2009. Whatever your opinion on the 500, that is a substantial set of awards for a car that shares underpinnings with the humble Fiat Panda. It does mean owners should probably stop adding eyelashes to the headlights, though.

2007 Maserati GranTurismo

The mid-2000s clearly experienced something of an Italian design renaissance, as we notch up another car from bel paese. Styled by American Jason Castriota while he was working for that most Italian of design houses, Pininfarina, the GranTurismo melded modern and classic styling features. Most notable is the gaping front grille, which wears the Maserati trident emblem.

Beneath a curvaceous design that hides the sheer size of the GranTurismo, the four-seater coupe shares many of its mechanical parts with the fifth-generation Quattroporte saloon. That includes its V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, helping the GranTurismo tip the scales at nearly 1,900kg.

2009 Ferrari 458 Italia

Following on from the F430, which looked a little soft, the 458 Italia was Ferrari at full modern aggression. With design elements like the extended headlights that appeared to take influence from Japanese machinery, the 458 Italia brought the mid-engined supercar bang up to date.

That said, features like the exhaust system with three tailpipes paid homage to the F40, while round taillights continued a mid-engined Ferrari styling feature present since the 1975 308 GTB. Unlike its historic predecessors, the 458 Italia also had to contend with the need for advanced aerodynamics. Deformable winglets inside the front bumper would reduce in size to cut drag at high speed, helping the 458 achieve more than 200mph.

2010 Lexus LFA

Created by a single-minded desire to produce a halo model to demonstrate the abilities of the Lexus brand, the LFA had free reign to achieve iconic status. Performance was the key factor in shaping it, but the devotion to speed created a car with uniquely stunning looks. Carbon fibre was used extensively, allowing shapes that would not have been possible with metal construction.

Like the Ferrari 458, the LFA also featured three exhaust tailpipes, but stacked vertically. Hidden door handles kept the sides smooth, while even the wing mirrors were designed for aerodynamic optimisation. Lexus admits that a replacement for the LFA is unlikely in the near future, cementing the uniqueness of it as a 21st century design.

2011 Range Rover Evoque

As the smallest model in the Range Rover line-up, the Evoque had a tough brief. It needed to appear a premium product, but be accessible and affordable for urban buyers. A clamshell bonnet and floating roof were key styling elements borrowed from the bigger Range Rover. The use of lightweight aluminium and composite construction helped the Evoque retain a respectable kerb weight for a crossover SUV.

Even before going on sale, Land Rover had attracted some 18,000 pre-orders for the Evoque. Being crowned ‘Best Production Car’ at the 2010 Car Design News awards, along with the 2012 World Car Design of the Year prize, demonstrates how the Evoque was loved by industry critics as well as customers. Despite being some six years old, the Evoque still looks cutting-edge. Although let’s not talk about the convertible version…

2011 Volkswagen Up

Volkswagen learned a hard lesson after replacing the much-loved Lupo with the Brazilian-built Fox. Whilst buyers might want a VW city car to be affordable, they also want it to at least look expensive. The Up achieved that, with strong lines and a tailgate made from a single piece of glass – a feature borrowed from the Up concept first shown in 2007. This would also mark the Up out against its badge-engineered SEAT and Skoda brethren.

In fact, the Up’s styling replicated the concept car almost unchanged. Underneath, however, it ditched the rear-mounted flat-four engine for a conventional front-wheel-drive setup. The finished Up would take the 2012 World Car of the Year prize, beating both the BMW 3 Series and Porsche 911 in the final round of voting.

2014 Citroen C4 Cactus

Ferdinand Alexander Porsche is quoted as saying that “design is not simply art, it is elegance of function” and as the man responsible for the shape of the 911, he knew a thing or two about styling. Such a notion also justifies the inclusion of the C4 Cactus on this list. No, it may not be the most conventionally attractive car here, but a devotion to practicality means it stands out in a crowded crossover market.

Cactus buyers are rewarded with clever features like the Airbumps found on the side panels, which not only look cool, but also absorb impacts from shopping trolleys and other car doors. Citroen has also built the Cactus with low weight in mind, making it more fun to drive than you might expect from a utilitarian family machine. It might upset your neighbours in some colour choices, but it lives up to the idea of being elegantly functional.

2015 Jaguar F-Pace

The lure of the SUV is inescapable for contemporary car manufacturers, but there is still a need to ensure it looks like it’s part of the family. Many have tried, but it isn’t an easy task. Just try recalling the first-generation Porsche Cayenne… Thankfully, Jaguar possesses a truly talented designer in Ian Callum, meaning the F-Pace had the best possible start in life. So not only does it look like a Jaguar, but it looks good full-stop.

Ian Callum has led the transition of Jaguar from stuffy traditionalism to contemporary modernism, being responsible for cars such as the XF, XE and the F-Type. The F-Pace borrows features from those three models, with rear lights inspired by the F-Type being the most obvious element used. Becoming the fastest selling car in the history of the Jaguar brand suggests Mr Callum got it right with this one.

2016 Volvo V90

In a world where everything seems to be an SUV or crossover, there is something reassuring about a big estate car. Combine that with ideas of Scandinavian cool and Volvo safety, and the V90 becomes really rather desirable. Having it on your drive means you can pretend to have watched Scandi-noir dramas like The Bridge and Wallander without suffering hours of subtitles.

The S90 saloon version came first, but that somehow isn’t as chic or stylish as the big wagon. The V90 isn’t, admittedly, as practical as previous giant Volvo estates, trading boot space for style. But that’s hardly a Scandinavian crime, and means the V90 can rightfully take its place here as truly great 21st century design.

Parking chaos expected as ticket machines are not prepared for new £1 coin

Andrew Brady

March 28, 2017

Motorists are being warned that the new £1 coin could cause chaos in car parks across the UK, as ticket machines haven’t been updated to accept the new 12-sided version.

The new coin is being introduced from today to cut down on the number of fake pound coins in circulation – but many business aren’t prepared and might not be able to accept the new £1 piece.

According to the British Parking Association, more than a quarter of Britain’s 100,000 parking machines have not yet been updated to process the 12-sided coin, meaning drivers could struggle to park in many places over the coming months.

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Fortunately, the so-called ’round pound’ will be accepted as legal tender until October 15, which gives car park operators more than six months to update their outdated machines.

Online parking marketplace YourParkingSpace.co.uk is grabbing the opportunity to encourage motorists to use its service to book a parking space online.

“The fact that a significant number of cash-operated machines aren’t ready for the new coins is likely to be extremely irritating for drivers, who will be faced with the inconvenience of having to leave their car to go and change money – or alternatively find somewhere else to park”, said the website’s managing director, Harrison Woods.

“To avoid frustration as well as possible delays to their journey I would recommend drivers reserve their parking in advance online. Our platform allows drivers to book and pay for their parking through a secure system, meaning you’ll never have to root around for the correct change again.”

The firm says that a backlog in ticket machines requiring modification could mean it’s several months before the new coins are widely accepted.

Of course, many car parks also accept payment via phone with a small convenience fee. Or you could just pay using different coins…

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The UK’s most popular cars for new drivers

John Redfern

March 23, 2017

The excitement of passing your driving test is overwhelming, but even more thrilling is the emotion when you buy your first car. Price comparison website MoneySupermarket has used its car insurance data to find out which are the most popular first cars for the UK’s 17- and 18-year-old drivers.

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15th – Volkswagen Golf

Propping up the list, the Golf also happens to be the biggest car of the top 15, making a somewhat surprising entry into a sea of superminis and city cars. Managing to be both classless and classy at the same time, Volkswagen’s long-standing family hatchback succeeds in being all things to all people. Including fresh-faced teenage drivers, it seems.

MoneySupermarket has not specified which particular version of Golf – or any of the cars on this list, in fact – proved the most popular. So we’ve hedged our bets on the Mk5 being a strong contender. Prices today have slipped firmly into the ‘affordable’ category, while engines like the 74hp 1.4-litre petrol should be sufficient to keep insurance prices vaguely sensible.

14th – Toyota Aygo

This is more what we would expect for a first car. Built alongside the Citroen C1 and Peugeot 107 in the Czech Republic, as a petite city car the original Aygo is perfect for those who are still getting to grips with driving. Plus, it was once used on Top Gear for a football match with cars, so it must be cool, right?

Specifically targeted at new and younger drivers, the first-generation Aygo had a tiny 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine with just 67hp. Top speed was less than 100mph, and parents could be satisfied with the four-star Euro NCAP safety rating and strong reliability.

13th – Toyota Yaris

Although it might look slightly dumpy today, when it was introduced the first-generation Yaris caused a genuine stir in the supermini world. Running costs with the base 1.0-litre petrol engine are dirt-cheap, with the added bonus of a roomy interior and that Toyota reputation for build quality.

Known in Japan as the Vitz, and by the Echo name in Australia and Canada, the Yaris is a truly global car. The original version, sold from 1999 to 2005, won the European Car of the Year award in 2000, placing it in the same high regard as the Citroen XM and Porsche 928. Surely that must make it a worthy choice for any eighteen-year-old driver?

12th – Peugeot 107

As one of the three Toyota/Citroen/Peugeot triplets, the 107 had quite a hard task in following the Peugeot 106 which had gone before it. That car had been a particular favourite with new drivers during its 12-year lifespan, meaning the badge-engineered 107 had a lot to live up to.

Like the Aygo, a 1.0-litre petrol engine came as standard in the original 107, with a 1.4-litre diesel also on offer. Three- or five-door versions were available, although only there is only space for four people inside the 3.4-metre-long 107. Peugeot gave a 107 away as a prize for young drivers in 2009, so maybe that helped boost it to 12th on this list.

11th – Nissan Micra

Beloved of students and pensioners alike, that the diminutive Micra makes an appearance on a young driver favourite list shouldn’t be a surprise. Easy manoeuvrability, a choice of low-power 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre engines, plus cheap insurance make it a natural choice for a first car.

The K12 Micra – as pictured – was quite radical when it hit the market in 2003, thanks to that distinctive styling. All those curves meant interior space was somewhat limited, however. The K12 would also be the last Micra produced at Nissan’s Sunderland factory, now responsible for the Juke and Qashqai crossovers.

10th – MINI One

In the small car stakes, the new MINI is a pretty big deal. So it’s no wonder that it manages to be popular with teenagers taking their first steps onto the highway. They might need slightly deeper pockets if they plump for the MINI, as even in One specification it features a 90hp 1.6-litre engine that might cause insurers some alarm.

Offsetting the higher insurance bracket is the fact that the first-generation MINI hatchback is now fairly affordable to buy. Add in a funky interior, sharp handling, and the badge kudos of owning a MINI, and you might be able to overlook those insurance premiums. Just don’t go expecting to carry much in the boot.

9th – Peugeot 206

It might not have been sold in the UK for almost a decade, but that doesn’t stop the venerable 206 from still being a top-10 favourite with new drivers. The 206 managed to continually feature in best-seller lists in the early 2000s, and such ubiquity means prices today are low and parts plentiful. There’s also the added patriotic bonus of the 206 being the last Peugeot to be built at the Ryton plant in Coventry.

Engine choices included new driver-friendly options such as a 1.1-litre four cylinder with 59hp, while the 1.4-litre was the most popular in the range. Even today, the 206 looks pretty neat – in an early 2000s way – although the scratchy interior plastics and cramped seating position are the price you pay for such style.

8th – Citroen C1

You probably know the drill with this one by now. Much the same as the Toyota Aygo and Peugeot 107 save for badging, the C1 is a Czech-built city car with a 1.0-litre 67hp engine. Citroen is renowned for offering cheap finance deals and substantial discounts, which may have helped push the C1 higher up the list.

All original C1s came with power steering, a CD player, and full-size spare wheel, while higher specification cars had remote central locking and body coloured bumpers. In 2013, there was even a special edition based on feedback from Facebook, called the Connexion, which featured alloy wheels and air conditioning.

7th – Fiat Punto

Spanning three generations and nearly 25 years in production, the Punto has become a favourite for holiday hire cars and first runarounds. With rock-bottom prices, stylish Italian looks and the benefit of a ‘City’ button for making the power steering even lighter when parking, the Punto makes a strong case for itself.

It might seem a little bit clichéd, but the trade-off for the Punto’s ‘Italian charm’ is the potential for unreliability, with head gaskets a known weakness. Still, all that time waiting at the side of the road for breakdown recovery does let you post some amazing Instagram photos, or send sarcastic Snapchats.

6th – Fiat 500

Cramped, noisy and based on a platform shared with the Fiat Panda that was introduced way back in 2003 – but does anyone who buys one care? We imagine not. No, if you’re looking for ultimate in city car retro-chic then the 500 is for you. Offered in a range of fancy colours – including pink – to make you look totally ‘on fleek’, the little Fiat is certainly a fashion-conscious buy.

Engine choices include the four-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol with 69hp, while a tiny 0.9-litre two-cylinder Twinair offers 85hp. The 500 also scored a full five stars in Euro NCAP, giving teenage buyers another line of persuasion when trying to explain to their parents why they must have one. Like, right now.

5th – Ford Ka

Into the top five and, although older than the 17-year-olds who might be buying it, we’ve picked the original Ford Ka for the fact it screams ‘first car’ so loudly. It managed to be the best-selling city car in the UK for a number of years, and proved popular with young drivers on account of its forgiving unpainted plastic bumpers. As an added bonus, there is the potential for hours of fun debating the pronunciation of the name ‘Ka’.

The earliest Ka models came with a 1.3-litre ‘Endura’ engine, which dated back to the 1970s, and made just 59hp. Rust will have undoubtedly claimed most of those initial cars, meaning options today will more than likely focus on the later ‘Duratec’ motor with 69hp. Insurance is cheap whatever version, and all benefit from go-kart handling, plus the knowledge you’re driving one of Ford’s original ‘New Edge’ designs.

4th – Renault Clio

With extra ‘va-va-voom’, the second-generation Renault Clio was perhaps most famous for an advertising campaign that featured Thierry Henry and Hélène Mahieu. Those cultural references are probably a little lost on the teens getting behind the wheel now. More relevant is a cheap supermini, with a little extra Gallic flair, and affordable prices.

The interior of the second-gen Clio was cramped and uncomfortable at best, and might feel very dated for those used to touchscreens and soft plastics. Thankfully, the entry-level engines are surprisingly sprightly, with the 75hp 1.2-litre 16v the pick of the bunch if your insurance company will play ball. Safety is also strong, courtesy of being built in the period where Renault was relentless in the pursuit of top Euro NCAP scores.

3rd – Volkswagen Polo

Taking the bronze medal is a supermini that has been around since 1975, with five generations of small Volkswagen on offer. Recent marketing campaigns have emphasised the toughness of the little VW, with the latest Polo even featuring an advert that pitched it as the perfect first car. Electronic Stability Control, Hill Hold Control, fatigue detection, and multiple airbags help seal the safety deal.

Interestingly, despite being related to the Skoda Fabia and SEAT Ibiza, neither of the Polo’s lower-priced brethren make an appearance on this list. Perhaps badge snobbery matters a lot, even to those buying their very first car. Volkswagen does offer free insurance for those aged 18 and over, which may help it snag some teenage customers.

2nd – Ford Fiesta

Persistently top of the charts for best-selling cars in the UK, it comes as no surprise that the Fiesta appears second on the list of first motor favourites. Some 120,000 Fiestas were bought new in 2016 alone, meaning there are plenty out there to tempt youngsters. Engines start with a 1.25-litre four-cylinder in 59hp and 80hp flavours, combined with a range of trim levels, meaning there really is a Fiesta for every teenager.

The latest Fiesta also features an option that could make it ideal for young drivers, or their parents. MyKey allows owners to programme individual keys for each driver, with options to limit top speed or even the volume of the radio. Add a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and the Fiesta becomes an easy choice to justify for concerned parents. But just what could keep it from taking the top spot?

1st – Vauxhall Corsa

Boom! No, it might not be the most exciting car on this list, the safest, or even the most fashionable. In fact, the Corsa has a reputation for being straight-down-the-line and playing it safe. Yet that middle of the road status proves that it can be suited to virtually any circumstances, and the fourth-generation Corsa proved to be a big success with young drivers who just wanted to get behind the wheel.

Cheap finance deals, a range of endless special editions and a variety of engine options mean there can be a Corsa for any young driver. Parts are cheap, mechanical reliability is generally good, and running costs should be kept to a minimum. Engines like the 59hp 1.0-litre 12v scrape into the lowest possible insurance group, which may well be the biggest concern for any teenage driver, and help explain why it takes first place here.

20 embarrassing car publicity photos

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

March 17, 2017

We often stumble across awkward, dodgy and slightly embarrassing press photos. Now, for the first time, we’ve assembled a collection as some kind of press office rogues gallery. Get ready for cheesy grins, awkward poses and images that shouldn’t be taken out of context.

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Audi 100

One to be filed under ‘embarrassing holiday snaps’? Not exactly, because this happens to be an official Audi press photo, from the days when the German company required the help of ladies to promote its brand.

Skoda Felicia

Mate, you really ought to think about moving your Skoda.

Daewoo

How do you celebrate the opening of a new dealership? By asking the company’s MD and dealer’s aftersales manager to clamber into the boot, of course.

Citroen Saxo VTS

Ah yes, the good old days. When the Citroen Saxo VTS ruled the streets – or at least the McDonald’s car park – and Katie Price was still known as Jordan. Some might say the car has aged better than the lady…

Peugeot 207 CC

Here’s Britain’s favourite pantomime dame, Christopher Biggins, out enjoying his Peugeot 207 CC. Check out the motion blur on his hand. Jazz hands, Biggins?

Fiat Panda

Here’s the cast of the Italian version of Fame demonstrating how many people you can’t fit in a Fiat Panda. Probably.

Citroen XM

Back in the day, nothing said business car quite like the Copthorne Hotel and a huge mobile phone…

Daihatsu Charade

The child is wearing a look that says “Daddy, do we have to downsize from the Range Rover?” Mum’s response: “If it means we get to keep the cottage in the country, Tabitha, then yes.”

Renault Twingo

Here we find two sumo wrestlers about to demonstrate the flat-folding seats in the Renault Twingo. We’re pretty sure they managed to get in, although getting out again was a different matter.

Chrysler PT Cruiser

In 1998, Michael Owen had the world at his feet following an outstanding goal against Argentina. He was also given a Chrysler PT Cruiser. Life is all about pleasure and pain, Michael.

Ford Focus

Some photos need a little context. In reality, Ann Widdecombe was demonstrating Ford’s self-parking technology. Taken out of context, it looks like she’s been left horrified by the Ford Focus.

Rover 100 Ascot SE

Hats off to you, Rover, that’s not a bad way to promote the Ascot special edition. The hat shop is still there. The Rover, we suspect, has long since retired.

Suzuki Vitara

That look might work on the American West Coast, but at a British marina, we don’t think so. We wouldn’t like to say how many dogs have cocked their leg on that lamp post.

Proton GEN-2

Des looks delighted to have won a Proton GEN-2, although he quite fancied a Jumbuck.

Renault Clio

We’ve got absolutely no idea what’s going on here, but we really fancy a Renault Clio Baccara.

Citroen Xantia

Glynis Barber, is that you? And is that Boris Becker? Not, it’s another period press photo.

Volkswagen Derby

She could have dressed for the occasion. It’s not everyday you’re asked to stand alongside a Volkswagen Polo saloon.

Saab Sonett

Don’t start stripping off now, for goodness sake. You’ll catch your death in rural Sweden.

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