10 crossovers that beat the Nissan Qashqai to market

November 25, 2016

I’ve just written a rambling piece on the increasing popularity of the crossover, in which I challenge the misconception that the Nissan Qashqai was the first of its breed. In fairness, Sunderland’s finest export was the first car to be called a crossover, and it was – and still is – one of the most popular vehicles of recent times.

But what of the crossovers that were built before the crossover was a thing? Here’s a selection of just some of the cars that blurred the automotive lines before the Qashqai was a sketch in a Nissan design studio.

Opinion: crossovers are big, but they aren’t clever
Best used crossovers and SUVs for £10,000
More car features on Motoring Research

1: Matra Rancho

Much maligned when new, but with the benefit of hindsight, seriously cool, the Matra Rancho was a pioneering vehicle. That’s assuming your pioneering spirit didn’t take you too far off the beaten track, because despite the ‘Land Rover Discovery before its time’ styling, this French soft-roader was strictly two-wheel drive only.

Production ended in 1984, by which time Matra had shifted its focus to the original Renault Espace, itself another pioneering vehicle. But having arrived in 1977, the Rancho pre-dates the Qashqai by three decades.

2: Toyota RAV4

Toyota claims the RAV4 was the world’s first recreational compact SUV. Launched as a three-door in 1994, the RAV4 could boast permanent all-wheel drive and a 2.0-litre 16-valve petrol engine.

“The RAV4 (Recreational Active Vehicle with 4WD) sets new standards in the small four wheel drive or sport utility sector and is designed for those with active lifestyles, a sense of fun and who want to be just a little different,” said Toyota at the time. Two decades on, buying a crossover is the last thing you should do if you want to be different.

3: Land Rover Freelander

With a strong wind, Land Rover could have beaten the RAV4 to market by a good few years. The Freelander can trace its roots back to the late 1980s, when Land Rover began thinking about a smaller sibling for the Discovery. As it was, the Freelander launch in 1997 was perfectly timed to coincide with a new wave of lifestyle SUVs arriving from the Far East.

In truth, the Freelander was as much a full-fat SUV as it was a crossover – certainly when you consider what passes as a crossover today – but by positioning it as a lifestyle vehicle and keeping the price low, Land Rover hit the mark. It’s just a shame so many early cars were dogged by reliability and quality issues.

Honda HR-V

The Honda CR-V might have been the Freelander’s chief rival, but the original HR-V was the true crossover. Launched in 1999, the HR-V was part hot hatch, part estate car, part SUV, but also 100% joyous. The original three-door HRV was, after all, positioned as the ‘Joy Machine’.

It was positively dripping in lifestyle, with an achingly cool ‘shooting brake on stilts’ body, five cupholders, a storage net for your mobile phone and two gloveboxes. At the time, its ‘Dual Pump’ four-wheel drive system was properly innovative, too. In short: the HR-V was cool in a manner a modern crossover can only dream of.

AMC Eagle

If the HR-V was part hot hatch, part estate car and part SUV, the AMC Eagle was part car, part truck and part 4×4 – a proper crossover, then. Launched in the late 1970s, the Eagle was available in a number of different body styles, including a delightful two-door coupe.

In 1979, Popular Science likened the Eagle’s off-road ability to that of a mountain goat, while praising its on-road ride and handling. God bless America for building a proper crossover that was way ahead of the curve.

Skoda Roomster

You’ll need to adopt some leftfield thinking to allow the Skoda Roomster into a crossover gallery, but hear me out. Who said a crossover has to be part hatchback, part SUV? The Roomster – which was based on a concept car from 2003 – offered the practicality of a van with the dynamics of a car.

In many ways, it was the sensible alternative to the likes of the Citroen Berlingo and Renault Kangoo, boasting 450 litres of boot space. Note the ‘Popemobile’ styling, which helped to cement Skoda’s proud claim that it offered two distinct spaces – a ‘Living Room’ and a ‘Driving Room’. The Roomster is no-nonsense motoring at its finest.

Subaru Forester

In the Leone AWD, Subaru is able to claim the world’s first jacked-up off-road estate car, but the Forester was its first attempt at a true crossover. Launched in 1997, the original Forester was, according to Subaru, “SUV tough, car easy”, offering a near-perfect blend of on-road comfort and off-road ability.

It was based on the Impreza, which itself spawned the brilliantly-named Gravel Express.

Toyota Tercel

TV fans will recognise the Toyota Tercel as Jesse Pinkman’s vehicle of choice in Breaking Bad. It’s fair to say that Toyota didn’t have the transportation of illegal substances in its mind when it launched the Tercel back in 1983, but that large load area and ‘flick in, flick out’ four-wheel drive meant that it was an ideal winter wagon.

The styling was an acquired taste – not least the ‘greenhouse’ rear windows and ‘ATM machine’ on the tailgate – but by marketing the Tercel at folk who wanted to venture off the beaten track but didn’t want an SUV, Toyota was ahead of the game.

Pontiac Aztek

Yes, it’s another car that was thrust back into the limelight by a starring role in Breaking Bad. Casting the Pontiac Aztek as Walter White’s choice of wheels was a stroke of genius, as this much-maligned crossover is high on comedic value and intrigue.

That it often appears on lists of the ugliest and worst cars of all-time hides the fact that GM set out with the best intentions for the Aztek. It was versatile and could be accessorised with everything from a tent to racks for bikes, canoes and snowboards. Popular it might not be, but a crossover it most certainly was.

Opinion: crossovers are big, but they aren’t clever

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

November 25, 2016

It’s ten years since the launch of the Nissan Qashqai – widely considered to be the world’s first crossover.

Sure, the Qashqai wasn’t really the first crossover to grace the tarmac driveways of suburbia – you can credit Nissan’s marketing team for its part in this common misconception – but it did shake things up a little. And by little, I mean a lot.

10 crossovers that beat the Nissan Qashqai to market
Best used crossovers and SUVs for £10,000
More opinion pieces on Motoring Research

Other carmakers had tried to convince Mr and Mrs Family that there was a crossover-shaped hole in their lives, but it wasn’t until the first Qashqai rolled off the Sunderland production line in December 2006 that this new segment finally took hold.

Simply by being the first out of the blocks, the Nissan Qashqai was able to steal a march over its competitors, quickly becoming the brand generic for what became known as a crossover. Three years later, Nissan gave birth to a smaller sibling in the shape of the Juke and the rest, as they say, is history.

In basic terms, defining a crossover is relatively simple. Combine hatchback dynamics and running costs with the practicality and high driving position of an SUV and, hey presto, a crossover is born.

But it’s not as straightforward as that. Many crossovers offer the option of four-wheel drive, taking them perilously close to what we would – in simpler times – have called an SUV. Actually, scrub that, we’d have called them a 4×4.

This blurring of the lines has resulted in SUVs becoming the dominant sector in Europe, with its market share growing from 19.8% to 22.5% in 2015. The star players: Renault Captur (small SUV), Nissan Qashqai (compact SUV), Volvo XC60 (mid-size SUV) and BMW X5 (large SUV).

The upward trend is set to continue, with JATO Dynamics reporting that SUVs and Vans were the only segments to grow their sales across the five big European markets in October 2016. Meanwhile, MPVs, city cars and medium saloons appear to be spiralling into the abyss.

Soon, the roads will be littered with these odd looking cars with equally odd sounding names. Estate cars, saloons, even hatchbacks will be confined to the history books as carmakers seek to quench our thirst for these high-riding hatchbacks.

Don’t get me wrong, I can see the appeal. We feel safer when perched high above the road, with a commanding view over the traffic ahead. No longer the preserve of the Range Rover driver, today you too can feel imperious at the wheel, and you need not remortgage the Victorian semi to be able to fund the experience.

But answer me this: what happens when we’re all driving crossovers and SUVs? The commanding driving position will simply give you an elevated view of the equally tall car in front of you. You’ll need a six-wheeled Mercedes-AMG if you want to stay a cut above the rest.

Terror awaits in the retail shopping centre car park, too. According to a recent study, the average parking space is 4.8m long and 2.4m wide, which is too small for some large SUVs.

Our love of obese cars is being blamed by the increase in the number of car park accidents, which now account for a whopping 30% of all prangs in the UK.

In response, NCP told The Times that it intends to increase the size of its parking bays, as it recognises “that vehicles are growing in size, especially SUVs”. Good news? Perhaps not.

Something will have to give. At best, there will be fewer spaces to choose from, which might lead to more incidents of parking rage (if parking rage actually exists). At worst, parking operators will be encouraged to increase prices as it minimises the prospect of lost revenue from fewer bays.

And when you emerge from the shops, armed with bags for life packed with expensive gear you probably didn’t need, you’ll find the crossover isn’t quite as practical as you would have hoped. The Nissan Qashqai – Britain’s favourite crossover – offers 430 litres of boot space.

Not bad, you might think, especially when you consider the fact that the Ford Focus hatchback offers a paltry 316 litres of shopping capacity. But that’s not the end of the story.

Back in the day, motorists who demanded a little more practicality bought an estate car. And the Ford Focus estate offers 476 litres of boot space – 46 litres more than the Qashqai. It’s narrower, too, so you’ll have no problems exiting your car in a modern slim-size parking bay.

Not only that, the Focus will be better to drive and doesn’t have the appearance of a Tonka toy making its way out of Mothercare. And don’t get me started on the behaviour of some crossover drivers.

Ever since Nissan promoted the original Qashqai as “more tough” and “urbanproof”, some drivers have had the mistaken belief that they can charge about the streets as if they were pushing a Matchbox toy car along the living room floor.

Confession time: as my colleagues have told me, I have an “unconventional taste in cars” and have never been one to “follow the herd”.

I’m acutely aware that my tastes are of the acquired kind. I found love in a hopeless place (Nissan Pulsar 190) and would choose a Suzuki Swift Sport over any of the current breed of mega-horsepower hot hatches.

It’s just that I steadfastly refuse to accept that a crossover offers any tangible benefit over a decent estate car. I’d take a Subaru Outback, Audi Allroad or Volvo XC70 over any of the current breed of crossovers.

And don’t think for one minute that I’m not a fan of proper SUVs. Proper, authentic 4x4s remain joyous machines and I can certainly see the appeal of a Toyota Land Cruiser or Land Rover Discovery. If had to choose one car for the rest of my life, I’d have no hesitation in asking for a Volvo XC90 T8.

Does this make me a hypocrite? I don’t think so. There’s no mixed messaging with a proper SUV – it does exactly what it says in the brochure. Conversely, an extra large two-wheel drive hatchback with a styling bypass offers some of the looks with none of the talents.

Granted, a two-wheel drive crossover will be cheaper to run than a four-wheel drive SUV, but if efficiency tops your list of priorities, you can buy an even more practical diesel estate. It’ll be nicer to drive, easier to park and won’t give you the look of someone who has given up on life.

And while you might point to the raft of cutting edge technologies found in a modern crossover, I’d simply say they are also available in superminis, hatchbacks and saloons.

What we’ve got is a me-too culture in which crossovers have become the dominant force. It’s a little like the dawn of the hatchback, which led to the nation falling out of love with conventional family saloons.

But these hatchbacks used the same footprint as the cars they replaced and offered genuine ingenuity in terms of packaging. A modern crossover has got nothing on say the Renault 16.

No, the ingenuity of the crossover lies in the selling of a lifestyle. A crossover is positioned as the only car that can handle our active and hectic lives – other cars are simply not up to the task.

Our supposed need for more crossovers has resulted in carmakers building some of the most lacklustre and unappealing cars in recent memory. Do we really want our children’s memory of childhood blighted by trips to the seaside in a Ford EcoSport or Vauxhall Mokka?

And wouldn’t it be nice to see an end to the countless Qashqai references rolled out in the motoring press? ‘Qashqai killer’, ‘Qashqai rival’, ‘The car to beat the Qashqai’… enough already.

I’m prepared to accept my irrational dislike (not hatred) of crossovers puts me in a minority, and I’m fully aware that this ramble is dangerously close to becoming a rant. But for some balance, allow me to say this: clever crossovers do exist.

The Citroen C4 Cactus is a good case in point, offering something different in a crowded sector. I also like the influence it has had on the new C3, which stands a good chance of giving Citroen a much needed shot in the arm.

The Skoda Yeti, whilst long in the tooth, remains a fun and genuinely compelling proposition, even if I still haven’t forgiven the Czechs for doing away with its unique face. And, yes, the Nissan Qashqai is annoyingly competent in just about every area.

All I ask is that you look beyond the hype and marketing messages to see if there’s a better alternative to a crossover.

And if you – like many other motorists – haven’t got the foggiest idea what a crossover is, simply look across the fence at what your neighbour is driving. Then buy something totally different.

Vauxhall in BTCC return for 2017

Richard Aucock

November 22, 2016

Vauxhall will once again race in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) in 2017 after signing a deal with upcoming team Power Maxed Racing.

The Bidford Upon Avon team will run two Vauxhall Astras as official manufacturer entries in 2017. The cars will be current-gen Astra hatch models – the reigning European Car of the Year.

BTCC to introduce breath tests for drivers
Top Gear’s Vauxhall Astra sells for a reasonably high price
Parliament to quiz Vauxhall on Zafira fires

Two Ellesmere Port-built shells have been supplied to the team and work is now underway building them into 2017 BTCC racers (and, if these digitisations are anything to go by, pretty awesome-looking 2017 racers at that).

Adam Weaver, team principal of Power Maxed Racing, said: “We are incredibly pleased and proud to be working with Vauxhall and to be the team that brings this iconic and highly successful brand back to the BTCC.”

Alan Gow, BTCC series director, added: “It is fantastic to be welcoming Vauxhall back to the BTCC as a manufacturer entry. Its history and pedigree is there for all to see and I have no doubt that the highly professional and experienced team at Power Maxed Racing will be great partners.”

The team has still to announce its driver line-up but promises more in the near future. This year, it ran Hunter Abbot, Emmerdale actor Kevin Fletcher plus a number of races for Dave Newsham – and also ran a successful test for ambitious Mini Challenge racer Rob Smith.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV revealed at LA Auto Show

Richard Aucock

November 16, 2016

At long last, Alfa Romeo has revealed its first ever SUV, called Stelvio. Debuting at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, the new Alfa Romeo Stelvio will in 2017 launch to take on the Porsche Macan and Jaguar F-Pace in the battle of the sporty premium SUVs.

And Alfa reckons it’s in the running with the first SUV it’s made in over 100 years of production. Read on to find out why…

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is the next part of Alfa’s rebirth as a sporting premium alternative to BMW, Audi and Jaguar. The Giulia saloon set the ball rolling, but it’s the Stelvio SUV that’s the most important of the two. This is the model that should deliver the strong sales and fat profit margins necessary to make Alfa sustainable. There’s a lot riding on the Stelvio, alright – hence launching it in LA, one of the world’s key SUV markets.

It certainly packs a visual punch, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. Derived from the look of the Giulia saloon, this is much bolder and more substantial, particularly its prominent, huge Alfa grille and the inset bonnet shutline. Air intakes are suitably enormous on this Quadrifoglio variant too.

Cloverleaf crests feature on the front wings (that’s what Quadrifoglio means in Italian) and the extended wheelarches are colour-keyed, as are the side skirts. Carbon fibre trim features on this launch model too – more mainstream models will be toned down a bit. Even so, whereas many SUVs go for colour contrasts with the plastic bits to reinforce their tough off-road nature, Alfa’s instead given the Stelvio more of a performance car finish. Its intent is clear.

The rear hatch has a steep rake and a big roof spoiler, plus quad exhausts on this Quadrifoglio variant. The sculpting around the rear lights is smart and we like the ‘Kamm tail’ design of the tailgate itself. This crisp cut-off is likely to benefit high-speed aerodynamics. The rear haunches are powerful too, although from this angle it does also remind us a little of the Maserati Levante…

Inside, the command-like interior is familiar from the Giulia, but perhaps even more elegant and premium than that car. Alfa’s had a bit more time to work on the Stelvio dash, and it shows. The cowled dials, flat-bottom steering wheel and huge central screen dominate: also check details such as the Ferrari-like starter button on the steering wheel, and the Alcantara dash top with red stitching.

Underneath, the Stelvio is derived from the Alfa Romeo Giulia architecture. It’s built in Modena – famous for its Ferraris – and the brand insists the Stelvio name has been chosen to reinforce its sporty SUV focus. The Stelvio Pass is the highest mountain pass in Italy and packs 75 corners into 20km. If Jeeps are Trail Rated, it seems this Alfa Romeo is Stelvio Rated.

The engine is one of the most exciting bits. This is not quite a Ferrari engine in an Alfa, but it’s the next best thing, as the supercar maker has been heavily involved in its design. The 2.9-litre V6 twin-turbo engine produces 510-horsepower and, while performance figures haven’t been released, we’d suggest the Quadrifoglio will do 0-60mph in the fours, and top 175mph all-out.

If a 510-horsepower engine developed with Ferrari is too much, don’t worry. Alfa is also offering a 280-horsepower 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder and, later, a suitable range of turbodiesels. All will be paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Of course, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is all-wheel drive: the system is called Q4. But in normal driving, you’d never know it: 100% of drive is sent to the rear axle, to give it a suitably sporty feel. Only when the limits are reached is up to 50% of drive sent forwards. Response is rapid – indeed, the system even predicts loss of grip and will adjust drive before it actually happens.

Derived from the well-received Giulia saloon, the Stelvio has double wishbone front suspension and a patented ‘four-and-a-half’ link rear setup, called AlfaLink. Rear suspension innovation is where it’s at these days: also see Jaguar Integral Link. As for the steering, forget mud-plugging off-road stability – Alfa’s focused on maximising feel and feedback when cornering fast, by keeping loads on the tyres constant.

Active suspension, ESC and Q4 all-wheel drive are all coordinated by the Alfa Chassis Domain Control system. This adjusts the mapping in real time, says the firm, for super-fast adaptive changes during fast driving. Alfa Torque Vectoring is also combined with the Q4 system for the first time: clutches in the rear differential control individual drive delivery to each wheel.

Brakes are more track-speck than trail-spec: on the Quadrifoglio, Alfa Romeo is fitting carbon-ceramic discs to the Stelvio. It also has the same Integrated Brake System as on the Giulia, which pairs electronic aids with a traditional servo, upping response and cutting stopping distances. It’ll need a good set of anchors if it’s to grab a hot Nürburgring lap time…

We don’t yet know how heavy the new Alfa Romeo Stelvio is, but the firm says it’s tried to make it as light as possible. There’s a carbon fibre driveshaft and the doors, wings, bonnet and tailgate are aluminium, as are the engines, suspension and brakes. All the heavy stuff has been centralised as much as possible. If you’re naming a car after the most famous sequence of corners in the world, you don’t want to make it a bit of a boat through them, do you?

Size-wise, the Stelvio is 4.68 metres long, 1.65 metres high and a healthy 1.9 metres wide. By way of comparison, a Porsche Macan is 4.69 metres long, 1.62 metres high and 1.92 metres wide. Spot-on dimensions alongside its rivals, then.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio: in pictures

New Jaguar I-Pace Concept electric SUV revealed

Richard Aucock

November 15, 2016

The Jaguar I-Pace Concept SUV is the British sports car firm’s first ever electric car – and if you already like the look of it, get ready: Jaguar will roll out the production version in 2017, and promises the new I-Pace will be on our roads by 2018.

In less than two years, this new zero-emissions Jaguar EV could be plugged in on your driveway. Read on to find out why it’s so electrifying…

Jaguar I-Pace Concept: revealed in LA

Jaguar has revealed the i-Pace Concept electric SUV ahead of the 2016 LA Auto Show: it will make the car the star of its show stand later this week. We reckon it’s already odds on to be the star of the show: with a 310-mile range, 0-60mph in 4.0 seconds, roomy and luxurious five-seat interior plus styling that’s a different take on a Jaguar, there’s lots to get excited about here.

Jaguar reckons it has rethought the car with the I-Pace Concept. The cab-forward design references the C-X75 supercar (driven by baddie Franz Oberhauser in Bond’s Spectre), rather than being a conventional car with a bonnet. It’s tall, like an SUV, but has a silhouette more like a sports car. It seats five and is smaller on the outside than sector rivals such as the BNW X5, but bigger inside than all of them. And all because it’s electric.

New dimensions

Because there’s no combustion engine, the wheelbase can be longer (almost 3 metres, in fact – longer than a Smart Fortwo is overall!), the overhangs shorter. The rear haunches can be more aggressive. There’s more interior space, better visibility and improved aerodynamics. Jaguar says the exterior mimics mid-size SUVs, but rear legroom matches full-size SUVs and luxury cars.

A Jaguar like no other

The appearance of the Jaguar I-Pace Concept is intentionally different to, say, the Jaguar F-Pace SUV, despite the styling similarities. Designer Ian Callum said he was determined the look would reflect the change in mechanicals. “With the I-Pace Concept, the revolution is in the profile, not the design language,” he said. “The profile is possible because this car is electric. It’s not just that we wanted to create something that was very different from anything else we do: we wanted the design to celebrate the new battery electric technology.”

Detail differences

Design highlights of the Jaguar I-Pace Concept include the low cabin, sporty windowlines and heavily curved glass, the ultra-low (for an SUV) bonnet. It’s as aerodynamic as it looks: the Cd drag factor is just 0.29. At the front, the current Jaguar brand grille is retained, and there’s a C-X75-style bonnet scoop that cuts drag. At the rear, there’s no wiper, just a ‘fast’ tailgate shape and hydrophobic glass.

An interior Jaguar can be proud of, at last

The I-Pace Concept seats five within a cabin that’s as futuristic-Jaguar as the outside. Interiors has been a weakness of the new-era of Jaguars up to now; only the F-Pace really passes muster. The I-Pace Concept is a massive leap forward and suggests future Jaguar interiors are going to be as appealing as the exteriors. Airy, sporty, contemporary and visually appealing, it’s a clever, warm cabin that Jaguar is rightly already chuffed with.

It has a flightdeck rather than a dashboard

Jaguar says the I-Pace Concept launches its new ‘flightdeck’ interface for driver controls. There’s a floating centre console, simple and clear displays, plus a combination of touchscreens, rotary dials and multi-function buttons: Jaguar hasn’t gone fully-digital here. There are smart capacitive switches on the new-design steering wheel, invisible until activated, which respond to the driver with haptic ‘micro-clicks’ when pressed. A bit like an iPhone.

It has stowage boxes not gearboxes

Because there’s no transmission, there’s a clever 8-litre stowage area in the centre console. And no transmission means no traditional gearlever, so there’s an extra stowage area where that would normally sit. Jaguar calls the seats ‘luxury slimline’ pews and calls the driving position ‘sports command’. Higher than normal, but still sporty-feeling.

There are some beautiful design details

Jaguar’s using some gorgeous contemporary materials within the I-Pace Concept. The burl wood on the dash is laser-etched with the (slightly cheesy) words ‘Lovingly crafted by Jaguar Est. Coventry 1935’. Paw-print labels are stitched into the seat seams (Jaguar, geddit?). There are laser-etched driving gloves on the slide-out passenger shelf. The Jaguar lozenge pattern features throughout. It’s luxury, boutique-like attention to detail we hope carries through to production.

It’s sports car fast

The Jaguar I-Pace Concept uses dual 200hp electric motors, one on the front axle and one on the rear. That means a combined 400hp and 516lb ft of torque, sent to all four wheels. Jaguar says 0-60mph in 4.0 seconds, so faster than a cooking Porsche 911. There’s also no lag and no gearchanges, simply seamless surge. It’s going to be an exciting performer, alright.

It will handle like a sports car

Jaguar has fitted the same type of double wishbone front suspension as on the F-Type to the I-Pace Concept. Sports car suspension for a sports car SUV, it insists. With a low centre of gravity and centralised masses from having the batteries packed low within the wheelbase, chief engineer Mike Cross is promising “this will be the first electric vehicle developed for enthusiasts who love driving”.

It’s double-take roomy

The Jaguar I-Pace Concept, as mentioned, is a seriously roomy five-seat SUV, insists Jaguar. Moving the front-seat occupants forwards has created more space for those in the back. And in the boot: it’s a practical 530 litres with the seats up, despite the need to pack batteries in. And because the front electric motor is space-efficient, there’s even another small 28-litre boot in the front, a bit like a Porsche 911.

It has a Tesla-like electric range

Tesla’s electric cars set the benchmark for EV driving range. The Jaguar I-Pace Concept is able to measure up though. On the European NEDC cycle, the range between battery charges is over 310 miles; on the U.S. EPA cycle, it’s over 220 miles. For the average commuter, that means once-a-week recharges. A fast charge will top up the 90kWh lithium ion battery pack to 80% full in 90 minutes.

Ian Callum on Jaguar I-Pace Concept

“The I-Pace Concept is a radical departure for electric vehicles. It represents the next generation of battery electric vehicle design,” says Callum. “It’s a dramatic, future-facing design – the product of authentic Jaguar DNA matched with beautiful, premium details and British craftsmanship.”

And the best bit of all?

The Jaguar I-Pace Concept is not just a concept!

The Jaguar I-Pace isn’t some flight of fantasy either. “It is a preview of a five-seat production car that will be on the road in 2018,” confirms Jaguar. “This will be Jaguar’s first-ever battery-powered electric vehicle.” Yes, things are happening fast: so fast, the production version will be fully revealed before next year is out. The Jaguar I-Pace performance electric SUV is coming, soon. Want one yet?

ALSO READ

Volvo V40 Cross Country (2016) review

2017 Skoda Octavia facelift revealed: what’s changed?

Petrolgate: the next big car emissions scandal?

Electric van range HALVES when fully-loaded

Andrew Brady

November 9, 2016

Research by a fleet management company has discovered that the electric range of a plug-in van could HALVE when it’s actually used to carry loads.

The study, carried out by Arval, found that a fully-loaded electric van lost more than 85% of its range over a 33.58 mile course. The same van, carrying nothing, lost just 45%.

White van danger shock as 1 in 2 FAILS first MOT
We’re not buying enough electric cars
More car news on Motoring Research

“This is a great example of the operational factors that fleets looking at operating electric vans may have to consider,” said Arval UK’s commercial vehicle consultant, Eddie Parker.

“The loss of range is significant at almost 50% and shows that, if you were expecting a fully laden EV commercial vehicle to reach anywhere near the stated range, then you would be disappointed.”

The 35.58-mile test route was designed to represent typical van use, says the company, consisting of 16.8% urban road, 32.5% rural, 21.5% carriageway and 29.2% motorway.

The van travelled between 30 and 70mph, driven by the same driver, with the air-con and non-essential electrics turned off.

Despite the worrying research from Arval, Parker says it shouldn’t put people off electric vans entirely.

“We undertook this test in response to requests from customers who were looking to gain an operational understanding of this kind of vehicle.

“The fact is that, in general use, few vans of this type would ever be fully laden. A typical load for most uses would be much nearer the 50% mark, where the loss of range is much less pronounced. For this reason, we believe the study shows that there is a wider application for EVs than may at first have been thought.”

The popular Nissan E-NV200 electric van has an official NEDC range of 106 miles and features a number of features to extend the range – including regenerative braking and an advanced route planner to help pick the most efficient route.

Parker added: “Of course, all vehicles lose range when fully laden. A diesel van with a full payload would typically see its range reduced by around 35%.”

Tesla to charge owners for using Supercharger network

Andrew Brady

November 7, 2016

Tesla has announced it will start charging for use of its electric car charger network – with buyers of all new Teslas from 2017 hit by “a small fee”.

The Supercharger network consists of more than 4,600 charging points around the world, allowing Tesla owners to charge their car to 80% in around half an hour.

Tesla Model 3: all you need to know – with video
Ecotricity blames £6 charge on Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVs ‘clogging up’ network
More car news on Motoring Research

In a statement released today, the Silicon Valley carmaker said: “We’ve designed our network so that all customers have access to a seamless and convenient charging experience when they’re away from home, as our intention has always been for Supercharging to enable long distance travel.

“That’s why today we’re announcing a change to the economics of Supercharging – one that allows us to reinvest in the network, accelerate its growth and bring all owners, current and future, the best Supercharging experience.”

The move follows that of UK green energy provider Ecotricity, which recently announced it would start charging a flat fee of £6 for electric car owners to use its chargers at motorway service stations.

Like Ecotricity, Tesla suggests its charging network is there to aid its electric car owners complete longer journeys – rather than to be used during regular day-to-day use.

However, Tesla isn’t saying how much it will cost owners to charge up their car. And, curiously, the charges will only apply to new vehicles ordered after 1 January 2017.

Cars sold before this date will continue to be able to use the network free of charge – and this benefit will last the length of the car’s life, passing on to subsequent owners.

Rumours had already suggested that the new cut-price Model 3 wouldn’t be eligible for the free charging when it goes on sale late in 2017.

“There will be a small fee to Supercharge which will be charged incrementally and cost less than the price of filling up a comparable gas car,” explained Tesla. “All cars will continue to come standard with the onboard hardware required for Supercharging.

“We will release the details of the program later this year, and while prices may fluctuate over time and vary regionally based on the cost of electricity, our Supercharger Network will never be a profit centre.”

Insanely cheap luxury cars for less than £1,500

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

November 2, 2016

If you’re after all of the flash but are not prepared to splash all of the cash, we might have the answer. Armed with a virtual wad of 1500 notes, we went shopping on Auto Trader to assemble a list of luxury motors you can buy for less than a deposit on a new supermini. At this end of the market, you can’t expect perfection, and a petrol engine is probably safer than diesel, but you might be surprised to discover what’s available. Read on as we guide you through 25 luxobarges you can buy today.

Best used cars for less than £1,000
50 cars you can buy with 0% finance
More car advice on Motoring Research

Audi A8: £1,445

In more ways than one, the Audi A8 was a ground-breaking car. Following a decade of development, the innovative Audi Space Frame aluminium construction finally made its debut, while this was the car that propelled Audi into the premium big league. Launched in 1994, this was by far Audi’s most luxurious model to date.

We’d prefer the 4.2-litre V8 to the 3.7-litre V8 offered here, but at this budget beggars can’t be choosers. At some point it looks like it might have been treated to an LPG conversion, but there’s no mention of this in the ad. The MOT history makes for good reading, although some money was spent on the suspension in August.

Buy this car on Auto Trader

Volvo S80: £1,495

To borrow a phrase from a certain brand of chocolate, with this slice of Swedish luxobarge we’re really spoiling you. It’s a 2000 Volvo S80 with the more powerful 170hp 2.4-litre engine with an amazing 55,000 miles on the clock. We checked the MOT history, which appears to back this up.

Be quick: two even more delightful S80s sold in the time it took us to prepare this feature. Because everybody loves a bargain barge, right?

Buy this car on Auto Trader

BMW 7 Series: £1,395

There’s a whiff of James Bond about the E38 BMW 7 Series, as a 750iL made a memorable appearance in Tomorrow Never Dies. We can’t promise a 7 Series will never die, but there’s something rather appealing about this 728i.

We’re attracted by the fact that it has had just one previous owner and the full service history, not to mention a list of gadgets that would shame Q. You’ll adore the ride quality and the way it handles, but do your homework before parting with the best part of £1,400.

Buy this car on Auto Trader

Mercedes-Benz S-Class: £1,295

The best car in the world for less than £1,300 – where do we sign? OK, so a 15-year-old S-Class might be showing its age, but at the turn of the millennium this represented the height of luxury and sophistication. Like the 7 Series, the W220 S-Class isn’t without its problems, so you should buy with your eyes open.

A 5.0-litre V8 S500 won’t be cheap to run, but we like the fact that the current owner has owned the car since 2009 and there’s a mere 111,000 miles on the clock. Judging by the photos, this may have been used for wedding duties.

Buy this car on Auto Trader

Alfa Romeo 166: £995

Do you feel lucky? Well, do you? We’re not going to pretend that buying an Alfa Romeo 166 won’t be without risks, but it’s blessed with one of the best interiors of all-time. Besides, at £995, what could possibly go wrong? Actually, don’t answer that.

With a 2.0-litre engine, you’ll have to forgo the brilliance of a V6 engine, but at least it should be cheaper to run. We’re not fans of the black alloys, but the one-former-keeper factor certainly appeals. They don’t make ’em like they used to, etc, etc.

Buy this car on Auto Trader

Chrysler Grand Voyager: £1,495

If you have some brave pills left over from the Alfa Romeo 166, you might be tempted by this all-American people carrier. While many MPVs of this vintage will be showing their age, the Chrysler Grand Voyager manages to retain some class and sophistication.

The ad claims this 2004 car has had one former keeper and has covered 134,000 miles. The MOT history suggests any earlier niggles might have been sorted, although you might want to check what it has been towing. A caravan, perhaps?

Buy this car on Auto Trader

Cadillac BLS: £1,500

The BLS was Cadillac’s entry-level luxobarge for Europe and was based on the Saab 9-3, which itself was based on the Vauxhall Vectra. But wait, before you skip to the next slide, hear us out.

While the 2.8-litre V6 engine would be more appealing, the 1.9-litre turbodiesel could deliver upwards of 45mpg. Meanwhile, the interior is classic American: with a supersize cupholder, plenty of toys and a sea of scratchy plastics. Note the Cadillac analogue clock. Kitsch-tastic.

Buy this car on Auto Trader

Lexus RX300: £1,695

We’ve pushed our self-imposed £1,500 limit a little to bring you this Lexus RX300. At its launch in 2001, the RX300 was ahead of the curve, offering five-seat SUV practicality with little off-road ability. A lifestyle urban cruiser, if you like.

Extend your budget to £2,500 and there’s a surprising number of RX300s available, many of which will have enjoyed a pampered existence. The specification will appeal, but the 16.0mpg urban fuel economy might not.

Buy this car on Auto Trader

Volvo 960: £1,500

According to Volvo, the 960 Estate “was the natural choice for discerning customers who wanted a car offering a unique combination of comfort, safety, ergonomics, space and versatility, a combination much appreciated by drivers and passengers interested in activities like golf, sailing or hunting.” Sounds appealing, doesn’t it?

As a 1995 car, this 960 3.0-litre SE was built during the vehicle’s twilight years and with 206,000 miles on the clock it has certainly seen some life. But the interior is in good shape and the list of toys is impressive. Winter is coming – here are your winter wheels.

Buy this car on Auto Trader

Rover 75: £1,495

Production of the Rover 75 ceased in 2005, making this 2004 model one of the last off the line. It’s also a facelift model, complete with the more ‘European’ face, rather the ‘classic’ original.

The 2.5-litre V6 Connoisseur spec is desirable, while the gold paintwork just seems to suit the styling of the Rover 75. “It is not faultless, but represents, I believe a better than average appearance.” Not our words, Lynn, the words of the dealer selling this Rover.

Buy this car on Auto Trader

Hyundai XG30: £995

If you’re looking to stand out in the bowling green car park, look no further than the Hyundai XG30. This car is budget luxury, Korean style. You even get a pair of yellow fog lights.

The MOT history doesn’t make for enjoyable reading – unless you like tales of woe – but at least the most recent ticket is free of blemishes. Not convinced – the 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine might tip the balance. The potential to waft is high with this one.

Buy this car on Auto Trader

Volvo XC70: £1,395

Jacked-up premium off-road estate cars are the preserve of the well-to-do and country types who are able to resist the lure of a jellymould crossover or SUV. Or, in the case of this Volvo XC70, the police force.

There are a few battle scars, as you might expect, while the lack of leather seats might put some people off. On the plus side, the seats are electric and heated. Another Volvo ready for winter 2016/17.

Buy this car on Auto Trader

Lexus LS400: £1,000

If you’re going to buy a cheap luxobarge, do it right by opting for the classic Lexus LS400. Here is a car with a brilliant 4.0-litre V8 engine and a reputation for excellence that not even the German brands can rival. Sure, it won’t be cheap to run, but then you’re only paying £1,000 for the privilege of owning this slice of Japanese engineering.

It’s an honest description of the car, while the MOT history makes for encouraging reading. Take it for a test drive before we do.

Buy this car on Auto Trader

Honda Legend: £550

Sticking with a Japanese theme, how about this 2001 Honda Legend? Think of this as a Lexus LS400 on a budget. Alternatively, think of it as a plush Accord. Either way, you could strike it lucky with this motor.

With 185,643 miles on the clock and a less than polished MOT history, you shouldn’t approach this Legend with high expectations, but the seller has been honest in the description. The MOT at the end of November might hurt the wallet.

Buy this car on Auto Trader

Toyota Camry: £800

Back in 1997, the Camry was Toyota’s flagship model, but it never sold in huge numbers in the UK. All of which means it’s a rare find on the used car market. These cars are well-equipped, smooth and surprisingly luxurious.

The Sport badge is a bit of a red herring, as these cars were designed for cruising the long straight roads of Australia and the US, but don’t let that put you off. This could be a good way to spend £800 on a cheap luxobarge.

Buy this car on Auto Trader

Saab 9-5: £1,500

Further proof that bargain barges are in big demand: a delightful Saab 9-5 we had lined up was sold before we could finish this feature. Be quick if you fancy a luxobarge for silly money.

Speaking of quick: this Saab 9-5 HOT Aero ought to do the trick. It looks in remarkably good condition, and with just 96,500 miles on the clock the engine has barely broken sweat. Brilliant cupholders and Saab’s ‘Night Panel’ simply add to the appeal.

Buy this car on Auto Trader

Ford Scorpio: £1,500

It has a face only a mother could love, but we have a huge amount of respect for the Ford Scorpio. It stems from a period in time when Ford could deliver luxury cars without the need for a fancy trim level and a concierge service.

This particular car looks to be in good shape, is loaded with some nice toys, and has a mere 54,000 miles on the clock. That said, it might be worth checking the MOT history, as it appeared to have 58,826 miles on clock in April 2015. A typo, perhaps?

Buy this car on Auto Trader

Skoda Superb: £1,495

The Skoda Superb was essentially a stretched Volkswagen Passat and was the choice of taxi operators up and down the land. They are capable of achieving mega-miles, as demonstrated by this 2006 model with 164,000 miles on the clock.

It’s powered by the later 2.0-litre TDI engine and is blessed with the comfort and joy of the full-fat Elegance trim. Is a diesel engine too much of a risk at 164,000 miles? Approach with care.

Buy this car on Auto Trader

Nissan Maxima: £850

What, no leather interior or creamy 3.0-litre V6 engine? Hey, what do you expect for £850? Besides, the National Trust sticker on the windscreen is a sure sign that the current owner is a trustworthy person. Probably.

The advert includes a detailed description of the service history and the MOT history certainly stacks up. Squint hard and it could pass as a Lexus LS400. Squint harder. Harder still…

Buy this car on Auto Trader

Saab 9000 CD: £350

We’ve long said that the Saab 9000 is one of the best used luxobarges you can buy. Saab took a no-expense-spared approach to its development, which is why they’re capable of covering mega-miles. Just £350 for all this class – amazing.

“This car is due to appear on an ITV car programme in October hosted by Paddy McGuinness,” claims the seller. That’ll be Drive of my Life, then…

Buy this car on Auto Trader

Jaguar S-Type: £1,495

There’s something Inspector Morse-like about this Jaguar S-Type, probably thanks to the burgundy (Carnival Red) paint. Before you head off for a swift pint with Lewis, hear us out, because this could be a peach of a car.

For a start it comes with the desirable 3.0-litre V6 engine which has covered a mere 60,000 miles. The S-Type is based on a Ford platform shared with Lincoln LS and Ford Thunderbird, and while it’s not the last word in reliability and quality, its styling is ageing rather nicely. Like a nice bottle of red wine, Lewis.

Buy this car on Auto Trader

Range Rover P38A: £1,200

Buying a Range Rover at this end of the market is fraught with danger, and you’ll be limited to the P38A – arguably the least desirable of this thoroughly British luxury SUV. This particular example is a Japanese import, so you’ll want to explore its history.

The seller points to a problem with the transfer box, which might be a reason to walk away. Alternatively, as the ad states, this could be a good winter project for somebody handy with spanners.

Buy this car on Auto Trader

Daimler 4.0: £1,495

Release your inner Arthur Daley with this 1990 Daimler 4.0, which is essentially an even plusher version of the Jaguar XJ.

The seller claims it drives like new and has no known faults. Is it class or crass? You decide…

Buy this car on Auto Trader

Jaguar XJ: £1,495

For the same price you can get this later Jaguar XJ 4.0 Sovereign. Amazingly, the seller claims this 1995 car has had just own owner from new, while covering a mere 100,000 miles.

There appears to be a few battle scars on the exterior and it looks like the offside front wing and driver’s door might have seen some new paint, but we’re totally won over by the interior.

Buy this car on Auto Trader

Peugeot 607: £499

We conclude with a curveball. A very French curveball. Sure, the Peugeot 607 doesn’t have the best reputation, but who can argue with a 62,000-mile luxobarge with lots of toys for under £500?

Better still, the MOT history is almost completely free of advisories, which could point to a careful previous owner. Just make sure everything works.

Buy this car on Auto Trader

The 2017 Renault Zoe electric car does 250 miles on a charge

Richard Aucock

November 1, 2016

The revised Renault Zoe electric car supermini, which is now on sale in the UK, will now do up to 250 miles on a single charge in range-topping Z.E.40 guise.

The new battery in the Zoe EV boosts power from 22kW to 40kW, significantly increasing the range on the official NEDC test cycle. Storage capacity has almost doubled.

Could these perks encourage you to drive an electric car?

Best new cars for £200 a month

Renault’s £174 Zoe deal: batteries now included

Renault adds that in real-world driving, the battery will do 186 miles in everyday conditions, and even stretch to 124 miles when it’s extremely cold.

The new battery also offers quick-charge functionality. Renault bundles each Zoe with a free fast-charging wall box, capable of charging a battery from flat to 100% full in less than four hours.

Renault’s curious battery lease scheme has been further tweaked for the 2017 Zoe, with the newer, more straightforward and less divisive outright purchase scheme sitting alongside it. Drivers who cover up to 4,500 miles a year can lease a 22kW battery for £49 a month or the Z.E.40 battery for £59 a month. Other options are available, including an unlimited mileage scheme for the Z.E.40, costing £110 a month.

The new 2017 Zoe range starts at £18,995 for the iExpression Nav R90 22kW, once the government Plug-in Car Grant has been taken off. That’s if you buy the batteries: lease them, and the price falls to £13,995 (lease cars lose the ‘i’ at the start of their name).

The Z.E.40 battery starts at £23,445, or £17,845 if you’re happy to lease the batteries.

How to spot a 2017 Renault Zoe

The new 2017 Zoe looks very similar to the outgoing model. There are three new colours, tweaked alloy wheels and instead of having a blue Renault logo and badging, it’s now chrome.

A posh range-topping Signature Nav trim has been added, with heated leather seats, BOSE stereo, rear parking camera and fancy alloy wheels.

Expression and Dynamique Nav models remain – and even the base Expression gets TomTom sat nav, climate control, Bluetooth and 7in touchscreen. There’s now a Renault Z.E. Connect app that lets you monitor charging remotely. It’s a £75 option.

Renault has also tweaked the model names of its Zoe range. Previously, motors were dubbed R240 or Q210 – that’s either rapid or quick charge, and the range in kilometres.

Now, they’re known as R90 and Q90 – indicating power output in hp rather than range.

The new Renault Zoe range is on sale now. First UK deliveries are expected in January 2017.

2017 Renault Zoe prices – outright purchase

iExpression Nav R90 22kW: £18,995
iDynamique Nav R90 Z.E.40: £23,445
iDynamique Nav Q90 Z.E.40: £24,195
iSignature Nav R90 Z.E.40: £25,495
iSignature Nav Q90 Z.E.40: £26,245

All prices after Plug-in Car Grant

2017 Renault Zoe prices – battery lease

Expression Nav R90 22kW: £13,995
Dynamique Nav R90 Z.E.40: £17,845
Dynamique Nav Q90 Z.E.40: £18,595
Signature Nav R90 Z.E.40: £19,895
Signature Nav Q90 Z.E.40: £20,645

All prices after Plug-in Car Grant

Revealed: the worst places in the UK for car crime

Richard Aucock

October 31, 2016

London, Manchester and Bradford are the worst area in Britain for vandalism, car crime and road safety – with a staggering 1 in 3 Londoners having suffered car vandalism while parked up in their home area.

The figures are from official 2016 police data, claims data and consumer research. More Londoners than any other UK resident have suffered vandalism – 33% of them, in fact. That’s far ahead of Leeds and Glasgow which are placed second. 13% of locals have had a car vandalised there.

Police fail to investigate 30,000 car thefts a year

Police chief fined £586 for driving police car with bald tyres

Meet the Alfa Romeo Giulia cop car

But even this staggering figure doesn’t place the UK capital number one for the highest rate of car crime. That dubious honour goes to Manchester.

A whopping 192 car crimes per 10,000 registered vehicles have been recorded in Manchester – compared to, for example, 48 crimes per 10,000 vehicles in Glasgow, which ranked 10th in the analysis carried out by Rias.

London places ‘only’ third in the car crime rate, with 162 crimes per 10,000 vehicles.

However, while only 7% of residents in Bradford have experienced car vandalism, the roads in the area themselves are far tougher on cars and motorists: 64% think the roads are actually unsafe. More than half of drivers in Bradford say others routinely ignore the speed limits, for example.

Liverpool, in contrast, has the lowest car vandalism rate, and more Liverpudlians perceive their roads to be safe than in any other region of the UK.

Adam Clarke, managing director of Rias (a car insurer for the over 50s) said: “While official data appears to show that some cities have higher vehicle crime rates than others, people should always be mindful of crime in their city and not get complacent even when the crime rate is low.”

His top tops for cutting car crime include:

Never leaving valuables on show to tempt ‘smash and grab’ thieves
Turn your wheels towards the kerb when parking – it will put thieves off as it will take more time to drive away
Make sure your car is actually locked – it’s more common than you think!
Add on some anti-theft measures (don’t forget this when ticking the options boxes on a new car too)

1...544545546...573 Page 545 of 573