What Car UK 01.2022

BEST NEW CAR DISCOUNTS £

SUVs Save up to £3998 O ELECTRIC CARS Save up to £4704 O SALOONS Save up to £5569

Britain’s biggest and best car buyer’s guide January 2022

EVERY HYBRID
U4P03T.O5

CAR RATEDMPG
PLUS Hybrid, petrol, diesel & electric cars compared

BMW X5 45e TOYOTA FORD
YARIS CROSS KUGA PHEV

52-mile
electric
range

MERCEDES C300e

18 NOVEMBER - 16 DECEMBER £5.99 HONDA HR-V BETTER
QTAHSAHNQAAI?
January 2022 New Audi RS3, Ford Focus,Volkswagen ID.5
ALSO

Range Rover goes electric UK’s best pick-up revealed Sleek new Volvo SUV driven Used Boxster buying guide





CONTENTS Product test
We rate 12V multi-
HYBRIDS SPECIAL socket adapters p63

EVERY MONTH

p8 FIRST LOOKS p34

8 Plug-in hybrids 34 News
Highlights include the BMW 330e and X5 Government applies pressure to boost
xDrive45e, Ford Kuga PHEV, Mercedes-Benz sales of electric cars
C300e and Skoda Octavia iV Estate
36 Deals of the month
16 Regular hybrids The biggest discounts available via
Toyota’s new Yaris Cross small SUV heads our online New Car Buying service,
a list that also includes the Honda Jazz including £3257 off a new BMW X6
hatchback and Kia Sorento large SUV
45 Coming soon
FIRST DRIVES New cars worth waiting for, including
a new Mercedes-AMG SL convertible
p18 p29 ADVICE

18 Volvo C40 Recharge 21 Audi A8 p48
Coupé SUV version of pure electric XC40 Refresh for our favourite limo includes
bigger battery for plug-in hybrid version 48 Readers rate lane support tech
24 Audi RS3 Sportback Five What Car? readers join us at
Hot hatch promises more fun than before 22 Range Rover Thatcham Research to see whether
Luxury SUV promises to be greener and the latest advanced driver aids are
28 Cupra Born more practical in its latest iteration helpful or annoying
Electric hatch has edge on its VW cousin
25 Ford Focus 56 The cost of going green
29 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Revised interior and improved driver aids Are you going to be out of pocket if you
Hotter version of large electric SUV help to keep Ford’s family hatchback fresh switch to a more eco-friendly hybrid or
electric vehicle? We add up all the costs
30 Renault Mégane E-Tech Electric 26 Volkswagen ID.5 of ownership for the main fuel types
Electric power only for reinvented hatch Low-roofed version of ID.4 electric SUV
60 #AskWhatCar
31 Porsche Macan 29 Toyota Aygo X Your motoring-related questions
Sports SUV tested in all of its new guises Reborn city car gets rufty-tufty looks answered, including how long a Ford
Mustang owner should wait to get his
4 January 2022 whatcar.com car’s steering problems sorted

p60

Audi Q4 e-tron January 2022
The ideal spec for your
posh electric SUV p54

COMPARISONS OUR CARS

p64 p82

p72 p85

64 Honda HR-V vs Nissan Qashqai 72 Ford Ranger vs Isuzu D-Max vs 82 Peugeot 5008 Long miles and big loads
ahead for our new large SUV
Larger than before and available with Ssangyong Musso vs Toyota Hilux
83 Vauxhall Mokka-e Public charging woes
frugal hybrid power only, Honda’s new Ford’s Ranger is back to defend its title as just as our electric SUV needs juice most

family-sized SUV gets to prove itself against our top-choice pick-up against its latest 84 Toyota Highlander Large SUV is proving
not only practical but also user-friendly
one of the class heavyweights: the latest rivals, not only on the road but also for
84 Audi E-tron Sportback, Jaguar E-Pace
iteration of the Nissan Qashqai towing, load lugging and off-roading
85 Mini 5dr Final thoughts on our
p46 HURRY, flawed but charming hatchback
OFFER
Subscription ENDS 29 86 Mazda CX-30 City dweller welcomes
savings for NOVEMBER distinctive new small electric SUV
Black Friday:
try three issues 87 Honda Jazz,Volvo V90
for just £1
USED CARS
88 Porsche 718 Boxster All you need to know

about buying Porsche’s agile sports car

p88

90 BMW 5 Series vs Jaguar XF
Choosing between these
half-price luxury saloons

BUYER’S GUIDE
95 We reveal your best bets
for every type of new car
and every size of budget

DATA
116 Every variant of every
model listed, along with key
information and our all-
important star ratings

whatcar.com January 2022 5

SORRY.
If you’ve just paid a fortune
for a new SUV, we apologise for

not running this ad sooner.

MG HS. The fully loaded, The stylish, MG HS is the high-spec, feature-filled SUV that needs no apology.
family-sized SUV from only
With MG Pilot Driver Assistance System, 10.1" colour touchscreen and Apple
£21,495* CarPlay™/Android Auto™ as standard, the MG HS really delivers a lot more
family car for your money. And with its enviable 5 star Euro NCAP safety
Also available as a Plug-in Hybrid variant rating and 7 Year Warranty, you know you are making the right choice for
your family and your wallet.

TEST 2019 Fuel economy and CO2 results for the MG HS. MPG (l/100km) (combined):
36.6 (7.7) to 37.9 (7.4). CO2 emissions: 168–174 g/km.
mg.co.uk
Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO2 figures
with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving
results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post-registration),
variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. *Model shown: MG HS Exclusive with Dynamic
Red Paint £24,690 on the road.

WELCOME January 2022

CONTACT US THE BRAND

Editorial USED CAR p64
Tel 020 8267 5900 Email [email protected] OF THE
Media enquiries Andy Bothwell Tel 07825 703505 YEAR During lockdown, ‘With hybrids and
AWARDS my wife started plug-in hybrids,
Meet the team 2022 talking about how
Editor Steve Huntingford nice it would be to have you don’t need to
Editorial director Jim Holder Reliability a dog around the house, rethink your routine’
Deputy editor Darren Moss survey
Managing editor Allan Muir 2021 but in normal times we’re
Reviews editor Will Nightingale
Consumer editor Claire Evans True both out at work during the day, so I can’t help thinking
Used cars editor Mark Pearson MPG
Deputy reviews editor Neil Winn Real that a cat would suit us better.And there’s a parallel with
Video reviews editor Doug Revolta Range
New cars editor Lawrence Cheung What electrified cars.
Reviewers Max Adams, Dan Jones Fuel?
Used cars reporter Oliver Young You see, today’s best fully electric models are fantastic
Staff writer George Hill
Senior sub-editor James Tute in the right circumstances. However, they don’t fit
Sub-editor Chris Haining
Group art editor Stephen Hopkins seamlessly into all lifestyles, whereas hybrids and plug-in
Brand art editor Chee-Chiu Lee
Chief photographer John Bradshaw hybrids promise many of the same benefits – reduced
Senior photographer Will Williams
Junior photographer Max Edleston running costs and air pollution, for starters – without the
Picture editor Ben Summerell-Youde
Designer Rebecca Stevens need to rethink your routine.
Prepress manager Darren Jones
Social media manager Louis Shaw There’s now a huge variety to choose from, too, so in
Senior videographer Kiall Garrett
Videographer Mina Fakhouri
SEO manager Jonathan Cook
Editorial apprentices Ayisha Gharu, Charlie Martin
Special contributors James Attwood, Rachel
Burgess, Alastair Clements, Steve Cropley, Kris
Culmer, Tom Evans, Pat Hoy, Luc Lacey, Richard
Lane, Tom Morgan, Sarah Özgül, Felix Page, Vicky
Parrott, Matt Prior, Matt Saunders, Sami Shah, Mark
Tisshaw, Will Trinkwon, Piers Ward

Advertising
Advertising director Deidre Kelly Tel 020 8267 5518

Subscriptions
Marketing and retention executive Finn Wang
UK 0344 848 8814 Overseas +44 (0)1604 251 461
Email [email protected]
Back issues 0344 543 8035

Licensing enquiries
Isla Friend Tel 020 8267 5024

Reprints
Natalie Carter Tel 020 8267 8081

Publishing
Managing director Rachael Prasher
Marketing director Darren Pitt
Publishing and events executive Lydia Banton
Head of production operations Trevor Simpson
Senior production controller Lee Brister

What Car?, ISSN number 0307 2991 this issue we’ve rated them all. Plus, we’ve pitted Honda’s

(USPS 21717), is published monthly by

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whatcar.com January 2022 7

Not quite ready
for an electric
car but keen
to embrace

electrified
motoring?
Here’s our
guide to every
new hybrid and
plug-in hybrid
you can buy

8 January 2022 whatcar.com

Plug-in hybrids

Mercedes-Benz
C300e

Plush executive saloon
outguns most rivals on electric-
only range and company
car tax On sale Early 2022
Price from £45,000 (est)

IF YOU WANT to look flash while
saving cash, the Mercedes-Benz C300e
is definitely worth a place on your
shortlist, because it’s officially the most
economical version of the new C-Class
executive saloon.

A mini-me to the latest S-Class limo,
it features smooth lines and jewel-like
headlights on the outside, and a plush
interior that’s dominated by a sizeable,
11.9in infotainment screen.

The plug-in hybrid C300e’s relatively
big, 25.4kWh battery brings an excellent
electric range of up to 68 miles – double
that of the previous model. But more
significantly, it’s nearly twice as far as
its closest rival, the BMW 330e, can go,
and places it in the 7% benefit-in-kind
bracket, versus 11% for the BMW.

The C300e isn’t as engaging to drive
as the BMW, and while it’s very quiet
when running on electric power alone,
the petrol engine is a bit raucous when
it kicks in. However, ride comfort is a
major strength, aided by standard air
suspension at the rear. Besides, the
C300e’s incredible efficiency makes its
few flaws much easier to forgive.

Our pick C300e AMG Line
List price £45,000 (est)
Target Price na
Target PCP na
MPG 403.5 CO2 14g/km
For Smooth ride; long electric range;
seriously low BIK rate; classy interior
Against Not as good to drive as the
BMW 330e; engine a bit noisy
WHAT CAR? SAYS

whatcar.com January 2022 9

Plug-in hBEyST FbORrids
PRACTICALITY

Range Rover Evoque

Our pick P300e R-Dynamic S
List price £45,950 Target Price £44,458
Target PCP £421 MPG 143.1 CO2 44g/km
For Great driving position; plush
materials; smooth ride; superb residuals
Against High purchase price; Land
Rover’s poor reliability record
WHAT CAR? SAYS

Skoda Octavia iV Estate Octavia puts Peugeot 308
practicality and
Our plug-in hybrid champion is hard to beat as comfort ahead of Our pick 1.6 Hybrid Allure Premium
an all-rounder On sale Now Price from £32,210 agile handling List price £33,900 Target Price £33,900
Target PCP na MPG 281.1 CO2 25g/km
SAVVY CAR BUYERS know that when cheaper trim levels. And this hugely For Low running costs; fine driving
it comes to value for money, you can’t practical car is in one of the cheapest tax position; impressive refinement
do much better than a Skoda, and the bands for company car buyers. Against Cramped rear seats; limited
Octavia Estate is a prime example. rear visibility; grabby brakes
Indeed, it has our full five-star road Our pick 1.4 TSI iV SE L WHAT CAR? SAYS
test rating, thanks to its vast boot, List price £34,255 Target Price £31,995
keen pricing and comfortable ride. Target PCP £392 MPG 282.5 CO2 23g/km Porsche Panamera
And the iV version only adds to that For Very low company car tax; vast boot;
appeal; it was the 2021 What Car? comfortable ride; well equipped Our pick 4S E-Hybrid List price £102,445
Plug-in Hybrid of the Year. Against Rivals are more fun to drive; Target Price £102,445 Target PCP na
air-con controls are in the touchscreen MPG 128.4 CO2 50g/km
Even with a 13kWh battery stuffed WHAT CAR? SAYS For Classy interior; stupendous pace
under the floor, boot space is vast, for a car with fairly low CO2 emissions
particularly compared with what you Against Very expensive to buy; dash
get in other plug-in hybrid estates. controls could be easier to use
Performance is also impressive, with WHAT CAR? SAYS
0-62mph taking 7.8sec, while the official
electric-only range of up to 41 miles DS 4
means you can cover plenty of journeys
on battery power alone. Our pick 1.6 E-Tense Trocadero
List price £36,600 Target Price £36,600
The iV is slightly less brisk when in Target PCP na MPG 232.3 CO2 30g/km
electric-only mode, and it feels a bit For Great interior; intuitive infotainment
heavier than the standard car when system; smooth automatic gearbox
you encounter a corner, because it runs Against Unsettled ride; lots of body
out of grip earlier and leans over more lean; higher trim levels are pricey
dramatically. However, the Octavia has WHAT CAR? SAYS
always been more about motorway
comfort than sporty handling, and the
iV’s ride is impressively smooth.

The pricing is attractive, too; it only
looks expensive next to regular Octavias
because Skoda doesn’t offer it with the

10 January 2022 whatcar.com

HYBRIDS SPECIAL

BMW X5 xDrive45e

Prestige meets efficiency in BMW’s award-winning
luxury SUV On sale Now Price from £66,415

THE ORIGINAL X5 was one of the first Inside, you’re greeted by a lavish
SUVs to sacrifice a bit of ruggedness assortment of materials and BMW’s
and rock-climbing ability in favour of fantastic iDrive infotainment system,
better on-road driving manners, and the which can be controlled by touch, voice
latest version continues that tradition. or an intuitive dial between the seats.
However, it’s at its absolute best in
xDrive45e plug-in hybrid form. Indeed, the only significant downside
is that, unlike other X5s, the 45e can’t
Combining a 3.0-litre six-cylinder be specified with a third row of seats
petrol engine and an electric motor, that fold up from the boot floor; this is
the 45e is always silky smooth, yet it because the fuel tank has been moved
can rocket you from 0-62mph in just there to make room for the battery.
5.1sec. In addition, it can travel up to
52 miles solely on electric power – a lot Our pick xDrive45e M Sport
farther than rivals such as the Volvo List price £69,915
XC90 Recharge T8. Target Price £66,810 Target PCP £680
MPG 235.4 CO2 27g/km
It’s more comfortable than the For Comfy ride; impeccable quality;
XC90, too, with even large bumps and low BIK rates; long electric range
potholes leaving the X5’s occupants Against No seven-seat option; seats
unshaken. And yet the driver still gets aren’t very flexible; pricey private buy
to enjoy steering that’s precise and WHAT CAR? SAYS
reassuringly weighted.

The BMW X5 is Hyundai Ioniq
surprisingly fun to
drive, given its size The Ioniq is the Walkers Crisps of the car
world, because there’s a flavour to suit
all tastes: you can have a fully electric
version, a regular hybrid, or the plug-in
hybrid we’re focusing on here.

This doesn’t ride or handle quite
as well as the regular hybrid, due to
its bigger, heavier battery. However,
performance is still pretty good, and it
allows you to drive for up to 32 miles at
a time without using a drop of fuel.
Plus, its interior is smarter and more
user-friendly than the one in its closest
rival, the Toyota Prius PHEV.

Our pick 1.6 T-GDi PHEV Premium
List price £30,450
Target Price £28,736 Target PCP £335
MPG 256.8 CO2 26g/km
For Good-quality interior; low running
costs; bigger boot than electric model
Against Limited rear had room;
unsettled ride around town
WHAT CAR? SAYS

Seat Leon Audi Q5

Our pick 1.4 e-Hybrid FR Our pick 55 TFSIe Competition
List price £32,945 Target Price £29,958 List price £58,775 Target Price £55,582
Target PCP £354 MPG 256.8 CO2 25g/km Target PCP £578 MPG 166.2 CO2 40g/km
For Sharp handling; loads of space; For Quiet cruising manners; compliant
punchy performance, yet very frugal ride; high-quality interior fittings
Against Ride is on the firm side; more Against No seven-seat option;
wind and road noise than some rivals touchscreen can be distracting
WHAT CAR? SAYS WHAT CAR? SAYS

whatcar.com January 2022 11

Ford Kuga PHEV Plug-in hybrids

Ford’s well-equipped large SUV
is at the top of its game in plug-
in hybrid form On sale Now
Price from £33,945

IF MONEY TALKED, the Ford Kuga plug-in
hybrid would register little more than a
whisper, demanding surprisingly little of your
money to keep you motoring. When its electric
motor and 2.5-litre petrol engine work in unity,
it officially returns up to 282.5mpg, and you’ll
still see 50mpg when the engine goes it alone.
That’s the kind of economy you might expect
from a diesel, few of which are as smooth, plus
diesel fuel is pricier than petrol.

The Kuga PHEV’s 8.6sec 0-62mph time is
plenty quick enough for everyday driving, and
the engine itself is hushed until you put your
foot down hard. Running on electric power
alone, meanwhile, you’ll experience exam hall
silence. Despite the additional weight of its
batteries, the handling is good, too, thanks to
quick steering that makes it a better drive than
the similarly hybridised Kia Sorento.

The Kuga’s pricing looks as sharp as its
handling; it’s cheaper than the Mitsubishi
Outlander PHEV. Company car users will be
happy, too; its low emissions and 35-mile
electric range land it in a lower tax bracket
than the rival Volvo XC60 T6 Recharge.

It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, though.
You’ll find a lot of scratchy plastic inside the
Kuga, and its infotainment system is neither
intuitive nor particularly responsive to inputs.
And while the Kuga’s boot will take six carry-
on suitcases (fewer than a Honda CR-V will
accommodate), ordering the mini spare wheel
means going without underfloor storage for
the charging cables, which you’ll need to find
space for elsewhere. Also, the ST-Line’s ride is a
touch too firm for some, so we’d encourage you
to try before you buy.

Our pick 2.5 PHEV ST-Line Edition
List price £36,905
Target Price £35,156 Target PCP £340
MPG 282.5 CO2 23g/km
For Sporty handling; decent electric range;
very frugal even on petrol power alone
Against Low-rent interior; ride is a little firm;
boot isn’t massive for a large SUV
WHAT CAR? SAYS

Audi A3 Volvo XC40 Citroën C5 Aircross

Our pick 40 TFSIe Sport S tronic Our pick Recharge T4 R-Design Our pick 1.6 Plug-in Hybrid 225 Shine
List price £34,005 Target Price £32,840 List price £39,445 Target Price £37,609 List price £34,375 Target Price £31,354
Target PCP £382 MPG 282.5 CO2 25g/km Target PCP £386 MPG 134.5 CO2 47g/km Target PCP £330 MPG 201.8 CO2 32g/km
For Great ride and handling balance; For Quality interior; big and clever boot; For Super-smooth ride; quiet at all
fine driving position; low running costs supple ride; comprehensive safety kit speeds; well equipped
Against Fiddly infotainment system; Against Fiddly infotainment system; Against Sloppy handling; disappointing
materials are good rather than great body sways a bit in corners rear leg room; no seven-seat option
WHAT CAR? SAYS WHAT CAR? SAYS WHAT CAR? SAYS

12 January 2022 whatcar.com

HYBRIDS SPECIAL

Kuga PHEV is
better to drive
than rivals and

promises an
electric range of

up to 35 miles

Volkswaen Passat Estate Jaguar F-Pace Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Our pick 1.4 TSI GTE Our pick P400e S Our pick A250e AMG Line Edition
List price £40,155 Target Price £33,478 List price £55,910 Target Price £53,696 List price £33,980 Target Price £33,233
Target PCP £361 MPG 238.9 CO2 27g/km Target PCP £531 MPG 129.7 CO2 49g/km Target PCP £368 MPG 282.5 CO2 24g/km
For Big boot; spacious interior; quiet, For Great handling; good residuals; For Long electric range; comfortable
even for a hybrid; cheap company car interior is much improved since facelift motorway cruiser; quick to charge
Against Skoda Octavia iV offers similar Against Firm ride; noisier than some Against Fairly thirsty petrol engine;
space for less; no spare wheel available rivals; so-so reliability record hybrid system could be more polished
WHAT CAR? SAYS WHAT CAR? SAYS WHAT CAR? SAYS

whatcar.com January 2022 13



Plug-in hybrids

BMW 330e Officially, AND THE REST…
the 330e
Our favourite executive car wins out for its agile can cover up Audi A6/A6 Avant 50 TFSIe
handling and high-quality, user-friendly interior to 37 miles Audi A7 Sportback 50 TFSIe
On sale Now Price from £40,440 on electric Audi Q3 45 TFSIe
power alone Audi Q7 55 TFSIe
Audi Q7 60 TFSIe
STANDING OUT IN the executive car and its infotainment system is Audi Q8 55 TFSIe
park has never been harder, but if you’re unmatched for ease of use, because it Bentley Bentayga V6 Hybrid
holding the keys to a BMW 330e, you can can be controlled via a dial on the centre BMW 225xe Active Tourer
tell everyone you’re driving a bona-fide console, as well as by touch, gesture and BMW 530e/530e Touring
What Car? award winner. voice commands. BMW 545e xDrive
BMW 745e
The 3 Series, in 330e plug-in hybrid When the working week is done, the BMW X1 xDrive25e
form, is our reigning Executive Car of 330e has plenty of space for your family BMW X2 xDrive25e
the Year, and it’s easy to see why. Not and their luggage, despite losing some BMW X3 xDrive30e
only does it drive in the way you’d boot space to accommodate its battery. Cupra Formentor eHybrid 204
expect a 3 Series to – with agility and Cupra Formentor eHybrid 245
poise, plus a smooth ride if you go for You hear more road noise on the DS 7 Crossback 1.6 E-Tense
the optional M Sport Pro Pack – but it motorway than you do in the Audi A4, DS 9 1.6 E-Tense 225
also has the efficiency to go with it. but in most other respects the 3 Series Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6 T-GDi PHEV
has the edge. Hyundai Tucson 1.6 T-GDi PHEV
Officially, the 330e can cover up Jaguar E-Pace P300e
to 37 miles without using a drop of Our pick 330e M Sport Pro Pack Jeep Renegade 1.3T 4xe 190
petrol, as well as returning up to List price £45,045 Kia Niro 1.6 GDi PHEV
217mpg and offering CO2 emissions Target Price £42,617 Target PCP £470 Kia Sorento 1.6 T-GDi PHEV
as low as 30g/km. No, those numbers MPG 188.3 CO2 34g/km Land Rover Defender P400e
aren’t as impressive as those of the For Great to drive; high-quality interior; Land Rover Discovery Sport P300e
newer Mercedes-Benz C300e, but class-leading infotainment system
they still mean the 330e can be an Against Small boot and petrol tank Range Rover Sport P400e
inexpensive car to run. compared with those of regular 3 Series Range Rover Velar P400e
WHAT CAR? SAYS Mercedes-Benz B250e
Inside, it features high-end materials, Mercedes-Benz CLA 250e
Mercedes-Benz E300e
Mercedes-Benz E300de
Mercedes-Benz GLA 250e
Mercedes-Benz GLE/GLE Coupé 350de

MG HS 1.5 T-GDI PHEV
Mini Countryman Cooper S E
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Peugeot 3008 1.6 Hybrid 225
Peugeot 3008 1.6 Hybrid4 300
Peugeot 508/508 SW Hybrid
Peugeot 508 PSE
Polestar 1
Porsche Cayenne/Cayenne Coupé
E-Hybrid
Porsche Cayenne/Cayenne Coupé
Turbo S E-Hybrid
Renault Captur 1.6 E-Tech PHEV
Renault Mégane/Mégane Sport Tourer
1.6 E-Tech PHEV
Skoda Superb/Superb Estate 1.4 TSI iV

Suzuki Across 2.5 PHEV E-Four
Toyota Prius 1.8 PHEV
Toyota RAV4 2.5 PHEV
Volkswagen Arteon/Arteon Shooting
Brake TSI E-Hybrid
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI eHybrid
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI GTE
Volkswagen Tiguan R
Volkswagen Touareg R
Volvo S60 Recharge T8
Volvo S90 Recharge T8
Volvo V60 Recharge T6
Volvo V60 Recharge T8
Volvo V90 Recharge T6
Volvo XC60 Recharge T6
Volvo XC60 Recharge T8
Volvo XC90 Recharge T8

whatcar.com January 2022 15

Regular hybrids

Toyota Yaris Cross

Like its hatchback sibling, Toyota’s small
SUV has its rivals licked when it comes
to efficiency On sale Now
Price from £22,515

IF YOU HATE agonising over decisions, official average fuel economy, which out as they would in a Kamiq, and that
buying a Toyota Yaris Cross should beats that of equivalent rivals. the Yaris Cross has a smaller boot than
be pain-free because there’s only one the Kamiq and Puma.
engine available: a 1.5-litre petrol that That’s helped by the fact that the
works with an electric motor to produce Yaris Cross can run on electric power Our pick 1.5 Hybrid Icon
114bhp. That might sound weedy in a alone at lower speeds around town. It’s List price £22,515
small SUV, and it’s true that the Yaris not a plug-in hybrid, so it soon needs to Target Price £22,515
Cross won’t get you up to speed as fast start burning petrol on faster roads, but Target PCP £230
as most versions of the rival Ford Puma the electric motor still works with the MPG 64.1 CO2 100g/km
and Skoda Kamiq. However, the Yaris engine for greater efficiency. For Very economical; lofty driving
Cross never feels out of its depth. position; composed handling
You sit higher up than you do in Against Tight rear space; noisy when
It should be kind to your wallet too – many small SUVs, with a good view over accelerating; not as fun as the Puma
you don’t have to drive like Miss Daisy’s the bonnet, and two six-footers can fit WHAT CAR? SAYS
in the back to get close to the 64.1mpg in the back. Just bear in mind that they
won’t have as much room to stretch

Kia Sorento Honda Jazz Lexus ES

Our pick 1.6 T-GDi HEV 2 Our pick 1.5 i-MMD Hybrid SR Our pick 300h
List price £39,710 Target Price £38,075 List price £20,960 Target Price £19,807 List price £36,795 Target Price £35,003
Target PCP £470 MPG 40.9 CO2 158g/km Target PCP £199 MPG 62.8 CO2 102g/km Target PCP £340 MPG 53.2 CO2 119g/km
For Vast interior; frugal and strong For Remarkably spacious; great seating For Low company car tax bills; excellent
engine; long warranty; comfortable ride flexibility; lots of kit; holds value well rear leg room; surprisingly agile
Against Expensive for a non-premium Against Not the quietest; disappointing Against Noisy when you accelerate;
SUV; auto gearbox can be hesitant infotainment; Yaris is even more frugal small boot; frustrating infotainment
WHAT CAR? SAYS WHAT CAR? SAYS WHAT CAR? SAYS

16 January 2022 whatcar.com

HYBRIDS SPECIAL

Honda AND THE REST…
NSX and
Renault Ford Kuga 2.5 FHEV
Arkana have Ford Mondeo Estate 2.0 Hybrid
embraced Honda CR-V 2.0 i-MMD Hybrid
Honda HR-V i-MMD eCVT
hybrid Honda NSX 3.5 V6 Hybrid
power Hyundai Ioniq 1.6 GDi Hybrid
Hyundai Kona 1.6 GDi Hybrid
Yaris Hyundai Tucson 1.6 T-GDi Hybrid
Cross Kia Niro 1.6 GDi Hybrid
boot floor Lexus LC 500h
has height Lexus LS 500h
adjustment Lexus RX 450h
to reduce Lexus RX L 450h
the load lip Lexus UX 250h
Renault Arkana 1.6 E-Tech 145
Renault Clio 1.6 E-Tech 140
Subaru XV 2.0i e-Boxer
Suzuki Swace 1.8 Hybrid
Toyota C-HR 1.8 Hybrid
Toyota C-HR 2.0 Hybrid
Toyota Corolla 1.8 Hybrid
Toyota Corolla 2.0 VVT-i Hybrid
Toyota Corolla Touring Spors 1.8 Hybrid

Toyota Corolla Touring Sports 2.0 VVT-i
Hybrid
Toyota Highlander 2.5 VVT-i Hybrid
Toyota Prius 1.8 VVT-i
Toyota RAV4 2.5 Hybrid
Toyota RAV4 2.5 Hybrid 4x4
Toyota Yaris 1.5 Hybrid

Hyundai Santa Fe Renault Captur

Our pick 1.6 T-GDi Hybrid 4WD Premium Our pick 1.6 E-Tech 145 Iconic
List price £42,535 Target Price £40,001 List price £24,500 Target Price £21,723
Target PCP £408 MPG 40.4 CO2 159g/km Target PCP £216 MPG 47.9 CO2 133g/km
For A great seven-seater; good to drive; For Excellent safety rating; sliding rear
gutsy performance; long warranty seats; lots of standard equipment
Against Pricier than the Sorento in our Against Doesn’t switch between power
preferred trims; no NCAP safety rating sources smoothly; annoying road noise
WHAT CAR? SAYS WHAT CAR? SAYS

whatcar.com January 2022 17

FIRST DRIVE

Volvo C40 Recharge

Coupé SUV version of the electric XC40 packs 402bhp and an
official range of 273 miles On sale Now Price from £57,400

Max Adams The close relationship with the XC40 Initial UK cars will have 20in wheels as
[email protected] Recharge means you get a large, 75kWh (usable) standard; with these, the ride is rather busy
battery that can be charged from 10-80% around town and harsh over potholes and
WE ALL WANT to make the world a better, at a rate of up to 150kW within 40 minutes. drain covers. There’s no adaptive suspension
cleaner, healthier place, and with Planet Earth However, the wind-cheating effect of the C40’s option to tailor the ride, but 19in wheels are
being what it is today, the new Volvo C40 has lower, sleeker shape increases its official range expected to be offered later, and it might be
the potential to earn a whole crowd of fans. from 259 miles to 273 miles – farther than its worth waiting for these if comfort is a priority.
Q4 Sportback and EQA equivalents can manage.
The fact that it’s a shapely premium coupé The fact that our test car was also equipped
SUV will please the fashion conscious; the The C40’s twin motors produce a stout with all-season tyres, which UK cars won’t get,
fact that it’s electric will sate the eco-aware, 402bhp between them – enough for a 0-62mph makes it hard to judge outright grip, but we
and, with the number of vegans in the UK sprint time of just 4.7sec. To put that in context, expect examples sold over here to hold on
quadrupling in the UK in the past five years, its the quickest Q4 Sportback manages the same in to the road just as well as the XC40 Recharge
leather-free interior should go down well, too. 6.2sec and the EQA takes 6.0sec. The C40 even does. Indeed, there’s actually very little to
outperforms the far pricier Jaguar I-Pace. distinguish between the XC40 and C40 in
The C40 shares its underpinnings with terms of how they handle; both cars lean a
the more conventionally shaped (and rather In practice, these stats mean the C40 is fair bit in corners, so there’s little fun to be
pricey) XC40 Recharge. Initially, it’ll be startlingly quick pretty much everywhere, had in trying to hustle them – although the
available in just one high-spec trim with two providing the sort of instant acceleration that same is true of the Q4 Sportback and EQA.
electric motors and four-wheel drive, pitching pushes your head back and brings a grin to
it against top-end versions of the Audi Q4 your face – quite something from a brand once Progress in the C40 is more enjoyable if
e-tron Sportback and Mercedes-Benz EQA. known for being sensible above all else. you back off and keep your inputs smooth,

18 January 2022 whatcar.com

TOW-ER OF POWER 2
The C40 can tow a
braked trailer weighing 3
up to 1800kg.The Audi 4
Q4 Sportback and
Mercedes-Benz EQA
can manage only
1000kg and 750kg

respectively.

1

1 Music lovers will enjoy 2 Larger icons would 3 Google Assistant 4 With their topography-
the standard 13-speaker be useful on the 9.0in enables you to set the inspired patterns, the trim
Harman Kardon sound portrait touchscreen, but air-con and sat-nav and panels look plasticky by
system, which provides Android software gives it request the remaining day but come to life when
a full, rich sound swift response times battery range by voice backlit at night

Sleek but narrow rear screen restricts your rearward view C40’s two electric motors send power to all four wheels

Ride is fidgety on the 20in wheels of our test car; we recommend the standard 19in rims if comfort is your priority and the way the steering is set up makes that
easy. It has two modes: a lighter normal set-up
that’s ideal around town, and a beefier setting
that’s designed to help with accuracy at higher
speeds. To be honest, you can keep that heavier
setting engaged all the time, because you still
don’t need the forearms of Popeye.

The brakes, too, suit this smooth
demeanour. As with the XC40 Recharge,
they respond consistently when you squeeze
the pedal, making it easy to come to a halt
without jerkiness. Plus there’s a ‘one pedal’
driving function; with this, the effect of the
regenerative braking system (which feeds
the battery with recovered energy that would
otherwise be lost as the car slows down) is
heightened so that the car slows to a complete
stop if you lift off the accelerator, making light
work of city driving.

Refinement is impressive, too; there’s no
noticeable electric motor whine and road
noise is kept low. What wind noise you do
hear comes from around the large door mirrors
at motorway speeds – a trait that the C40
shares with its boxier sister.

Settle behind the wheel of the C40 and you’ll
have little trouble finding a comfortable

whatcar.com January 2022 19

FIRST DRIVE

‘Dispatching 0-62mph
in 4.7sec, the C40
can outsprint the far
pricier Jaguar I-Pace’

driving position, thanks to full electric to look over to the Range Assistant app on the The trim panels on the dashboard and doors
adjustment, including for lumbar support. central infotainment screen. bear a design that resembles contour lines on a
map; they might seem a bit plasticky to some
The latest iteration of Volvo’s digital The latter uses the Android operating eyes in the daylight, but they’re transformed
instrument panel is featured, with sharp system, which also powers many smartphones, at night by ambient lighting. Those panels
graphics and a simple design that’s easy to read so Google Assistant is on hand to deal with aside, the C40’s interior features more plush
at a glance. However, it doesn’t offer as many range enquiries, too. Surprisingly, there’s no materials than the Q4 Sportback’s.
configuration options as Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, Android Auto smartphone mirroring (Apple
nor can it display as much information at once. CarPlay is coming in an over-the-air software Despite its curvaceous roof being lower than
What’s more, and rather oddly for an electric update), but you can download apps you would that of the XC40, six-footers should have no
car, the display doesn’t show a real-time range use on your phone straight to the car. trouble fitting in the front of the C40. They
indicator; for this vital information, you have won’t be anywhere near as happy in the back,
The infotainment screen also hosts the though. In fact, the C40 is noticeably less
RIVALS air-con controls, and while this makes for a generous than the Q4 Sportback when it comes
pleasingly minimalist look, we’d much prefer to head and leg room.
Audi Q4 e-tron Mercedes-Benz EQA physical buttons; having to delve into menus
Sportback to make simple adjustments can be distracting. It’s advantage Audi when it comes to boot
Doesn’t have the You can operate certain features via voice space, too; the Q4 Sportback’s load bay is
Not as quick in a range or speed recognition, but this takes time to respond. markedly bigger, and the C40 only one-ups
straight line, but has of the C40, but it’s its rival in having a dedicated space under the
the upper hand in significantly less The high seating position brings fine forward bonnet for storing charging cables.
terms of practicality. expensive to buy. visibility, helped at night by adaptive LED
headlights that can shape their light beam Safety standards should be at least as high
in such a way as to maximise illumination as in the XC40; both cars have automatic
without dazzling other motorists. The view emergency braking, traffic sign recognition
over your shoulder isn’t so clever, though; the and lane departure warning, but the C40 also
C40’s thick side pillars, shallow back window has Pilot Assist as standard. This is a driver aid
and large head restraints conspire to restrict that helps you to steer, accelerate and brake in
vision. Thankfully, a 360-degree camera system certain situations, such as on the motorway
is standard to help when reversing. (although your hands must always be on the

20 January 2022 whatcar.com

FIRST LOOK

Boot is a good size, but Audi Q4 Sportback’s is bigger Audi A8

Rapid charging is supported at a rate of up to 150kW Refreshed luxury limo gains
a bigger plug-in battery and
That curvaceous roof takes its toll on rear head room sharper looks On sale Spring
2022 Price from £80,000 (est)
wheel) – tech that comes as a KEY FACTS All in all, regardless of your
pricey option on rivals. environmental stance, you George Hill
Volvo C40 Recharge Twin Pro might well be quite taken [email protected]
In fact, while the Q4 with the C40. But should
Sportback and EQA both Price £57,400 you buy one? Well, it has the IF YOU’RE HEADING to a red carpet event
initially look more keenly Engine Two electric motors equivalent Q4 Sportback or require a suitably prestigious ride to your
priced than the C40, when Power 402bhp and EQA beaten when it private jet, you’ll need a limo, and the Audi
you spec said rivals to match Torque 487lb ft A8 has long been a VIPs’ favourite.You’ll
Gearbox 1-spd automatic see them wherever A-listers like to go, from
country pubs to exclusive members’ clubs.
the Volvo’s four-wheel drive Battery size 75kWh (usable) comes to performance and
The fourth-generation A8, which was
and lengthy roster of safety 0-62mph 4.7sec range, and that subscription launched in 2017, is our current favourite
luxury limousine. Now, an update for 2022
equipment, the C40 starts Top speed 112mph model should be a hassle- aims to keep it at the top of its game.
to look like reasonable value Official range 273 miles free – if not exactly cheap –
– especially given its more CO2,tax band 0g/km,1% ownership proposition. The refreshed A8 is distinguished by a
more detailed grille design and reshaped
potent performance. However, if you can live Digital Matrix LED headlights.These can
now focus a “carpet of light” into your
However, overall price doesn’t paint the without that clever Pilot Assist system, next specific lane, to help you stay in lane “more
instinctively”. Meanwhile, a proximity sensor
whole picture, because the C40 is also offered year’s C40 Twin Plus model might be worth now illuminates all segments of the rear
lights if another vehicle comes within two
on a subscription basis. You can choose waiting for. You can expect it to offer similar metres of the car when it’s stationary.

between a three-year contract or a more performance and range to this Twin Pro, but at Also, for a sportier look, you can now
order the A8 in S line trim, giving regular
flexible three-month rolling contract – the a reduced monthly cost. models a look closer to that of the petrol
V8-powered S8.An optional exterior Black
latter being more expensive. The advantage Pack further heightens the dramatic effect.

is that costs such as servicing, wear-and-tear SAYS As before, the 60 TFSIe plug-in hybrid
items, road tax and breakdown cover are all (PHEV) version combines a 3.0-litre V6
petrol engine with a compact electric
included in the subscription. On the flexible Strong on style, performance motor, but the latter now takes its power
plan, the C40 Twin Pro will set you back a and standard kit, but shaded from a larger battery with a 14.4kWh
little more per month than a range-topping usable capacity. Official figures for
charging times and range are yet to be
Q4 e-tron Sportback Vorsprung will on PCP by rivals on practicality confirmed, but expect the latter to increase
finance, but remember you’ll have to pay for compared with the outgoing version’s 29
miles (officially) on electric power alone.
things like servicing on top with the Audi.
Inside, the A8 is more indulgent than
ever, particularly if you raid the options list.

Distinctive new grille is more detailed than before

You can now add a pair of high-definition
10.1in rear screens to entertain you while a
Relaxation Seat heats and massages your
feet and body.

The refreshed A8 gets the latest iteration
of Audi’s top infotainment system, which
features voice recognition can interpret
naturally spoken instructions rather than
relying on a list of fixed commands.

Prices are expected to start at around
£80,000 when sales begin in the spring.

whatcar.com January 2022 21

FIRST LOOK

Range Rover

All-new version of iconic luxury SUV promises to be greener and more practical,

with a seven-seat option for the first time On sale Spring 2022 Price from £94,400

Steve Huntingford The boot itself now features a handy divider Don’t think that the third-row seats are just
[email protected] that folds up from the floor to prevent smaller a token gesture, either, in the way they are in
items from sliding around, and incorporates the smaller Range Rover Sport.Anyone up to
ACCORDING TO LAND ROVER, the new Range various restraining straps.Alternatively, you can about 5ft 10in tall will fit without being at risk
Rover isn’t the last evolution of the brand’s order ‘Event Seating’ – basically, two fold-out of deep vein thrombosis or messing up their
flagship as we’ve known it for the past 51 years, chairs that hang over the lower tailgate when hair on the rooflining.And you don’t need the
but the start of the next era. However, in reality it’s open and you’re parked up. flexibility of a gymnast to get back there in the
it’s both of those things, because it will be both first place, because the second-row seats fold
the last full-fat Range Rover to be offered with Like its predecessor, the new Range Rover well out of the way – electrically, naturally.
petrol and diesel engines, and the first to be is available in both standard and long-
sold as a fully electric car. wheelbase forms.The latter stretches the The quality of the materials also impresses,
car by 200mm between the front and rear with pretty much every surface trimmed in
From the front, it’s easy to mistake it for its axles, turning generous rear leg room into the wood, metal or leather.That is, of course, unless
(admittedly handsome) predecessor.And sort of space you’d usually only find in the you specify the optional vegan interior, in
while the flanks are less fussy than before – not back of a hen-night limo. which case the latter is swapped for ‘premium’
least because the door handles now sit flush textiles; far from being a budget option, these
with the body until you unlock the car – we’re Both versions can be specified with a actually cost more than having leather.
not exactly talking about a revolution. No, three-person rear bench or two individually
that’s reserved for the back, where the body adjustable rear seats. Or, if you prefer, you can The one disappointment is that the centre
cuts off dramatically and features tail-lights order the long-wheelbase model as a seven- console looks almost identical to the one in
that are completely hidden behind a gloss seater – the first time this has been possible. the Jaguar F-Pace.True, the Range Rover’s
black panel when not illuminated. infotainment screen is slightly bigger (13.1in
‘Land Rover is versus 11.4in), and while the functionality is the
Existing customers needn’t worry, though, promising a big step same, that means it offers wireless smartphone
because the new car retains the handy split forward in refinement’ mirroring, remote software updates and
tailgate that has always been a popular part Amazon Alexa voice control. But given that the
of the Range Rover recipe.The lower section F-Pace costs from £40,675 – £53,725 less than
folds down to make it easier to load heavy the new Range Rover – we’d have expected to
items or to give you a platform to perch on. see a more significant difference.

22 January 2022 whatcar.com

24
1

RO RIVALS

3

Bentley Bentayga 1 Hugely elevated front 2 Infotainment is via a 3 Rotary knob beside gear 4 Air purification system
seats adjust every which 13.1in touchscreen that selector lets you optimise is said to reduce odours,
A stunning interior way electrically, with can also show you what’s the car for a wide variety allergens and even the
meets effortless the controls placed beneath the car if you of conditions, or you can transmission of viruses
pace, but hybrid’s conveniently on the doors venture off road leave it to decide for itself such as Covid-19
electric range is
disappointing.

BMW X5

Our top luxury
SUV is a brilliant
all-rounder that’s
particularly good
as a plug-in hybrid.

Standalone climate controls sit below central touchscreen Plug-in models promise up to 64 miles on electric power

Lower tailgate can act as a handy perch when it’s open Optional third-row seats are a reasonable size for adults Tail-lights are neatly concealed within the black strips

Speaking of differences, the flagship SV Perhaps most significantly of all, though, hybrid technology, and a conventional
model not only ups the luxury further but also Land Rover is promising a big step forward in 523bhp 4.4-litre turbocharged petrol V8.
gives owners greater scope to personalise their refinement, thanks to a 24% reduction in the
cars. It even swaps the standard interior control amount of noise being transmitted into the car Shortly after launch, these will be joined by
knobs for unusual but tactile ceramic ones. via its structure, as well as an upgraded active 434bhp and 503bhp plug-in hybrids, which
noise cancellation system with five times the combine the 3.0-litre petrol engine with
On the other hand, every new Range Rover range of the old car’s. an electric motor and a relatively large
comes with four-wheel steering to improve (38.2kWh) battery.The result is up to 64 miles
both low-speed manoeuvrability and high- Five engines will be available when UK (officially) of zero-emissions running, while a
speed stability.You also get something called deliveries begin next spring: 355bhp and recharge takes as little as 60 minutes, thanks to
Integrated Chassis Control, which uses sat-nav 395bhp 3.0-litre petrols, which get a small a 50kW maximum charging speed.
data to tailor the car to suit different conditions, amount of electrical assistance to improve
priming the air suspension for corners and fuel economy, plus 246bhp and 296bhp Finally, in 2024 the fully electric model will
maximising comfort the rest of the time. 3.0-litre diesels with the same sort of mild arrive, although specifications for this haven’t
yet been revealed.

whatcar.com January 2022 23

FIRST DRIVE

Audi RS3 Sportback

Latest iteration of Audi’s hottest hatch promises to be quicker and more
fun to drive than its predecessor On sale Now Price from £50,900

Will Nightingale The car you’re looking at is Audi’s response – noise made by the rival A45 or, for that matter,
[email protected]
and the big headline is that it doesn’t beat or other four-cylinder hot hatches, including the
THE PAST DECADE has brought a hot hatch
arms race that’s seen power and speed soar even match the A45 for power. So, has Audi Honda Civic Type R.
to levels previously seen only in ‘proper’
performance cars. It all started when Audi finally conceded defeat? Well, not quite, You also get clever new ‘torque splitter’
launched the original RS3 back in 2011, with
nearly 340bhp and a 0-62mph time of just because although the RS3 has less firepower technology. This means there are two clutches
4.6sec. It wasn’t actually that good, but the
limited number built sold quickly and for than its big rival, it’s actually quicker. on the rear axle, and they allow drive to be sent
enough money that Mercedes-Benz took notice.
The new RS3 uses the same separately to each wheel.
The brand responded with the A45 AMG and
both manufacturers have been playing a game basic 2.5-litre five-cylinder KEY FACTS When you’re cornering hard,
of one-upmanship ever since, adding more and
more power to new generations of each car, to engine as its predecessors – Audi RS3 Sportback more power is sent to the
the point that today’s A45 has 415bhp and can and that’s great news, because outside wheel, and that helps
accelerate faster than a Porsche 911 Carrera. it’s an absolute cracker. Its Price £50,900 the RS3 feel more agile and
394bhp is exactly the same playful than you’d imagine
RIVALS Engine 5cyl, 2480cc, turbo, petrol

Power 394bhp at 5600-7000rpm

as you got in the previous- Torque 369lb ft at 2250-5600rpm – particularly if you’ve

generation RS3, but it’s still Gearbox 7-spd dual-clutch automatic owned one of the previous

a huge amount for a car of 0-62mph 3.8sec generations of this car.
this size and is now available Top speed 155mph (180mph optional) At a moderate pace,
across a broader rev range. Fuel economy 31.4mpg (combined)
CO2, tax band 205g/km,37% you’ll find the steering light
Indeed, the new RS3 has and naturally weighted in

similar performance to the Comfort mode. The Dynamic

much more expensive Audi RS4 and BMW M3 setting just adds a lot of unnecessary heft,

and, in our tests, managed to equal its official which arrives in an artificial way as you turn

0-62mph time of 3.8sec (a tenth quicker than in to bends, so it’s best avoided. But either way,

the A45). And even your grandad could match when you’re driving hard along a road with lots

that time, thanks to a standard launch control of turns, it doesn’t send masses of feedback

system that ensures a perfect getaway every to your fingertips. This doesn’t rob you of any

time, plus a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic confidence, and the steering is always accurate.

Mercedes-AMG A45 Volkswagen Golf R gearbox that shifts far quicker than you could It just means you don’t enjoy the final degree

hope to manually with a clutch and gearlever. of reward you get from the best hot hatches,

The RS3’s closest Shares similar nuts That five-cylinder engine sounds glorious, including the cheaper Civic Type R.
rival beats it for and bolts, including
power but not that torque splitter too – especially with the RS Sports exhaust We’ve only tried the RS3 on the optional
acceleration or tech. Engine is dull
top speed. by comparison. fitted. That comes as standard on Carbon adaptive suspension (standard on the range-

Black and Vorsprung versions and is optional topping Vorsprung). It delivers a remarkably

on the entry-level RS3. The roar under hard composed ride in Comfort mode – and we

acceleration is much easier on the ears than the tested the car on some frankly terrible roads.

24 January 2022 whatcar.com

FIRST LOOK

Ford Focus

Fresh looks and new infotainment and driver assistance tech
for updated family car On sale Early 2022 Price from £22,465

New ‘torque splitter’ lends a playful feel on twisting roads Darren Moss LED headlights are now standard and
Interior quality is adequate rather than standard-setting [email protected] include integrated foglights. Specific design
themes distinguish trim levels;Titanium
THE THEORY BEHIND diversification is simple: models have extra chrome trim around their
take the product you’re best known for grilles and side vents, sporty ST-Lines have
and put a fresh spin on it to capture a a body kit that includes aero aids at the
larger audience.Take Apple, for example. It back, and Active versions wear chunky body
introduced the iPhone in 2007 as a single cladding around their lower edges.
model, but today’s iPhone 13 can be had in
standard or Pro forms, each with two screen As before, the available engines include
sizes and a plethora of colour and storage 1.0-litre petrols with 123bhp and 153bhp,
options. Car makers like to diversify too, and featuring mild hybrid technology to boost
that’s why the Ford Focus family is so large. fuel economy and performance and provide
quick, seamless stop-start functionality
Now freshly facelifted, the Focus might be around town.The 123bhp version can
most familiar to you in five-door hatchback officially return from 47.9mpg to 53.3mpg,
form, but there’s also an estate model to (depending on trim) and is the engine that
consider, a sporty ST variant, and even a we recommend in the current Focus.
chunky Active version designed to bridge the
gap between estates and SUVs. The 123bhp petrol is also available without
mild hybrid assistance, and higher-mileage
Whichever version you go for, it’ll have a drivers might prefer the 1.5-litre diesel engine,
more muscular look than today’s Focus, with which produces 118bhp, returns up to
a higher bonnet line and the Ford badge 61.4mpg and emits 121g/km of CO2. Or, if
relocated from the top of the bonnet to you go for the Focus ST hot hatch, you’ll get
adorn a new, more imposing front grille. a 276bhp 2.3-litre turbo petrol engine.

‘Mild hybrid tech helps
to boost economy
and performance’

Blacked-out snout is a handy RS3 identification point New Focus gains slimmer LED headlights and a more imposing grille that now incorporates the Ford emblem

If you’re the proud owner of a second-
generation RS3, you might be a little
underwhelmed by the quality of the new car’s
interior. It’s far from bad and is broadly on a
par with the A45’s; it just isn’t made from the
kind of high-grade materials you’d have found
in Audi models a few years ago.

Some of the interior finishes you can see
in the pictures won’t be available to British
buyers, either. You can’t order the faux-suede
steering wheel with the rally-style 12 o’clock
marker, for example, nor can you have the
body-coloured highlights on the air vents or
the seats. You do get supportive sports seats as
standard, though.

If you’re someone who thinks hot hatches
should be about cheap thrills, the RS3 probably
isn’t for you. It starts at more than twice the
price of an entry-level A3, and you can spend a
lot more than that if you go for range-topping
Vorsprung trim or add a few options.

Then again, it’s priced roughly in line with
the A45 – and you can have it in a saloon body
if you prefer. Given the level of performance on
offer, it doesn’t seem unreasonably priced at all.

SAYS

Grippy and agile, with huge
performance. Some rivals are
still more involving, though

Digital instruments are now standard across the range Estate’s hinged floor can divide the boot into sections

whatcar.com January 2022 25

FIRST LOOK

A 13.2in touchscreen houses the infotainment and most other controls, including those for temperature adjustment Volkswagen

However, the Focus is now notable in its connectivity so you can use your phone’s ID.5

class for not being offered with the option apps via the touchscreen. New coupé SUV sibling to
the ID.4 gets upgraded
of plug-in hybrid power, which is available Every Focus now comes with a digital infotainment and an official
range of up to 323 miles
on rivals such as the Peugeot 308, Skoda instrument panel, and while it isn’t as On sale Spring 2022
Price from £47,000 (est)
Octavia and class-leading Seat Leon. configurable as those of some rivals, it should
Darren Moss
Gearbox options include a six-speed still do a good job of putting a wealth of [email protected]

manual and a seven-speed automatic, driving information right in front of you. IF VARIETY IS the spice of life,Volkswagen’s
SUV range must already be at vindaloo levels
and buyers can adjust the response of the Driver assistance features available include of hotness; the brand offers an SUV to fit just
about every niche, from small to large, and
accelerator pedal and steering through adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping with petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and electric
power.And now, tipping the scale to phaal
Normal, Eco and Sport driving modes. assistance, a blindspot monitoring system levels of heat, is the new ID.5.

New inside is Ford’s latest, Sync 4 and a new Intersection Assist system that can The ID.5 is as on-trend as it’s possible to
be right now. It’s an SUV, it has the swooping
infotainment system, RIVALS apply the brakes if roofline of a coupé, and it’s fully electric. It’s
presented on a very it senses that you’re based on the ID.4, but its more rakish looks
mark it out as the ‘sporty’ relative.

Unlike in the ID.4, there’s just one battery
option available in the ID.5 – for now at least.
Its 77kWh usable capacity can officially take
you up to 323 miles between charges; that’s
the same as the rival Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback
can manage (in 77kWh form), and farther
than the Jaguar I-Pace and Tesla Model Y
Long Range can go.

The entry-level ID.5 is powered by a single
172bhp electric motor that can propel the ID.5
from 0-62mph in 10.4sec. Opting for the Pro
Performance version boosts power to 201bhp,
reducing the 0-62mph time to 8.4sec.

Charging the battery to 80% of capacity
can take less than half an hour if you can find
a charging point that’s capable of providing
power at the ID.5’s maximum rate of 135kW. Of
course, you can expect a typical 7kW home
wallbox to take considerably longer – about
12 hours in the ID.4’s case.

There’s also a GTX version, which has a
racier look and two motors for four-wheel drive.
They produce 295bhp in total, chopping the
0-62mph time down to 6.3sec.The cost of
that performance is a small sacrifice in range,
but the GTX can still officially cover up to 304
miles between charges.

Inside, every ID.5 gets a small digital
instrument panel and a 12.0in central

RIVALS

sizeable (13.2in) turning into the path

touchscreen.This of another vehicle.

features the same The updated

software as you’ll Focus starts from

find in the Mustang £22,465, which is

Mach-E electric SUV, only a slight increase

and we praised it in Peugeot 308 Seat Leon over the current Audi Q4 e-tron Tesla Model Y
Sportback
that car for offering car.This means it Fast and practical,
Impressive ride with a good range,
clear graphics and Trumps the Focus Great to drive and will be cheaper comfort and a classy but comfort and
interior for a price refinement could
a logical menu by offering plug-in easy to live with, than the equivalent similar to the ID.5’s. be better.

structure. It also offers hybrid power, and the Leon is our Volkswagen Golf but

wireless Android has a comfortable, reigning family car more expensive than

Auto and Apple high-quality interior. champion. a similarly equipped

CarPlay smartphone Leon or Kia Ceed.

26 January 2022 whatcar.com

Most ID.5s have a single motor
and rear-wheel drive; GTX’s dual
motors bring four-wheel drive

New 12.0in infotainment
touchscreen is more

responsive than the ID.4’s

infotainment touchscreen, the latter being conditioning and sound system because, as someone the same size up front with room to
angled slightly towards the driver. it is, making adjustments on the move is fiddly stretch out. Plus, there’s no central floor hump
and often distracting. for the middle rear passenger to straddle.
The ID.5 is the first Volkswagen to get the Meanwhile, there are four USB-C ports (two in
company’s latest infotainment software, The seats are comfy and supportive, and the front, two in the rear) for charging devices
which is designed to be faster to respond thanks to a plethora of adjustments for the such as phones and tablets on the move.
to your inputs – one of our main concerns seat and steering wheel, finding your ideal
with the ID.4’s system. We’ve tried the ID.5’s driving position should be a doddle. The boot is a usefully square shape, but we’d
system and it’s certainly an improvement, but recommend the optional variable-height boot
we’d still prefer physical controls for the air Material quality is more hit and miss, floor, which eliminates quite a sizeable loading
because while most of the surfaces you’ll lip at the entrance.There’s space to store your
‘Despite the curving touch regularly are coated by soft-touch charging cables under the floor, and although
roof, the ID.5 has only materials, you don’t have to go far to find you’ll fit slightly more luggage into the Q4
12mm less rear head scratchier plastics, especially around the lower Sportback’s boot, the ID.5’s is bigger than the
room than the ID.4’ dashboard and centre console. I-Pace’s – as well as the ID.4’s.

Space is good, and front seat occupants With prices likely to start at around £47,000,
won’t find themselves rubbing elbows.And the ID.5 will cost you about the same as an
despite the curving roofline, rear head room equivalent Q4 Sportback equipped with the
has dipped by only 12mm compared with that same 77kWh battery.
of the ID.4, so a six-footer can still sit behind

whatcar.com January 2022 27

FIRST DRIVE

Cupra Born

Can this new electric hatch distinguish itself from its Volkswagen
ID.3 cousin? On sale Early 2022 Price from £32,000 (est)

Doug Revolta There’s still some hard, cheap-feeling plastic
[email protected]
in places, but less than you’ll find in the ID.3,
THE VOLKSWAGEN ID.3 is a fine electric car, but
it isn’t perfect. Its main weaknesses are ones and the Born feels higher in quality than the
that, you would imagine, are relatively simple
to rectify – namely, the so-so interior quality Nissan Leaf. You also get comfortable, well-
and an infotainment system that is about as
cutting edge and usable as hieroglyphics. bolstered sports seats made from recycled

At which point, enter the Cupra Born. It is materials as standard.
essentially identical to the ID.3, but with a
different look, a slightly sportier edge and, It’s difficult to think of a worse infotainment
crucially, an altered interior. So, has Cupra –
Seat’s sporty offshoot brand – stolen all of VW’s system than the ID.3’s, so the Born notches
homework and beaten it to full marks?
up another victory in that department. The
Well there’s little to split their specs. The Born
line-up mirrors the ID.3’s, offering a choice of touchscreen is bigger (12.0in versus 10.0in) and
batteries with 45kWh, 58kWh and 77kWh usable
capacities, powering a single electric motor that the layout of the menus is simpler, although it’s
drives the rear wheels. The bigger the battery,
the longer the range, starting at a reasonable 211 still sluggish in its responses and the on-screen
miles (officially) and going up to an impressive
335 miles. The 58kWh model we drove promises Interior is smarter than ID.3’s, with plusher materials air-con controls are distracting to use while
263 miles between charges.
driving. You’re also lumbered
It may not be in the same league as the Tesla
Model 3 for straight-line pace, but with 201bhp, out from the ID.3, you’ll need KEY FACTS with the same dreadful
the Born still feels nippy all the way up to
motorway speeds. If you really want to stand to add the Performance Pack, Cupra Born 58kWh V1 touch-sensitive buttons on
the steering wheel.
RIVALS which bumps up power to Price £33,000 (est)

228bhp and makes the Born Engine Electric motor As for space, the Born feels

quicker than any ID.3 from Power 201bhp very roomy up front, with

0-62mph by 0.7sec. Torque 229lb ft plenty of handy cubbyholes,
The suspension and Gearbox 1-spd automatic while a couple of six-footers
Battery size 58kWh (usable) will be comfortable in the
steering have been tweaked 0-62mph 7.3sec back. The 385-litre boot isn’t
compared with the ID.3, too, Top speed 99mph as big as the Leaf’s, though.
but you’ll be hard pushed Official range 263 miles
to notice much difference CO2, tax band  0g/km, 1% So, the Born does indeed
from behind the wheel – and take all the good bits from

that’s a good thing. the class-leading ID.3 and

Like the ID.3, the Born offers tidy and precise improve some of the bad ones. It’s likely to

handling. It won’t necessarily thrill you on cost more money, though. How much more

every journey, but it’s an absolute breeze to remains unclear. But if it isn’t vastly pricier, the

steer through town and really quite easy to underpinnings that have already brought us

thread smoothly down a B-road. Thanks to not only the ID.3 but also the impressive Audi

accurate, well-weighted steering and decent Q4, Skoda Enyaq and Volkswagen ID.4 will have

body control, it’s certainly more engaging than produced another car that thoroughly deserves

a Hyundai Kona Electric or Renault Zoe. a place on your electric car shortlist.

The ride height has been lowered slightly

Hyundai Kona Volkswagen ID.3 compared with the ID.3, so the Born is a little SAYS
Electric firmer, but it still does a good job of absorbing
Our favourite small
Range is terrific in electric car is lumps and bumps in the road. Polishes some of the ID.3’s
64kWh guise, but closely related to Inside, the basic layout is the same as the rough edges and is just as well
not all that practical the Born and a
or comfortable. fine all-rounder. ID.3’s, but the Born isn’t just a copy and paste

job. With a different mix of materials, the Born rounded in other respects

looks and feels classier, particularly around the

centre console and armrests.

28 January 2022 whatcar.com

Ford Mustang
Mach-E GT

Musclebound electric SUV
piles on the power and retains
a respectable range, but costs
a pretty penny On sale Now
Price from £65,050

Doug Revolta
[email protected]

THE FORD MUSTANG Mach-E GT is, quite

simply, by far the fastest-accelerating Ford

that money can buy you in this country.

As the range-topping ‘halo’ version of the

fully electric Mach-E, it gets a sportier look than

the rest of the line-up, along with upgraded

Brembo brakes, tweaked suspension and – GT can’t hide its considerable bulk in corners, A suede-like material is used to help jazz
up the GT’s dashboard and door panels a bit,
perhaps most importantly – loads more power. wallowing during quick direction changes. And but at this price the Mach-E really does feel
out of its comfort zone when it comes to
Indeed, with 480bhp and 634lb ft of torque, while its steering is quick, the inconsistent interior quality; the iX3 and I-Pace are in
another league entirely.
this 2.2-tonne electric SUV will see off the weighting does little to inspire confidence.
So, while the GT is the quickest and
0-62mph sprint in just 3.7sec. And despite that The GT doesn’t have the agility of similar- smoothest-riding Mach-E and has the nicest
interior in the line-up, plenty of rivals offer a
pace, its big battery (with a usable capacity of priced conventional sports SUVs such as the better all-round package for the money.

88kWh) can officially keep KEY FACTS V6 petrol Alfa Romeo Stelvio SAYS
powering it along for 310 Quadrifoglio, and it’s less
Lightning quick, but lacklustre
miles on a single charge. Ford Mustang Mach-E GT enjoyable to drive than the handling delivers only modest
thrills for a high price
So, yes, plant your right Price £65,050 smoother, more nimble iX3.
foot and the GT takes off Engine Dual electric motors The Mach-E GT’s standard

like a bolting horse. It’s far Power 480bhp adaptive suspension

quicker than the BMW iX3, Torque 634lb ft gives it an advantage over
and it’ll beat a Jaguar I-Pace lesser versions in terms of
in a sprint, too, although it Gearbox 1-spd automatic ride comfort, though; it’s
can’t quite match the Tesla markedly more settled and
Model Y Performance. Battery size 88kWh (usable) compliant. The standard Ford
Performance sports seats are
But while it’s explosive in 0-62mph 3.7sec comfy and supportive, too.
a straight line, the Mach-E
Top speed 124mph

Official range 310 miles

CO2, tax band 0g/km,1%

FIRST LOOK With underpinnings that are related to
those of the Toyota Yaris and Yaris Cross, the
Toyota Aygo X Aygo X is longer, wider and taller than the car
it replaces. Front and rear axles that are set
Chunky-looking mild hybrid small SUV will take the place of farther apart should yield more leg room in
Toyota’s city car On sale Spring 2022 Price from £16,000 (est) the rear seats, while the extra width promises
greater elbow room up front. Higher-set seats
George Hill the Aygo X is all Toyota’s own work, and the should give a better view out.
[email protected] shift from city car to small SUV is intended to
give Toyota’s baby a broader appeal. Boot capacity has increased, too, from
AS STUART LITTLE taught us, size should be no 168 litres to 231.That’s less than the rival
measure of ability. So, while the new Toyota Toyota has certainly given the car a Suzuki Ignis offers but should still be enough
Aygo X is one of the smallest SUVs yet, it still suitably rugged look, helped by pronounced to handle your weekly shop or a couple of
has the potential to be mighty. wheel arches, chunky 17in alloy wheels and carry-on holiday suitcases.
plastic cladding around its lower edges.
Replacing the Aygo, which was developed Other design features include standard LED The Aygo X is powered by a 1.0-litre
alongside the Citroën C1 and Peugeot 108, headlights and two-tone paintwork. three-cylinder petrol engine that produces
71bhp. It uses mild hybrid technology to
Aygo X is bigger support the engine in low-load conditions –
all round than its such as when you’re on the motorway – in
city car predecessor an effort to increase fuel economy; indeed,
official figures suggest that up to 60mpg
should be possible with the six-speed manual
gearbox.There’s also a CVT automatic, but it
hasn’t yet been confirmed whether UK buyers
will be offered both options.

Similarly, exact UK specifications are still
to be announced, but a 7.0in touchscreen
infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and
Android Auto phone connectivity is likely
to be standard, with a 9.0in version that
includes wireless phone connectivity on
higher trims.A retractable canvas roof and
18in alloy wheels will also be offered.

Aygo X prices are expected to start at
around £16,000.

whatcar.com January 2022 29

FIRST DRIVE

PAYBACK TIME
The Mégane E-Tech
Electric is equipped with
vehicle-to-grid technology,
which means it’ll be able
to feed power back into
the electricity grid when
needed, earning you

extra cash.

Renault Mégane E-Tech Electric

Family hatchback is reinvented as an electric-only model with an impressive official range and

pricing that’s expected to be very affordable On sale Autumn 2022 Price from £30,000 (est)

Vicky Parrott in fully electric form (albeit KEY FACTS in corners that you can have
[email protected]
sold alongside the existing Renault Mégane E-Tech some fun on a winding road,
THE RENAULT MÉGANE E-Tech Electric is petrol and diesel Mégane Electric 60kWh too. It’s more enjoyable than
big news, both for Renault and for anyone
considering a pure electric family hatchback. until 2024). Plug-in just Price £35,000 (est, not including a Nissan Leaf or Volkswagen
It’s big for Renault because this is the first of
its cars to sit on a new, bespoke electric vehicle became the default, then. £2500 gov’t grant) ID.3, for example, and it
(EV) structure that will form the basis of
many models in the years to come, including The Mégane EV comes Engine Electric motor doesn’t suffer heavy body
the upcoming Nissan Ariya SUV (Nissan and with a choice of 40kWh lean like some EVs.
Renault being part of the same group). And it’s and 60kWh batteries. The Power 215bhp
big news for anyone shopping for a family car former is paired with a The steering is fairly light,
because this all-new version is available only 129bhp electric motor and Torque 221lb ft even in Sport mode, but it
offers an official range of 186 weights up consistently and
RIVALS miles, while the latter has Gearbox 1-spd automatic makes the Mégane wieldy
around town yet confidence-
Battery size 60kWh (usable)

0-62mph 7.4sec

Top speed 99mph

Official range 292 miles

215bhp and a 292-mile range. CO2, tax band 0g/km, 1% inspiring at higher speeds.

Charging tops out at 130kW, Meanwhile, ride comfort is

which equates to a 10-80% mostly very good, even on

battery top-up in around 30 minutes on the high-spec models’ standard 20in wheels, with

60kWh Mégane when plugged into a powerful the suspension taking the sting out of most

enough rapid charger. A full charge from a 7kW bumps and the car generally feeling settled.

home wallbox will take around nine hours (or Small steering wheel paddles allow you to

seven hours for the smaller battery). adjust the level of regenerative braking (there

On the move, the 60kWh Mégane feels quite are four to choose from). This not only sends

potent, sprinting from a standstill to 62mph energy back into the battery under deceleration

Kia e-Niro Volkswagen ID.3 in 7.4sec and surging up to motorway speeds (to improve range) but can also greatly reduce

Quick, good to Our favourite small with ease. Our pre-production test car wanted the need to use the regular brakes, especially
drive and practical, EV is let down only
plus it has a long by its interior quality to spin its front wheels all too easily on damp around town. All in all, the Mégane is a very
real-world range. and layout.
roads, even under moderate acceleration, but easy car to drive smoothly.

Renault assured us that this trait would be Inside, the Mégane is smartly finished,

ironed out by the time the car goes on sale. and while its dashboard looks relatively

The Mégane is grippy and nimble enough conventional next to the ID.3’s, that’s no bad

30 January 2022 whatcar.com

Smart interior features nice materials and crisp displays

Mégane strikes a good balance of comfort and agility Porsche Macan

Tweaks to looks, engines, suspension and tech keep Porsche’s
sports SUV feeling fresh On sale Now Price from £49,745

Steve Huntingford
[email protected]

WHILE ALMOST EVERY car maker offers an SUV

or five, the majority of them are more focused

on the U (utility) than the S (sports). However,

Porsche’s Macan has always been an exception,

and it’s just been given a second refresh in an

effort to make it even better to drive.

To that end, the sharpest-handling GTS

version has adopted the 434bhp 2.9-litre V6

that was previously reserved for the flagship

A full charge takes about nine hours via a home wallbox Turbo, with the latter dropped from the New centre console looks slicker but is harder to use

thing, because, unlike in the latter car, the line-up. At the same time, KEY FACTS Beyond the oily bits, this
controls for the likes of the air-con (simple the S has received the old
physical buttons) are easy to find and
operate. Everything else is accessed via a huge GTS engine (a 375bhp 2.9 V6), Porsche Macan S update brings a reshaped
infotainment touchscreen, which isn’t the
easiest to use on the move (there’s nowhere while the entry-level Macan’s Price £55,265 front grille, new LED
to rest your hand while you prod at it), but
its swift responses and logical menus still 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit Engine 6cyl, 2894cc, turbo, petrol headlights and a beefier rear
make it one of the best in the class.
now produces an extra 20bhp. Power 375bhp at 5200-6700rpm bumper. Meanwhile, inside,
There’s loads of space in the rear seats,
beating the Kia e-Niro in this regard. The boot This shaves 0.3sec off the Torque 384lb ft at 1850-5000rpm most of the conventional
is deep but relatively short – the ID.3 and e-Niro 0-62mph time, bringing it switches have been replaced
have more usable space – and your dog won’t down to 6.4sec, but the S Gearbox 7-spd automatic with touch-sensitive panels,
enjoy the big drop down from the high load lip. dispatches the same sprint which look flashier but are
in 4.8sec and sounds a lot 0-62mph 4.8sec harder to operate.
As long as practicality isn’t your top priority, sweeter doing so. By contrast,
though, the Mégane E-Tech Electric will be Top speed 161mph So, which Macan should
well worth waiting for. UK specifications and
pricing haven’t yet been confirmed, but if it’s Fuel economy 25.4mpg (combined)
as affordable as Renault promises, this will be a
very complete long-range family EV. CO2, tax band 251g/km,37%

SAYS the GTS offers only a small you choose? Well, the S is

Good to drive, with an additional step up in performance (0-62mph definitely worth its £5520 premium over the
impressive range, but not as
practical as some rivals takes 4.3sec with the optional Sports Chrono standard car, whereas the £11,470 gap between

Pack fitted), although it does rev out with the S and GTS initially feels like an awful lot of

greater enthusiasm and sound better again. money. Just bear in mind that the GTS is the

What it doesn’t do is match the epic roar of best Macan to drive, it’s likely to have stronger

the 4.0-litre V8 in the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63. resale values, and once you’ve factored in the

However, with revised air suspension fitted extra equipment it gets, the price difference is

as standard to the GTS, along with Porsche’s surprisingly small.

PASM active damper system, the Macan is a lot

more fun than the GLC and most other rivals, SAYS
handling more like a hot hatch than an SUV.

The S model we drove had air and PASM Even at seven years old, the
specified as cost options, but even with these it Macan is a great choice if
isn’t quite as agile as the GTS, presumably due

to its higher ride height. Both air-sprung cars you want an SUV that thrills

are better at dealing with scruffy surfaces than

the standard Macan on its steel springs.

whatcar.com January 2022 31

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NEWS

Gov’t to force growth
in electric car sales

Plans to hasten the switch to electrified cars announced during climate summit

THE GOVERNMENT IS to impose targets on encouraging the uptake of electrified vehicles “end the sale of all new, non-zero-emission
car makers to ensure that a percentage of all and improving the availability and reliability road vehicles”, including buses and lorries,
the new vehicles they sell are electrified or of the UK’s charging network. from that year.
fully electric, as part of its latest plan to
increase the uptake of greener vehicles. That means the government grant of up to It’s worth noting that as 2030 approaches, we
£2500 towards an electric car costing less than are likely to benefit from significant advances
The Department for Transport is expected £35,000 is likely to remain in place until at in battery technology. That should allow most
to set steadily increasing targets for electrified least 2035, as is the grant that covers up to 75% PHEVs to comfortably manage 50 miles of
vehicle sales each year from 2024 until 2030, of the cost of installing a home charger. electric-only driving on a charge.
when the sale of new cars powered solely by
petrol and diesel will be banned entirely. Funding for the improvements in charging Very few can achieve that distance at the
infrastructure is expected to focus on on- moment, one exception being the BMW X5
The move was announced ahead of street charging points, with a view towards xDrive45e luxury SUV, which can travel for
November’s COP26 summit in Glasgow, where improving access to charging for potential EV up to 52 miles, according to the official test.
world leaders met to try to reach agreement buyers who cannot charge at home. However, in our experience, between 30 and
on how to tackle climate change. 35 miles is more realistic.
It is hoped that the initiatives will
Electric car ownership in the UK has been dramatically increase the sales of electrified Recent What Car? research has found that
growing in recent years, and sales of hybrid, cars ahead of 2030, with only new cars and vans one in five new car buyers are looking to
plug-in hybrid and fully electric cars (EVs) up that offer “significant zero-emission capability” go fully electric with their next purchase.
to the end of October 2021 accounted for some allowed to be sold from new after 2035. Prospective shoppers said their biggest concern
25.7% of the total number of cars sold. That’s up However, the Government has yet to set out a was the range available.
from 15.9% in the same period in 2020. figure that states how far such vehicles must be
able to travel on electric power alone. The latest initiatives were announced as part
Car makers must already hit targets that of the Government’s Net Zero strategy, which
relate to CO2 emissions across the range of cars In other words, that means hybrids and aims to make the UK economy net carbon zero
they offer, and the electrified car targets are plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are likely to be allowed by 2050. The term ‘net carbon zero’ means
likely to work alongside these. More detail on to remain on sale until 2035, but only PHEVs that the UK won’t introduce more greenhouse
how the mandate will work is due early in 2022. and full EVs will be sold new beyond that. It’s gases into the atmosphere than it removes
likely that PHEVs, too, will be banned from through green initiatives, with the intention of
In addition, an extra £620 million of funding 2040; indeed, the Government says it will preventing an overall increase.
will be allocated to grants with the intention of

34 January 2022 whatcar.com

Best commercial vehicles THE YouTube
and vans revealed NEWS
Go to youtube.com/
THE FULLY ELECTRIC Citroën The judges felt that Citroën, IN whatcar for all of our
e-Berlingo, Peugeot e-Partner, Peugeot,Toyota and Vauxhall NUMBERS latest videos, including:
Toyota Proace City Electric and deserved to share the top
Vauxhall Combo-e shared award because each van had £302m New Tesla Model Y
top honours in this year’s What its own strengths. We put Tesla’s newest
Car? Van and Commercial Loss posted electric SUV through our
Vehicle Awards. Other winners included Ford, by Jaguar definitive road test
whose Transit Courier,Transit Land Rover
The small electric vans, which Custom and Tourneo Custom from July to New Ora Cat previewed
were co-developed by the four Active were named the Best September, as Chinese-made electric
brands, wowed judges with their Compact Van, Best Medium a result of the hatchback aims to
class-leading practicality, low Van and Best Van-based MPV ongoing semi- undercut its rivals on price
running costs and impressive respectively. Meanwhile, the conductor
driving dynamics. Mercedes-Benz V-Class Marco chip shortage Peugeot 308 review
Polo won the Best Camper Van New family hatch gets
All four of the vans offer an award, and the brand was also 52% bold looks and plug-in
impressive 171-mile official recognised for having the Best hybrid power
electric range, a maximum Approved Used Scheme. Local councils
payload of more than 800kg, who have BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
and cargo volumes of 3.3 to 3.9 Go to whatcar.com/ invested no Why an interior change
cubic metres – capacities that awards/van-awards to find out money on could be a backwards
are identical to those of their more about our winners and step for this people carrier
diesel-engined siblings. read all of our van reviews. EV charging
points in the whatcar.com January 2022 35
Four of the best: you’re spoilt for choice if you’re looking for a small electric van
past year,
Tesla could soon allow drivers of any according
electric car to use its extensive rapid to charging
charging network. A trial is currently tech provider
under way in the Netherlands and could DevicePilot
expand to other countries if it proves
successful. Drivers of non-Tesla vehicles 10.3%
can pay a higher fee to use 10 stations as
part of the trial, with Tesla monitoring Buyers who
those sites for signs of congestion. The say they’ll
American brand has purchase
said it wants to their next car
“aggressively” expand entirely online,
its network of according to
chargers worldwide. a What Car?
survey of more
than 1100
shoppers

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you should expect to pay
per month if you buy a
car on PCP finance. Each
deal is for a 48-month term
with a 15% deposit and an
8000-mile annual mileage
limit, unless stated otherwise

36 January 2022 whatcar.com

SAVE £3257

BMW X6

WHAT CAR? SAYS
Model xDrive30d MHT M Sport
List price £66,935
Target Price £63,678
Target PCP £674
Not only is the BMW X6 the
car that started the trend for
coupé-styled SUVs, but it also
happens to be the best of
them. As well as jaw-dropping
looks, it gives you a plush and
comfortable interior, impressive
handling and, with this version,
a punchy and fairly economical
diesel engine. M Sport trim is
popular among BMW buyers and
has your kit needs well covered.

whatcar.com January 2022 37

DEALS

£

SCAN FOR
A GREAT DEAL
ON THIS CAR

SAVE £2286

SAVE £2837 SAVE £3235 Seat Ateca

Volvo XC60 Suzuki S-Cross WHAT CAR? SAYS
Model 1.5 TSI Evo SE
WHAT CAR? SAYS WHAT CAR? SAYS List price £26,485 Target Price £24,199
Model 2.0 B4D Momentum Model 1.4 Boosterjet Hybrid SZ-T Target PCP £285
List price £43,370 List price £24,249
Target Price £40,533 Target Price £21,014 The Ateca is one of the finest family SUVs to
Target PCP £400 Target PCP £269 drive, with handling that makes it feel far
smaller than it is. Add in the peppy 1.5-litre
petrol engine that you get here and you’ll
enjoy the journey as much as reaching your
destination. Meanwhile, SE trim gets you kit
such as keyless entry and cruise control.

This large SUV offers a comfy and The 1.4-litre petrol engine you
high-quality interior, and the mild get with this S-Cross feels peppy
hybrid diesel engine you get with even on faster roads and, thanks
this version has enough pulling to mild hybrid assistance, should
power for most driving situations. return 40mpg or more in real-
Momentum trim has you well world conditions, helping to keep
covered for standard kit, too. your fuel bills under control.

SAVE £2156 SAVE £1466 SAVE £3675 SAVE £2434

Skoda Scala Citroën e-C4 Jaguar F-Type Convertible Audi S6 Avant

WHAT CAR? SAYS WHAT CAR? SAYS WHAT CAR? SAYS WHAT CAR? SAYS
Model 1.0 TSI 110 SE Model 50kWh Sense Plus Model 5.0 P450 V8 R-Dynamic Model TDI 344 quattro
List price £19,575 List price £33,395 List price £75,980 List price £62,465
Target Price £17,419 Target Price £31,929 Target Price £72,305 Target Price £60,031
Target PCP £200 Target PCP £358 Target PCP £762 Target PCP £734

We love the Scala’s fine ride and Citroën’s largest electric car is The F-Type Convertible has A big boot and plenty of space
handling balance and its spacious comfortable and has an interior jaw-dropping looks, and this V8- make the S6 Avant a practical
boot, while the 1.0-litre petrol that feels built to last. It’s quiet engined version is a riot to drive, family choice, yet it can also
engine you get here is our top on faster roads and can officially with a thunderous soundtrack deliver big performance, thanks
choice. There’s no need to look cover up to 217 miles between and prodigious pace. It’s a pricey to its V6 diesel engine. It could be
past SE trim, which comes with all charges. Rivals offer more space choice, though, so our discount is more engaging to drive, though,
the kit you’re likely to need. for people and luggage, though. worth paying attention to. and there’s some road noise.

38 January 2022 whatcar.com

DRINKING
RESPONSIBLY
You might expect a
heavy, petrol-powered SUV
to cost you lots of money at
the pumps, but this Ateca
returned a respectable
37mpg on our mixed

test route.

WHAT IS
TARGET
PRICE?

The Target Price
is what we
consider to be
a fair price for
your new car.
It’s set by our
team of mystery
shoppers, who
spend all day
haggling to see
what deals are
available. Most
of our dealers
will match this
price if you use
our New Car
Buying service,
but in a lot of
cases you can
save even more.

SAVE £1259

Hyundai i30

WHAT CAR? SAYS SAVE £2533 No version of the GLE Coupé is
Model 1.0 T-GDi SE Connect lacking in kit, and even if packing
List price £20,960 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé light is an alien concept, you
Target Price £19,701 should have no trouble cramming
Target PCP £216 WHAT CAR? SAYS all of your gear into its boot. This
Model 400d 4Matic AMG Line 400d diesel-engined version offers
The 118bhp 1.0-litre petrol engine List price £74,525 punchy yet smooth performance.
you get in this version of the i30 Target Price £71,992
isn’t the last word in performance, Target PCP £826 whatcar.com January 2022 39
but it’s fine if you’ll mainly be
driving in town. Meanwhile, SE
Connect trim gives you 16in alloy
wheels and air conditioning.

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WHAT IS SAVE £1868
PCP
FINANCE? Renault Arkana

Unlike traditonal SAVE £2389 WHAT CAR? SAYS
hire purchase Model 1.3 TCe 140 S Edition
deals, which Audi Q5 List price £27,600
split the amount Target Price £25,733
borrowed into WHAT CAR? SAYS Target PCP £281
equal payments, Model 40 TDI quattro Sport
Personal Contract List price £44,710 This version of the Q5 large SUV The Arkana coupé SUV offers
Purchases Target Price £42,321 feels effortlessly strong from keen handling and the prospect
involve smaller Target PCP £468 low revs, providing smooth and of low running costs, thanks to its
monthly bills, progressive power no matter what mild hybrid engine. Our favourite
followed by a kind of road you’re on. There’s a S Edition trim level gives you a
larger final one. generous boot, too, but some rivals larger (9.3in) infotainment screen
Most people are more spacious in the back. and adaptive cruise control.
never pay this,
though – they SAVE £1326 SAVE £2165 SAVE £5569
return the car
and start a new Alfa Romeo Giulia Lexus LC Volkswagen Passat
PCP, instead.
WHAT CAR? SAYS WHAT CAR? SAYS WHAT CAR? SAYS
WHAT Model 2.9 V6 Quadrifoglio Model 500 5.0 Model 1.5 TSI 150 SE Nav
WARRANTY List price £68,995 List price £81,750 List price £28,205
DO I GET? Target Price £67,669 Target Price £79,585 Target Price £22,636
Target PCP £729 Target PCP £1080 Target PCP £255
Our New
Car Buying A 503bhp 2.9-litre turbocharged You’ll turn plenty of heads at the The 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine
service puts V6 petrol engine sits at the wheel of the LC – partly because of you get with this Passat is our pick
you in touch heart of the Giulia Quadrifoglio, its striking looks, but also because of the range, providing plenty of
with official and gives it smile-inducing of its fantastic V8 soundtrack. It’s pep while keeping running costs
manufacturer- performance. With sweet handling a hoot to drive fast, but the low- sensible. SE Nav trim adds sat-nav
approved and a comfy ride, this muscular speed ride is unsettled and there’s to SE’s already lengthy list of
franchised saloon impresses elsewhere, too. limited rear space. standard kit.
dealers in
your area.That SAVE £1860
means any car
you buy will Peugeot 3008
be covered
for the same WHAT CAR? SAYS SAVE £1271 Essentially a Ceed hatchback on
warranty period Model 1.2 Puretech Allure stilts, the XCeed is a good halfway
as it would be if List price £30,755 Kia XCeed house between a regular family
you’d paid the Target Price £28,895 car and an SUV. The 1.0-litre petrol
full list price. Target PCP £310 WHAT CAR? SAYS engine you get with this version
Model 1.0 T-GDi 2 needs revving to perform at its
The 3008 manages to be both List price £21,255 best, but feels sprightly enough.
stylish and practical, with a decent Target Price £19,984
boot, a strong range of engines Target PCP £196 whatcar.com January 2022 41
and looks that stand out from the
family SUV crowd. Allure trim is
our favourite for its extra safety
kit without sending costs soaring.

There’s fun to be had in a SAVE £4704 £
Zoe, thanks to tidy handling
Renault Zoe SCAN FOR
and precise steering A GREAT DEAL
WHAT CAR? SAYS ON THIS CAR
Model R110 Iconic
List price £32,595 Target Price £27,891
Target PCP £249

The Zoe is proof that a new electric car doesn’t
need to cost masses of money. It offers a
decent range of up to 245 miles, plus nippy
acceleration and a smart interior, all for a
tempting price. Iconic trim gives you rear
parking sensors and climate control, but we
recommend that you add automatic emergency
braking from the options list.

PACK IT IN
The Zoe has a
surprisingly big boot
for such a small electric car.
It swallowed six carry-on
suitcases beneath its
parcel shelf in our test –
far more than rivals
can manage.

SAVE £3252 SAVE £1593

Seat Tarraco Jaguar E-Pace

WHAT CAR? SAYS WHAT CAR? SAYS SAVE £3998 Audi’s electric coupé SUV isn’t just
Model 1.5 TSI 150 SE Model 2.0 D200 S great to look at; it’s also great to
List price £30,080 List price £38,950 Audi E-tron Sportback spend time in, thanks to a supple
Target Price £26,826 Target Price £37,357 ride and excellent refinement.
Target PCP £282 Target PCP £394 WHAT CAR? SAYS Then there’s the luxurious
Model 55 quattro S line interior, which features high-
With seating for up to seven This 2.0-litre diesel engine feels List price £80,675 quality materials throughout.
people and a punchy 1.5-litre well suited to Jaguar’s smallest Target Price £76,677
petrol engine under the bonnet, SUV, offering punchy performance Target PCP £899
this Tarraco is a strong contender from low down in the rev range.
in the large SUV market. Every There’s a good driving position on
version is well equipped, but we offer, too, although rivals have a
reckon SE trim is the best value. more comfortable ride.

42 January 2022 whatcar.com

SAVE £3547 STEP Next month
BY STEP
BMW 4 Series Convertible GUIDE ON SALE 16 DECEMBER
TO YOUR
WHAT CAR? SAYS NEXT CAR SNEAK
Model 420i PREVIEW
List price £45,800 Use your phone to
Target Price £42,253 scan the code by
Target PCP £451 the car you like, or

This open-top 4 Series takes search for it on
everything we love about the whatcar.com and
coupé – namely its sharp handling, click the ‘Get best
classy interior and strong range of
engines – and adds wind-in-your- price’ button.
hair driving thrills into the mix.
The result is truly fantastic.

SAVE £2124 We’ll alert dealers Best new cars 2022
in your area so they Your guide to all the new models
Citroën C5 Aircross going on sale in the next 12 months
can compete for
WHAT CAR? SAYS your business, but GROUP
Model 1.2 Puretech 130 Sense they can’t see your TEST
List price £24,630 details until you’re
Target Price £22,506 New Kia EV6 vs Polestar 2
Target PCP £284 ready to buy. vs Tesla Model 3

You might think that a 1.2-litre You can request We name the best electric car on sale
petrol engine would struggle in an quotes on as
SUV as large as the C5 Aircross, but Contents subject to change
in fact it offers peppy performance many cars as you
even when every seat (and the like, and your ‘My Most and least New Lexus NX driven
boot) is full. Sense trim gives you offers’ page lets reliable older cars First ever plug-in hybrid
plenty of goodies, too. you view them all Our exclusive reader Lexus has 39-mile electric
data reveals the most range and is targeting
SAVE £1319 in one place. dependable used buys the Audi Q5 and BMW X3

Volkswagen Tiguan £ whatcar.com January 2022 43

WHAT CAR? SAYS While our Target
Model 1.5 TSI 130 Life PCP price allows
List price £28,680
Target Price £27,361 direct finance
Target PCP £276 comparisons, you
can also request
We like the Tiguan’s flexible
seating and strong 1.5-litre petrol personalised
engine, alongside the fact that it’s finance quotes.
roomier than most rivals inside.
Life is our favourite trim level,
bringing smart 18in alloy wheels,
sat-nav and parking sensors.



Coming EARLY
soon 2022

MPV EARLY
2022
BMW 2 Series
Active Tourer

Displaying the same flared
nostrils as the X7 luxury SUV,
BMW’s MPV has received more
than just a nose job; the plug-
in hybrid versions can now
charge faster than before and
have a longer, 50-mile official
electric range. Mild hybrid 220i
and 223i petrol engines and
a 218d diesel will arrive first,
though. Price from £30,625

SMALL AND FAMILY SUVs LARGE AND LUXURY SUVs CONVERTIBLE
Alfa Romeo Tonale Early 2022 Audi Q6 e-tron Early 2022 Mercedes-Benz SL
Sporty little brother to the Stelvio. While the outgoing SL provided
Electric SUV will have a non-identical twin in indulgent fun for two grown-ups, this
Honda HR-V Winter the form of an all-electric Porsche Macan. new, eighth-generation car adds a
Adopts coupé-like looks and hybrid power. pair of small rear seats for occasional
Audi Q9 Early 2022 use.The old car’s folding metal roof
Kia Sportage Winter Luxury behemoth to take on BMW X7 and has been replaced by canvas for
Family favourite reborn with looks and tech Mercedes-Benz GLS, with seven seats likely. a reduction in weight and a useful
inspired by the brand’s EV6 large electric SUV. increase in boot space when the roof
Genesis GV60 Winter is stowed, while four-wheel drive is
Lexus NX Winter Hyundai’s luxury offshoot puts the cat among standard. Price from £90,000 (est)
Origami-styled family SUV will be the first the large electric SUV pigeons.
plug-in hybrid from the premium brand
Nissan X-Trail Summer 2022 SMALL AND FAMILY CARS
Volkswagen Taigo Early 2022 Bigger brother to the Qashqai uses that car’s Honda Civic Autumn 2022
T-Cross SUV gains a coupé-styled sister. electrified engines and adds two more seats. Eleventh-gen model emphasises efficiency,
while infotainment gets a welcome rethink.
EARLY Range Rover Spring 2022
2022 All-new flagship retains a familiar look but Skoda Fabia Winter
gains seven-seat and electric power options. Sensible small hatch gets a technology boost
LUXURY SUV and a much more inviting interior.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Subaru Solterra Early 2022
Despite – or perhaps because of – its First Subaru EV shares tech – including a dash Toyota Aygo X Early 2022
brawny all-American image, Jeep’s large, out of Star Trek – with the Toyota listed below. City car is reborn with baby SUV looks and
posh SUV has never been a huge seller in petrol power from Yaris-sourced mechanicals.
the UK, but 375bhp of plug-in hybrid power Toyota bZ4X Summer 2022
gives this latest generation an injection Limo-like rear leg room is claimed for this COUPES AND SPORTS CARS
of appeal, especially if it can beat its RAV4-sized dual-motor electric SUV. BMW 2 Series Coupé Early 2022
Land Rover Discovery rival on value.An Sporty coupé sticks to rear-wheel drive, which
all-electric version is rumoured to be in the Volkswagen ID.5 Spring 2022 traditionally promotes entertaining handling.
pipeline, too. Price from £49,000 (est) Coupé-style companion to the ID.4.
Ferrari 296 GTB Early 2022
EXECUTIVE AND LUXURY CARS Plug-in hybrid is the first V6 Ferrari since 1974.
Genesis G70 Electric Early 2022
Lotus Emira Early 2022
Battery-powered version of sleek BMW 3 Series Long-awaited rival to the Porsche 911 is set to
rival will be offered in saloon and estate forms. be the final combustion-engined Lotus.

Hyundai Ioniq 6 Summer 2022 Maserati Granturismo Early 2022
Svelte saloon with 300-mile-plus range, ultra- Coupé offers electric or petrol power choices.
rapid charging and stunning performance.
whatcar.com January 2022 45
Key: Electric cars



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ADVICE

TOYOTA RAV4

POLESTAR 2

On the right track?
Your views on lane
support systems

Lane support systems get a lot of bad press, but they could help save
your life by preventing a crash. We invited five readers to try five of the
latest systems to see if they inspire confidence or merely annoy

PHOTOGRAPHY: MAX EDLESTON

48 January 2022 whatcar.com

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI READER
TEST
TEAM

SPECIAL

HYUNDAI IONIQ 5

MERCEDES-BENZ
C-CLASS

On-screen displays
show your car’s

position in its lane

whatcar.com January 2022 49

ADVICE Staged collision between a
support car and Thatcham’s 3D
Claire Evans ‘soft target’ vehicle illustrated
[email protected] the potential consequences
of a car leaving its lane at
JUST LIKE HOW a seatbelt is of no help the wrong moment
whatsoever if you refuse to wear it, driver
assistance systems are pointless if they’re Experts from Thatcham
switched off. This is the stark reality that Research put the organisation’s
underpins recent studies by Thatcham
Research, which, as a member of Euro NCAP safety tests into context
(the independent organisation that encourages
ever-higher standards of new car safety across
Europe), seeks to ensure that people don’t find
such technology a turn-off.

Most recently, Thatcham has put lane
support systems – the umbrella term for
advanced driver aids such as lane-keeping
assistance and lane departure warning –
under particular scrutiny, having received
adverse feedback from many who’ve
experienced them. The technology has been
with us for some years, but Thatcham has
identified huge variations in how successfully
lane support is implemented. In too many
cases, drivers find such systems too frustrating
or intrusive in operation, and opt to turn them
off – negating the point of them being fitted.

A comparison between lane departure
warning and forward collision warning
systems illustrates this point. In a US study of
Honda cars that visited the brand’s workshops
in a period of four weeks, 183 cars out of a
sample size of 184 – that’s 99.5% – were found
to have their forward collision warning systems
turned on. In contrast, from a sample of 265
cars, the lane departure warning of only 87
(32.8%) was found to be active.

This is of particular concern when you
consider that, whether deliberate or accidental,
lane deviation is a factor in around one in
five fatal collisions. In other words, had the
car remained in its original lane, the accident
wouldn’t have taken place.

We invited five members of our reader test
team to sample a selection of the latest lane
support systems and give us their verdicts.

LANE SUPPORT TECH EXPLAINED

The way lane support tech is implemented
differs between cars and manufacturers.
Some systems (including that fitted to the
Volkswagen Golf in our tests) are wholly
image-based and rely on cameras to
identify road markings, while others
(including that of the Mercedes-Benz
C-Class) also incorporate radar sensors.

Those sensors enable the lane support
systems to identify hazards that might exist
in the adjacent lane, triggering responses
on a ‘threat-dependent’ basis – from advice
(warning that you’re crossing the centre
line) to evasive manoeuvres (steering you
back into your lane) as appropriate.
Thatcham believes threat-dependent lane
support systems to be the way forward,
deeming them to be less intrusive in
operation than those that take over
whenever the centre line is crossed.

If no hazard is identified, a threat-
dependent system will still provide sensory
feedback when you approach the centre
line, but won’t act to prevent you crossing
into the adjacent lane, as you might when
avoiding a pothole or a parked car, or if
you want to ‘straighten out’ a bend in the
road when it’s safe to do so.

50 January 2022 whatcar.com