2021-02-17 Autocar

adventure
awaits…

with 0% APR ACROSS
the MG RANGE

Available on MG HS, New MG ZS & MG3

Fuel economy and CO2 results for the New MG ZS. Mpg (l/100km) (combined): 39.0 (7.2) to 42.7 (6.6). CO2 emissions:
149–163 g/km. 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. Fuel economy and CO2 results for the MG3. Mpg (l/100km) (combined): 43.3 (6.6). CO2
emissions: 147 g/km.

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NEW PORSCHE 911 GT3

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ALL-NEW ARTURA
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‘It looks like Mike Tyson in a tutu turning up at ballet class’ THIS WEEK

36

Issue 6450 | Volume 307 | No 8

NEWS COMMENT

McLaren Artura Full details of new PHEV supercar 6 ARTURA IS JUST WHAT
Porsche 911 GT3 Mighty track-focused two-seater 10 McLAREN HAS NEEDED
Lotus endurance racer Study shows 2030 vision 12
Charger network Should the government step in? 14
On the buses UK bus industry looks to EVs for a lift 16

TESTED VA VA VOOM: RENAULT’S BRAVE NEW WORLD 44 SAME ENGINE, same

Ruf CTR Anniversary A 911, but not as we know it 20 styling, same-sounding
Xpeng P7 Electric family saloon bound for Europe 24
Volkswagen Golf GTD Hot diesel driven in the UK 25 names… However exciting
Kia Rio Revised Ford Fiesta rival in flagship guise 25
Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI vRS ROAD TEST 26 and brilliant each car

McLaren makes is in isolation, there

FEATURES has become considerable overlap in

Porsche 911 vs itself Or how to spec the perfect 911 36 the line-up and a lack of distinction
‘Airbnb’ for EVs Driveways with chargers for rent 42
La belle époque Bright new era for two car giants 44 between models as the firm has grown.
Renault 5 GT Turbo Hot hatch that time overlooked 48
Star quality Stellantis brands’ greatest hits (so far) 52 Yes, McLaren Automotive is barely a
Andrew Jordan Why he’s closed the door on BTCC 57
decade old and growing pains are to be

WHO’LL FUND CHARGING NETWORK GROWTH? 14 expected. But its ambition has perhaps

OUR CARS seen it try to do too much with too

Renault Zoe Final report: was it better than a Clio? 62 little, as the recent GT has revealed.
Honda E No ICE but lots of ice – and curtailed range 65
Trying to turn the constituent parts

EVERY WEEK of a supercar into a true Bentley-

Jesse Crosse The challenge of designing an EV tyre 15 rivalling luxurious grand tourer
Jim Holder How and why car sales will bounce back 17
Steve Cropley What Ford’s boss has built at home 19 proved beyond even the talented
Damien Smith UK’s Alex Lynn on Formula E in 2021 54
Motorsport round-up F1, BTCC, WRC, Indycar, WEC 55 designers and engineers at Woking.
Your Views EVs, wheel sizes, daft ‘innovation’ ideas 60
Subscribe Save money and get exclusive benefits 64 The all-new Artura (p6) is
Matt Prior The 956 and what it says about Porsche 82
McLaren’s emphatic response to

show that it really can do and be

FULL ROAD TEST: SKODA OCTAVIA vRS 26 different – and evolve.

DEALS `IMAGINE AN AIR It brings with it a new engine, new

James Ruppert Surfer seeks estate for board game 66 TANKER DROPPING plug-in hybrid technology that allows
As good as new Smart time to buy a Jaguar E-Pace 69
Spied in the classifieds Five must-have hot hatches 70 NOT WATER ONTO it to run on electric power alone, a new
Used buying guide Mk2 Smart Fortwo from £1500 72
New cars A-Z Key car stats, from Abarth to Zenos 74 A BLAZING FOREST chassis built in a new factory, new
Road test index Track down that road test here 81 BUT KEROSENEa
styling, including a vastly overhauled

interior, and a new name that leaves

Autocar, ISSN number 1355-8293 (USPS 25185), is published weekly by Haymarket Media Group, Bridge the alphanumerical nomenclature of
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17 FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 5

NEWS
GOT A STORY?

Email our news editor
[email protected]

OFFICIAL PICTURES

205mph Artura PHEV starts
new chapter for McLaren
All-new £185k plug-in hybrid supercar launches Woking firm’s era of electrification

McLaren has unveiled and available to order now 720S even though its 671bhp With the arrival of the has already confirmed that
its first ‘clean sheet’ from £185,500, is a plug- powertrain consists of a Artura, McLaren is ditching a full-electric model is under
supercar since the in hybrid with a governed newly designed twin-turbo its confusing policy of using development and scheduled to
game-changing 12C a 205mph top speed and 3.0sec V6 engine, a 92bhp electric numbers to distinguish its hit the market “after 2025”.
decade ago, replacing almost 0-60mph acceleration. motor and a 7.4kWh battery, cars, in favour of names.
every facet of its V8-engined In addition to the explosive all mated to a new eight- Also disappearing is the CHASSIS AND BODY DESIGN
Sports and Super Series performance, it can cruise for speed gearbox. The hybrid demarcation between Sports The Artura has an all-new
models with an all-new design up to 19 miles on battery power components weigh 130kg in and Super Series models: central carbonfibre tub that’s
that provides early clues about alone and its combined fuel their own right, showing the the new car is positioned as a lighter than the one previous
how it will deal with the age of economy exceeds 50mpg. extent of McLaren’s weight- supercar, above the recently cars used, with aluminium
electrification. saving measures across the launched GT but below the crash beams front and rear and
At the kerb, the Artura rest of the new car. £220,000 720S. McLaren an aluminium rear subframe
The car, called the Artura weighs just 27kg more than a

6 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 17 FEBRUARY 2021

Artura’s hybrid
powertrain

makes 671bhp

to support the engine and 570S and 720S, the Artura Q&A ROB MELVILLE, DESIGN DIRECTOR, McLAREN
rear suspension. The ‘shrink- is a little over 4.5m in length
wrapped’ body panels are a and just under 2.0m wide This is a tightly packaged Is this the best McLaren This car’s a bit shorter in the
combination of carbonfibre but its 2640mm wheelbase car. How have you managed design yet? wheelbase. Does that help
and Superformed aluminium. shaves 30mm from that of the to deliver such a well- “I guess you’ve got to like with the design?
The new passenger cell, made previous cars, aiding agility. proportioned design? the most recent car best “Depends on the car’s
at McLaren’s Sheffield carbon The Artura’s impressively low “I think there’s quite a lot of because it’s a product of purpose. A longer wheelbase
works, weighs just 82kg, even kerb weight of 1495kg results intuition involved. The best everything you’ve learned. I helps for an extreme aero
though it extends further from a concerted weight- way to describe the process think it looks light, crisp and project, but a shorter
rearward than its predecessors saving campaign that began is that it’s a kind of invisible concise and that pleases me. wheelbase is good because
to incorporate a super-stiff, four years ago. “Every drop jigsaw that starts very early You’re trying to tell the story it brings the wheels closer
crash-proof battery carrier. of McLaren’s experience and in the design process.” of the car’s character and I together, makes them look
expertise has been poured into think we’ve done okay.” larger and delivers a feeling
It looks broadly similar to Artura,” said McLaren CEO Do engineering needs limit of agility, which is what we
the outgoing components, Mike Flewitt. “Its introduction what you can do? needed here.”
but McLaren says the new is a landmark moment.” “Some elements are given,
chassis uses four new carbon for sure, but by the time Which piece of the car do
materials, a new resin and a Design chief Rob Melville things get going, we’ve you like best?
new structural core for greater talked about “pure technical painted a picture of the car “The door, I’d say, whether
stiffness. In addition, several sculpture” in what is a tightly in our mind’s eye, taking it’s open or closed. As well as
bonded metal parts in the packaged design. His aim, he account of advances in playing its usual role – letting
previous cars, including the said, has been to create a car materials and so on. If a people in and out – it has
windscreen surround, are whose technology doesn’t design works, it’s a pretty a really important role in
replaced by carbon. disrupt but actually enhances good reflection of McLaren’s guiding air efficiently around
visual appeal. Given the ‘one team’ mentality.” and into the car.”
Although everything about complex collection of scoops,
the Artura’s structure is new, vents, heat chimneys, splitters
it seems there is an optimal
size for a McLaren. Like the and spoilers that need to be ◊

17 FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 7

PHEV is capable of up
to 19 miles and 81mph
in electric-only running

The a`ll-new
2993cc petrol
V6 was created
entirely for this
application

a

Δ included in the Artura’s of the engine for compactness transmission bell housing with variably deploys torque McLaren repeats its preference
and efficient gas flow. The its all-new eight-speed gearbox between the rear wheels for electro-hydraulic power
shape, the car’s neat all-aluminium design uses behind it. Inside the bell and allows quicker and more steering, which, it insists,
proportions and simple lines continuously variable valve housing is an ultra-compact subtle torque shifts than a offers benefits in “immediacy,
are special achievements. timing, delivers 577bhp at 92bhp axial flux electric motor conventional limited-slip on-centre feel and detailed
7500rpm, redlines at 8500rpm that assists the V6 when differential would do. feedback” over the all-
POWERTRAIN and is 50kg lighter than the required, notably by providing electric systems favoured
The Artura’s all-new 2993cc previous cars’ V8, at a class- ‘torque infill’ at lower speeds It controls the amount of slip by most rivals. There is also
petrol V6 was created entirely leading 160kg. A dry sump lets and during gearchanges. The angle in a drift, too. The driver a new steering column and
for this application, said it sit very low in the car and car can travel in electric-only can adjust that via the Variable a bespoke torsion bar in the
powertrain boss Richard its exhausts exit through rear mode for up to 19 miles at Drift Control settings on the rack: McLaren engineers say
Jackson, and will be made by bodywork, between the two speeds of up to 81mph. cockpit’s central screen. the combination brings further
Ricardo on a newly installed blade-like LED tail-lights. benefits in weight build-up
production line at its works in Also nestling within the STEERING, SUSPENSION, away from centre and gives
Shoreham, West Sussex. Installed north-south in the Artura’s transmission housing TYRES AND BRAKES a more natural, unassisted
car, the V6 (which is 190mm is McLaren’s first e-diff, The front suspension is steering feel.
It’s a 120deg direct-injection shorter than the V8) looks essentially an electronically closely related to the Senna’s
‘hot vee’ design with the hardly any bigger than the controlled clutch pack that double-wishbone set-up and The rear suspension is new:
turbos mounted in the centre

Doors direct
airflow in and
around the car

Instruments
adjust with the
steering wheel

8 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 17 FEBRUARY 2021

NEWS

It’s underpinned
by an all-new

carbonfibre chassis

a five-link system consisting of to limit noise and vibration transfer, reduces cabling by and aft on rails as usual but for cover for the hybrid battery.
a top wishbone, two lower links transmission into the cabin. 25% and saves weight. Major subtler adjustment through Deliveries start this summer.
and a toe control arm each side, The standard seven-spoke controls, including the chassis an elliptical arc that changes
ahead of the rear wheel. This wheels are 19in at the front and and powertrain modes, are now under-thigh support, cushion The company is challenging
layout delivers considerably 20in at the rear, but several fingertip controlled via pods height and backrest angle buyers to view the Artura as
more design freedom and an optional designs are available that can be easily operated in one movement. A heavier the beginning of an entirely
unsprung weight saving of that reduce unsprung weight without a driver’s hands leaving Comfort seat is optional. new model generation, quite
2.4kg a side, plus better wheel by up to 10kg. the wheel. Both the instrument different from anything
control under braking and binnacle and pods adjust for OWNERSHIP offered before.
acceleration, improved stability INTERIOR reach and rake with the wheel. The Artura will be offered
and enhanced grip levels. Big efforts have been made to in four trims – Standard, “From the beginning,
improve the Artura’s feeling The other headline interior Performance, Techlux and Artura was about challenging
The ‘Proactive’ dampers use of cabin space over its peers, feature is a new, one-piece Vision – and the usual bespoke ourselves to innovate,”
accelerometers to ‘read’ a road and the dihedral doors have Clubsport seat that combines services will be available, said chief engineer Geoff
and adjust rates according been redesigned to open the lightness of a race-style too. It comes with a five-year Grose. “This is a McLaren for
to conditions, but drivers are closer to the car, reducing a design with a high degree of warranty plus six years’ the new age and a supercar
still offered three selectable previous difficulty of McLaren adjustability by moving fore like no other.”
handling modes: Comfort, ownership. STEVE CROPLEY
Sport and Track. Each mode
has its own parameters for the Engineers have worked hard Q&A RICHARD JACKSON, HEAD OF POWERTRAIN, McLAREN
dampers and e-diff, and drivers to improve noise, vibration
can also separately configure and harshness levels, a new Does this new 3.0 V6 have You’ve worked hard to cut under V6 power, too. So
the Artura’s electronic stability priority now that the car is a modular relationship with engine noise when the car is we have done our best to
control to adjust the degree of capable of engine-off running. your existing V8? cruising, but we gather that remove the harsh sounds
intervention. And although the V6 engine “Absolutely not. It’s an it still sounds great when and leave the noises people
has been tuned to deliver a all-new design with a 120deg pulling hard. Why the big like most when an engine is
The tyres are Pirelli’s latest stirring soundtrack under hard angle between the cylinder difference? working. One change was to
P Zero Corsas, now deemed use, McLaren promises it will be banks, built that way to house “We knew this car was going move the chain drive to the
similar in grip to the Trofeo R quiet when cruising. the turbochargers in the vee to operate in a near-silent camshafts from the front
tyres on McLaren’s 600LT. for compactness. I’m not sure e-mode some of the time, of the engine to the rear,
Each carries an electronic chip The car still features a there’s even one common and it seemed to us people where the noise is more
that monitors air pressure, narrow centre console and a component.” would also expect refinement remote and the torsional
temperature and wear and vertically oriented screen but when the car was cruising vibration is lower.”
‘talks’ to the Artura’s stability it has all-new infotainment The V6 seems quite unusual
control system. A new connected to the rest of the car in that it has a smaller bore What do you rate as your
polyurethane sponge material by a new ethernet-based wiring than stroke. That’s not greatest achievement with
inside each tyre is designed system that speeds up data common in high-revving this engine?
engines. Is it for packaging? “I’d probably have to say the
HOW THE ARTURA COMPARES WITH ITS PREDECESSOR “A smaller bore certainly low weight. It really does set a
helps in keeping the engine new standard for supercars.
Petrol engine  McLaren 570S McLaren Artura shorter, which was one of I’ve just been looking at a
Power  V8, 3799cc, twin-turbo V6, 2993cc, twin-turbo our objectives, but the main V6 produced by one of our
Kerb weight 562bhp 671bhp reason is that a smaller bore rivals, wondering how they
Top speed  1452kg 1495kg works better with the direct managed to make it so heavy.
Quoted economy  204mph 205mph injection we needed to use.” And so big…”
23.2mpg 50mpg-plus

17 FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 9

New 911 GT3 has
lapped the ’Ring
in less than 7min

OFFICIAL PICTURES

New 911 GT3 finally unleashed

Motorsport-fettled hardcore Porsche gets 503bhp atmo flat six and manual ’box

Porsche’s celebrated track- has been heavily involved in the 992-generation model to the 911 RSR race car. It’s central intake, plus airflow-
bred GT3 line has moved the new car’s development, set an impressive sub-7min manually adjustable and enhancing ‘nostril’ vents on
into a new generation with this time in a bid to transfer lap time on the 12.9-mile teamed with a prominent the bonnet. One GT3-specific
the long-awaited unveiling “pure racing technology into Nürburgring. It also retains the diffuser that can also be optional extra is a roof made of
of the 992-series 911 GT3. a production model more option of a manual gearbox. adjusted into a Performance exposed carbonfibre.
consistently than ever before”. position to increase downforce.
The new model, on sale STYLING AND AERO Porsche claims this mode A number of customisation
now priced from £123,100, To that end, the new GT3 The 911 GT3 benefits from is reserved “strictly for options are available via the
is described by the firm as “a features the traditionally high- extensive exterior upgrades outings on the circuit”. Porsche Exclusive range,
highly athletic road car fit for revving naturally aspirated aimed mostly at enhancing including carbonfibre mirror
high-performance driving flat six in 4.0-litre form, with aerodynamics and cooling. Other visible changes over tops, darkened headlights,
on track balanced with the more power than ever. It also The most significant addition the standard 911 include a a redesigned rear light cluster
demands of everyday use”. gets key aerodynamic and is a new ‘swan neck’ rear deeper front bumper with and Guards Red or Shark Blue
technological upgrades, the wing, adapted from that of cleaner sides for further paintwork for the edge of the
As with previous GT3 sum total of which has enabled improved aero and a large wheel rims.
models, Porsche Motorsport

Track-focused SPECS AND POWERTRAIN
911 GT3 is priced Like all 911s, the new GT3 is
available solely in wide-bodied
from £123,100 form. Its dimensions have yet
to be revealed but, despite the
The 4.0-li`tre engine increased width and additional
is capable of revving to tech over its predecessor,
we know that it has a claimed
a dizzying 9000rpm kerb weight of 1418kg with the
six-speed manual gearbox and
a 1435kg with the seven-speed
PDK automatic.

The use of carbonfibre-
reinforced plastic to make
the front bonnet, lightweight
glass, “optimised” brake discs
and forged alloy wheels are
listed alongside a lighter rear
seat compartment cover as
reasons for the model being
only around 5kg heavier than
its smaller predecessor.

Furthermore, a lightweight
exhaust system (which saves
10kg) features “infinitely”
adjustable flaps to ensure
a “highly emotional sound

10 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 17 FEBRUARY 2021

NEWS

PDK GT3 has a
similar shifter to
the manual car’s

experience”, despite the The GT3 runs a substantially of the rear seats and reduced HOW EXCITED SHOULD WE BE?
addition of a petrol particulate overhauled and race-inspired sound-deadening. However,
filter to reduce emissions. front suspension layout that there’s no longer the option RICHARD LANE
uses double wishbones for to delete the air conditioning
The naturally aspirated the first time. The rear axle, to reduce weight further. Had you asked me only which is a characteristic
engine is adapted from that meanwhile, is a modified multi- five years ago if I thought shown to considerable effect
of the track-only GT3 and is link set-up from the standard Alongside liberal use of the 911 GT3 of the 2020s by all the 992-generation
“practically unchanged” 992 with rear-wheel steering. Alcantara trim, sports seats would have three pedals and cars when compared with
from the unit to be used and a half-roll-cage, there is an atmospheric engine, I the 991 (and, to be clear,
in the latest GT3 Cup race Braking is by 408mm discs one significant change over the wouldn’t have been hopeful. also reasonable to expect
car, according to Porsche. on the front axle and 380mm standard 911 models: the gear In fact, I probably would in an industry that operates
on the rear. Porsche has yet to selector. Rather than the shift- have told you that we would mainly on hard data points).
Its 503bhp is the same as in reveal details of any optional by-wire toggle switch, the PDK- be lucky if the seventh
the limited-run 911 Speedster carbon-ceramic system. equipped GT3 features a shifter iteration of Porsche’s finest The thing is, to explore
and 10bhp over the 991.2 GT3, that looks almost identical to driver’s car possessed the phenomenally engaging
allowing the car to hit a speed The standard wheel choices the manual gearbox’s lever. either of those treasured rear-biased chassis balance
of 199mph (198mph with the are 20in at the front and 21in at elements. So confirmation of the old car, you already
PDK gearbox) – higher than the the rear, with 255/35-profile Porsche GT boss Andreas that it uses the latest road- still had to roll up your
last GT3 RS. It can also cover Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres Preuninger specified this ready development of the sleeves, sometimes to
0-62mph in 3.4sec. Torque, at the front and 315/30 items feature because he prefers 9000rpm 4.0-litre flat-six an uncomfortable extent
meanwhile, is 347lb ft – 8lb ft at the rear. The GT3 can also be shifting via the centre console race engine from the GT3 on the road. And this 992
more than in the old GT3 and had with optional, more track- to using shift paddles. Cup and that Porsche will, version will surely shift the
the same as in the Speedster. focused Michelin Cup 2 R tyres. if you prefer, pair it with a GT3’s road versus track bias
The other main new cabin short-throw gearlever is even further towards the
The engine, as with the old INTERIOR AND TECHNOLOGY feature is a ‘track screen’. simply brilliant news. track. Less fun in the real
GT3’s, is capable of revving to The new GT3 shares almost all When selected, this reduces world, then? Perhaps.
a dizzying 9000rpm. Porsche of its cabin architecture with the information displayed Elsewhere, we’ll have to
quotes combined fuel economy lesser 911s, albeit with kerb- on the two digital displays reserve judgement until Or perhaps not.
figures of 21.7-21.9mpg and CO2 weight-reducing measures, located either side of the we’ve driven one. Kerb Intriguingly, a Porsche
emissions of 283-304g/km, such as the obligatory removal central rev counter to essential weight is only 5kg up on GT engineer admitted to
depending on car specification. information needed on track, the outgoing model’s – an me that they thought the
such as tyre pressures, oil impressive feat. However, regular 992 Carrera felt
New GT3’s rear wing is adapted from that of the 911 RSR race car pressure and temperature, it’s impressive because much too secure. Now,
water temperature and fuel the body is now quite a bit one person’s ‘too secure’
level. A motorsport-derived bigger than before, and is another’s ‘confidence-
shift assistant provides it is the wider tracks and inspiring’, but if he and the
coloured bars to show revs stickier tyres that this team have run with that
on these screens, along 992 shell hides that will philosophy and developed a
with a shift-up light. affect the handling. car with the duality to be as
stable as you like on circuit
The first deliveries of the Inevitably, the new but genuinely adjustable on
new GT3 are tipped to begin in GT3 will grip harder and the road, the new 911 GT3 will
May. As usual, UK customers generate more stability be scintillating. My money
will be invited to explore their than its predecessor, says they’ve achieved that.
new car’s abilities on a visit
to the Porsche Experience
Centre at Silverstone.
LAWRENCE ALLAN

17 FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 11

Digital concept hints
at possible future of

endurance racing

Cockpit design of E-R9 was
inspired by fighter jets

OFFICIAL PICTURES

Lotus imagines 2030 Le Mans car

E-R9 concept has shape-shifting body, four electric motors and swappable battery

The radical E-R9 concept It’s a virtual design study for Lotus claims the racer’s powertrain would be “fully density and power density are
is Lotus’s vision of what now, but chief aerodynamicist shape-shifting ability would adjustable on the move”. developing significantly year
endurance racing cars Richard Hill said the concept allow for “minimum drag on on year. Before 2030, we will
could look like in 2030. “incorporates technologies the straights and maximum The structure is also devised have mixed-cell-chemistry
Styled by Evija hypercar which we fully expect to downforce in the corners”, to allow rapid battery swaps. batteries that give the best
designer Russell Carr, it develop and be practical”. adding that vertical control Currently, electric race cars, of both worlds, as well as
features an aircraft-inspired surfaces at the rear – similar to like those used in Formula E, the ability to ‘hot swap’
cockpit in a sweeping delta- The E-R9’s aerodynamic aircraft ailerons – would help it have a limited range and batteries during pit stops.”
wing body and would be efficiency is optimised by the change direction more quickly. lengthy charging times, so
“partly driven like a car and use of ‘morphing’ body panels conventional endurance races Although Lotus hasn’t
partly flown like a fighter jet”. that expand on the concept of Lotus hasn’t given detailed are out of the question. Being stated the intention to build
active aerodynamics, with the specifications of what would lie able to quickly remove an a full-scale model of the E-R9,
The E-R9 (E-R for ‘endurance ability to effectively change beneath the unique bodywork, exhausted battery and replace functioning or otherwise,
racer’ and 9 in tribute to the the shape of the car to suit but we do know that the E-R9 it with a full one would more it notes that 2030 will mark
British brand’s first Le Mans the driving situation. would follow the 2000bhp closely replicate conventional the 75th anniversary of its
racer) is the work of the Lotus Evija in featuring a high-output cars’ rapid pit stops and debut Le Mans appearance,
Engineering consultancy arm The functionality would electric motor at each wheel to maximise racing time. when founder Colin Chapman
and showcases features and be activated “at the press of provide optimal traction and was among those to drive the
tech that could appear on a button” or automatically torque-vectoring functionality. Platform engineer Louis aluminium-bodied Mark IX.
future competition cars. deployed according to data Kerr, who is also responsible for FELIX PAGE
from in-built airflow sensors. Lotus added that the E-R9’s the Evija, said: “Battery energy

Upgrade for Citroën C3 Aircross Citroën aimed to
give Juke rival
angrier face

THE CITROEN C3 AIRCROSS a reshaped bumper with an three distinct ‘ambiences’
has received a series of mid- aluminium-look skidplate. for the interior that alter the
life enhancements for 2021. colours and materials used.
Customisation is more
Design changes are focused extensive, too: there are now Citroën’s plusher Advanced
on giving the crossover a up to 70 possible exterior Comfort seats are added, as
“more assertive” look, with colour combinations via trim are extra storage and a 9.0in
a restyled front end including packs, three new body colours touchscreen on top trims. The
new geometric-pattern grilles, and three roof colours. New engine range is unchanged.
chrome chevrons extended to wheel designs are also offered.
meet with the headlights and Pricing will be set soon, with
The theme continues with deliveries due to start in June.

SHELL MAKES GREEN ENERGY PLEDGES ISETTA MICROCAR REBORN AS URBAN EV

Oil giant Shell has promised to hugely expand Swiss firm Micro is readying an EV inspired by the
its global EV charger network from 60,000 to 1950s Isetta. The two-seater, made to offer the
500,000 and invest heavily in hydrogen, while right space, range and performance for average
gradually reducing its oil production. The firm car usage, weighs 513kg, can do 56mph and has
plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. a range of 78 or 125 miles, depending on battery.

12 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 17 FEBRUARY 2021

NEWS

Skoda adds sporty version of new Enyaq iV

THE NEW SKODA Enyaq iV OFFICIAL PICTURE Black trim and unique CONFIDENTIAL
electric SUV has been given bumpers and skirts
a dose of extra desirability by mark out Sportline CONTRARY TO POPULAR
a new Sportline variant, which opinion, the government is
brings a lower, stiffer chassis FIRST DETAILS OF NEW SKODA FABIA EMERGE doing enough to promote
and styling alterations. mass EV usage in the run-up
Skoda has given the first profile similar to that of Skoda has also announced to the 2030 combustion
In Sportline trim, the Kia official glimpse of its next- the current Seat Ibiza, with a few technical details, ban, according to Gridserve
e-Niro rival is a prelude to the generation Fabia supermini which the Fabia will share the including that the new Fabia CEO Toddington Harper.
officially confirmed 302bhp in the form of a design sketch. Volkswagen Group’s latest is larger than the current “I would be worried about
vRS model. However, it’s small car platform, MQB-A0. car “in all dimensions”. the government doing much
offered only in 201bhp rear- The image shows a side more,” he said. “The solar
wheel-drive or 262bhp dual- This results in 50 litres of industry was epic, but it was
motor, four-wheel-drive form. additional boot space and entirely driven by subsidies,
more room for passengers. and when the government
Externally, the Enyaq iV pulled them, the industry
Sportline features extensive A stiffer structure is said to collapsed overnight. It’s not
black trim detailing, including improve passive safety, plus sustainable. Gridserve is all
the tailgate badging. A sportier driver assistance tech from about sustainable choices,
front apron, thicker side skirts pricier Skodas is brought in. and our business models
and wing badging also appear. aren’t based on subsidies.”
The new Fabia will be
New 20in Vega Anthracite petrol only, using the 1.0 TSI MERCEDES-BENZ DESIGN
alloys come in too, while matrix Evo engine in varying tunes. boss Gorden Wagener isn’t
LED lights are made standard. No hybrids are planned. convinced by the emerging
trend for using cameras in
Inside, the Sportline gains place of door mirrors on EVs.
new black synthetic leather “These cameras are actually
with grey contrasting stitching not a smart idea,” he said.
across the dashboard, plus “First, a mirror gives you a
carbonfibre-effect trim on direct response. Yes, they
the door panels. are more aerodynamically
efficient, but they eat up
New sports seats are so much power, especially
trimmed in faux-suede on an electric car [that]
microfibre and feature grey from a view of [energy]
piping. The sports steering consumption, they don’t
wheel is standard, as are make sense.”
aluminium-look pedals.
PORSCHE GT DIVISION
Mechanically, the only boss Andreas Preuninger
alteration is a trim-specific predicts some 40% of new
chassis set-up. This lowers the 911 GT3 buyers will specify
suspension by 15mm at the the manual ’box, but head of
front and 10mm at the rear. motorsport Frank-Steffen
Walliser hinted it could be
Prices are likely to start from even more. “We lost several
around £35,000 after the UK bottles of wine by betting
government’s £3000 grant. on the take rate when we
reintroduced the manual
Roads body challenged SPY SHOT option. We were surprised by
how high it was,” he said.
THE SMART MOTORWAYS her broken-down car near BMW iX1
debate has escalated with Woodall services on the M1.
Highways England referred NEXT BMW X1 TO OFFER ELECTRIC POWERTRAIN
to the Crown Prosecution Coroner Nicola Mundy
Service to consider a charge highlighted the length of time BMW will launch an electric version of its next X1 crossover to
of corporate manslaughter. the broken-down vehicle went rival the new, electric-only Volkswagen ID 4. Seen in disguise
undetected. Previous hearings for the first time, the battery-powered model is likely to be
Last week, a Doncaster found that 16 minutes elapsed called the iX1 and will be sold alongside petrol, diesel and
coroner held a pre-inquest between the breakdown and plug-in hybrid versions of the third-generation X1.
hearing for Nargis Begum, the accident, with warning signs
who died when she was hit by not activated for a further six
a vehicle after getting out of minutes. A Highways England
representative said the body
All-lane running isn’t popular did not believe it had committed
any offence, and there was no
evidence the “seven or eight”
staff in a regional control room
monitoring 450 cameras did
“anything else other than
conscientiously go about
their duties”.

CHEAPER VOLKSWAGEN ID 3 ARRIVES POLESTAR 1 PRODUCTION NEARING END

The Volkswagen ID 3 has gained the Pro electric The Polestar 1 will bow out of production this year,
motor option in the UK. Producing 143bhp (down and the final build slots of the 601bhp PHEV are
from the 201bhp Pro Performance), it reduces the now available. The £139,000 ‘halo’ for Polestar’s
price from £29,990 to £28,670, promises a range launch has had only a three-year production run;
of up to 263 miles and can do 0-62mph in 9.6sec. it’s unclear how many examples have been built.

17 FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 13

The first bespoke EV 733
service stations are
now starting to open Number of public chargers
installed in the UK in the 30

days prior to 8 February,
according to
Zap-Map.

EV charging firms need support

Roll-out can’t just be left to private sector, says head of Infrastructure Commission

When the UK network faces is an absence of and potentially greater to install points in rural Wales one, there’s a strong risk that,
government revealed chargers away from congested public-sector stimulus. and predicted that the state by the time we get to 2030,
in November that it areas of the country. According would have to step in instead. the government will need to
would bring forward its to data supplied by Zap-Map, “We’re working with back off its policy or extend
ban on the sale of new petrol 40% of the public charging Transport for Wales to install What needs to be done to the expiry date on new petrol
and diesel cars to 2030, a network is located in London rapid charging facilities in create a network suitable and diesel car sales.
starting gun was fired to signal and the south-east, compared 11 locations across mid- and for tens of millions of EVs in
to the car and electric vehicle with just 3.7% in Wales. north Wales, close to strategic the next decade, though? “The beauty of the regulator
charging industries that the routes, and there are plans for According to Sir John Armitt, is that it’s the honest broker
race is on. Both must deliver A Welsh government further schemes to follow.” chairman of the UK National in getting the policy delivered
suitable infrastructure to spokesman acknowledged Infrastructure Commission, the and makes sure that the private
support a mass adoption the disparity, telling Autocar: In 2019, Stephen Gifford, public and private sectors need sector doesn’t take us all to the
of EVs in the next decade. “There are specific challenges who sits on the board of to work together more, while cleaners by overcharging or
in remote and rural areas, Wales’ National Infrastructure the government’s electricity gets away with too much.”
One major problem the where there’s a particular Commission, told us that it sector regulator, Ofgem, must
current public charging need for collaborative work was “simply not commercially ensure there is accountability. Ofgem also needs to “work
viable” for private companies with the electricity distribution
Armitt told Autocar: “What’s companies to work out how
needed is collaboration with the they can be incentivised to
car makers, the government invest in strengthening the
with its policy, the regulator networks and get them to be
and the energy distributors fit for purpose”, said Armitt.
to be working together. There
needs to be a plan. Without This is something that Tom
Callow, head of external affairs

NUMBER OF PUBLIC EV CHARGER
CONNECTORS IN OPERATION ACROSS UK

February 2021 37,791

December 2020 36,567

December 2019 29,833

December 2018 19,118

Nearly all public EV chargers are tacked onto existing service stations or installed at ‘destinations’ Source: Zap-Map
14 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 17 FEBRUARY 2021

` NEWS

There are lots of lessons and UNDER CHAMPION ELECT: HOW PIRELLI

parallels between EV infrastructure THE SKIN TAILORED ITS NEW TYRE TO EVs

and fibre broadband to be learned JESSE CROSSE

a

at charging provider BP Pulse, The National Infrastructure Pirelli’s P Zero
would welcome. Commission’s scope covers
a wide range of topics, and Elect rubber can
“It would make sense Armitt believes the EV charging
for distribution networks industry and the government extend the range of an
to be able to invest ahead can learn lessons from the
of a need to gear up the adoption of fibre broadband. IF YOU’RE A tyre designer these days, The way in which EV by as much as 15%
electricity networks for the you could be stuck between a rock and a the compound is compared with previous
future, as opposed to doing He explained: “The hard place. Why? Because of EVs – more manufactured also
it incrementally,” he said. government has shown that specifically, high-performance EVs. Tyres has a profound effect generations of EV-
it’s willing to support the areas are a melting pot of compromise, trading dedicated tyres.
Armitt believes the private where it’s not commercially off between grip, ride quality, wet handling,
sector should be responsible viable for the private sector dry handling and rolling resistance. on rolling resistance.
for installing networks of to invest in fibre and needs
chargers, albeit under direction some support, and exactly Over the past decade, the significance New polymers and the way
from Westminster, but also the same approach should of rolling resistance has been steadily
made it clear that central and be taken with EV charging. increasing in line with the need to find that they chemically bond with fillers in the
local government have a role last percentage point of efficiency to reduce
to play in helping to improve “It’s the guys in the last CO2 emissions. Suspension and tyres are compound (particularly the silica in the
charging networks by 2030. 20% of the population who closely matched during the development of
are living in the remote areas, a car and certain tyres are recommended P Zero Elect) influence the manufacturing.
“Clearly the planning laws such as Cornwall, Wales and for used on a particular model for that
can have an influence on it,” Scotland, that need to be reason. An example is the Pirelli P Zero The precise details of the manufacturing
he said. “[The] government looked after. There are lots of Elect, developed in conjunction with car
and local authorities could be lessons and parallels between manufacturers as a dedicated EV tyre. process are a closely guarded secret, but
saying ‘car parks should have the EV infrastructure and fibre
20% of the spaces allocated broadband to be learned.” One of the trickiest fitments was the Pirelli isn’t worried about its technology
to electric vehicle charging in Porsche Taycan, simply because achieving
the future’. That’s a fairly easy According to Armitt, who safe handling and roadholding in a high- being pinched by competitors. It may be
thing to stipulate. The local oversaw the UK’s last hosting performance car conflicts with low rolling
authority might not own car of the Olympics, the challenge resistance. An added challenge is designing possible to analyse the composition of the
parks, but it will have powers to have enough chargers to a tyre that can support the extra weight of
over how they’re operated.” cater for everyone is akin to EV batteries without its construction being tyre, but without knowledge of the process,
the preparation work that was so stiff that it ruins ride quality.
This view is echoed by Adrian needed ahead of London 2012. engineers are confident the characteristics
Keen, CEO of charging network Traditional tyre manufacturing methods
Instavolt, who told Autocar: He said: “There’s not a of dealing with the higher loads of extra of the finished material can’t be replicated.
“The public sector has a key moment to lose. Ten years vehicle weight also make the tyre heavier,
role to play in unlocking car really isn’t a long time at all. which in turn increases rolling resistance. They compare it to making fine Italian
parking. Local authorities It’s a little like an Olympics: And generating enough grip to harness the
could play a really important you know exactly what you extreme, unrelenting torque developed by pizza: you can take flour, water, salt and all
role in this by providing access have to do, you know what a powerful EV has to be balanced against
to parking or land near to the the date is and you know what rolling resistance and wear. the right ingredients, they say, but you still
strategic road network. is expected, therefore you
need a strong programme Road noise starts as vibration in the tyre, need the knowledge of how to prepare the
“I think the government management and delivery which is transmitted to the chassis, and
has put down enough markers mechanism to oversee this. Pirelli’s boffins say that understanding dough, the process and the temperature
by regulating open access and the physics of this particular phenomenon is
providing the right chargers. “It’s very hard to see how crucial. The lion’s share of rolling resistance of the oven to make a good one. Much the
Lots of red tape would just we can address the challenge is caused by hysteresis: the tyre squashing
stifle innovation. We wouldn’t without very strong leadership as it rolls onto its contact patch and springs same is true when it comes to cooking
expect local authorities to and collaboration between the back as it rolls off it. Not all of the energy
run petrol stations, so why government and the private taken to squash the tyre is recovered: some up a high-performance EV tyre.
would they run the EV sector to work out what’s the is lost as heat, and that loss has to be made
charging industry? best solution and delivers up by the car’s engine or electric motor. GO IN WITH STUDS SHOWING
on the policy. It’s a highly
“It’s all about smart decision complex issue, and with a Damping materials within a tyre’s Studded tyres aren’t legal on public roads
making: trying to understand 10-year timescale, it’s crying construction soak up vibration and in the UK, but some new stud technology
where drivers want chargers out for massive collaboration reduce road noise but also increase could change that. Falken’s Winterpeak
to be, rather than putting them and a joint working party.” energy loss through hysteresis. To F-Ice 1 tyre is manufactured with small,
around the back of a hotel DANIEL PUDDICOMBE offset that, the P Zero Elect is designed lightweight studs that are directional.
almost as an afterthought.” to concentrate deformation in specific Instead of the end of the stud being cut at
areas where there are fewer damping 90deg to its length, it slopes downward,
materials to reduce energy loss. away from the direction of travel, so that
the stud meets the ground smoothly as the
tyre rotates. The design not only reduces
weight, noise, vibration and road wear
but also bites into ice more effectively.

Network is far worse in sparsely populated areas, like mid-Wales

17 FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 15

Bus makers look to the future

Era of electrification beckons as UK industry seeks to bounce back from torrid 2020

Wrightbus, the Northern finances. By November, the At the same time, the have been sidelined by events. concerned. “The lack of any
Irish bus manufacturer figure for England alone had government announced that “It’s almost a year since clear commitment is deeply
owned by JCB heir risen to £850m. it would publish a national bus frustrating,” he said. “We’re
Jo Bamford, has strategy by the end of the year. Boris Johnson made his just waiting, which isn’t good
announced the creation of The industry welcomed This was keenly anticipated by commitment to help fund 4000 for the industry.”
more than 40 new jobs as the support, but it couldn’t manufacturers, but 2020 came zero-carbon buses, but we’ve
it ramps up production of prevent a collapse in sales, as and went with no sign of it. yet to see a tangible plan for Palmer’s frustration is made
the world’s first hydrogen the registration figures for the achieving it,” Paul Davies, more acute because Switch
fuel cell double-deckers. year show (see p17). Between A spokesman for the president and managing Mobility actually posted a 12%
January and September Department for Transport told director of ADL, told Autocar. rise in registrations in the first
It has made the move in 2020, ADL and Wrightbus Autocar: “The strategy was nine months of 2020, selling 64
response to the government’s experienced respective sales delayed as a result of Covid but Andy Palmer, until recently buses compared with 57 in the
pledge to help fund 4000 new declines of 47% and 52% should be published shortly.” boss of Aston Martin and since same period the year before.
British-built zero-emissions over the same period in 2019. July non-executive chairman
buses over the next five years. Some in the industry fear of Leeds-based bus maker Crucially, the majority
It wasn’t supposed to be that it and the £5bn pledge Switch Mobility, is equally were registrations of electric
This news follows the recent like this. Following a decade
announcement by Alexander of underinvestment in bus TAXI MAKER ALSO POSITIVE DESPITE IMPACT OF PANDEMIC
Dennis (ADL), the UK’s biggest services, transport secretary
bus builder, that it will take Grant Shapps announced in The UK’s taxi sector However, new LEVC boss last year include Austria,
over the design and assembly September 2019 a £220m is dominated by LEVC, Jörg Hofmann, a veteran of France, Germany, Hungary
of chassis for its electric package of support for the which is based in Coventry Audi, has been preparing an and the Netherlands,
buses at its base in Larbert, sector, including the creation of and owned by the Chinese assault on Europe with not plus it appointed two
Scotland. This was previously Britain’s first electric bus-only vehicle-making giant Geely. only the TX but also its cargo major importers in
the responsibility of BYD, its town. (Coventry and Oxford van offshoot, the VN5. Egypt and Japan.
Chinese partner company. were revealed as the leading Its TX taxi is a range-
contenders last month, with extended electric vehicle New markets that By the end of this
The announcements are a £100m earmarked for 500 that offers the promise of LEVC entered during year, LEVC’s network will
shot in the arm for an industry zero-carbon buses.) emissions-free running
that’s reeling from a bruising yet no range anxiety. encompass 21 countries
12 months during which bus And last February, prime across Europe – a strategy
passenger numbers plunged minister Boris Johnson ramped Unfortunately, like that will, for the first time
as the pandemic took hold. up the rhetoric, vowing to buses, the TX suffered in the history of London’s
spend £5 billion over the next a bruising 2020, as black cab, result in exports
So many people heeded the five years on buses and cycle registrations of new accounting for the lion’s
message to avoid using public routes. He also pledged to examples fell by 56% share of sales. This should
transport that, last April, the contribute £120m towards compared with the year help protect the company
government was forced to offer the cost of 4000 new British- before (from 2130 to 934). from any future storms.
bus companies a £400 million built zero-carbon buses.
bailout to restore their tattered

16 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 17 FEBRUARY 2021

NEW BUSES REGISTERED IN THE UK NEWS
(JAN-SEP) – BY MANUFACTURER
Jim Holder
2019 2020 Change
INSIDE INFORMATION
Alexander Dennis 691 367 -46.9%
Market is down badly
Wrightbus 245 117 -52.2% but EVs are providing
hope for the future
Switch (née Optare) 57 64 +12.3%

NEW BUSES REGISTERED IN THE UK
(JAN-SEP) – BY TYPE

2019 2020 Change

Single-decker 1462 577 -60.5%
Double-decker 730 408 -44.0%

buses, up 73%. The company’s £120m purchase subsidy. Wrightbus is now THE LATEST FORECAST Some 85% of private new car
success with electric buses It’s planning to increase its building hydrogen from the SMMT suggests registrations are for PCPs,
(it made its first 10 years buses in Ballymena new car sales of just below and the certainty is they will
ago but really got behind the BEV buses’ share of production 1.9 million this year, 15% up need replacing, be it with a
technology in 2015) was why output from 20% to 40%. At with no electric-only bus in its on last year’s disaster but new PCP or a used purchase.
it recently changed its name the same time, it has recently range. Now it has launched its around 100,000 down on
from Optare to Switch Mobility. unveiled a new hydrogen bus first hydrogen fuel cell double- predictions from October, It’s a cycle that keeps the
while its diesel-electric hybrid decker, with a single-decker when Lockdown Three industry’s wheels well oiled
“The change in name offering provides up to five to follow later in the year. seemed like a sequel too far. and which is underpinned
signals our commitment to miles of electric-only range. by used car values staying
battery-electric powertrains,” Bamford is a hydrogen But while it’s impossible resolutely strong, thereby
explained Palmer. “From now “We believe battery-electric advocate who – with a separate not to wince at the memory protecting residual values.
on, every new bus we build will be the dominant solution business called Ryse Hydrogen of the 2.69m sales made just
and design here in Leeds at least in the short term, but that provides storage, pumping five years ago, the forecast So too, many will have
will be battery-electric, it’s horses for courses, which infrastructure and finance reflects an underlying saved money while locked
using UK- and European- is why we offer a range of for the fuel, plus another that positivity; 60,000 sales were in and still be restricted
sourced components.” powertrains,” said Davies. produces it using renewable lost year on year in January on making any big-ticket
energy generated by an alone and February will purchases, such as holidays.
Electrification is the quickest “However, the industry offshore windfarm – believes be another tough month. For a few months at least,
way to clean the air in towns needs the government’s help, hydrogen’s time has come. March, with its emphasis if you’re intent on so-called
and cities, believes Palmer. not only in terms of subsidies, on the plate change, usually revenge buying (essentially
“It’s why, if the government is which we can’t just rely on, “The UK is too late to battery accounts for 20% of all sales rewarding yourself for what
serious about achieving [net] but also in giving people the production but, with our across the calendar year. you’ve been put through), it
zero emissions, it has to deliver confidence to return to buses.” climate, we can lead the way will probably come down to
a national bus strategy,” he with hydrogen,” said Bamford. The fact that the industry a new kitchen or a new car.
said. “With the climate change Bamford is clear in his view “The fuel is much better suited thinks it can bounce back
conference coming in 2026, it that, rather than BEVs, the to buses operating beyond from all this disruption Electrified cars look set to
must show clear leadership.” buses those people return to city centres and although, with just a 100,000 deficit be the big winners, with EV
must be hydrogen-powered. like battery-electric buses, from these usually crucial sales expected to grow 61.7%
Switch Mobility may have Before his takeover, Wrightbus hydrogen fuel cell buses are first three months speaks on last year’s remarkable
nailed its colours to the BEV was facing an uncertain future, around twice as expensive as volumes about how they see total and PHEV sales 75.8%.
mast, but ADL is hedging its diesel ones, if someone were the pipeline of opportunity. Together, they’re predicted
bets with a commitment to it Palmer urges government action to place an order for 3000 of to account for 15.5%. That’s
as well as to hydrogen, biogas, them [around 10% of the UK’s Some of it will be driven around 1% below diesel’s
hybrid and diesel buses. bus fleet], we would get our by euphoria, not least from share, but the ravages of this
price down to diesel bus levels.” the soon-to-be-vaccinated year could switch that order.
Its decision to bring design older people who make up a
and assembly of chassis for its You wait for one dirty old significant proportion of the By 2022, EVs will be
electric buses in-house from diesel bus and then a fleet of car-buying demographic, knocking on the door of 20%
BYD in China should ensure super-clean electrified ones despite what all those of sales and the transition
that it qualifies for some of arrive all at once. Now all adverts featuring buff wholly undeniable. That
the government’s promised they need is the government, twenty-somethings suggest. said, mild-hybrid petrols
passengers, operators and will evidently continue to
councils to get on board. Interest rates are low but dominate for some time yet.
JOHN EVANS property prices are strong,
so it’s one way to enjoy cash That’s good news on
that must have felt weirdly many levels, from reducing
valueless since last March. emissions to the industry
prospering. But best of all,
Likewise, since the Great it’s reassuring that a sector
Recession, the industry that employs some 850,000
has become underpinned and pays £20 billion in
by the repeat lease cycles direct taxes alone has the
that most buyers enter into. scope to thrive again.

Autocar Business is our industry-focused brand, delving
deeper into the business of the automotive world. Sign up
for our regular bulletin at autocar.co.uk/business-signup.

17 FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 17

WREAATKLOEMUUPSDOINCATHEVE
BERRY
BREAKFAST
SHOW

DIGITAL RADIO, APP & SMART SPEAKER

COMMENT

Steve Cropley
MY WEEK IN CARS

McLaren Artura PHEV
replaces Sports Series

Seeing 1948 Ford took
Cropley back to his youth

SUNDAY It’s the best-`proportioned, McLarens for a dozen years. You can see this car
most beautiful McLaren yet is extremely tightly packaged, yet for me it’s the
Ford has had its share of unusual characters in a best-proportioned, most beautiful McLaren yet.
century of leaders, but its CEO today, Jim Farley, a
must surely be among the most remarkable. My main curiosity was to understand how
While busily changing Ford’s whole fabric to I can also look past the jolting ride because, like designers maintain the freedom to shape a car
embrace electrification (at a mighty cost to many body-on-frame vehicles, the L200 creates as they think it should be while under continual
the bottom line, hopefully temporary), this remarkably little road noise – one reason people pressure to accommodate very specifically
incorrigible car nut, racer and Twitter jockey fondly remember their Mk3 and Mk4 Land Rover positioned scoops, lights, shutlines and a whole
never loses a chance to boost his troops or spread Discoverys. And the steering works well around suite of aerodynamic bits. Melville’s remarks
the word that cars are good. Farley chose the the straight-ahead, where you would expect it to about the project starting as “an invisible jigsaw”
night that the rest of America was glued to the be lacking, so I can handle a bit of wheel-winding. and ending as a prime example of “one-team
Super Bowl football final to post pictures of his mentality” reminded me firstly how eloquent
latest project (above). When requested, he sent What’s special, though, is how quietly the L200 great designers are and secondly that owning
word that you and I can get our own model GT40s takes ruts and bumps compared with cars. It may a car like this isn’t just about having something
by investing £295 plus six weeks of painstaking not be smooth, but it feels tough enough to win expensive and fast: it’s a chance to appreciate
after-hours effort, just like he did. Amazing bloke. the war. I like sitting on top of that. up close the fruits of many outrageous talents.

TUESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Driving 25 miles from home to get ‘the jab’ Putting the finishing touches to our McLaren Wonderful moment as a healthy-looking 1948
provided an unchallengeable opportunity for Artura news story (p6) involved having an Ford V8 Beetleback appeared for sale on the
some miles in the Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian enjoyable chat with design chief Rob Melville, Car & Classic website – the first I’ve seen since I
pick-up truck that I’ve been enjoying more than I who reminded me that he has now been doing owned a £50 example in outback Australia as a
should admit. I discover that simple appreciation schoolboy. Manufactured either side of the war,
of a fundamentally crude vehicle encourages you AND ANOTHER THING… the car was a failure commercially speaking, but
to reflect on the real-world qualities, picked for me and my friends it was a glorious success,
from the usual suite of road testers’ strengths I’ve just learned from Twitter’s @365daysmotoring – a teaching us how to slide a tall, huge, heavy and
and weaknesses, that you really care about. fantastic car trivia resource – that it’s exactly 68 years crudely suspended car with six turns lock to lock
since Volkswagen on rough dirt tracks and how to manage a sloppy
Forgive me, but I still like a strong, rattling changed the column-change (‘three on the tree’) gearbox with
diesel engine that starts pulling in the basement Beetle’s rear a non-existent synchro. The ad says the car might
of its rev range, especially when it’s bolted to an screen from a split be purchasable for £13,000 to £18,000, but I fear
ultra-smooth automatic gearbox. design to an oval. that the moment has gone. I hope the new owner
I’m so glad that doesn’t hot-rod it, though; these cars are rare.
I’m never going to tire of an elevated driving I now know that…
position, or the bulletproof trim, controls and GET IN TOUCH
switchgear, of a Japanese mainstream product.
(In the right places, the hard plastic that many [email protected] @stvcr
road testers affect to hate actually implies
ageless durability to me.)

17 FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 19

FIRST DRIVES

NEW CARS TESTED AND RATED

TESTED PFAFFENHAUSEN, GERMANY ON SALE NOW PRICE £750,000

RUF CTR
ANNIVERSARY

It may look like yet another restomodded Porsche 911, but this
homage to a 1980s legend is actually Ruf’s first bespoke creation

20 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 17 FEBRUARY 2021

can remember reading an being hand-assembled by Ruf in Ruf CTR Yellowbird, which in For one thing, the CTR is built
observation made by one Pfaffenhausen at a rate of three 1987 was the fastest road car on around Ruf’s new proprietary
amazed early reviewer of the examples per month. Only 50 will the planet, capable of 213mph. carbonfibre tub, developed at a cost
McLaren F1. He’d discovered exist and the price is prohibitive, of around ¤10 million. It’s made
that when sixth gear was selected but when you’re talking about what Over the years, we’ve also seen by Gerg, which has experience in
at almost 200mph and the V12’s is still the most respected third- the 993-based 520bhp CTR2 DTM and at the very highest level
throttle bodies were subsequently party Porsche tuner in what is an and mid-engined CTR3, whose in the WEC. To this are affixed steel
prised back open, the car surged increasingly saturated market, new spaceship form and 691bhp made subframes that support double-
forth. There’s no shortage of projects are impossible to ignore. it an alternative to the Ferrari Enzo wishbone suspension controlled
confounding facts about the and Pagani Zonda. But neither by ‘active’ pushrod-operated
greatest supercar ever made, It’s a curious thing, the CTR – the CTR2 nor the CTR3 sought to Tractive Autosport dampers
but I never got my head around that a real departure from Ruf’s usual revive the spirit of the Yellowbird, that can manipulate pitch, squat
one. How was the Mac capable of approach of modifying Porsches as this new CTR does – and in and roll movements on the fly.
generating so much thrust just at both historic and new for wildly fast fairness, Ruf’s timing could hardly
the point the body of air ahead of but finessed road driving. For one be better. The current fetishisation It’s all fully adjustable and
it would be solidifying into a wall? thing, aside from the Hans Mezger- of all things retro-911 shows no sign beautifully finished, with some
I also found it difficult to imagine designed block for the 3.6-litre of letting up, so why not join in? whimsical touches, such as the
the synaptic hit and adrenaline flat six, there’s very little Porsche spring casings, which are coloured
rush the driver must have enjoyed. in it. Not even the chassis. And as Not that there is anything Ruf’s familiar forest green.
But then Autocar secured some for the Anniversary bit, along with especially retro about the hardware
time in what’s known as the CTR the Blossom Yellow paint job, five- beneath the cartoonishly smooth, At each corner then sits a carbon-
Anniversary – the car currently spoke wheels and the bodywork, fully carbonfibre body, which was ceramic Brembo brake disc that,
it merely references the original styled by Freeman Thomas of while similar to what you find on
original Audi TT fame. the 911 GT2 RS, is unique to Ruf. ◊

17 FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 21

The 19in wheels that fill their mass flywheel in the sabre-sharp supercars and thus an environment It glides down the road carefree,
arches so generously are forged SCR – the CTR’s naturally aspirated much better suited for the purpose of its body seeming to barely work its
centre-locking items whose relatively sibling. Downstream sits a limited- uncorking Ruf’s monstrous engine. sophisticated suspension, but when
small diameter is a reflection of the slip differential, entirely necessary. it does, doing so with total precision,
CTR’s compact stature. Not that Still, get going and the CTR allows like a modern McLaren. Three years
you would want to leave it there, Settle into the cockpit and the you to acclimatise. The clutch pedal of fine-tuning on the move and the
but you could get this car up into dissonance that stems from being is reassuringly heavy but no more. result is as easy-going as you like.
an NCP without hassle. I should inside something novel, but that also Off boost, the twin-turbo engine is
probably mention now, in the feels so familiar, hits you. Were it not much more mildly mannered than However, up the ante and you’re
context of the car’s modest size, for the modern Porsche wheel and its breathy, cammy, fidgety idle and obliged to properly engage your
its official power output: 700bhp. exposed carbonfibre weave of the tub low-rev soundscape suggest. And the brain. The gearbox is tight enough in
around your knees, you could be in steering: it’s hydraulically assisted its action but not the most intuitive.
So, although the CTR may appear any old 911 – although of course any but only lightly so, and it quickly The top-row gates are closely stacked,
to be an anachronism (its glasshouse level of customisation is possible. graduates from reasonable heft to so it’s easy to overshoot third and
is exactly to 993 specification) and almost guide-by-your-fingertips snatch fifth while you’re still trying
may sound like an old 911 (albeit an No surprise that it’s quite tight in delicacy. At this stage, you will also to compute just how far up the road
absurdly fruity one), its chassis has here, then, although the panoramic clock how reactive the rack is as you you might be in half-a-second’s time.
more in common with modern Le glasshouse makes it feel like you’re put in those first few degrees of lock.
Mans prototypes than the classic wearing an astronaut’s flight Which is quite far. Fluff it and the
Carrera 3.2 that its bodywork plays helmet. This is miles from the often Most of all, though, the Ruf CTR CTR would still embarrass plenty of
on. It’s an undiluted supercar, based claustrophobic cabins of mainstream immediately feels wonderfully light. serious sports cars in a straight drag
on nothing other than Alois Ruf’s race, but get it right and it accelerates
desire to do something fresh. Development car’s cabin is business-like; most CTRs will be more colourful with an outright malevolence
that leaves you feeling foggy.
As for the powertrain, it could
almost have come from a Group C The motor itself is so strong
racer. The 700bhp is paired with that the level of forced-induction
649lb ft of torque, both developed assistance is sympathetic, rather
with the help of Ruf’s own titanium than intentionally barbaric, and
internals, new top-end and electronic fittingly the delivery is responsive
management. The figures give pause and linear to the very end, with a
for thought even before you consider serrated, yowling engine note that
the fact that it all flows not through wouldn’t feel out of place in the old
some reinforced torque converter or 911 GT3. There are no nasty surprises
beefed-up dual-clutch gearbox but here: traction is excellent, driveline
through a seven-speed manual. shunt is minimal and there’s plenty
of throttle-pedal travel.
Ruf’s industry connections meant
German engineering heavyweight As for the handling, getting the
ZF provided the tiny number of best out of the CTR isn’t so easy.
bespoke ’boxes needed, which pair It feels almost mid-engined in its
with a dual-mass flywheel in the balance, right up to the moment you
more ‘rounded’ CTR but a single- try to do something ambitious, when
it dispenses with the disguise and

`

It feels a small and precise car, but one

that’s also explosively over-endowed

a

Pushrod suspension helps keep the body narrow and dampers can be relaxed for calmer driving
22 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 17 FEBRUARY 2021

FIRST DRIVES

TESTER’S NOTE
Top speed is a Ruf
calling card. It’s
why none of its

conversions have roof
gutters: for the aero
benefit. Another way
to identify a genuine

Ruf is to look for
the roll-cage, which
should be artfully
integrated into the

A-pillars, hidden
behind the leather. RL

Wheelbase is 70mm longer than that of 1987 Yellowbird but small footprint is largely the same

reverts to 911 traits. Once loaded steering. Just a touch more feedback respect, the CTR can do what the suckerpunch-quick, multifaceted in
up, it’s fiercely responsive to a lifted and it would be world-class. Driven F1 can do, and perhaps that’s not their dynamics and analogue.
throttle and before that point shoots very quickly, the overall sensation is surprising. The two cars are very
up on its toes under a trailing brake. of a small and precise car, but one similar in their dimensions and Analogue. Because the manual
that’s explosively over-endowed and technologies, and at 1200kg dry the ’box makes the CTR. In 2021, there is
Stability out of bends is immense almost uncomfortably agile at times. Ruf is also unusually light, weighing no shortage of superbly well-honed,
for the most part, but I was reluctant 270kg less than even the 911 GT2 RS, carbonfibre-tubbed supercars with
to throw the kitchen sink at this And then you get the CTR on a which is the car Ruf benchmarked this much power, but none demands
treasured development car. During properly quick road, which is why I for performance, and only 50kg more so much from their driver. As with
the CTR’s gestation, Ruf shifted from finally understand what the driver of than the original 1987 Yellowbird. the Noble M600 and Porsche Carrera
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres to that F1 understood. Slotting seventh GT, owners will need to master their
Dunlop SportMaxx Race 2s, because gear then reapplying the power with The asking price is £750,000. Or machine but will revel in what is sure
the car was too edgy and reactive, almost 205mph on the dial results in rather it was: every example is now to be a spectacular bonding period.
and that underlying nervous energy the car slamming its goggle-eyed face spoken for. If you have the means,
is still palpable. The CTR bristles, into ambient autobahn air harder there’s still the 4.0-litre SCR, which This car makes you feel glad to
although always in the context of than you thought possible. Imagine lacks the CTR’s cachet but is arguably be alive, and so even for those lucky
remarkably flat body control, once an air-tanker dropping not water even more exciting and isn’t limited. enough to have just a taste, the CTR
the dampers are in the appropriate onto a blazing forest but kerosene. Both cars are something completely experience isn’t one easily forgotten.
setting, and disarmingly delicate extraordinary, though: charismatic,
It may not be an F1 but, in this RICHARD LANE

@_rlane_

RUF CTR ANNIVERSARY

Rich in character and more engaging
than any mainstream supercar. Rare
skill is required to get the best from it

AAAAB

Price £750,000

Engine 6 cyls, 3600cc, twin-

turbocharged, petrol

Power 700bhp at 6750rpm

Torque 649lb ft at 2750-4000rpm

Gearbox 7-spd manual

Dry weight 1200kg

0-62mph Less than 3.5sec

Top speed 233mph

Economy 22.1mpg

CO2, tax band 305g/km, 37%

RIVALS Lamborghini Aventador

Twin-turbocharged flat six is hand-built by Ruf itself SVJ, Singer Porsche 911

17 FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 23

TESTER’S NOTE
In a show of how

confident Xpeng is,
it didn’t give us some
brand-new media car
for the test but the
daily runaround of an
employee. It didn’t

disappoint. MA

TESTED 14.1.21, GUANGZHOU, CHINA ON SALE LATE 2021 (EUROPE)

XPENG P7

Chinese company will bring its sleek and slick Tesla Model 3 rival to Europe this year

There was no shortage a few years virtual assistant, Xiao P. Its ability to a Super Long Range, which gets a of Xpeng’s Navigation Guided Pilot.
ago of Chinese start-ups with understand even our broken Chinese whopping 416 miles (NEDC) from A motorway-based autonomous
grand dreams of making EVs. A was impressive, plus it responds the larger-capacity (80.9kWh) battery driving system, it’s better than
trio has since come to symbolise to commands much faster than also used on the Performance model. China-spec Teslas at merging and
the industry, thanks to their success most systems (2.5sec) and is able to driving at the speed limit. It also
not just in sales but also on the US process 10 commands every 25sec. As with many Chinese EVs, this needs far less input from the driver.
stock market: Li, Nio and Xpeng. P7 is geared towards range rather It is, however, less aggressive than
All touchpoints have good-quality than performance, but it still has a Tesla when it comes to overtaking.
Nio is best known to Europeans, materials, although less frequently acceleration sufficiently fast to leave
but Xpeng is hot on its heels, already felt areas get harder plastics. In tune in its wake any similarly priced petrol The P7 will come to Europe this
selling its G3 crossover in Norway. with the exterior’s minimalism, the car. While the regenerative braking is year, but UK sales are unconfirmed.
The Guangzhou-based firm’s second dash looks incredibly clean, with air adjustable, it can’t be made as strong By that time it should understand
model, the P7 saloon, has been on vents hidden beneath. Both the driver as in many EVs, so consequently you English; Norwegian G3s already do.
sale in China since June last year, and the front passenger get comfy, need to use the brake pedal more.
and this month it gained NGP, electrically adjustable leather seats. Not only is it a good-looking car,
an autonomous driving system to For once in a Chinese car, the but it’s also well built, spacious and
rival Tesla’s Autopilot. Despite the panoramic roof, rear steering is reasonably weighted – generously equipped. Performance
occupants get plenty of head space, and the ride is stiffer, thanks to the – be it in terms of driving, range or
Compared with the French- along with good leg room. The bench chassis having been developed in technology – is highly competitive
looking G3, the P7 has a far sleeker, can seat three adults in reasonable conjunction with Porsche. In general, with better-known EVs, many of
Italian flair to its design. Although comfort, but surprisingly the central the list of suppliers is top-rate. which are in higher price segments.
often billed as a Tesla Model 3 rival, seat doesn’t get a fully flat floor.
it’s far closer in size to the Model S. Coming soon is a memory parking MARK ANDREWS
Under the bonnet is a small storage function that will allow the P7 to drive
Its interior has a very modern look, compartment large enough for a itself to its designated parking space; XPENG P7 SUPER LONG RANGE PREMIUM
with a digital instrument panel and small backpack, while the main but for the moment it makes do with
a 15in infotainment touchscreen that boot is both capacious and sturdy. an empty parking space detection Family-friendly electric saloon has
blend together in a swathe of glass. system that lets you pick a space for generous equipment, a good range
All versions of the P7 use a 263bhp the car to park itself in. Unlike in some and Tesla-rivalling technology
Most of the functions of the P7, motor for the rear wheels and the Chinese cars, this actually works.
such as the climate and infotainment, Performance version adds a 161bhp AAAAC
can be voice-activated via Xpeng’s motor to the front. Our test car was We also got to test a beta version

Price £31,360 (in China, after

government subsidies)

Engine AC permanent magnet

synchronous motor

Power 263bhp

Torque 288lb ft

Gearbox 1-spd automatic

Kerb weight 1935kg

0-62mph 6.7sec

Top speed 106mph

Battery 80.9kWh, lithium ion

Range 416 miles (NEDC)

CO2, tax band 0g/km, 0%

Ride isn’t floaty like with most Chinese cars; interior is smart and works well RIVALS Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf

24 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 17 FEBRUARY 2021

FIRST DRIVES

TESTED 10.2.21, WARWICKSHIRE ON SALE NOW

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTD
Diesel may be in crisis, but Wolfsburg’s oil-burning hot hatch remains unperturbed

n the past, Volkswagen’s hot VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTD
diesel Golf often outsold its hot
petrol Golf two to one. The GTD Less fashionable than it once was,
has been common on roads since but the GTD is arguably more
its arrival in 2009, mainly because it compelling to own than ever
has been cheaper to buy and run than
the GTI but hardly any slower in the AAAAB
real world. Few cars capitalised so
effectively on our addiction to easy- Price £32,840
access torque in the turbodiesel era.
In 2021, it’s unlikely the GTD will Engine 4 cyls, 1968cc, turbo, diesel
outshine the GTI quite so brazenly,
if at all. However, this has little to do Power 197bhp at 3600-4100rpm
with the ability of the Mk8 product
and everything to do with the PR Torque 295lb ft at 1750-3500rpm
crisis engulfing diesel, because on
paper the GTD is better than ever. Gearbox 7-spd dual-clutch automatic
Power has risen 16bhp to 197bhp,
torque is up 15lb ft to 295lb ft and, Kerb weight 1465kg
while the new WLTP testing regime
makes direct comparisons with the 0-62mph 7.1sec
old GTD impossible, the Evo engine’s
two SCR filters and dual AdBlue Top speed 152mph
injection should make it cleaner in
terms of NOx. (The GTD officially Economy 51.4-54.3mpg
gets 54.3mpg, the GTI 38.0mpg.)
Inside, the technological array is the GTD gets the same broad semi- any comparable petrol. Mind you, I’d CO2, tax band 137g/km, 34%
identical to every other Golf and its buckets, albeit in monochrome hues, prefer it if the DSG’s otherwise slick
compromises are already well known. as the GTI, plus its perforated wheel. shift points were more aggressive in RIVALS BMW 125d M Sport,
However, it’s worth mentioning that Sport mode (so you can avoid using
The driving position is solid, if the apologetic plastic paddles). Ford Focus ST EcoBlue
uninspiring, and the transmission
tunnel adorned solely with the shift- Our car’s 18in wheels and optional car precise, well-balanced handling.
by-wire gear-selector snub, because adaptive dampers worked very nicely Traction is strong and helps create
your one gearbox option is the dual- across a spread of roads. Set to three
clutch DSG, unlike with the GTI. notches above Comfort mode, the some rear adjustability to go with the
suspension absorbs B-roads with GTD’s surprising cross-country pace.
In truth, automatic suits the GTD. fluency and control. The recent
While it’s reasonably free-revving, addition of the VAQ limited-slip-diff- This all means that while diesel
the 2.0-litre engine’s bottom-heavy alike in the front axle also gives the is facing an end-of-days scenario,
delivery makes it less engaging than nobody seems to have told this
understated star of the Golf range.

RICHARD LANE

TESTED 9.2.21, SUSSEX ON SALE NOW

KIA RIO
Supermini gets new engine with, in pricier form, economy-minded accoutrements

“Basically, it’s Kia’s Fiesta,” comparison is surprisingly valid. You which switches between combustion Well-made interior is vice-free
is the way to explain the might still grimace at the prospect of cycles depending on the throttle load.
anonymous shape of the a 1.0-litre, but while the power output KIA RIO 1.0 T-GDI 48V 118 GT-LINE S DCT
Rio, which remains largely remains at 118bhp, this unit is 16% The powertrain has a weakness,
unfamiliar to the public despite torquier than its forebear, giving an though, in the automatic gearbox
having been sold in the UK since unexpectedly strong 148lb ft. (£1000). It’s not slick, sometimes
2005 and twice since reinvented. alerting you to its shifting and
Meanwhile, the 48V system is hesitating. An auto always feels
This is the updated version of the impressively discreet, recuperating wrong in a supermini, and it does
Rio that arrived in 2017. The range energy without drawing attention to even more so when you learn about
opens at £14k, but we’re at the other itself, save for a yacht icon to signal Kia’s new Intelligent Manual
end, where the new 1.0-litre three-pot when you’re ‘sailing’ – that is, when Transmission (IMT), which links the
engine gains a turbo and Kia’s first the engine shuts off during coasting. lever and clutch pedal to the ’box only
mild-hybrid system. At £21k in range- Likewise Kia’s new Continuously electronically, again for efficiency.
topping GT-Line S trim, the Ford Variable Valve Duration system,
Other improvements in this update
focus on the cabin – most obviously New engine impresses while car tries
a larger (8.0in) touchscreen, which its utmost not to offend. Surely gains
looks good and is intuitive – plus half a star in cheaper, manual form
some new active safety technology.
AAACC
The Rio’s handling is still about as
exciting as a day in lockdown, mind Price  £21,145
you, while its secondary ride is often
about as comfortable as watching Engine  3 cyls, 998cc, turbo, petrol
the news, despite its loping gait.
Power  118bhp at 6000rpm
Kia continues to do an admirable
job of developing ICE engineering Torque 148lb ft at 2000rpm
to preserve affordable small cars,
and that makes it seem all the more Gearbox 7-spd automatic
appropriate for us to recommend the
Rio with its 48V engine but in 3 trim Kerb weight 1253kg
with the IMT. At £21k, head to Ford.
0-62mph 9.9sec
KRIS CULMER
Top speed 118mph

Economy 51.4mpg

CO2, tax band 126g/km, 28%

RIVALS Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio 

17 FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 25

PHOTOGRAPHY OLGUN KORDAL ROAD TEST

No 5511

Skoda Octavia

Skoda reprises an understated everyday hero, but is TDI power still of any interest?

MODEL TESTED 2.0 TDI vRS
Price £32,260 Power 197bhp Torque 295lb ft 0-60mph 7.2sec 30-70mph in fourth 7.3sec Fuel economy 42.2mpg CO2 emissions 130g/km 70-0mph 52.2m

26 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 17 FEBRUARY 2021

iesel power is not, and Range at a glance ROAD TEST

D never has been, the first ENGINES POWER FROM z The new model’s face builds on the
thing that comes to mind angular aggression of the previous
when hot hatchbacks are 1.0 TSI 109bhp £21,230 Octavia vRS, not least with even
the subject of discussion. Not that 1.5 TSI 148bhp £22,245 slimmer, meaner headlights, which
anyone has told Skoda. The marque 1.0 TSI e-TEC 109bhp £23,270 now come with full LED matrix
has long ploughed this particular 2.0 TDI 115bhp £23,545 technology as standard.
furrow, and has to some extent made 2.0 TDI 148bhp £24,570
the niche its own with a line of fast, 1.5 TSI e-TEC 148bhp £27,360 z Gloss-black plastic for the grille
frugal and clandestine products that 2.0 TSI vRS 242bhp £30,605 surround differentiates the vRS
stretches all the way back to the boxy 2.0 TDI vRS 197bhp £32,260 from regular Octavia models, which
Fabia vRS supermini of 2003. Yes, the 1.4 TSI iV 201bhp £33,095 use chrome instead. They’re not so
entire vRS sub-brand sprang into life 1.4 TSI iV vRS 242bhp £35,645 noticeable on our black test car, but
via the black plump. the lower air intakes are also
Which is perhaps why, when so TRANSMISSIONS considerably larger.
many car makers are ditching diesel 6-spd manual
and heading for the hybrid hills in 6-spd dual-clutch automatic (iV) z Brake calipers are painted red and
order to reduce their average fleet 7-spd dual-clutch automatic sit behind wheel-arch-filling 19in alloys
emissions, Skoda is reprising its unique to the vRS. Hatchback versions
quick TDI Octavia vRS for no less Skoda’s range of engines for the of the car also get a small spoiler on the
than the fourth time. Admittedly, Octavia is as comprehensive and bootlid, in gloss black.
this latest quick Octavia also comes forward looking as you would expect
in petrol and petrol-electric plug-in from any major manufacturer in z Polished stainless steel exhaust tips
hybrid forms, both of which have 2021. The options can be roughly perhaps hint at more performance and
powertrains considerably more divided into three groups: straight firepower than the 197bhp 2.0-litre TDI
powerful than the 2.0-litre TDI we’re internal-combustion engines, under the bonnet can provide, but they
testing here, and so bets are most those assisted by 48V mild-hybrid give the car an appreciably serious,
definitely being hedged in Mladá systems (denoted ‘e-TEC’), and junior super-saloon persona.
Boleslav. But the decision to give the full plug-in hybrids.
diesel derivative a stay of execution
We like suggests Skoda recognises how much shared with the Golf GTD. As well
satisfaction this car’s forebears have as generating 16bhp more than the
z Tractable performance marries given their often loyal owners, and unit it replaces, this new Evo turbo
with an interesting cabin that there is life in the concept yet. diesel also benefits from VW’s latest
z Supremely economical given its That concept takes the regular selective catalytic reduction (SCR)
potential for point-to-point pace Skoda’s unusually spacious shell technology, known as ‘twin dosing’.
– which looks like it belongs in the AdBlue is injected upstream of two
We don’t like C-segment on the outside, but feels SCR catalytic converters arranged in
undeniably D-segment once you’re series, with the claimed result that
z Comfortable, but not the most ensconced within it – and in 2021 NOx emissions are 80% lower.
refined car over big distances propels it with the second most
z Lacks the handling precision you powerful four-cylinder diesel the What makes the Octavia vRS
would find in most petrol hot hatches Volkswagen Group makes. Deploying TDI unique from its VW GTD
the 237bhp 2.0-litre twin-turbo unit counterpart, and from the petrol-
available in more senior VW models powered vRS models, is that it is
such as the Arteon would have made available with a clutch-based four-
for a more exciting product, no wheel drive system, which gives the
doubt, and would have also brought car an added element of usability and
the Octavia vRS TDI into line with an undeniable USP. However, our
its petrol-fuelled siblings in terms test car goes without rear driveshafts
of outright shove, but for whatever – its powertrain is solely front drive
reason, that hasn’t happened. – and is equipped with the seven-
The chassis has undergone speed dual-clutch gearbox that is the
targeted modification to move the only transmission option available.
Octavia from ‘consummate family Anybody who specifically wants a
car’ to something altogether more manual gearbox will need to turn
toothy, and the cabin follows suit, their attention to the petrol vRS, or to
with Alcantara and perforated Ford’s 187bhp Focus ST diesel.
leather underscoring the vRS badge.
This pleasing recipe is well known by As for its chassis, the Octavia vRS
now, but with the days of the diesel- once again pairs Golf GTI hardware
powered hot Skoda numbered, the with a longer wheelbase, which has in
scene is now set for us to answer the the past successfully injected control
big question: should you buy one of and agility into the car’s practicality-
these all-rounders while you still can, minded brief. The standard-fit vRS-
in order to keep it for the long term? specific passive suspension sets the
body 15mm lower than the regular
DESIGN AND ENGINEERING Octavia, though for only £945 it’s ◊

AAAAC Hot Octavia is staying true to diesel roots

The vRS badge means different
things depending on which variant
you’re talking about. However, the
line-up helpfully mirrors that of VW’s
hot Golfs. The petrol Octavia vRS uses
the same 242bhp 2.0-litre TSI as the
Golf GTI; the plug-in hybrid Golf GTE
donates its 1.4-litre TSI and electric
motor to the Octavia vRS iV, to deliver
the same 242bhp as the pure petrol,
albeit achieved differently; and the
197bhp 2.0-litre TDI tested here is

17 FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 27

Weights and measures 1040mm max 600- 1457mm
780mm 1555 litres
DIMENSIONS
900mm 1094mm
0.24

1100mm max

910mm Kerb weight: 1441kg z The driving position is too high but there’s an abundance of space in the front,
2686mm increasing the car’s appeal as a long-distance cruiser, and lots of storage cubbies.
PARKING 4689mm

Typical parking space width (2400mm)

Typical garage height

2300mm Typical leg room
780mm

2000mm (with mirrors) z Wheelbase longer than the Golf’s benefits rear passengers. Leg and head room are
class-leading, though the seats are rather flat and less supportive than they appear.
3680mm
40mm
WHEEL AND PEDAL 170mm
ALIGNMENT
Width 790-970mm
Well-aligned MQB-style
driving position here, though
the chunky seats set the
driver too high given the
car’s sporting pretensions.

HEADLIGHTS Height 520-790mm

All vRS models are fitted Length 1060-1830mm
with matrix LED headlights
as standard, which dip the Centre z The rear seatbacks don’t fold completely flat, but the Octavia still offers acres of
main beam to avoid dazzling space. Only the estate gets an adjustable floor to compensate for the sizeable lip.
other road users – and do
it effectively.

Δ likely most owners will go for the black trim, full LED headlights and, binnacle, while the car’s centre this Octavia is the truly premium
optional Dynamic Chassis Control, more fundamentally, the wider rear console is now dominated by a free- product Skoda is clearly aiming for.
which offers numerous damper track width than standard, which standing touchscreen, which isn’t so Equally, though thuggishly bolstered
settings selectable via the cabin’s adds attitude. You might even begin neatly integrated as the old system and decently comfortable, the
central touchscreen. However, once to question just how much Q-car but is at least now at eye level. modular seats, with their integrated
again, our test car keeps things basic. appeal the Octavia vRS today holds. headrests, feel set too high for a
The steering rack has also been What hits you is the perception genuinely serious driver’s car, and
quickened, from 2.7 turns between INTERIOR of space. In its dimensions, the Mk4 no amount of the matt carbonfibre-
locks in the regular car to 2.1 for all car is only fractionally larger than its effect trim can change that.
vRS models. What this front-driven AAAAC forebear, but the move to shift by wire
TDI version does not get – but what for the stubby new gear selector has What the Octavia can fall back on
the TSI model does get and what the Custodians of the previous Octavia uncluttered the transmission tunnel. is its class-leading boot, sprawling
four-wheel-drive TDI doesn’t need – vRS will feel familiar with the new The more organically shaped panels leg room for rear-seat passengers
is any form of limited-slip differential. car’s mechanical make-up, its various also make the cabin feel less austere and generous equipment. And that’s
The TDI also uses marginally smaller racy design cues and overall role in and, to some extent, less poky. It’s part of the appeal: behind the vRS
brakes than the TSI, though both cars life, but they won’t so easily recognise soothing in here. badges is still an exceptionally well
are fitted with striking 19in alloys. the heavily revised interior. conceived family car.
However, while the black
Stylistically speaking, the new Utilitarian dashboard plastic has headlining and aluminium pedals PERFORMANCE
Octavia builds on the Skoda’s given way to warm Alcantara with give the vRS an effective sporting
increasingly menacing exterior red stitching, and the multifunction lift, there remain some exposed poor AAABC
design for vRS models. There are steering wheel has been brought plastics, and the plastic-chrome
copious angles, elements of gloss- forward by what feels not one controls are simply not sturdy enough You would have had more luck
generation but two. Through it you either in look or feel to convince you babying some big, front-engined V12
can see the new digital instrument bruiser off the mark in the days ◊

28 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 17 FEBRUARY 2021

ROAD TEST

z Alcantara on the dash achieves a sporting effect. We z Stubby gear selector reflects the fact the Octavia is z Multifunction steering is suitably sized and swathed
wouldn’t miss the faux carbonfibre on the decorative now shift by wire. This design isn’t unlike that used by in firmly padded perforated leather. Some controls
strip that otherwise gracefully spans the cockpit. Porsche. It saves space but lacks elegance. don’t feel that solid, but overall it’s an excellent helm.

Multimedia system AAABC

The VW Group’s move to a more touch-sensitive, button-free
infotainment universe has not gone as smoothly as it would have
liked. The new system in the Octavia is not especially intuitive,
and it can be difficult to make quick adjustments on the fly.

The 10.25in Virtual Cockpit looks slick, offers good clarity
and raises the car’s premium appeal, but the central 10.0in
Columbus sat-nav display is less impressive. The touch-sensitive
volume slider is especially frustrating while, on the screen itself,
the home icon is positioned at the top left-hand corner – ideal
for the car’s home market, but very poor ergonomically in any
right-hand-drive model. There is at least the option of mirroring
one’s smartphone, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both
catered for.

The cabin is also generously furnished with USB ports:
there are five, including one built into the rear-view mirror
to charge dashcams.

17 FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 29

The TDI is not th`e one-dimensional

clodhopper you might expect it to be

a

Δ before launch-control software a 7.2sec 0-60mph time, which pedal in fourth, and it would do so Octavia vRS brood, the TDI is not
than squeezing an optimal 0-60mph tallies with Skoda’s claim of 7.4sec quickly and intuitively. The gearbox the one-dimensional clodhopper
time out of the diesel Octavia vRS on to 62mph. Clearly Porsche has shift calibration is good in this car, as you might expect it to be. The diesel
the day we tested it at Millbrook. With some competition when it comes to demonstrated by the fact our testers engine is, of course, heavier than
ambient temperature at just 1deg C understating performance claims, rarely if ever found themselves the petrol, but it doesn’t make the
and damp patches on the track, the because it’s reasonable to assume that grasping for one of the stubby, car feel noticeably nose-heavy by
tyres struggled fruitlessly for traction in warmer, drier conditions the TDI vaguely apologetic plastic gearshift comparison, which has sometimes
through both first and second gears. Octavia vRS would easily have dipped paddles on the steering wheel. been the case in the past. Aided by the
below seven seconds. By comparison, However, on occasion, you may need Octavia’s unusually long wheelbase
The problem was twofold. First, the Golf GTD is rated at 7.1sec to to knock the ’box into Sport mode. for the class, the balance is also more
and as has already been pointed out, 62mph, and the DSG-equipped petrol neutral than you might expect, and
the diesel Octavia vRS lacks the LSD- Octavia vRS – the one with the VAQ What you don’t get with this direction changes are neat via the
mimicking VAQ system available in system – manages 6.6sec. The diesel powertrain is much shape in the light but direct and pleasingly gritty
the petrol, and therefore once one of Skoda clearly has some bite. delivery, which is unsurprising. The steering. It therefore isn’t hard to
its front Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres has TDI unit’s exertions come with a establish an enjoyable flow in the vRS
slipped, it remains so. Second, and But standing starts are not what good thwack of torque, but once the TDI, not least because the spring and
as is common to almost all modern the car is about. Its 7.3sec time for the turbo has spooled up, that delivery damper set-up is taut but still permits
turbo diesels, the torque output hits haul from 30mph to 70mph in fourth is uniform until it starts to become a calculated degree of heave.
its 295lb ft peak early and almost out – our preferred measure of how deep strained at 4000rpm. The EA888 VW
of nowhere, with the turbocharger an engine’s lungs are – is only three engine in the petrol vRS is no paragon Which is perhaps why there’s little
suddenly waking up at around tenths slower than the time recently of excitement in this respect, but doubt this car is at its best when
1700rpm. The combination means recorded by the new 306bhp Audi S3. there’s more to sink your teeth into. driven at no more than a ‘committed
it’s very difficult to mete drive out Which, just to dispel any confusion, canter’. Were you to pitch it into battle
with much precision during full-bore is mightily impressive. Of course, in HANDLING AND STABILITY with more driver-centric front-driven
runs, at least in these conditions. normal circumstances, the seven- hatches – such as the new BMW 128ti
speed gearbox would kick down AAABC or Renault Mégane RS – the Skoda
What is therefore quite odd is if you fully depressed the throttle would find itself exposed painfully
the fact that our test car recorded Despite its implied status as the
least athletic and exciting of the

z The limits of this focused-looking car’s sportiness are laid bare when driven spiritedly on favourable B-roads. The addition of a limited-slip diff would help in this regard.

30 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 17 FEBRUARY 2021

Track notes z It’s possible to coax z Chassis enjoys faster, stability- ROAD TEST
some attitude in the car rewarding sweepers, like T3,
At less than 1450kg, this Octavia vRS through the faster hairpin which it coolly dispatches. T2
is not a particularly heavy car, and the at T4, but the lack of a
engine’s torque duly made short work limited-slip diff makes it T4
of the severe gradients that often difficult to get the front
have similarly powerful cars labouring axle biting hard enough. T3
away on Millbrook’s Hill Route. T1
However, at maximum attack, the T6
drone of the engine quickly becomes z Suspension rebound following
tiring and for this reason alone there’s T7 mid-corner compressions, such as at
little satisfaction to be had from T5, invites understeer, which more
wringing the car’s neck. T5 serious hot hatches would escape.

When given the opportunity FINISH START
to show what it can do, free from
speed limits and other road
users, the chassis is similarly
unambitious. It does demonstrate
hints of adjustability on turn-in, but
thereafter remains fairly inert and,
as on the road, scrappy and prone
to understeer if you don’t get the
application of power right on the
way out of bends. Again, warmer
Tarmac and grippier tyres would
help its cause, but fundamentally
the car feels set up for security
rather than dynamism.

early on. The faint slack in the circumstances, very capable indeed, while they offer some improvement systems and the interior makeover. It
suspension that makes the car such the Skoda offers broad appeal. in outright comfort in their softest means the new car is priced to match
easy-going company when driven at setting, the difference with the the more powerful petrol variant and
lukewarm pace undoes the handling COMFORT AND ISOLATION passive set-up isn’t night and day. also the Golf GTD, and there are good
somewhat if you really throw the Certainly, you are more likely to reasons why you might choose either
thing down an interesting B-road. Of AAABC want the DCC dampers for the of those alternatives.
course, optioning the DCC dampers – benefit they provide on B-roads,
relatively cheap at £945 – would help, Without the optional DCC adaptive rather than motorways. Company car buyers might also
but even this would not overcome dampers, the car’s suspension be tempted by the plug-in hybrid
the greatest barrier Skoda has itself tune exists as a compromise, albeit Of more concern are the Octavia vRS on account of its
erected for the car, which is (again) one Skoda will have attempted Lamborghini-esque 19in wheels. 30g/km, compared with 130g/km for
the lack of any LSD-type hardware. to optimise. As ever, the concern Despite the soft, generous bucket the TDI. However, we would advise
This isn’t so much of a problem on is that the suspension has been seats, they still impart a slight caution with this approach. If you
the way into corners, but too much optimised for smoother European prickliness to the ride quality, want something fast and practical,
enthusiasm anywhere between apex roads than our own, though happily whichever suspension you have, the PHEV will deliver it, but in our
and exit – easily achieved, because of this doesn’t seem to be the case. In with the effect particularly marked experience the most economical
the robust torque delivery – and the effect, what the Skoda gives away at lower speeds. They also generate Octavia vRS on paper is the most
progress becomes scruffy. in ultimate handling precision and plenty of road roar, as picked up by compromised model in the range
body control, it gains in usability our testing microphones. in terms of ride and handling.
Traction-limited and on the and in its forgiving gait. There is an
soft side, the Octavia vRS TDI edge to the ride quality, and anyone BUYING AND OWNING Finally, drivers who accumulate
is therefore unlikely to tempt expecting to find the cushioned waft big annual mileages are still best
too many committed hot hatch achieved by the larger Superb will AAAAC served by the TDI, on the basis of its
enthusiasts. However, for the driver be disappointed, but overall it rides truly impressive economy figures
who needs diesel and is looking to more serenely than its performance- Skoda has increased the price of the during testing. Touring economy
upgrade into something that feels infused superficial character would TDI Octavia vRS by roughly £4000 well beyond 60mpg is possible with
reasonably serious and is, in most suggest. Indeed, we’ve sampled the during the handover from third to this car, and even with mixed use
DCC dampers on the petrol vRS, and fourth generation, reflecting the 40mpg-plus should be achievable. ◊
engine’s new emissions-mitigating

AC C E L E R AT I O N

Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI vRS (1deg C, drying)

Standing quarter mile 15.7sec at 95.2mph, standing km 28.0sec at 120.0mph, 30-70mph 5.9sec, 30-70mph in fourth 7.3sec

30mph 40mph 50mph 60mph 70mph 80mph 90mph 100mph 110mph

3.3s 4.4s 5.7s 7.2s 9.2s 11.3s 14.4s 17.7s 21.6s

0 10s 20s

Ford Focus 1.5 ST-Line X (2deg C, damp)

Standing quarter mile 16.6sec at 87.2mph, standing km 29.8sec at 111.2mph, 30-70mph 7.8sec, 30-70mph in fourth 11.4sec

30mph 40mph 50mph 60mph 70mph 80mph 90mph 100mph 110mph

3.6s 5.1s 6.7s 8.9s 11.4s 14.1s 18.2s 22.8s 28.4s

0 10s 20s 70mph-0

B R A K I N G 60-0mph: 2.79sec 50mph-0 40m 52.2m
40m
Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI vRS (1deg C, drying) 26.6m 50m
70mph-0
30mph-0 20m 30m
55.1m
9.7m 50mph-0
50m
0 10m 27.7m

Ford Focus 1.5 ST-Line X (2deg C, damp) 20m 30m

30mph-0

10.2m

0 10m

17 FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 31

Data log

SKODA OCTAVIA £32,260
2.0 TDI vRS £33,315
£14,800
On-the-road price na
Price as tested 61.9p
Value after 3yrs/36k miles 24/£685
Contract hire pcm
Cost per mile
Insurance

TYPICAL PCP QUOTE 52
litres
4 years/40k miles, £4000 deposit £387
If you can find £4000 for the deposit on the
Octavia vRS, Skoda will contribute £1500.
Thereafter, you will pay £387 monthly, with
an optional final payment of £11,640. With a
representative APR of 4.1%, the total amount
payable would be £35,348, with an excess
mileage charge of 6.98 pence per mile.

EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST

19in Altair anthracite alloy wheels TECHNICAL LAYOUT

Alcantara dash with contrast stitching The Octavia uses the same modular MQB platform as the Golf, albeit with the axles
pulled marginally further apart to give the car its unusually spacious cabin. Haldex-
Full matrix headlights with AFS style four-wheel drive is available, though our car is front driven. Suspension
(passive, in this case) is then by MacPherson struts up front, multi-link at the rear.
Progressive Dynamic Steering

Rear privacy glass

Sports suspension (15mm lower)

Front heated seats ENGINE ECONOMY

Columbus sat-nav with 10.0in Installation Front, transverse, TEST MPG Track 22.3mpg
Touring 69.6mpg
touchscreen front-wheel drive Average 42.2mpg

Virtual Cockpit with 10.25in display Type 4 cyls in line, 1998cc,

Smartlink smartphone mirroring turbocharged, diesel

Climatronic dual-zone air conditioning Made of Aluminium block and head CLAIMED Low 36.2-37.7mpg
Mid 52.3-56.5mpg
Electrically operated bootlid Bore/stroke 81.0mm/95.5mm High 61.4-67.3mpg
Extra high 53.3-60.1mpg
Front and rear parking sensors Compression ratio 15.5:1 Combined 52.3-56.5mpg

Black vRS Sports upholstery Valve gear 4 per cyl

vRS exterior design package Power 197bhp at 3600-4100rpm

Aluminium pedals Torque 295lb ft at 1750-3500rpm

Special colour, Black Magic metallic £655 Redline 4500rpm Tank size 52 litres
Test range 483 miles
Spacesaver spare wheel £205 Power to weight 137bhp per tonne

Towbar preparation £195 Torque to weight 205lb ft per tonne

Options in bold fitted to test car Specific output 99bhp per litre EMISSIONS & TAX

= Standard na = not available CO2 emissions 130g/km

Tax at 20/40% pcm £161/£323

CHASSIS & BODY TRANSMISSION BRAKES SAFETY

Construction Aluminium/steel Type 7-spd dual-clutch automatic Front Unspecified discs ESC, ABS, EBV, MSR, ASR, EDS, HBA, DSR
Ratios/mph per 1000rpm Rear Unspecified discs Euro NCAP crash rating 5 stars
monocoque 1st 3.58/4.8 2nd 2.75/8.5 3rd 1.68/14.0 Anti-lock Standard, with brake assist Adult occupant 92% Child occupant 88%
4th 0.89/19.5 5th 0.68/25.2 6th 0.72/32.5 Handbrake type Electronic, switch Vulnerable road users 73% Safety assist 79%
Weight/as tested 1441kg/na 7th 0.56/41.9 Handbrake location Centre console
Final drive ratios 4.47:1, 3.30:1 CABIN NOISE
Drag coefficient 0.24 STEERING
SUSPENSION Idle 34dB Max rpm in 3rd gear 74dB
Wheels 19in Type Electromechanical, rack and pinion 30mph 62dB 50mph 67dB 70mph 70dB
Front MacPherson strut, coil springs, Turns lock to lock 2.1
Tyres 225/40 R19 93Y, anti-roll bar Turning circle 10.4m
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Goodyear Eagle F1

Spare Spacesaver (optional)

AC C E L E R AT I O N ACCELERATION IN GEAR MAX SPEEDS IN GEAR RESIDUALS

MPH TIME (sec) mph 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 1 22mph 4500rpm 40
20-40 2.4 3.0 – – – – 2 38mph 4500rpm
0-30 3.3 30-50 – 2.5 3.7 – – – 3 63mph 4500rpm 35 VW Golf GTD 2.0 TDI
40-60 – 4.0 3.5 4.8 8.9 – 4 88mph 4500rpm
0-40 4.4 50-70 – – 3.6 4.8 6.8 15.1 5 115mph 4500rpm 30
60-80 – – 4.1 5.1 6.8 11.1 6 146mph 4500rpm Skoda Octavia vRS 2.0 TDI
0-50 5.7 70-90 – – – 5.3 7.2 10.9 7 154mph* 3703rpm
80-100 – – – 6.0 8.0 12.2 25
0-60 7.2 90-110 – – – 7.5 8.9 – * claimed Value (£1000s)
100-120 – – – – – – 20
0-70 9.2 110-130 – – – – – – RPM in 7th at 70/80mph = 1612/1842
120-140 – – – – – – 15
0-80 11.3 130-150 – – – – – –
140-260 – – – – – – 10 Ford Focus ST 2.0 EcoBlue
0-90 14.4
5
0-100 17.7
0
0-110 21.6 New 1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years

0-120 28.0 z Skoda closely matches the Ford for
residual value, but neither can keep
0-130 – pace with the expensive VW Golf GTD.

0-140 –

0-150 –

THE SMALL PRINT Power-to-weight and torque-to-weight figures are calculated using manufacturer’s claimed kerb weight. © 2021, ROAD TEST No 5511
Haymarket Media Group Ltd. Test results may not be reproduced without editor’s written permission. For information on the Octavia
vRS, contact Skoda UK, Yeomans Drive, Milton Keynes, MK14 5AN (0370 333 4449, skoda.co.uk). Cost-per-mile figures calculated over Read all of our road tests autocar.co.uk
three years/36,000 miles, including depreciation and maintenance but not insurance; Lex Autolease (0800 389 3690). Insurance quote
covers 35-year-old professional male with clean licence and full no-claims bonus living in Swindon; quote from Liverpool Victoria (0800
066 5161, lv.com). Contract hire figure based on a three-year lease/36,000-mile contract including maintenance; Wessex Fleet Solutions
(01722 322888).

32 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 17 FEBRUARY 2021

ROAD TEST

VERDICT Testers’
notes
AAAAC
RICHARD
Enduring fast diesel is better at a simmer than a rolling boil LANE
In the UK,
he purchase of any diesel performance car comes with an admission that Skoda offers the
vRS only with the flashy
T practical matters matter. Owners of such cars tend to be relatively circumspect. 19in wheels, but in other
For this reason, it would be unfair to criticise the latest Octavia vRS TDI for markets it’s possible
having an engine more effective than engaging, when that engine will happily deliver fuel to get an 18in option.
economy no petrol-powered hot hatch could ever dream of matching. And it would be I’d get the car in estate
remiss to dismiss it on the basis that it doesn’t deliver the level of dynamic reward some of form, and would try to
us might want when our favourite B-roads unfurl ahead of us. The car is clearly intended hunt down a set of those
to work best when driven at seven tenths, rather than nine, and that is exactly what it smaller wheels.
does. A more sophisticated driveline would improve the recipe, but the car’s fundamental
balance of ride and handling is good enough to give the driver quiet satisfaction. MATT
The hot-ish diesel Octavia feels very much like the kind of car one would miss once it SAUNDERS
was gone, which is precisely what’s likely to happen in the coming years as diesel is phased Diesel has never
out. And that’s a shame, because evidently Skoda’s popular niche offering would still slip been the most
into most people’s lives very nicely indeed. charismatic engine
type and, as far as many
people are concerned,
has written its own
obituary in recent years.
But cars like this show it
will be missed: the vRS is
decent to drive and with
excellent fuel economy.

Spec advice

The DCC dampers are
useful, not especially
expensive and will help
with residuals. Elsewhere,
option choice is thin
because the vRS is well
equipped from the get-go.
You might go for wireless
phone charging (£335) or
the Winter Pack (£950).

Jobs for
the facelift

z Take some bulk out
of the seats if it means
you can sit the driver
any lower.
z Offer the TDI with
the same VAQ limited-
slip differential as the
2.0-litre TSI.
z Smooth out the torque
delivery at low engine
speeds. It’s currently
somewhat sudden.

ROAD 1 2 3 4 5
TEST

RIVALS

Verdicts VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTD FORD FOCUS ST DIESEL BMW 120d M SPORT SKODA OCTAVIA 2.0 TDI vRS PEUGEOT 508 2.0 BLUEHDI
on every Less fashionable than it once was Not the quickest car on this list, Pairs similar performance to the A fine all-rounder, whose blend Slow and lacks handling pizzazz
new car, but no less compelling. Benefits but arguably the most fun. Let Skoda with smaller dimensions of interior space and economy in this company, but worth
p74 from VAQ hardware in the front down a little by its interior, and and more polished dynamics, combines with quietly good investigating for the more
axle, so the handling is markedly lacks the petrol ST’s LSD, but particularly in terms of steering. B-road ability. Surprisingly laid-back driver. Comfortable,
Price more precise than the Skoda’s. wonderfully set up for the UK. Nowhere near as practical, mind. strong design credentials, too. stylish and not bad to drive.
Power, torque AAAAB AAAAC AAAAC AAAAC AAABC
0-62mph, top speed £32,840 £30,250 £33,890 £32,260 £31,635
CO2, economy 197bhp, 295lb ft 187bhp, 295lb ft 187bhp, 295lb ft 197bhp, 295lb ft 161bhp, 195lb ft
7.1sec, 152mph 7.6sec, 137mph 7.3sec, 143mph 7.4sec, 154mph 8.4sec, 143mph
137g/km, 51.4-54.3mpg 140g/km, 52.3-53.3mpg 133-142g/km, 52.3-55.4mpg 130g/km, 52.3-56.5mpg 145g/km, 45.4-52.9mpg

17 FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 33

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OPTIONS
TRADING

Porsche’s price list offers a wide range of choices that can make, if not
break, a great 911. Richard Lane goes in search of the sweet spot

PHOTOGRAPHY LUC LACEY

911 vs ITSELF COMPARISON

ere you to flick through You don’t need me to tell you that shifting form, is yours for £83,000,
this level of rationalisation is utterly while a Carrera 4S stuffed with every
W the sales brochure for alien to the 911 Carrera of 2021. Hit chassis and powertrain option costs
the Porsche 901 – as up today’s weighty brochure and, £118,000. The difference is almost
the 911 was known in before you begin to contemplate enough to put an Alpine A110 on your
whether to have a gloss or anodised drive. What is tricky to pin down
the early 1960s, before finish for the inside of the dust caps is where between those two price
(only joking…), or if you really are points is the Carrera undercooked,
Peugeot asserted its naming rights – suave enough to pull off houndstooth overwrought, or so good that the
seats (of course you are), you need result is worth every penny.
you’d marvel at the simplicity. to get your head around an arsenal
of dynamic options that mean two Happily, the recent arrival of an
Porsche provides quaint details identical-looking 911s can actually almost entirely option-free car on
behave very differently on the road. Porsche GB’s press fleet gives us a
such as the handbrake drum And, no pressure, but things can rare chance to find out – and there
get quite expensive, even before you really is an emphasis on the ‘rare’.
diameter (180mm) and the ‘location get to the 911 Turbo models and the After all, who can resist technologies
screaming GT-series cars. that promise to make your car go
of engine in vehicle’, which, just to faster, become more agile and, of
The bare-bones Carrera, which course, look meaner? And as your
be clear, is ‘at rear, behind rear axle’. comes only in rear-driven, PDK- dealer will remind you, there are ◊

But more broadly, while there are

columns of figures to absorb, there’s

not much variation. None, in fact,

except for a small note at the very

bottom of the specification, where

we’re told additional gear sets for the

five-speed gearbox exist. The 911 is

otherwise a set mechanical menu.

Option-free Carrera Δ residuals to consider. In practice, options (see p40) and therefore
is rear-wheel drive it means truly basic 911s tend to exist define the optimal 911. We also have
and has a PDK ’box only on paper: nobody buys them, four opinionated road testers and
and so Porsche reasonably assumes three further 911s, each with varying
THREE MORE QUICK we have no appetite to test them. levels of kit, including a manual
CARS WHOSE Carrera S (Gentian Blue) and a PDK-
Of course, this isn’t true, not equipped Carrera 4S (Agate Grey)
OPTIONS MATTER least because today our plain white with rear-wheel steering. Unlike
Carrera can act as a control against the regular Carrera, both the S and
LAMBORGHINI HURACAN which to assess all those tempting
4S also have the 10mm-lower
Not so much a question of options PASM Sport suspension and
but of variant. The rear-driven sports exhaust. And just so we
version of the Huracán Evo feels have at least one car running
fluid and natural and beguiles you PDCC active anti-roll bars and
with just the right amount of fear carbon-ceramic brakes, there’s
factor. The four-wheel-drive car, the grandaddy Turbo S (Guards
with rear-wheel steering, can feel Red). It’s no Carrera, but with it
disappointingly synthetic and here, every possible 911 option
binary by comparison. can be assessed.

MAZDA MX-5 So we drive all day, up and

The definitive roadster for the Horrid weather was a no-cost option on the day
masses has only ever had a manual
gearbox, but when it comes to No m`atter
the Bilstein dampers, limited-slip how you specify
differential, hard folding roof and your 911, you’re getting
engine line-up, your decisions a car of supreme
matter. The MX-5 can either feel ability, balance
flaccid or thrilling and pedigree.
and finesse
MERCEDES-AMG GT 4DR
a
AMG’s four-door take on the GT
coupé comes in two forms: the
577bhp 63 and the 631bhp 63 S.
However, it’s the revised chassis
and driveline tuning in the 63 S
that elevate its handling to
Porsche-beating heights.

38 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 17 FEBRUARY 2021

911 vs ITSELF COMPARISON

down the most challenging B-roads SIMON DAVIS
known to our collective hive mind, Cripes, what an
repeating runs in each of our four exciting car the
subjects until we are clear about what Turbo S is. I was
we like and what we would spend our expecting it to feel
own money on. much like the 4S,
only quicker, but the
And? Well, the big takeaway is that, car’s entire character
no matter how you specify your 911, feels as though it’s
you’re getting a machine of supreme bristling with a barely
ability, balance, ergonomics and contained energy.
general finesse. That might sound You don’t get that
twee but I can’t stress it enough: with any of the other
there are no losers here, and talk cars. Ultimately,
of underdone and overcooked cars though, it’s not the
quickly evaporates. As James Disdale stomach-churning
observes, the character of each car is turn of pace that
plainly different, although clearly it’s separates the Turbo S
difficult to screw up the 992 911 by but something much
Porsche’s own hand. Mind you, the more deeply ingrained
same isn’t true of your bank balance. in its personality.

How just neutrality, drive, control and
confidence. Yet compared with
much power do the rear-drive Carreras, there’s no
doubt the steering feels fractionally
you need? In truth, the thickset and the car less inherently
bubbly. And that’s unsurprising.
basic Carrera’s 380bhp There’s more unsprung mass in the
nose of the 4S; at 1565kg, it weighs
44Tti4osuchbrehbdahnaoispovssSeutiinr.sgiemTsthbshheaesteexoilanahS6spngiu4llmcaairn1eryeboa,e.hdwbtqpeiuinutltishgantiltahsthhneneediceeffaenwc2yatnh0ndooe/Nnyeet2etloe1rrssxifii.denmttNte,hssmeoeqthnauoliatagnnaadrgolelgiertferyereldt 85kg more than the S, which is the
lightest car here and daintier even
compared with the than the basic Carrera, saddled as it
is with the 35kg-heavier PDK dual-
Carrera’s 19/20in pairing. With clutch automatic gearbox.

the rear suspension cradling the Front driveshafts, therefore, fall by
the wayside early on. However, the 4S
mass of the 3.0-litre twin-turbo still makes a prodigiously good GT
car, and if you do choose to prioritise
flat six, any 911 needs to prioritise stability over handling purity, you
might well also go for the rear-
control over plushness at its back wheel steering, the effects of which
(namely, shortening the 992’s lengthy
axle, so an appreciable degree of wheelbase) are at once detectable yet
effortlessly integrated. It is telling,
road roar and reactivity on poor though, that nobody chooses either
option for their dream spec.
surfaces is unavoidable. Marginally
The two shoo-ins are the PASM
smaller wheels won’t change that. Sport suspension and the Sport
Chrono Pack. The effect of not ◊
Interestingly, Matt Prior and your
Turbo S bristles with
scribe also preferred the 911 without excess and feels

its sports exhaust. The standard markedly different

system is less bombastic but less

bassy, and it lets the engine’s higher

frequencies filter through.

Now it gets more intricate. Do you

go for four-wheel drive? It depends.

The 4S is the easiest car to drive here,

MATT PRIOR and on wet roads it is devastatingly
The basic Carrera has effective. There’s no torque steer,

some fidget to the ride

and the steering is a

bit heavier than the

Carrera S, although

the entry-level car is

the only one that gives

me the confidence to

want to turn off the

ESC and mess around

with the balance.

That said, the manual

Carrera S feels so deft

and willing to change

direction, and it’s the

lightest car here. Of

the four, it feels the

most like a Cayman

R, which was a real

high point of non-GT

Porsches.

17 FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 39

THE OPTIONS

PASM SPORT SUSPENSION REAR-AXLE STEERING JAMES DISDALE
£665 £1952 This was a fascinating
Shorter springs with higher rates give Porsche’s modern-day take on rear-
greater body control, but only if you wheel steering was first seen on the exercise. It would
need it. The standard dampers on the 918 Spyder. A motor sited ahead of the be easy to assume
Carrera are continually ‘adapting’ upper suspension wishbone turns the that, straight-line
to the road surface, but the PASM rear wheels in contrary direction to pace aside, we’d be
Sport set-up has two selectable the fronts in slower corners but with dealing with degrees
modes (actually predetermined them in faster bends. It is becoming of difference here. Yet
parameters): Normal and Sport. The more important as the 911’s growing each car had its own
car also sits 10mm closer to the road. wheelbase erodes its natural agility. distinctly different
character, which
means you don’t have
to be a ‘911 person’ to
own a 911. Crucially,
it was a reminder of
how versatile the
911 concept is and
the wide bandwidth
in which the various
versions operate.

MANUAL GEARBOX SPORTS EXHAUST It tak`es an
No cost £1844 evil road to
There’s one big caveat here: the There is no point pretending that the markedly expose
seven-speed manual gearbox is arrival of turbochargers and chunky the looser body
available only on S models, so it is petrol particulate filters haven’t control of the
now impossible to create the purest muted the 911’s flat six. So perhaps
911 expression: a three-pedal Carrera. it’s no surprise that the sports Carrera
Oh well. This option does, however, exhaust option is more popular than
come with the full Sport Chrono Pack ever. It’s recognisable by the two a
and, this being 2021, it also touts a big-bore tips, rather than four smaller
rev-matching function for lazy souls. outlets. However, both systems use
Don’t expect it to outsell the PDK. electronically controlled valves.

PORSCHE CERAMIC PORSCHE DYNAMIC CHASSIS
COMPOSITE BRAKES (PCCB) CONTROL (PDCC)
£6321 £2273
Brutally expensive and not the best Of all the 911 options, this is arguably
option if you like track days. That’s the most impressive but feels the least
because you’ll still wear through the essential for a low-slung sports car. An
discs, just as you would with cast-iron electric motor built into each anti-roll
items, but these cost a fortune to bar ‘torques’ it during cornering for
replace. The reduction in unsprung minimum lateral load transfer, then
mass – not to mention the lack of dust relaxes it on the straights for better
they generate – could make ceramic ride quality. The catch: it’s only
discs the better option for the road. available with four-wheel steering.

S PO RT CH RO N O PACK £1683 Δ having Porsche’s shorter springs the usefully relaxed but not entirely
These days it’s rare to find a new 911 that doesn’t have the Sport Chrono is demonstrated by the Carrera. hands-off PSM Sport ESP setting
Pack, which is identifiable by the especially unsubtle dash-mounted Admittedly, it takes an evil road to only comes with the Sport Chrono
stopwatch. The real reason you might want it, though, is for the dynamic markedly expose the car’s looser Pack. The combination of the two ups
engine mounts, which use fluid-filled dampers that stiffen at high engine body control, and muddying the the 911’s fun factor considerably.
speeds, PSM Sport mode and max-attack Sport Plus driving mode. water is the fact that the slight slack
in the suspension, along with the Enter the Turbo S, which in this
40 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 17 FEBRUARY 2021 Carrera’s narrower wheels, makes company looks like Mike Tyson in
the handling more beholden to the a tutu turning up at ballet class. It’s
911’s fundamental layout. The result also every bit as shocking as that
is often a more fluid, engaging device mental image when punted down a
with more of the spirit of an old- B-road. This car benefits from every
school 911, and one that requires a dynamic trick Porsche has for a 911,
thoughtful mind and sensitive hands so while it weighs 1640kg, through
and feet to drive properly fast. its Alcantara rim it somehow feels
the lightest thing here. It is fiercely
What you won’t necessarily direct yet immensely stable and
like are the flashes of unexpected surprisingly gritty in its feedback.
oversteer, or mid-corner understeer
if you’re too early on the throttle. But what can we learn from it?
PASM Sport tempers both, while First, its steering, crisper than the
Carrera 4S’s, which also had four-

911 vs ITSELF COMPARISON

Porsche 911 Carrera

Price as tested £84,596
Power 380bhp
Torque 332lb ft
Gearbox 8-spd dual-clutch
automatic
Kerb weight 1505kg

Porsche 911 Carrera S

Price as tested £108,523
Key options PASM Sport
suspension, sports
Power exhaust, 20/21in
Torque Carrera S wheels
Gearbox 444bhp
Kerb weight 391lb ft
7-spd manual (with
Sport Chrono Pack)
1480kg

Porsche 911 Carrera 4S

Price as tested £119,865
Key options Rear-axle steering,
sports exhaust, Sport
Power Chrono Pack, PASM
Torque Sport suspension,
Gearbox 20/21in RS Spyder
Kerb weight wheels
444bhp
391lb ft
8-spd dual-clutch
automatic
1565kg

Porsche 911 Turbo S

Price as tested £172,626
Key options Rear-axle steering,
Sport Chrono Pack,
Power sports exhaust, PASM
Torque Sport suspension,
Gearbox PCCB composite
Kerb weight brakes, PDCC active
anti-roll bars, 20/21in
Turbo S wheels
641bhp
590lb ft
8-spd dual-clutch
automatic
1640kg

wheel drive and rear-steer, is likely OUR DREAM 911
down to the unsprung mass saved
by the composite brakes. Despite the 911 Carrera S £95,226
expense, three out of the four testers 19/20in RS Spyder wheels  £1650
here would have them. Second, Sports Seats Plus  £324
the switchable active anti-roll bars, Manual gearbox  No cost
which torque themselves through PASM Sport suspension £665
corners to limit weight transfer, are PCCB composite brakes £6321
overkill for road driving. Total £104,186

With the Turbo’s contribution Manual Carrera S is
done, and almost all else accounted both composed and
for, less, but not least, is best. We like
the basic Carrera, but the inability to hugely engaging
have it with the seven-speed manual
gearbox and PASM Sport mean the 17 FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 41
Carrera S is the apple of our eye. Yes,
three pedals. Because in something
as capable and fluid as the 992, why
wouldn’t you get as close as possible
to the nexus of the experience? L

YOU’RE
BLOCKING MY
DRIVEWAY…

…and I couldn’t be happier. John Evans
meets a man enabling aspiring EV drivers
to rent their neighbours’ home chargers

PHOTOGRAPHY LUC LACEY

t’s all about the “The idea for the service came electric car, but because we don’t have
to me when I took delivery of a driveway on which to charge it, we
I“ Charlottes,” says my first EV, a Renault Zoe, but ruled it out and soldiered on with our
Joel Teague, CEO was having to wait for my home Skoda Superb diesel,” she says. “Then
charger to be fitted,” he says. “I we became aware of Co Charger. We
of Co Charger, a asked an EV-owning neighbour downloaded the app and found a host
if I could borrow his charger for less than half a mile away who would
new company that a few quid each time I needed it. let us use their driveway and charger.
It was a light-bulb moment when We immediately decided to replace
claims to have the answer to that I thought of all those people who our Superb with the new Skoda
would like an EV but who don’t have Enyaq iV electric SUV.”
rather large elephant in the EV Thousands now use charger sharing apps a driveway on which to charge it;
they could borrow a neighbour’s.” Hancock reckons the slightly
room: how to charge your car at home to share them with their And that brings us to Charlotte higher charging cost (hosts can
neighbours who have neither. He Hancock. She lives near Exeter and set their own minimum price, but
at home when you don’t have a calls such people hosts and their is one of those people who Teague around £1.70 per hour is typical)
customers chargees. thought would benefit from his idea. compared with a public charger is
charger, never mind a driveway. Previously an EV dreamer without more than offset by the convenience
Some chargees might already a charger or a driveway, she’s now, and reliability of the private charger.
According to Co Charger, at have an electric car, but Teague says thanks to a Co Charger host who has
that Co Charger’s main aim is to both, on course to get her first EV. “I think that those people who are
least 40% of UK residents live in attract those thousands of people “We had considered buying an willing to share their driveway and
who would have if only they could charger will encourage more people
properties where installing a private charge it conveniently, reliably and like me to make the switch to electric
affordably. The company’s phone
charger isn’t an option, such as flats app makes this possible, he claims.

or terraced houses. For them, EV

ownership is impossible unless they

can charge at work (to where fewer

people travel these days) or they have

a public charger nearby (that works).

Co Charger addresses this problem

by enabling the 200,000 or so people

with a parking space and a charger

42 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 17 FEBRUARY 2021

CHARGER RENTING INSIGHT

EV CHARGER SHARING IN ACTION

Nas Iqbal recently took a first step that we sign up to Co Charger, which
into the world of electrified motoring, takes care of all that on the app.”
buying a used Volkswagen Golf GTE
plug-in hybrid with an EV range of Sandhagen is equally delighted.
around 25 miles. Although she’s a tenant, her landlady
is happy to let her keep whatever
The teacher from Bristol was profit she can make from renting
inspired to make the change when out the charger. “It’s so easy,” she
his workplace promised to install says. “I don’t have to be involved.
chargers. Sadly, that came to I can accept bookings remotely
nothing, but by then Iqbal, who lives and the chargee just turns up,
in a terraced house with no driveway, hooks up and leaves. I’m paid
had already researched community immediately as the session ends.”
charging on Facebook. There
Several firms enable he found Shona Sandhagen, a
you to rent out your neighbour living 50 metres away,
driveway EV charger with a driveway and a charger she
was happy to lend for a small fee.

“It was a fantastic coincidence,”
says Iqbal. “To make booking the
charger, calculating my energy
consumption and paying for
it easier for Shona, I suggested

Renting someone else’s charger allowed Hancock to switch from diesel to electric cars,” she says. “It’s a great idea.” to offer the same service, they are
It’s not an original one, though. subtly different. Co Charger is geared
towards providing a localised,
Jeremy Coulter co-founded repeat booking service that aims to
BookMyCharge in 2017; like Co encourage people without a driveway
Charger, it has an app that enables and charger to become EV owners,
EV owners to make their driveway while BookMyCharge is a bookable,
and charger available to others. “We destination charging service.
had the idea for the company when
my partner and I were planning to Coulter believes that with nowhere
drive to Dartmouth in our BMW i3 near enough public chargers being
and realised the town had no public installed, BookMyCharge will help to
charging points,” he says. “We had plug gaps in the network, especially
to abandon the plan, but it got us in remote, rural places.
thinking about how peer-to-peer
sharing might have helped us.” Teague, meanwhile, is focusing on
neighbours for the simple reason that,
The duo set about developing and he says, for every one public charger,
launching their app and today, three there are six underused home
years later, claim to have signed up chargers. He hopes to have signed
500 charger owners and some 1000 up 6000 hosts by the end of this year
registered users. There would be and 22,000 by the end of 2022 (like
more, says Coulter, but the pandemic BookMyCharge, Co Charger is free
got in the way. Still, BookMyCharge to join but the company takes a cut of
has used the time to develop an the revenue – in its case 12%).
hourly booking option to run
alongside its existing session model. He imagines most hosts will have
around four chargees using their
Hosts can charge what they like, charger, earning them from around
but a typical four-hour charge costs £470 to £1300 per year, depending
around £4.50. As EV numbers grow on what fee they demand and how
and public chargers become pricier, much they pay for their electricity.
Coulter expects hosts will charge
more, especially in high-demand Teague isn’t precious about his
areas. Chargers are generally of the idea. He’s keen that every current
7kW variety, although 22kW ones are or aspiring EV owner signs up
becoming more common. Hosts are not only with his firm but also
discouraged from offering charging with BookMyCharge and existing
via a domestic socket, because they’re driveway renters, which include
slow and potentially dangerous. JustPark and YourParkingSpace,
which are moving into EV charging.
“Predictability is the key attraction
for users of BookMyCharge,” says YourParkingSpace claims to
Coulter. “It’s why we emphasise the have 4000 driveways offering EV
booking aspect: you book a time slot charging on its database; JustPark
knowing the charger is available and has only 550 hosts, but they all signed
working. That’s not something you up in the six weeks before Christmas.
can always say of public chargers.
“By December, we hope to have
“For example, we recently drove to many thousands of chargees,” says
Taunton, which is at the limit of our JustPark founder Anthony Eskinazi.
car’s range. To be on the safe side, we “The ability to reserve a charger is a
decided to stop on the motorway for key attraction for our users.”
a top-up. At the two services we tried,
the chargers weren’t working. We As it is for all EV owners using
just managed to limp into Taunton.” private chargers, especially as EV
sales increase and the public chargers
Although on the face of it Co that do work become overwhelmed. L
Charger and BookMyCharge appear

17 FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 43

STELLANTIS The opportunities lie in These are challenges that FCA Meanwhile, as FCA focused
the reach of those brands, battled with. While the American resources on successful brands
The recent merger of the PSA Group and the heritage of names side of the business thrived, fuelled and those in lucrative markets,
and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has such as Alfa Romeo, Fiat, by the success of Ram, the Italian particularly Alfa Romeo, Jeep
created the world’s fourth-largest Jeep, Peugeot and Vauxhall. side struggled. Where common and Ram, it neglected others. Fiat
car maker, with its 8.1 million global ground could be found, the results – struggled to find success with
sales in 2019 behind only Toyota, “We have with those iconic such as Jeep’s Italian-built Renegade, any model beyond the 500 city
the Volkswagen Group and Ford. But brands a high diversity of based on a platform shared with car, while Chrysler and Lancia
there’s one area in which Stellantis models,” says Stellantis CEO the Fiat 500L – were indifferent. withered: the only Chrysler still
dwarfs those rivals: brands. Carlos Tavares. “With this being sold is the Pacifica minivan,
brand portfolio, we’re present while the sole Lancia, the ancient
Stellantis encompasses 14 in the most significant markets Ypsilon, is now offered only in Italy.
of them, covering every major and profit pool areas of the market.” That contrasts with the recent
market segment from electric city success of PSA since Tavares took the
cars to mainstream hatchbacks The challenges come from helm in 2015. At that time, Citroën
and SUVs, sports cars, supercars ensuring the brands don’t encroach and Peugeot had similar model lines
and even the booming US pick- on one other and thus cannibalise competing for a similar audience.
up truck market. Not even the sales. Equally, their disparity can He pushed the brands further apart
Volkswagen Group’s many militate against economics of scale: and found room to spin off DS as a
marques can match such breadth, you can hardly build a Maserati
which for Stellantis presents both sports car on a Ram truck platform.
opportunities and challenges.

44 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 17 FEBRUARY 2021

One aim will be to FUTURE OF FRANCE ANALYSIS
exploit global profile
of brands like Jeep THE STELLANTIS
BRAND PORTFOLIO

GLOBAL SUV

Jeep
AMERICAN

Chrysler Dodge

Ram
CORE

Abarth Citroën

Fiat
UPPER MAINSTREAM

Opel Peugeot

premium marque while still cars on proven PSA platforms and
there could be crossover between
increasing shared development Alfa Romeo, Maserati and larger
PSA models. The key will be
and platforms. Tavares led the ensuring that each brand has its Vauxhall
place. “You will see some brands PREMIUM
purchase of Opel and Vauxhall rebound based on positioning
and understanding of what each
from General Motors in 2017 brand stands for,” says Tavares.

and, through similar measures, He insists Stellantis plans
to keep all of its marques –
quickly made them profitable. Alfa Romeo is set for model line expansion something that’s particularly
Tavares will apply the same intriguing for Lancia, which has
been listed alongside Alfa Romeo Alfa Romeo DS
philosophy of integrating and DS as a premium brand.
The sheer scale of Stellantis
platforms and development should help it to handle the vast
changes that the industry is
while separating brand identities engineering and increased undergoing. But to do that, the
company needs to react with a
to Stellantis. “Our purpose is to use purchasing power. That will be rapidity that belies its size. Lancia
Tavares therefore has to find a LUXURY
power and scale to do great things,” vital as Stellantis faces the costs way to create a single, harmonious
company while embracing the
he says. “Stellantis needs to be great, of electrification and autonomy diversity of its many subsidiaries. ◊

rather than big.” in the years ahead.

Some division is likely to remain; Those synergies will also boost

there are signs that the successful brands that “for prioritisation

American arm will continue as a reasons in the past we couldn’t invest Maserati
MOBILITY
largely separate entity (headed by in as much as we wished”, according

former FCA boss Mike Manley), to Tavares. “We can make sister cars

although with greater use of shared with smaller entry tickets, which can

resources and common components. make the business plans fly,” he says.

Tavares has set a goal of saving The brands that could benefit are Free2Move Leasys

¤5 billion (£4.4bn) within five clear: Fiat in particular could quickly

years, chiefly through common introduce a long-overdue range of

Stellantis aims to
prioritise quality
over sales volume

New platforms have
revitalised PSA brands
such as Vauxhall

17 FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 45

RENAULT GROUP

The idea of reviving the Renault 5 production capacity and spending on A110 sports car powertrain sharing plus joint
has been floating around the firm’s research and development. But sales will be last non- development and production.
Boulogne-Billancourt headquarters reached only 3.6 million in 2019, electric Alpine
since soon after production of the below projections and resulting in a De Meo’s plan is as simple
hatchback ended more than 25 years 50% reduction in Renault’s capital consider that C-segment cars offer as his diagnosis: sell fewer
ago. There have been ideas, sketches investment return over a five-year margins around 30% higher than cars. Or, more precisely, shift
and apparently the odd concept, but period. “We grew bigger, not better,” B-segment models. “If you compare focus from maximising sales to
it has never gone further. Until now. says de Meo. our performance over the past five maximising profit by reducing
years with benchmark firms, half of development and production costs
It took Luca de Meo just six months That push for volume also led the difference is here,” says de Meo. and regaining a footing in more
from starting as Renault Group boss to Renault expanding outside its profitable markets and segments.
to approve the revival of the 5 as an heartland – but it joined entry-level While the group’s problems are
EV, sign off a design and reveal the segments in developing markets clear, so are its many strengths: To do that, he’s aiming to repeat
resulting concept to the world. offering lower profit margins. strong brands, long experience some past successes. That can be
of electric cars and, crucially, the seen in the new 5, which echoes how
While the headline attraction at The result: the Renault Group sells Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. de Meo led the revival of the 500 as
the launch of de Meo’s ‘Renaulution’ cars in more than 130 countries, yet a retro city car while at Fiat. And
business plan, the new 5 won’t single- 50% of its sales and 75% of its profit While Franco-Japanese relations the push to grow C-segment sales
handedly save Renault. However, the come from 30 in Europe – with 50% were strained following the downfall
project’s rapid approval is indicative of its profit from just five. of Ghosn, the Alliance’s two giants
of how fast the Italian has identified have since reworked their deal
the ailing firm’s issues and moved Nearly half of Renault’s sales are to include greater platform and
to correct them. “The diagnostic is region-specific models, resulting in a
pretty cut and dried,” he says. ballooning number of parts. This has
also led to the convergence of Dacia
The major issues for the Renault and Renault, with the two splitting
Group were, in de Meo’s words, sales in several regions rather than
“the immoderate quest for volume reaching different customer bases.
and an unresolved approach to
market and portfolio management”. That uneven growth has been
Put simply, the firm became too compounded by a decline in the
focused on selling as many cars as vital C- and D-segments. Renault’s
possible and let its Dacia and Renault recent success has been driven by
brands drift too close together. hatchbacks and small SUVs, with
B-segment models accounting for
Former boss Carlos Ghosn set a 68% of its sales. Just 20% of its sales
target of five million sales a year by were of C-segment models, around
2022, resulting in a push to expand half that of comparable rivals. Now

`The major issues have been ‘immoderate quest for volume and

R E N A U LT ’ S
SEGMENT SPLIT*

12%

20% 68%

B-segment C-segment
Other segments *in 2019

FUTURE OF FRANCE ANALYSIS

De Meo aims to repeat Seat success variant) for small cars, CMF-CF for The aim is to achieve that through RENAULT’S SALES
medium and large cars, and CMF-EV a focus on design and technology, a AND PROFIT SPLITS
reflects how he led Seat to record for EVs. The number of parts used change in emphasis that predated de
growth, through clever use of shared will be considerably reduced as well. Meo’s arrival but will now accelerate. Sales (2019)
Volkswagen Group platforms and
the success of the third-generation “With Renault, Nissan and Crucial to that will be style- 50% 50%
Leon and game-changing Ateca Mitsubishi, these three platforms focused models such as the 5 and
SUV. Even with the considerable contribute more than six million the new Mégane electric crossover. Profit (2019)
benefit of Volkswagen Group shared vehicles per year,” says de Meo. The latter will be one of seven C- and 25%
engineering, there was no certainty “When it comes to scale, that puts D-segment Renaults launched in
that buyers would consider a Seat us in the Champions League.” the next five years, starting with 75%
when the Ateca was launched. the Western European version Europe Rest of the world
Renault will also move from of the Arkana coupé-crossover.
De Meo plans to trim Renault’s eight powertrain families to four:
line-up, with a focus on cutting the one battery-electric, one hydrogen De Meo has also set a bold course
many low-profit region-specific fuel cell, one petrol and hybrid, for Alpine, which Renault hasn’t
models. The aim is to shift 80% of and one diesel. As de Meo notes, the seemed to know what to do with since
the firm’s models to three Alliance development of all four is essentially launching the A110 in 2017. It will
platforms: CMF-B (and its CMF-B EV done already, further cutting costs. become an electric-only performance
brand, bidding for an audience above
While reducing costs, the group Renault. If that sounds familiar, it’s
will also aim to separate its brands. essentially how de Meo turned Seat’s
Dacia will retain its focus as a Cupra model line into a full brand.
budget-conscious marque and is now
paired with Russian brand Lada, Sounds simple, then, and de Meo is
which Renault took control of in 2016 clear that “we know what we have to
but has effectively run as a separate do and have already started doing it”.
concern. While they have similar
market positions, the two brands The challenges will be ensuring
largely operate in different countries, that the Renault Group fully
so there’s little risk of crossover. harnesses the economies of scale
the Alliance can afford, successfully
With Dacia retaining its pushes Renault upmarket and finds
positioning, the focus will be on market share in larger segments. It
shifting Renault to a more premium won’t be easy, but de Meo has a record
position, increasing the potential of achieving similar goals. And he
profit on each car and enabling it to has a very stylish new concept car
regain its footing in the C-segment. to prove just how fast he can act. L

an unresolved approach to market and portfolio management’ a

WHAT IS RENAULT’S NEW MOBILIZE ARM?

The Renault Group’s revamped own range of vehicles designed for
business rests on four pillars: Renault, shared use, starting with the EZ-1,
Alpine, Dacia and the new Mobilize effectively a next-generation Renault
brand. The new arm will encompass all Twizy. But it will also investigate ways
of the group’s efforts in the nascent of generating revenue from data,
and fast-developing mobility, energy battery recycling and other areas.
and data services markets.
It’s part of a wider push by de Meo
Demand for ride-sharing and to position Renault at the forefront
subscription schemes is growing of the French technology movement,
in the internet age, and de Meo likely to ensure continued support
is convinced that the area could from the French government to
become a significant source of help that industry develop. He says:
revenue in the future. The initial “Today we’re a car maker integrating
job of Mobilize is to work out how. tech. Tomorrow we want to be a tech
company integrating vehicles.”
Significantly, Mobilize will have its

FRENCH REVOLUTION

48 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 17 FEBRUARY 2021

RENAULT 5 GT TURBO RETRO DRIVE

ow that we’ve seen the

N new Renault 5 concept,
one question bubbles
to the surface faster

than all: what took

them so long? It looks so ineffably

right, so informed by its past yet fixed

on the future, that you wonder why

they didn’t have the idea years ago.

The answer, I suspect, is Luca de

THE Meo. He’s the recently appointed
FORGOTTEN
CEO of Renault who in a former life
GENIUS
was responsible for a thing called
The Peugeot 205 GTi and first Volkswagen
Golf GTI have been written into car folklore, the Fiat 500, on whose shoulders the

so why hasn’t their Renault 5 GT Turbo fortunes of the entire Fiat brand have
contemporary? Andrew Frankel investigates
appeared to rest these past 13 years.
PHOTOGRAPHY LUC LACEY
So now the pieces fall into place.

The ocean of purple prose on

which the reimagining of the 5

came bodyboarding into shore

speaks not only of the fluency of

its execution but also of the enduring

love for a French icon that was born

sufficiently long ago to be regarded

as a classic but died sufficiently

recently to be remembered.

Which is a very neat treat.

And I remember it more than most:

the car I drove to work on my very

first day at Autocar in 1988 was my

own Renault 5 GT Turbo. But as soon

as it was clear that I would somehow

cling to a job testing cars, it was

clearly redundant and got sold. And

the strange thing is that I’ve really

not thought much about it since.

I owned three hot hatches before

I joined the magazine: that 5 GT

Turbo, a Mk1 Volkswagen Golf

GTI and a Peugeot 205 GTi, and

I’ve since thought of those last two

almost constantly. They’ve become

genuinely important, landmarks in

the evolution of enjoyable motoring.

The Renault? Not so much.

But the curious thing is that, at

the time, I was quite clear that the

5 GT Turbo was both the fastest and

most fun of the three, yet somehow

it has dropped out of my easy-recall

memory. And off the public road:

there are more than 1100 examples

of the 205 GTi still registered in the

UK. The 5 GT Turbo? Just 287. Time

for a reappraisal? With the launch of

a new 5, there would be none better.

It’s extraordinary how the brain

remembers. This is the first time that

I’ve sat in a 5 GT Turbo in 33 years,

yet I didn’t have to look for anything.

For three decades, my brain has clung

to a few lines of code just in case I

should ever again need to locate the

choke lever, or remember to twist the

left-hand stalk to turn on the lights,

or know that the bonnet hinges at

the front, not the rear. I still know ◊

RENAULT 5 GT TURBO

Price £10,350 (in 1990)
Engine  4 cyls, 1397cc,
turbocharged, petrol
Power  118bhp at 5750rpm
Torque  122lb ft at 3750rpm
Gearbox 5-spd manual
Kerb weight 855kg
0-62mph  7.3sec
Top speed  120mph

17 FEBRUARY 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 49