Autocar

Looking to make
a good impression?
The new ID.3
goes a long way

The all-electric ID.3,
with a range of up to 336 miles*

*Range of up to 336 miles (WLTP combined) for the ID.3 Pro S (with 77 kWh net battery energy; Electricity consumption, kWh/100 km: combined 16.1-15.5; CO2 emission combined, g/km: 0; Efficiency class: A+). Range
values of the series car according to WLTP may differ depending on final equipment. Figures shown are for comparability purposes and were obtained after the battery had been fully charged. Mains electricity required
for charging. Only compare electric range figures with vehicles tested to the same technical procedures. Figures may not reflect real life driving results.

‘It’s London’s automotive equivalent of an all-inclusive resort in Barbados’ THIS WEEK

52

Issue 6455 | Volume 307 | No 13

NEWS COMMENT

Lamborghini New supercar starts firm’s ‘reinvention’ 4 EV GRANT CHANGES: BAD
Peugeot 308 Full details of the all-new family hatch 8 MOVE, BADLY HANDLED
Toyota Aygo Reborn for 2022 as plucky crossover 10
BMW ‘New Class’ Next era – 2025 to 2050 – laid out 12
Volvo’s sales plan EVs sold online only, subscriptions 14
Company cars Is their end nigh because of Covid-19? 16

TESTED HOW TOYOTA HAS REINVENTED THE AYGO 10 THE GOVERNMENT’S

Kia Stinger GT S 361bhp fastback flagship updated 20 sudden, unexpected move

Land Rover Defender 90 D250 Six-pot diesel 4x4 23

Jaguar XF Sportbrake Plush wagon raises its game 25 to cut the grant towards

Lexus UX 300e Brand’s first full EV. Worth the wait? 27 the purchase of an electric

Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 Seven-seat SUV in a hurry 27

Ford Puma ST ROAD TEST 28 car by £500 to £2500, and to lower

FEATURES the maximum purchase price from

ID 4 vs Mustang Mach-E vs Polestar 2 EV shootout 38 £50,000 to £35,000, makes clear
Project car guide First part of our used car special 46
20 used car heroes Star buys from the noughties 48 that financial incentives to encourage
Duke of London Used car venue with pizzeria, gym… 52
Used Audi TT We spend a month with a 1999 coupé 56 people to go electric are an endangered
F1 preview Insights from BBC’s Palmer and Nicholls 61
species. While you can see some logic

LATE, GREAT MURRAY WALKER REMEMBERED 58 in reducing the maximum purchase

OUR CARS price to ensure the scheme targets

DS 3 Crossback We begin Netflix-style car use trial 70 more affordable cars, cutting the
Volkswagen Golf It’s the 911 of family hatchbacks 71
Seat Leon Basic 1.0 TSI replaced by plusher 1.5 TSI 73 amount of the grant at the same time

EVERY WEEK discounts any notion of this move

Jesse Crosse How to make tyres 100% sustainable 15 being an act of generosity.
Jim Holder Cazoo: the next big thing or overrated? 17
Steve Cropley Why the GR Yaris is like an Alfasud 19 Electric cars are more expensive
Subscribe Save money and get exclusive benefits 36
Damien Smith In the booth with Murray Walker 58 to buy, and anyone keen to make the
Motorsport round-up F1 tests, BTCC, WEC, Brundle 59
Your Views Jaguar Land Rover sparks hot debate 68 switch may rightly baulk at the extra
Matt Prior Zen and the art of PCP maintenance 90
cost without assistance from the

FORD’S HOT PUMA ST: EIGHT-PAGE ROAD TEST 28 government to get them over the line.
Of concern in the announcement,

DEALS `WALKER WAS too, is the absence of consultation
with or warning to car makers by the
James Ruppert Series Land Rovers in the spotlight 74 FURIOUS. HE BANGED government. The first any of them
As good as new Bag a Citroën C5 Aircross from £16k 77 heard about it was a story in The Times
Spied in the classifieds Five £5k urbane urbanites 78 THE DESK IN A last Thursday, which went live the very
Used buying guide Porsche’s 2004-2012 Boxster 80
New cars A-Z Key car stats, from Abarth to Zenos 82 TEMPER AND HUFFED second the grant was removed.
Road test index Track down that road test here 89

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address changes to Autocar, WN Shipping USA, 156-15, 146th Avenue, 2nd Floor, Jamaica, NY 11434, AND DAMIEN SMITH WITNESSED IT ALL 58 would have to explain it to customers
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24 MARCH 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 3

NEWS
GOT A STORY?

Email our news editor
[email protected]

New Lambo supercar keeps
V12 but adds hybrid punch

Aventador successor begins firm’s shift to electrification with unusual hybrid set-up

Lamborghini is gearing up taking to ‘reinvent’ itself for the Urus SUV. It is set to be pandemic, Lamborghini posted is a “moment of stabilisation”
to launch the long-awaited the electric age. the final series-production the second-best financial before it “starts pushing for
replacement for the Lamborghini supercar to use results in its history in 2020 the next level” in 2022.
Aventador in 2022 – and The new flagship machine the firm’s fabled 6.5-litre and company boss Stephan
the new V12 supercar will, from the Sant’Agata V12, with the subsequent Winkelmann, who recently Beyond that, Winkelmann
unlike its predecessor, feature manufacturer is due to be generation likely to adopt rejoined Lamborghini after said a key priority is to
a hybrid powertrain as one revealed this year and will go electric power. spells at Audi Sport and develop “a clear vision”
of the first steps the brand is on sale shortly after the arrival Bugatti, told Autocar that 2021 of what electrification
of a plug-in hybrid version of Despite the coronavirus means for the brand.

IMAGE

4 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 24 MARCH 2021

` URUS TO GAIN PHEV MODEL IN MID-LIFE FACELIFT

It’s set to be the final series- The first production cars doing more miles than can grow beyond supercars.
Lamborghini to be offered average a year, the step “In terms of turnover, sales
production Lamborghini supercar with a conventional hybrid into electrification is more and results, this is a game-
powertrain will be the crucial a must, but also easier in changer for Lamborghini,”
to use the fabled 6.5-litre V12 Urus SUV, which will gain a terms of acceptance for he said. “It enables us to be
plug-in variant as part of a our customers.” more stable, to reinvest in the
a mid-life facelift due in 2022. future on a better platform
The addition of the Urus as and higher basis.
“We have to do this so that it is possible that the other The Urus currently uses a third model line has been
we remain Lamborghini by will be the first glimpse at the the Volkswagen Group’s key to Lamborghini’s recent “We said from the
reinventing Lamborghini – to Aventador’s replacement. 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged success. The SUV has allowed beginning that Lamborghini
change everything not to petrol V8, tuned for 650bhp. the company to double its is not only a super-sports car
change anything,” he said. The next-generation V12 The PHEV version will adopt output and now accounts for brand and this is the proof of
flagship has been delayed the hybrid system currently around half of its sales. it. Nobody sees a dilution of
Aventador successor to several times, in part featured on the Porsche the values of the brand with
feature Sián hybrid tech because of the impact of Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, Winkelmann said the model this third model.”
Winkelmann said the initial the coronavirus but mainly which is built on the same also proved that Lamborghini
focus this year is the market because of Lamborghini’s MLB Evo architecture.
launch of the Huracán Super push to develop hybrid SPY SHOT
Trofeo Omologato, but he technology that will suit In the Cayenne, the system
hinted that two new V12 the needs and character offers a combined output of LAMBORGHINI URUS PHEV
machines will be revealed of its supercar. 671bhp, with an electric-only
in 2021. driving range of 19 miles from Urus plug-in hybrid will share tech with the Porsche Cayenne
“The challenge is how a 14.1kWh battery pack.
Although Winkelmann to match the requests of
would not be drawn on specific the legislators while not With the Urus PHEV set to
details about these models, diluting the expectations retain its 650bhp V8, the total
sources suggest one is a final of customers in the coming output could eclipse 800bhp.
Aventador-based special years,” said Winkelmann.
using similar supercapacitor “This is what we are working CEO Stephan Winkelmann
technology to the 808bhp on right now.” said the different role the
Sián FKP 37 hypercar – and Urus plays to Lamborghini’s
Lamborghini technical supercars made PHEV
technology relevant: “It’s
boss Maurizio Reggiani has ◊ not a big disclosure that on

A run-out Aventador
and its replacement
could be shown this year

24 MARCH 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 5

Sián’s hybrid tech
is set to be used
by Aventador heir

Q&A STEPHAN WINKELMANN, LAMBORGHINI CEO Δ previously confirmed that built into the gearbox, able
to deliver an extra 33bhp.
Is it good to be back at the Aventador successor will The system weighs 34kg,
Lamborghini? retain a naturally aspirated considerably less than that of
“It’s very good to be back. V12, with a hybrid element a traditional hybrid. However,
My reception was incredible: used to add extra power and although a supercapacitor
I had standing ovations when efficiency and forego the need can store more power than a
I came into the factory. It was for a turbocharger. Reggiani comparably sized lithium ion
very emotional. But this is the also hinted that the firm was battery, it is only designed to
first day – then you have to considering a four-wheel drive rapidly charge and discharge
get back to reality.” system similar to the Ferrari power, making it unable to
SF90’s, with the V12 driving offer electric-only running
To what do you attribute the Winkelmann is president and CEO of Lamborghini and Bugatti the rear axle and an electric and limiting its effectiveness
firm’s 2020 success? motor on the front wheels at reducing emissions.
“One is the fact we are very customers are higher than France. Covid is not helping and torque vectoring used
resilient to crisis. The brand is the same months last year – the travel. I’m changing my to balance the power. Winkelmann said: “The Sián
very strong and has a perfect which was pre-Covid.” plans constantly.” is a success story, because
image. The products are The extra weight of an we understood you have to
incredibly strong. If you look How will you balance your Are you the only direct link expansive hybrid system sell electrification by giving a
at the stock market, it came time between Lamborghini between the two brands? and its resulting impact on benefit to the owners of super-
back pretty soon, which is a and Bugatti? “Today, I am the synergy, a supercar’s performance sports cars.” He added that
good sign for the economy. “I’m busy! Technology is but maybe tomorrow there remains a concern for “this approach is just a small
helping: since the pandemic, will be some other one. This Lamborghini and it is step into what we’re going
“People also wanted to I’m becoming an expert at can be helpful and fruitful thought the firm is working to do in the future”.
reward themselves for online meetings. I’m doing for both companies. It would on a system pairing a
what they are losing in three-quarters of the time be limited, but if it helps, lithium ion battery with a Although exact technical
terms of time being in Italy and one-quarter in I will do it.” supercapacitor for boosting. details of the next-generation
locked up, so to say.” model have not been disclosed,
Lamborghini has invested it is likely to offer something
What is the situation looking heavily in its supercapacitor close to the 808bhp output of
like for 2021? technology, developed the Sián powertrain.
“By the end of 2020, in conjunction with the
we already had sold out Massachusetts Institute Lamborghini finalising
production for the first nine of Technology, as it seeks electric strategy
months of this year, and the to maintain the character As well as the Aventador
order intake in January and of its supercars while replacement and updated
February and deliveries to meeting increasingly Urus, Lamborghini will replace
tough emissions legislation. the V10 Huracán, probably in
2024 or 2025. Beyond that,
In the Sián, the V12 is the focus is on the brand’s
tuned for 774bhp, with the
supercapacitor, which is

6 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 24 MARCH 2021

NEWS

` WHAT IS BUGATTI’S FUTURE NOW?

The Sián is a success because Volkswagen Group boss which will then discuss a It’s not clear whether
Herbert Diess has confirmed possible joint venture with any potential Bugatti joint
we understood you have to sell plans to spin off Bugatti Rimac. Stephan Winkelmann venture would involve
into a joint venture between remains in charge of Bugatti, Porsche and Rimac taking
electrification by giving a benefit Porsche and EV specialist alongside his new role at an equal share.
Rimac – but he has denied Lamborghini.
a reports that it could sell the Speaking before Diess
brand outright. “Transferring [Bugatti] confirmed the joint venture,
to Rimac isn’t true,” said Winkelmann told Autocar that
There had been reports Diess. “Porsche is currently plans for Bugatti to add an
that the German giant would preparing a partnership electric vehicle as a second
sell a controlling interest in that’s going to be under model line had been put on
the French hypercar maker discussion with Rimac, indefinite hold.
to Rimac as part of a financial and Porsche will be taking
deal that involved Porsche care of that. He said: “The idea was
increasing its investment in solid and we had a business
the Croatian firm. Porsche “The whole thing isn’t yet case, but then came Covid,
recently increased its stake in finalised. What we want to do so at the start of last year we
Rimac from 15.5% to 24% in is transition responsibility stopped the approach and
a deal worth £60.4 million. of Bugatti to Porsche, and analysis of the second model.
Porsche in all probability We don’t rewind or have
Diess said responsibility will establish a joint venture anything in the plans, which
for Bugatti is currently being with Rimac, with a minority is a pity because I’m sure this
transferred to Porsche, share of Porsche.” could be a success.”

Porsche-Rimac tie-up
could revive Bugatti’s
second model line plans

IMAGE

future strategy, with emissions follow up the next generation – legislation part will tell us what said the firm is currently what we are able to do. It’s
legislation pushing car firms to not only in terms of product but we cannot do any more. The “finalising its plans”. He added: clear I can have a dream, but
become electric only. to have a clear vision of what door will be very tight and “It’s not only what we talk it must be a real one.”
this means for the brand. The there will be a bottleneck we about. It’s walking the walk
Winkelmann told Autocar: first step is what this means have to pass.” that is the tough thing, so we The UK, Lamborghini’s
“My biggest challenge is to until 2030. are looking into the financial fifth-largest market, is set
have a clear strategy for what Asked about a fully electric situation to see year on year to introduce a ban on non-
is happening after 2030, to “Without doubt, the Lamborghini, Winkelmann zero-emission new cars in
Huracán STO will be 2030. When asked about how
the main focus this that could affect the brand,
year, said Winkelmann Winkelmann said: “The UK
is one of our top markets, so
taking care of legislation is
paramount for making success
in the future. If we fail, we are
out of business, because we
need to do a super-sports car
in line with the legislation,
and also in line with the
expectations of the customer.
That’s not always the same,
but we have to match these two
things, and we are expecting
this challenge.”

As previously reported by
Autocar, Lamborghini has been
considering adding a 2+2 grand
tourer as a fourth model line
and could make that model
electric only.

Winkelmann said his “focus
is on the existing models and
their next generation” but
added that “given our success
and the analysis of the market,
a fourth model is something
that, in my opinion, is very
possible for a brand like ours”.
JAMES ATTWOOD

24 MARCH 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 7

Third-gen 308 will
be launched in the
second half of 2021

OFFICIAL PICTURES

New 308 pushes upmarket

Peugeot’s family hatch gains extra design flair, new tech, plusher trim and two PHEVs

The Peugeot 308 hatchback in the back seats. The car also with around 300bhp and towards the driver – replaces on automatic cars), a new drive
has been substantially sits 20mm lower than the greatly improved performance. most physical buttons and mode switch, a wireless phone
overhauled for its third standard current model in line switches. However, a row of so- charging pad, a 34-litre storage
generation, ushering in the with a heightened focus on The pure-combustion line-up called ‘i-toggle’ switches below cubby and two USB sockets.
firm’s latest design cues and aerodynamic efficiency, as also comprises a 1.2-litre three- this screen can be individually
new logo alongside revamps to indicated by its lengthy curved cylinder petrol with either configured to control separate Flourishes throughout the
the engine line-up and interior. bonnet and more heavily 108bhp or 128bhp and a 1.5-litre functions, according to the interior hint at Peugeot’s
raked windscreen. The 308 four-cylinder diesel with driver’s preference. renewed upmarket push.
The 308 is now more closely has a slightly improved drag 128bhp. The top-rung petrol Alcantara and embossed
related visually to newer coefficient of 0.28. has an eight-speed automatic, The infotainment system leather feature, depending on
Peugeot models, including the but the other combustion aims to provide the same level trim specified, and the front
208, 508, 2008 and 3008, Two plug-in hybrids will be engines are paired exclusively of functionality as a modern seats can be equipped with
with a front end characterised available from launch. They with a six-speed manual. smartphone and places greater 10-way electric adjustability
by the marque’s trademark pair a turbocharged petrol emphasis on personalisation. and even a multi-programme
‘fang’ LED daytime-running four-cylinder engine, tuned to Full performance and Up to eight individual profiles pneumatic massage system.
lights, slim headlights and a either 148bhp or 178bhp, with a economy data for all can be stored, two phones
large grille housing the brand’s 109bhp electric motor attached powertrains will be revealed can be connected at once via Peugeot has yet to reveal
new ‘coat of arms’. to the eight-speed automatic closer to the 308’s launch in Bluetooth and smartphone- pricing for the new 308 but
gearbox. Both versions use a the second half of 2021. mirroring functionality is now aims for price parity between
The new logo, which hides 12.4kWh lithium ion battery wireless as standard. Drivers hybrid and combustion
the driving aids’ radar sensor, pack that offers an electric The interior has also been can also use the new ‘OK models in terms of total cost
will appear first on the 308 range of up to 37 miles and can radically redesigned with Peugeot’ voice control function of ownership. Expect the
before being rolled out to charge in just under two hours influence from Peugeot’s to alter infotainment settings. entry-level combustion car
all Peugeot models over the from a 7.4kW charger. other models. A downsized, to cost slightly more than the
coming years. performance-inspired A new, smaller air-con unit current model, which starts
The two PHEVs are front- steering wheel houses certain has allowed for a redesigned from £21,270, and for the
The hatchback’s wheelbase wheel drive but a top-rung controls for the infotainment centre console housing a PHEV models to command a
has been extended by 55mm PSE-badged four-wheel-drive system and driver aids, but button-style drive direction substantial premium.
– and its overall length by hot hybrid is expected to follow the centrally mounted 10.0in selector (there is no gearstick FELIX PAGE
110mm – to offer more space touchscreen – angled slightly

Switchgear has
been minimised by
new infotainment

8 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 24 MARCH 2021

NEWS

UK start-up to launch hardcore OFFICIAL PICTURES
electric off-roader this year

Aston does road-legal
take on F1 safety car

Munro EV is based miles per charge, with DC rapid ASTON MARTIN HAS unveiled deterioration in low-speed
on the Ibex F8; 150- charging enabled. The current a road-going version of its compliance”. Rounding off
mile range is likely powerplant is a US-designed uprated Formula 1 safety car. the dynamic upgrade package
motor producing 209bhp and Called the Vantage F1 Edition, are stiffer rear springs and a
SCOTTISH START-UP ALL 258lb ft, but future variants it sports bespoke styling and tweaked steering system that
Terrain All Electric (ATAE) has could use a different unit. mechanical upgrades that boosts feedback.
previewed an off-road-oriented mirror the track variant’s.
4x4 EV with a one-tonne The monocoque Visually, the Vantage F1 is
payload and 150-mile range. architecture is built using Power from the Vantage’s distinguished from the regular
the latest construction 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 is raised car by its larger, 21in wheels
Based near Glasgow, techniques and the chassis from 503bhp to 528bhp for with a bespoke design, a
ATAE has designed the new has been modified to include a the new F1 Edition and Aston substantial aero package that
model around the body and dedicated structure to house claims the 505lb ft peak torque boosts downforce by 200kg
chassis of the conventionally the batteries. The folded output is “sustained for longer at top speed, carbonfibre
fuelled Ibex F8 from Yorkshire aluminium panels are riveted to further increase tractability detailing all over and a unique
manufacturer Foers. and bonded to the framework and in-gear urgency”. vaned grille design.
to prevent electrolytic Modifications to the gearbox
ATAE co-founder Russ corrosion, extending the life make for quicker shift times A new shade of Racing
Peterson said they originally of the vehicle. and, according to the brand, Green, inspired by the firm’s
looked at using the Land Rover improved powertrain control new racing colours, is available,
Defender but, with others With the emphasis firmly on during deceleration. as are black and white – all
such as Twisted getting there off-road performance, solid decorated with a matt grey
first with EV versions, had beam axles will be fitted along Underneath, the Vantage racing graphic.
decided against it. There were with a two-speed transfer ’box F1 gains extra chassis
also additional costs involved and locking centre differential. reinforcements at the front Prices for the Vantage
with upcycling second-hand Towing capacity should mirror end for improved stiffness, F1 start from £142,000 – a
Defenders to consider. the conventionally fuelled Ibex while upgraded dampers premium of around £21,000
F8’s 3.5 tonnes. are said to improve vertical over the standard Vantage –
body control “without any and customer deliveries will
Using existing components get under way in May.
The F8, commonly regarded makes for rapid development
as one of the most capable lead times, and initial Alcantara buckets
4x4s on the market, will be prototypes of the Munro are feature; new aero
called the Munro after fitment expected to be completed in boosts downforce
of ATAE’s EV powertrain – a the coming weeks, to be used
name that reflects the brand’s in a comprehensive 12-month
Scottish origins. As well as testing phase.
being aimed at private buyers,
the model is pitched at farmers, First deliveries will be in
estates, national parks, 2022, with production output
utility firms and adventure planned to remain below
companies. 1000 units per year. With no
established dealer network, the
ATAE is revealing few details Munro will be marketed online.
before a full launch later this Prices are likely to be around
year, but it has confirmed that £50,000 for the standard car,
it plans to use components with a slightly cheaper version
sourced mainly from the UK. for commercial use.
Details have yet to emerge
about the battery pack the Options such as a larger
company will use, but the aim battery and a more upmarket
is for a range of around 150 interior will also be available on
pricier versions.

24 MARCH 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 9

Concept has cameras in its door
mirrors; design is 4x4-inspired

OFFICIAL PICTURES

Aygo reinvented as crossover

Toyota’s Aygo X Prologue previews all-new petrol-powered city car due next year

The Toyota Aygo city Despite the raised ride distinctive hexagonal foglights. current Aygo is 3465mm with either a five-speed manual
car has evolved into height, 19in wheels and heavily Uniquely, the concept also long, 1460mm tall and has or a CVT automatic gearbox.
a rugged miniature flared wheel arches (aspects a wheelbase of 2340mm.
crossover that’s designed that are likely to be toned down features “action cameras” Ian Cartabiano, president
to “reinvent the A-segment”. for the production car), the mounted in its door mirrors for Toyota has previously of Toyota’s European Design
influence of the existing Aygo “capturing and sharing special confirmed that the production Centre in Nice, France, said:
Previewed by the Aygo X is clear in its upright rear light moments of exploration”, version of the Aygo X will “Reimagining the A-segment
Prologue concept ahead of an clusters, glass tailgate, two- plus a pop-out bike holder is offer petrol engines only means offering something new
expected market launch before tone paint scheme and wheels integrated into the rear bumper. in line with its accessible to the customer, and I love that
mid-2022, the successor to pushed right out to its corners. billing. Specifications are [the Aygo X] has some of those
the hugely successful Aygo The Aygo X remains smaller unconfirmed, but the Yaris’s crossover cues but looks more
has been designed to “prove Off-roader-inspired cues than the Yaris supermini, entry-level 1.0-litre three- fun to drive and is definitely
that cars traditionally referred include contrasting-coloured with which it shares its GA-B cylinder turbo unit is a possible more on the urban side.
to as an ‘entry point’ can still skidplates at the front and rear, platform, in terms of footprint: candidate. In addition, the
deliver standout design”. chunky raised roof rails and it is 3700mm long and has Aygo X is likely to be available “The great side effect of the
a 2430mm wheelbase. The bigger wheel and tyre package
Aygo X is 235mm and the new platform is that the
longer, 40mm taller It has some c`rossover cues higher hip point makes getting
than current Aygo but looks more fun to drive and in and out quick and easy; it
is definitely on the urban side increases visibility, which is
great for urban environments
a and country roads; and loading
into the hatch is at a more
natural height.”

Cartabiano added that while
the Aygo X is positioned “more
as a crossover”, he sees it as
“a lifted hot hatch with some
great usability and versatility”.
However, Toyota has yet to give
any indication that the Aygo X
will receive a hot range-topper
in the style of the GR Yaris.

The Aygo X will remain
Toyota’s most affordable car
in Europe, probably matching
the current Aygo’s £12,500
starting price, and be built in
Kolín in the Czech Republic.

Toyota now fully owns this
factory, as the futures of the
Aygo’s Citroën C1 and Peugeot
108 siblings remain uncertain.
FELIX PAGE

10 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 24 MARCH 2021

NEWS

EV grant cut to £2500, price cap to £35,000

THE UK GOVERNMENT has The government claims that hybrids were excluded – and SMMT chief executive Mike CONFIDENTIAL
reduced the financial incentive the number of sub-£35,000 to £3500 in 2019. It was then Hawes described the latest
package it offers to EV buyers, EVs on sale has increased by cut to £3000 and restricted to grant reduction as “the wrong MERCEDES-BENZ HAS
slashing the Plug-in Car Grant “almost 50%” since 2019. sub-£50,000 cars last March move at the wrong time”. no plans to introduce
(PiCG) from £3000 to £2500 as part of the 2020 Budget. shorter-range versions of
and lowering the upper price It estimates that more than He elaborated: “New any of its plug-in hybrid
limit for eligible vehicles. half the EVs currently on the At that point, funding was battery-electric technology models in order to lower
market will remain eligible said to have been secured to is more expensive than their entry prices. Chief
Buyers of new electric cars for the £2500 incentive, run the scheme until 2022- conventional engines, and operating officer Markus
costing over £35,000 – down highlighting “spacious family 2023. This latest reduction incentives are essential Schäfer said: “If you drive a
from £50,000 – will now no cars” including the MG ZS EV has been made in an effort in making these vehicles plug-in [hybrid], the real fun
longer qualify for the incentive. and Hyundai Kona Electric – to preserve that timeline. affordable to the customer. starts at around 60 miles
although the latter is now of electric range, because
The government said it made eligible for the grant only in The government has “Cutting the grant and then it can be an almost
the move to “reflect a greater its entry-level 39kWh form. said that it will continue to eligibility moves the UK even emissions-free daily driver.
range of affordable vehicles review the scheme in line with further behind other markets – Going to less than that will
available” and to help the The PiCG was introduced “further price reductions in markets which are increasing not be our strategy.”
available funding go further in 2011, at £5000 and with no electric vehicles”, suggesting their support, making it yet
as more British drivers make price limit. It fell to £4000 in a further cut is on the cards – more difficult for the UK
the switch to electric cars. 2018 – at which point plug-in possibly in March 2022. to get sufficient supply.”

Several sub-£35,000
new electric cars have

been launched lately

Continental GT Speed OFFICIAL PICTURES BMW HAS REVIVED the
arrives with 650bhp near-60-year-old Neue
Klasse designation for its
BENTLEY HAS REPRISED the In line with its performance Subtle bodykit shows sporting focus; Alcantara abounds inside new generation of electric
Speed badge for the new top- aspirations, the Speed is vehicles, but it’s more than
rung, performance-focused marked out from the standard just a marketing ploy,
version of the Continental GT. Continental GT by way of its according to research and
dark front grille, unique side development boss Frank
With 650bhp and 664lb ft skirts and subtle chrome Weber. “The analogy to
from an uprated version of the badging on the front wings. the 1960s hasn’t been
firm’s 6.0-litre W12 engine, chosen arbitrarily by us,
the most potent version The 22in wheels are unique, because the Neue Klasse
of the luxury coupé can do too, and buyers can optionally architecture, which is going
0-62mph in just 3.5sec and specify jewel-encrusted fuel to be consistently electric,
tops out at 208mph. That filler and oil filler caps. digital and sustainable, is
makes it roughly as quick in a indeed the new building
straight line as a rear-driven The interior is largely principle for the whole
Lamborghini Hurácan. identical to that of the BMW portfolio,” he said.
standard car but is marked BMW’s EVs will be radically
As with its predecessor, out by liberal use of Alcantara different from 2025, but
the new Speed also promises and embroidered headrests. the rear-drive format from
improved dynamics, with the original Neue Klasse
upgrades over the standard Like the recently revealed saloons won’t be abandoned.
car including carbon-ceramic Bentayga Speed SUV, the
brakes, all-wheel steering Continental GT Speed isn’t NEWLY APPOINTED
tech from the Flying Spur available to order in the UK, Britishvolt advisor Joe
and, in a first for Bentley, an where the standard W12 Bakaj believes the nascent
electronic rear differential. coupé remains Bentley’s EV battery manufacturer’s
most powerful model on sale. planned factory in Blyth,
Northumberland, can be
a success. “My opinion is
that, if the technology and
chemistry are right, the
UK will be a good place to
produce batteries,” he said.
The ingredients for success
are, he claimed, “being able
to vertically integrate the
raw materials, having local
supplies and, in terms
of the environmental
impact, having access
to renewable energy
at a competitive cost”.

24 MARCH 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 11

BMW will trial a Mini will launch only
369bhp hydrogen- pure-electric models
powered X5
by the early 2030s

New iDrive generation New iX will be at the
will offer high-speed vanguard of BMW’s
over-the-air updates
digital advance

BMW sets out bold 2050 vision
Roadmap from 2025 includes EVs, hydrogen, e-fuels, a digital revolution and eco aims

The BMW Group will enter a ushering in a fresh generation according to a given region. BMW Group is never satisfied that uses an “optimised” cell
new phase of its transition of electric powertrains, a Through a new “digital with what it has achieved so design to offer significantly
to electrification in 2025, “radically new” approach to far. That’s what sets it apart improved efficiency and
by which point it plans to sustainability and a heavily first” approach, BMW will from the rest of the field. This reduced manufacturing costs.
have sold two million pure EVs advanced software platform. offer individually configurable spirit will characterise the
to customers worldwide. upgrades and new features Neue Klasse: high-tech on BMW has hinted that it will
Neue Klasse throughout the vehicle’s four wheels for customers preserve the “typical BMW
Termed ‘Neue Klasse’ BMW’s revolution will be life cycle for “an increasing intent on experiencing in driving experience” in its new
(New Class) in reference to the centred on “regionalisable proportion of revenues”. just five years’ time how EVs but enhance it with the use
hugely popular BMW saloons technology stacks”, which will That will begin this year with mobility will feel in 2030.” of advanced driver assistance
and coupés sold in the 1960s allow each vehicle’s operating the launch, in the iX SUV and functions and autonomous
and 1970s, this new era will take system to be customised i4 (right), of the firm’s new Next-gen powertrains capabilities.
the brand through to 2050, eighth-generation iDrive By 2023, the group will have
system, which offers high- 12 pure EVs on sale worldwide “We will always have an
BMW CEO Oliver Zipse: “We will always have an electric rear axle” speed over-the-air updates. and offer at least one electric electric rear axle,” Zipse said,
car in 90% of its current drawing links between the
By the end of this year, market segments. new-era Neue Klasse models
BMW says, it will have the and the rear-driven cars that
world’s largest fleet of After 2025, the firm will shaped the brand’s identity in
“vehicles capable of installing adopt a universally modular the mid-20th century.
new or upgrading existing approach to powertrain
functions over the air”. differentiation, with variations Combustion powertrain
of the same system used for output will be gradually wound
Neue Klasse models will be its most accessible models down in line with the brand’s
drastically different in their right through to top-rung M electrification ambitions,
design from BMW’s current performance cars – a branding while the number of fully
cars, with “proportions that that will be used throughout electric BMW models available
differ from the past”, an the transformation. The will grow by 20% annually
emphasis on aerodynamic system will be based on a newly between 2025 and 2030. By
optimisation and more interior developed battery concept this point, the group says, at
space than current BMW EVs. least 50% of its global sales
will be fully electric.
CEO Oliver Zipse said: “The

AUDI RS SPECIALS GET THE BLUES HIGH-SPEC LAUNCH QASHQAI FROM £29K

A selection of Audi RS performance models Prices for the limited-run launch edition of the
are now available in the Nogaro Blue paint that new Nissan Qashqai have been revealed. The
adorned the sub-brand’s debut model, the RS2 highly specified Premiere Edition starts from
Avant. Just 25 examples each of the distinctively £29,270 and is available with a 1.3-litre MHEV
painted TT RS, RS4, RS5 and RS6 are UK bound. petrol engine producing either 136bhp or 154bhp.

12 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 24 MARCH 2021

NEWS

Alternatives to EV production will be displayed at OFFICIAL PICTURES
BMW will consider the use of the Frankfurt motor show in
other alternative powertrain September 2021. New i4 is based
technologies in addition to heavily on the
pure-electric set-ups. By 2030, BMW plans to latest 4 Series
reduce CO2 emissions per
It will build a 369bhp kilometre by 40% for each of BMW reveals production-spec i4
hydrogen-powered version its models. In line with that, it saloon ahead of autumn launch
of the X5 SUV later this year will overhaul its component
on a limited basis, but Zipse supply chain to offset the BMW HAS SHOWN the final, upcoming 4 Series Gran Coupé of up to 80kWh capacity. An
said he could “imagine this as environmental impact of production-spec version of its will be largely identical to the entry-level rear-wheel-drive
a production vehicle” in the electric vehicle battery new i4 saloon three months exclusively four-door i4. variant with a smaller battery
future. The firm will support production. ahead of schedule as it gears will also be available, as is the
hydrogen infrastructure up to launch the Tesla Model 3 Precise technical specs case with the larger iX.
development in Germany Mini: all-EV plan revealed rival this autumn. remain under wraps, but
in order to bolster the As part of the wider strategy, we know the range-topping The i4 will use BMW’s new
technology’s feasibility BMW’s Mini brand will go all- It will go on sale alongside model – likely to be badged i4 eighth-generation iDrive
for production cars. electric by “the early 2030s”, the i3 electric hatchback, M – will send up to 523bhp to operating system, shared with
launching its final combustion new iX3 SUV and iX flagship both axles and offer a range of the iX flagship, which allows
BMW’s flexible platforms model in 2025. in BMW’s expanding electric 367 miles. A 0-62mph time of for over-the-air updates and
will allow it to quickly scale line-up. The production model around 4.0sec and top speed greatly reduces the number
up production of different Mini “is absolutely ideal for stays true to the design of last above 124mph are likely. of physical controls in the
powertrains, using a “single electric mobility”, according to year’s production-previewing cabin – although it retains the
production structure” to BMW, and will remain a “global concept and is clearly visually The i4 is based on a characteristic rotary knob
cater to different demands brand with a footprint in every related to the combustion- modified version of the CLAR that has been used for every
from global markets. region of the world”, including engined 4 Series that went platform, which underpins the iteration of iDrive since it was
markets it currently operates on sale late last year. The current 3 Series and 4 Series, introduced 20 years ago.
Zipse also hinted at the in that would still allow ICE cars accommodating battery packs
potential for BMW to investigate to be sold after 2030.
the use of synthetic fuels: “We
will only be able to meet current The firm’s last ICE model,
and future mobility needs with likely to be a variation of the
an open technology approach next-generation Mini hatch, will
for all – and I’m really stressing be launched in 2025. From that
this – for all drivetrain forms. point on, the firm will launch
This includes e-fuels as well only fully electric models, with
as hydrogen, which will be an the goal for half of its global
alternative worldwide.” sales to be EVs by 2027.

Clean cars, clean production Mini currently sells one
Sustainability will play a key EV model, the Cooper-based
role in BMW’s revamped model Mini Electric SE. The next-
strategy. Neue Klasse cars generation Mini Countryman
will be built using a “sharply will enter production in
increased” proportion of Leipzig, Germany, in 2023
recycled materials, employing and be offered in both ICE
them wherever quality criteria and EV versions.
and material availability allow.
BMW Group manager Milan
To avoid material Nedeljkovic said Mini’s Oxford
mixing during the vehicle plant is “secured” for the future
recycling process, the firm and will continue to produce
will also increase its use of Mini models after the transition
‘monomaterials’, which will to electrification is complete.
ensure a higher proportion
of the vehicle’s make-up can Mini is also working on a
enter the recycling loop. new EV architecture, with Mini
crossover EVs set to be made in
A concept previewing this China from 2023 onwards in a
new approach to vehicle joint venture with Great Wall.
FELIX PAGE

Range-topping i4 will
have 523bhp and a
range of 367 miles

Neue Klasse was first applied to BMW’s 1950s and 1960s saloons IMAGE £3m BOOST FOR HYDROGEN TRANSPORT

VW’S NEW EV PLATFORM IN THE PIPELINE The UK government has pledged £3 million to the
creation of the UK’s first ‘hydrogen transport hub’
The Volkswagen Group is developing a universal in north-east England. The centre will research
EV platform, to ultimately replace the current MEB the real-world feasibility of hydrogen technology
and PPE architectures. The Scalable Systems and could create 5000 jobs when it opens in 2025.
Platform will arrive in 2024 or 2025 with the first
production car from Audi’s Project Artemis.

24 MARCH 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 13

Why Volvo EVs are online only
Commercial boss Lex Kerssemakers explains the logic behind its new sales model

Volvo’s commitment to Why is Volvo making the process or a combination of Is it reliable? We want to automotive industry, you
becoming a maker of shift to online sales now? the two that made them come create a hassle-free buying see a few very strong digital
only electric cars by “The world is ready for it: to us, they hadn’t seriously experience online, so let’s take companies popping up that
2030 isn’t the sole way consumers are asking for considered Volvo before. We away any resistance: three offer cars online in a very
in which the Swedish firm is this change. We have some have a new car and an online years’ warranty, maintenance professional way. Dealers
changing: it has also vowed to experience now of online sales system now, so it’s a new era.” and repairs. Everything is notice this too, and they’ve
reinvent the way it sells cars. with Care by Volvo, including included – except fuel. You can been asking us to help with
in the UK. In Germany, 10% of Do you think EVs will attract sit on your sofa and take care a strong online system.
The only way to buy an our sales are already online. very different customers? of everything. The only thing
electric Volvo, such as the new “It’s too early to say. We you need to decide is if you “Online doesn’t mean we
XC40 Recharge P8 and the “During Covid-19, that has definitely see the plug-in want to pick it up at the dealer exclude our retailers. Half of
forthcoming C40 Recharge, only increased, and not only in hybrids have a slightly or have it delivered.” our sales are most likely online
will be online. The company the automotive environment: different audience, and by 2025, so half will still happen
has already launched its no- just look at all those delivery they’re potentially a little bit So you think the care at the dealership. Not everyone
commitment Care by Volvo vans going down your street. younger, despite the fact the package will help convince just sits on the sofa and orders
subscription scheme and is Everyone is ordering online. cars are relatively expensive.” people to shift to EVs? a car. People still want to go
now introducing fixed pricing “Yes. If the manufacturer will to the showroom, and there
for cash buyers. Every car will “We thought ‘now we’re What have you learned with pay for everything if it goes they can sit with the dealer
be sold with a ‘care package’ entering a new era of electric Care by Volvo that you can wrong, people will be prepared and order through our website.
that includes items such as cars, let’s build on what we’ve apply to online sales? to take the risk. You think ‘well, This is a flawless online-offline
servicing costs and warranty. done with Care by Volvo and “Peace of mind. That’s they’re not stupid, so probably experience, and the dealer
start with online only’.” why we’ve introduced the nothing will happen or they plays a major role in it.”
It’s a fundamental shift in care package we offer on wouldn’t include it’. It’s this
how the car industry operates Why start selling online with subscription for cash sales. confidence we want to create.” So it’s about the dealer
and one that raises several just your EV range? It’s pretty normal on [car] accepting that the shift
questions, over everything “[The XC40 EV] is a new car subscription, but to have How does this work with to online sales will happen?
from value for money to the and probably [will attract] it on cash sales is new. dealers? Will this affect your “I know what it costs, this
future role of dealerships. some new customers. With relationship with them? whole online hocus-pocus. If
Care by Volvo online, 90% “It’s still a hurdle for many “No. [The relationship is] every dealer had to do it on
Autocar recently spoke of customers we hadn’t seen people to go electric: what very strong in the UK. In the their own merits, it would be
to Volvo’s commercial boss, before. Whether it was the does it do? How does it work? almost impossible. Our task
Lex Kerssemakers, about online aspect, the subscription
the move.

44%

Proportion of European

Volvo cars sold in February

that were PHEVs or EVs

Kerssemakers says `
dealers will continue
to play ‘a major role’ We know
that it’s a
very small
audience that
likes to shop
around

a

14 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 24 MARCH 2021

NEWS

competitive price; it needs UNDER DANDELIONS, RICE AND SOYBEANS:
to be competitive or it won’t THE SKIN
sell. That’s the one price and HOW TYRES CAN BE SUSTAINABLE
the dealer sticks to it, which JESSE CROSSE
is easy because it’s online.
We know from research that
people don’t like negotiating:
it’s a very small audience that
likes to go and shop around –
guys like me! But most people
just want to order online and
feel comfortable.”

Buying process is designed Is that a lesson from your Michelin aims
to be simple with fixed prices fixed-price subscription?
“Absolutely. And that’s why to make its tyres
is to provide a strong system we’ve worked so hard to
with the dealers connected. translate the whole sale into TYRES ARE AMONG the bad boys of Using a process 100% sustainable
We’ve involved the dealers a digital system: we looked at the car industry when it comes to carbon
from the start. We talked how you order a TV, how you footprint and sustainability. Although developed by Swedish by 2050.
to them and explained it. order food. You do that with a percentage of the rubber used in a tyre
Sometimes there’s a fear very few clicks; it’s friendly. is natural (more about that later), tyres firm Enviro, the process
that if you go online, there’s So we had to simplify our made using conventional methods have
no role for dealers; this is product offering. If you want a high carbon footprint due to ingredients will also enable steel,
totally the opposite.” to have 25 different options, that are high in fossil-based materials and
you keep on clicking and then consume a substantial amount of energy gas, carbon black and other
What about set pricing? this option doesn’t go with during production.
Won’t people worry they’re that option and you’re lost materials to be produced more sustainably.
not getting a good deal? after 25 minutes. Not long after the pneumatic tyre
“People increasingly feel was invented, synthetic rubber was Michelin isn’t alone: Goodyear and
discomfort with negotiations, “So we’ll pick a few developed as a partial substitute for
with the constant feeling of very popular cars based on natural rubber. Synthetic rubber is a Continental are developing the use of
‘did I get the right price?’ artificial-intelligence data polymer. Two types that are commonly
Nobody wants to have that and see how it goes. If a car used in tyres are butadiene rubber and natural latex from the roots of dandelions
feeling; you want to feel doesn’t fly, we’ll put another styrene butadiene rubber, and butadiene
secure. So we’re going online. We’ll have three or is a gas derived from hydrocarbons – the as an alternative to the latex sourced from
to have a set price, and a four cars in different price stuff we’re trying hard to stop burning.
categories and go for it.”
JAMES ATTWOOD Tyres are complex things, and their
list of ingredients reads like a chemistry
textbook’s glossary, including carbon black, rubber plantations. Monoculture rubber
silica, plasticisers and resins, as well as the
textiles used for the cords that go into the plantations created by the deforestation of
structure of the carcass, along with steel.
Volvo’s new C40 EV rainforests has been another undesirable
will join the XC40 EV Several major tyre makers have been
working on reducing the carbon footprint side effect of the huge global demand for
in being sold online of tyres and improving their overall
sustainability for several years. Michelin tyres. Dandelions can be grown alongside
recently announced that its tyres will be
100% sustainable by 2050 and says that tyre plants if necessary, thriving on land
28% of the components in each of its tyres
is already made using natural, recycled unsuitable for food crops, and a number
or “otherwise sustainable” raw materials.
of tyre companies, including Continental
The firm has been working with partners
on the Bio Butterfly project since late 2012 and Falken, are researching the idea.
to develop bio-sourced butadiene made by
fermenting plant biomass. The first batches Goodyear is using soybean oil tread
will become available during this year with
the aim of reducing CO2 emitted during compound in a number of its tyres, as
tyre production. A further partnership
will begin producing recycled styrene well as rice husk ash in place of sand to
from plastic waste, which is another major
constituent of synthetic rubber. Another make the silica used to improve grip on
partnership will enable the recovery of
polyethylene terephthalate (PET), enabling wet surfaces. It’s also collaborating with
millions of plastic bottles to be turned into
polyester fibres for use in tyre structures. a partner firm to make synthetic rubber

Construction is also due to start this year without using petroleum-based butadiene.
on a tyre recycling plant that will produce
pyrolysis oil, a synthetic bio-oil that can be AREN’T YOU A CLEVER CAT
used in place of petroleum-based products.
Heating catalytic converters is vital to
reducing emissions during the start-up of
a cold engine, so ‘close-coupled cats’ are
mounted as close to the engine as possible,
where the exhaust gases are hottest.
A more recent technology is the cunning,
electrically heated Emicat catalyst. It’s
already in use on cars with 12V and 48V
electrical systems and is now offered with
an AC-to-DC converter for compatibility
with high-voltage plug-in hybrid systems.

£619

Monthly starting price of a
Care by Volvo subscription

for the XC40 Recharge
P8 electric SUV

24 MARCH 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 15

Will the
company
car be a
victim of
Covid-19?

Fleet industry figures are bullish about its future, despite the rise of home working

Company cars have always lockdown occurred, suggesting CO2 emissions and thus tipped “Fleet operators went what long-term working
been widely seen as status that businesses aren’t about to cars into higher BIK brackets, through a phase of complete patterns will emerge after
symbols. Whether you’re a cast the company car aside in while diesels have been hit with uncertainty from a BIK the pandemic, East said that
high-flying executive or a favour of video conferences. a 4% tax levy since April 2018. perspective, so it was really he’s already seeing a shift in
salesperson who spends hours As a result, fewer people have hard for them to advise their buying behaviour from fleets:
trawling up and down Britain’s East credits the rise in been paying BIK (see chart drivers on what route to go “The switch to electrification
motorways, the company’s list demand to the generous below), instead opting to take down,” East explained. is happening quicker than
of available cars is always pored incentives that are on offer if a monthly cash allowance. the industry predicted, and
over in detail, balancing costs employees choose an electric Although it isn’t yet clear
with desirability. company car. Do so in the
2021/22 financial year and your EMPLOYEES PAYING BENEFIT-IN-KIND TAX ON A CAR IN THE UK
However, the outbreak of car will fall into the 1% benefit-
Covid-19 shook the company in-kind (BIK) tax bracket; in 1,000,000
car industry almost overnight. comparison, the BMW 320d 900,000
With the government’s ‘stay diesel saloon, which officially 800,000
at home’ messages, the need emits 123g/km of CO2, will fall 700,000
to travel for work just hasn’t into the 28% tax bracket. 600,000
been there and online meetings 500,000
have replaced almost all face- “The interesting trend is that 400,000
to-face interactions, leading we’re seeing people returning 300,000
many businesses to suspend to company cars if they can 200,000
leases in order to save money. choose either a plug-in hybrid 100,000
or an electric vehicle,” said
“Company car policies shut East. “This is someone saying: 0
down because people were ‘I recognise I can take an EV, 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19
furloughed and firms were pay 1% BIK and not have the
unsure what was going to hassle of operating my own car.’ Source: HMRC
happen to their businesses. 970,000
At the peak of lockdown “We’re seeing a migration 950,000
one, 70% of our corporate of people coming back into 950,000
customers had put their company cars and we’re 940,000
policies on hold,” Rob East, seeing positive trends. We’re 940,000
BMW’s general manager for predicting that over the next 950,000
corporate sales, told Autocar. three or four years, there may 960,000
be growth in the marketplace.” 940,000
However, he added that, 900,000
since then, his order rate “is The fleet industry has been 870,000
back to, if not slightly beyond” through a difficult few years.
where it was before the first The introduction of the WLTP
testing regime raised official

16 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 24 MARCH 2021

` NEWS

As an industry, we need to give Jim Holder

company car drivers the same INSIDE INFORMATION

experience as retail customers

a

He told Autocar: “The company car, but it’s going
to evolve.”
number of people who have
Whether or not a widespread
switched from their 30% BIK- move to EVs will be enough to
grow the company car market
tax-bracket diesel vehicles has yet to be seen (statistics
for the 2019/2020 tax year
to EVs has been incredible. are likely to be released in
September), but Hollick is
There are statistics coming bullish about the sector’s
prospects for the future.
out from leasing companies
“The company car has
showing that 50-60% of resilience. That social [status of
having] a company car on the
their orders are for EVs. driveway still exists for many
people,” he told Autocar.
“AFP members are being
East agreed with this,
quite relaxed about getting but he added that the fleet
industry needs to do more to
£2828 people back into company win over drivers in the future Cazoo will sell you a
cars instead of them taking instead of relying on employees used car online then
a cash allowance.” to simply take on a company bring it to your home
car for tax reasons alone.
Traditionally, company
He said: “The company car
HMRC’s average car leases have worked culture is so embedded within DEPENDING ON WHO you almost every car retailer
on a three-year/60,000- our psyche, and I don’t think ask, Cazoo – the used car has moved to more or less
that will change. We certainly retailer founded in 2018 and match it, and that consumer
tax revenue from mile basis. But Mark Main, don’t see the death of the rumoured to be preparing a laws mean its money-back
a company car UK transportation leader company car coming. But stock market flotation with guarantee is an obligation,
at financial services firm what we need to do as an an incredible valuation of rather than an innovation.
in 2018/19 EY, suggested to Autocar industry is give company car £5 billion – is the definition
drivers the same experience of a disruptive, once-in-a- What’s more, it has been
that businesses could scrap as retail customers. lifetime business unicorn swiftly forced to break its
or a donkey dressed as a USP of selling cars without
this in favour of different “They buy with the same unicorn, trading on hype physical premises, coming
mindset, but because they built up in record time via to the conclusion that big-
arrangements in the don’t visit a dealer to choose a its key owner’s reputation ticket buyers often want to
car or collect a car, they don’t and a big marketing budget. see what they’re committing
£1.73bn future if workers aren’t get the same experience. to first. Consequently, it has
travelling as much. That’s not just a problem for That owner is Alex spent millions buying and
us but a problem for all brands. Chesterman, an investor opening ‘customer service
“The future of work and the creator of LoveFilm centres’. They may not be
isn’t going to involve “We’re looking to engage (a film rental service sold dealerships by name but,
user-choosers to give them to Amazon for £200m) and to the casual eye, they sure
Benefit-in-kind tax us being in an office five that full brand experience, Zoopla (a property market look and operate like them.
days a week, but equally because when someone services firm floated and
selects a BMW or a Mini, they then sold for £2.2bn). Then there’s the small
paid to HMRC it isn’t going to involve us expect that experience. So we matter of money. Cazoo was
have to make sure we deliver.” It’s this Midas touch that created as a start-up with
in 2018/19 being at home for five days DANIEL PUDDICOMBE has lured investors into ambitious (and therefore
a week,” Main said. “I think pouring around £450m into expensive) growth plans,
Cazoo, funding everything but even so, there was little
there’s going to be a hybrid from the fundamentals of in its recorded £19m loss
a used car retailer through in its first year of trading
model where there’s more to high-profile advertising against revenue of £1.1m to
campaigns and sponsorship suggest that it has untapped
that’s Covid-related. People flexible working. of Aston Villa, Everton and a huge market opportunity.
the English Football League. Sure, it has huge momentum
have a very different working “I remember seeing in and more is likely to come,
The sizzle is Cazoo’s but it’s also fair to observe
pattern: they’re not going into the last financial crisis that willingness to sell you a that it has a long way to go.
used car entirely online,
the office five days a week, and a number of vehicle [leases] delivering it to your door To long-established
and offering a money-back big car retailing groups,
therefore an EV can work well, were extended partly to guarantee if you don’t like it. valued typically around a
If you’re willing to buy a car single-digit percentage of
whereas 12 to 18 months ago, mitigate against residual unseen, it’s a slick service, that £5bn figure yet almost
and one that ties into universally recording both
their mileage profile prohibited value risk but also because Chesterman’s reputation for vastly more sales and larger
using technology to bring profits, it’s all a bit galling.
it. The level of acceptability of there was uncertainty about down the barriers inherent
in established bricks-and- The stock market doesn’t
EVs is rising exponentially.” demand. So you could move to mortar operations. always reflect reality, and
many people believe that
This view is backed up a position where vehicles are But Cazoo’s model isn’t Cazoo is either overvalued
without challenges, not least or undervalued. Only time
by Paul Hollick, chairman retained for longer because that during the pandemic will provide the answer.

of the Association of Fleet usage is reduced. There’s

Professionals (AFP). definitely a future for the

Tax breaks for PHEVs and Autocar Business is our industry-focused brand, delving
EVs are enticing people deeper into the business of the automotive world. Sign up
back into company cars for our regular bulletin at autocar.co.uk/business-signup.

24 MARCH 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 17



COMMENT

Steve Cropley
MY WEEK IN CARS

Keep it up, Toyota:
Aygo X looks ace and
GR Yaris is a belter

MONDAY Mr Suzuki’s pr`ofile has never British Motor Museum is creating a range of motoring art
been as big as he deserves
Now I know what the fuss is about, and it’s all It’s quick, refined, very nicely made and –
justified. I’ve been driving Matt Prior’s Toyota a praise be – generates a lot less road noise than
GR Yaris long-termer, fresh from its five-star road the Germans. (Road noise bugs you more as
test, having managed to swipe it for a few days. WEDNESDAY you get older; perhaps because it’s what’s left
It’s terrific. So much about this hot supermini as growing mechanical refinement dulls the
meets my ideals: the size, the driving position, The locked-down but ever-active British Motor whirls, whines, grumbles and gurgles that
the beautiful steering, the engine response, the Museum (just off the M40 at Gaydon) has have blanked it for most of our car lives.)
engine note (you can quibble that it’s fake; I don’t announced a deal with Sussex-based artwork
care) and even the ride. Sure, it’s very firm, but it specialists King & McGaw to sell a magnificent However, for all the good bits, driving this Jag
refuses to crash into bumps like I expected. Prior range of historic, hand-developed “heritage made me impatient for the big change planned
says the lesser version without track dampers or images” covering famous British car brands from for 2025. The XF has been around since 2007
a differential is a bit less edgy. They can keep it. the Roaring Twenties to the Swinging Sixties. and has now achieved parity with the Germans
A total of 77 images are so far offered (including on all important fronts. But after such a time,
Driving the GR Yaris made me recall two wildly the evocative Landie print above) and there will parity isn’t enough, sadly. The marque must
disparate cars from my past. The first was an eventually be more, ranging in price from £25 to now do something magnificently different.
early Lotus Elise fitted with unfeasibly expensive £200. Full details at britishmotormuseum.co.uk.
and sophisticated Dynamic suspension. That FRIDAY
had the same tautness and control yet no crash. THURSDAY
The other (don’t laugh) was a rusty two-door Alfa This seems to be my week for loving small
Romeo Alfasud Ti that I briefly owned – fondly I hadn’t driven a Jaguar XF for quite a while, so I Japanese cars. I’m irrationally excited by the
remembered on the grounds of size, steering was impressed by the updated Sportbrake P250 first view of the Toyota Aygo X Prologue concept,
quality and sheer, unrivalled willingness to (p25) that turned up at my place for a few days. previewing the next city-sized Aygo to be built
perform. It was always, without compromise, in the Czech factory that Toyota formerly shared
my ally on journeys. The GR Yaris is the same. WANT TO WORK WITH US? with Citroën and Peugeot but now fully owns. It
suggests the Aygo will be a 3.7m-long SUV-style
TUESDAY Big news! Autocar needs car (News, p8) more or less identical in proportion
a road tester, someone to the Suzuki Ignis, of which I’ve recently become
Just had news that one of my heroes among car who’s as keen as we are, a devotee. I might have known that Toyota, whose
leaders, Osamu Suzuki, is entering well-earned who really knows cars and creative juices are really flowing at present, would
retirement at 91, having spent the past 20 years who writes well enough to see the beauty of this terrific package.
as chairman of his eponymous company and the slot right in. Immediate
20 years before that as CEO. His profile has never prior experience is helpful GET IN TOUCH
been as big as he deserves: under his guidance, but not a deal-breaker. Tell
Suzuki has done things others find impossible. us why you’re the perfect [email protected] @stvcr
It has made decent money out of cheap and tiny person for the job through
cars, succeeded in emerging markets (India), careers.haymarket.com.
fearlessly launched quirky designs (Ignis, Jimny)
and met crash regulations while keeping its cars
amazingly light. Let’s hope that Suzuki’s new
crew is as good at maintaining the traditions.

24 MARCH 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 19

FIRST DRIVES

NEW CARS TESTED AND RATED

TESTED 17.3.21, WARWICKSHIRE ON SALE NOW

KIA STINGER GT S

Subtle revisions help one of our favourite quick saloons to remain current in 2021

Were you to list the unexpected under five seconds, it could hit almost to put badge-snobbery to one side. stand-alone model. Kia has dropped
four-wheeled gems we’ve 170mph flat out, and the dynamic More than anything else, the GT S the 2.0-litre turbo petrol and 2.2-litre
been given over the past few characteristics had been signed off by diesel engines of the more sedate
years, some names would renowned engineer Albert Biermann, served as the one thing Kia had never GT-Line Stingers. And on a similar
spill freely from your mind. The fresh from three decades at the helm really had: a true halo model. It’s note, while the full-bore GT S employs
Alpine A110 first, probably followed of BMW M. You could also buy one why, despite only modest demand all-wheel drive in LHD markets, over
by the Toyota GR Yaris. After that, and have change from £41,000, over the past four years, the car, still here it remains rear driveshafts only,
possibly the Ariel Atom 4, which we which made it exceptional value for of distinctly old-school flavour, has for reasons relating to packaging.
always knew was going to be epic money, for those sagacious enough been updated for 2021 and will stay
fun but could never have predicted on sale for years yet, albeit now as a The updates are subtle.
just how well executed the Somerset Most obvious is the new light bar
Exocet would turn out to be at the It’s a big car and feels it on B-roads but comes into its own on smooth A-roads connecting the tail-lights. The four
fourth (well, fifth) time of asking. exhaust tips are now larger, too,
and Kia has restyled the diffuser.
Your memory might flail around Elsewhere, the standard-fit red
after that, but eventually it would Brembo brake calipers now peek out
recall the Kia Stinger GT S. What from behind a new design of 19in
a nice surprise that was. When it wheel, and the LED headlights have
arrived in 2017, this was nothing less also been tweaked. However, while
than the first rear-driven car Kia had the air curtains at the edges of the
ever sold in this country, and it broke front bumpers and the gills slightly
that duck in style. aft of the front wheel arches remain
functional, the nostril vents in the
An elegant four-door fastback in long bonnet are still purely cosmetic.
the manner of the BMW 4 Series The Stinger also retains its unusual
Gran Coupé and Audi S5 Sportback, coppery-chrome trim.
albeit marginally larger than either
in footprint, the GT S had a 3.3-litre As for the mechanicals, the
twin-turbo V6 that made 365bhp 3.3-litre motor is actually less
and delivered it to the rear wheels powerful than before, although really
through the standard-fit mechanical this emissions-related change came
limited-slip differential. It about before the facelift, and at 4bhp,
accelerated to 62mph in comfortably the deficit is minimal in the context

20 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 24 MARCH 2021

TESTER’S NOTE FIRST DRIVES
New to this car is
`
Kia’s Blind-Spot View
Monitor, which takes This is an honest and
confidence-inspiring car
a video feed from that wants and needs
wide-angle cameras
mounted on the door you to get involved
mirrors and relays
a
it onto the digital
display between the New Michelin tyres give good grip but are progressive at the limit
big analogue dials,
but only when the

indicators are in
action. Assuming
you actually take a
moment to check
the display before
shimmying out of
lane, the system
works very well. RL

Cockpit shuns touch-sensitivity for something more old-world in feel

of something that weighs 1855kg. dials, neatly positioned vents, just wheel can also be too busy sorting a trait that feels increasingly rare at
Yes, it’s still a big old beast, the GT S, the right amount of switchgear itself out to contribute neatly to the this level. And we shouldn’t ignore
and only 10kg lighter than a BMW and a massively improved 10.3in bigger dynamic picture. It’s one of what an accomplished fastback
M5 Competition. Elsewhere, the infotainment touchscreen. It is all the few environments where, say, the GT S is elsewhere. Spacious
adaptive dampers have been retuned befitting – and then some – of the an S5 Sportback or a Jaguar XF has and comfortable, the car now has
to be a little more forgiving across Stinger’s price, which at £42,595 more talent and sophistication to the infotainment array it deserves,
the board, but at the same time Kia has hardly risen at all. fall back on. And in fairness, it’s an and a level of perceived quality that
claims to have achieved a “slight environment the Stinger GT S isn’t outstrips the asking price. This Kia
reduction” in understeer. That could Five minutes behind the wheel intended for. It’s most at home on remains an unexpected gem.
be the result of geometry changes, or of the facelifted model is enough smooth, meandering A-roads, where
damping response, but I’d wager it’s to remind you why the GT S was it’ll make fluid and stately progress, RICHARD LANE
mostly down to the most significant received so warmly in 2017. There’s but for a decibel or two more tyre
chassis tweak of all: the switching of still an obvious natural harmony that roar than you’d want from something @_rlane_
Continental’s Sport Contact 5 tyres exists between this car’s loping but with genuine GT pretensions.
for a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S. far from lethargic gait, the measured KIA STINGER GT S
but precise response and surprisingly As for less understeer? Believe it.
Rounding off the changes is a detailed feel in the steering, and the Of the driving modes selectable via Melds comfort, performance and
subtle revision to the electric power poise in the chassis when you balance the rotary dial atop the transmission fun for an asking price that the
steering (where the motor is still it with the engine’s ample torque. tunnel, the most aggressive culls the opposition can’t get close to
mounted on the rack rather than the And a generous but sensible level of traction control but keeps the ESP.
column, for less corruption). In Sport performance. Even though this isn’t It reveals the tail end of the Stinger AAAAB
mode, the level of assistance has the most joyful V6 ever conceived to be progressive and stable at the
not been dialled back, as you might (despite the surprisingly convincing limit, to the extent that you can just Price  £42,595
expect, but increased, although the efforts of the speakers), you can stay pick your moments in second or third
action in the original Stinger GT S on the throttle with the Stinger GT S gear and open the steering anywhere Engine  V6, 3342cc, twin-
had plenty of heft to spare. without it tearing into triple-figure between three or four degrees and
speeds before you realise what’s half an armful. The long wheelbase turbocharged, petrol
Inside, it is similarly much as going on. Like an M5 Comp does. helps make movements predictable,
before, although perceived quality but the in-house limited-slip Power  361bhp at 6000rpm
seems higher now than on the earlier What you can’t escape is the size differential works well, too.
cars and the nappa leather seats are of the thing on smaller B-roads, Torque 376lb ft at 1300-4500rpm
even more sumptuous and inviting where choppier stretches uncover This remains an honest and
for hours-long drives, placing you low the limits of the suspension’s confidence-inspiring car; one that Gearbox 8-spd automatic
and snug behind the high scuttle. In composure in short order. The body rather than tolerating you, wants and
here, you’ll also find clear analogue floats, and past a certain point each needs you to get involved, which is Kerb weight 1855kg

0-62mph 4.7sec

Top speed 167mph

Economy 28.0mpg

CO2, tax band 229g/km, 37%

RIVALS Audi S5 Sportback,

Jaguar XF P300

24 MARCH 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 21



FIRST DRIVES

TESTER’S NOTE
The interior is a really

appealing blend of
premium quality and
functionality. It’s like

those green coats
that posh farmers all
seem to wear: smart-

looking but hard-
wearing. I probably
wouldn’t take a hose
to either, mind. SD

TESTED 18.3.21, OXFORDSHIRE ON SALE NOW

LAND ROVER DEFENDER 90 D250

New Ingenium straight six is now the only diesel engine offered in multi-talented 4x4

Well, that’s interesting: roughly Performance is very decent, too, and while this one stayed firmly on The Defender 90 handles in a really
a year after introducing it, although while the Defender 90 the road during our brief test drive, authentic fashion, too. Its steering
Land Rover has dropped the feels fast enough to make its claimed the same story no doubt applies. is accurate and pretty meaty, so you
four-cylinder diesel engine 8.0sec sprint time appear legitimate, In fact, the Defender 90 would be have to be fairly deliberate with your
from the Defender. Which means that I wouldn’t go so far as to say that its even better, thanks to the superior inputs. It rolls about a bit as well, but
if you want a Defender that drinks its acceleration seems entirely effortless. breakover angle afforded by its in a controlled, natural fashion that’s
fuel from the black pump, you now shorter wheelbase. really enjoyable. The traction and
have just one engine to choose from: Bury the throttle and you really get stability systems come down hard
the recently introduced Ingenium a sense of how much work the motor In the context of that extreme as soon as they detect a whiff of slip,
3.0-litre straight six. Lovely stuff. is having to do to shift the Defender’s off-road capability, the Defender’s but that’s as it should be, really.
2.2-tonne mass and bluff, boxy body cruising manners are all the more
It’s available in three guises: D200, with a bit of urgency. It’s like you’re remarkable. At motorway speeds, As for the interior, well, there’s
D250 and D300, with power outputs accelerating on really soft, viscous our test car (fitted with the £1615 good space in both rows, although
ranging from 197bhp to 296bhp. asphalt. It’s a little strange but option of air suspension) was not those in the back might feel a tiny bit
Here, we’re sampling the mid-level impressive nonetheless. only pliant and composed but short on head room. The boot is very
D250, which kicks out a handsome impressively hushed, too. small, but that’s the price you pay for
245bhp and 420lb ft of torque, Unsurprisingly, the engine’s torque those looks.
enabling our three-door Defender 90 arrives in one big, fat dollop, and as Yes, there’s a bit of wind and road
test car to hit 62mph from a standstill the revs spiral towards the redline, noise, but the latter is so subdued I was initially sceptical about the
in a respectable 8.0sec. it quickly edges into breathlessness. that I was genuinely surprised to new Defender’s design, but the 90,
It does sound good up there, mind, discover our Defender was riding on particularly on white steelies, looks
Jaguar Land Rover was extremely like a low-key, malevolent growl. fairly knobbly Goodyear Wrangler ace. If I had £51,205 kicking about,
late to the party in launching this all-terrain tyres. Clever, that. I would order one in an instant.
particular powerplant, but the firm However, the ZF-sourced eight-
is due credit regardless, because it speed automatic gearbox isn’t the The same goes for the manner in SIMON DAVIS
has made a pretty sweet engine. most quick-witted in the world. Were which it’s happy to simply stay in its
Under the bonnet of the Defender, this a conventional SUV, you would lane at pace; there’s way less need for @simondavisnz
it doesn’t sound quite as smooth probably want it to be a bit quicker those smaller steering corrections
or refined under lighter throttle on the uptake, but the Defender isn’t you almost constantly have to make LAND ROVER DEFENDER 90 D250 SE
loads than plenty of other straight- really a conventional SUV, is it? behind the wheel of the rival Jeep
six oil-burners you could care to Wrangler. This would be a very Uncannily comfy for what it can do
name, but it isn’t far off at all. We’ve extensively covered just comfortable, easy car in which off road, and the new six-pot diesel
how capable the long-wheelbase 110 to cover big distances. engine suits its character perfectly
version of this 4x4 is in the wilds,
AAAAB

Price  £51,205

Engine  6 cyls in line, 2996cc,

turbocharged, diesel

Power  245bhp at 4000rpm

Torque 420lb ft at 1250-2500rpm

Gearbox 8-spd automatic

Kerb weight 2228kg

0-62mph 8.0sec

Top speed 117mph

Economy 30.4-32.8mpg

CO2, tax band 226-244g/km, 37%

RIVALS Toyota Land Cruiser 3dr,

Defender makes a comfortable cruiser; interior is spacious and practical Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 3dr

24 MARCH 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 23



FIRST DRIVES

TESTER’S NOTE
The new block-shaped

gear selector may
look the business, but

it’s not as logical or
easy to use as the first

XF’s controversial
rotary item. SC

TESTED 15.3.21, OXFORDSHIRE ON SALE NOW

JAGUAR XF SPORTBRAKE

Has a subtle update made Jaguar’s plush executive estate more competitive?

There’s a view in some quarters nature a better handler and a more regard) and the fascia’s designers and the refined suspension ensures
that estate cars are a bit beside economical option than an SUV. deserve praise for ensuring that both neat, roll-free cornering and
the point these days. The world we still have easy-to-find and well- awesome straight-line stability.
has turned to SUVs, goes the In fact, that combination of organised knobs for the audio volume
story, and from them to crossovers. practicality, performance and good and major ventilation functions. We all know now that Jaguars will
driving characteristics seems to be be completely EV designs from 2025,
Don’t believe it. In many cases, very much the point of our test car, The engine is reasonably smooth but that shouldn’t really be a concern
family-sized saloons are outsold by which is powered by JLR’s middle- and responsive, if a bit characterless for you here. At just over £40,000, the
their estate offshoots, and even the ranking Ingenium 2.0-litre four- against the creamy sixes of German XF Sportbrake P250 is impressive
Sportbrake tested here accounts for cylinder turbo petrol engine, making rivals. The gearbox is mostly smooth value for money, especially since it
one-third of all of the Jaguar XF’s 247bhp and driving via a regular (there’s just the occasional hesitation appears to be built very well indeed.
(admittedly modest) sales across eight-speed automatic gearbox. at low speed) and responds rapidly to It will surely be healthy and happy
Europe. There’s a particular kind of the paddles when you request a shift. on the road many years beyond 2025.
buyer that responds to the logic of an In R-Dynamic SE guise, the XF But mostly, the XF Sportbrake glides
estate: a more practical derivative Sportbrake gets all manner of sporty about effortlessly almost as if it had On the other hand, if you would
that weighs only a smidge more than decor, rides on 19in black alloys and no engine at all. An output of 247bhp prefer one of the next-generation
its sibling (75kg in this case), has no has a selector that juggles engine is enough to slingshot you to 62mph Jaguars, you could hardly do better
extra frontal area and at times can and transmission parameters to in a very decent 7.1sec and to 150mph than to choose one of these on a PCP
even be more aerodynamic, thanks provide a Sport and Economy regime if you can find the space. These are or PCH finance plan and be ready to
to the simplicity of its extended rear either side of Comfort. Sure, this is a good figures for a family car with swap when the time is right. Jaguar
shape. More load for no more fuel. car ideally configured for toting the official fuel economy of 33.9mpg. will be hoping for customers like you.
family and gear on holiday, but it
In this case, the load capacity is can deliver driving enjoyment, too. The XF always feels refined and STEVE CROPLEY
a generous 565 litres, expanding to long-legged, supple over potholes
1700 litres when the rear seats are The latest interior should please but never floaty. It also generates @stvcr
folded down. There’s a wide, flat floor all occupants. The trim, sumptuous significantly less road noise than
that gives away surprisingly little seats and fascia have a general aura rivals – a boon in a country where JAGUAR XF SPORTBRAKE
except roof height to an SUV, while of quality, the Pivi Pro infotainment surfaces are often coarse and P250 R-DYNAMIC SE
maintaining the low centre of gravity system is far better and easier to use vary widely. The steering is very
that will almost always make it by than any previous system (at last, accurate and perfectly weighted Pleasant, refined and enjoyable
JLR goes to the top of its class in this to drive, despite an engine that’s a
shade too discreet for its own good

AAAAC

Price  £40,125

Engine  4 cyls, 1997cc, turbo, petrol

Power  247bhp at 5500rpm

Torque 269lb ft at 1300-4500rpm

Gearbox 8-spd automatic

Kerb weight 1900kg

0-62mph 7.1sec

Top speed 150mph

Economy 33.9mpg

CO2, tax band 188g/km, 37%

RIVALS BMW 5 Series Touring,

It’s refined, supple and comfy on the road; interior now has much better tech Audi A6 Avant

24 MARCH 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 25

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FIRST DRIVES

TESTED 12.3.21, LINCOLNSHIRE ON SALE NOW

LEXUS UX 300e
Luxury brand’s first pure-electric car faces stiff competition, so is it up to the mark?

nterestingly, even though the LEXUS UX 300e PREMIUM PLUS PACK
UX 300e is Lexus’s first all-
electric car, the brochure for Existing fans of Lexus will like the
it still has a page dedicated to marque’s first electric car but
the manufacturer’s ‘self-charging’ neutrals should head elsewhere
hybrids. It seems that, despite Lexus
finally joining the EV party, it can’t AAABC
quite let go of what has been its main
USP over the past few years. Price  £47,400
Still, better late than never. This
is the fully electric UX – you can Engine  AC permanent magnet
still buy a hybrid one – with prices
starting from £43,900. Ours is the synchronous motor
mid-level Premium Plus Pack variant
and costs £47,400. All versions get Power  201bhp
a 54.3kWh floor-mounted battery
and sole 201bhp motor powering the Torque 221lb ft
front wheels. The 0-62mph sprint
takes 7.5sec, the top speed is limited Gearbox 1-spd reduction gearing
to 100mph and the official range is
196 miles. We saw 162 miles in mild Kerb weight 1785kg
weather, 182 with the air-con killed.
Those figures aren’t amazing 0-62mph 7.5sec
– the slightly pricier Polestar 2
manages 4.7sec and a theoretical Top speed 100mph
292 miles – but Lexus says it was a
choice between cost and range. All its In practice, it’s difficult to see why speeds. Because it’s front-wheel Battery 54.3kWh, lithium ion
hybrids are modular so it could have Lexus didn’t do this before. If ever drive, you have to tread carefully
added more battery oomph but chose a powertrain fitted the Japanese with the throttle out of a junction, as Range 196 miles
this size over a punchier price. firm’s zen-like attitude to driving, it’ll spin an inside wheel otherwise.
it’s electric. The noise isolation is Equally, there’s a bit of thump CO2, tax band 0g/km, 0%
particularly impressive in this car, kickback if the steering is loaded
as there’s minimal road grumble up and you hit a mid-corner bump. RIVALS Polestar 2, Tesla Model 3
and the suspension muffles any Blame those front tyres having to
bumps that try to disturb the inner do too many tasks. pedal. The regen isn’t that strong.
tranquillity. It’s a very calming car. The UX 300e is an interesting
There is a brake mode, whereby
Not that it’s slow. The headline you can alter the regenerative braking option and has some lovely touches
figure isn’t captivating, but it never (with three different settings via the – the materials across the dashboard
feels sluggish on a journey and also paddles behind the steering wheel), are great – but that isn’t enough to
keeps pulling well, even at motorway but you can’t drive using a single challenge the class best, which drive
better. It’s a quirky, left-field choice.

PIERS WARD

TESTED 12.3.21, HERTFORDSHIRE ON SALE NOW

MERCEDES-AMG GLB 35

Compact seven-seater has its temperature raised by Affalterbach’s engineers

When you think of The latest addition to its high- cylinder and 4Matic all-wheel-drive firmness in the ride, but otherwise
Mercedes, what springs riding ranks is a go-faster version transmission found in the A35 it’s quiet and comfortable. Its interior
to mind? Luxury saloons? of its GLB. Fettled by AMG and hatchback. Suspension changes over is a cut above those of rivals for looks
Convertibles? Coupés? Truth featuring a seven-seat layout, this the standard GLB include bespoke and finish, and that third row of seats
is the brand is famed for all of those compact crossover promises to steering knuckles and control arms, is genuinely useful – although on
things, but these days its lifeblood be one of its most versatile yet, a stiffer subframe assembly, stronger anything other than short journeys,
is SUVs. It now has 11 of them on the aiming to serve up performance rear-wheel hubs, stiffer springs and they’re best left to the kids.
books, as opposed to six saloons, and practicality in equal measure. the addition of adaptive dampers.
four drop-tops and two coupés. JAMES DISDALE
So it produces more 4x4s than, for Under its boxy, G-Wagen- Tipping the scales at 1770kg, the
instance, SUV stalwart Land Rover. inspired body is the same 302bhp Merc is no lightweight, but the raspy MERCEDES-AMG GLB 35
turbocharged 2.0-litre four- blown four-pot feels surprisingly PREMIUM PLUS 4MATIC
potent, with a good slug of low-down
torque and an appetite for hard work. This quick and capable GLB is one of
the better hot SUVs and its seven-
The GLB also disguises its mass seat layout is a genuine USP
well in corners, with strong turn-
in bite, cast-iron body control and AAABC
tenacious all-wheel-drive traction.
Price  £51,660
It’s not an expressive or adjustable
machine, but the pace and poise with Engine  4 cyls, 1991cc,
which it can pick apart challenging
roads is impressive, especially in the turbocharged, petrol
sportier of its drive modes.
Power  302bhp at 5800-6100rpm
So it’s a shame that it’s undermined
by its AMG Direct-Steer rack, which Torque 295lb ft at 3000-4000rpm
lacks feel and never seems entirely
natural in its rate of response, Gearbox 8-spd dual-clutch automatic
making it tricky to pick an accurate
line through corners. Kerb weight 1770kg

Dial everything back and the Merc 0-62mph 5.2sec
is capable everyday transport. Poor
surfaces highlight an underlying Top speed 155mph

Economy 32.1mpg

CO2, tax band 200g/km, 37%

RIVALS Cupra Formentor,

Volkswagen Tiguan R

24 MARCH 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 27

PHOTOGRAPHY MAX EDLESTON ROAD TEST

No 5516

Ford Puma

Can Ford transfer its ST recipe for fun, usable, affordable performance to an SUV?

MODEL TESTED ST
Price £28,495 Power 197bhp Torque 236lb ft 0-60mph 7.2sec 30-70mph in fourth 8.1sec Fuel economy 31.1mpg CO2 emissions 155g/km 70-0mph 44.3m

28 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 24 MARCH 2021

he subject of this week’s Range at a glance ROAD TEST

T road test will be a vastly ENGINES POWER FROM z You can only have 19in wheels on your
more common sight Puma ST, although a Magnetite Dark
than its namesake ever 1.0T MHEV Titanium 123bhp £22,040 (read dark grey) finish is available as a
was. Although the original Ford £22,790 no-cost alternative to these silver rims.
Racing Puma of the late 1990s was 1.0T MHEV Titanium 153bhp £23,640 The ST gets bigger front brake discs
an interesting and much-loved hot £28,495 than a regular Puma and discs at the
hatch, only 500 examples were ever 1.0T Titanium auto 123bhp rear rather than drums.
built. And with a price of £23,000 at
the time (nearly £41,000 in today’s 1.5T ST 197bhp z Twin-exit exhaust peeks out from
money), they didn’t exactly fly off beneath the rear bumper. The exhaust
the production line into the hands of TRANSMISSIONS note has been tuned to be slightly
owners. In fact, that price proved so 6-spd manual quieter than it is on the Fiesta ST.
prohibitive that many Racing Pumas 7-spd dual-clutch automatic Ford claims a 1dB difference.
had to be sold off internally. (1.0T 125 only)
With prices starting at £28,495, z Rear-view camera is part of the £900
the new Puma ST is a considerably The Puma range has four trim Driver Assistance Pack, which also
more accessible, usable and versatile levels, not including the new ST adds a suite of active safety systems,
kind of compact performance car performance version, starting with including adaptive cruise control and
than Ford’s last fast Puma ever was. Titanium and extending upwards autonomous emergency braking.
It’s the latest addition to a portfolio through ST Line, ST Line X and ST
of Ford Performance vehicles that Line Vignale. The bottom-rung z A blacked-out front grille, black mirror
has kept hot hatchbacks such as version is the only one without caps and a black roof all play a part in
the Focus ST and Fiesta ST at its stiffened sports suspension. All helping to boost this jacked-up Puma’s
core, but that also needs to branch have Ford’s Megabox extended boot athletic image.
out and move with the times. This, storage and Sync3 infotainment
then, is the first of the Blue Oval’s with factory navigation, but only
European-market SUVs to be given the upper trims get wireless
the significant performance overhaul device charging.
typically denoted by ST badges.
And if the standard modern-day A seven-speed dual-clutch
Puma is anything to go by, this automatic gearbox can be had only
ST version should have plenty of in tandem with a non-hybridised
driver appeal. The base car has 1.0-litre engine.
already proved itself to be the
We like keen driver’s choice in a segment suspension. To help counteract the
populated by dynamically bland Puma ST’s taller centre of gravity,
z Characterful, zesty engine has just compact crossover hatchbacks and, the torsional stiffness of its twist
the right amount of punch as we’ll explain in a moment, the beam rear axle – which has a 28mm
z Versatile boot layout gives you lots modifications Ford Performance anti-roll bar cleverly integrated into
of carrying options has made aren’t exactly small fry. its U-section – has been increased
by 50% compared with the standard
We don’t like DESIGN AND ENGINEERING Fiesta ST’s equivalent. Meanwhile,
Ford’s patented ‘force-vectoring’
z Although it entertains plenty, AAAAB directionally wound rear springs
there’s a limit to its dynamic talents have also been fitted, enhancing
that other STs don’t have The idea of the performance the Puma’s stability and fleet-
z Second-row seats aren’t quite crossover is no longer as novel as it footedness by better locating the rear
roomy enough for taller adults was a few years ago, but the Puma ST axle. Similar to those found on the
still manages to represent something Fiesta ST, these work by applying
of a departure from those we’ve lateral forces directly to the axle
seen before. Where so many of its during cornering to help stabilise
rivals rely on heavily boosted four- the wheels and contain the car’s
cylinder engines, slick dual-clutch mass. Elsewhere, new Hitachi twin-
transmissions and four-wheel drive, tube frequency-reactive dampers
the Puma features none of the above. (different from the Tenneco shocks
on the Fiesta ST) have been fitted at
The 1.0-litre Ecoboost engine of all four corners.
the regular Puma has been replaced
by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo With a ratio of 11.4:1, the Puma
petrol unit that is almost exactly the ST’s steering is close to 25% quicker
same all-aluminium powerplant that than the base car’s, an improvement
you’ll find in the excellent Fiesta ST, that’s facilitated by a modified front
albeit with a bespoke air intake and steering knuckle with a shorter
new roll-restricting engine mounts. steering arm and faster gearing. We
measured 2.1 turns from lock to lock,
It develops the same 197bhp at versus 2.8 in the standard car.
6000rpm as in the cheaper Fiesta
ST, which might raise one or two The Puma’s slightly cartoonish
eyebrows. However, peak torque looks have taken well to the ST
has been increased to 236lb ft treatment, too. Larger 19in wheels
at 2500-3500rpm, all of which is (an inch larger than you can get on
deployed to the front wheels via a six- a Fiesta ST) and a more prominent
speed manual transmission. Specify bodykit bring a welcome level of ◊
the ST Performance Pack (a £950
option that our test car had) and you’ll Ford Racing Puma is sought after today
get not only an electronic launch
control and interior shift lights but
also a Quaife helical limited-slip
differential. This works in tandem
with brake-based torque vectoring.

So the Puma ST is already shaping
up to be a fairly hardcore contender.
And that’s before you get to the
tweaks made to its chassis and

24 MARCH 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 29

Weights and measures 980mm max 910mm

DIMENSIONS 660mm 456- 1533mm
1216 litres
0.37
763mm
1100mm max

875mm Kerb weight: 1283kg z Front seats have a slightly raised hip point and offer decent comfort and lateral
2588mm support. Manual handbrake and gearlever are pleasing to find in any hot modern car.
PARKING 4226mm

Typical garage height Typical parking space width (2400mm)

2030mm Typical leg room
660mm

1950mm (with mirrors) z Back seats have less bolstering than the fronts but are still comfortable for two
3460mm smaller adults or teenagers. Head room is a little tight for taller adults.

WHEEL AND PEDAL 75mm 35mm Width 1000mm
ALIGNMENT 135mm

Sports pedals are well spaced
and sit in a footwell that
doesn’t feel confined for the
bigger-footed driver, with a
rest for your left foot.

HEADLIGHTS Height 380-540-
820-1130mm
Fixed LED headlights are
standard on ST and Vignale Length 740-1480mm
trims, optional lower down
the range. They have good 10mm
power and a sensible dip level.
Centre
z Boot floor has two height settings and can also be latched upright to reveal a
large and deep Megabox storage area. Spacesaver spare is not an option on the ST.

Δ additional visual aggression, while can’t have it both ways, after all. is the kind of car that would fit into as standard that display a decidedly
the fact that it sits 21mm lower to the While we bemoan any new model a single-berth garage pretty easily; Jaguar-like animated Puma with
ground than a regular Puma lends that’s longer or wider than the one it but it also has the kind of boot space every engine start, but their graphics
the compact crossover a slightly replaces, many of us are also sceptical and carrying versatility you won’t are clear and crisp looking. Attempts
squatter, more assertive stance. when car makers look to crossover find in many other compact cars and at an inviting ambience, or a bit of
bodystyles, and grow their models will seat all but the tallest adults in its a sense of occasion about the cabin,
INTERIOR upwards rather than outwards, in back seats reasonably comfortably. are otherwise absent. This is Fiesta
search of extra interior space. Short dashboard architecture, inoffensive
AAAAC of conjuring tricks, that doesn’t Ford’s Megabox boot layout – but pretty plain in look and feel.
leave the industry many places to go which is effectively an extra-deep Evidently, even in its more special
With both a jacked-up crossover in a world in which buyers are only loading space where you might compact cars, Ford isn’t about to risk
profile and lowered performance getting bigger. expect to find a spare wheel – comes trying – and failing – to create much
tuning in the mix, you may not be in equally handy both when carrying in the way of premium feel.
sure what kind of driving position Being barely 50mm longer than taller items (it makes for more than
will meet your backside when you Ford’s legendary Mk1 Focus and only 1.1m of maximum loading height) PERFORMANCE
get in the Puma ST. Most drivers 100mm wider and 100mm taller, the and when simply wishing to prevent
will, in fact, lower themselves a little Puma feels like it has hit a sweet spot bags or bulky objects from rolling AAAAC
into the car’s quite deeply bolstered for overall size somewhere between around. It has a drainage hole, too,
but welcomingly soft Recaro seats; today’s B- and C-segment class should you want to keep muddy or It will have been tempting for Ford to
and then find themselves in a car norms. It feels usefully narrow even wet equipment separate from other look to a bigger and more powerful
that feels fairly compact, but has on country lanes and, measuring less items and then clean up easily later. engine for this car, given how
pretty useful quantities of both than two metres across the mirrors, bold some of its rivals have been
cabin and boot space. We critics Ford gives you digital instruments in lavishing upwards of 300 ◊

30 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 24 MARCH 2021

ROAD TEST

z Centre stack has simple, fixed heater controls (which z The 12.3in digital instrument screen displays a Puma z Cupholders are well placed but the ride is firm
we like), device charging ports, a wireless charging pad graphic when you board the car: a big cat less in the enough to occasionally force frothy Americano up
and a cubby roomy enough for keys and a wallet . classic Jaguar ‘leaper’ mode than in a pouncing pose. through a takeaway coffee cup lid like volcanic magma.

Multimedia system AAAAC

The Puma gets as standard Ford’s Sync3 touchscreen
infotainment system, which is operated mainly through an
8.0in touchscreen, although it can work via voice control. It’s
rendered pretty simply but is responsive enough, with sensibly
sized shortcut buttons and physical knobs for volume and radio
tuning making usability good.

Smartphone mirroring for both Apple and Android handsets
is included, with a wireless device charging pad (via the Qi
standard) for ST-Line X, Vignale and ST models. The snag
here is that smartphone mirroring is possible only via a
wired USB connection, so many drivers will want to plug their
phone in anyway.

All trim levels get factory navigation. The system is simple to
programme and adjust, is easy to follow and has clear mapping.

A seven-speaker hi-fi set-up is standard on lower-grade cars,
but ST models get Ford’s 10-speaker B&O premium system, the
power and clarity of which is good without being stellar.

24 MARCH 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 31

Ford Performance w`as always going to go

large on the dose of sporting flavour

a

Δ horsepower on cars of this class. outright acceleration (0-62mph in of protest from just 1250rpm, revs a car so dedicated to the possibility
What the Puma ST’s engine proves, 6.7sec) but, with a warm, dry surface all the way beyond 6000rpm with of handling dynamism at (relative)
however, is how overpowered and and plenty of practice, you might just smoothness and linearity, and has altitude that it felt utterly dumb to
overcooked many of those premium- about see a 0-60mph run beginning great mid-range muscle and crisp its own particular reality of it. But
positioned competitors are. with a six for this car. part-throttle response. And all of where that Nissan so plainly failed,
those things, plus operating so the Ford gives plenty of cause for
In a slightly heavier, higher-riding The Puma ST certainly seems to clearly at about the limit of traction encouragement.
car that squats more under hard move plenty of its mass away from of its front wheels, feed convincingly
acceleration and wants to move its front wheels when you give it into the notion that the Puma ST has In the weight of its controls, and
around that bit more on its springs full power, although even with the all the grunt it could really use. the feedback coming back through
in just about any situation than a electronic aids off, traction remains them, the Puma ST does performance
regular hot hatchback might, the reasonably strong. The three- HANDLING AND STABILITY feel in quite an understated way –
1.5-litre turbocharged triple we first cylinder engine sounds pleasingly making it easy to drive around town
encountered in the Fiesta ST has vocal. Quite fruity and tuneful, AAAAC for the most part, although some of
plenty to do to make the Puma ST feel and surprisingly bassy at times, the car’s steering behaviour takes a
quick. But it just about manages to. it gives the car plenty of likeable Judging how much jostling, agile hot little getting used to.
performance presence. Plenty of hatchback purpose any particular
The optional electronic launch torque, and real-world pace too: a ‘performance crossover’ may need As for the pace of that steering,
control governed the front tyres very Fiesta ST is only 0.3sec quicker from continues to be a tricky business, and and the rate of response of the car’s
effectively on a chilly test day. With 30mph to 70mph in fourth gear plenty get it wrong. And, because it chassis in particular, the Puma ST
the system switched on (it simply (although fairly short gearing plays famously doesn’t do driver’s cars in thrusts itself forward a little more
regulates engine revs and turbo its part there). half measures, Ford Performance forcibly. It has quite a lot of the
boost to just the right levels while was always likely to go large on rapid-fire cornering agility, and the
you’re feeding out the clutch in first The engine is the kind of hard- the dose of sporting flavour that it propensity to turn in and then rotate
gear), we recorded 7.3sec to 60mph – working, downsized, turbocharged elected to stir into the Puma ST’s underneath you, of a Focus ST or
and with it off, we cut that down to a motor we simply wouldn’t have dynamic recipe. In doing so, it ran Fiesta ST. If you’re trading in either
fastest one-way 7.1sec. Both clockings imagined could exist 25 years ago. the risk of giving us another Nissan of those hot hatchbacks for this car,
are a little short of Ford’s claim for It pulls cleanly and without a hint Juke Nismo RS (remember that?): the Puma ST has an incisive appetite

z Puma ST flexes about as much muscle as its front wheels can reasonably handle and entertains a keen driver in corners with its agility and willingness to rotate.

32 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 24 MARCH 2021

ROAD TEST

Track notes

The Puma ST has the outright grip, z Puma turns in z Big compressions on the run down into, T2
torque and body control to go very smartly for T2, but and route away from, T4 are soaked up

well around Millbrook’s Hill Route, but it doesn’t rotate easily by the car’s dampers.

its Fiesta ST party mask slips just a mid-corner or cling to T4

little as you probe the last couple of the apex under power

tenths of its handling potential. as a Fiesta ST might. T3
The car has plenty of bite on turn-

in, when the suspension checks body T6 T1
roll cleanly, providing a surprisingly

good platform for the fast-paced

steering to work with initially.

As it passes the apex, the Puma’s

chassis has just a little less mid-

corner agility and readiness to rotate

than, say, a Focus ST, and it is less z Run the car into T5 at high revs and with

sensitive to weight transfer. The plenty of engine braking and you’ll feel it

Puma’s grip tends to run out before tuck its nose in just a little.

you can adjust its cornering attitude

with a trailing throttle, and its diff T7

settings also seem gentler than those T5

in a Focus ST or Fiesta ST so you don’t

feel it working as much either under

load or on the over-run.

The car’s body control can also

struggle slightly during fast FINISH START
direction changes.

for direction change that you will COMFORT AND ISOLATION Cabin sealing is pretty good. This Fiesta simply isn’t practical enough,
recognise instantly and that, on isn’t a car to worry the luxury brands and who want something that
everyday trips, shouldn’t disappoint. AAABC for outright isolation, nor was it feels a bit more 21st century than
intended to be. Its cabin is 3dB noisier a Focus, the Puma ST should seem
Then, in terms of outright vertical The Puma ST’s selectable driving at 50mph than that of an Audi SQ2 like reasonable value, which isn’t
damping at greater speed, the car can modes give you the option to reduce quattro, even though the Ford puts something you’d say about every
occasionally assert its performance to some degree the amount of engine less rubber on the road than the Audi go-faster crossover. It undercuts its
credentials just a little more sternly. noise that reaches the cabin. Some did when we tested it in 2019. But for nearest rival from Mini and can be
The Hitachi dampers have plenty to testers might have preferred a those who want a compact crossover had with the ST Performance Pack
do in order to keep the chassis level ‘custom’ set-up through which you made to more of a traditional option for less than £30,000.
and composed on an uneven road could combine, say, comfort-tuned performance recipe, it certainly won’t
– but they have the reserves to do steering and pedal calibration with a seem coarse or unrefined. It should also be a fairly easy car to
it. They don’t produce the tautness sportier exhaust note. ‘upsell’ Puma buyers into. Since the
that a lower, leaner ST might have, BUYING AND OWNING next most powerful Puma Vignale
although there’s more than an echo However, the bottom line is is barely £2000 cheaper, you can
of it. The Puma’s fast back-road that the car needn’t drone on AAABC well imagine people leaving Ford
ride is vertically animated and wearingly on a long journey. It rides showrooms as Puma ST owners
occasionally grabby, the car’s mass comfortably on smoother motorway The Puma ST sits a lot closer on price who didn’t enter them necessarily
generally controlled but in slightly surfaces, and without too much to a ‘bone-stock’ Focus ST than to intending to end up that way.
Machiavellian fashion at times, with intrusive surface roar from those the entry-level Fiesta ST with which
a slight lack of progressiveness. 19in wheels. The driving position it shares much of its construction; Moreover, you wouldn’t say those
is straight, comfortable and well something that will doubtless prompt ‘accidental’ Puma ST owners will find
You certainly wouldn’t claim supported; and the front seats have critics to look at its value proposition much to object to about the car, which
that this car isn’t serious about its base height adjustment, adjustable and wonder why you wouldn’t simply is pleasingly fun but still fairly tame
mission to entertain, then; nor in so lumbar support and separately save yourself £6000 and drive the and good mannered. When running
many ways, especially in day-to-day adjustable head restraints and can better-handling, identically engined on two of its engine cylinders during
A-to-B motoring, does it fall short accommodate taller drivers even conventional supermini instead. relaxed UK motorway touring, our
of its target. without extending cushions. car returned better than 40mpg. ◊
However, to those for whom a

AC C E L E R AT I O N

Ford Puma ST (6deg C, dry)

Standing quarter mile 15.5sec at 93.8mph, standing km 28.1sec at 115.4mph, 30-70mph 6.2sec, 30-70mph in fourth 8.1sec

30mph 40mph 50mph 60mph 70mph 80mph 90mph 100mph 110mph 120mph

2.8s 4.1s 5.3s 7.2s 9.0s 11.2s 14.3s 18.0s 23.4s 32.8s

0 10s 20s 30s

Audi SQ2 Quattro S Tronic (2019, 13deg C, dry) 70mph-0

Standing quarter mile 13.2sec at 106.5mph, standing km 24.2sec at 133.0mph, 30-70mph 4.1sec, 30-70mph in fourth 7.8sec 44.3m

30mph 40 50 60mph 70mph 80mph 90mph 100mph 110mph 120mph 40m
70mph-0
1.8s 2.5 3.4 4.5s 5.9s 7.4s 9.3s 11.6s 14.2s 17.8s
45.5m
0 10s
40m
B R A K I N G 60-0mph: 2.61sec 50mph-0 30m
30m
Ford Puma ST (6deg C, dry) 22.5m

30mph-0 20m

8.4m 50mph-0

0 10m 23.5m

Audi SQ2 Quattro S Tronic (2019, 13deg C, dry) 20m

30mph-0

8.5m

0 10m

24 MARCH 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 33

Data log

FORD PUMA ST £28,495
£31,345
On-the-road price £15,150
Price as tested na
Value after 3yrs/36k miles na
Contract hire pcm 22/£640
Cost per mile
Insurance

TYPICAL PCP QUOTE 45 litres

Three years/27k miles, 10% deposit £390
Ford’s Options PCP personal finance scheme
presents a way into a Puma ST, with the ST
Performance Pack, at a pretty attractive APR
of just 2.9%, and at less than £400 a month.
There’s no dealer or manufacturer support on
this, either, so it’s worth haggling it down a bit.

EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST

19in machined-finish alloy wheels

LED headlights TECHNICAL LAYOUT

Black contrast roof panel Inline three-cylinder engine sits transversely, driving the front axle through a six-
speed gearbox mounted in line with the crankshaft. A limited-slip differential can be
Parking sensors, front and rear added as an option. Suspension is via struts up front and a torsion beam at the rear,
and via force-vectoring springs at the rear as well as Hitachi ‘frequency-reactive’
Keyless entry and start dampers all round. Test car’s weight was distributed 61:39 front to rear on our scales.

Privacy glass

12.3in digital instrument screen

Sync3 Navigation 8.0in touchscreen

infotainment system with B&O ENGINE POWER & TORQUE ECONOMY

premium audio, wireless charging pad Installation Front, transverse, TEST MPG Track 17.6mpg
Touring 41.5mpg
Recaro sports seats, heated and front-wheel drive 300 300 Average 31.1mpg
236lb ft at
partial leather Type 3 cyls in line, 1497cc,
250 2500-3500rpm
Heated steering wheel turbocharged, petrol 197bhp at 250
200 6000rpm 200
ST Performance Pack (including Made of Aluminium block and head CLAIMED Low 32.5mpg
Mid 44.1mpg
limited-slip differential, electronic Bore/stroke 84.0mm/90.0mm Power output (bhp) High 47.9mpg
Extra high 39.2mpg
launch control, shift indicator) £950 Compression ratio 9.7:1 Torque (lb ft) Combined 41.5mpg

Hands-free powered tailgate £600 Valve gear 4 per cyl 150 150

Driver Assistance Pack (including Power 197bhp at 6000rpm

AEB, Blind Spot Information System, Torque 236lb ft at 2500-3500rpm 100 100

Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control) £900 Redline 6500rpm Tank size 45 litres
Test range 308 miles
Metallic paint, Desert Island Blue £400 Power to weight 154bhp per tonne 50 50

Options in bold fitted to test car Torque to weight 184lb ft per tonne 0 Engine (rpm) 0
0 2000 4000 6000 8000
= Standard na = not available Specific output 132bhp per litre EMISSIONS & TAX

CO2 emissions 155g/km

Tax at 20/40% pcm £167/£334

CHASSIS & BODY TRANSMISSION BRAKES SAFETY

Construction Steel monocoque Type 6-spd manual Front 325mm ventilated discs ESC, ABS, HBA, EBD, LKA, AEB
Ratios/mph per 1000rpm Rear 271mm solid discs Euro NCAP crash rating 5 stars (2019, 1.0T)
Weight/as tested 1283kg/1301kg 1st 3.58/4.8 2nd 1.95/8.7 3rd 1.29/13.2 Anti-lock Standard, with EBD, brake assist Adult occupant 94% Child occupant 84%
4th 0.97/17.5 5th 0.78/21.8 6th 0.65/26.2 Handbrake type Manual, via lever Vulnerable road users 77% Safety assist 74%
Drag coefficient 0.37 Final drive ratio 4.56:1 Handbrake location Centre console
CABIN NOISE
Wheels 8.0Jx19in SUSPENSION STEERING
Idle 46dB Max rpm in 3rd gear 81dB
Tyres 225/40 ZR19 93Y, Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, Type Electromechanical, rack and pinion 30mph 61dB 50mph 66dB 70mph 70dB
anti-roll bar Turns lock to lock 2.1
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S FP Rear Torsion beam with inset anti-roll bar, Turning circle 11.2m
force-vectoring coil springs
Spare na (mobility kit)

AC C E L E R AT I O N ACCELERATION IN GEAR MAX SPEEDS IN GEAR RESIDUALS
31mph 86mph 137mph
MPH TIME (sec) mph 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 35
20-40 2.0 3.0 4.7 – – 6500rpm 6500rpm 6281rpm Mini Countryman Cooper S Sport
0-30 2.8 30-50 2.2 2.9 4.0 5.4 7.8
40-60 – 3.0 4.0 5.3 6.9 135 30
0-40 4.1 50-70 – 3.4 4.2 5.4 7.0 25 Mazda CX-30 e-Skyactiv-X GT Sport
60-80 – 4.1 4.5 5.7 7.5 246
0-50 5.3 70-90 – – 5.3 6.3 8.2 20
80-100 – – 6.5 7.5 9.6 57mph 114mph 137mph*
0-60 7.2 90-110 – – – 9.6 12.4 Value (£1000s)15
100-120 – – – 14.1 – 6500rpm 6500rpm 5234rpm
0-70 9.0 120-140 – – – – – 10 Ford Puma ST
140-160 – – – – – *claimed
0-80 11.2 160-180 – – – – – 5
180-200 – – – – – RPM in 6th at 70/80mph = 2674/3056
0-90 14.3 0
New 1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years
0-100 18.0
z Comparing pretty well with the Mini
0-110 23.4 Countryman is no bad result for the
Puma. Mazda beats it, though.
0-120 32.8

0-130 –

0-140 –

0-150 –

0-160 –

THE SMALL PRINT Power-to-weight and torque-to-weight figures are calculated using manufacturer’s claimed kerb weight. © 2021, ROAD TEST No 5516
Haymarket Media Group Ltd. Test results may not be reproduced without editor’s written permission. For information on the Puma ST,
contact Ford of Britain Customer Relationship Centre, Royal Oak Way South, Daventry, Northamptonshire, NN11 8NT (020 3564 4444, Read all of our road tests autocar.co.uk
ford.co.uk). Cost-per-mile figures calculated over 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).

34 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 24 MARCH 2021





ROAD TEST

Testers’
notes

MATT
SAUNDERS
A built-in
storage box with
a drain hole is one of those
clever ideas that you’d
use only once or twice.
(The Mustang Mach-E
has one, too.) I like it but
certainly wouldn’t fill
it with crushed ice and
party drinks like they do
in Ford’s brochures.

VERDICT SIMON DAVIS
Like the Fiesta
AAAAC ST, the hot
Puma’s brake
Well judged, versatile and fun; the jacked-up hot hatch done well pedal is sensitive, which
can make heel-and-toe
hanks no doubt to decades of experience making great hot hatchbacks, and shifts trickier than you’d
like. It’s impressive how
T just the right approach to this new one, Ford Performance has come up with an much of the smaller car’s
enigmatic, quietly convincing and pleasingly versatile car in the new Puma ST. agility Ford has managed
It’s no dynamic conjuring trick. The car has plenty of ST-typical attitude, driver to preserve, mind.
engagement and handling agility at normal speeds. When push comes to shove, that last
degree of tenacious, swivelling balance of the car’s Focus and Fiesta hot hatchback range- Spec advice
mates is ultimately missing, though. But, for a car better able than some of its ST siblings
to tackle the fetching and carrying of the everyday, plus to cater to the hobbyist lifestyles Have the ST Performance
its owners may aspire to have, that could be just the right compromise. Pack (£950): the diff may
The Puma ST has just enough fast Ford performance and character to amuse, and not so work quite subtly, but
much to compromise. It’s proof that ‘less is more’ can apply just as plainly where go-faster it’s worth having. Leave
crossovers are concerned as it can anywhere else in the performance car market. the glass roof (£950),
But if you don’t need the space and convenience it affords? As a driver’s car pure and powered tailgate (£600)
simple, a Fiesta ST is certainly more still. and Driver Assistance
Pack (£900).

Jobs for
the facelift

z Keep working on that
damper tune. A little
more vertical body
movement, checked
more progressively,
wouldn’t be a bad thing.
z Consider some
brighter, livelier
‘performance’ styling
for the interior.
z Get busy with the
accessories. An ST-
branded bike carrier or
specially designed roof
box, perhaps?

ROAD 1 2 3 4 5
TEST

RIVALS

Verdicts FORD PUMA ST MINI COUNTRYMAN AUDI SQ2 QUATTRO MAZDA CX-30 E-SKYACTIV X VOLKSWAGEN T-ROC 2.0 TSI
on every Plenty of pep and driver appeal COOPER S SPORT One of the better members GT SPORT R-LINE DSG 4MOTION
new car, with good usability, and has the Puma’s closest rival shades it of the bunch of pricey, It doesn’t have the Puma’s Gives you 4WD and auto ’box, for
p82 value to match. The car others in for cabin space, but not for boot premium-branded performance performance, but the styling and a price. Not as much fun as the
this class need to beat. space or driver engagement. crossovers. T-Roc R costs more. handling are both good. Ford, but possibly more useful.
AAAAC AAABC AAABC AAABC AAABC

Price £28,495 £29,620 £39,475 £29,600 £36,965
Power, torque 197bhp, 236lb ft 189bhp, 207lb ft 296bhp, 295lb ft 184bhp, 177lb ft 187bhp, 236lb ft
0-62mph, top speed 6.7sec, 137mph 7.6sec, 140mph 4.9sec, 155mph 8.3sec, 127mph 7.2sec, 135mph
CO2, economy 155g/km, 41.5mpg 151-157g/km, 38.7-40.9mpg 188g/km, 34.0mpg 128g/km, 49.6mpg 177g/km, 36.2mpg

24 MARCH 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 35

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PHOTOGRAPHY LUC LACEY

WE’LL TAKE CHA

Can automotive juggernauts Volkswagen and Ford beat the EV specialists at their own game?

ID 4 vs MACH-E vs 2 COMPARISON

RGE FROM HERE

Simon Davis pits the new ID 4 and Mustang Mach-E against a Polestar 2 to find out

ell, that felt quick. dominate this new electrified era.
Instead, that will be the new ID 4. Not
W It seems like only only is it set to capitalise on Europe’s Over the course of
yesterday that the ravenous appetite for relatively our 100-mile test route,
original Nissan Leaf affordable, premium-feeling the Mach-E was the most
crossovers; but also, with production efficient (3.3 miles per
and the Peugeot iOn sites in China and the US, it’s the car kWh), followed by the ID 4
that will spearhead Volkswagen’s EV (2.8mpkWh) and the 2
first emerged, their tiny batteries campaign in those crucial markets.
That makes it a huge deal. (2.5mpkWh).
and puny electric motors making for
Ford, meanwhile, has gone down does that hallowed name bring with
an interesting glimpse at what the a similarly SUV-shaped route with it an elevated status of image-based
its inaugural series-production desirability, but also, in addition
future of mass personal transport EV, but the journey has been rather to the levels of practicality and
more controversial. This, of course, user-friendliness it must possess to
might look like. is because of the name it chose. By succeed as an SUV, there has to be a
going with Mustang Mach-E, Ford healthy serving of driver appeal, too.
Fast forward to 2021 and those isn’t mincing its words. Not only
And so it is that on a freezing-cold
early efforts don’t look so novel at all. Barley costs £4000 over grey or black March morning, we find ourselves
at Milton Keynes Coachway, where
In fact, with the sale of new petrol Ford’s touchscreen is a gigantic 15.5in a Mach-E and an ID 4 are plugged in
to 50kW rapid chargers, having just
and diesel cars set to be banned in Plastics in ID 4 feel sterile but not bad completed the run up the M1 from
London. The Mach-E we have is the
the UK from 2030, their status as entry-level RWD Standard Range,
a car that will cost you £40,350
harbingers of a new electrified era (now that it is no longer eligible for a
government grant, which has been
now looks pretty ironclad. Seemingly cut from £3000 to £2500 and now
only applies to EVs under £35,000).
overnight, the entire new car The ID 4 is a Pro Performance First

market, from the affordable end to

the not-so-affordable end, has been

hit by a deluge of battery-powered

alternatives to the once dominant

internally combusted norm.

For better or for worse, EVs’

prominence among the UK fleet

will continue to grow. Sales and

consequently market share are,

on the back of solid, attainable

mainstream offerings, going

to go only one way: up.

So the questions are: what do those

real-world characters look like today?

And are they already in good enough

shape to really kick-start more

widespread EV adoption ahead of the

looming 2030 ban, or is there still a

hell of a lot of work to be done?

Well, as far as the mainstream

is concerned, it’s hard to get more

mainstream than Volkswagen and

Ford. These automotive leviathans

perhaps aren’t quite as mobile or

quick to the punch as a certain

Californian firm, but the cogs have

really started turning in the past

year with regards to their respective

electrification programmes.

Volkswagen struck first with the

launch of the ID 3, but that family

hatchback isn’t the car that’s really

going to help the German firm

The ponies aren’t just
for show: the Mach-E
has a naughty streak

40 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 24 MARCH 2021

ID 4 vs MACH-E vs 2 COMPARISON

`
Whereas the 1.9-tonne Ford’s motor makes
266bhp and 317lb ft, the 2.1-tonne Volkswagen’s

produces 201bhp and 229lb ft

a

Edition – the only version you can get N E A R LY N E W E L EC T R I C CA R S FO R D I F F E R E N T B U D G E T S
for now in the UK. This generously
equipped launch special will set you £20,000 NISSAN LEAF £30,000 KIA SOUL EV £40,000 TESLA MODEL 3
back £40,800. It’s a small difference, 40KWH N- CONNECTA 64KWH FIRST EDITION LONG RANGE
that, and a pretty telling indicator of For the cost of a new Seat Mii Electric, There are plenty of 64kWh Leafs at this You could easily bag a high-mileage
just how closely matched these two we found a 2019 Nissan Leaf 40kWh. price and even a 2015 Tesla Model S with Model S saloon at this price, but the
electric crossovers are likely to be It had just 12,000 miles on the clock 67,000 miles under its wheels, but our smaller Model 3 might be a smarter
throughout the course of this test. and a claimed range of 168 miles. It’s pick is this Kia Soul EV. It’s a 2020 car bet. The 2020 dual-motor example
hardly the most fashionable EV but, that has done just 100 miles. It has the we found had a claimed range of 360
Both adopt what has become the as a cost-effective, zero-emissions same 64kWh battery as the excellent miles when new, and that shouldn’t
archetypal EV layout: a lithium ion family runabout, it will work a treat. Kia e-Niro for a 280-mile claimed range. have changed after just 10,200 miles.
battery pack housed between the
axles and beneath the floor, powering
a rear-mounted electric motor that
drives the rear wheels. That said,
when you look at their specifications,
there is a tiny bit more daylight.

Whereas the Ford’s motor
produces 266bhp and 317lb ft, the
Volkswagen’s makes 201bhp and
229lb ft. Where the 1.9-tonne Ford
is good for a 0-62mph time of ◊

24 MARCH 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 41

`
The ID 4 has a serious,
get-the-job-done flavour to
its dynamic character

a

Δ 6.9sec, the 2.1-tonne Volkswagen time and two motors that when it comes to luxury
claims 8.5sec. So as far as grunt
is concerned, the pony-badged combine to produce a hefty appeal. Admittedly, you have
Ford looks to be angling for a more
performance-oriented positioning, 402bhp and 487lb ft, the to pay £4000 extra to get
as you would hope it might.
Polestar 2 may look a touch the barley-coloured nappa
However, on purely pragmatic
grounds, it’s the ID 4 that appears to out of place in this company. leather and ‘reconstructed’
step out in front. Its 77kWh battery
is larger than the Ford’s 68kWh But this jacked-up saloon is a wood trim seen here, but
equivalent, and it promises a longer
claimed range, too: 310 miles versus relevant contender – and not Ford can be unlocked with digital keypad on door the 2 doesn’t lose out on any
273 miles on the WLTP test cycle. just because it’s an already effortless lounge-like cool

Before we set out on our 100-mile very accomplished example even in its standard guise.
route that tracks back down the M1,
cuts across country to the northern of what an ‘attainable’ family Storage space is good, too,
reaches of the B660 and then doubles
back to Milton Keynes, there’s a EV might look like. course. Both higher-end models will although the standard
third contender in this test that
needs introducing. With a list price Yes, it’s pricier than both the Ford have price tags more in line with that panoramic glass roof does
of £49,900, a sub-5.0sec 0-62mph
and the Volkswagen, but it pays to of the Polestar. The range-topping eat into rear head room and the

remember that both of those cars Mach-E First Edition, for example, central transmission tunnel (a

will be available in more directly will cost from £58,080 when it hangover from the ICE-focused

comparable guises in the near future. arrives here in the summer. Volvo platform) makes the middle

The Mach-E, for instance, can be A quick poke around all three rear seat best left for small kids.

ordered with an Extended Range cars while they’re charging reveals By comparison, the Ford, well,

battery, with two motors or with some interesting truths. First is feels far more like a Ford – which is

both. The ID 4, meanwhile, will be that the Polestar is, somewhat to say that it won’t win any awards

available in dual-motor form in due unsurprisingly, in another league for material sophistication or bold

42 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 24 MARCH 2021

ID 4 vs MACH-E vs 2 COMPARISON

Polestar 2 has direct handling and suspension that’s happiest at higher speeds

brown upholstery comes as standard from London to this morning’s
rendezvous, I swap into the ID 4.
on the First Edition. It looks snazzy
On the motorway, it immediately
without being gaudy and contrasts feels like a more relaxed, smooth-
operating device. Whereas the
nicely against the vivid white control Mach-E was a wee bit lumpen and
noisy even at cruise, the ID 4 is all
unit and steering wheel – although calm. Even on passive dampers
and large (20in) alloys, it feels
something tells me you will want to impressively composed and pliant,
and its seats (firm but supportive) are
keep that looking perfectly clean. much better than the slightly short-
squabbed chairs found in the Ford.
It’s the Volkswagen that feels Faced with a long drive, of the two
I would grab the keys for the ID 4.
the most spacious, too. Admittedly,
As we come off the M1 at Flitwick
back-seat passengers won’t notice to cut through Millbrook and up
towards Bedford via some twistier
too much difference between the back roads, the ID 4’s mask doesn’t
slip. I’m not sure that it screams
ID 4 and the Mach-E, but when driver engagement, but it feels swift
enough on these roads and steers
it comes to boot space, the ID 4 with that reassuring sense of ease
and purpose that’s common to all
comes up trumps: its 543-litre Volkswagens. It has a serious, get-
the-job-done flavour to its dynamic
load bay (to the window line) is character, for sure, but as a car to
just get in and drive, it’s very easy to
larger than both the Polestar’s (446 get along with. I like it a lot.

litres) and the Mach-E’s (402 litres). Time to get back into the ◊

For sheer family-friendliness, the Mach-E has the slowest

Volkswagen already looks to be maximum charging rate

edging out in front. of the EV trio, at 115kW

Anyway, as the 50kW chargers

we’ve hooked up to finally

bump the cars’ batteries

up to around

Based on nominal 90% capacity, we
battery capacity and decide that it’s time
test efficiency, the Ford to pull the plug
promises the greatest and get cracking.
real-world range (224 miles), Having driven
followed by the Volkswagen the Mach-E up

(216 miles) and the

Polestar (188 miles).

design appeal. It’s a touch drab,
even if the massive, Tesla-style
central touchscreen does inject a
likeable degree of technological
sophistication. But while the front
seats may not cradle you quite as
effortlessly as the Polestar’s, the
Mach-E’s roof doesn’t feel quite so
close to the top of your head when
you’re sitting in the second row. I
reckon it’s quite comfortably the
more spacious car.

But it’s the ID 4 that strikes the best
balance between the two concerns.
With a more liberal use of hard-touch
plastics, it doesn’t feel as immediately
posh as the Polestar, but you get the
sense that Volkswagen made a more
conscious effort to make the ID 4
appeal on a design level than Ford
did with the Mach-E. The grey-and-

24 MARCH 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 43

Hopefully EV drivers of
the future will have less
standing around to do

Unlike the ID 4, the Mach-E and 2 have spaces under their bonnets for charging cables

Δ Mach-E. Away from the motorway, then subtly waggle its tail on corner
it’s clear that the Ford has a few
more tricks up its sleeve than the exit if you’ve turned the traction
Volkswagen but, curiously, you don’t
get into a good flow with this EV control off. For sheer hooliganism,
quite as quickly. It feels more like a
car you need to read and learn. a real Mustang (that’s a coupé with

For starters, its brakes are really a V8 engine in its nose) would leave
quite grabby. Then there’s the
steering, which not only feels rapier- its namesake for dead, but there’s a
quick next to the ID 4’s but light
in its weighting, too. It doesn’t tell definite naughty streak here, and Certainly the keen driver’s choice but
you so much about what’s going on let down slightly by its occasionally
at the front axle, but once you get that’s no bad thing. 2nd knobbly ride and lack of premium lustre,
comfortable with it, there’s a really The Polestar, meanwhile, comes so it comes a very close second.
entertaining, fast EV on offer here.
It doesn’t mask its weight entirely down somewhere between the two.
convincingly, but turns in with plenty
of enthusiasm, grips well and will That’s interesting, considering that

ID 4 has no sporting it blows both rivals into the weeds

pretensions; instead, in terms of straight-line

it’s just neat and tidy punch and its roofline

sits roughly 14cm

lower. Like the Ford, The 2 is compatible
its steering errs on with DC chargers rated
the lighter side of as high as 150kW, while the
things, but it’s just ID 4 can accept up to 125kW.

The Mach-E is limited to a 115kW

maximum. All can charge

from 0-80% capacity in

around 40 minutes.

not quite as eager or as athletic in its
responses, so you don’t find yourself
compelled to really push it to see what
it can do. Don’t get me wrong, this is
a tidy-handling car: body control and
traction, thanks to that second motor
up front, are very good indeed. But
rewarding? I’m not so sure.

With our action shots in the bag,
it’s time to head back to Milton
Keynes to recharge the batteries
one last time before heading home.
I stay in the Polestar and mull things
over. It’s an impressive car, this.
Fast, comfortable, well-made and
beautifully finished. But in this
company, against these specific
versions of the Mach-E and ID 4, it’s
not the EV I would go for. Perhaps it
would be a different story against

44 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 24 MARCH 2021

ID 4 vs MACH-E vs 2 COMPARISON

3rd Fast, comfortable and impressively 1st Not the most entertaining here but practical,
posh, but the numbers don’t quite very well equipped and an impressively slick
add up in this company. operator for its price. Extremely well-rounded.

the more powerful, longer-range that Volkswagen trait of just VW ID 4 Pro Ford Mustang Polestar 2
variants of those cars, but here the feeling impressively complete and Performance Mach-E RWD
price difference is just a bit too steep. well-rounded. It’s very much like a First Edition Standard Range AAAAC
battery-powered Tiguan, and that £49,900
As much as I like the Mach-E’s will be a big deal for a lot of people. RATING AAAAB AAAAB Two AC synchronous
more up-and-at-’em sense of £40,350 electric motors
athleticism, I’m not so enamoured Ultimately, depending on what Price £40,800 AC synchronous 402bhp
of its dull cabin and occasionally your priorities are, you could really electric motor 487lb ft
wooden-feeling ride. Admittedly, make a case for any one of these Engine AC synchronous 266bhp 1-spd automatic
it was the most efficient car of the cars. They all go about the business 317lb ft 2123kg
trio and, interestingly, the one that of being solid, reasonably priced, electric motor 1-spd automatic 4.7sec
looked set to promise the greatest family-friendly electric crossovers in 1894kg 127mph
real-world range, if only by a whisker their own distinct ways, and each of Power 201bhp 6.9sec 75kWh (usable)
(224 miles compared with 216 miles them is really likeable for it. I know 112mph 3.22mpkWh,
for the ID 4 and 188 miles for the 2). which one I would have, and it might Torque 229lb ft 68kWh (usable) 2.51mpkWh
But of the three, it’s not the EV that be different to the one you would go 3.61mpkWh, 292 miles, 188 miles
I would want to live with. for. Whichever one you would pick, Gearbox 1-spd automatic 3.30mpkWh 0g/km, 0%
though, it looks like the future of 273 miles, 224 miles
That EV, by the process of electrified personal transport is in a Kerb weight 2124kg 0g/km, 0%
elimination, is the ID 4. Sure, it’s the good place already. Let’s just hope the
slowest, most strait-laced of our trio, charging infrastructure keeps pace. L 0-62mph 8.5sec
but at the same time it really nails
Top speed 99mph

Battery 77kWh (usable)

Economy 3.45mpkWh,

(official, test) 2.81mpkWh

Range (o, t) 310 miles, 216 miles

CO2, tax band 0g/km, 0%

24 MARCH 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 45

SECOND-HAND SPECIAL ar enthusiasts are Checking the oil is the easiest way
to see how a car has been treated. A
IT’S TIME C counting down to 2030 low reading suggests it hasn’t been
TO BUY with apprehension. checked regularly. Conversely, if
THE CAR What will become of it’s too high, the owner might have
OF YOUR hurriedly splashed in some generic
DREAMS our beloved engines, fluids earlier that day, having not
spared the levels a passing thought
The death knell has started to sound for our cherished classics and time- for months.
new petrol and diesel cars, but the used
one you always promised yourself is still honoured mechanical skills? New You’ll want to head round the back,
in reach. Felix Page kicks off our 12-page too, for a good look at what’s coming
used special with a guide to project cars cars will shun fossil fuels entirely, out of the exhaust. White smoke on
start-up suggests the head gasket
Check the oil – and which means the second-hand is on its way out, black fumes mean
other fluid levels – the engine is running rich and blue
before you buy market will be radically reshaped in means oil is burning with the fuel,
which suggests a pricey top-end
the years to come, too – so now is the rebuild is on the cards. Listen for a
blowing exhaust or off-beat idle, too.
time to start putting some ticks on
BODYWORK
your ‘must-own cars’ list.
The paint might look positively
Over the next 12 pages, we’ll gleaming and the body as straight
as an arrow in the online advert, but
consider the shape of the market, a keen eye could uncover some hard
truths in the cold light of day. If you’re
highlight what’s on offer and take handy with the ball-peen and MIG
welder, the odd ding or scab won’t
a look at the used car community – bother you, but extensive bodywork
repairs can consume a good portion
because there’s gold in them there of the time and budget allocated to
a project, so identifying the problem
hills if you want to find it, and when areas before purchase is key.

you’re taking out a subscription for You need to see the whole car from
every angle as clearly as possible,
an electric, autonomous runaround, so view in the daytime, or under a
street or garage light if you have to
you might regret not having taken go at night. Look out for mismatched

the plunge on the car of your dreams.

There are icons, exotica and

bedroom poster cars to choose from,

but if your ideal second-hander is

out of reach, you might have to get

your hands dirty. So first, welcome

to the wonderful world of the project

car, where you can grab the motor

you’ve always wanted for a song – but

it won’t be ‘factory fresh’. Here’s a

few points to consider when you’re

picking up a banger, so you know

what you’re letting yourself in for.

ENGINE

Some powerplants can be completely
rebuilt for the price of a fancy
dinner, while others could be
written off at the mere whiff
of valve clatter. A leaky Series
Land Rover, for example, would
be much less worrying than a
misfiring Mazda RX-8.

That said, no matter the
badge or the configuration,
there are several key checks you
can make to get an idea of how
much work lies on the horizon.

Tatty bodywork needn’t be a problem for long

46 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 24 MARCH 2021

PROJECT CARS BUYING USED

Space in a garage A PROJECT FOR
makes hardcore EVERY BUDGET
projects much easier

1992 FIAT PAN DA 1.0 £1500
Here’s a relatively risk-free way to
get your tinkering fix. It needs some
paint and maybe a spot of welding
but cheap running costs could soon
rub out the price of repair. Barely
any electrics to go wrong, too.

doors, wings, bumpers and even fuel ` for the ideal car, get in touch with 2007 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
filler caps because it can be a real DIY isn’t out an official owners’ club or a more GTI £2995
pain to match new paint to original informal Facebook owners’ group to A runaround ripe for revival.
paint – particularly on older cars. of reach if you see if someone is looking to offload Values for the Mk5 GTI have yet to
the very car you seek, or knows of rebound, but if you lose those tatty
Some imperfections are harder to lack off-street someone else who might. Even after alloys, polish the paint and invest
spot. Check the boot floor and front purchase, you’ll find these groups in subtle performance upgrades,
chassis legs for any sign of a previous parking to be full of like-minded enthusiasts you’ll be best placed to profit.
impact, as a bent frame could render who have experienced the same
the car unroadworthy or, depending a problems and obstacles as you and 2005 B MW M5 £11,250
on its value, irreparable. Rust can have already found the elusive spare How brave are you feeling? That
be fatal, too, so identify the common commonly referred to as a ‘rolling part or time-saving workaround venerable V10 is a notoriously
corrosion areas for a given car – often resto’ – a tatty but usable hobby car when it comes to rectifying it. troublesome beast to live with, and
wheel arches, sills, door bottoms and that you can commute with during we’d be wary of conrod bearing,
suspension mounts – and see that the week and fettle at the weekend. You’ll want to buy a Haynes Vanos system or throttle actuator
your potential project is solid where Expect some stern words from the manual, too, for its easy-to- problems, but the sound alone is
it counts. Wet and salty British roads Neighbourhood Watch association understand instructions for the worth the potential headaches.
make for a particularly inhospitable if you start panel-beating on the most common repairs and model-
environment, so we’d be encouraged pavement on a Sunday morning: specific maintenance processes. 1967 FORD MUSTANG
by any reference to dry storage and best to rent some garage space for Haynes called time on publishing 289 £37,500
summer-only usage in the advert. the more involved jobs. Some lock-up new manuals last year, but the This ’Stang has a way to go
garages are available to rent by the back catalogue is vast, and you’ll before it’s leaving ‘elevens’ on
And because we’re talking about month, making them great for dry struggle to find a car that can’t be the Tarmac, but if you have the
cars that need a bit of work, it’s worth storage on a budget. matched to a book. budget and garage space, it’s
giving thought to any aftermarket an attractive proposition. The
visual modifications previous Be it on private property or But even with these resources, running motor is a big selling
owners have made – particularly otherwise, a proper weatherproof there will always be a job that can’t point, as is the solid chassis.
with affordable sports cars and hot cover to protect your car’s paintwork be done at home with your trusty
hatchbacks. Irrespective of taste, is an investment you won’t regret socket set, and that’s when it pays
it can cost hundreds – in some making. Model-specific covers to be friendly with a specialist
cases thousands – of pounds to are available, but generic items mechanic. This is research you
restore a car’s bodywork to original are more cost-effective. should carry out before buying the
specification, so make sure the car, just for the peace of mind that if
original wheels and bumpers are and when it all goes wrong, someone
included in the sale, or factor the cost nearby knows exactly how to put it
of replacement into your negotiations. right. They’ll also help with tracking
down tricky spare parts. L
STORAGE
OWNER RESOURCES Socket to ’em: right tools for the job are vital
Working on a car is much more
enjoyable and easy if you have a General car enthusiast
driveway or, better still, a garage but forums have gained a bit of an
do-it-yourself spannering isn’t out of unsavoury reputation in recent
reach if you lack off-street parking. years for being unwelcoming
and unhelpful, particularly
However, to park the project on in response to questions from
the road, you will need to make inexperienced members, but
sure it’s roadworthy. If it doesn’t the internet is nevertheless a
have insurance, tax and a valid valuable resource in your
MOT (vehicles over 40 years old are project car journey.
legally exempt from the last two
requirements), it can be towed away Before devoting hours to
by the authorities. For this reason, trawling blurry photos and badly
non-runners are slightly impractical written adverts in your search
purchases if you don’t have a
dedicated tinkering lair.

So you might consider what is

24 MARCH 2021 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 47