Month: February 2018

On March 1 we say goodbye to the 67 number plate and hello to 18. If you’re looking for a new car, it’s a great time to buy to get that extra new feeling.

But what should you buy? We’ve looked back at the best cars to be released since the last plate change in September – with everything from hatchbacks to SUV and electric vehicles to diesel pick-up trucks, there’s sure to be something for everyone.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Coming as the first SUV in Alfa’s history, the Stevlio blends sports car-like driving characteristics with all-wheel-drive capability. It’s certainly one of the quirkiest-looking SUVs on sale today, but features a range of economical diesels making it usable on a daily basis too – though a range-topping QV version remains for enthusiasts.

Alpine A110

Reborn Renault sub-brand Alpine’s first car is the A110, pitched as a competitor to the Porsche 718 Cayman. With the mighty Renaultsport division fully behind it, you’d hope that the A110 is good – and it is. With a peppy engine, gorgeous looks and incredibly involving handling, it’s one of the most satisfying cars to drive on the market today. It’s priced to compete with the big boys, but dynamically, it’s worth it.

Audi A5 Sportback

If you’re after a spacious, relatively practical saloon car with coupe looks, then the Audi A5 Sportback is the one for you. With a range of economical yet powerful diesel and petrol engines to choose from, as well as a variety of exterior trims and colours, it’s one of the best all-rounders on sale today. The interior is, as you’d expect, solidly built too.

Audi A8

When it comes to big German limos, the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series have a serious competitor in the new A8. It continues its predecessor’s reputation for discreet, under-the-radar luxury but adds in more technology than you can shake a stick at. It’s as autonomous a car as you can buy today, and replaces almost every physical button with a screen. Overkill? Sure, but it’s luxury overkill.

Audi Q5

Audi’s Q5 has been a popular option for families for some time, owing to its decent levels of interior space alongside excellent levels of safety. The latest Q5 is more tech-laden than ever before, with Audi’s new infotainment system providing plenty of functionality. It’s also more refined than the previous-generation, making it as well-suited to motorway runs as to the morning trip to school.

Audi R8 Spyder

A screaming V10 engine, glamorous supercar looks, 610bhp and four-wheel drive? Shockingly, this is not a vehicle from the stables of Lamborghini, but staid and sensible Audi. The second-generation R8 is one of the last bastions of naturally-aspirated supercar thrills, and makes a lot of sense as an ‘everyday’ supercar – being no harder to drive in town than an A3, but with rocketship performance underneath your right foot.

Audi TTRS

Small, compact, but powerful, the TTRS is an ideal car for UK roads. Featuring a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system, it can hit 60mph in under four seconds before reaching a top speed of 155mph. It also – at a push – seats four, and has a decent size boot, making it usable on a daily basis too.

Audi RS4 Avant

Audi’s super-estate has entered 2018 in its fourth generation, with more power than ever before. Despite being two cylinders down from its V8 predecessor, the B9 RS4 has 443bhp and 600Nm of torque thanks to the addition of two turbochargers to its 2.9-litre V6 motor.That power is sent to all four wheels through a single-clutch transmission, resulting in a 0-60mph time of 3.9 seconds and a limited 155mph top speed.

BMW X2

The BMW X2 sees the German manufacturer entering into the ever-flourishing compact crossover market. What does it bring to the table? Sportier dynamics, for one. In addition, the X2’s premium cabin will find favour with those who like a little more luxury in their crossover, while that all-important badge appeal is there in spades.

Citroen C3 Aircross

Citroen’s quirky past is well and truly back, and the C3 Aircross proves it – sitting in the conservative compact crossover sector alongside cars such as the Mazda CX-3, it stands out by virtue of its kooky styling and intriguing plastic ‘Airbumps’. The interior is pretty quirky too, but it still works well as a family car – there’s plenty of room, a range of efficient engines and some interesting kit, such as a built-in dashcam.

DS 7 Crossback

DS Automobiles is the ‘premium’ arm of Citroen, and so far its products have been pretty poor. That’s all changed with the DS 7 Crossback. It’s hit the nail on the head with great value, an impressive driving experience, and near-German quality – it’s a genuine rival to big-selling rivals from BMW and Audi.

Ferrari GTC4Lusso T

Fancy a rear-wheel drive Ferrari but need the practicality of an estate car? Well, the GTC4Lusso T is the car for you. Its based on the existing GTC4Lusso, which is all-wheel drive, but replaces the V12 with a smaller 3.9-litre turbocharged V8 engine and loses the front differential. Despite the downsizing, it’s no slouch. It sends 601bhp through the rear wheels, meaning 0-60mph can be achieved in 3.3 seconds with a 199mph top speed. All with room for the dog…

Ford Fiesta

It’s a hard task to replace one of the best-selling cars of all time – but that’s exactly what Ford had to deal with when remaking the Fiesta. The Blue Oval managed to achieve just that, producing a new Fiesta which drives, looks and feels as sharp as the car it replaces. Though we’re yet to see the fire-breathing ST version, if this base car is anything to go by it’ll be a cracker.

Honda Civic

The Civic is traditionally the safe and sensible choice in the family hatchback sector, but this new model turns that on its head. Longer, wider and much lower than the outgoing car, it’s very stylish, and great to drive thanks to peppy engines and a fantastic manual gearshift. It’s also very spacious – there’s room for four adults and a class-leading boot. You can also opt for the fire-breathing Type R if you’re so inclined.

Hyundai i30N

When Hyundai announced that it would be making a powerful, front-wheel-drive hot hatch to rival the likes of the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Renault Megane RS, many thought that it would never work. However, now it’s arrived, the i30N has proved to be an incredibly capable car, and one which can easily match more mainstream offerings. It’s also far cheaper, yet comes with plenty of kit – so it’s no bare-bones option, either.

Hyundai Kona

In what appears to have become a sea of compact crossovers, the Hyundai Kona, with its quirky styling and reasonably decent on-road handling, certainly stands out. It also comes with an impressive seven-year warranty, which means that even after a reasonably long period of motoring, you shouldn’t have to worry if things go wrong. Add in that the Kona will be very practical for most families, and you have a package which is hard to beat.

Infiniti QX50

Sharply styled yet impressively spacious, the Infiniti QX50 looks to conquer the hugely competitive SUV market. The car’s 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine features some high-tech features, too; it can alter its compression according to driver need – lowering when a more economical drive is needed or raising when performance is required. It’s a clever feature, and one which Infiniti hopes will transform the fortunes of the QX50.

Jaguar XF Sportbrake 

The Jaguar XF Sportbrake combines sleek, shooting-brake-style looks with plenty of practicality. A variety of neat storage touches ensure that the XF Sportbrake will be well-suited to family life, while a sporty drive means that winding country roads can be fun, too. An alternative to the likes of the BMW 3 Series Touring and Audi A4 Avant, this is certainly one well worth considering.

Kia Niro

The Niro is one of the latest hybrid vehicles to hit the market, but features more traditional styling to help it blend in a little more than other quirky-looking alternatives. Thanks to a combination of electric and petrol motors, Kia claims that the Niro will return up to 74.3mpg on the combined cycle, while emitting as low as 88g/km CO2 – meaning running costs should be kept to a minimum.

Kia Picanto

One of the most popular vehicles in the city car segment, the new Picanto had a lot to live up to. Thankfully, it more than matched expectation, with solid interior materials and a surprisingly refined drive ensuring the Picanto remained one of the best in class. Small capacity engines with a decent amount of power make the Picanto far more usable on the motorway than you’d expect, too.

Kia Rio

The Kia Rio is the ideal choice for those people who want a reliable, economical yet well-built small hatchback. It may not have the badge prestige of many rivals, but it counters this with plenty of standard equipment and a decent range of engines. Though the ride may be somewhat on the firm side, it’s still represents excellent value for money and is perfect for those who want no-frills motoring.

Kia Stinger GT

If you’re looking for a good looking, sporty alternative to more mainstream German saloon cars, then the Kia Stinger GT is the one for you. With dynamic styling and an equally as interesting drive, the Stinger isn’t what you’d expect from Kia. However, with a good range of engines as well as solid build quality, it’s really worth considering if you’re in the market for a decent saloon car.

Land Rover Discovery

The Land Rover Discovery has, for some time, come to represent all-weather capability as well as decent interior comfort. The last generation car was hugely popular, so the new version came to market with plenty to live up to. It delivered in almost all respects, thanks to clever off-road technology as well as more space than ever before for its seven cabin occupants. Some questioned its styling, but you couldn’t argue with its all-round ability.

Lexus LC

The Lexus LC is easily one of the most striking sports cars on sale today. Available with either a hybrid engine or a powerful 5.0-litre V8, it blends sports car performance with genuine grand touring ability. A cutting-edge interior matches the sharp exterior looks, while small rear seats and a decent boot endow the LC with the ability to cross continents without breaking a sweat.

Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster

The Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster is a slightly softer, convertible version of the track-focused GT R. However, don’t think it’s a slouch – a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 under its long, elegant bonnet provides a huge amount of power, while a sports exhaust gives it an intoxicating bellow. That softer suspension makes it a more comfortable long-distance cruiser, too.

Mercedes-AMG E63 Estate

If you’re looking to go very fast, yet do so in a lot of comfort, then the Mercedes-AMG E63 Estate is for you. This version also features one of the largest boots in the segment, meaning that it’s capable of swallowing large amounts of luggage. A 4.0-litre V8 engine produces close to 600bhp, while an advanced all-wheel-drive system helps keep the E63 planted in all manner of conditions.

Mercedes E-Class All Terrain

There’s nothing posher than a Mercedes estate car, but those who need occasional off-road capability were previously relegated to the brand’s range of SUVs. Enter the E-Class All Terrain, a jacked-up estate intended to compete with Audi’s A6 Allroad. It offers the same premium appeal as the standard Estate, but with enough ground clearance and grip to tackle the overflow car park at any racecourse in the country.

Mercedes X-Class

This is Mercedes’ first attempt at in the pick-up market. The X-Class isn’t your standard truck, bringing a wealth of technological and comfort features to the rugged pick-up market. But it does this while still retaining that grittiness that a truck should have. And with a cargo payload of 1092kg, it really does set a new bar in the comfortable-but-tough category.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi has revived the legendary Eclipse name — but this time, rather than an entry-level sports car, it’s the firm’s latest crossover with the aim of rivalling the likes of Nissan’s Qashqai, Renault’s Kadjar and Seat’s Ateca. Could this be the car to revive Mitsubishi’s less-than-stellar market performance as of late?

Nissan Leaf

The second-generation version of the world’s best-selling electric vehicle is a pretty big deal, and it doesn’t disappoint. Nissan has massively improved its styling, reduced the price and increased the range, making EV life ever-more tempting. If you’ve been on the fence about electric cars, now could be the time to take the leap.

Nissan Micra

The Micra has gone through a serious rebirth. While the previous model was one of the last cars you’d recommend to a friend, the latest model is a serious competitor. It shares plenty with the Renault Clio, so it gains an agile chassis and efficient engines, while the striking bodywork is sharp-edged and stylish. It’s also practical, with a spacious and premium-feeling interior.

Peugeot 5008

The old Peugeot 5008 was a traditional MPV, but its replacement model is an out-and-out SUV. Its striking looks mark it out from the competition, and it’s a really handsome offering – while still unmistakably a Peugeot. Inside, it has seven seats and an innovative cockpit including Peugeot’s high-set dials and centre console.

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo

Those on the hunt for an incredibly powerful but surprisingly practical grand tourer have a new option. The sleek Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo is the brand’s first ever estate – though it’s far from traditional – and can be had with everything from a mildly sensible diesel to a fire-breathing 671bhp hybrid powertrain. It’s priced to reflect the incredible engineering underneath, but for some it will be worth it.

Seat Arona

The Seat Arona is the Spanish manufacturer’s take on the compact SUV formula. It has the usual VW underpinnings, meaning guaranteed quality, but brings a bit of Spanish flair to the table. There’s currently two engine choices on offer in different states of tune, as well as generous equipment levels.

Skoda Karoq

The Karoq uses the same platform as the popular Volkswagen Tiguan and Seat Ateca meaning that despite its compact size, it’s able to offer plenty of interior space. In addition, its accompanying range of engines are impressively efficient – so those looking for lower running costs would do well to choose the Karoq.

Skoda Kodiaq

If you’re after a seven-seat SUV, you have lots of options – but the Skoda Kodiaq is one of the best. It’s probably one of the best family cars on the market today, with an incredibly practical interior and surprisingly dynamic drive. The mighty VW Group parts bin also lends it an excellent engine line-up and lots of interior kit.

Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer

The new Insignia Grand Tourer majors on a few things – sleek looks, big space, and impressive value. Opt for an entry-level petrol-powered car and this massive family estate will set you back less than any of the competition – and amazingly, you wouldn’t think it from the driver’s seat. Though it’s destined to flesh out company car fleets, the Insignia Sports Tourer is well worth a look.

Vauxhall Grandland X

Vauxhall’s last big SUV was the unloved Antara, but now the brand is having another crack at the market. With the help of now-parent brand PSA Peugeot Citroen, it’s launched the Grandland X, and it’s a vast improvement. It’s good-looking and has a range of engines borrowed from its Peugeot 3008 sister car. Add in plenty of kit for the money and you have a decent choice for a family car.

Volkswagen Polo

Now in its sixth generation, the Polo has been transformed for its latest incarnation to an angular and more attractive city car. The Polo is edging towards the premium end of the segment and provides good comfort and style options. Available in seven trims and with driver assistance equipment from the base spec, the Polo could be a popular city car choice when the plate change arrives.

Volkswagen T-Roc

The T-Roc is Volkswagen’s latest offering in the compact SUV segment. Solid and well-built, with a range of decent engines, it’s a good option for those who want a raised right height but without the bulkiness of a much larger SUV. With prices starting at £18,950 it’s competitive too, with plenty of standard equipment to keep button-pressers happy. A range of high-tech assistance features ensure that the T-Roc is one of the safest cars on the road today.

Volvo XC40

Volvo’s smallest SUV brings all the features of the larger XC60 and XC90 to a more stylish, city-friendly package. The resulting XC40 is a handsome-looking off-roader with a really lovely interior. It’s packed full of innovation too – from the reworked dashboard to the super-practical boot. Electric and hybrid versions are on their way, soon.

As I sit in the kitchen of a nondescript hut somewhere in Lapland, my hands hugging the warm cup of coffee, I look at my phone. Minus 16 degrees Celsius.

If you could cherry pick the ideal location to test an all-new, 503bhp, rear-wheel-drive supercar from Aston Martin, this probably wouldn’t be it. As I stare out at the deep snow, piled high by the tireless efforts of Finland’s plough teams, a deep V8 rumble reverberates through the room – and the reality of my situation starts to sink in.

Aston Martin has invited a small group of journalists to one of its cold weather testing facilities to get behind the wheel of a validation prototype of its new supercar ahead of the production model’s release later this year.

We’re beckoned through to a large workshop, empty save for the Vantage, resplendent in its black and lime green camouflage wrap, with thick snow embedded in the wheel arches and icicles dangling from the rear diffuser.

We’ve already seen the car in photos so the camouflage is unnecessary, a leftover from this car’s use as an early development vehicle.

But it’s immediately clear that the divisive styling seen in the press photography works so much better in the metal. That single strip of rear light, curving with the bootlid spoiler, is a particular highlight, and gives the car an incredibly distinctive signature look, particularly at night.

The headlights still look a bit lost in the bodywork round the front, but the new look definitely marries the elegance of Vantages gone by with the more aggressive future path for the model brilliantly.

Inside, where the British car maker has traditionally lagged well behind rivals, it’s a massive improvement. The look and feel of the materials is much closer to a Mercedes than Astons of old.

Which is apt, given that the British firm uses a big V8 sourced from the Germans. The gruff, beating heart of the Aston Martin’s new sports car is a Mercedes-AMG-sourced 4.0-litre unit, producing 503bhp and 685Nm of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

I’m the last to take the Vantage out for a spin, delayed somewhat by the previous driver embedding the prototype so deeply in a snow bank that a local tractor driver was required to pull it free. Luckily there’s no damage, but it gets the nerves jangling as I jump in the driver’s seat.

In Ivalo, Finland, to drive something I can't talk about until the Um Bongo drops later in the year. But I'm allowed to show you, so here are some photos. pic.twitter.com/YFBtXqJT9r

— Darren Cassey (@darrencassey) January 26, 2018

Sat beside me is Matt Becker, chief dynamics engineer at Aston Martin and the man responsible for overhauling the way the British firm’s cars drive. He spent 26 years at Lotus before moving to Aston in 2015, so if anyone can make the brand’s cars handle better, it’s him.

As we cruise to the snowy ice track, he explains that the car has three drive modes: Sport, Sport Plus and Track. Notice there’s no ‘normal’ or ‘comfort’ modes, because “this is a sports car, through and through”.

“One of the things [Aston Martin chief executive] Andy Palmer said when I arrived was that he wanted the cars to drive how they looked. The DB11 is a GT car, so we had to make it comfortable to cruise long distances, whereas this is a sports car, so it has to be capable of being fun in corners and on track.

“It’s still an Aston Martin though, so it has to be comfortable, too. Luckily, I don’t believe that having a stiff suspension makes the car handle better, so I think we’ve got it right here.”

Will I be able to judge that out here on the white stuff? It’s time to find out. As we turn on to the snowy circuit I can start to put my foot down for the first time. The compacted snow is rough and bears ruts from the journalists who’ve gone before me, but the Vantage soaks it up without fuss.

After a few sighting laps we switch the dial to ‘track’, which loosens the grip of the traction control system and quickens the responses of the steering and suspension. It’s impossible to truly gauge ride quality out here, but there’s no denying this is a sharp and agile sports car.

It takes no time at all to tune in to how the car behaves. The electronic rear differential, a first for Aston Martin, helps to direct power to the wheel with the most grip, and in conjunction with the traction system gets the power down admirably even in these low grip conditions.

With the traction control systems on, it’s possible to flick the car into a slide under braking or through a boot-full of throttle, before the electronics take over and reign you back in. It’s hard to say if it would be different on tarmac, but it arguably could be more progressive in curtailing your fun.

What’s clear, though, is that with everything off, the Vantage will be capable of long, arcing slides.

With the car in manual mode and controlling the gear via the paddle shifters, revving the engine out is an utter delight. At lower revs it’s deep and bassy, but takes on a sonorous howl as you push on, resisting the urge to pull the right shifter and engage another gear. When you do, the shift is almost seamless, accompanied by a bark from the exhaust.

I never get above third gear – the course is short with six-foot snow banks to ensure track limits are strictly adhered to, after all – but became utterly addicted to the noise of that V8.

“It’s pure engine noise,” Becker assures me. “I know a lot of other companies do things where they pump engine noise in through the speakers, but we wanted it to be real. There’s no trickery going on here.”

It’s early evening and the sun is beginning to dip below the tree line casting a beautiful orange glow across the snowy scene surrounding us. With headlights now visible on the road ahead I make my way back to base, V8 burbling away, unphased by the thrashing it’s just taken in sub-zero conditions.

It’s difficult to give a definitive review of a car based an hour’s-worth of sliding about in the snow, but with a stunning engine at its heart and hints of an agile chassis in the corners, there are a few signs that this could be the most exciting sports car Aston Martin has built in a long, long time.

There’s snow heading our way – and in some areas it’s already hit. Travelling in snowy conditions can be treacherous, but there are some things you can do to make things a little easier. Here are our five tips for driving in the snow.

Clear all snow from windows and mirrors before setting off

This is a bit of a no-brainer really. It’s imperative that all windows and mirrors are clear from snow to ensure that you’ve got the best visibility possible. It also means making sure that the windscreen is ice-free – though it may appear clear, ice can quickly build up if it hasn’t been de-iced properly.

Choose a higher gear to avoid wheelspin

When temperatures drop and roads get icy, even proper four-wheel-drives can struggle for traction. Keeping your car in a higher gear won’t help the situation, as it increases engine revs and causes the vehicle’s wheels to spin more quickly.

Selecting a higer gear helps keep wheelspin to a minimum, allowing the car to more effectively navigate slippery surfaces.

Drive at an appropriate speed for the conditions

This takes little explanation. Making sure that you’re not travelling too quickly for the conditions should really take priority when driving in poor conditions. Drive too quickly, and there’s a good chance that you could have an accident.

If snow is falling, it’s a better option to take things slowly. It means that should the car begin to slide, it’ll do so slowly – minimising any potential damage.

Put a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front

When snow is on the ground, stopping distances go up. Due to lower traction levels, a car takes a lot longer to come to a halt than when the roads are clear. Should a car brake heavily in front of you and you’re too close to the back of it, the likelihood is that you’ll slide and come into contact with it.

Keep your distance, and it’ll make driving on snow a much safer experience.

Have supplies at the ready in case you get stranded

This is a good idea in case the worst happens. Being stuck by the side of the road – or even on the road in some cases – is a possibility, particularly in northern parts of the country where snowfall is at its heaviest.

Making sure that food supplies, as well as extra clothing and blankets, are well worth keeping in the car should you be heading out on the roads when snow is forecast.

Nissan is to give robo-vehicles a public try-out in Japan next month.

The test will run on a set route between Nissan’s global headquarters in Yokohama and the nearby Yokohama World Porters shopping centre – a distance of some 4.5 kilometres (circa 2.7 miles) – and the service, dubbed ‘Easy Ride’, will provide an autonomous vehicle service to people wanting to get to a destination in that area.

Not only will vehicles be tested but Nissan’s dedicated mobile app will also be put through its paces. Passengers will be able to input where they want to go via text or voice. In addition, an in-car tablet will showcase some 500 nearby points of interest, along with 40 discount vouchers for retailers and restaurants in the vicinity. These can then be downloaded directly to the passenger’s smartphone.

Easy Ride is seen as a mobility service for anyone wanting to travel freely in a robo-vehicle to a destination of their choice. 

The trial, which starts on March 5 and is being conducted by Nissan with mobile and online services operator DeNA, will gauge public reaction. If successful, the aim is to expand on the number of service routes. Though planned to be introduced in a limited area initially, Nissan and DeNA aim to offer a full service ‘in the early 2020s’.

The trial appears to use current Nissan Leaf and e-NV200 vehicles. Both are all-electric, so provide the perfect zero-emissions platform for an autonomous service. The Leaf has a claimed all-electric range of up to 177 miles, meaning it’s capable of travelling far enough on a single charge for numerous short, inner-city trips.

Taking the roof off a car is a fantastic marketing tool that manufacturers love to use.

It usually gives cars a sporty and classier feel – but sometimes that’s just not the case. While we’re not saying that every convertible is bad, there have been some shocking convertibles over the years. It certainly doesn’t help that the cars they are often based on are usually pretty lousy, too.

Here we take you through the worst ten from recent years.

1. Chrysler PT Cruiser

The PT Cruiser Convertible is probably the worst convertible to hit the market ever – an achievement in itself. The PT Cruiser was a vile looking car in itself, but removing the roof made it even worse.

It wasn’t helped by the fact Chrysler had to add a cross bar to help hold up the roof – something that hadn’t been seen for at least a decade before. In short, it was a shocker, and wasn’t helped by the thirsty engines offering mundane performance.

2. Peugeot 308 CC

The 308 CC has to go down as one of the tubbiest convertibles ever made. Wide wheel arches can often make a car look muscular, but in this case it just made the 308 look plain fat, and it wasn’t helped by some lacklustre engines.

For a relatively hefty convertible, it was also impressively impractical, with near-useless rear seats and a poor-sized boot. Its comfort is probably its only redeeming feature.

3. Ford StreetKa

The Ford Ka was a quirky car for Ford, and proved a big hit with first drivers and city dwellers. Ford tried to maximise on the Ka’s success by taking the roof off it, which ultimately just made it look odd.

Time hasn’t been kind to the StreetKa either, with the convertible (and the hatch) renowned for plagued with rust issues. It’s definitely one to avoid unless you can find a rust-free example for pennies – but good luck with that.

4. Range Rover Evoque Convertible

It might be a bit harsh to include the Range Rover Evoque Convertible in this list – it is quite a good car after all – it’s here just because Land Rover decided to fill a niche that didn’t exist, or shouldn’t have existed.

It’s actually not bad to drive, but you just can’t wonder why anyone who bought one just didn’t buy the handsome hard-roofed version. The convertible is slower than the standard car, and also has a stupidly high list price, too.

5. Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet

We would love to tell you that the Range Rover Evoque Convertible was the first SUV convertible, but unfortunately it wasn’t. No, that accolade has to go the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet.

When a concept of the Murano Convertible was first revealed in 2010, everyone just thought it was another ridiculous concept that would never make production. But it did, somehow. Thankfully it was never officially brought over to the UK, but knowing that it actually exists still makes us shiver inside.

6. Renault Megane CC

We could have realistically included any of the Megane CC generations in this list, but we decided that it had to be the second-generation convertible here. The second-gen hatchback model was famed for its quirky rear end, but even that was lost on the convertible.

Instead, this was replaced by a flat boot and an unnecessarily big aerial. The heavy folding glass roof also had a negative effect on performance, resulting in a mundane convertible. It does serve as a relaxing convertible, if that’s all you’re after, though.

7. Lexus IS Convertible

The fact there is very little to say, neither good or bad, about the Lexus IS Convertible is pretty much all you need to know about it. It’s one of those cars that people ask, “Did Lexus actually make one?”. And yes, it did.

The Lexus IS saloon is a refined and luxurious cruiser, and the convertible version was no different. Unfortunately for Lexus, no one ever really ever bought one which seals its fate in this list.

8. Vauxhall Astra TwinTop

The fifth-generation Vauxhall Astra will probably go down in history as one of the dullest cars ever made. The convertible TwinTop certainly looked better than the hatch – but that doesn’t say much.

The value of a car is usually a good indication of a car’s popularity, and the fact that an Astra TwinTop can now be picked up for pittance shows just how un-loved this Astra convertible really was.

9. Nissan Micra C+C

You may have noticed a theme in this list so far with convertible versions of mid-2000s hatchbacks appearing prominently. It wasn’t a good era for convertibles to say the least, and the Micra C+C is just another one from this period.

Richard Hammond once famously drove a pink one on Top Gear with a paper bag over his head, which is really all that needs to be said for the Micra C+C.

10. Citroen C3 Pluriel

The bubble-shaped Citroen C3 was a pretty poor attempt at a car in itself. You’d like to think that the bosses at Citroen would have had enough sense to leave it at that, but no, a convertible ‘Pluriel’ version was launched.

Featuring the most complex roof design ever fitted to a car, where you have to remove the roof bars before realising there is nowhere to actually store the wretched things, it should have been canned before the first one even drove off the production line.

It seems that large car manufacturers are bringing out innovative pieces of tech every month to prove that they are the most advanced in the industry.

But there are some advancements that will be staying with us longer than others, and although many will take a while to get to the more affordable cars on the market, that technologies will be in them sooner than you might think.

Things like autonomous driving, interactive displays and artificial intelligence will all be coming into play with vehicles soon, but here are some modern-day examples that could be on the way to your budget vehicle in the next few years.

Autonomous driving features

Although it may be quite an unsettling notion for some people, driverless cars will be about in the not-too-distant future, and car companies are already trying to grab the initiative and put it into production cars. Audi and Tesla are two such brands, with both having developed production-ready systems for the premium market.

S, 3, X on a bridge pic.twitter.com/2E57xqkTVY

— Tesla (@Tesla) July 29, 2017

American brand Tesla was the first to fit driverless features to its cars, and although the tech is an optional extra, every vehicle has the required equipment built-in if they later decide to have install the AutoPilot software. Using a series of cameras, sensors, lidars and radars, a Tesla has the capability to see 250 metres down the road and 100 metres behind to ensure that it has a complete view of its surroundings.

With the latest version of AutoPilot, Teslas are able to pretty much drive themselves, as they can move in traffic, steer on more complex roads and be ‘summoned’ from a garage or parking space to the driver if they’re in close proximity.

CEO Elon Musk has predicted that by next year, people will be able to sleep in Teslas on their way to a destination, but people might not be so trusting of the technology just yet.

Excited about the Tesla Autopilot software release rolling out next month. New control algorithm feels as smooth as silk.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 22, 2017

Audi has also been working on its own autonomous setup, which will be more applicable in a short amount of time. The AI Traffic Jam Pilot offers less functions than Tesla’s AutoPilot and offers level 3 functions rather than the level 4 capabilities of the Tesla system. Level 3 autonomy requires the driver to be aware in case the car needs them to take over, whilst level 4 autonomy allows the driver to relax more and allow the car to drive itself for most of the time. It allows drivers to leave the car in control in nose-to-tail traffic at speeds up to 37mph on barrier-edged roads, such as motorways.

Touchscreen surfaces

If you are a fan of the button-riddled dashboard, then that design layout may only have a limited shelf-life as touchscreen technology becomes much cheaper to make and easier to fit into car interiors. You will find it on more high-end vehicles already, with the systems in the Porsche Panamera and Range Rover Velar the highest profiles so far.

The Panamera has button outlines on its central console so you know what you are pressing and when, but there is no rudimentary button as it were – only a smooth surface with white light-up icons for each function. It combines with the 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system at the front, which can be customised, and the touchscreen climate and seat controls in the rear – another forward-looking addition.

The Velar has done away with buttons altogether, with the mid-size luxury SUV coming with two central touchscreen surfaces and only touch-sensitive controls on the leather steering wheel. You can control two elements of the car’s features at once, with the satellite navigation in the top screen, and climate control on the lower one – with multimedia systems also available.

Artificial Intelligence infotainment system

The latest addition to the premium car technology line-up is AI infotainment, and the fresh-faced Mercedes A-Class is the first vehicle to come with such a system. Called Mercedes-Benz User Experience, the software learns to driver’s patterns and habits to help – as Mercedes say – “create an emotional connection between the vehicle, driver and passengers”. With natural speech recognition and augmented reality included in the system, it’s safe to say that this is one of, if not the, most advanced infotainment options currently available.

It works in tandem with the Mercedes Me application, which helps you find your vehicle and transfers all your driving data so you know where you can improve your driving style.

Now you may have used Siri, Google Assistant and Alexa in your vehicle before, but this one is built-in already to be as seamless as possible. It can be paired with the brand’s widescreen cockpit to bring an immersive and incredibly useful infotainment system – all of which can be controlled via the touchscreen itself or touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel and central console.

Augmented dashboard

Okay this one may take a while to be finessed into an everyday piece of tech, but the basis of the technology is there. Head-up displays are becoming more prevalent amongst vehicles, so the next logical step is to project all the relevant information onto the windscreen instead.

The best example of this is on a concept car called the BMW Next100, which although is unlikely to get anywhere near the road in the foreseeable future, displays some very relevant technology. The augmented dashboard is one such advancement, as it displays all of the important driving information onto the windscreen, such as speed, lanes on the motorway and directions to take when following satellite navigation.

That last feature in particular could be the best use of the tech, as it would mean drivers could have a visualisation of the route while keeping their eyes on the road – something that could prevent a lot of traffic incidents.

Digital instrument displays

This feature is the most likely to be found in everyday cars sooner than the rest of the innovations on this list, as many premium vehicles are fitted with them already. Rather than having conventional dials to tell you your speed, revs and fuel level, manufacturers are developing screens that fit into the instrument binnacle and can flick through all the information you need and with much more clarity.

The first brand to break ground in this area was Audi in conjunction with parent group Volkswagen, and its Virtual Display concept that debuted on the Audi TT back in 2015. Controlled by the multi-functional steering wheel, it comes with two main modes – classic and infotainment. In infotainment mode, the dials shrink into the corners and allow the driver to display a large satellite navigation screen in the middle, as well as search through other features normally displayed on a central screen. The classic mode is more familiar and includes two large dials with the speed and revs, while a small infotainment screen remains in the middle.

Although it isn’t a standard feature yet, Audi is offering it with the majority of its range, with Volkswagen also providing it as an option since 2017. Most other manufacturers now also include them, with Jaguar Land Rover, Mercedes, Lexus, Peugeot, Renault and BMW all having a go at fully digitalising their cockpits.

Aston Martin has an all-new F1 car.

Revealed this week, the latest racer – built in partnership with Red Bull Racing and dubbed RB14 – features a special-edition livery and it’s eye-catching to say the least.

An appetite for disruption in 2018 ?
Introducing the #RB14 ? https://t.co/gdQRXmhHyq pic.twitter.com/qdS2Vy9YwG

— Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) February 19, 2018

Aston Martin has admitted that the livery won’t be exactly the same as the one on the completed version, although it didn’t stop it mocking up this temporary camouflage on a DB11. The racer features all-new systems in F1, such as halo safety protection and additional aerodynamic touches.

Watch this @astonmartin #DB11 get the #RB14 treatment ? pic.twitter.com/OpaaJVhhMJ

— Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) February 22, 2018

And the British sports car manufacturer thought the exterior design would look just as good on its flagship DB11 coupe – so applied the dark blue and black scheme to it.

Starting off in a pearlescent white, the DB11 was transformed entirely thanks to a complete body wrap featuring Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing side logos.

Underneath the bonnet of the Aston sits an AMG-built twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine producing 503bhp. It’s enough to get the DB11 to 60mph in under four seconds and on to a top speed of 187mph.

The accelerated footage shows the large sections of wrap being applied to each panel of the car, with little of the original white paint visible once the process was completed.

Travelling long distances in a car with children can be a little tricky. Though the scenery whizzing by may be impressive, a kid’s enthusiasm for the journey can quickly go downhill without anything to keep them entertained. We’ve picked out the best ways to keep little ones happy when out on the open road.

Get a game going

There is, after all, nothing better than a classic in-car game. A round of I-Spy or spot-the-yellow-car can cause the miles to go past pretty quickly, all the while keeping kids engaged and entertained.

A variety of traditional board games are available in smaller, travel-friendly versions too. These could be a good option for then the imagination-based games have run their course.

Guess the song

There’s a good chance that you won’t fancy playing nursery rhymes on repeat for hundreds of miles, but there’s a way of incorporating that music into a game.

Select a song that the children know, and play just a small, half a second snippet of it. Going off this time, they then have to guess the track. Though simple, it’s likely to keep them entertained for quite some time.

Add in a quick stop

Though you may be wanting to get to your destination as quickly as possible, a quick pause for some fresh air can do wonders. Even if it just means parking up for ten minutes, a break in the journey can quickly calm children down.

Adding in a stop may put more time on the overall length of the journey, but it does open up the ability to see some new places along the way.

Set up an in-car DVD player

Yes, it may not be the most imaginative solution, but sometimes technology works. An in-car DVD player can quickly keep tantrums at bay – and they don’t have to cost the earth, either. Most can be mounted to the back of the front seat headrests, meaning that there shouldn’t be too many cables trailing around the cabin.

It’s always better to go for a good quality version, as it’ll pay dividends to have a solid, reliable source of entertainment at all times.

The high-tech option

It might be one of the easier options, but you can’t fault the way tablets keep children entertained. However, it does bring in a whole series of other problems. You have, for one, got to make sure that any devices are charged before you drive off.

In addition, it’s best to download anything the night before the trip. You can guarantee that in the morning of the journey, the internet will slow and you’ll be unable to download anything at all.

A rare vintage Porsche worth £500,000 has been stolen from an underground car park in Pimlico, Central London.

The car’s owner, businessman, racing driver and classic car dealer David Clark, discovered on Saturday that his light yellow 1973 Porsche Carrera RS 2.7 Touring, one of just 1,580 ever built, had vanished.

It is unknown exactly when the theft actually took place as Clark had been abroad for several weeks with his Jota Sport racing team, but the police are in possession of CCTV from the car park and are currently searching for footage of the moment the crime was committed.

Clark told MSN Cars: “I don’t know when it went missing. I last saw it several weeks ago, because I’ve been away doing races and other bits around the world.”

Clark estimated that his car is worth upwards of £500,000, though similar examples have sold for more than £600,000 at auctions in recent times.

According to Clark, the Porsche, which he described as ‘‘a really, really lovely car,’’ was purchased for his driving pleasure rather than as an investment.

He believes the thieves knew the significance of the car, after conversations with friends in the industry.

“I’ve asked around, and the consensus is it was likely stolen to order,” he said.

“I think these people are pros. One guy I spoke to knows all about this and he said it was probably a professional thing and that I had no chance. They’re just too good, whether it was an hour, a day, a week or more.”

Clark, a successful businessman in many areas including aviation and motorsport, has owned the Taylor & Crawley classic car dealership for more than 30 years.

Clark is an avid historic racer, with iconic cars such as the (recently sold) McLaren F1 GTR and Aston Martin DP214 in his collection. In addition, he was a director at McLaren from 1994-1998.

The Porsche’s number plate is VOY 356L, with the chassis number 9113601175. As per a Silverstone Auctions listing of the car from a previous ownership, the engine number is 6631147. As the car was initially sold in Germany, it is left-hand drive.

Clark has said that a reward will be granted to anyone who can help him track down his beloved Porsche.