We all know that we shouldn’t interact with our phones when we’re behind the wheel – it could land a hefty fine and up to six points on your licence. But that doesn’t mean a phone can’t be a useful tool when it comes to buying and owning a car.

In fact, smartphones are so handy that the use of mobile sat-nav apps is starting to kill the traditional sat-nav. No car manufacturer worth its salt equips a modern car without Bluetooth or USB connectivity, while some even provide items like wireless charging ports or dedicated phone holders.

Provided you obey the law and remain sensible, there’s no reason you can’t make your phone work as hard for you in the car as it does outside. We’ve rounded up some of the best downloads you can get to make your journey easier and more entertaining.

Waze/Google Maps

When it comes to navigation, we recommend two choices. Google Maps is a brilliant all-rounder – it responds quickly to traffic, offers intelligent route guidance and clear instructions via a bright, simple interface.

However, if you’re heading to a big city, download Waze. Grabbing data from its users to give real-time alerts on traffic and obstructions, Waze is unbeatable for route guidance in busy metropolitan areas, even if it becomes unstuck out of town.

Spotify

The free version of Spotify opens up a massive world of music streaming at your fingertips. It operates via your phone’s internet connection and is simple to use – even more so when connected to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The service works across desktop and phone apps, allowing you to collate playlists and choose tracks before you drive. Opt for the £9.99 per month subscription service also gives you access to the vast library for offline listening.

Audible

Most of us enjoy listening to music behind the wheel, but if you have a long commute and bemoan the lack of horizon-broadening literature, audiobooks may be the way forward. Audible is Amazon’s own library of downloadable audiobooks and it’s the most extensive on the market.

The companion app works really well, too, and is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay giving you a super clear and integrated interface.

Drivvo

In-car computers can be inaccurate when it comes to keeping tabs of fuel economy or maintenance. Drivvo takes care of this for you – simply input your details and it will chart just about everything to do with your vehicle.

The fuel tracker feature is especially handy, allowing you to chart business and personal mileage separately. Opt for the paid version, and you’ll have an ad-free experience with all your data kept safe in the cloud.

TuneIn Radio

In-car DAB often isn’t the greatest in quality or signal strength, so internet radio is a great alternative – with a stable signal wherever your phone can access its data network. There are almost 40,000 radio stations to choose from, so even the pickiest listener will be able to find something they’re interested in.

There are numerous apps around, but we like Tunein best because of its stable signal, easy-to-navigate interface and vast number of stations.

AppyParking

Hunting for somewhere to drop your car off can be virtually impossible sometimes, especially in a big city, but AppyParking makes the job a little less arduous. It shows spaces on a clear, colour-coded map – simply drop the pin where you want to park and it’ll tell you about local parking restrictions.

You can also search for off-street bays and public car parks, plus electric charging points – and when you’ve deposited your vehicle, the app has built-in navigation to take you back to it. Best of all, you can pay through the app, including extending your time without having to return to your vehicle.

Official Driving Theory Test

What if you’re not a driver, but an eager learner just waiting to pass? The DVSA’s official theory test app is ideal for swotting up on your skills before you take to the wheel.

As it’s direct from the government, it’s the most up-to-date and accurate of all the numerous apps available. Combined with one of the excellent hazard perception practice apps on offer and you’ll be well on your way to passing.

Your own vehicle’s app

If you have a modern, connected car, chances are your vehicle’s manufacturer has released its own app. If that’s the case, it’s worth downloading, as it can unlock extra functionality and features within your car.

For example, Volvo’s On Call app allows you to track your vehicle and lock or unlock it remotely. It informs you of necessary maintenance and during the winter months you can even use it to pre-heat the car before you get in – handy stuff.

With snow hitting many parts of the UK at the moment, drivers could do with vehicles designed to better cope with the white stuff.

Fortunately enough, Nissan has created just such a car. Called the 370Zki, it’s part-sports car, part snowmobile – and it’s certainly a bit different. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

It’s still got a sports car engine

You could be fooled into thinking that this Nissan would use a small capacity engine, but no. Underneath the bonnet is a 3.7-litre V6, packing just over 300bhp. That gives it more than enough power to tackle the slopes.

A lot of work went into the conversion

Believe it or not, mechanics removed the car’s entire drivetrain before fitting a custom lift kit – elevating it three inches higher than normal. This was all done to allow enough space for the snow tracks and forward ski sections.

The car has ski goggles

Okay, perhaps not quite. When designers were creating the custom wrap for the Nissan, they chose to make it appear like the tint on a pair of ski goggles. The effect is certainly dramatic – there’s no way that you could miss the 370Zki.

The rear tracks are incredibly substantial

The ‘Dominator’ tracks at the rear, created by American Track Truck Inc, are 15 inches wide, 48 inches long and 30 inches high. This makes the Nissan incredibly adept at crossing snow quickly – and they’ve even been custom mounted to the car’s regular wheel hubs.

The suspension was overhauled too

The Nissan’s front suspension was modified so that the front skis could properly articulate, giving it spot-on turning each and every time. In addition, a front skid plate was constructed and fitted to prevent damage in deeper snow.

Every year, manufacturers produce some jaw-dropping and head-turning cars that are brimming with technology and elegant good looks. However, they’ve also produced vehicles that haven’t hit the mark – and are ones we’d rather see killed off.

We’ve looked through some current cars on sale today and picked out eight that we’d like to see consigned to the history books.

BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

There’s something that just doesn’t work about the 2 Series Active Tourer. Being front-wheel drive, it doesn’t fit with the rear-wheel-drive ideology that accompanies BMW, and it doesn’t look nearly as sharp as anything else in the German manufacturer’s range.

It’s also not all that exciting to drive, and though we’re aware that MPVs aren’t designed to offer the driving involvement of a supercar, it’s not exactly what we’d expect from BMW.

Lamborghini Urus

Lamborghini’s recently revealed Urus may have conjured up a fair amount of discussion but it’s all been somewhat mixed. Many dislike the variety of styling touches that have been crudely carried over from the Italian manufacturer’s supercars, while others find its cabin simply too cluttered.

There’s no doubt that the Urus has performance on its side, but it’s divided more opinion than have most Lamborghinis on sale. That said, those who like to drive a controversially styled SUV will no doubt love the Urus.

Suzuki Celerio

Whereas cheap and cheerful cars often make a lot of sense, the Celerio fails to deliver. Its interior is woefully low-rent, while its drive isn’t half as good as those of rival offerings. In addition, it’s incredibly compact which, though helpful around town, means it feels rather cramped inside.

You’d expect this of a small city car, but others make more of the space and offer a better level of interior quality.

Ford Kuga

The Kuga hasn’t found much favour here, owing to its relatively plain exterior and interior. It’s not a bad car to drive but it lacks any real sparkle. In addition, the cabin feels just a little behind those of key rivals, and its infotainment system is tricky to operate.

Interestingly, just two engines in the range are equipped with four-wheel drive, meaning that most of the time the chunkily designed Kuga won’t be able to live up to its off-road pretences.

Vauxhall Crossland X

The quirkily designed Crossland X is the second crossover from Vauxhall following the Mokka and it’s proved to be a somewhat difficult second album. At least it looks interesting, but harsh interior plastics and an overly firm ride do spoil the overall effect.

Pitched against the Peugeot 2008 and Renault Captur, the Crossland X feels just a touch behind the times, and can’t offer the same premium feel that customers in this segment are looking for.

Audi Q2

The Audi Q2 is an attempt to get a slice of the ever-flourishing compact crossover market. However, the Q2 simply doesn’t have the level of gravitas that you get with other products from the German manufacturer.

Though it does look better in darker colours, the Q2 appears a little dumpy in some shades – and doesn’t look as sharp or interesting as competitors’ cars. Being an Audi, it costs a whole lot more than rivals’ too.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The Toyota RAV4 was always heralded as a genuinely low-cost off-roader. However, the latest RAV4 with hybrid technology went in the opposite direction and, as a result, simply isn’t as good as the older car.

This is mainly down to the car’s powertrain. A woeful CVT gearbox causes the 2.5-litre petrol engine to scream even at moderate speeds, which means it’s not a hugely relaxing place to be with the engine droning away almost constantly.

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Unfortunately, a premium badge doesn’t always equate to a premium driving experience. The CLA is based on the regular A-Class platform – a car that’s both good to drive and easy to live with. Unfortunately, the CLA with its swooping roofline isn’t as practical and feels quite cramped inside.

It’s also stiffly sprung which, when combined with large alloy wheels, makes very harsh – and leagues away from the comfortable experience you’d expect to find in a car in this class.

It’s wonderful to have a car that looks nice on the outside – but unless you install mirrors in your garage or spend a lot of time driving past shiny shop windows, it doesn’t really matter how your car looks for the majority of the time. Instead, the interior is more important – specifically, the dashboard.

While driving, our eyes are split between the road, the mirrors, and our dashboards, making it incredibly important to get them right. A well-sorted or interesting dashboard can turn a good car into a great one – whereas a bad one can spoil an otherwise brilliant vehicle.

We’ve rounded up seven of our favourites that suited the cars they were fitted to perfectly.

Citroen CX

Citroen has a history of crazy interiors – just look at the Visa, the 2CV, the DS, the C2… however, the CX is our pick, simply because virtually nothing is as you’d expect it to be.

We’ll start with the radio – it’s mounted vertically between the front seats. Then there’s the single-spoke steering wheel, with all the major controls mounted within fingertip’s reach in two pods on either side. The indicators? Well they’re on a switch rather than a stalk – and they don’t self-cancel. The gauges may just be the best bit, though, as instead of needles and dials, you get cylinders floating in liquid. It’s all just insane, but once you get used to it, it works remarkably well.

BMW 5 Series (E28)

When it comes to driver involvement, nobody does dashboards better than BMW. The E28 5 Series is perhaps the best example of this. The centre console is angled towards the driver, putting everything within easy reach, while the dials and gauges are models of clarity and sense.

Even compared to modern cars, BMWs of this era are a lesson in ergonomic excellence. They’re just fantastic.

Ferrari F40

It follows that one of the greatest supercars of all time should have one of the greatest interiors of all time. The F40 isn’t exactly luxurious, but it’s driver-focused, packed with functional carbon fibre – not the horrific fake stuff you see on modern performance cars – and best of all, features a gated manual gearbox.

The F40’s simple dash is instantly recognisable as a place where you drive, and do nothing else. It gives a whole new meaning to Spartan, and is all the better for it.

Fiat Multipla

The Multipla was an oddball car in many ways, from its kooky, two-rows-of-three seating arrangement to its incredible – some would say ugly – exterior design. So of course, it couldn’t get away with just any old dashboard plucked from the Fiat parts bin.

The resultant blobby mess looked more like it had grown organically from the carpet-covered dashboard than been placed there by the factory. Surprisingly, though, it worked really well – easy to see, easy to use, and massively practical, with the gearstick just inches from your hand.

TVR Tuscan MK II

TVR’s interior design is like Marmite – uniquely British, often brown, and very difficult to get into. It’s also totally love/hate, with some denouncing it as a visual and ergonomic disaster, and some falling in love with its mad quirks.

The Tuscan was one of the best examples. With doors operated by unlabelled buttons, even getting in and out was a struggle – and once you were ensconced by leather, you were presented with dials and gauges rammed into every conceivable place. It was an interior fitting of the car’s dangerous nature.

Lamborghini Sesto Elemento

The Sesto Elemento is uncompromising on its racetrack bias, and Lamborghini doesn’t let you forget this from behind the wheel. From the minimalist gauge cluster to the carbon fibre adorning every surface, there’s no concessions to comfort in this cabin.

That’s possibly what makes it so cool. Even though it’s unremittingly minimalist, it’s still unmistakably Lamborghini. We love it.

Honda S2000

Japanese cars aren’t exactly knowing for cutting-edge interiors, but the S2000’s gauge cluster alone has given it a spot on this list. If you’ve ever played a Gran Turismo game, you’ll feel right at home behind the wheel of the legendary Japanese sports car.

There are no analog dials here, just a digital line for a rev counter and a three-digit speedo — as well as the essentials such as fuel, oil temperature and the miles. It managed to be simplistic, yet futuristic, and will certainly go down as one of history’s finest designs.

In the motoring world, big figures are thrown around in the quest for power, acceleration and the ultimate driving experience. However, you can still have just as much fun in a car for a much smaller budget – £5,000 in this case.

There’s no reason why spending £5,000 on a car should equate to a mundane, run-of-the-mill vehicle – there are many gems on the market today that should provide the driving enthusiast with everything they need. Here are five of the best.

Peugeot 206 GTI

Yes, the little 206 may still be a common sight on UK roads today, but it spawned one of the best handling hatchbacks ever – the 206 GTI. Available with a 2.0-litre engine putting out either 137bhp or 180bhp.

Though the lower-output car may offer slightly lacklustre performance, the more powerful version can hit 60mph in just over seven seconds – so it remains punchy even today.

Toyota MR2

The last edition Toyota MR2 produced was arguably one of the sweetest handling cars of its generation. A 1.8-litre engine linked to the rear wheels via a notchy six-speed manual gearbox.

Limited storage space meant that it wasn’t the most practical car, but its inherent balance was loved by driving purists back in the early 2000s – and that makes it a bit of a steal today.

Citroen Saxo VTS

Small, lightweight, yet good to drive, the Citroen Saxo VTS embodied what a hot hatch was meant to be. A 1.6-litre engine sat under the bonnet, while the brakes were upgraded from drums to discs enabling better stopping power.

Though the Saxo gained a strong ‘boy racer’ image, it remained a popular hot hatch for some time, even when rivals started to become more accomplished towards the end of the Saxo’s life in 2003.

Suzuki Swift Sport

The Suzuki Swift Sport is easily one of the best used buys available at the moment. Powered by a 1.6-litre engine, it produced around 120bhp when new, as well as 148Nm of torque. Though this may not sound like much, it was enough to make the Swift feel, well, swift. Inside, it gained red sports seats, while the exterior was treated to larger alloy wheels, twin exhaust pipes and sports suspension.

Driving the Swift shows up the car’s inherent balance, as well as its keenness to corner – traits which make it a steal at £5,000 and under.

Renaultsport Clio 182

Despite its humble basing upon one of the most popular small hatchbacks of all time, the Renaultsport Clio 182 came to define the hot hatch segment. A 2.0-litre engine powered the whole affair, linked to a five-speed manual gearbox. However, the Clio 182’s success was down to its inherent balance and ability to conquer twisty B-roads quickly and effortlessly.

The 182 was also available with an optional ‘Cup’ pack. This added modified suspension and a wider track as a result, while a lower ride height gave it a sportier stance. The 182 Cup remains widely regarded as one of the truest drivers’ cars of all time.

We all look for new ways to save money on our motoring. Whether that’s shopping for the best deal when purchasing a car, haggling insurance providers for the best quote or even scouting out cheaper fuel to save a few pounds on a full tank, there’s plenty of ways to save cash when running your motor.

What about when we’re behind the wheel, can we save more money then? Well, yes, actually. Being more efficient with your driving can conserve fuel and reduce load on your car’s components, meaning less need to dip into your bank account. We take a look at how you can be a more efficient driver.

Prepare your car before a journey

You can be a more efficient driver by carrying out simple checks and preparing your car before setting off on a journey.

Check your tyre pressures first, as under-inflated tyres can lead to more rolling resistance and ultimately a higher fuel consumption. If your car has a roof rack or box, and you don’t need it for a particular journey, removing it reduces drag allowing for brisker acceleration.

Planning your route on longer journeys can also save you time and fuel. Routes that consist of motorways and major A-roads often means you can stay at a constant speed for a good portion of a trip, resulting in better fuel economy. Most modern sat-nav systems have settings for eco-focused routes, too.

Gentle acceleration and braking

The easiest way to be a more efficient driver is to be gentle under acceleration and braking.

Sure, it can be tempting to gun the throttle when merging lanes or coming on to motorways, but that can quickly drain your tank if you do it consistently. Instead, change gear at lower RPMs and accelerate at a gentler pace to avoid heavy fuel consumption.

Earlier anticipation of traffic can also help you avoid late braking, allowing you to carry on momentum and avoid burning more fuel on otherwise unnecessary acceleration.

Turn off unused electronics

Switching off electronics you don’t need to use reduces battery consumption, which in turn puts less stress on the engine. Instead of using air-conditioning around town, consider opening a window to let in fresh air rather than use more juice — although at higher-speed driving, open windows create more drag and air-con is the more efficient option.

Switch off heated rear windows if you vision is clear too, and turn your headlights down in brighter conditions.

Stick to the speed limit

Sticking to the speed limit is not only law, but it’s also much more efficient too. Over longer distances, you would see a much lower MPG figure travelling at 80mph than you would 70mph. Those extra few miles covered could cost you a load more in fill-ups, so think wisely next you decide to push the limits.

Avoid driving when possible

Just popping to the shops down the road? Walk, or bike it. Short journeys cumulatively consume a lot of fuel, so for quick trips out, you’d save more money in the long run — as well as getting some exercise — by doing the journey on-foot.

What is it?

You’d be forgiven for not knowing much about Infiniti. Launched in the UK less than 10 years ago, the Japanese luxury brand is still attempting to establish itself as an alternative to the German trio and struggling to top 3,500 sales a year.

This is the firm’s latest attempt to change that – a mid-size SUV that aims to tempt buyers away from the likes of a BMW X3 or Audi Q5. With the QX50’s host of smart technology, a distinctive design and a bafflingly clever new engine, Infiniti is hoping it will rapidly become the brand’s best-selling car worldwide.

What’s new?

Built on a brand-new platform – one not currently shared with any other model in the Renault Nissan Alliance – the QX50 debuts a number of world-first gadgets. These include dynamic noise-cancelling technology in the engine, seats designed in conjunction with Nasa and a petrol engine that promises to offer sports levels of performance, but with the economy of a diesel.

What’s under the bonnet?

That clever new VC-Turbo engine is a world-first variable compression ratio engine. For the non-technically minded, that means it offers the power of a 2.0-litre turbo petrol with the torque and efficiency of a four-cylinder diesel. Currently there are no plans to offer a diesel engine.

On our early pre-production drive in America, Infiniti wouldn’t reveal how efficient its new engine is. No UK fuel economy figures or emissions details were released as it has yet to be type-approved for Europe. So with this in mind, we’ll have to take the brand’s claims with a pinch of salt.

What we do know is the 2.0-litre engine produces 268bhp and 380Nm of torque. For comparison, a petrol BMW X3 20i offers 184bhp and 290Nm. It seems, then, the QX50 has quite the upper hand.

What’s it like to drive?

On the road, this clever new engine generates impressive, usable performance. It’ll hit 60mph in 6.3 seconds – a whole two seconds faster than the equivalent BMW – and will go on to a top speed of 143mph.

The noise it makes while doing so is an acquired taste. Much of it is synthetically generated and it precariously teeters on the edge of deeply satisfying and incredibly annoying. There’s also a CVT automatic gearbox, which is fine at sedate speeds but becomes noticeably and irritatingly audible in the higher rev ranges.

Sadly, Infiniti is persisting with its drive-by-wire steering, which came in for much criticism on its Q50 saloon and is little better here. Although it allows the car to do clever things – such as independently steer individual wheels hundreds of time a second – it lacks feel and at slow speeds feels like an arcade game. Whether that’ll bother the average SUV buyer remains to be seen.

The QX50’s new chassis and ground-up design has certainly resulted in a quiet and comfortable ride. It soaked up the worst that America’s crevice-like roads threw at it, and thanks to a dynamic noise-cancelling engine mount – which actively works to stop noise entering the cabin – it’s calm inside too.

What’s more, it can even drive itself – up to a point. Hit the car’s ProPilot button and it’ll steer for you (but you’ll need to keep a hand on the wheel), speeding up and slowing down with traffic. And there’s a clever Forward Collision Warning system, which bounces radar around and under cars in front to spot traffic slowing down before you do. Infiniti says it can even detect a slowing motorbike hidden in front of an HGV.

How does it look?

Looks-wise, it’s certainly a break from the status quo. While BMW’s X3 has been labelled ‘boring’ and Audi’s Q5 ‘generic’, the QX50 has a welcome and genuinely different design. What’s also pleasing is the fact that the frankly quite hard-on-the-eye look of Infiniti SUVs of the past has been toned down.

What’s it like inside?

Inside is where the QX50 really shines. Hand-stitched leather panels, alcantara and a swooping dash give it a luxury feel, and although some of the switchgear is obviously borrowed from the alliance it’s far better packaged than early Infiniti models.

What’s the spec like?

The QX50 is a while off arriving on our shores so, as such, Infiniti is remaining tight-lipped about specification and pricing. Executives did tell us that it would undercut BMW and Audi rivals, and it’s likely much of the new technology will be included as standard. The QX50 is slated to arrive either late this year or very early in 2019.

Verdict

Infiniti believes the QX50 is the best car it’s ever made – and we’d find it hard to argue with that. The clever new VC-Turbo engine is impressive, the ride quality and interior finish excellent and we even like the looks. Quite how Brits will react to a petrol-powered SUV with no diesel option remains to be seen, though, and its success will hinge on just how much it undercuts established rivals from the German brands.

The Knowledge

Model: Infiniti QX50
Base price: £35,000 (est)
Price: £35,000 (estimate)
Engine: 2.0-litre VC-Turbo petrol
Power: 268bhp
Torque: 380Nm
Max speed: 143mph
0-60mph: 6.3 seconds
MPG: TBC
Emissions: TBC
Rivals: BMW X3, Audi Q5, Volvo XC60